Mauritius: Catamaran cruise to 3 Northern Isles with lunch

White sand, open sea, and lunch on deck. This 7-hour catamaran trip from Grand Bay gives you two things I especially like: easy access to Mauritius’ northern islands and a generous onboard BBQ with drinks included. The main caution is the sea itself. Conditions can turn rough, and one unhappy passenger found the trip unpleasant in poor weather.

The crew receives high marks for friendliness, humor, and careful safety instructions. I also like that the boat has room to move around, even with about 35 people aboard. Bring strong sun protection, water for the island stop, and water shoes, since the beach area has plenty of reef.

Key points to know before you book

• Three northern-island stops: The route centers on Gabriel Island, Flat Island, and Gunners Coin, although weather and tides can change the order or shorten a stop.
• A real lunch on the boat: Expect BBQ chicken, fish, and sausage, along with salads, rice, potatoes, pasta, bread, fruit, and drinks.
• Snorkeling gear is not supplied: Pack your own mask, snorkel, and water shoes if you want to make the most of the water time.
• About two hours on Gabriel Island: The long beach stop gives you time to swim, walk, and snorkel rather than merely snap a photo from the boat.
• Gunners Coin may be weather-dependent: A short snorkeling stop can happen near this rocky islet if the captain considers the sea safe.
• Good value at $76: The price includes the cruise, island visits, lunch, alcoholic and soft drinks, and a full day on the water, but not hotel transfers or equipment.

Setting out from Grand Bay

Grand Bay is the natural starting point for this northern-island trip. The catamaran carries you away from Mauritius’ busy resort coast and into open water, where the day becomes less about sightseeing from shore and more about sun, wind, swimming, and sea views.

The cruise lasts about seven hours, with a return to the jetty around 4:00 p.m. That timing matters. You get a full day out, but not an exhausting late-night excursion. You should still expect plenty of sun and several hours exposed to wind and spray.

The boat is described as clean and well maintained, with enough room for passengers to move about. A group of roughly 35 people still had space to sit, stand, and enjoy the deck without feeling tightly packed. That is a useful detail for anyone wondering if this is a crowded party boat.

The crew sets the tone early. Friendly staff, light humor, and clear instructions help the trip feel relaxed rather than formal. Safety is taken seriously, especially around the water and on wet sections of the deck. Boats can become slippery, so keep one hand free and avoid hurrying when moving around.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to arrange your own way to the jetty unless a separate transfer is available for an added fee. Check the meeting instructions carefully, since the $76 price covers the boat experience rather than door-to-door transport.

Gabriel Island: the main beach stop

Gabriel Island is likely to be the heart of your day. It offers the classic tropical-island combination: pale sand, clear water, and a quieter setting than the main island. After the catamaran reaches the area, you can leave the boat for a swim and time on the beach.

Plan on a substantial stop here, around two hours according to the trip details provided. That gives you enough time to do more than wade ashore, take one picture, and rush back. You can swim, walk along the sand, rest in the sun, or snorkel near the reef.

The water is the main attraction, but bring the right kit. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so pack your own mask and snorkel if you want to explore below the surface. Water shoes are also a smart choice because reef and rocky patches can make barefoot walking uncomfortable.

One practical point is easy to miss: there may be no drinks available on the island. Take a bottle of water from the boat before going ashore. The catamaran carries plenty of beverages, but you may not have access to them while standing on the beach.

Sun protection is not optional here. One passenger returned badly burned despite applying sunscreen several times during a Mauritius holiday. Use a high-protection sunscreen, reapply often, and consider a hat or light cover-up. The glare from sand and water can make the heat feel less serious than it is.

Gabriel is best enjoyed at a gentle pace. You do not need to fill every minute with snorkeling. The beach itself is a good place to cool off and take in the view, especially after the ride out.

Flat Island and the northern-island setting

Flat Island sits close to Gabriel Island, and the two are often viewed together during the cruise. Their appeal comes from the contrast between bright beaches, open sea, and low, undeveloped shorelines. You get a sense of the northern coast that is hard to find on a standard land tour.

The exact amount of time spent at each island can change. Sea conditions, currents, tides, and water depth affect how the captain handles the route. You may visit sites in a different order, and a stop can be adjusted for safety.

That flexibility is not a flaw. It is necessary on a boat trip. Still, you should not treat every advertised stop as a guaranteed long shore visit. Some locations may be viewed from the catamaran, while others receive a proper swim or snorkeling break.

Flat Island is especially appealing if you enjoy scenery more than structured sightseeing. There are no claims of museums, shopping streets, or major buildings here. The pleasure is simple: sand, water, sky, and the feeling of being away from the main island.

If you want a day packed with historical commentary and many formal attractions, this is not the right excursion. If you like time outdoors with few interruptions, the pace should suit you well.

Gunners Coin and the optional snorkeling stop

Gunners Coin, also known as Coin de Mire, is a rocky islet with marine life around it. On the return journey, the catamaran may stop nearby for another snorkeling session if the weather, current, and sea state allow.

This stop is explicitly at the captain’s discretion. Treat it as a welcome extra, not a promise. Rough water can make snorkeling unsafe, and the crew may decide to pass by or alter the plan.

When conditions cooperate, the area offers a chance to see reef fish in their natural setting. You will get more from this stop if you bring your own equipment and already feel comfortable in the water. The crew provides instructions, but this is not presented as a private snorkeling lesson.

