Full Day Catamaran Luxury Cruise to Northern Islands w Lunch

Mauritius looks best from the water. This six-hour catamaran outing gives you a full day on the north coast, with stops at Gunners Coin, Flat Island, Gabriel Island, and Coin de Mire. I like the mix of open-sea sailing and snorkeling, and I like that lunch, drinks, water, and snorkeling gear are included. The main concern is weather: rain and rough conditions can cut short the best parts of the day.

You meet at the reception of Coin de Mire Attitude Hotel in Bain Boeuf at 9:30 a.m., then board a Lagoon 380 catamaran at 9:45. I also like the simple schedule, which keeps the focus on swimming, scenery, and time on the islands rather than filling the day with too many stops. Still, this is not a good choice if you get seasick or need wheelchair access.

Key Points Before You Book

• The day begins at Coin de Mire Attitude Hotel: You must arrange your own way to Bain Boeuf and be at reception by 9:30 a.m.
• Gunners Coin is a scenic sailing sight: The catamaran passes this striking rock formation, known for its steep cliffs.
• Flat Island brings the first main water stop: You have time to snorkel in the lagoon before the onboard BBQ lunch.
• Gabriel Island follows lunch: This gives the day a second island stop rather than making the cruise only about swimming.
• Coin de Mire is the final snorkeling point: The return journey includes a stop in clear water described as a natural aquarium.
• Weather matters greatly: One July outing was badly affected by rain, and the Coin de Mire snorkeling stop was canceled because conditions were considered unsafe.

Why This Northern Catamaran Route Works

Northern Mauritius is well suited to a catamaran day. The route links several small islands and rocky formations that are difficult to appreciate from the mainland. You get changing views as the boat moves from the coast toward open water, then back through the northern lagoon.

The appeal here is not a packed sightseeing program. It is the rhythm of a sea day: sail, swim, eat, rest, and sail again. I would choose this trip if you want a relaxed outing with enough structure to make the day easy, but not so much structure that you are constantly checking the clock.

The listed price is $115 per person. That is fair value if you plan to use the included snorkeling equipment, BBQ lunch, bottled water, and alcoholic drinks. You are paying for a full boat outing rather than only a short transfer to an island.

The value drops if you mainly want to sit on the beach and skip the water stops. It also drops if you must pay a costly private taxi to reach Bain Boeuf, since hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Check your transport cost before booking.

Meeting at Bain Boeuf at 9:30 a.m.

Your morning begins at Coin de Mire Attitude Hotel, where you meet at reception by 9:30 a.m. The catamaran is scheduled to leave at 9:45, so this is not a tour where you should arrive at the last minute.

Because no hotel transfer is included, you need to plan your own route to the meeting point. The practical benefit is flexibility if you are already staying nearby. The downside is extra planning if you are based elsewhere on Mauritius.

Bring beachwear and a towel. Large bags, oversized luggage, baby strollers, fishing equipment, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed. Keep your belongings compact, since a catamaran is not the place for a full suitcase or bulky beach kit.

A safety briefing takes place before the cruise gets underway. The activity is hosted in English and French, which is useful if you want basic instructions in either language.

Sailing Past Gunners Coin’s Sheer Cliffs

One of the first visual highlights is Gunners Coin, a dramatic rock formation with sheer cliffs. The catamaran passes by rather than presenting it as a long shore stop, so think of this as a scenic sailing moment.

This part of the route gives you a sense of the northern coast’s character. Instead of seeing only sandy beaches, you get hard rock, steep faces, and open water. Have your camera ready, but do not expect a long guided visit on the rock itself.

The value of this stop is visual. It breaks up the time at sea and gives the route a recognizable landmark. If the weather is wet or the sea is rough, though, you may spend more time watching the conditions than enjoying the views.

Flat Island and the First Snorkeling Session

The main daytime stop is Flat Island, where you have time to snorkel in the lagoon. The water is described as crystal clear, and snorkeling equipment is supplied, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins.

This is likely to be the best part of the outing for anyone who wants an active water stop. You can get in, look below the surface, then return to the catamaran without having to organize separate equipment rental.

I would bring your own mask only if you already have one that fits well. Otherwise, using the supplied gear keeps the packing list short. Your towel and beachwear are the essentials.

Keep your expectations sensible. The schedule promises snorkeling in clear water, but it does not promise particular marine animals, reef species, or a professional snorkeling guide. Conditions may affect visibility and safety. One excursion in July was hit by poor weather, leaving the group sheltering under huts on the first island rather than enjoying the planned outdoor time.

That warning is important. A sunny forecast can make this cruise excellent, while persistent rain can turn the island stop into a waiting period. If you have only one free day in Mauritius, choose a day with the best available marine forecast.

BBQ Lunch and Drinks on the Catamaran

After the first snorkeling period, a BBQ lunch is served on board. Bottled water and alcoholic beverages are included, so the $115 price covers more than the boat ride itself.

I like the fact that lunch stays on the catamaran. You do not have to search for a food stand or leave the group to find a meal. It also lets the day keep moving from Flat Island toward Gabriel Island.

The onboard meal is best viewed as practical cruise food, not a restaurant lunch. The supplied information does not specify the menu, dietary choices, or whether vegetarian meals are available. If you have allergies or special dietary needs, ask the operator before paying.

