Full Day Catamaran Luxury Cruise to Northern Islands w Lunch

Northern islands, one smooth sail. This six-hour catamaran outing gives you a simple way to reach Flat Island, Gabriel Island, and Gunners Coin without arranging several separate trips. I like the included BBQ lunch and drinks, and I like that snorkeling gear is supplied, so you can spend more time in the water and less time sorting equipment.

The main concern is weather. Rain and rough conditions can spoil the island stops, and snorkeling at Coin de Mire may be cancelled when forecasts turn unsafe. You also need to reach Bain Boeuf on your own, since hotel transfers are not included.

For $115 per person, this is a fair all-day price if you want transport by sea, food, drinks, equipment, and several northern-island stops in one package. It suits confident swimmers and people who enjoy a relaxed boat day more than a tightly packed sightseeing schedule.

Key points to know before booking

• The day starts at Coin de Mire Attitude Hotel: Meet at reception by 9:30 for the 9:45 departure from Bain Boeuf.
• Flat Island gets the first water time: You can snorkel in the lagoon before the BBQ lunch is served on board.
• Gabriel Island comes after lunch: This gives the day a slower rhythm, with time to explore the island rather than rush through several stops.
• Gunners Coin is a dramatic sight from the water: The rock formation has steep cliffs and is also the planned snorkeling area on the return.
• Lunch, drinks, water, and snorkel gear are included: Alcoholic drinks are included, but bring a towel and beachwear.
• Weather can change the whole experience: A July 2024 outing was badly affected by rain, with the Coin de Mire snorkeling stop cancelled because conditions were considered dangerous.

Starting at Bain Boeuf at 9:30

Your meeting point is the reception of Coin de Mire Attitude Hotel in Bain Boeuf, on Mauritius’s north coast. You should arrive by 9:30, fifteen minutes before the scheduled 9:45 departure. That early meeting time matters because there is no hotel pickup and no drop-off at the end.

You will first receive a safety briefing before boarding the Lagoon 380 catamaran. This is a practical start to the day, especially if you do not spend much time on boats. The cruise is planned to return around 15:45, although the activity is also described as lasting six hours and running until about 15:30. Allow for the full morning and afternoon rather than planning a tight connection afterward.

Because transport is not included, check your route to Bain Boeuf before booking. If you are staying elsewhere in Mauritius, the cost and time of reaching the hotel are part of the real price of the outing. The package is better value for you if Bain Boeuf is already convenient.

A catamaran day with room to slow down

A catamaran is a good match for this sort of trip. The wide design gives you space to sit, watch the coast, and move between the shaded and open parts of the boat. The cruise is not presented as a speedboat ride or an action-heavy water-sports program. It is a day on the water with a few well-chosen stops.

I like that the schedule does not try to cram in a long list of islands. You sail north, spend time around Flat Island, eat aboard the boat, continue to Gabriel Island, then stop near Gunners Coin on the return. That order gives the day a natural pace.

The boat is a Lagoon 380 catamaran. The supplied information does not state the exact group size, so you should not assume a private or small-group cruise. If you prefer a quiet boat with very few people, confirm capacity before paying. If you are happy sharing the deck and meal space, the catamaran format should feel social and easygoing.

Flat Island brings the first snorkeling stop

After leaving Bain Boeuf, the cruise heads toward Flat Island and Gabriel Island. The first main activity is snorkeling in the lagoon around Flat Island. This is likely to be the most active part of the morning, so bring your towel and wear beachwear under your clothes if that is convenient.

Snorkel equipment is included, which removes one common extra cost. Bottled water is also supplied. You still need to bring any personal items you want for comfort, such as sun protection, though the official advice specifically calls for a towel and beachwear.

The attraction here is the water itself. The cruise description focuses on clear conditions and snorkeling rather than a guided lesson or wildlife presentation. You can expect to look below the surface at your own pace, but the available details do not promise particular fish, coral, or marine animals. That is useful to remember: the value lies in access to the lagoon and the full boat day, not in a guaranteed animal encounter.

Weather matters greatly at this point. Rain can make the sea less inviting, reduce visibility, and leave you waiting under shelter instead of enjoying the island. If the forecast is poor, ask how the operator handles changes before you go.

BBQ lunch is served aboard the catamaran

After the morning snorkeling, a BBQ lunch is served on board. This is one of the strongest practical features of the package. You do not need to leave the boat to find a restaurant, carry food to an island, or spend extra money during the cruise.

Drinks are included as well, with bottled water and alcoholic beverages listed in the package. The available information does not give a detailed menu, so you should not book expecting a particular meat, side dish, or special diet option unless you confirm it in advance.

Eating on the catamaran also keeps the day moving. You can remain close to the water and enjoy the setting while the boat serves lunch. It is a more relaxed arrangement than stopping at a crowded shore restaurant, though people who need a formal meal or a quiet table may find the boat setting less predictable.

If you do not drink alcohol, the inclusion still adds value because bottled water is covered. If you have dietary needs, ask before departure. Nothing in the provided details confirms vegetarian, vegan, allergy-friendly, or religious meal choices.

Gabriel Island offers a second island stop

After lunch, the cruise continues to Ilot Gabriel. The schedule places this visit after the meal, making it the quieter second half of the day. You can expect time to discover the island, although the supplied details do not specify a guided walk, organized commentary, or set list of activities there.

