Mauritius: Full-Day Catamaran Cruise to the Northern Isles

Big water, bright islands, and a very good lunch. This full-day catamaran cruise from Grand Baie packs three Northern Isles, several swim stops, and a BBQ into one relaxed day at sea. I like the well-paced itinerary, which gives you time to swim, snorkel, and sit on the sand instead of rushing from one stop to the next. I also like the crew’s friendly approach, especially their care with first-time snorkelers and their willingness to slow down for dolphins when spotted.

The main catch is the open sea. The crossing to the islands can be choppy, and the front netting can take the full force of the waves. If you suffer from motion sickness, sit farther back, bring medication, and treat the splash as part of the adventure rather than a surprise.

The best parts of the day

• An early start at Grand Baie: Meet the orange and white Wind Dancer at Grand Baie Public Beach, with pickup from the swimming area by small blue dinghy around 7:40 a.m.
• Three Northern Isles in one outing: You visit Flat Island, Gabriel Island, and the waters near Coin de Mire in roughly eight hours.
• Snorkeling equipment included: Masks and other basic gear are provided, though bringing your own equipment may give you a better fit.
• A generous onboard BBQ: Expect meat, fish, pasta, salad, bread, and vegetarian choices, with drinks and snacks included.
• A real chance to see marine life: Turtles, dolphins, reef fish, flying fish, and even a yellowfin tuna have been spotted during recent outings.
• A choice of seating: The front netting offers the biggest splash and strongest sea views, while the rear seats are calmer and drier.

Meeting the Wind Dancer at Grand Baie

This cruise begins at Grand Baie Public Beach, not at a hotel. You need to find your own way to the beach, and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. If you have a rental car, parking is available according to the supplied information, but allow enough time to find the swimming area and get settled.

Look for the orange and white Wind Dancer. The catamaran waits offshore, so you do not simply walk up a gangway from the beach. The captain comes ashore in a small blue dinghy to collect you, usually around 7:40 a.m.

That little boat transfer is part of the fun, but it also means you should wear swimwear or clothing that can handle a splash. Once aboard, you remove your shoes and place them in the provided bins. This keeps the deck cleaner and safer, though anyone who prefers to keep shoes on should know the rule before boarding.

The welcome includes a small breakfast of tea, coffee, and cake. Several outings included banana bread or a similar cake, which is a useful bite before the boat reaches open water. After a short captain’s briefing, the catamaran leaves Grand Baie.

The crossing to the Northern Isles

The first run takes about an hour, though some departures have taken closer to an hour and a half. This is not a quiet harbor cruise. Once the boat leaves the shelter of Grand Baie, wind and waves can make the ride lively.

I would choose your seat with care. The forward trampoline is the classic catamaran perch, with the sea rushing below and wide views ahead. It is also where you are most likely to get soaked. Several people found the big waves funny and exciting, while others would have preferred a warning before getting drenched.

The rear seating area is the practical choice if you want a smoother ride. It is also better for anyone concerned about seasickness. A light waterproof jacket, a towel, and motion sickness tablets are sensible additions to your daypack. The crew has been praised for handling rougher water carefully, but the weather still controls the ride.

The boat has room below deck for storing items that need to stay dry, along with toilet facilities. Keep your camera and spare clothing protected during the outward crossing.

Flat Island and its white beaches

Flat Island is usually the first major stop. The trip description allows you to visit the island before returning to the catamaran for lunch, while the exact order and timing can change with conditions. This is a good place to get your first look at the Northern Isles’ bright sand and clear water.

The island is a nature reserve, and its appeal is simple: pale beaches, open sea, and a feeling of space away from the main island. You can walk on the sand, swim, snorkel, or simply sit and take in the view. The water around the island has produced some of the strongest snorkeling moments of the day, including coral, reef fish, and occasional turtles.

Do not assume the beach closest to the landing area is your only option. If conditions allow, walking farther along the sand can lead to a quieter stretch. The islands are beautiful, but their popularity means the best sense of peace may come from moving a little away from the main group.

Flat Island is also where the contrast between a sightseeing cruise and a beach day becomes clear. You are not spending the whole day planted on one beach. Instead, you get a useful sample of several island settings, with enough time at each to enjoy the water without losing the day to long transfers.

BBQ lunch with the sea beside you

Lunch is served onboard, usually after the first island visit. This works well: you return to the catamaran hungry, sit down, and eat while the boat provides shade, seating, and a view.

The meal has been described as generous and well organized. Typical choices include BBQ tuna, chicken, pasta, salad, and bread, with vegetarian food available. The portions are substantial enough that this is not a token excursion lunch.

Breakfast is light, but lunch is the main meal. Drinks and snacks are included, and there are plenty of drink options after midday. Alcohol is only served from lunchtime for safety reasons, so do not expect rum cocktails or other alcoholic drinks during the early crossing. Later in the day, the onboard drink service becomes part of the relaxed atmosphere.

I see the food as a real part of the value here. At $82 per person, the cost covers an eight-hour boat outing, three Northern Isles, snorkeling equipment, breakfast, a full BBQ lunch, and drinks. You are paying more than you would for a simple beach visit, but you are also getting transport between remote places that would be difficult to combine independently.

Gabriel Island and the long turquoise sandbar

After lunch, the catamaran continues to Gabriel Island. This is often the most postcard-like part of the day, with a broad sandbar, clear lagoon water, and bright white beach.

