Mauritius: Catamaran cruise to 3 Northern Isles with lunch

Mauritius’ Northern Isles are the real attraction here: white sand, clear water, coral gardens, and a full day on a catamaran rather than a quick photo stop. I like the chance to visit Gabriel and Flat islands in one outing, then possibly snorkel near Gunners Coin on the way back.

I also like the practical value. For $76, you get seven hours at sea, a BBQ lunch, water, wine, beer, local punch, rum, and soft drinks. The main drawback is that snorkeling gear is not included, and rough water can change the route or make the ride lively.

Key points

• Three Northern Isles in one day: Visit Flat Island, Gabriel Island, and possibly Gunners Coin, also called Coin de Mire.
• A proper seven-hour outing: The boat leaves from Grand Bay and usually returns to the jetty around 16:00.
• Lunch is served on board: Expect BBQ chicken, fish, sausages, salads, rice, potatoes, pasta, bread, fruit, and drinks.
• Bring your own snorkeling equipment: Gear is not supplied, so pack a mask, snorkel, and water shoes if you have them.
• The weather controls the plan: Stops and their order can change with currents, tides, wind, and sea conditions.
• A friendly, safety-minded crew: The crew gives instructions, watches conditions, and keeps the catamaran clean during the day.

Grand Bay to the Northern Isles

Your day begins at the jetty in Grand Bay, one of Mauritius’ main departure points for boat trips. From there, the catamaran heads toward the northern islands, with views opening across the sea as the coast falls behind you.

This is not a short transfer with a quick stop attached. Seven hours gives the trip time to feel like a full day out on the water. You can sit on deck, watch the islands grow clearer, and move between swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and simple time in the sun.

The boat has been described as clean and well maintained, with enough room for a group of around 35 people to move about comfortably. That number is not a guaranteed group size for every departure, but it gives you a useful idea of the feel: social and friendly, without necessarily being packed shoulder to shoulder.

The catamaran is also a wet environment. Spray, wet feet, and slippery sections are part of the day, especially after swimming. I would keep your phone and other valuables protected, and I would not wear anything you need to keep perfectly dry.

Gabriel Island and its white-sand beach

Gabriel Island is one of the day’s main stops. The boat reaches the beach, and you have time to get into the water, walk along the sand, and enjoy the setting without rushing straight back aboard.

The island is valued for its simple natural appeal. There are no elaborate attractions to tick off. The pleasure comes from pale sand, open sea, and the chance to slow down for a while. If your ideal island stop means a beach, a swim, and a good view rather than shops and entertainment, Gabriel should suit you.

One important detail is the heat. A recent outing left people on the island for about two hours, and there are no drinks available on the island itself. Take a bottle of water with you when you go ashore. The catamaran carries plenty of drinks, but you may not be able to reach them while you are on the beach.

Sun protection matters here. Even if you have already used sunscreen earlier in your holiday, reapply it before leaving the boat and again during the beach stop. The sun reflected off the water and pale sand can catch you quickly. A hat and cover-up are also sensible, though you should still bring beachwear for swimming.

The shoreline may include coral and rougher areas, so water shoes are useful. They protect your feet and make walking in shallow water more comfortable. Flip-flops can be awkward once they fill with water or slide around.

Flat Island and the changing route

Flat Island is included among the Northern Isles visited on the trip. The exact order of the stops can change, and the day may be adjusted if tides, water depth, currents, or wind make a planned approach unsafe.

That flexibility is worth understanding before you book. You are paying for a day among these islands, but not for a fixed minute-by-minute schedule. Boat captains need to work with the sea, not against it. A change in order can also help the crew find a safer or calmer place for swimming.

Flat Island adds another view of the northern island group, and the approach itself is part of the experience. From the catamaran, you can take in the coastline and open water before deciding whether you want to swim, snorkel, sit in the sun, or simply enjoy the ride.

The ride can be smooth, but it can also be lively. One recent trip was described as a wild ride over the waves, while another went ahead despite worsening afternoon weather and still remained enjoyable. That contrast tells you what to expect: conditions can shift during the day, and your comfort may depend on how well you handle motion at sea.

If you are prone to seasickness, consider taking your usual precautions before departure. The supplied information does not specify onboard medication or special seating, so you should plan for yourself rather than expect the crew to solve the problem.

Snorkeling near Gabriel and Gunners Coin

Snorkeling is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip, but you need to bring your own equipment. The catamaran does not provide masks, snorkels, or related gear.

Near Gabriel Island, you can enter the water around coral gardens and look for reef fish. The exact visibility and marine life will depend on the day’s conditions. You should treat the water as a natural setting, not an aquarium with guaranteed sightings.

Gunners Coin, also known as Coin de Mire, may be a second snorkeling area on the return journey. This stop depends on the weather, sea conditions, and the captain’s decision. It is best regarded as a welcome possibility rather than a promise.

The crew gives safety instructions and pays attention to the conditions, but you still need to judge your own ability honestly. If you are not comfortable in open water, you can enjoy the boat and beach without forcing yourself to snorkel. If you are new to water activities, move carefully on the wet deck and listen closely before entering the water.

