Luxury Catamaran Cruise: The Northern Islands

Paradise takes six hours and a catamaran. This cruise from Cap Malheureux gives you a lively day on the water, with stops at Ilot Gabriel and Flat Island, snorkeling equipment, a barbecue lunch, and drinks included. The northern islands offer some of Mauritius’s finest sea views without requiring a complicated day of transfers.

I especially like the small maximum group of 17 and the crew’s warm, entertaining approach. Several accounts describe a fun atmosphere with singing, dancing, flowing drinks, and attentive service. The main point to consider is the word luxury: the boat and setting are appealing, but some people found the catamaran more social and crowded than luxurious, and rough seas can change the plan.

Key points to know before you book

• Ilot Gabriel and Flat Island provide the main scenery: Expect bright water, open beaches, and time ashore on two northern islands.
• Snorkeling is included: Equipment is supplied, though sea conditions can affect visibility and access to the best spots.
• The barbecue is a real part of the experience: Lunch includes grilled food, with vegetarian and vegan choices available if requested in advance.
• The crew sets the mood: The strongest praise goes to the captain and two-person crew for friendly service, jokes, music, and dancing.
• The sea can be rough outside the lagoon: The trip may feel adventurous rather than smooth, especially in windy weather.
• You meet at Bain Boeuf Public Beach: Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan your own way to Cap Malheureux.

Setting out from Bain Boeuf at 9:30 am

Your day begins at Bain Boeuf Public Beach near Cap Malheureux, on the north coast of Mauritius. The meeting time is 9:30 am, and the cruise returns to this same point after about six hours.

This location matters. You are not being collected from your hotel, so you need to allow time to reach the beach on your own. The meeting point is near public transportation, but the tour does not include a transfer service. If you are staying elsewhere on the island, check your route carefully before booking.

The cruise is limited to a maximum of 17 people, which is smaller than many large excursion boats. That number does not guarantee a quiet or private outing, but it should help the crew provide more personal attention. Some accounts specifically praise the low passenger count and say it made the sailing more comfortable.

As the catamaran leaves the coast, you get a different view of northern Mauritius. The shoreline fades behind you, and the trip becomes less about reaching an island quickly and more about spending a day outdoors on the Indian Ocean.

The open-water ride past Gunners Coin

The route includes views of Gunners Coin, a rocky island known for its distinctive shape and dramatic position off the northern coast. The exact viewing time can vary with the day’s route and weather, but this is one of the visual highlights while sailing between the mainland and the islands.

The ride is not always gentle. The catamaran heads beyond the calmer lagoon waters into deeper sea, and wind can produce noticeable swells. One account describes the ride as rough but worthwhile, while another makes clear that strong wind prevented the planned island visits and snorkeling altogether.

That is the central trade-off of this excursion. The open water gives you access to beautiful, less developed scenery, but it also exposes you to changing conditions. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where you can get fresh air and bring any personal remedy you normally use. The supplied information does not list seasickness medication, so you should prepare independently.

On a calm day, the crossing is part of the pleasure. You can watch the north coast recede, take in broad sea views, and enjoy the easy rhythm of a sailing day. On a windy day, the crossing may be the most demanding part of the experience.

Ilot Gabriel: a short island stop with big scenery

The first scheduled stop is Ilot Gabriel Beach. You get off the boat and have about 30 minutes on the island, with no separate admission charge.

Ilot Gabriel is the kind of stop that works best for a quick change of scene. You can walk on the beach, look back toward the catamaran, and enjoy the clear water and pale sand. The time is short, so do not expect a long island hike or a full morning of independent exploring.

Snorkeling around this part of the route receives especially strong praise. One account calls the snorkeling at Gabriel Island a particular delight, while another describes clear water filled with fish. Conditions are not guaranteed, but when the sea cooperates, this is likely to be one of the best water activities of the day.

The short stop also means you should keep your belongings organized. Have your towel, sun protection, and swimwear ready before the boat reaches shore. You will get more from 30 minutes if you are not searching through a bag after stepping onto the beach.

Flat Island and the chance to slow down

The next listed stop is Ile Plate Beach, also called Flat Island. You have about 30 minutes to get off, walk, relax, or swim.

This stop balances the more active part of the outing. You can use the time to stretch your legs, sit on the beach, or get into the water. The schedule does not give you hours on the island, so think of it as a scenic pause rather than a full beach day.

Flat Island is also part of the reason this trip appeals to people who want more than a boat ride. You are not simply circling the northern coast. You get to step ashore and feel the contrast between the open catamaran deck and the quiet beach.

The drawback is that two 30-minute stops leave limited time for both walking and swimming. If you want to do both, keep your walk short. The crew may also need to adjust the stop according to wind, waves, and safe landing conditions.

Snorkeling in clear water, when conditions allow

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to rent a mask and fins separately for the excursion. This is a useful saving, particularly if snorkeling is one of your main reasons for booking.

The best accounts describe clear water and abundant fish, with the snorkeling treated as a highlight rather than a minor add-on. Another account describes the activity as adventurous, which fits the setting: you are swimming in open island waters, not in a controlled pool or sheltered aquarium.

Still, the activity depends heavily on weather. Strong wind can make the sea too rough, reduce visibility, or prevent the boat from reaching the planned sites. One especially disappointing outing involved a change to a different beach and snorkeling in cloudy lagoon water, where visibility was poor.

I would book this cruise for the overall day, not as a guaranteed snorkeling tour. If the water is calm, you may get excellent conditions. If the weather shifts, the boat’s schedule can change, and the crew’s first duty is safety.