You can snorkel in the lagoon or stay on shore. That choice matters because not everyone wants a full day of swimming. Some people will spend the stop in the water, while others will appreciate having an hour to lie on the beach and enjoy the setting without another activity being pushed on them.

The crew has been praised for giving enough time at the islands. That is a quiet strength of this trip. You are not dropped off for ten rushed minutes, then hurried back aboard. The schedule divides the day between cruising, beaches, snorkeling, and lunch in a way that feels active but not exhausting.

The sandbar can look especially inviting, but use care in the water and follow the crew’s instructions. Conditions can change, and this is not a supervised swimming pool. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, particularly because boarding from the beach and moving between the catamaran, dinghy, sand, and water requires agility.

Coin de Mire and the natural ocean aquarium

On the return journey, the catamaran stops near Coin de Mire, also called Gunner’s Quoin in some descriptions. This is the final snorkeling opportunity and the one framed as a natural aquarium.

The water here can put you close to schools of colorful reef fish. Turtles have also been seen during the outing, sometimes close enough for a swimmer to watch them at arm’s length. Dolphins are another possible bonus, though no wildlife sighting is guaranteed.

The captain has sometimes changed course or slowed down when dolphins appeared nearby. That small choice can turn an ordinary return ride into a special moment, especially when other boats continue toward port. Still, you should book this for the islands and snorkeling, not for a promised dolphin encounter.

One practical point: the snorkeling time may feel short to keen swimmers. Some people would happily trade a little beach time for longer in the reef. If snorkeling is your main goal, tell the crew early, bring a well-fitting mask if you have one, and be ready when the boat reaches the stop.

Crew, atmosphere, and onboard comfort

The crew is one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise. The captain and staff are repeatedly praised for being friendly, attentive, professional, and good-humored. They help with equipment, point out useful snorkeling areas, and keep the day moving without making it feel rigid.

The atmosphere is social and easygoing. Music plays onboard, and the shared cruise gives you a chance to meet people from different countries. A private option is also available if you want more control over the group, but the shared version appears to offer a friendly setting without feeling uncomfortably crowded.

Safety also receives proper attention. The captain warns passengers about rougher water and the exposed front netting, and the catamaran is kept clean and tidy. That does not remove the risk of a bumpy crossing, but it helps you feel looked after.

Paul receives a special thank-you in one account, suggesting that individual crew members can make a strong impression. The crew speaks English and French, so you can expect the main instructions and guidance in both languages.

What to pack for a smoother day

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a daypack. I would also add a light waterproof layer, dry clothing, motion sickness tablets if needed, and a waterproof pouch for valuables.

You receive snorkeling equipment, but the fit and quality of shared gear can vary. If you already own a comfortable mask and snorkel, bring them. Fins are not specifically listed among the included equipment, so do not assume every piece of personal gear will be supplied.

Shoes must be removed before boarding. Wear something easy to slip off for the beach transfer, but remember that footwear cannot be worn indoors on the catamaran. Keep sunscreen handy, since you will spend long periods in direct sun even when seated.

The sea can be roughest on the way out and calmer on the return. Sit toward the back if you prefer stability. Choose the front netting only if you actively want the thrill of spray and rolling waves.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want to see several Northern Isles in one day without arranging separate boats, beach transfers, meals, and snorkeling stops. It suits couples, families with confident swimmers, and anyone who likes a mix of scenery and activity.

It is also a good fit if food matters. The BBQ is more than an afterthought, and the included drinks make the $82 price easier to justify. You can swim hard, eat well, then take the rest of the afternoon at a slower pace.

This is less suitable if you need a quiet, perfectly smooth boat ride, dislike getting wet, or want extended time on one island. It is not recommended for people with limited mobility, and anyone prone to seasickness should prepare seriously.

The trip takes about eight hours, with departures generally starting in the morning and the catamaran returning in the afternoon. Shared and private choices are available, and you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also offered, which helps if your Mauritius schedule is still taking shape.

Is the Northern Isles cruise worth $82?

For most active visitors, yes. The price covers a full day rather than a short scenic sail, and it includes food, drinks, snorkeling gear, and access to islands that are not practical to visit on foot or by road.

The best value comes from the variety. You get an open-water crossing, two beach and island stops, a reef stop, a proper lunch, and a chance to see marine life. The cost is harder to justify only if you plan to stay dry, skip snorkeling, or dislike spending much of a day on a boat.

Book this cruise if you want a cheerful, well-fed day on the water with plenty of scenery and a real chance to swim among reef fish. Choose a calmer activity if rough seas worry you. My most useful advice is simple: sit toward the rear, pack a waterproof layer, and keep the front netting for the brave or the easily amused.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart from?

The meeting point is Grand Baie Public Beach. Look for the orange and white Wind Dancer near the swimming area. The captain comes ashore in a small blue dinghy to collect passengers, usually around 7:40 a.m.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The day includes Flat Island, Gabriel Island, and a snorkeling stop near Coin de Mire, also known as Gunner’s Quoin in some descriptions.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price. You can also bring your own equipment if you prefer a particular mask or snorkel.

Are meals and drinks included?

Yes. The package includes a mini breakfast, BBQ lunch, drinks, and snacks. Lunch can include tuna, chicken, pasta, salad, and bread, with vegetarian options available. Alcohol is served only from lunchtime.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You must make your own way to Grand Baie Public Beach. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is this cruise suitable for people with limited mobility?

No. The cruise is not recommended for people with mobility impairments. Boarding from the beach, using the dinghy, walking on sand, and accessing the water all require mobility.