Mauritius: Catamaran cruise to 3 Northern Isles with lunch

Three islands, one generous lunch. This full-day catamaran trip from Grand Bay combines white-sand beaches and clear water with a relaxed boat ride, a swim, and a barbecue served on board. I especially like the chance to visit Gabriel and Flat Islands in one outing, and the included food and drinks make the $76 price easier to justify. The main drawback is that sea conditions can change the route, and snorkeling equipment is not provided.

You spend about seven hours on the water, returning to the jetty around 4 p.m. The crew speaks English and French, and the catamaran is reported to be clean, well kept, and roomy enough for around 35 people to move about comfortably. Bring water for your time on the island, strong sun protection, and water shoes, since coral and rough ground can make bare feet a poor choice.

Key points to know before you book

• Three northern islands in one day: Visit Flat Island, Gabriel Island, and Gunners Coin, with the exact order shaped by tides and sea conditions.
• Gabriel Island is the main beach stop: Expect time for swimming, sun, and snorkeling in clear coastal water.
• Lunch is served on the catamaran: BBQ chicken, fish, and sausage come with salads, rice, potato, pasta, bread, fruit, and drinks.
• Bring your own snorkel gear: Equipment is not included, so pack a mask, snorkel, and water shoes if you have them.
• The boat can be wet and slippery: Take care when walking on deck, especially after swimming or during rougher seas.
• Weather controls the day: A second snorkeling stop at Gunners Coin is possible, but not guaranteed.

Setting out from Grand Bay

Grand Bay is the launch point for this northern-island cruise. The trip lasts about seven hours, so you get a full day at sea rather than a short boat transfer with a quick beach stop.

The catamaran gives you several ways to spend the ride. You can sit on deck, watch the coast recede, talk with the crew, or simply let the breeze do the work. The mood is social rather than formal, and the crew is described as friendly, funny, attentive, and careful about safety.

That last point matters. A catamaran is stable compared with many smaller boats, but it still moves with the sea. One recent outing had roughly 35 people on board, yet there was enough room to move around comfortably. You should still expect spray, damp deck surfaces, and a little rolling when the sea picks up.

The captain can also change the sequence of stops. Tides, water depth, currents, and weather all matter around small islands and coral areas. That flexibility is sensible, though it means you should not treat the order in the published schedule as fixed.

Flat Island and Gabriel Island

Flat Island and Gabriel Island are the central attraction. They offer the simple pleasures that make a northern Mauritius boat day worthwhile: pale sand, open views, warm water, and a break from the busier resort areas.

Gabriel Island is the main place to get off the boat and spend time ashore. The beach is suited to swimming and relaxing, while the water around the island offers the trip’s main snorkeling opportunity. If you want a quiet hour with a book, a swim, or a stretch of sand beneath your feet, this is the part of the day to protect.

Do not expect a developed beach facility. There are no drinks available on the island, so carry a bottle from the boat. This is especially important because the stop can last about two hours, and the sun can be fierce. The catamaran has drinks in good supply, but that does not help once you are on shore without a bottle.

Water shoes are another smart addition. Coral and uneven areas can make walking uncomfortable, and protective footwear is useful when entering the water. Pack a towel, beachwear, and a change of clothes as requested, but keep your bag light and easy to carry.

Flat Island adds another view of the northern coast, although the precise time spent there can vary with the day’s conditions. The value is not a long list of formal attractions. It is the chance to see several protected island settings in one outing, each with its own shoreline and position in the open sea.

The islands are protected nature reserves, which helps explain their undeveloped character. You get fewer conveniences, but you also get a stronger sense of open space and natural coast. Treat the beach and reef carefully, and take your rubbish back to the boat.

Snorkeling around Gabriel and Gunners Coin

Snorkeling is included as an activity, but equipment is not. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you want to spend real time looking beneath the surface. If you do not have gear, the trip still works as a swimming and island excursion, but you will miss one of its main features.

The water around Gabriel Island is described as clear, with coral gardens and reef fish. Conditions can vary, so visibility and comfort will depend on wind, current, tide, and the captain’s safety judgment. You should be comfortable in open water and follow the crew’s instructions closely.

Gunners Coin, also called Coin de Mire, may provide another short snorkeling stop on the return journey. This stop is conditional. Poor weather, rough water, currents, or the captain’s decision can remove it from the day’s plan.

That uncertainty is not a flaw in itself. It is the correct way to handle a sea excursion. You should view Gunners Coin as an extra chance rather than a promise. If conditions are good, the stop may offer a memorable look at reef fish in their natural setting. If not, the crew may pass by without stopping or adjust the route.

Use caution on and near the boat. The deck can stay wet for much of the day, and it may become slippery after swimmers return. Move slowly, hold on when needed, and do not rush from the deck into the water.

A BBQ lunch served at sea

The included lunch is one of the strongest parts of the package. The catamaran turns into a floating dining room after the beach visit, with BBQ chicken, fish, and sausage as the main choices.

You also get green salad, rice, potato, pasta, fresh vegetables, warm bread, and fruit for dessert. Drinks include water, wine, beer, local punch, and rum. That is a generous spread for a boat trip, and it removes the need to buy a separate meal during the day.

