Flat Island feels secret, even from the boat. This half-day slice of north Mauritius pairs a smooth sailing catamaran with beach-and-lagoon time on Île Plate.

I especially like the mix of freedom and structure here. You get a proper island BBQ lunch with fish and chicken, plus drinks, then you choose how long to lounge, walk, and swim in the lagoon.

One thing to consider before you book: the day can get lively, and sea conditions may mean a bumpy ride. Plan for loud music on board and rougher water if the weather turns.

Key things to know before you go

• Catamaran plus dinghy transfer: you start on the Grand Baie beach, then hop into shuttles to reach the island.
• Île Plate beach time on your schedule: relax, tan, walk trails, and swim in the lagoon at your own pace.
• BBQ lunch and drinks included: fish and chicken with bread, salad, and dessert, plus beer, wine, rum, water, or soft drinks.
• Snorkeling is flexible: lagoon snorkeling is on your timetable, and sea snorkeling may happen if conditions allow.
• No landing on Coin de Mire: you pass close by, but you do not set foot there, and snorkeling is around the area instead.

Grand Baie to Île Plate: the boat day setup

This is a straightforward north-coast cruise, built around one main island stop. You begin on the beach of Grand Baie, mid way, where someone meets you and helps you get organized. From there, you transfer by small boat to climb onto the catamaran.

Once you’re aboard, you cruise along northwest Mauritius. The route is timed for views, and it is smart to have your camera ready for photo stops along the coast, including Cap Malheureux (and its setting near the fishermen village), plus Pereybere and Grand Baie.

Then comes the highlight: Île Plate, often called Flat Island in English. Île Plate sits near Round Island in the extreme north, about 11 kilometers north of Cap Malheureux, so it feels like you are stepping out into calmer, island-only surroundings pretty quickly.

Why this matters: you are not spending the whole day traveling inland. It is a “go to the water, then play there” format, which is what most people want on a Mauritius day trip.

The catamaran ride: comfort, crowds, and the real vibe

On paper, this is a scenic catamaran sailing day. In practice, the experience depends on two things: how full the boat is and what the sea feels like that day.

Some passengers love the overall comfort of the catamaran and the friendliness of the crew. I also like that the operator uses safety-first decisions when needed. There are examples of changing to a different boat for certain passenger mixes, explained clearly by the skipper to reduce risk in rough conditions.

Now the caution. A few reviews point to issues that can affect your day fast:

• Crowding can be real when you have a big group on a smaller sailing setup. There may not be as many comfortable seating positions as you would expect.
• Music volume can be very high. If you like the sound of sea wind and sails, plan for the opposite on some departures.

And then there is the sea itself. Mauritius can be calm, but it can also kick up wind and waves. When conditions get rough, expect holding-on moments and motion that can trigger nausea for some people. A practical move is to pack motion-sickness tablets if you are the kind of person who gets car sick or seasick.

My take on value here: when conditions are good, this is one of those days where the boat ride becomes part of the fun, not a chore. When conditions are rough, you still get the island, but the sailing portion is the trade-off.

Île Plate beach and lagoon time: what you can actually do

Île Plate is the reason to book. You arrive, then you’re given free time on the island so you can set your own pace.

Once on the beach, you can:

• relax and tan
• stroll along island trails
• swim in the lagoon
• keep an eye out for local wildlife, including the endemic bird called Paille en Queue

The lagoon setup is the best kind of flexibility. You are not forced into one long snorkeling circuit. You can do short swims, find calmer water, and come and go without a strict schedule.

A small note based on how trips can vary: if timing tightens because of weather or sea conditions, your time on the island can feel shorter than you hoped. One review mentioned only about an hour on the island, turning the day into more of a catamaran outing than an island exploration. That does not always happen, but it is a good reason to bring the right expectations: you are booking a boat cruise with an island stop, not a long island hangout.

What to do first after landing: get sunscreen on before you settle in. Lagoon shade can be limited, and a sunny north-day can sneak up fast once you’re standing on the sand.

The BBQ lunch on Île Plate: fish, chicken, and drinks you can sip

Lunch is served on the island as a BBQ style meal. The menu is simple and filling: fish and chicken, with bread, salad, and dessert. Drinks are included too, so you are not hunting for purchases in the heat.

You can expect options like:

• beer
• wine
• local rum
• water
• coke
• juice and soft drinks

A few things I like about this setup:

1. You eat where you swim. That keeps the day feeling like one continuous, relaxed loop.
2. The food plan is straightforward, which matters when you are on island time and not dining in a restaurant setting.

