North of Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise w/ BBQ Lunch

The north runs on sea time. This six-hour catamaran trip links Grand Baie with Coin de Mire, Gabriel Island, and the surrounding northern islets, giving you a full day of swimming, sunshine, food, and open-water views. I like the friendly crew and the generous onboard lunch, two points praised repeatedly in the feedback. The main drawback is that the trip depends heavily on sea conditions, and it is not a good fit if you are prone to seasickness.

I also like the mix of activity and downtime. You can watch Pailles-en-Queue birds near Gunner’s Quoin, snorkel or swim off Gabriel Island, then simply stretch out on deck with a drink. The snorkeling may not produce a huge variety of fish, so you should book this for the whole day on the water, not for a guaranteed marine-life encounter.

Key points before you book

• Gabriel Island is the main beach stop: You get time for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and a walk on its pale sandy shore.
• Coin de Mire adds a wildlife moment: Keep watch for Pailles-en-Queue birds, the long-tailed tropical birds often seen around Gunner’s Quoin.
• The BBQ is served onboard: Fish, chicken, sausages, salads, vegetables, garlic bread, fruit, and vegetarian choices make this more than a snack stop.
• Drinks are included: Wine, local rum, Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, and water are listed, along with cocktails and nonalcoholic choices.
• The schedule is a full morning to afternoon: Meet at Sunset Boulevard in Grand Baie around 8:45 to 9:00 am and return to the jetty at about 3:30 pm.
• Weather can change the route: The captain may redirect the boat to Gunner’s Quoin or Casita Beach if the sea is rough or unsafe.

Starting at Sunset Boulevard in Grand Baie

Your day begins at Sunset Boulevard, Grand Baie, where a hostess meets you in front of the jetty and handles check-in. The supplied timing gives an arrival window of 8:45 to 9:00 am, with sailing described at 9:00 am in the detailed schedule. Another part of the information lists departure at 9:30 am, so I would arrive early and confirm the exact sailing time before the day itself.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to make your own way to Grand Baie and return there after the cruise. That is simple if you are already based nearby, but it matters if you are staying elsewhere in Mauritius. Build in time for the morning journey, since missing a boat is a poor way to start a beach day.

The cruise is offered every day from Monday through Sunday. English and French are listed as the operating languages. Bring your booking details, then keep your hands free for the useful gear: towel, swimsuit, sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, a waterproof bag, and a change of clothes.

Sailing past Gunner’s Quoin and Coin de Mire

The catamaran heads toward the northern islands across open blue water. The first stretch lasts roughly two hours, so this is not a quick transfer to a beach. It is part of the experience, and you will have time to sit back, watch the water, and get comfortable on the boat.

The first named point of interest is Gunner’s Quoin, also called Coin de Mire. This steep islet is especially useful for bird watching. Keep an eye on the sky for Pailles-en-Queue, known in English as the white-tailed tropicbird. Their long tails make them easy to spot when they glide near the island, though wildlife is never scheduled like a stage performance.

This portion may appeal most if you enjoy scenery and natural details rather than constant activity. The boat also passes the northern islands, including Flat Island, but the stated swimming stop is Gabriel Island. Do not expect to step ashore at every island named in the route. Some are viewed from the water, while Gabriel Island receives the main free-time visit.

The sea crossing also explains why a jacket belongs in your bag. It may feel hot on shore, but wind on the catamaran can make the ride cooler. A waterproof jacket is useful if conditions change, and motion sickness tablets are worth considering if you know you react badly to boat travel.

Gabriel Island for swimming and snorkeling

The catamaran reaches Gabriel Island around 11:00 am, with time there until about 12:30 pm. This is the heart of the beach portion. You can swim in the turquoise lagoon, snorkel with help from the crew, walk along the sandy beach, or stay on board and enjoy the view if you prefer not to get wet.

The island gives the day a welcome change of pace after the open-water crossing. You are not rushed into a short photo stop. About 90 minutes allows for a swim, some snorkeling, and a little time on the sand, although you will want to keep an eye on the meeting time.

Snorkeling equipment is not clearly listed as supplied equipment, so bring your own if you have a set you like. The trip information specifically says you may bring personal snorkeling gear. That is a practical choice if you care about a good mask fit. The crew can assist in the water, but the snorkeling experience itself depends on visibility, currents, and where fish happen to be that day.

The feedback gives a useful reality check. One person found the fish sightings limited, but still described the snorkeling as impressive. That is fair guidance. You may see marine life, but this should not be sold to yourself as a dedicated reef safari. The island, warm water, beach time, and easy swim are the safer reasons to choose it.

The beach stop is also not ideal for everyone. The activity is marked unsuitable for people with mobility impairments, and getting between the catamaran, shore, and water may be difficult. Pets are not allowed, except assistance dogs.

A BBQ lunch with the sea as your dining room

At about 12:30 pm, lunch is served on the catamaran. The menu is substantial for a boat outing: rice salad, potato and egg salad, mixed salad, seasonal vegetables, grilled fish, BBQ chicken, grilled chicken sausage, a seafood dish, garlic bread, bread, and seasonal fruit.

This is one of the strongest parts of the trip. The food is freshly prepared onboard according to the description, and the direct feedback praises both its taste and quantity. One person specifically found the meal delicious and fully sufficient, with no shortage of drinks. That matters because a long day in the sun, with swimming and a sea crossing, calls for more than a token sandwich.

Vegetarians have a separate menu with rice salad, potato salad, mixed salad, seasonal vegetables, grilled vegetarian sausages, bread, and seasonal fruit. The children’s menu is listed as the same as the adult menu. If you have an allergy or a strict dietary need, ask before booking, since the provided information does not explain special-diet arrangements.

