Catamaran Full-Day 3 island Northern Isles Cruise in Grand Baie

The northern islands are best seen from the water. This full-day cruise packs a lot into eight hours, with Flat Island, Gabriel Island, Gunner’s Quoin, snorkeling, a barbecue lunch, and drinks included. I especially like the chance to visit two beautiful sandy islands in one day, and the friendly Wind Dancer crew receives repeated praise for attentive service.

The price is about $81.42 per person, which is fair for a full day on the sea with food, snorkeling gear, soft drinks, alcohol, tea, coffee, snacks, and bottled water included. The main caution is the ocean itself. Rough waves can make the ride uncomfortable, and the return trip is long, so anyone prone to seasickness should prepare carefully.

Key points at a glance

• Three northern islands in one day: Visit Flat Island and Gabriel Island, with striking views of Gunner’s Quoin and nearby Round Island and Snake Island.
• Snorkeling gear included: Swim among reef fish at lagoon and coral-garden stops, with the best snorkeling often found around Flat Island or Gunner’s Quoin.
• Barbecue lunch on board: Expect fresh food, salads, baguette, fish, chicken, sausages, and drinks served during the cruise.
• Early Grand Baie meeting point: Meet near Grand Baie Public Beach around 7:45 am for the 8 am departure.
• Small-group feel: The boat carries up to 35 people, with some departures holding closer to 25.
• Good value with a weather caveat: The price includes most of the day’s essentials, but the trip depends on calm enough weather.

Why this Northern Isles cruise works so well

Many boat trips from Mauritius focus on one beach, one snorkeling stop, or a short coastal ride. This excursion takes the whole day and reaches several of the northern islands. That gives you more variety: open-sea views, cliffs, sandbars, island time, snorkeling, lunch, and a long sail home.

I like the way the day mixes active and lazy moments. You can snorkel when the crew anchors in a suitable spot, then spend time swimming, sunbathing, or walking on the sand. You are not locked into a full day of water sports.

The catamaran is operated by Passion Oceane, under the Wind Dancer name. Captain Marcel and crew members Paul and Stefan receive especially warm praise for their good humor and care. The atmosphere is friendly, with music on deck, but it is not generally described as a loud party boat.

The maximum group size is 35 people. Some accounts describe a boat carrying about 25, which left plenty of room to sit and move around. That matters on an eight-hour outing. A cramped boat can turn a beautiful sea day into a battle for shade.

Meeting at Grand Baie Public Beach

The meeting location is at the junction of Angle de la Route Côtière and Rue de la Salette, near Grand Baie Public Beach. The stated start time is 8 am, while the meeting guidance points to about 7:45 am. I would arrive early rather than treat 8 am as a casual suggestion.

One useful detail is that the catamaran may sit offshore. A small boat can collect you from the beach and take you out to Wind Dancer. That short transfer is part of the experience, but it also means you should expect to get your feet wet at the beach.

The tour ends back at the same meeting area. There is no private transport or air-conditioned vehicle included, so you need to arrange your own way to Grand Baie. The location is near public transportation, which helps if you are staying nearby.

The first hour: sailing past Gunner’s Quoin

After leaving Grand Baie, the catamaran heads toward the northern islands. The first hour is an easy cruise when conditions are calm, with open views and a good chance to settle into the rhythm of the sea.

Gunner’s Quoin, also called Coin de Mire, is one of the most memorable sights from the boat. Its high sea cliffs rise sharply from the water and provide nesting places for tropicbirds. You do not go ashore there, but seeing the island from the catamaran is part of the appeal.

Keep looking beyond it. Round Island and Snake Island add distinctive shapes to the horizon, while the sea cliffs give the morning ride more character than a simple beach transfer. This is a good time to stay on deck, take photographs, and watch for dolphins or whales. Sightings are possible, not guaranteed.

The open water is also where you feel the roughness of the day. Several accounts describe large waves, and one person found an early deep-water snorkeling stop overwhelming. If you are not comfortable in a moving sea, tell the crew before entering the water and use the calmer parts of the day to enjoy the boat.

Flat Island and its white sand

Flat Island is one of the main stops, and it is often the strongest snorkeling location of the day. The surrounding water can offer clear views of reef fish, making this a good point to use the included mask and snorkel.

You may have around 90 minutes at the island, giving you time to choose your pace. Snorkel if the water feels comfortable, swim near shore, or simply sit on the sand. The island stop is valuable because it lets you get off the boat rather than spending the entire day on deck.

The amount of time in the water can depend on the conditions. Some people find the first snorkeling stop too exposed when the sea is rough. The crew can help with equipment, but you still need to be a confident enough swimmer for the conditions on that day.

Bring a cover-up and use sun protection often. The return journey can take a while, and one practical warning is easy to remember: cover your shoulders and back before the afternoon sail. A day of wind can hide how much sun you are getting.

Gabriel Island and the famous sandbar

Gabriel Island, or Ilot Gabriel, is the more immediately beach-focused stop. Its white sandbar and clear lagoon are made for swimming, sunbathing, and a slow walk along the shore.

The island often receives the strongest praise for scenery. It is a beautiful place to spend about an hour, especially when the weather is bright. You can leave your snorkeling equipment aside and simply enjoy the contrast between pale sand and clear water.

Do not expect a developed beach resort. The attraction is the simple setting, not shops or facilities. That makes the stop feel special, but it also means you should keep your personal belongings organized on the boat and follow the crew’s instructions during the transfer.

The timing may place Gabriel Island before or after lunch, depending on the day’s movement and sea conditions. Either way, the stop provides a needed break from the boat and a chance to dry off in the sun.