But keep it realistic. Some reviews describe lunch quality as average, and at least one person felt the lunch and included drinks were poor. Another mentioned buffet-style eating on the boat instead of the island setup, depending on how the day runs. That tells me the format can shift behind the scenes, even though the meal is still part of the plan.

If you’re picky about food: eat light in the morning, expect basic island BBQ, and you’ll likely be happier.

Snorkeling around Île Plate and the Coin de Mire pass

Snorkeling is built into the day, with two layers of opportunity.

First, you can snorkel and swim in the lagoon at your own pace while you’re on Île Plate. That’s ideal if you are not a confident swimmer, or if you just want to pop in for short sessions and get back to the beach.

Second, sea snorkeling can happen depending on conditions. If the sea state allows, you may do snorkeling out on the water during the sailing phases. Since this depends on weather and meteo conditions, it helps to have your expectations ready: no conditions, no sea snorkeling.

There is also a special geography detail that I find useful for planning. The cruise passes close to Coin de Mire, but you do not set foot on it. Around the island, you may have time for snorkeling on your own. So you get the visual and some water access without turning the day into multiple landings.

Quick practical tip: keep your snorkeling plan simple. If you feel tired, you can switch to beach time without breaking a schedule.

Price and value: is $70 for 7 hours worth it?

At $70 per person for a 7-hour day, you are paying for a bundle: catamaran sailing, transfers to the island, lunch, drinks, and water time with a snorkeling and swimming stop.

That pricing can feel like a deal if you value:

• a full day on the water without extra food costs
• a ready-made BBQ lunch
• included drinks
• a scenic north-coast route

It can feel less worth it if you mainly want long, quiet island exploration or high-comfort seating. When the boat is crowded or the ride is rough, the value shifts from “holiday sailing dream” to “active day with trade-offs.”

Also remember: there is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You meet at Grand Baie beach mid way, and that is part of the cost equation. If you are not already near Grand Baie, you will need to budget transport time and money on your own.

For many visitors, the value still lands well because the island stop plus lunch and drinks are hard to replicate cheaply on your own.

What to pack and how to handle the day

This cruise is simple, but water days need a few basics.

Bring:

• swimwear
• a towel
• sunscreen

Then add what your body might need, based on real conditions that can happen:

• If you get motion sick, pack seasickness tablets. Strong swell is not rare, and it can hit fast.
• If there’s wind and rain, a light layer helps. One review described wind and rain on the way there, and conditions can change quickly in open water.

On the ground tip: once you land, drink water early. You will be in sun and moving around, even if you mostly plan to relax.

Who this Flat Island cruise fits best

This is best for people who want:

• a catamaran day with an island stop
• beach time plus lagoon swimming
• an included BBQ lunch and drinks
• snorkeling at your own pace rather than a forced group routine

It may not fit you if you:

• hate loud music and want quiet sailing time
• get very seasick and are unlikely to take precautions
• prefer long, unhurried island wandering (island time can vary with conditions)

One clear restriction: it is not suitable for pregnant women, so skip it for safety.

If you travel with kids, the operator appears to make safety-minded boat decisions, but you should still expect a day on open water.

Should you book the Grand Bay catamaran to Île Plate with BBQ?

I would book if you want a classic north Mauritius “sail, swim, eat, repeat” day where you do not have to plan meals or snorkel logistics. The best parts are the island lagoon time, the BBQ lunch with drinks, and the freedom to walk and swim without being herded.

I would think twice if:

• you are sensitive to choppy seas
• you strongly dislike loud onboard music
• you need guaranteed long island exploration time

If you’re flexible, prepared for wind and waves, and you like a lively day out on the water, this cruise can feel like the kind of Mauritius day that makes you say, yes, that was worth it.

FAQ

How long is the Grand Bay catamaran cruise to Île Plate?

The duration is 7 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet on the beach of Grand Bay, mid way, and someone will welcome you.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What languages are the live guides?

The live tour guide provides French and English.

What is included besides the catamaran ride?

You get dinghy shuttles to the beach and island, lunch, drinks, and a snorkeling and swimming stop.

What does lunch include and are drinks provided?

Lunch on Île Plate includes BBQ fish and chicken, bread, salad, and dessert, with drinks such as beer, wine, local rum, water, or coke, plus juice and soft drinks.

Do you land on Coin de Mire?

No. The cruise passes close to Coin de Mire, but you do not set foot on it. Snorkeling around the area is available on your own.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women?

No, it is not suitable for pregnant women.