Full Day Catamaran Luxury Cruise to Northern Islands w Lunch

The sea sets the pace here. This six-hour cruise from Bain Boeuf takes you by catamaran past Gunners Coin to Flat Island and Ilot Gabriel, with snorkeling, a barbecue lunch, drinks, and a final stop near Coin de Mire. I like the three-island route, which gives you more than a quick sail out and back. I also like that snorkeling equipment, bottled water, lunch, and alcoholic drinks are included in the $115 price.

The main caution is weather. One detailed account describes heavy rain, sheltering under huts on the first island, and the cancellation of the Coin de Mire snorkeling stop because conditions were unsafe. You need to treat this as a sea outing, not a guaranteed beach day.

Key Points to Know Before You Go

• Departure from Coin de Mire Attitude: Meet at reception by 09:30 for the 09:45 sailing from Bain Boeuf.
• Three northern-island sights: The route includes Gunners Coin, Flat Island, and Ilot Gabriel, with time planned for snorkeling and shore visits.
• Lunch on the catamaran: A barbecue meal, bottled water, and alcoholic drinks are included in the price.
• Snorkeling gear supplied: You do not need to bring your own mask or equipment, though you should bring a towel and beachwear.
• Weather affects the day: Rain, rough water, or unsafe conditions can shorten the snorkeling time or alter the route.
• Return timing varies slightly: Plan on arriving back around 15:30 to 15:45 rather than arranging a tight late-afternoon commitment.

Meeting the Boat at Bain Boeuf

Your morning starts at the reception of Coin de Mire Attitude Hotel. The meeting time is 09:30, with the catamaran scheduled to leave at 09:45. That half-hour buffer matters, since this experience does not include hotel pickup or drop-off.

If you are staying elsewhere in Mauritius, you need to arrange your own way to Bain Boeuf. The meeting point is specific, so do not treat the listed location as a general north-coast pickup area. Arrive ready to walk aboard and keep your belongings compact, since oversize luggage, large bags, and baby strollers are not allowed.

The boat is a Lagoon 380 catamaran. A catamaran gives you a broad, open platform and a steady way to view the coast, but it is still a boat at sea. If you are prone to seasickness, this is not a good choice. Take that warning seriously, especially if the forecast looks unsettled.

A safety briefing takes place after you meet the crew. The host or greeter speaks English and French, so you can expect basic instructions in either language. The supplied information does not give a group size or name individual crew members, so you should not book expecting a small private sailing.

Passing Gunners Coin’s Sheer Cliffs

The first memorable sight is Gunners Coin, also known as Coin de Mire. This striking rock formation rises with steep cliffs, giving you a dramatic view from the water. It is one of those places best appreciated from the deck, where its shape and height become clear.

The catamaran passes by rather than offering a full island landing there at the start. The rock also figures into the final part of the route, when a stop is planned for snorkeling in a clear-water area described as a natural aquarium.

This is a good example of why the route works as a full-day outing. You are not asked to spend all your time on one beach. The day shifts between open-water sailing, island time, and underwater viewing. The tradeoff is that conditions can change the order or remove a stop. The Coin de Mire snorkeling stop was canceled in poor weather because the forecast was considered dangerous, a sensible decision even if it leaves the day feeling shorter.

Snorkeling Around Flat Island

The first main activity is snorkeling in the lagoon around Flat Island. Equipment is included, which keeps the packing list simple. Bring beachwear and a towel, then let the crew provide the basic snorkeling gear.

The water is described as crystal clear, and this is likely the most active part of the morning. You get time to swim rather than only looking at the islands from the boat. For someone who wants a little more than a scenic cruise, that makes the $115 fare easier to justify.

Still, you should keep your expectations tied to the weather. Clear water depends on sea and sky conditions, and a gray, rainy day can change the feel of the whole stop. In one account, poor weather forced people to shelter under huts on the first island, leaving little chance to enjoy the views. That is not a flaw the crew can always fix, but it is an important reason to check the forecast before you commit.

The listing says the experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. The combination of a boat, island access, and snorkeling makes that restriction understandable, but the information does not explain the exact boarding arrangements. If you have limited mobility, you should ask the operator before booking rather than assume the catamaran is accessible.

Barbecue Lunch Served on Board

After the Flat Island snorkeling stop, lunch is served on the catamaran. The meal is described as a barbecue, with alcoholic drinks and bottled water included. That is a practical benefit: you do not need to leave the boat searching for food, and the midday break keeps the schedule moving.

I like the timing. Snorkeling comes before lunch, when you are likely to be keen to get into the water, and the meal then gives you a chance to sit, eat, and watch the islands from the deck. A meal on board also avoids turning the day into a series of transfers between boat and shore.

The information does not list the barbecue menu, vegetarian choices, or arrangements for food allergies. If your diet is restricted, ask in advance. The same applies to drinks, since alcoholic beverages are included but the exact selection is not specified.

At $115 per person, the food and drinks make a real difference to the value. You are paying for a six-hour boat outing, island stops, snorkeling gear, lunch, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages in one package. You are not paying for transport from your hotel, so add that cost when comparing this with other north-coast cruises.

