Luxury Catamaran Cruise: The Northern Islands

The best part is the water, not the label. This six-hour cruise from Cap Malheureux gives you clear Indian Ocean swimming and snorkeling around Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, with views toward Gunners Coin along the way. I like the tasty barbecue lunch and the crew’s cheerful style, especially when the boat turns into a small floating party with music, singing, and dancing.

I also like the limited group size, capped at 17 people, which can make the day feel more personal than a large excursion boat. The main caution is the word luxury: the catamaran is clean and well kept, but some passengers find it crowded and more lively than luxurious. Conditions outside the lagoon can also bring rough seas, and poor weather may change the plan.

The northern-island experience in five useful points

• Two island stops: You get time at both Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, also known as Flat Island.
• Snorkeling equipment included: You do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel.
• Barbecue lunch on board: Food includes grilled chicken wings, hotdogs, and fish, with vegetarian and vegan choices available if requested in advance.
• Drinks are included: Bottled water and alcoholic beverages are part of the package.
• Small maximum group: The official limit is 17 people, though the sense of space can vary depending on the boat and booking.
• Weather matters: Wind and rough seas can affect the route, swimming, and snorkeling.

Setting out from Bain Boeuf at 9:30 am

The meeting point is Bain Boeuf Public Beach near Cap Malheureux, in the north of Mauritius. You need to make your own way there because hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The cruise begins at 9:30 am and returns to the same meeting point after about six hours.

That arrangement is simple if you are staying in or near Grand Baie and have transport sorted. It is less convenient if you are based elsewhere on the island. Check your route before booking, since a scenic island cruise loses some of its shine if you are rushing to find the beach that morning.

The catamaran heads toward the northern islands, with views of Gunners Coin along the way. The sea route is part of the appeal. You are not simply being delivered to a beach. You spend the day moving across open water, with the north coast and offshore islands providing the scenery.

The word catamaran matters here. You have more room to sit than on a small motorboat, and the broad deck gives you a good place to watch the water. Still, do not expect a private yacht. The boat has a social feel, and the crew may encourage singing, dancing, and conversation.

Ilot Gabriel: a short stop with strong scenery

The first listed stop is Ilot Gabriel Beach, where you get off the boat for around 30 minutes. Ilot Gabriel is the kind of place that makes the cruise worthwhile even if you are not a serious snorkeler. You can walk, sit on the beach, or simply look back at the water and the catamaran from shore.

Thirty minutes is enough for a quick taste, not a long beach visit. You will need to keep an eye on the time and avoid wandering too far from the landing area. If you want a slow beach morning with a book and a long swim, this stop may feel brief.

The water around the northern islands is a major draw. Several passengers describe the sea near Gabriel as especially clear, with fish visible while snorkeling. The experience depends heavily on wind and water conditions, so treat the snorkeling as an opportunity rather than a guarantee.

The crew supplies snorkeling equipment, which is useful if you do not want to pack your own. You should still bring your bathing attire, sun protection, and a towel if you have one available. Caps and hats are recommended, and the tropical sun can be strong even when a breeze makes the air feel comfortable.

Ile Plate and Flat Island: more beach time, same weather concerns

The second stop is Ile Plate Beach, commonly called Flat Island. Again, the planned stop lasts around 30 minutes. You can walk along the beach, relax, or swim before returning to the catamaran.

The two island visits give the day a nice rhythm. You get one short stretch of shore time, then another chance to swim or sit in the sand. That variety is better than spending the whole outing on the boat, especially if you like moving around rather than staying in one place.

Do not picture an untouched private island. These northern islands are popular, and the beach experience can feel busy at times. One of the clearest criticisms of the cruise is that the setting may not provide the quiet, isolated feeling some people expect from a luxury island trip.

That is a fair warning. You are paying for access to a scenic route, food, equipment, drinks, and crew service, not for exclusive use of the islands. If your ideal day means meeting people, enjoying a friendly boat, and seeing beautiful water, the popularity is less of a problem. If you want solitude, you may prefer a smaller private charter.

Snorkeling depends on the sea, not the brochure

The best water activities on this cruise are snorkeling and swimming. Equipment is included, and the northern waters can be clear enough to see fish close to the boat or near the islands.

Yet the open sea has the final say. The catamaran goes outside the lagoon into deeper water, and some departures encounter strong wind and choppy conditions. In those conditions, the ride can be rough, and snorkeling may be limited or impossible.

This is the most important practical point in the entire review. A beautiful destination does not guarantee a calm sea. One difficult departure had to abandon the planned island activities because of wind, and the substitute snorkeling conditions were described as poor. That outcome is not typical of every trip, but it shows why you should not book this solely for guaranteed underwater viewing.

The crew does appear to take safety seriously, and the route may be adjusted when conditions require it. Still, an adjustment may not feel like a satisfying substitute if the islands and clear water were your main reasons for booking. If you are prone to seasickness, bring whatever remedy you normally use and choose a calm-weather date when possible.

Barbecue lunch and drinks keep the day easy

Lunch is served on board and is one of the strongest parts of the package. The food includes barbecue chicken wings, hotdogs, and fish, along with other meal items. Vegetarian and vegan options are available if you advise the operator when booking.

