Grand Bay: Catamaran Cruise to Flat Island with BBQ Lunch

The sea sets the mood before lunch. This seven-hour cruise from Grand Baie combines scenic sailing, swimming, snorkeling, and a barbecue on Île Plate, also called Flat Island. I like the generous free time on the island and the chance to see the north coast from the water, including Cap Malheureux, Pereybere, and Grand Baie.

I also like that lunch, drinks, and the dinghy transfer to shore are included in the $70 price. The main caution is comfort: boats can carry large groups, seating may be limited, and loud music has been a problem on some departures. If you want a quiet sail, this may not be your ideal boat trip.

Key points to know before booking

• Île Plate sits about 11 kilometers north of Cap Malheureux, near Round Island and the northern edge of Mauritius.
• The day begins with a small-boat transfer from Grand Baie beach to the catamaran, rather than boarding directly from a pier.
• Lunch includes fish, chicken, bread, salad, dessert, and drinks, with beer, wine, local rum, water, and soft drinks provided.
• Snorkeling depends on sea and weather conditions, and you may also stop near Coin de Mire, although you do not go ashore there.
• The mood can be lively rather than peaceful, with music played loudly on some trips and limited seating for meals.
• Seasickness is a real possibility, especially in strong swell. Bring any medication you normally use for boat travel.

From Grand Baie beach to the open sea

Your meeting point is on Grand Baie beach, roughly midway along the beach. A representative is meant to meet you there and direct you to the small boat used for the first part of the transfer.

That transfer matters. You do not simply walk up a gangway from a marina. You board a dinghy from the beach, ride out to the catamaran, then climb aboard. Wear swimwear or clothes that can handle splashes, and keep your phone protected until you are safely on deck.

Once aboard, the catamaran heads north along the coast. This is one of the most enjoyable parts of the day because you see familiar resort areas from a different angle. Keep your camera ready for views of Grand Baie, Pereybere, and Cap Malheureux. The coast gradually gives way to open water, and the ride becomes less about sightseeing from shore and more about the movement of the boat, the wind, and the changing sea.

The crossing can be rough. One recent outing included strong wind and rain, and the crew changed boats because the original departure was considered unsuitable for families with children in those conditions. That was a sensible safety decision, but it also shows why the schedule and boat arrangements can change at short notice.

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women. Even if you are generally comfortable on boats, take the sea seriously. A report from another outing described heavy swell that caused nausea for nearly everyone aboard. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring your usual tablets and take them before the crossing, according to the instructions for that medication.

What Île Plate is really like

Île Plate is the French name for Flat Island. It lies near Round Island, about 11 kilometers north of Cap Malheureux. The setting is the main attraction: open sea, a low island, clear lagoon water, and a feeling of distance from Mauritius proper.

You have free time after arrival. You can sit on the beach, swim in the lagoon, walk along the island trails, or simply find a quiet place and watch the water. This is not a tightly managed sightseeing program. You choose how active you want the stop to be.

That freedom is valuable after the crossing. If you have spent the morning in wind and spray, you can slow down. If you are eager to move, you can walk and look for the island’s natural features. Keep an eye out for the paille en queue, the white-tailed tropical bird that is one of the area’s special sights.

The main limitation is timing. A seven-hour booking sounds generous, but the day includes the beach transfer, sailing time, lunch, and the return trip. On one reported departure, the actual time on the island was only about an hour. That means this is best understood as a catamaran day with an island stop, not a full day of exploring Île Plate.

The amount of time ashore may vary with weather, sea conditions, and the day’s operation. If your first priority is hiking every trail and spending hours alone on the beach, search for an excursion designed around island time instead.

Snorkeling near Coin de Mire and the lagoon

The trip includes a swimming and snorkeling stop. You can snorkel at your own pace and according to your ability, which is helpful if your group has mixed experience.

The northern islands are known for tropical fish, and the snorkeling is one of the strongest reasons to choose this outing. You may swim in the lagoon at Flat Island, and if sea conditions are good, the crew may also arrange snorkeling at sea on the way back.

The boat passes as close as possible to Coin de Mire, but you do not land there. That detail is worth knowing because the island may appear in the description of the route, yet it is only viewed and approached from the water. Your swimming time is around the island or in the lagoon, not on Coin de Mire itself.

Follow the crew’s instructions and be honest about your swimming ability. Snorkeling is offered at your own pace, but the sea may not feel calm. Strong wind and swell can turn an easy swim into hard work. Bring sunscreen and use it before boarding, then reapply as needed.

There is no promise that every snorkeling stop will operate. Weather and sea conditions can change the plan. When conditions are poor, the safest and most sensible outcome is a shorter swim or no stop at all.

The barbecue lunch on the island

Lunch is a barbecue with fish and chicken, served with bread, salad, and dessert. Drinks are included, with beer, wine, local rum, water, and Coke available. Juice and other soft drinks are also offered.

