A day on the water can fix your whole Mauritius mood. This catamaran luxury cruise runs from Coin de Mire to the northern islands, with snorkelling stops that put you in clear lagoon water, plus a BBQ-style lunch and drinks onboard. One real consideration: when the weather turns rainy or rough, you may lose time enjoying the scenery, and the later snorkel stop can be called off for safety.

You’ll meet at Coin de Mire Attitude Hotel reception at 09h30, with departure around 09h45. On board you get lunch, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, and alcoholic beverages, so you are not budgeting extra mid-day meals.

Key Points to Know Before You Go

• Northern Islands snorkeling focus on Flat Island, plus a return stop at Coin de Mire
• Gunners Coin rock pass for dramatic north-coast coastline views
• BBQ lunch and drinks onboard so you stay fueled without planning food
• Snorkel gear included, plus bottled water to keep you comfortable on the water
• Not great if you get seasick or have mobility limitations, since it is a catamaran day trip

Why This Northern Islands Catamaran Day Feels Worth It

If you want Mauritius that actually feels like Mauritius, this is a strong match. The whole day is built around moving by sea, not just checking a place off. You start on the north coast, you spend real time in the water near small islands, and you come back with the relaxed feeling of a half-day’s worth of calm, not a packed itinerary.

I also like that the cruise is timed for a proper experience, not a rushed tour. The sailing runs roughly 09h45 to 15h30, with return planned for around 15h45. That gives you time to snorkel, eat, and still enjoy the sea views as you travel between stops.

The other practical win is what you get for your $115 price tag. Lunch, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, and alcoholic beverages are included. That matters because the cost creep on island activities is real, especially when you would otherwise pay for a snorkel kit and an onboard lunch.

Boarding at Coin de Mire Attitude, What Happens Before You Sail

Your day starts at Coin de Mire Attitude Hotel, in Bain Boeuf on the north of Mauritius. The meeting point is at the hotel reception at 09h30, so you have a little buffer before departure. Expect a safety briefing early in the process, then you are off aboard the lagoon 380 catamaran.

Timing is a big deal on boat days. If you arrive late, you can easily miss the briefing and shorten your first on-water window. I suggest you plan to be at reception a bit early, towel in hand and beachwear ready, so you do not scramble after the group is called.

Also note what is and is not provided. You are responsible for your own transfer to and from the hotel, since hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included. If you are staying elsewhere in the north, you will want to sort transport ahead of time.

Gunners Coin: The Dramatic Rock Formation Stop You Pass By

One of the signature sights on this route is Gunners Coin, a rock formation on the north coast with steep, sheer cliffs. Even if your time there is more of a pass-by moment than a long shore stop, it is still the kind of view that makes you understand why the north islands are so popular.

In practical terms, what this stop adds is scenery during the sailing portion of the day. Catamaran days can get repetitive if every minute is either snorkeling or eating. Having a landmark like Gunners Coin in the mix helps break up the day and gives you something to watch from the deck while you cruise.

If weather is poor, just keep your expectations flexible here. Rain can reduce visibility, and you might spend more time in covered areas. Plan to stay patient and focus on the activities that are still happening.

Flat Island Snorkelling Window: Where the Water Looks Best

The first main island focus is Flat Island. This is where you get your time in the lagoon to snorkel in crystal clear waters. If you are serious about seeing fish and coral in the shallows, this is the moment to be fully ready.

Because snorkeling equipment is included, you do not need to pack a mask and fins. Still, you should bring a towel and beachwear, and you will want to keep your essentials within easy reach. I also recommend bringing a small waterproof pouch for your phone or valuables, since you will likely want photos and a quick video once you see clear water.

Why this stop is such good value: you get guided experience time without the extra gear costs. A snorkel session can turn into a surprise expense on your own. Here, that cost is already baked in, and you can spend your money on the day itself instead of add-ons.

Lunch on Board: BBQ Food Plus Drinks Without the Planning

After your Flat Island snorkeling time, lunch is served on board. Expect a BBQ lunch, plus bottled water and alcoholic beverages included in the package.

This is one of those underrated parts of a catamaran day: not having to find a restaurant, not having to time your hunger around opening hours, and not having to carry food. When lunch happens between snorkeling blocks, it keeps the day flowing smoothly.

What I like most is that lunch is part of the schedule, not a backup plan. You know you will eat around the midpoint of the cruise, which helps you maintain energy for the afternoon island stop and the return snorkel opportunity.

A small practical tip: since you are on a boat, think sunscreen and hydration early, before you get hungry. Lunch feels better when you are not already dehydrated from being in the sun and wind.

Ilot Gabriel After Lunch: Another Island Stop, Another Slice of Sea Life

After lunch, the catamaran continues the day with time to explore Ilot Gabriel. This section matters because it gives you a second island taste, not just one snorkeling hour and then a long ride back.

Even if your time is not a long shore exploration for everyone, the itinerary is clearly designed to keep you active after lunch. The catamaran day format does well here, because you are already dressed for the water, already on the water, and you do not lose time traveling between separate attractions.

This is also where you can slow down a bit. Lunch onboard should reset you, and you can focus on the water quality, the movement of the waves, and the general feel of island time.