The return ride can be lively. One passenger described a wild ride over the waves, while still praising the islands and lunch. If you are prone to motion sickness, think carefully about taking precautions before departure. The trip is not a calm lake cruise.

Lunch on board, with drinks included

After the beach portion, the catamaran becomes your dining room. The open buffet includes BBQ chicken, fish, and sausages, plus green salad, rice, potatoes, pasta, fresh vegetables, bread, and fruit for dessert.

This is more substantial than a token sandwich. You can build a proper plate, and the menu offers enough variety for a long day outside. The food is served on board, which saves you from carrying a packed lunch and lets you eat while remaining close to the sea views.

Drinks include water, wine, beer, local punch, rum, and soft drinks. That inclusion adds real value to the $76 cost, particularly because cold drinks on a remote island may not be available. Just remember that the included beverages are mainly useful on the catamaran, so carry water ashore.

The crew cleans and dries the deck after lunch, which helps keep the boat more comfortable. Wet floors are part of any water outing, but clean, dry walking areas make a noticeable difference when people are moving between the seating areas and rail.

The atmosphere is social rather than quiet. The crew has been praised for keeping the mood cheerful, and someone in your group may even get a chance to spend a few minutes at the wheel under supervision. That sort of small, informal moment can make the trip feel more personal, especially for children old enough to follow instructions.

What the $76 price really buys

At $76 per person, this is a solid-value full-day outing if you want several activities bundled together. The price includes the catamaran ride, visits to the northern islands, swimming, snorkeling opportunities, a BBQ lunch, and alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.

You are paying for access to places that require a boat, not just a scenic ride along the coast. The lunch also removes one common expense from a day at sea. Once you add food and drinks to a shorter boat trip, the price becomes easier to justify.

There are two extra costs to keep in mind. Hotel transfers are not included, and snorkeling equipment is also your responsibility. If you need to rent or buy a mask and snorkel, include that in your budget.

The value depends heavily on the weather. On a sunny, reasonably calm day, you receive a long island outing with meals and drinks. In rough weather, the boat ride can dominate the experience and make swimming less appealing. The operator may reschedule in adverse conditions, but sea conditions can also worsen during the day.

The overall rating of 4.2 from 77 ratings points to a generally strong experience with some weather-related limits. The most consistent strengths are the crew, the food, the scenery, and the amount of space on the catamaran.

Weather, comfort, and safety

Mauritius can deliver fierce sun even when a cool breeze makes the deck feel pleasant. Apply sunscreen before boarding, then reapply throughout the day. A hat, sunglasses, a light shirt, and a refillable water bottle will make the outing easier.

Pack beachwear, a towel, and a complete change of clothes. You may get splashed during the crossing, and wet swimwear becomes uncomfortable during the ride back. A dry bag or waterproof pouch is useful for phones and small valuables, although the supplied information does not specify whether storage is available.

The deck can be wet and slippery. Wear footwear with a good grip, and use water shoes on the island if you have them. Watch your step when boarding, leaving the boat, and moving after lunch.

The trip is not suitable for children under three or people with mobility impairments. It is also a poor match for anyone who dislikes boat movement. The catamaran may ride firmly over waves, and the route crosses open water rather than staying in a sheltered bay.

Guides speak English and French. The crew gives safety instructions and helps passengers during the water activities. You should still judge your own comfort honestly, especially if you are not familiar with snorkeling or swimming in moving water.

Who should choose this catamaran day

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a broad taste of Mauritius’ northern coast in one day. It works particularly well for couples, groups of friends, and families with older children who enjoy swimming and being on a boat.

You will get the most from it if you are happy with a flexible route. The captain may change the sequence of stops because of tides, currents, or weather. That is normal for this kind of excursion, but it means you should arrive with the right attitude.

It also suits you if food and drinks matter. The BBQ is not an afterthought, and the included wine, beer, rum, punch, water, and soft drinks help create a relaxed day on deck.

I would hesitate to recommend it if you need guaranteed calm water, a fixed timetable at every island, or easy access for limited mobility. I would also reconsider if you expect snorkeling gear, island cafés, or hotel transport to be part of the base price.

Should you book the northern-island cruise?

Book it if you want a social, good-value day that combines a catamaran ride, two beach-focused islands, a possible Coin de Mire snorkeling stop, and a full BBQ lunch. The crew’s friendly approach and careful attention to safety are major reasons to choose it.

Before paying, check the forecast and be realistic about the sea. Bring your own snorkeling gear, water shoes, extra water for the island, dry clothes, and much more sunscreen than you think you need. If conditions are good, $76 buys a satisfying day in some of Mauritius’ finest coastal surroundings. If the sea turns rough, flexibility becomes part of the price.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The experience lasts about 7 hours and is scheduled to return to the jetty around 4:00 p.m.

Where does the trip depart?

The catamaran departs from Grand Bay in Mauritius.

Which islands are included?

The route includes Gabriel Island, Flat Island, and Gunners Coin. The order and length of stops can change because of weather, currents, tides, and water depth.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. You need to bring your own snorkeling equipment if you want to snorkel.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch includes BBQ chicken, fish, sausage, salad, rice, potatoes, pasta, fresh vegetables, bread, and pineapple or seasonal fruit. Drinks include water, wine, beer, local punch, rum, and soft drinks.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the standard price. A separate transfer may be available for an additional cost.

Can the trip be canceled or rescheduled because of weather?

Yes. Rough seas or adverse weather can lead to rescheduling. If a suitable alternative date cannot be arranged, a full refund is offered. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.