Mauritius: Catamaran cruise to 3 Northern Isles with lunch

Three islands, one boat, and a full day. This catamaran cruise from Grand Bay combines white-sand beaches with snorkeling around Gabriel Island and Gunners Coin, then serves a generous BBQ lunch on board. I like the friendly crew and the easy mix of beach time, swimming, and sailing. I also like that drinks, including water, wine, beer, local punch, and rum, are included.

The main tradeoff is the sea. One passenger described a rough ride, and another had a poor-weather day with little enjoyment. The route and stop order can change with currents, tides, wind, and water depth, so you need to treat the itinerary as weather-dependent rather than fixed.

Key points at a glance

• Two hours on Gabriel Island: Plan for beach time, swimming, and snorkeling, but bring water because there are no drinks on the island.
• Three Northern Isles: The route includes Flat Island, Gabriel Island, and a possible stop near Gunners Coin.
• Snorkeling gear is not supplied: Bring your own mask, snorkel, and water shoes if you have them.
• A full BBQ lunch afloat: Expect chicken, fish, sausage, salads, rice, potatoes, pasta, bread, fruit, and drinks.
• Friendly bilingual crew: The guides and captain speak English and French and pay close attention to safety.
• Seven hours on the water: The boat usually returns to the jetty around 4:00 p.m., subject to conditions.

Setting out from Grand Bay

The day begins at Grand Bay, on Mauritius’ northwest coast. From here, the catamaran heads toward the Northern Isles, giving you a long stretch of open-water sailing before the beach portion of the trip.

This is not a quick boat transfer. Seven hours gives you time to enjoy the ride, move around the catamaran, take in the sea views, and settle into the slower pace of a day at sea. The boat is wet much of the time, so you should expect damp floors and occasional slippery patches. Wear secure footwear and take care when walking.

The atmosphere seems to be one of the strongest parts of the trip. The crew is described as funny, attentive, and eager to keep everyone comfortable. One particularly nice touch was allowing a child to spend about 10 minutes at the helm under supervision. That sort of small gesture can make a family day feel special.

The catamaran can carry about 35 people while still leaving enough room to move around, according to one detailed account. That is not a private sailing trip, but it is also not necessarily a cramped boat ride. If you like a social day with a bit of music, conversation, and crew interaction, the group setting should suit you.

Gabriel Island for beach time and snorkeling

Gabriel Island is the main beach stop and usually the clearest chance to get off the catamaran and enjoy the shore. Expect pale sand, clear water, and a setting that feels far removed from the main island.

You may have around two hours on the island. That sounds generous, but it passes quickly once you swim, walk along the beach, take photos, and look for a good place to sit. Bring a bottle of water with you from the boat. There are no drinks available on the island, and the heat can be intense.

Snorkeling is one of the central activities here. The water around Gabriel Island has coral gardens and marine life, making it a good place to see the underwater side of Mauritius without booking a separate snorkeling trip. Still, the equipment is not included. Pack your own mask and snorkel if you have them, and consider bringing water shoes.

Water shoes are especially useful because reef areas can be uncomfortable under bare feet. One passenger specifically advised wearing protective footwear after finding plenty of reef around the island. Shoes also give you better footing when entering shallow water or walking over wet sand and rock.

Use sunscreen often. A passenger who had already been applying plenty of sun protection still returned with several sunburned areas. The sun reflects off both the water and the pale sand, and a day spent on a boat can catch you out because the sea breeze makes the heat feel less severe.

Flat Island from the water

Flat Island is included among the Northern Isles visited during the cruise, though the exact order and amount of time spent at each location can change. Its appeal is the setting: open sea, pale beaches, and a quiet island atmosphere that contrasts with Mauritius’ developed coast.

The schedule does not promise a long shore visit at Flat Island. In practice, the cruise may take you past the island, stop nearby, or organize the day around Gabriel Island as the main landing point. The captain adjusts the route according to tide, water depth, current, and sea conditions.

That flexibility matters. A fixed schedule might sound more reassuring, but small island waters can become unsafe when conditions shift. You should see the route as a broad plan rather than a guarantee that every stop will happen in exactly the advertised sequence.

The view from the catamaran is part of the experience. From the deck, you can appreciate the contrast between the bright shallows near shore and the darker open water farther out. If you prefer sightseeing to swimming, this part of the day gives you time to stay dry, take photographs, and enjoy the boat ride.

Gunners Coin and the extra snorkeling option

Gunners Coin, also known as Coin de Mire, is associated with marine life and a possible snorkeling stop on the return journey. This part of the itinerary is not guaranteed. The captain decides based on weather, currents, sea conditions, and safety.

If conditions allow, the stop can provide another chance to see reef fish in their natural setting. It is best to think of it as an extra rather than the main reason to book. The guaranteed value of the day is the catamaran trip, the Northern Isles route, the Gabriel Island visit, and the included meal.

The optional nature of this stop also explains why two people can have rather different versions of the same tour. On a calm day, you may get a second swim and snorkeling session. In rough weather, the boat may pass the site or alter the route entirely.

This is a good reason to keep your expectations practical. The crew cannot control the sea, and the tour company states that the sequence of stops may change for safety. If rough conditions make the trip unsuitable, the excursion can be rescheduled. If no suitable alternate date is available, a full refund is offered.

The BBQ lunch 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 sausage, along with green salad, rice, potatoes, pasta, fresh vegetables, bread, and fruit for dessert.

That is a solid spread for a day trip, especially because it is included in the $76 price. Drinks are also covered: water, soft drinks, wine, beer, local punch, and rum are listed as available. You can eat without having to search for a restaurant on a small island, which keeps the day simple.

