Your Island Voyage Mauritius Speed Boat Excursion With BBQ Lunch

The best part of this Mauritius excursion is the combination of private speedboat travel and generous time ashore. You move quickly between the northern islands, then slow down for snorkeling, a beach walk, and a freshly prepared BBQ on Ile Plate. Guides Stéphane and Coco lead the trip, with safety kept firmly in view.

I like the small-group setup, since the boat belongs only to your party of up to eight people. I also like the balance between active stops and easy beach time, plus the chance to see dolphins, turtles, and rays if conditions bring them near. The main consideration is the early start and six-and-a-half-hour day, which may feel demanding if you do not handle sun, boat motion, or moderate physical activity well.

Key points at a glance

• Three northern islands in one day: Visit Ilot Gabriel, Ile Plate, and Coin de Mire from a Cap Malheureux departure point.
• Private boat for up to eight: Your group travels together instead of sharing the speedboat with strangers.
• A real beach lunch: Expect seafood, meat, local side dishes, fresh fruit juice, and Mauritian rum at Ile Plate.
• Two planned snorkeling sessions: You can snorkel at Ilot Gabriel and again around Coin de Mire, with equipment supplied.
• Stéphane and Coco lead the day: The crew is praised for attentive service, strong safety habits, and a friendly approach.
• Weather matters: The route can change, and poor conditions may lead to a new date or a full refund.

Why this northern Mauritius boat trip works so well

Northern Mauritius is best seen from the water. From Cap Malheureux, the shoreline gives way to small islands, open sea, pale beaches, and clear swimming areas that are difficult to connect in a single land-based outing.

This tour makes good use of a speedboat. You spend less time getting from place to place and more time enjoying the islands. That matters on a six-and-a-half-hour schedule, especially when you want both snorkeling and a proper lunch stop.

The private format is a major advantage. Up to eight people can book the entire activity, so you are not tied to a large group’s pace. You can enjoy a family day, a couple’s outing with friends, or a small celebration without sharing the boat with people you do not know.

I also like the way the day avoids being only a boat ride. You get a guided walk, beach time, snorkeling, a lighthouse visit, lunch, and views of Coin de Mire. The result feels more varied than an outing that simply circles the islands and returns to shore.

The crew is another important part of the appeal. Stéphane and Coco are named as the main team, and the strongest praise focuses on their care, professionalism, kindness, and attention to safety. That is especially useful on a fast boat, where clear instructions and a calm crew make the day more comfortable.

Starting at Cap Malheureux at 8:30 a.m.

You meet at 2J8C+365 in Cap Malheureux, with the boat returning to the same place later in the afternoon. The meeting point is near the famous Red-Roofed Church, and parking is available nearby.

Arrive at least 30 minutes early. The scheduled arrival time is 8:30 a.m., but giving yourself extra time helps with parking, finding the crew, and getting ready without rushing. The boat departs at 9 a.m. after a welcome, safety briefing, and outline of the day.

The briefing is not just a formality. You will be moving around a speedboat, swimming in open water, and boarding or leaving the boat at island stops. Listen closely to the crew’s instructions, especially if you are traveling with children or anyone who is not a confident swimmer.

Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, and a towel. You should also plan for a long day in direct sun. Snorkeling equipment and safety gear are provided, so you do not need to bring your own mask or fins unless you prefer using familiar equipment.

Private transportation to Cap Malheureux is not included. You need to arrange your own way to the meeting point, either by car or public transport. The activity is near public transportation, and those driving can use parking near the Red-Roofed Church.

Ilot Gabriel, your first island stop

The boat leaves Cap Malheureux at about 9 a.m. and reaches Ilot Gabriel around 9:45 a.m. This first crossing gives you an immediate sense of why a speedboat is useful here. You get out across the water quickly, then have a full hour to enjoy the island.

The stop includes a guided walk, beach time, swimming, and snorkeling. You can follow the guide to learn about the island, then choose how to spend your free time. If you want a quiet start, stay on the beach. If you are keen to see marine life, use the supplied snorkeling equipment.

This is a good first water stop because it lets you settle into the rhythm of the day. You can test the water, adjust your mask, and get comfortable before the later snorkeling opportunity at Coin de Mire.

One hour is enough for a taste, but it is not a long island visit. If you want a slow, unhurried beach morning, the schedule may feel brisk. The tradeoff is that you also get two more island stops and a substantial lunch break.

Ile Plate and the three-hour beach lunch

The boat leaves Ilot Gabriel at about 11:30 a.m. and reaches Ile Plate around noon. This is the longest stop, with three hours set aside for a guided island visit, a lighthouse stop, a beach BBQ, and time to relax.

The lighthouse adds some character to the visit. It gives the island stop a point of interest beyond sand and swimming, while the guide explains the place and its role in the area. The exact amount of walking is not specified, so you should be ready for a moderate level of activity rather than expecting to remain beside the boat.

Lunch is prepared on the beach. The menu includes seafood, meat, local side dishes, fresh fruit juice, and Mauritian rum. That mix gives you a chance to eat something more substantial than the usual snacks served on short boat trips.

Food is one of the strongest features of this outing. The meal is part of the experience, not an afterthought, and the three-hour stop gives you time to eat without having to hurry straight back onto the boat. After lunch, you can relax on the beach before the next crossing.

Special dietary needs and food allergies can be handled with advance notice. Mention them when booking rather than waiting until the morning of the trip. That gives the team time to plan the meal properly.

The rum is locally prepared, but you should pace yourself. You still have a boat ride and another snorkeling stop ahead. Fresh juice and water-friendly choices make it easy to keep lunch enjoyable without turning the afternoon into a sleepy one.

