Luxury Catamaran Cruise: The Northern Islands

The best part of this northern-islands cruise is the combination of open-sea sailing and island time. You leave from Cap Malheureux, pass striking offshore scenery, then stop at Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate for swimming, walking, and beach time.

I like the strong mix of value and fun: lunch, snorkelling equipment, bottled water, and alcoholic drinks are included. I also like the small advertised group size of up to 17 people, plus the warm, musical crew led on some departures by William and his teammate. The main caution is the sea. Outside the sheltered lagoon, wind can make the ride rough and may force changes to the planned stops.

Key points to know before booking

• Two northern-island stops: Spend about 30 minutes at Ilot Gabriel and another 30 minutes at Ile Plate.
• Open-sea sailing: The route can be choppy beyond the lagoon, especially in windy weather.
• Lunch and drinks included: Expect a barbecue meal, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages during the trip.
• Snorkelling is weather dependent: Equipment is supplied, but rough water can make swimming unsafe or reduce visibility.
• Small-group format: The stated maximum is 17 people, though the boat can still feel busy at times.
• Simple meeting point: Meet at Bain Boeuf Public Beach at 9:30 a.m. and return there after the cruise.

Setting out from Bain Boeuf at 9:30 a.m.

Your day begins at Bain Boeuf Public Beach near Cap Malheureux, on the north coast of Mauritius. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the beach and arrive ready for a 9:30 a.m. departure.

That meeting point matters. If you are staying in Grand Baie or elsewhere in the north, this is a practical location, but you should not assume the cruise operator will collect you at your hotel. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, which makes planning easier once you have sorted out your morning transport.

The advertised sailing time is about six hours. That is long enough to feel like a proper day on the water without taking up your entire day. Bring swimwear under your clothes, sun lotion, a hat or cap, and something light to cover your shoulders. The return ride can feel cool if the wind picks up, even in a warm season.

The catamaran carries a maximum of 17 people according to the tour details. That is a much more manageable number than a large excursion boat, and some departures feel pleasantly personal. Still, the word luxury needs a little care. One review found the boat too crowded to feel truly luxurious, while others praised the small capacity and easy atmosphere. I would treat this as a comfortable social cruise rather than a private yacht charter.

Sailing past Gunners Coin and the north coast

The trip is not just about getting from one beach to another. Part of its appeal is the view from the water as you leave Mauritius behind and head toward the northern islands.

Gunners Coin is one of the route’s memorable sights. You can admire it from the catamaran as the crew handles the sailing route toward the island stops. The northern coast has a more exposed feel once you move beyond the lagoon, and that change is important to understand before you book.

Inside protected water, the ride may feel calm and easy. Outside it, wind and swell can make the boat move sharply. Some people will find this exciting. If you are prone to seasickness or prefer a still boat, you should take the forecast seriously and ask about conditions before departure.

The crew is a major part of the experience. Their style is friendly and lively rather than formal. On some trips, the captain and two crew members keep the mood going with jokes, music, singing, and dancing. Names are not guaranteed on every departure, but William and his teammate have been singled out for their kindness and attention.

That energy can make a six-hour trip feel relaxed and sociable. It also means this is not the right choice if you want a silent, private sail. You will share the boat with other people, and the crew clearly aims to create a party atmosphere at times.

Ilot Gabriel: half an hour on a protected island

The first listed stop is Ilot Gabriel Beach, where you get off the boat and have about 30 minutes on the island. Ilot Gabriel is valued for its clean beach, clear water, and natural setting, but the stop is brief.

Thirty minutes gives you time to walk a little, take photographs, and get into the water. It does not give you much time for a long beach stroll or a slow exploration of every corner. Keep your expectations realistic. This is a scenic break within a wider cruise, not a full island visit.

The island is part of the northern route that makes this outing attractive. You are not simply swimming beside the mainland. You are reaching offshore places with a more remote feel, even though they are popular excursion stops.

That popularity can shape the experience. If you imagine having a completely empty beach to yourself, you may be disappointed. The islands are well known and can draw several boats. The scenery is still beautiful, but the mood may be shared rather than solitary.

I would use this first stop to enjoy the setting without trying to do too much. Take in the pale beach, look back toward the boat and surrounding water, and save some energy for swimming at the next stop. The short timing works best when you accept it as a snapshot, not a full afternoon.

Ile Plate: swim, walk, and slow down

The second listed stop is Ile Plate Beach, also called Flat Island. You have about 30 minutes to walk, relax, and swim.

The appeal here is simple. You can step onto the beach, stretch your legs after sitting on the catamaran, and get into the Indian Ocean if conditions allow. The island gives the cruise a useful change of pace. Ilot Gabriel is a quick scenic stop, while Ile Plate is described more directly as a place for a walk or swim.

The water conditions decide how much you can do. On a calm day, this may be the part you remember most, with time in clear water and a chance to use the supplied snorkelling equipment. On a windy day, the crew may limit water activities or adjust the route for safety.

That weather risk is not a small footnote. One difficult departure could not reach the planned islands because of choppy seas, and the planned activities were canceled. A substitute stop and lagoon snorkelling did not offer the same clear water or island setting. The crew cannot control the wind, but this experience shows why you should ask about the day’s conditions before setting out.

When conditions are good, the stop is well suited to people who want a little activity without a demanding excursion. You do not need to hike or follow a tight sightseeing schedule. You can swim, walk, or sit on the beach and let the hour pass.

Snorkelling in the Indian Ocean

Snorkelling equipment is included, which improves the value of the trip. You do not need to rent a mask and fins separately or bring your own gear, although you may prefer your personal equipment if you have it.