Barbecue lunch with drinks on board

Lunch is served on the catamaran and is one of the better parts of the value. The meal has been described as fresh and plentiful, with salads, baguette, fish, chicken, and sausages available. Tea, coffee, soft drinks, water, snacks, and alcoholic beverages are included.

This is not a restaurant meal with a long menu. It is a practical barbecue designed for a day on the water. I like that it saves you from carrying a full packed lunch and keeps the group together during the middle of the excursion.

Alcohol is available with lunch and during parts of the return ride. Drink sensibly, especially if the sea is rough. Alcohol, heat, and a moving boat are not a helpful combination for anyone already feeling queasy.

Music usually adds to the mood without taking over the boat. You might see people dancing on deck, but the tone is more relaxed than an all-day party cruise. That balance suits couples, families with older children, and groups of friends who want a social day without constant noise.

Snorkeling at Gunner’s Quoin

The final snorkeling stop is near Gunner’s Quoin, where the boat anchors by a natural aquarium and coral garden. This is often the highlight for people who enjoy seeing fish rather than only swimming in shallow water.

The water can hold many colorful reef fish, and one person was even helped toward a turtle in the lagoon. Wildlife sightings are never promised, but the stop gives you a good chance to see more marine life than you would from the beach.

Snorkeling quality can vary between stops. Flat Island is often considered the better location, while the later stop may have less time than people hope. One practical complaint is that the final snorkeling period can feel too short, especially after the island visits.

You should also note that this is not a private guided snorkeling lesson. Equipment is supplied, and the crew is attentive, but you are responsible for staying comfortable in the water. If a mask feels tight or the waves make breathing difficult, return to the boat and enjoy the view from deck.

The return sail to Grand Baie

The return journey is long enough to shape your impression of the whole day. If the wind is favorable, the catamaran may sail much of the way back, which creates a calm, pleasant finish. On other days, large waves can make the ride tiring.

This is when shade, water, and sun protection matter most. Sit where you feel secure, drink water, and keep a shirt or cover-up handy. The crew continues serving drinks, but you do not need to spend the final hours in the sun.

There can also be dolphin sightings on the way back. Again, that is a possibility rather than a feature you should count on. Keep your camera ready, but do not let the search distract you from enjoying the sailing itself.

The long return is the main trade-off for fitting three island areas into one day. You get more scenery and more stops than on a short cruise, but you also spend many hours at sea.

What the $81.42 price really includes

At about $81.42 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see a beach in Mauritius. It is good value if you want a full outing rather than a simple boat transfer.

The price covers:

• About eight hours on the water
• Visits to Flat Island and Gabriel Island
• Views of Gunner’s Quoin and other northern islands
• Snorkeling equipment
• Barbecue lunch
• Tea and coffee
• Soft drinks and bottled water
• Snacks
• Alcoholic beverages

You also avoid the cost and trouble of finding lunch during an island day. The included food and drinks make the price easier to justify, especially because the boat time itself is the main attraction.

The value is weaker if you dislike open water, rarely snorkel, or prefer a short, quiet beach outing. You may spend part of the day sitting on a moving boat. For someone who wants maximum beach time, the long cruise back can feel like too much.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this trip if you want to see several northern islands in one day and enjoy a social boat atmosphere. It suits people who like mixing snorkeling with swimming, sunbathing, food, and scenery.

It is also a good choice for anyone who values a friendly crew. Captain Marcel, Paul, Stefan, and the wider Wind Dancer team are frequently praised for being attentive, professional, and welcoming. That matters when the day involves transfers, snorkeling gear, lunch service, and changing sea conditions.

Families and mixed-age groups can make good use of the flexible pace, provided everyone is comfortable with an eight-hour day at sea. Strong swimmers will get the most from the snorkeling, but you can also enjoy the islands and deck without spending much time in the water.

I would think twice if you are highly prone to seasickness or dislike rough conditions. The tour requires good weather, but good weather does not always mean a perfectly smooth sea. Pack sun protection, bring anything you normally use for motion sickness, and be ready for a long ride home.

Booking, timing, and cancellation details

Confirmation is provided at booking, and the activity requires a minimum number of participants. If that minimum is not met, you can be offered another date or experience, or receive a full refund.

The trip also depends on suitable weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. For your own cancellation, you need to cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time to receive a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted.

Should you book the Northern Isles cruise?

Book it if your ideal Mauritius day includes white sand, reef fish, a barbecue lunch, island stops, and a friendly catamaran crew. The three-island format gives you more variety than a short coastal cruise, and the included food, drinks, and snorkeling gear make the $81.42 price reasonable.

Skip it if you want a calm beach day with very little time on the water. Rough waves, a long return sail, and limited time at the final snorkeling stop are real considerations. For the right kind of sea day, though, Wind Dancer offers a strong mix of scenery, food, and fun.

FAQ

How long is the Northern Isles catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately eight hours.

Where does the tour begin?

It begins near Grand Baie Public Beach, at Angle de la Route Côtière and Rue de la Salette, B11, Grand Baie, Mauritius.

What time should I arrive?

The meeting guidance indicates about 7:45 am, with the listed start time at 8 am.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The main island stops are Flat Island and Gabriel Island. The cruise also visits the waters around Gunner’s Quoin and provides views of other northern islands, including Round Island and Snake Island.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A barbecue lunch is provided on board, along with tea, coffee, soft drinks, bottled water, snacks, and alcoholic beverages.

How many people can join the cruise?

The activity has a maximum group size of 35 people. Some departures may carry closer to 25 people.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants can also result in a different date or a full refund.