The meal suits the setting. You can eat without leaving the boat for a restaurant, and the crew keeps the atmosphere relaxed. Several passengers describe the food as tasty, generous, and a welcome part of the day rather than a basic afterthought.

Bottled water and alcoholic beverages are included too. That adds real value to a six-hour outing, since you are not constantly reaching for your wallet every time you want a drink. The combination of lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and island access helps explain the price better than the luxury branding does.

The lunch is not fine dining. Think of it as a well-timed barbecue served in a sunny, informal setting. If you want polished table service and a quiet meal, this is not that kind of experience. If you want grilled food, cold drinks, and a sociable boat, it fits nicely.

A crew that brings the energy

The captain and two crew members receive the most consistent praise. They are described as friendly, attentive, funny, and safety conscious. On some departures, the crew encourages everyone to sing and dance, which gives the cruise a festive holiday mood.

That style will suit you if you enjoy a little entertainment with your scenery. It also helps solo passengers and couples meet people during the day. The boat does not feel like a silent sightseeing platform. The crew works to create a shared occasion.

The same quality can be a drawback for anyone seeking a hushed, high-end sailing trip. The atmosphere is more cheerful and informal than refined. The catamaran may be marketed as luxury, but the strongest value comes from hospitality and good organization, not from private-yacht exclusivity.

The small official maximum of 17 people is a positive feature. Several departures have felt comfortably sized, with attentive service from the crew. At other times, passengers have found the boat too full for the luxury feel they expected. Your experience may depend on the number booked for your date and how much personal space you need.

Is $113.99 a good value?

At $113.99 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the northern islands. But the fee includes lunch, bottled water, alcoholic drinks, snorkeling equipment, and the cruise itself. You are also paying for a crewed outing that handles the route, food, and general organization.

That makes the price reasonable for a convenient full-day-style experience, especially if you value not having to arrange separate boat transport, food, and snorkeling gear. The six-hour duration gives you enough time for the journey, two shore stops, a meal, and time in the water.

The value becomes less convincing if rough conditions cancel the island stops or if you expected a private luxury setting. One passenger also noted that booking directly through a hotel could cost less, with a quoted price of 3,200 Mauritian rupees per person. It is worth checking direct rates before paying through a third-party booking platform.

The price is best justified by the full package and the crew. It is not a bargain beach transfer. It is a social catamaran day with food and drinks included.

What to bring and how to prepare

You should arrive ready for sun, salt water, and wind. Bathing attire, suntan lotion, a cap, and a hat are specifically recommended. The boat provides snorkeling equipment, but you can bring personal gear if you prefer a better fit.

Tell the operator about dietary requirements when you book. Vegetarian and vegan meals are available, but advance notice is the sensible way to avoid confusion at lunch.

Think carefully about the season and forecast. A spring day can feel cool on the return ride when the wind picks up, even if the islands were warm and sunny earlier. A light cover-up can make the ride home more comfortable.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Most people can participate, and the activity is near public transportation, but hotel transfers are not included. The experience ends back at Bain Boeuf Public Beach.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a simple way to see two northern islands without arranging a private boat. It is especially suitable for couples, families with older children, and solo passengers who like a friendly group atmosphere.

You will probably enjoy it most if you value:

• Clear water, beach stops, and casual snorkeling
• A barbecue meal rather than restaurant dining
• Drinks included in the price
• A lively crew that may sing and dance
• A small group rather than a large excursion vessel
• A planned day with minimal decisions once you arrive

I would hesitate if you want silence, total privacy, or a guaranteed snorkeling session. I would also think twice if you are very sensitive to rough water. The cruise leaves the sheltered lagoon, and wind can change the experience quickly.

The overall rating is strong at 4.5 out of 5 from 114 ratings, and that matches the pattern of the experience. The crew, food, scenery, and organization are the reliable strengths. The main weak points are weather, occasional crowding, and a luxury label that may set expectations too high.

Should you book the northern-island catamaran cruise?

Book it if your picture of a good Mauritius day includes beautiful offshore islands, a sociable crew, grilled lunch, and time to swim. The route offers a lot for one morning and afternoon, and the included food, drinks, and equipment make the price easier to accept.

Skip it if you want an exclusive yacht charter or a lonely beach experience. For the best chance of enjoying it, check the weather, ask about the expected group size, confirm any dietary needs, and compare the $113.99 rate with direct booking options. On a calm day, this can be one of the most enjoyable ways to see the north of Mauritius.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The cruise starts at Bain Boeuf Public Beach in Cap Malheureux, Mauritius.

What time does the cruise begin?

The scheduled start time is 9:30 am.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately six hours.

Where does the cruise finish?

The activity ends back at the meeting point at Bain Boeuf Public Beach.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The route includes Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, also known as Flat Island.

How long do you spend on each island?

The listed time is about 30 minutes at Ilot Gabriel Beach and 30 minutes at Ile Plate Beach.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A barbecue lunch is included on board.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water and alcoholic beverages are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the experience.

Are vegetarian and vegan meals available?

Yes. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, but you should advise the operator of your dietary needs when booking.