I would treat Ile Plate as the heart of the day. It brings together the relaxed side of the excursion, the food, the local setting, and a little history from the lighthouse. The only drawback is that three hours can feel long for anyone who prefers constant movement, though the beach and swimming give you ways to use the time.

Coin de Mire and the final snorkeling session

At about 2:30 p.m., the boat leaves Ile Plate for Coin de Mire, also called Gunner’s Quoin. Arrival is planned for about 3 p.m., leaving roughly an hour for views, a final snorkel, and a guide-led explanation of the island’s importance.

Coin de Mire has a more dramatic character than the beach-focused stops. You will have a chance to take in the island’s steep, striking shape from the water and learn about its place in the area. The stop is as much about scenery and context as it is about swimming.

The final snorkeling session is useful because conditions can change during the day. If the water at Ilot Gabriel was not ideal, you have another chance to see marine life here. The trip’s strongest wildlife possibilities include dolphins, turtles, and rays, though sightings are never guaranteed.

Plan to keep your expectations sensible. This is a marine outing, not a wildlife guarantee. The crew can take you to good areas, but animals move freely and sea conditions affect visibility. You may see a great deal, or you may mainly enjoy the water, rocks, and open views.

The boat heads back to Cap Malheureux at about 4 p.m. and arrives around 4:30 p.m. The return crossing gives you one last look at the northern coast before disembarkation.

What the private format is worth

The total price is $615.47 per group of up to eight people. That works out to about $77 per person if eight people share the boat, though the per-person cost rises with a smaller party.

For a full private outing, the value is reasonable if your group wants control over the day and prefers not to share a boat. The price includes the speedboat, safety equipment, snorkeling equipment, an English or French guide, certified crew, BBQ lunch, and locally prepared drinks.

You are also paying for the route. Three island stops, two snorkeling opportunities, a lighthouse visit, and three hours on Ile Plate would be difficult to arrange independently in one day. Private transportation is not included, so you need to add the cost of reaching Cap Malheureux.

The format is especially attractive for families and groups of friends. You can keep your party together, enjoy the meal as a group, and avoid the awkwardness of joining a much larger excursion. Couples may also find the private boat appealing, though the fixed group price is better value with several people.

The experience is booked, on average, well ahead of the date, around 94 days in advance. If you want a particular morning during a busy holiday period, booking early is sensible.

Safety, swimming, and comfort on the water

The tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness. You should be comfortable stepping on and off a boat, walking on an island, swimming or snorkeling, and spending several hours outside.

You do not have to snorkel at every stop. The itinerary allows beach time and swimming, so non-snorkelers can still enjoy the islands. Still, the day is built around the water, and anyone who dislikes boats or cannot manage time in the sun may prefer a shorter land-based activity.

Safety receives strong attention from the crew. You will receive a briefing before departure, and safety equipment is supplied. The certified guide and crew are there to manage the boat and help you understand the day’s conditions.

Weather can change the route. The itinerary may be adjusted when conditions require it, and the activity can be canceled if the weather is poor. In that case, you are offered another date or a full refund.

That weather rule is worth taking seriously in your planning. Keep some flexibility in your Mauritius schedule, especially if the boat excursion is one of the main highlights of your holiday.

Who should book this Mauritius excursion

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a full northern-island day rather than a short cruise. It suits people who like combining fast boat travel, swimming, snorkeling, beach time, food, and light walking.

Families can benefit from the private format, particularly when children have different energy levels. One child can snorkel while another stays on the beach, and the group does not have to match the pace of strangers.

It also works well for groups of friends. The per-person price improves with a larger party, and the BBQ lunch creates a natural break in the day.

You may want to choose another activity if you prefer a quiet, slow boat ride, need private transportation included, or want a schedule with no weather-related changes. The speedboat is central to the experience, and the day includes several transitions between islands.

The excursion is conducted in English or French. If language is important to your group, confirm your preference when booking.

Booking, cancellations, and practical planning

Confirmation is provided at the time of booking. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund.

Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted, and the amount paid is not refunded. The same 24-hour cut-off applies to the cancellation terms, so check the local time carefully.

Plan your clothing around water and sun. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat. Food allergies or special dietary needs should be provided in advance.

The activity returns to Cap Malheureux at the end of the day. Since transportation is not part of the package, leave enough time to arrange your return after the planned 4:30 p.m. arrival.

Should you book the Your Island Voyage Mauritius speedboat trip?

Book it if you want a private northern-island day with plenty of variety. The combination of Ilot Gabriel, Ile Plate, Coin de Mire, snorkeling, a lighthouse, and a beach BBQ gives you much more than a simple scenic ride.

I especially like the private boat, the safety-minded crew, and the generous Ile Plate stop. Stéphane and Coco add a personal touch, while the food makes the middle of the day feel like a proper Mauritian outing rather than a basic packed lunch.

The choice is less clear if you dislike speedboats, need a guaranteed wildlife sighting, or want every minute to be slow and unstructured. For most active families, couples, and small groups, though, this is a strong way to see the northern islands in one well-planned day.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

The tour starts at 2J8C+365 in Cap Malheureux, Mauritius, near the Red-Roofed Church.

What time should I arrive?

The scheduled start time is 8:30 a.m. You are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure for a relaxed check-in and safety briefing.

Where does the activity end?

The boat returns to the same Cap Malheureux meeting point. The planned arrival time is about 4:30 p.m.

How long does the excursion last?

The activity lasts approximately six hours and 30 minutes.

How many people can join the private boat?

The private activity is for your group only and can include up to eight people.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Ilot Gabriel, Ile Plate, and Coin de Mire, also known as Gunner’s Quoin.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is included at Ile Plate, with seafood, meat, local side dishes, fresh fruit juice, and Mauritian rum.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and safety equipment are included.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The itinerary may be adjusted because of weather. If the activity is canceled due to poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.