The lunch is served after the island stop, which makes practical sense. You can swim and walk first, then return to the boat, dry off, and eat. On one well-regarded outing, the crew cleaned and dried the deck after lunch, making it more comfortable to sit around afterward.

Do not expect restaurant service or a quiet dining room. This is an informal meal with sea air, wet swimsuits, and a shared buffet. For me, that is part of the appeal. The food gives the trip substance, not just scenery, and the included alcoholic drinks add value for adults who want a leisurely afternoon on board.

The lunch also helps explain the $76 price. You are paying for a seven-hour catamaran outing, several island stops, a substantial meal, and a range of drinks. Hotel transfers and snorkeling equipment are not included, so your total cost will be higher if you add transport or need to rent gear separately.

What the crew and boat add

A good boat day depends heavily on the crew. Here, the strongest praise goes to the staff’s attitude, safety attention, and ability to keep the mood light without making the day feel careless.

The crew gives instructions, watches conditions, and helps passengers feel comfortable. That is useful when the boat is moving, the deck is wet, or people are preparing to snorkel. The captain also has authority to alter the route, which puts safety ahead of sticking rigidly to a schedule.

The catamaran itself has been described as clean and in good condition. Space is not unlimited, but a group of about 35 people still had room to sit and move freely. If you prefer a private, silent boat ride, this is not that kind of experience. If you like a friendly shared outing, the group setting should suit you.

The crew may also add small personal touches. On one outing, a child was allowed to sit at the helm and steer for around ten minutes. I would not book this expecting every child to receive the same opportunity, but it shows the sort of warm, informal atmosphere that can make a family day memorable.

Sun, weather, and comfort

The northern islands offer little shelter from the sun. Apply sunscreen before leaving Grand Bay, then keep applying it throughout the day. Strong heat and reflected light from the water can catch you even if you have already spent several days in Mauritius.

Bring:

• A refillable bottle of water for the island stop
• Reef-friendly sunscreen or high-protection sunscreen
• A towel and change of clothes
• Swimwear
• Water shoes
• Your own snorkeling equipment
• A light cover-up or hat if you use one

The weather can change during the day. One outing continued despite poor conditions developing later, while the crew kept passengers informed and focused on safety. In rough weather, the trip may be rescheduled. If another suitable date cannot be arranged, a full refund is offered.

You should also be aware that the route can change because of currents, water depth, or tides. The order of island visits may shift, and some activities may be shortened or omitted. That is normal for a sea-based trip, but it is worth accepting before you book.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a full day outdoors and prefer variety over a single beach visit. You get a boat ride, island time, swimming, snorkeling, a social lunch, and views of three northern islands in one package.

It is a particularly good fit for couples, families with older children, and groups of friends who enjoy being on the water. The crew’s friendly manner and included lunch make it easy to settle into the day without planning every detail yourself.

It is not suitable for children under three or people with mobility impairments. The wet deck, boat movement, beach access, and water activities require reasonable physical confidence. If you are nervous around open water, ask yourself whether you will be comfortable with a full day on a moving boat before paying.

This is also not the best choice if you want a guaranteed snorkeling session at every stop or a fixed route. The sea gets the final say. You should choose it for the overall day, not for one exact beach, reef, or photo opportunity.

Is $76 good value?

At $76 per person, the trip offers solid value if you use the full package. A seven-hour catamaran ride, visits to three northern islands, swimming, snorkeling opportunities, BBQ food, and several drinks would be expensive to arrange separately.

The value is strongest for adults who will enjoy the lunch and drinks, and for anyone staying in northern Mauritius who can reach Grand Bay without paying for an additional transfer. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, though they may be arranged for an extra charge.

The price is less attractive if you need transport, must buy snorkeling gear, or mainly want a short beach visit. You may also find the day less satisfying if rough seas limit the route. Still, with an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 from 77 ratings, the experience has a solid record, especially for its crew, food, boat condition, and scenery.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want an easy, social day exploring Mauritius by sea, and if you are happy to let weather and tides shape the schedule. The best reasons to go are the three-island route, the generous onboard lunch, and a crew that pays close attention to comfort and safety.

Skip it if you need guaranteed calm water, fixed timings, hotel transport included, or fully accessible facilities. For everyone else, bring your own snorkel gear, water shoes, a bottle of water, and far more sunscreen than you think you need. Those small preparations can turn a hot, wet boat day into one of your most enjoyable outings in northern Mauritius.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran cruise last?

The cruise lasts about seven hours. The return to the jetty is scheduled for around 4 p.m., though weather and sea conditions can affect the timing and route.

Which islands does the trip visit?

The planned northern-island stops are Flat Island, Gabriel Island, and Gunners Coin, also known as Coin de Mire. The order and exact stops may change because of tides, currents, water depth, or weather.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. You need to bring your own snorkeling equipment if you want to snorkel. Swimming and snorkeling are included activities, but the mask and other gear are not supplied.

What food and drinks are included?

The lunch includes BBQ chicken, fish, sausage, salad, rice, potato, pasta, vegetables, bread, and fruit for dessert. Included drinks are water, wine, beer, local punch, and rum.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the listed price. They may be arranged separately for an additional cost.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The itinerary may change for safety reasons, and the trip can be rescheduled in adverse weather or rough seas. An alternative date is offered, and if no suitable date can be arranged, a full refund is provided.