A mask and snorkel that fit you well are worth packing. Poorly fitting gear can turn a pleasant swim into a struggle, especially when you are trying to keep water out of your mask. Water shoes are not required for snorkeling, but they can help around coral and rocky shallows.

A BBQ lunch with drinks on the catamaran

Lunch is served on board after the beach visit, turning the catamaran into a floating dining room. The meal includes BBQ chicken, fish, and sausages, with green salad, rice, potatoes, pasta, fresh vegetables, bread, and fruit for dessert.

This is more useful than a basic sandwich because you are spending most of the day away from shore. You do not need to arrange a separate meal, and the timing gives you a comfortable break after swimming and walking on the island.

Drinks include water, wine, beer, local punch, rum, and soft drinks. The selection makes the price more attractive, particularly if you would otherwise need to buy lunch and drinks separately. You should still carry water for your time on Gabriel Island, since the onboard supply will not help once you are ashore.

The food is served buffet-style, so portions and choices are generally easier to manage than with a fixed plate. A recent outing had enough lunch for everyone, and the food was described as tasty. That said, this is a casual boat BBQ, not a restaurant meal. Choose it for convenience and a pleasant setting, not for elaborate cooking.

After lunch, the crew cleans and dries the floor so people can continue using the deck more comfortably. That small detail matters on a boat where wet feet, food, and drink can quickly make the walking areas unpleasant.

What the crew adds to the day

The crew’s role is more important on this trip than it might first appear. You are moving between a boat, beaches, shallow water, and snorkeling areas, so clear instructions and attention to safety make a difference.

The crew has been described as friendly, funny, helpful, and attentive. They kept passengers informed, watched conditions, and helped create an easygoing atmosphere. The captain and guides speak English and French, which covers the main languages offered for the trip.

The experience is not presented as a lecture-heavy sightseeing tour. You should expect practical guidance, information about the stops, and help with the day’s activities rather than a long historical presentation. That suits the setting. The islands are best appreciated from the beach and water, with the crew handling the practical details.

The friendly tone can also make the trip feel more social. If you want a private boat with a quiet, exclusive mood, this may not be the right choice. If you enjoy sharing lunch, sitting on deck, and meeting other people during a day at sea, the format works well.

How much value do you get for $76?

At $76 per person, this is a solid value if you plan to use the full day. The price includes the catamaran ride, visits to the three Northern Isles listed for the trip, swimming, snorkeling opportunities, a substantial BBQ lunch, and a range of alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. They may be arranged separately for an extra charge, so check your transport to Grand Bay before booking. If you are staying nearby, reaching the departure point yourself can keep the total cost down.

The price is especially reasonable for people who want several elements bundled together. A separate boat ride, beach visit, lunch, and drinks could easily cost more when arranged independently. The value is weaker if you do not drink, do not plan to swim, or dislike spending most of a day on a boat.

You should also account for extras. Bring or buy your own snorkeling gear, and pack water for the island stop. Sunscreen, water shoes, and a change of clothes are not included, but they can make the day far more comfortable.

Who should book this catamaran trip?

I would recommend this outing to couples, families with older children, and friends who want a classic Mauritius sea day. It works particularly well if you like mixing beach time with a bit of snorkeling and do not need every hour tightly scheduled.

Children under three cannot take part. The trip is also not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the wet deck, beach access, and water activities require steady movement. Anyone with limited balance should take that limitation seriously.

You should book it if you are happy with a weather-dependent plan. The route can change, the sequence of stops may vary, and the Gunners Coin snorkeling stop may not happen. In poor conditions, the trip can be rescheduled, with a new date offered. If no suitable date is available, a full refund is offered.

The cancellation terms are useful too. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those options help if your Mauritius schedule is still taking shape.

Should you book the Northern Isles cruise?

Book this trip if you want a well-priced, full-day catamaran outing with beach time, a filling lunch, drinks, and the chance to snorkel around coral reefs. The crew’s friendly service, careful handling of safety, and clean boat add real value.

Skip it if you need guaranteed calm seas, a fixed route, private space, or supplied snorkeling equipment. The best way to approach the day is with flexibility: bring your own gear, protect yourself from the sun, expect wet decks, and accept that the sea decides the final schedule.

For most able-bodied visitors who enjoy being on the water, the combination of Gabriel, Flat Island, good food, and open-sea views makes this a worthwhile use of seven hours.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip depart from?

The trip departs from Grand Bay in Mauritius.

How long does the experience last?

The catamaran outing lasts seven hours and is expected to return to the jetty around 16:00.

Which islands are visited?

The planned Northern Isles are Flat Island, Gabriel Island, and Gunners Coin, also called Coin de Mire.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. You need to bring your own snorkeling equipment.

What food is served for lunch?

Lunch includes BBQ chicken, fish, and sausages, along with salad, rice, potatoes, pasta, fresh vegetables, bread, and fruit for dessert.

Which drinks are included?

Included drinks are water, wine, beer, local punch, rum, and soft drinks.

Is hotel transportation included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, though they may be arranged separately for an additional cost.

What languages are available?

The live guide service is available in English and French.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The route or order of stops may change because of currents, tides, wind, or sea conditions. In adverse weather or rough seas, the trip may be rescheduled. If another suitable date cannot be arranged, a full refund is offered.