That lack of structure can be a benefit. You get a chance to look around at your own speed rather than follow a guide from one marker to another. It also means you should keep your expectations realistic. This is not described as a history tour or a detailed naturalist program.

Gabriel Island is part of the appeal of visiting the northern islands by boat. You see more than one setting in a single outing, and the island stops break up the time spent sailing. Still, much depends on the sea and the amount of time the crew can safely allow ashore.

Do not bring a large bag. Oversize luggage, large bags, baby strollers, fishing equipment, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed. A small personal bag with your towel and essentials is the sensible choice.

Gunners Coin and the return snorkeling stop

Gunners Coin is known here for its striking rock shape and sheer cliffs. The catamaran passes this formation during the cruise, giving you a strong coastal view without needing to land. It is one of the more memorable visual moments because the cliffs rise directly from the sea.

On the sail back, the boat is scheduled to stop at Coin de Mire, also known as Gunners Coin in the supplied description, for snorkeling in a clear natural aquarium. This is planned as the final water stop and could be a pleasant way to finish the active part of the day.

The word scheduled is important. On July 19, 2024, bad weather forced the snorkeling stop at Coin de Mire to be cancelled because the forecast was considered dangerous. Rain also limited the island time, leaving the group sheltering under huts on the first island. That is not a minor detail. In Mauritius, a boat day is only as good as the sea conditions on that particular date.

A responsible cancellation of the snorkeling stop is preferable to an unsafe one. If you are booking mainly for the final swim, keep your plans flexible and check the marine forecast. The operator’s stated cancellation policy allows a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours ahead, which gives you some room to change plans before the weather becomes obvious.

What the $115 price really covers

At $115 per person, the cost is not just a boat ticket. It covers the catamaran cruise, BBQ lunch, bottled water, alcoholic beverages, and use of snorkeling equipment. For you, that means fewer small payments during the day and less equipment to arrange beforehand.

The price is strongest when you want a complete northern-island outing. A separate boat transfer, restaurant lunch, and snorkel rental could quickly bring a self-arranged day close to the same total, though the exact comparison depends on where you stay and how you reach Bain Boeuf.

The price is less attractive if you only want a short swim or a quick look at one island. You are paying for roughly six hours, so the value improves when you plan to use the full schedule. The lack of hotel transfer is the main extra cost to factor in.

The reserve-now-and-pay-later option also helps if your Mauritius plans are still changing. You can hold a place without paying immediately, according to the supplied booking terms. Just remember that flexibility does not remove the need to arrange your own transport to the meeting point.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this outing to you if you like combining scenery, swimming, food, and a relaxed boat ride. It is especially suitable if you are staying near the north coast or can reach Bain Boeuf without difficulty.

It should work well for:

• Adults and older children who are comfortable around open water
• Confident swimmers who want more than one snorkeling chance
• Couples and friends looking for a full day outside a resort
• Visitors who prefer an included lunch and drinks
• People who like independent island time instead of constant guiding

It is not suitable for children under two, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or people prone to seasickness. Fishing is not allowed, and the cruise is not designed for large luggage or strollers.

If you are sensitive to motion, think carefully before booking. Catamarans can feel steadier than some smaller boats, but no boat day is guaranteed to be comfortable in rough water. The bad-weather example shows how quickly the plan can change.

Practical advice for a better day

Arrive early at reception rather than aiming for the last minute. The meeting time is 9:30, and the boat leaves at 9:45. Since you arrange your own transport, allow extra time for the drive and for finding the hotel.

Bring a towel and beachwear, as requested. Keep your belongings compact because large bags are not allowed. The available details do not state that personal valuables can be stored safely, so take only what you need for swimming and the boat ride.

Check the forecast before committing to the day. If heavy rain or dangerous sea conditions are expected, the islands may not offer the experience you have in mind. The operator provides English and French support, so you can ask questions about conditions and the schedule in either language.

Finally, do not judge the whole value of the cruise by the number of stops alone. The real appeal is the combination of sailing, a clear-water snorkeling opportunity, lunch, drinks, and access to several northern islands in one outing. If one water stop is lost to weather, the day can feel much less satisfying.

Should you book the northern-island cruise?

Book it if you want a convenient, food-inclusive day on the sea and you are comfortable accepting weather-related changes. The included lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and three named northern-island sights make $115 reasonable, especially when Bain Boeuf is easy for you to reach.

I would skip it if you are prone to seasickness, need wheelchair access, dislike shared boat outings, or are visiting Mauritius during a spell of uncertain weather. I would also avoid booking it as your only chance to snorkel if the forecast looks poor.

For the best chance of a good day, reserve when the weather looks stable, arrive at Coin de Mire Attitude by 9:30, and pack light. The cruise offers a pleasant mix of open water and island time, but the sea gets the final say.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise leave from?

It leaves from Coin de Mire Attitude Hotel in Bain Boeuf, on the north coast of Mauritius.

What time should I arrive?

You should meet at the hotel reception by 9:30. The scheduled departure is 9:45.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts about six hours. The schedule runs from 9:45 until approximately 15:30, with a planned return around 15:45.

Which northern islands are included?

The route includes Gunners Coin, Gabriel Island, and Flat Island. The cruise also passes the rock formation at Gunners Coin.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The use of snorkeling equipment is included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is served on board after the first snorkeling stop.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water and alcoholic beverages are included.

Is hotel transportation provided?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must make your own way to Coin de Mire Attitude Hotel.