That is good value at $70, especially because the price also covers the catamaran, dinghy transfers, snorkeling, swimming, and the full seven-hour outing. You are not paying separately for a beach transfer or a meal once you reach the island.

Still, keep your expectations practical. This is a boat excursion, not a restaurant lunch. Seating can be tight. On one busy outing, more than 50 people were thought to be aboard, while the cockpit had about 40 seats and only around 10 places were available at a table. Some people ended up eating with plates on their laps.

The food has received mixed reactions. Several outings praised the lunch, while another found the meal and included drink disappointing. The safest way to think about it is as a simple barbecue that keeps the day moving, not a culinary event.

If you want a table, be ready when lunch begins. If you prefer to eat slowly in a calm setting, the group size and limited seating may frustrate you. The island setting helps, but the meal can still feel informal and crowded.

The boat, the music, and the overall mood

The catamaran is the heart of the experience, and the atmosphere depends heavily on the crew and the group aboard. Some departures have had a very friendly crew and careful handling in difficult weather. One especially strong account praised the crew’s safety focus during wind and rain, as well as the clear information sent by WhatsApp the day before.

Other departures have felt less polished. A few passengers found the crew unhelpful, while loud music played from morning until evening. This is not a minor detail if you are picturing a quiet sail with only the sound of wind and water.

The boat can feel like a party cruise. That suits you if you enjoy music, social energy, and a lively group. It is less suitable if you want a peaceful, low-key trip for reading, photography, or quiet conversation.

The same boat can also feel very different depending on numbers. A lightly filled catamaran gives you more room to sit and move around. A full departure creates competition for shaded seating and tables. Since the advertised price is modest for a full day with food and drinks, you should expect a shared group experience rather than a private or premium sailing trip.

How the $70 price holds up

At $70 per person, this is a fair package for Mauritius if you want several activities in one day. The price includes:

• Catamaran sailing to Île Plate
• Dinghy rides between Grand Baie beach, the catamaran, and the island
• Barbecue lunch
• Alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks
• Swimming and snorkeling time
• Seven hours on the water and at the island

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise book separate beach, snorkeling, and boat activities. You get a full northern-island outing without paying extra for lunch or drinks.

The value drops if your main goal is a quiet, spacious boat or a long visit on Flat Island. A private or smaller sailing trip would likely offer more room and a calmer feel, though the price would be different. This cruise is built around shared access and a broad mix of activities.

The rating of 3.9 from 30 reviews fits that middle-ground picture. The scenery, swimming, island beach, and crew friendliness can make it a very good day. The rough sea, loud music, crowded seating, or modest lunch can pull it down.

Who should book this cruise

I would choose this trip if you want to see Mauritius from the water and prefer a package that handles the main details for you. It suits couples, friends, and families with confident swimmers who enjoy a social boat atmosphere.

It is also a good choice if you value flexibility once you reach the island. You can swim, snorkel, walk, sunbathe, or do very little. That freedom is more appealing than a packed schedule for many people.

I would think twice if you are pregnant, prone to seasickness, uncomfortable with dinghy transfers, or looking for a quiet sailing experience. You should also reconsider if you need a guaranteed table at lunch or expect several hours of island exploration.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and protection for your phone and camera. Check the forecast before you go, but remember that the operator can still change the time or date if conditions are unsafe. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps when the weather is uncertain.

Should you book the Grand Baie to Flat Island cruise?

Book it if you want a lively, good-value day on the water with a beach stop, swimming, snorkeling, barbecue food, and drinks included. The views of the northern coast and the chance to reach Île Plate are the real rewards.

Skip it if silence, personal space, and a long island visit matter most. For the best experience, go prepared for a shared boat, possible loud music, limited meal seating, and rough water. With those expectations in place, this can be a memorable way to see Mauritius beyond the resort beach.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise begin?

The meeting point is on Grand Baie beach, midway along the beach. A representative is assigned to welcome you and guide you to the departure point.

How long does the activity last?

The cruise lasts seven hours. Starting times vary, so you need to check availability for the date you want.

How do I board the catamaran?

You first take a small boat from Grand Baie beach to the catamaran. You then climb aboard the catamaran from the small boat.

What food is served at lunch?

The barbecue includes fish and chicken, along with bread, salad, and dessert.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Included drinks can include beer, wine, local rum, water, Coke, juice, and other soft drinks.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. The activity includes snorkeling and a swimming stop. Snorkeling may take place in the lagoon or at sea, depending on the conditions.

Do I visit Coin de Mire?

The catamaran passes as close as possible to Coin de Mire, but you do not go ashore there. Snorkeling may be available around the island.

Can I explore Flat Island independently?

Yes. You have free time to relax on the beach, swim in the lagoon, walk along island trails, and look for the paille en queue bird.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must make your own way to Grand Baie beach.

Can the date or time change?

Yes. The date and time can change if weather or sea conditions are unsuitable. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.