Clear-water snorkelling has been one of the strongest parts of good departures. The fish and water visibility can make the stop feel far more special than a simple beach landing. The northern islands offer the setting people usually hope for from a Mauritius boat trip: bright water, offshore rock, and marine life close to the boat.

Still, no operator can promise perfect snorkelling every day. Wind can stir the water, make the boat roll, or create conditions that are not safe for swimming. A few departures may have limited water time or no useful snorkelling at all.

I recommend treating the snorkelling as a bonus rather than the sole reason to pay for the cruise. If your main goal is underwater viewing, check the forecast and confirm the route before you go. If you want a broader day that includes sailing, beaches, food, and swimming when possible, the weather risk is easier to accept.

Children can take part, but they must be accompanied by an adult. Most people can participate, although you should be comfortable boarding a boat, moving around a beach, and handling open-water conditions.

Barbecue lunch and drinks on board

Lunch is included, and the food receives some of the warmest praise. The barbecue has included items such as chicken wings, hot dogs, and fish, with drinks served during the day. Bottled water and alcoholic beverages are also part of the package.

This is useful in practical terms. You do not need to pack a separate meal, and you can stay on the boat between island stops without worrying about finding food. A hot lunch also gives the middle of the trip a clear pause after the morning sailing and swimming.

The food is casual rather than fine dining. Think of a fresh barbecue served in a relaxed setting, not a plated restaurant meal. That fits the character of the cruise well. You eat with the sea around you, and the crew may keep the music and conversation going.

Tell the operator about dietary requirements when booking. Vegetarian and vegan choices are available if requested in advance. Do not wait until boarding to mention a special diet, since the crew needs notice to prepare properly.

Alcohol is included, but use good judgment if the sea is rough. A drink on a calm catamaran can be pleasant. Alcohol plus strong movement is a poor combination, especially if you are already sensitive to motion.

Is $113.99 good value?

At $113.99 per person, this cruise is not the cheapest way to spend a morning in Mauritius. It becomes more reasonable when you count what is included: roughly six hours on the water, two island stops, lunch, snorkelling gear, bottled water, and alcoholic drinks.

The value is strongest for anyone who wants a complete northern-islands day without arranging separate boat transport, beach visits, and lunch. You are paying for the route and the convenience, not just a ride to one beach.

The price deserves a comparison, though. One person reported paying less by booking directly through a hotel, quoting 3,200 Mauritian rupees per person. Prices can change, and the comparison may not be identical, but it is worth asking your hotel or the operator about direct rates before paying through a third-party booking site.

The advertised cap of 17 people also helps justify the price. This is not presented as a huge party boat. Even so, the boat may feel full when everyone is seated, eating, or preparing to get into the water. If you want guaranteed privacy, this is not the product to choose.

What can go wrong, and how to plan around it

The biggest variable is the weather. The cruise requires good conditions, and the operator may cancel if the weather is poor. In that case, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Once the boat leaves, conditions can still worsen. The operator may alter the route, shorten water time, or replace an island stop. That is sensible from a safety point of view, but it can change the value of your day. A substitute beach or lagoon stop may not match the advertised northern-island experience.

The standard cancellation terms are strict. This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for personal reasons. If you cancel or request an amendment, you do not receive your money back. The weather exception applies when the operator cancels because of poor conditions, not simply because you change your mind.

The trip may also be canceled if it does not reach the required minimum number of participants. In that case, you are offered another date, another experience, or a full refund.

I would book this when your schedule has some flexibility and the forecast looks sound. Bring a light layer for the ride home, protect your phone from spray, and keep your day free enough that a delayed return will not cause trouble.

Who will enjoy this northern-islands cruise?

I think this is best for you if you want a social day at sea with a clear route and plenty included in the price. Couples, families with older children, and small groups of friends should find the format easy to enjoy.

It suits people who value atmosphere as much as scenery. The crew may encourage singing and dancing, and the mood can become genuinely cheerful. The boat feels more like a friendly shared outing than a quiet sailing lesson.

You may want another option if your priority is solitude, luxury service, or a long uninterrupted snorkelling session. The islands are popular, the stop times are short, and the sea can be rough beyond the lagoon.

The cruise also suits you if you prefer not to organize lunch and equipment yourself. With food, drinks, and snorkelling gear already covered, the day is straightforward once you reach Bain Boeuf.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want to see Mauritius from the water, visit Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, and enjoy a lively barbecue day with a personable crew. At $113.99, the package is fair when the sea is calm and the planned route runs normally.

I would hesitate only if rough water is a serious concern, if you need a quiet luxury experience, or if you cannot accept the strict cancellation terms. Check the weather, ask about direct booking prices, and request vegetarian or vegan food in advance.

For most people, the winning formula is simple: beautiful northern islands, a capable and entertaining crew, included lunch and drinks, and time to swim when nature cooperates. Just remember that the Indian Ocean gets the final say.

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 a.m.

Where does the cruise end?

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

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately six hours.

Are hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must arrange your own transport to and from Bain Boeuf Public Beach.

Which islands and beaches are included?

The planned stops are Ilot Gabriel Beach and Ile Plate Beach, also known as Flat Island. Each stop is listed as approximately 30 minutes.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with bottled water and alcoholic beverages. Vegetarian and vegan options are available if you advise the operator when booking.

Is snorkelling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment is included, although water activities can change or be limited if sea conditions are rough.

Can children join the cruise?

Yes. Children may participate, but they must be accompanied by an adult.

What happens if the operator cancels because of bad weather?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if the experience is canceled because of poor weather.