Luxury Catamaran Cruise: The Northern Islands

Leave the lagoon behind for a day at sea. This six-hour cruise from Cap Malheureux takes you toward Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, with time for swimming, snorkeling, beach walks, and a barbecue lunch on board. I especially like the combination of beautiful island scenery and a small maximum group of 17 people.

I also like that the price includes lunch, drinks, bottled water, and snorkeling equipment. The main thing to consider is the sea: once the catamaran leaves the sheltered lagoon, conditions can become rough, and the experience may feel more social than luxurious when the boat is full.

Key points to know before you book

• Ilot Gabriel is the scenic centerpiece: You get time ashore at this natural reserve, with a beach setting that makes the sailing worthwhile.
• Ile Plate offers a second short beach stop: Use the 30 minutes for a walk, a swim, or a quick rest on the sand.
• The sea can change the day: Rough water and strong wind have sometimes affected access to the islands and snorkeling.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Expect a barbecue meal, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages without paying extra on board.
• The crew drives the mood: The captain and two crew members are often praised for their humor, music, dancing, and attentive service.
• The advertised luxury needs a little perspective: The route and scenery feel special, but the boat may not match a high-end private yacht standard.

Setting out from Bain Boeuf at 9:30 am

The day begins at Bain Boeuf Public Beach in Cap Malheureux, on the north coast of Mauritius. You make your own way there because hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

That arrangement matters. If you are staying in Grand Baie or elsewhere on the island, check your road journey before booking. The tour itself is straightforward, but you do not want to arrive late at a public beach and then spend the morning trying to find the boat.

The start time is 9:30 am, giving you a useful morning departure without requiring an extremely early start. The cruise lasts about six hours, so you should expect to return in the mid-afternoon. Bring your mobile ticket, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and a dry change of clothes if you dislike sitting in wet clothing on the ride home.

The boat carries a maximum of 17 people. That is a smaller group than many large sightseeing cruises, and it can make it easier to get help with equipment or speak with the crew. Still, the feeling depends on how many places are filled. Some departures feel pleasantly intimate, while a full boat can feel less peaceful than the word luxury suggests.

Sailing past Gunners Coin and the north coast

The first part of the cruise is about the view. From the water, you get a different angle on Mauritius’ north shore, including views of Gunners Coin and the surrounding islands. This is not simply transportation between two beaches. The open-water ride is a major part of the day.

I would choose a seat with a clear view if scenery matters to you. The catamaran gives you a wide outlook, but wind and spray can be stronger once you move away from the coast. A cap or hat helps in the sun, and sunscreen is essential even when a breeze makes the temperature feel comfortable.

The calm blue water around Mauritius can be wonderfully clear, but the ride is not always smooth. The route goes outside the lagoon into deeper water, and one particularly important practical point is that rough seas can affect the plan. On windy days, the crew may need to change the route or limit water activities.

That is not a minor detail. A calm-weather cruise can deliver a superb island day, while a windy departure may involve a rough crossing, reduced snorkeling, or a replacement stop closer to shore. If you are prone to seasickness, plan accordingly. The supplied information does not specify whether motion-sickness medication is available, so bring anything you normally use.

Ilot Gabriel, the day’s main island stop

Ilot Gabriel is the first listed stop, with about 30 minutes to get off and spend time on the beach. The island is part of a natural reserve, which gives this stop more appeal than a simple pause beside an ordinary beach.

Thirty minutes goes quickly. I would use it for a short walk, photographs, and a swim rather than trying to do everything. If the crew gives instructions about returning to the boat, follow them closely, since the schedule has to account for sailing, lunch, and the second island stop.

The island’s main value is the setting. You get bright sand, open Indian Ocean views, and a feeling of being away from the main island for a little while. Several people have found the snorkeling here particularly enjoyable, with clear water and fish visible in good conditions.

Do not treat that as a guarantee. Wind, currents, and water visibility can change the quality of snorkeling. One poor-weather departure was unable to complete the planned island activities and offered snorkeling in cloudy lagoon water instead. That was an unusual enough problem to affect the overall value of the day, so weather deserves serious attention when you book.

Ile Plate and the short beach break

The second stop is Ile Plate, also called Flat Island. You get another 30 minutes ashore for a walk, a swim, or time on the beach. The stop is brief, but it breaks up the boat ride and gives you a second view of Mauritius’ northern islands.

I would not expect a long island exploration here. Thirty minutes is enough to stretch your legs and cool off in the sea, not enough for a relaxed full-island outing. If you prefer to stay dry, use the time for photographs and a short walk. If swimming is your priority, this is another chance to get into the water.

The two stops work well together because they offer slightly different rhythms. Ilot Gabriel feels like the more important natural-reserve visit, while Ile Plate gives you another beach and swimming opportunity. The tradeoff is time. You spend only a short period on each island, with the rest of the experience taking place on the catamaran.

That makes this cruise best for someone who wants a broad taste of the northern islands rather than a long, quiet stay on one beach. If your dream is to claim a remote patch of sand for several hours, this itinerary may feel rushed and too popular.

Snorkeling in the Indian Ocean

Snorkeling equipment is included, which is a useful saving and one less item to pack. The cruise is designed to let you swim and explore the water around the islands, and several departures have had excellent visibility with plenty of fish.

