Frequently Asked Questions

Where and when do we meet for the cruise?

Please arrive at the Oh Well! store at least 15 minutes before your cruise time. The Oh Well! store is located on the coastal road in Grand Baie, opposite a restaurant called Les Kniss. Scroll to the bottom of our page to see the location on Google Maps. You will pay inside the store and receive your hand stamp before being led to the beach. While you wait, take the opportunity to browse the store’s wonderful selection of products which make great souvenirs and gifts, or pick up a coffee. 

Where do we sail from?

We sail from the public beach near The Beach House bar and restaurant in Grand Baie. You will be shown to the meeting point from the Oh Well! store, it’s a very short walk across the road and along the stunning beach.

How do I pay for the cruise?

You can pay in cash (Mauritian Rupees) or by credit or debit card in the Oh Well! store on the day of your cruise. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. We accept Visa and Mastercard. For private charters, we require a 50% deposit to be made by bank transfer, full details will be sent you when you make your booking request.

Can I pay in a foreign currency?

Sorry, we can’t accept cash in currencies other than Mauritian Rupees. If you wish to make an international bank transfer, please contact us for details. 

What should I bring with me?

For our full day cruise, please bring sun screen, a towel, and a smile.

What should I wear?

For safety reasons you must remove your shoes before boarding the boat, so sandals or flip flops (plakkies, jandals or thongs to our friends from further south!) are perfect. To board the catamaran, you will be taken on a dinghy and will have to step into shallow water, so long trousers or skirts will get wet!

Do I need to wear a life jacket?

No, we carry life jackets for all passengers, including children. You are not obliged to wear one except if directed by the crew, but you are welcome to use them at any time. 

Do you allow children on board?

Yes, we love welcoming children of all ages on board (except for our wine tasting cruise). We carry life jackets for our smaller sailors. 

Is there a toilet on board?

Yes, there is a marine toilet and wash basin in the cabin downstairs for your use.

What if I get sea sick?

Please let a member of our crew know if you are feeling sea sick and they will help you. For legal reasons, we can’t give you motion sickness tablets so please bring your own with you. Please do not use the toilet if you feel sick, it will only make you feel worse. Stay up on deck in the fresh air, ask for some water, look at the horizon and feed the fish if you need to! 

Is your ice made from tap water?

No, the ice we use in your drinks is made from bottled water. The ice we use to keep the drinks cold in the cool box is made from tap water, so don’t put it in your drinks.

Can I bring my own drinks or snacks?

Yes, you’re welcome to bring them along and we’ll store them for you. Perhaps a bottle of champagne?

Can you cater for people with food allergies?

Yes, please let us know when you book and we’ll make sure there are options for you. We often serve fresh shell fish such as giant prawns for lunch, so if you are allergic it’s important you let us know in advance please.

Can you cater for vegans and vegetarians?

Yes, please let us know when you book and we’ll make sure there are options for you.

Do you have parking spaces?

No, public parking is available nearby but we strongly recommend that you use a taxi because parking can be difficult at peak times. Please do not park in the nearby Beach House car park which is for their customers only. We recommend Taxi Ravi, call +230 5 789 0606.

Do you offer hotel pick up?

No, you can use your own hotel’s taxi service, or we recommend Taxi Ravi, call +230 5 789 0606. 

Do you offer swimming with dolphins or whale watching?

No, but you might be lucky and spot whales and dolphins as we cruise to Gabriel island on a full day cruise. Fingers crossed!

Can I use a drone during the cruise?

Yes, but please check the current regulations in Mauritius from the Department of Civil Aviation. As long as you comply with the law, you can bring your drone to take photos and videos during your cruise. We strongly recommend that you only use a drone when the catamaran is stationary, remember that conditions at sea are usually very windy and if you lose your drone we may not be able to help you retrieve it. Please consider the comfort of all our passengers when using a drone and always comply with our crew’s instructions. If you get some good footage, please share it with us!

Can I smoke or vape on board?

Yes, smoking and vaping is allowed when seated at the back of the boat. Ashtrays are provided there.

I’m running late, what should I do?

Please call us on +230 5 790 8123 as soon as possible. You can also use WhatsApp to call on that number. We don’t want to leave without you!

I’ve seen cheaper cruises, why should I choose you?

We’ll never be the cheapest in Grand Baie, but we’ll always try to be the best and offer great value for money. We limit the number of passengers on our public cruises so you have plenty of space. We don’t limit your drinks, once we’ve set sail after breakfast you’re free to enjoy unlimited beers, wine, rum cocktails and soft drinks on our full day cruise. Sunset cruises also include our unlimited bar. We will never try to sell you extras on board. Our boat is kept in great condition and we are fully insured and licensed. We’re a small business with just one boat and we care deeply about our reputation for being the best. We regularly get compliments about our exceptional crew, and most importantly of all we know that paying our crew fair wages and keeping them happy means that they’ll keep you happy too. 

Should I bring cash to tip the crew?

Our crew do not expect you to tip them. At the end of your cruise, a tip box will be put out on the bar, so if you want to tip then it is greatly appreciated, but please don’t feel that you have to. Tips are divided equally between the crew working that day and they keep all of it themselves.

I think I left something on the boat, what should I do?

We get it, you had one too many rum cocktails and you’ve left behind your favourite sunglasses, sandals, or child. The crew clean and check the boat after every cruise. Any lost property is taken to the Oh Well! store. Call or WhatsApp us on +230 5 790 8123  to see if we’ve found anything.

Do you sell merchandise?

Yes, we have t-shirts, caps and other branded items available to purchase in the Oh Well! store so you’ll always remember your cruise with us.