Exploring Ilot Gabriel After Lunch

After lunch, the catamaran continues to Ilot Gabriel. The stop gives you another chance to experience the northern islands rather than returning as soon as the meal is finished.

The supplied details do not state exactly how long you spend ashore at Ilot Gabriel or what activities are available there beyond discovering the island. I would treat this as a scenic and relaxed stop, not a formal guided tour with a long list of included activities. The appeal is the setting, the water, and the change of scene after lunch.

You might prefer this order because it leaves the afternoon for a slower visit. On the other hand, if weather turns bad, this part can feel limited. Rain had a major effect on one outing, with people spending much of their time under cover. Pack a light waterproof layer if the forecast is uncertain, even though the official list only calls for a towel and beachwear.

The Return Stop at Coin de Mire

The final planned highlight is snorkeling near Coin de Mire on the way back. The water here is described as especially clear, like a natural aquarium. If conditions cooperate, it gives the day a second swim and a strong finish.

This stop is also the clearest reminder that your schedule depends on the sea. The planned return is around 15:30 in the general timing, while the more detailed schedule gives 15:45. I would use 15:45 as the safer planning time and avoid booking a fixed activity immediately afterward.

When conditions are unsafe, the crew may cancel this stop. That happened during a day of poor weather, and several groups shared the concern about continuing in those conditions. Missing the final snorkel is disappointing, but staying out of dangerous water is the right call. You are buying a planned route, not a promise that every swim will go ahead in every forecast.

Is $115 a Fair Price?

For a six-hour catamaran trip, $115 is a mid-to-upper price, but the inclusions are useful. Lunch, bottled water, alcoholic drinks, snorkeling equipment, and three northern-island sights are bundled into the fare. If you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, a meal, and snorkel rental, the package can make sense.

The value drops if you mainly want guaranteed swimming time. Bad weather can remove the Coin de Mire stop, limit shore time, and turn a sunny cruise into a wet wait under shelter. You also pay for your own transport to Bain Boeuf, which is an important extra cost for anyone staying outside the north.

The rating supplied for the activity is 4.3 from three ratings. That suggests a generally positive reception, but it is too small a sample to treat as a firm guarantee. The one detailed account available is strongly negative because of rain and canceled snorkeling, so weather is the factor I would weigh most heavily.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most?

I would recommend this outing to adults and older children who enjoy being on the water and want several elements in one day. It suits you if you like scenic sailing, casual snorkeling, a meal on board, and island stops without arranging each part separately.

It is less suitable if you need step-free access, dislike boats, or often feel seasick. Children under two are not accepted. Large bags, fishing, electric wheelchairs, and baby strollers are also not allowed.

This is not the right pick for someone who wants a tightly guaranteed schedule. The route has planned times, but the sea has the final word. Go with a flexible afternoon and you will be better prepared for a changed order or a canceled swim.

You should also bring only what you need. A towel and beachwear are essential. Keep bags small, and do not plan to bring fishing equipment or bulky beach gear.

Practical Booking Advice for Mauritius

The activity allows cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those options help if your north-coast plans are still shifting, but they do not remove the risk of poor weather on the day itself.

Check the forecast shortly before departure. If rain or rough conditions are expected, contact the operator for the latest information rather than assuming every stop will run. The detailed account of a wet outing shows how much the experience can change when the weather turns.

Allow extra time for your return. The stated schedule points to 15:30, while the detailed timing says 15:45. That small difference is easy to manage if you keep your evening open.

Should You Book the Northern-Island Catamaran?

Book it if you want a full northern Mauritius day built around the sea, with snorkeling, island scenery, and lunch already arranged. The route is varied, the inclusions are solid, and the chance to see Gunners Coin, Flat Island, Ilot Gabriel, and Coin de Mire gives you more range than a short coastal cruise.

Skip it if you are prone to seasickness, need accessible facilities, or have only one day when perfect weather is essential. I would also avoid booking it alongside a nonrefundable afternoon activity because the boat may return closer to 15:45.

My call: this is a good-value choice in fair weather, but only for someone comfortable with a flexible sea schedule. Pick a clear forecast, arrive at Coin de Mire Attitude by 09:30, pack light, and let the crew adjust the route if the water becomes unsafe.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise leave from?

The meeting point is the reception of Coin de Mire Attitude Hotel in Bain Boeuf, in northern Mauritius. You should arrive by 09:30 for the scheduled 09:45 departure.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts about six hours. The planned sailing runs from 09:45 until approximately 15:30 or 15:45, depending on the stated schedule.

Which northern islands are included?

The route includes Gunners Coin, Flat Island, and Ilot Gabriel. Snorkeling is planned around Flat Island and near Coin de Mire on the return journey.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A barbecue lunch is served on board. Bottled water and alcoholic beverages are also included.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

No. Snorkeling equipment is provided. You should bring a towel and beachwear.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Transfers from your hotel to Coin de Mire Attitude Hotel and back are not included, so you must arrange your own transport to and from the meeting point.