Alcohol is included, but remember that you still have more time at sea and may return to the water later. Drink sensibly, especially if you are prone to seasickness. Sun, boat movement, and alcohol can make an otherwise pleasant afternoon uncomfortable.

Gabriel Island After Lunch

After lunch, the catamaran heads to Ilot Gabriel. This stop gives you a second island setting and keeps the experience from feeling like a single snorkeling trip with a meal in the middle.

The itinerary does not specify how long you spend on Gabriel Island or whether you have another organized snorkeling session there. You should treat it as an island discovery stop rather than assume a detailed guided tour.

This is one reason the cruise suits people who prefer a broad taste of the northern islands. You see more than one location in a single day, but you do not get the deep exploration that a dedicated island visit might offer.

The route also includes Flat Island and Gabriel Island in the same outing. That variety is useful if you want to compare the feel of the two stops without arranging separate boat trips.

Coin de Mire and the Final Water Stop

On the way back, the catamaran stops at Coin de Mire for snorkeling in very clear water. The area is described as a natural aquarium, which gives you a final chance to swim before returning to the mainland.

This last water stop may be the most sensitive to sea conditions. During one poor-weather outing, snorkeling at Coin de Mire was canceled because the forecast was considered dangerous. That decision is frustrating if you were counting on the final stop, but safety should come first.

You should not book this cruise with the expectation that every advertised water stop will operate in all conditions. The route is weather dependent, and the captain may adjust or remove a snorkeling session when the sea is unsafe.

The scheduled return is around 3:45 p.m., with the main activity described as running from 9:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Allow for that small timing difference when planning an evening meal, taxi, or another activity.

What the $115 Price Really Covers

At $115, you receive the catamaran cruise, lunch, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and alcoholic drinks. For a six-hour outing, that is a reasonable package if you value convenience and want your food and equipment arranged in advance.

The most useful inclusion is probably the snorkeling equipment. It saves you from renting gear separately and makes it easier to join the water sessions on short notice.

The price does not include transportation to or from Coin de Mire Attitude Hotel. That is the main extra cost to consider. If you are staying near Bain Boeuf, the omission may not matter much. If you are staying far away, the transfer can affect the total value.

The activity has a 4.3 rating based on three ratings, but the small number means you should not treat that figure as a guarantee. One available account describes a very disappointing day caused by rain, canceled snorkeling, and long periods spent sheltering under huts. Weather is clearly the biggest variable in the experience.

Who Should Book This Cruise

I would recommend this cruise to you if you enjoy being on the water, want several northern island views in one day, and like having lunch and drinks included. It is especially suitable if you are staying near Bain Boeuf or can reach the meeting point without much trouble.

You should also be comfortable with a moving boat and basic snorkeling. The activity is not suitable for children under two, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or people prone to seasickness.

This is less suitable if you want a guaranteed beach day. Rain, wind, or rough water can change the schedule. You may still sail and eat lunch, but the snorkeling and island time could be reduced or canceled.

The cruise is also not ideal if you want a private, quiet outing. The supplied details do not give a group size, so you should not assume an intimate charter. The catamaran format suggests a shared experience.

Practical Advice for a Better Day

Check the forecast before you commit to your chosen date. A poor-weather outing in July resulted in rain, sheltering on the first island, and cancellation of the Coin de Mire water stop.

Arrive at reception by 9:30 a.m., not 9:45. The boat is scheduled to leave at 9:45, and missing the departure would be a costly mistake when you have arranged your own transport.

Pack a towel, beachwear, and only a small personal bag. Large luggage and strollers are not allowed, and extra baggage has little value on a catamaran.

If you are sensitive to motion, be honest with yourself before booking. The activity specifically excludes people prone to seasickness, and the route spends much of the day on the water.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also gives you some flexibility while you confirm your plans.

Should You Book the Northern Islands Cruise?

Book it if you want a convenient full-day sea outing with snorkeling, a BBQ lunch, drinks, and several northern stops included in one price. The route has good variety, and the final Coin de Mire snorkeling session could be a memorable finish in calm, clear water.

Skip it if you dislike boat motion, need accessible facilities, or have only one day available and cannot accept weather-related changes. The strongest reason to book is the combination of scenery and water time. The strongest reason to hesitate is that poor conditions can remove much of what you paid for.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

It starts at the reception of Coin de Mire Attitude Hotel in Bain Boeuf, in northern Mauritius.

What time should I arrive?

You should meet at reception by 9:30 a.m. The catamaran is scheduled to leave at 9:45 a.m.

What time does the cruise return?

The scheduled return time is around 3:45 p.m. The main activity period is listed as running from 9:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Are hotel transfers included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must arrange your own transport to and from the hotel meeting point.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The route includes Gunners Coin, Flat Island, Gabriel Island, and Coin de Mire. Gunners Coin is passed during the sailing portion, while the other locations form part of the island and snorkeling route.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the price.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is served on board the catamaran.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water and alcoholic beverages are included.

What should I bring?

Bring beachwear and a towel. Large bags, oversized luggage, baby strollers, fishing equipment, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.

Is the cruise suitable for everyone?

No. It is not suitable for children under two, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or people prone to seasickness.