Drinks include local rum, red, rosé, and white wine, Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, and mineral water. Cocktails and refreshing nonalcoholic choices are also included in the general description. You can enjoy a drink with lunch, but remember that the sun, sea, and alcohol are a rough combination. Water and sunscreen are not optional extras here.

The quiet afternoon return

After lunch, the schedule gives you time to relax on the catamaran from about 1:30 to 2:15 pm. This is a useful pause. You have already crossed open water, spent time swimming, and eaten, so a calm stretch on deck may be exactly what you need.

The return to Grand Baie brings the total outing to around six hours, with the boat back at the jetty at approximately 3:30 pm. That leaves the evening free, but you should not plan a tight afternoon appointment. Boat timing can shift with wind and sea conditions, and the captain has discretion to alter the route for safety.

If the sea is rough or impassable, the captain may take you toward Gunner’s Quoin or Casita Beach instead. That means the advertised route is not guaranteed in poor conditions. It is a sensible safety rule, but it also means you should choose this trip with flexibility rather than a rigid checklist of islands.

How the crew shapes the day

The crew receives the warmest praise in the feedback. The three guides are described as friendly, funny, talkative, and attentive. Another person singled out the crew’s care throughout the journey and said they would book again.

That tells you something important about a catamaran cruise. The boat and beaches matter, but the crew controls the mood, the safety guidance, the snorkeling help, and the lunch service. A relaxed, sociable crew can make a six-hour outing feel easy. A poor one can make the same route feel long.

This is not described as a private charter. You should expect a shared catamaran setting, with social space and a common lunch. That suits you if you like meeting people and having a lively day at sea. If you want quiet, personal service, or complete control over the route, a private boat would be a better match, though this excursion offers a more accessible price.

Is $80 a fair price?

At $80 per person, the value is solid if you plan to use the full package. You are paying for roughly six hours on the water, the northern island route, access to swimming and snorkeling time, a BBQ lunch, and a broad selection of included drinks. The crew support adds value, especially for first-time visitors who do not want to arrange boats, food, and island transfers separately.

The price looks less attractive if you only want a short beach transfer or if you avoid alcohol and do not eat much. You are also responsible for reaching Grand Baie, and personal expenses are not included. Those costs should be added to your day’s budget.

The lunch and drinks help separate this from a basic boat ride. You do not need to find food on an isolated island or carry a full picnic. You still need to bring your own personal items, and you may prefer your own snorkeling mask.

Who will enjoy this north Mauritius cruise?

I would recommend this trip to couples, families, groups of friends, and solo visitors who want a straightforward full-day sea outing. It works particularly well if you want several elements in one booking: island scenery, bird watching, swimming, a beach, lunch, and drinks.

It is also a good choice for people who prefer a gentle schedule. You get active time at Gabriel Island, but you are not pushed from one attraction to another all day. The post-lunch rest period gives you space to enjoy the boat itself.

I would be cautious if you are prone to seasickness. The crossing toward the northern islands takes time, and the catamaran is exposed to wind and waves. Take suitable medication if you already know it helps you, and sit where you feel most stable.

You should also think carefully about mobility. The trip is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the details do not promise step-free access between the jetty, catamaran, beach, and water. Ask the operator directly if you have any access concern not covered by the published information.

What to pack for a comfortable day

Pack light, but pack for both sun and spray. A waterproof bag protects phones, wallets, and dry clothing, while non-slip shoes help on a wet boat deck. Bring a towel, swimsuit, cover-up, spare clothes, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and a jacket.

Insect repellent is also listed, which is useful for time around the island. Do not touch marine life or plants, and do not leave litter behind. These rules are simple, but they protect the places that make the trip worthwhile.

If you own good snorkeling equipment, bring it. The crew can help in the water, but personal gear usually gives you a better fit. I would also keep your phone in a waterproof case, since the best views and bird sightings happen near the water, where accidents are easy.

Should you book it?

Book this catamaran cruise if you want a social, well-fed day in northern Mauritius, with Gabriel Island as the main reward. The friendly crew, ample BBQ, included drinks, and long island stop give the $80 price good value. The Pailles-en-Queue bird watch adds a touch of nature beyond the usual sun-and-sea routine.

Skip it if you dislike boat crossings, need guaranteed calm water, or want snorkeling packed with fish. Arrive early at Sunset Boulevard, confirm the exact departure time, bring your own mask if preferred, and treat the route as weather-dependent. For a relaxed day that combines scenery, swimming, food, and a little island wandering, it is an easy choice.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise begin?

Meet the team at Sunset Boulevard in Grand Baie, Mauritius. A hostess welcomes you in front of the jetty and handles check-in.

What time does the cruise leave and return?

The meeting time is listed as 8:45 to 9:00 am, with sailing shown at 9:00 am in the detailed schedule. Another detail lists departure at 9:30 am, so confirm the exact time before your trip. Return to the Grand Baie jetty is scheduled for about 3:30 pm.

Which islands are included in the route?

The cruise sails toward the northern islands, including Coin de Mire, also called Gunner’s Quoin, Flat Island, and Gabriel Island. Gabriel Island is the main stop for swimming, snorkeling, and beach time.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The BBQ lunch includes fish, chicken, chicken sausage, seafood, salads, seasonal vegetables, bread, garlic bread, and fruit. A vegetarian menu is available, and the children’s menu is listed as the same as the adult menu.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Listed drinks include local rum, red, rosé, and white wine, Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, mineral water, cocktails, and nonalcoholic options.

What happens if the sea is rough?

The captain may change the route for safety. If conditions are rough or impassable, the boat may head toward Gunner’s Quoin or Casita Beach instead.