North of Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise w/ BBQ Lunch

Northern Mauritius is at its best from the water, and this six-hour catamaran cruise gives you a full day of sea, sand, and open views without packing in too many stops. You sail past Coin de Mire, look for Pailles-en-Queue seabirds, then spend time around Gabriel Island for swimming, snorkeling, and a beach walk. I like the generous lunch and the free drinks, and I also like that the day leaves room to simply sit in the sun. The main drawback is the sea: rough conditions can change the route, and the trip is a poor match for anyone prone to seasickness.

• Coin de Mire bird watching: Keep watch for Pailles-en-Queue birds around Gunner’s Quoin, a striking northern islet.
• Gabriel Island swimming: You get time for a swim, snorkeling, sunbathing, or a walk along the sandy shore.
• Lunch on board: The BBQ includes fish, chicken, sausage, salads, vegetables, bread, fruit, and vegetarian choices.
• Drinks included: Wine, local rum, Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, cocktails, and water are available.
• A useful full-day rhythm: The boat leaves in the morning and returns to Grand Baie at about 3:30 pm.
• Weather matters: The captain can alter the route for safety if the sea becomes rough or impassable.

Sailing Out From Grand Baie at 9:00 am

You meet the crew in front of the jetty at Sunset Boulevard in Grand Baie. The stated meeting time is 8:45 to 9:00 am, so arrive early enough for check-in rather than rushing down at the last moment.

The published details give both a 9:00 am sailing time and a 9:30 am departure in one section. That is worth checking when you book. The clearest day plan lists a 9:00 am departure, with the boat back at the jetty at 3:30 pm. In practical terms, plan to be ready before 9:00 am and confirm the final time with Blue Safari Mauritius.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You need to arrange your own way to Grand Baie, then find the hostess at the jetty. The meeting point is central to the activity, but the cruise is less convenient if you are staying far from Grand Baie and have not arranged transport.

Once aboard, the appeal is simple. You trade roads and resort traffic for a broad view of the northern sea. The catamaran gives you space to sit, eat, talk, and watch the water during the longer sailing sections. The trip is not built around a packed schedule. Much of the pleasure comes from the time between stops.

Coin de Mire and the Pailles-en-Queue

The first major stretch runs toward the northern islands, with Coin de Mire, also called Gunner’s Quoin, as the key landmark. The islet is known for the white-tailed tropical birds called Pailles-en-Queue. They can be seen gliding around the cliffs and open water, so keep your camera ready, but do not expect a guaranteed wildlife sighting.

This part of the cruise lasts roughly two hours, from about 9:00 to 11:00 am. That may sound long if you are focused only on reaching the beach. I think it is one of the better features of the day, provided you enjoy being on a boat. You get time to watch the changing view, scan the sky, and settle into the pace of the sea.

The crew can point out the birds and nearby islands, with service available in English and French. The supplied information does not name individual guides, so I cannot give you names to look for. The crew is described as friendly, attentive, funny, and talkative, which matters on a six-hour outing. A quiet or distracted crew would make the long sailing sections feel much longer.

Gunner’s Quoin is also a useful reminder that this is more than a transfer to a beach. The northern islands have their own character, and seeing them from the water gives you a sense of their position and shape that you will not get from a resort shoreline.

Gabriel Island From 11:00 am to 12:30 pm

The main stop is Gabriel Island, where you have time for swimming and snorkeling in clear turquoise water. You can also sit on the sand, enjoy the sun, or take a leisurely walk along the beach.

The schedule allows about an hour and a half here. That is enough for a relaxed swim and some time on shore, but it is not a full beach day. You should not expect a long guided snorkeling session or a detailed marine biology program. The crew helps with the water activities, yet the emphasis is free time.

Bring your own snorkeling equipment if you prefer. The information provided does not promise personal gear for every participant, so packing your own mask and snorkel is the safer choice if seeing underwater life is important to you. One useful point from the day’s feedback is that fish sightings may be limited. Snorkeling can still be enjoyable, but do not book this trip expecting a major reef encounter.