One detailed account praised both the taste and the quantity of the food. The meal was served after the beach visit, and there was enough for everyone. The crew also cleaned and dried the catamaran floor afterward, a useful detail when people return from swimming with wet feet and sandy towels.

The meal is not a formal three-course restaurant experience. It is a casual buffet suited to a beach day. You will likely appreciate the straightforward food more after swimming and sitting in the sun. If you have strict dietary needs, the supplied information does not specify special menus, so you should confirm those before booking.

What the crew does well

The crew receives some of the strongest praise attached to this trip. You can expect English and French service, clear instructions, and a focus on safety around the boat and water.

The captain and guides are described as friendly and helpful, even when weather worsened during the afternoon. One account also noted that the catamaran was clean and in good condition. Those practical details matter more than polished sales language when you are spending most of a day on a wet boat.

The crew’s role becomes especially important for first-time snorkelers. You still need to take responsibility for your own safety, but good instructions and attentive supervision make the water activities less stressful.

The atmosphere appears relaxed rather than formal. The staff uses humor to keep the mood light, and the group can move around the boat instead of staying in assigned seats. If you want a quiet, private sailing trip, this is not the right format. If you enjoy a friendly shared outing, it should work well.

The sea conditions are the big variable

The same water that makes this trip attractive can also make it rough. One passenger called it a wild ride over the waves, while another reported a day affected by bad weather and found little pleasure in the outing.

That contrast is worth taking seriously. A catamaran can feel lively when the sea rises, and the crossing may be uncomfortable for anyone prone to motion sickness. The tour does not promise calm water every day.

You can reduce the risk of discomfort by eating lightly before departure, staying hydrated, sitting where you feel most stable, and following crew instructions. The supplied information does not specify motion-sickness medication, so ask a medical professional or pharmacist if you normally need it for boat trips.

The tour may be rescheduled during adverse weather or rough seas. Even during the day itself, the route can change. This is not poor organization. It is a normal part of operating around exposed islands, but it does mean you should avoid booking the excursion on the only day of a very short Mauritius visit if missing it would disrupt your plans.

What to pack for seven hours

Pack for sun, salt, and wet surfaces. The basic list is short, but each item earns its place.

• Swimsuit or other beachwear
• Towel
• Change of clothes
• Sunscreen, applied repeatedly
• A bottle or refillable container for the island stop
• Your own snorkeling equipment
• Water shoes or other protective footwear
• A secure bag for small personal items

Keep valuables to a minimum. You will be moving between the boat, beach, and water, and the catamaran floor may be wet. A change of clothes makes the return ride more comfortable, especially if you spend a long time swimming.

The tour is not suitable for children under three or people with mobility impairments. The wet deck, transfers between boat and shore, reef areas, and snorkeling activity require steady movement and care.

Is $76 a fair price?

At $76 per person, the value is good if you plan to use the full package. You receive roughly seven hours on the water, visits connected with three Northern Isles, beach time, swimming, snorkeling opportunities, a substantial BBQ lunch, and a wide selection of drinks.

The price also saves you from arranging separate transport, a boat charter, lunch, and water activities. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, though they may be arranged for an additional charge. You need to factor in the cost and effort of reaching Grand Bay yourself unless you arrange the optional transfer.

The value drops if you mainly want a short swim or a guaranteed visit to every island. The route can change, Gunners Coin may only be a brief possible stop, and weather can affect the day. You are paying for a full sea outing, not a fixed sightseeing checklist.

For a couple or family that wants one easy day combining sailing, food, and beach time, the price is reasonable. For someone who dislikes group outings, rough water, or shared buffet meals, it may not feel like a bargain.

Who should book this catamaran cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want a social day outdoors and enjoy switching between activities. The mix works well: sail for a while, get off at Gabriel Island, swim or snorkel, return for lunch, then continue around the islands.

Families with older children may appreciate the friendly crew and the chance to see the boat in action. Young children under three cannot join, and anyone who needs fully accessible facilities should choose another activity.

This trip also suits first-time visitors who want to see more of Mauritius’ northern waters without planning several separate excursions. You get a broad sample of the area in one day, even though exact stops depend on the sea.

I would be more cautious if you are highly sensitive to motion, need a rigid timetable, or want a quiet luxury cruise. The boat can be lively, the deck can be slippery, and the weather can rewrite the plan.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want good all-day value, a friendly crew, plenty of food and drinks, and a real chance to swim around Mauritius’ Northern Isles. Bring your own snorkeling gear, water shoes, extra sunscreen, and patience for changing sea conditions.

Skip it if a rough crossing would ruin your holiday or if you need every advertised stop to happen exactly as planned. For most active visitors who treat the islands, beach, lunch, and sailing as one flexible day, Starline Tours offers a practical and enjoyable way to see this corner of Mauritius.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran cruise last?

The cruise lasts seven hours and is expected to return to the jetty around 4:00 p.m., although weather and sea conditions can affect the schedule.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The catamaran departs from Grand Bay in Mauritius.

Which islands are included?

The route includes Flat Island, Gabriel Island, and Gunners Coin, also called Coin de Mire.

Is snorkeling included?

Snorkeling is included as an activity, but snorkeling equipment is not provided. Bring your own mask and snorkel.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes BBQ chicken, fish, sausage, salad, rice, potatoes, pasta, bread, and fruit or seasonal dessert.

Which drinks are included?

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

Are hotel transfers included?

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

What languages are spoken?

The live guide service is available in English and French.

Can the itinerary change?

Yes. The route and order of the stops may change because of currents, tides, water depth, poor weather, or rough sea conditions. The possible Gunners Coin snorkeling stop depends on the captain’s decision.

Can the trip be canceled because of bad weather?

The trip may be rescheduled in adverse weather or rough seas. An alternative date is offered, and a full refund is available if a suitable date cannot be arranged. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.