Coin de Mire Natural Aquarium Snorkel Stop on the Return Leg

On the sail back, the catamaran stops at Coin de Mire to allow you to snorkel in the crystal clear waters of the natural aquarium. This is one of the key “nice-to-have” moments because it adds a second snorkeling setting that is closer to the nature of the north coast sea.

However, take the weather consideration seriously here. One disappointing experience described dangerous weather forecasts leading to the cancellation of snorkeling at Coin de Mir. The passenger also said rainfall prevented them from enjoying the scenery as much and that they spent time sheltered under cabanas on the first island.

I do not treat that as guaranteed, but it is a useful reality check. On any boat day, the water safety rules win. If visibility and sea conditions look unsafe, the crew can adjust or cancel parts of the plan.

If you want the best shot at enjoying this stop, dress for the possibility of wind and rain, but keep your focus on what you can still do. The earlier parts of the day, like Flat Island time and the onboard lunch, can still be a great experience even when conditions change later.

Price and Value: What You Pay For at $115 per Person

Let’s break down value in a way that helps you decide.

At $115 per person for about 6 hours, you are not just paying for a boat ride. You also get:

• Lunch onboard (BBQ)
• Bottled water
• Snorkelling equipment
• Alcoholic beverages

That combination changes the math. If you were to do the same day independently, you would likely pay separately for boat access, food, and a snorkel kit rental or purchase. Here, those costs are included, so you can budget once and relax.

Still, there is a trade-off to consider. Transfers are not included, so if your hotel or apartment is not near Coin de Mire Attitude, you might pay extra to get to the meeting point at 09h30. And if you are prone to seasickness, the experience might be less enjoyable even if the itinerary is perfect.

Weather, Seasickness, and Comfort Tips That Actually Matter

Boat days live and die by conditions. Rain can reduce visibility and make the deck less comfortable. Wind can make the ride feel longer. And if you are prone to seasickness, a catamaran can be tricky even when the sea is calm.

A passenger described a day affected by bad weather, with rainy conditions preventing enjoyment of the views and leading to snorkelling cancellation at Coin de Mir due to dangerous forecast conditions. That is not a criticism of the trip overall, it is a reminder that “day on the water” plans sometimes need a weather-friendly mindset.

What you can do before you go:

• Bring a towel and beachwear so you can dry and change quickly
• Be ready for sun and wind, even if clouds show up
• If you get motion sickness easily, think carefully before booking, since the activity is not suitable for people prone to seasickness
• Keep expectations flexible for the later snorkeling stop if conditions worsen

Who This Cruise Suits Best, and Who Should Skip It

This is ideal if you want:

• A full, half-day style cruise experience with snorkelling included
• A north-coast route with island stops like Flat Island and Ilot Gabriel
• A simple meal solution, since lunch and drinks are onboard
• A relaxed format that mixes sailing, water time, and time to enjoy the coast

It may not suit you if:

• You have mobility impairments or use a wheelchair, since the activity is not suitable for those situations
• You are traveling with children under 2 years
• You get seasick, because the day involves time on a catamaran

Also, if you like to bring lots of gear, keep your packing realistic. Oversize luggage and large bags are not allowed. The goal is to keep the boat space practical and safe.

Practical Packing List for a Smooth 09h45 Start

You can pack light and still be comfortable.

Bring:

• Towel
• Beachwear

Plan to leave behind:

• Oversize luggage, baby strollers, and luggage or large bags
• Anything that makes storage difficult

And one more tip: keep your most important items with you, not buried in a bag. When you are going in and out of the water, you want your towel and essentials at hand fast.

Should You Book This Northern Islands Cruise?

I’d book this if you want a straightforward Mauritius north-coast day with snorkeling built in, plus a real onboard lunch that does not require extra planning. The mix of Flat Island snorkel time, an Ilot Gabriel stop after lunch, and the return natural aquarium snorkeling stop gives you multiple shots at great water time, not just one quick swim.

I would hesitate if weather is a major concern for your travel dates, or if you are prone to seasickness. Since later snorkeling can be adjusted or canceled for safety in dangerous conditions, you should decide with a flexible mindset.

If your goal is an enjoyable sea day where most costs are already covered, this cruise is a solid choice for the Northern Islands experience.

FAQ

What time does the cruise start and end?

The cruise runs from 09h45 to 15h30, with scheduled return time at about 15h45.

Where do I meet for the cruise?

You meet at Coin de Mire Attitude Hotel reception at 09h30.

Is hotel pick-up and drop-off included?

No. Transfer to and from the hotel is not included.

What is included in the ticket price?

Lunch, use of snorkelling equipment, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages are included.

Do I need to bring snorkelling gear?

No. Snorkelling equipment is included.

What do we do on Flat Island?

You have time to snorkel in the lagoon waters of Flat Island.

Is there snorkeling at Coin de Mire during the return?

Yes. The catamaran stops at Coin de Mire to allow snorkeling in the natural aquarium waters.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel and beachwear.

Are there restrictions on luggage or bags?

Yes. Oversize luggage, baby strollers, and luggage or large bags are not allowed.

Who should avoid this activity?

It is not suitable for children under 2 years, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, and people prone to seasickness.