That is where expectations matter. The water, beach, and setting are the main attraction. Some people will be happy floating in the lagoon and looking at whatever fish happen to appear. Others may find the snorkeling modest. I would treat it as a pleasant part of a boat-and-island day, not as a specialist snorkeling excursion.

Do not touch marine life or plants, and do not leave litter behind. Those rules are basic, but they matter in a small island setting where careless behavior is easy to see and hard to undo.

A BBQ Lunch With the Sea as Your Dining Room

Lunch is served on the catamaran at about 12:30 pm. The menu includes 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.

The vegetarian menu includes rice salad, potato salad, mixed salad, seasonal vegetables, grilled vegetarian sausages, bread, and fruit. The children’s menu is listed as the same as the adult menu. If you have a serious food allergy or another special dietary need, the supplied information does not explain how it is handled, so ask before booking.

The food is one of the strongest parts of the day. It is varied enough to suit different tastes, and the portions are described as sufficient. This is not a restaurant meal with endless choices, but it is far more useful than a basic sandwich when you are spending hours outdoors.

Drinks include local rum, red, rosé, and white wine, Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, cocktails, and mineral water. Nonalcoholic choices are available, which is important in the heat. I would still make water a priority and use alcohol sensibly, especially if you plan to swim afterward.

You eat aboard the boat rather than leaving the catamaran for a separate restaurant. That saves time and keeps the day moving at an easy pace. After lunch, the schedule gives you another stretch of rest on board until about 2:15 pm.

The Afternoon Sail Back to Grand Baie

After lunch, you have time to relax on the catamaran before the return journey. This is a good chance to dry off, sit in the shade if available, and enjoy the northern view without needing to rush to another activity.

The boat is due back at Sunset Boulevard at approximately 3:30 pm. That makes this a useful morning-to-afternoon plan. You still have the evening free for dinner or another activity in Grand Baie.

The return sail is also the part most affected by weather and sea conditions. If the water becomes rough or the planned route is not safe, the captain can change direction. The alternative may include Gunner’s Quoin or Casita Beach instead of the intended route.

That flexibility is sensible, but it means the exact day cannot be guaranteed. Gabriel Island, Flat Island, and Coin de Mire are named in the planned route, yet the captain has the final say for safety. I would not book this if your main goal is one specific photograph or one nonnegotiable beach stop.

What the $80 Price Really Covers

At $80 per person, the price is reasonable for a six-hour outing if you value an all-in day. You are paying for the catamaran sailing, island access as planned, the BBQ lunch, and a broad selection of drinks. You also get time for swimming, snorkeling, and a beach walk rather than only a scenic cruise.

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, lunch, and drinks. It is less attractive if you only want a short sail or if you do not care about the meal and beverage package.

The lack of hotel transport changes the calculation. You need to get to Sunset Boulevard on your own, and that adds time and possibly a local transport cost. Still, the included food and drinks keep the total fairly clear, with fewer add-on costs once you are aboard.

I also like that the day includes both activity and downtime. Some boat trips try to fill every minute with stops. This one allows a long sail, a proper lunch, an island visit, and a calm return. That pace suits you if you want a social day at sea without turning it into a race.

What to Pack for the Catamaran

Pack for sun, water, and wind. The most useful items are:

• Swimsuit and beachwear
• Towel and a change of clothes
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat
• Waterproof bag or backpack
• Non-slip shoes
• Snorkeling equipment, if you prefer your own
• A light jacket or waterproof jacket
• Insect repellent
• Motion sickness pills, if needed

A waterproof bag protects phones, cameras, wallets, and dry clothes from spray. Non-slip shoes are practical on a wet deck, even if you spend most of your time barefoot or in sandals.

The advice about seasickness deserves attention. This is an open-water outing, and the trip is specifically not suitable for people prone to seasickness. If you are unsure, take appropriate motion sickness medicine according to medical advice and avoid arriving hungry or dehydrated.