Barbecue lunch and drinks on board

Lunch is included, along with bottled water and alcoholic beverages. Accounts describe grilled chicken wings, hotdogs, fish, and other barbecue items, with food served on board. Several people praise the meal as tasty, generous, or very good.

This is an important part of the price. A six-hour outing that includes a meal, water, drinks, and snorkeling gear is easier to budget than a boat trip where every extra costs more. The barbecue also gives the cruise a social center, especially when the crew adds music and encourages singing or dancing.

Vegetarian and vegan options are available, but you need to state your dietary requirements at the time of booking. Do not assume that a special meal will be arranged automatically after you arrive.

The drinks contribute to the relaxed mood, but the sun and salt water can catch up with you. Drink plenty of the included bottled water, use sunscreen, and bring a cap or hat. Bathing clothes, sun lotion, caps, and hats are specifically recommended.

A friendly crew, with a lively rather than quiet mood

The crew is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip. The captain and two crew members are repeatedly praised for being funny, attentive, professional, and safety-conscious.

You may find the atmosphere more animated than elegant. Music, jokes, singing, and dancing are part of the appeal for people who enjoy meeting others and making the boat ride feel like a party. The crew’s energy can turn a long crossing into a memorable part of the day.

If you picture luxury as peace, privacy, and polished calm, set your expectations differently. One account found the cruise too crowded for a truly luxurious experience, while another liked the small capacity and relaxed attention. Both impressions can be true, depending on the day and your own idea of comfort.

The boat has been described as neat, clean, and in good condition, and one account praises a newer vessel. The available information does not promise a particular boat, cabin, lounge, or private seating area, so you should think of this as an outdoor catamaran excursion with a friendly crew, not a private yacht charter.

What the $113.99 price delivers

At $113.99 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get onto the water in Mauritius. It does, however, combine several costs into one booking: the catamaran cruise, island visits, snorkeling equipment, lunch, bottled water, and alcoholic drinks.

That package can be good value if you want a full outing without arranging separate boat transport, food, and equipment. The two island stops and the northern route give the day a clear purpose, while the barbecue keeps you from needing to find lunch during the excursion.

Price comparisons are worth making. One account says the same type of tour was available through a hotel for 3,200 Mauritian rupees per person, which may be cheaper than this online price. Hotel rates and online prices can change, and the comparison may not include exactly the same booking terms, but it is a useful reminder to check with your accommodation before paying.

You are also paying for convenience and a confirmed activity format. If you value easy online booking, a mobile ticket, and one package that covers the main extras, the price may feel fair. If you are staying at a hotel that sells the same cruise directly, compare the final price first.

Weather is the make-or-break factor

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions cause the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, you are offered another date, another experience, or a full refund.

That protection applies when the operator cancels. The booking itself is non-refundable and cannot be changed for personal reasons, so choose your date carefully.

The most useful practical lesson is to treat the weather as part of the decision, not a minor footnote. On a sunny, calm day, the combination of beaches, snorkeling, open water, and lunch can be excellent. In strong wind, the planned stops may be shortened, changed, or skipped.

The crew cannot control the sea, but your expectations still matter. If visiting Ilot Gabriel and Flat Island is essential to your Mauritius plans, consider allowing enough time in your holiday for a rescheduled outing if conditions prevent the cruise from running.

Who will enjoy this catamaran cruise most?

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a social day on the water rather than a silent sightseeing trip. It suits people who enjoy swimming, beach stops, casual food, music, and a crew that likes to keep the mood moving.

It is also a good fit for couples, families with older children, and small groups who want several activities bundled together. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and most people can participate according to the supplied tour information.

You may want another option if you want a private boat, a very quiet setting, guaranteed snorkeling, or a long stretch of time on one beach. The group is limited to 17, but the cruise can still feel busy, and the itinerary gives only about 30 minutes at each listed island stop.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Arrive at Bain Boeuf Public Beach with your swimwear already under your clothes. Bring sun protection, a hat, and anything you need for seasickness, since the route can reach rougher water outside the lagoon.

Keep your mobile phone in a waterproof pouch if you plan to take photos near the shore or from the boat. The ticket is mobile, but you should also have your booking details easy to access at the meeting point.

Tell the operator about vegetarian or vegan needs when you book. Do not wait until lunch, when the barbecue is already being served.

Finally, leave room in your schedule after the cruise. The listed duration is approximately six hours, but sea conditions and the return crossing can affect the exact rhythm of the day.

Should you book the northern-island cruise?

Book it if you want a lively, well-fed day that combines catamaran sailing, two beach stops, snorkeling, and northern Mauritius scenery. The crew, barbecue lunch, and clear-water snorkeling receive the strongest praise, and the maximum of 17 people is a useful advantage over a large party boat.

Skip it if you need a guaranteed route, a quiet luxury setting, or a refund option for personal changes. Before paying $113.99, compare the price with your hotel, check the forecast, and accept that rough water can alter the plan. For the right kind of day, this is a strong all-round Mauritius excursion, with the sea itself deciding how perfect the schedule becomes.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The cruise starts at Bain Boeuf Public Beach in Cap Malheureux, Mauritius.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 9:30 am.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately six hours.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the starting meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Are lunch and drinks included?

Yes. Lunch, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour.

Can vegetarian or vegan meals be arranged?

Yes. Vegetarian and vegan options are available if you advise the operator when booking.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you are offered a different date or a full refund.