The word luxury should not make you expect a private snorkeling guide or a tailored marine excursion. The information provided confirms use of equipment and time for water activities, but it does not promise a particular reef, species, or guided underwater tour.

Conditions control much of the experience. In calm water, you may find the snorkeling a highlight, especially around Ilot Gabriel. In rough conditions, the activity may be uncomfortable or cancelled for safety. One poor departure involved a move to a less appealing beach and snorkeling from a glass-bottom boat in cloudy lagoon water, so you should accept that the sea gets the final say.

Safety is a positive part of the operation. The crew has been described as safety conscious and professional, helping people feel at ease during the water activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and most people can participate, but you should be comfortable in open water before choosing this trip.

Barbecue lunch, drinks, music, and dancing

Lunch is included and prepared on board. The food described on different departures includes barbecued chicken wings, hot dogs, and fish, with other food served alongside. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, but you need to state dietary requirements when booking.

The meal is one of the strongest parts of the value. You are not paying separately for a restaurant lunch during a long day away from shore, and the barbecue fits the informal feel of a catamaran outing. It is practical food for a day in swimwear, rather than fine dining.

Bottled water and alcoholic beverages are also included. People have particularly enjoyed the steady supply of fresh drinks and the relaxed meal service. If you require a special diet, do not wait until boarding. Give the operator the information at the time of booking.

The atmosphere can be lively. The captain and two crew members have been praised for jokes, dancing, singing, and making people feel welcome. That is a real strength if you want a sociable day with music and conversation. It is less ideal if you are looking for silent sailing and a secluded yacht mood.

The crew appears to be the heart of the experience. Names are not consistently provided, but William and his co-worker received specific praise on one departure, while other accounts single out the captain and two crew members for their energy and care. The personality of the crew can make a basic boat trip feel much more enjoyable.

How luxurious is the catamaran?

The catamaran itself has been described as neat, clean, and in good condition, and one account praised the newer boat. That is reassuring. You can expect a well-kept vessel rather than a tired or neglected one.

Still, the experience is better understood as a comfortable shared cruise than a private luxury charter. A full boat can reduce personal space, and one departure felt too crowded for a high-end experience. The small maximum of 17 helps, but it does not remove the fact that you are sharing the boat, meal, music, and beach schedule with other people.

I would pay for this mainly because of the route, the islands, and the all-in price, not because of polished yacht service. The best parts are the open-water views, access to Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, swimming, snorkeling, and the crew-led atmosphere.

At $113.99 per person, the package includes a lot: roughly six hours on the water, two island stops, lunch, drinks, water, and snorkeling equipment. That is reasonable if the weather is good and you use the included activities. The value drops sharply if rough seas prevent the planned stops.

It is also worth checking direct prices before you commit. One person reported paying less by booking through a hotel, at 3,200 Mauritian rupees per person. Prices can change, but this is a useful reminder that third-party booking is not always the cheapest route.

The weather question matters more than the price

This cruise depends heavily on the sea. A sunny sky does not always mean calm water, and wind can make the crossing uncomfortable or force changes to the program.

The operator’s policy says the experience requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

That protection does not cover every disappointing weather day. If the boat departs but conditions later prevent the planned activities, the outcome may be less satisfying. One account specifically criticized the lack of a partial or full refund after the route was changed because of rough water. That is an important limitation to understand before you pay.

The booking itself is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability. Since the trip is often booked about 15 days ahead, reserve early if your schedule is tight, but do so knowing that ordinary cancellations will not be refunded.

Who will enjoy this northern-island cruise?

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a complete day on the water with a mix of scenery, swimming, food, and social fun. It suits couples, families with older children, and small groups who would rather enjoy several island highlights than sit quietly on one beach all day.

It is also a good choice if you value an all-inclusive day. Lunch, drinks, bottled water, and equipment are already covered, which keeps the spending simple once you board.

You may want another option if you need a guaranteed snorkeling session, dislike rough crossings, or expect private-yacht luxury. The short island stops may also disappoint you if you want time for a long walk, a quiet picnic, or serious nature study.

The boat is near public transportation, and most people can participate. Children must have an adult with them. Bring bathing attire, sunscreen, a cap or hat, and a mobile ticket. Hotel transfers are not provided, so your transport to Bain Boeuf is your responsibility.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if good weather is forecast and you want the full northern-island package: scenic sailing, two short beach stops, swimming, snorkeling, barbecue lunch, drinks, and a friendly crew.

I would book it for the route and the value, while keeping expectations realistic about the word luxury. The boat is shared, the mood may be lively, and rough water can change the plan. Check the direct price with your hotel or the operator, disclose dietary needs, and choose a calm-weather day if your schedule allows.

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 am.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately six hours.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the Bain Boeuf meeting point.

Are hotel transfers included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The planned stops are Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, also known as Flat Island.

How much time do you get on each island?

The itinerary provides about 30 minutes at Ilot Gabriel and about 30 minutes at Ile Plate.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, with a barbecue meal served on board.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water and alcoholic beverages are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included for the water activities.

Can vegetarian or vegan food be arranged?

Yes. Vegetarian and vegan options are available if you advise the operator when booking.

Can children join the cruise?

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

How many people can join the boat?

The maximum group size is 17 people.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a refund?

No. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason, except for the weather and minimum-participant situations described by the operator.