The sun can feel stronger on the water because there is little shade from the open sky. Reapply sunscreen after swimming, wear your hat, and keep drinking water even when the breeze makes the temperature feel comfortable.

Who Will Like This Six-Hour Day

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a classic northern Mauritius day with scenery, swimming, a shared meal, and easy social time. It suits couples, families, and groups who enjoy being outdoors but do not need a tightly guided program.

Families should note that the children’s menu is the same as the adult menu. The trip includes swimming and beach time, but the information does not describe a dedicated children’s activity program. Adults should supervise children around the water and on the boat.

It is also a good choice if you want an outing that combines several northern sights without arranging separate transport. You see Coin de Mire, travel toward Flat Island and Gabriel Island, eat aboard the catamaran, and return to Grand Baie the same day.

I would choose another activity if you have limited mobility. The experience is listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments, and the combination of a jetty, boat, beach, and water entry may be difficult.

I would also skip it if snorkeling is your sole reason for booking. The water can be clear and the experience enjoyable, but fish sightings are not assured. The boat ride, beach time, food, and drinks are just as important as the underwater portion.

Small Details That Improve the Day

Arrive at the meeting point early. The stated check-in window begins at 8:45 am, and the main schedule says the boat sails at 9:00 am. Do not rely on the later 9:30 am time without confirming it.

Wear beach clothes from the start. You will not need formal clothing, and a cover-up makes the transition between swimming and lunch easier. Keep your change of clothes in a waterproof bag rather than a loose daypack.

Bring cash or another payment method for personal expenses, since those are not included. The information does not specify what extras are available, so it is best not to assume that every item on the boat is covered.

The activity runs every day from Monday through Sunday, and it can be booked with a reserve-and-pay-later option. Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Those policies are useful if your plans depend on weather, but the sea can still affect the route on the day itself.

Should You Book the Northern Mauritius Catamaran Cruise?

Book it if you want a full, easygoing day on the water and like the idea of combining island scenery with a generous BBQ lunch. The strongest points are the friendly crew, the included drinks, the good range of food, the chance to swim at Gabriel Island, and the slow sailing pace around the northern islands.

Go in with realistic expectations. This is not a guaranteed wildlife trip, a specialist snorkeling tour, or a private yacht charter. The group experience, changing sea conditions, and possible limited fish sightings are part of the deal.

For $80, I think it is good value for a relaxed day that covers the main costs in advance. Pack sun protection, plan for motion on the water, confirm the departure time, and choose it for the whole experience rather than one particular stop.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The cruise starts at Sunset Boulevard in Grand Baie, Mauritius. Meet the hostess in front of the jetty for check-in.

What time should I arrive?

The meeting time is listed as 8:45 to 9:00 am. One section also lists a 9:30 am departure, so confirm the final departure time when booking. The detailed schedule gives 9:00 am as the sailing time.

What time does the cruise return?

The catamaran is scheduled to return to the jetty at Sunset Boulevard at about 3:30 pm.

Which islands are included?

The planned northern route includes Coin de Mire, also called Gunner’s Quoin, Flat Island, and Gabriel Island. The captain may change the route if sea conditions are rough or unsafe.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is served aboard the catamaran. It includes salads, seasonal vegetables, grilled fish, BBQ chicken, chicken sausage, a seafood dish, bread, garlic bread, and seasonal fruit.

Is there a vegetarian meal?

Yes. The vegetarian menu includes rice salad, potato salad, mixed salad, seasonal vegetables, grilled vegetarian sausages, bread, and seasonal fruit.

Which drinks are included?

Included drinks include local rum, red, rosé, and white wine, Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, cocktails, and mineral water.

Can I snorkel at Gabriel Island?

Yes. You have free time for swimming and snorkeling at Gabriel Island. You may bring your own snorkeling equipment if preferred.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, beachwear, a towel, a change of clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a jacket, non-slip shoes, and a waterproof bag. Snorkeling gear, insect repellent, and motion sickness pills may also be useful.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments or seasickness?

The activity is listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments and people prone to seasickness. The captain can change the route if sea conditions become rough or impassable.