A catamaran day in Mauritius beats most island-hopping. You cruise past the northern highlights, then get real time at Ilot Gabriel and Flat Island for swimming and snorkeling, with a BBQ lunch onboard.

I especially like that this is set up as a small-group trip (max 17), so it feels friendly rather than chaotic. The other big win for me is the included BBQ lunch plus drinks, which turns the day into a true break from logistics.

One thing to plan around: the water can get choppy when you head outside the lagoon, and that can affect snorkeling time depending on wind and conditions.

Key takeaways before you book

• Small-group feel (up to 17), more room to enjoy the day without shoulder-to-shoulder vibes
• BBQ lunch and open drinks included, so you’re not hunting for food midway through the cruise
• Two swim stops, Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate (Flat Island), built for easy beach time plus snorkeling
• Snorkel gear is provided, which saves you from packing and searching for rentals
• Weather matters, and rougher seas can limit planned activities some days

Cruising Grand Baie’s northern islands: what makes it worth your time

This is the kind of day tour that works because it compresses the best parts of Mauritius’s north into one smooth outing. You start inland from the famous beach bustle, then spend the day on the water with classic island views and two chances to get in for a swim.

The north shore scenery is a big part of the point. You’re looking out over coastal rock and small-island terrain, including sightlines tied to the areas around Gunners Coin and Ilot Gabriel. Even if your snorkeling is limited one stop, the boat time still pays off.

The format also helps. Instead of rushing five stops and feeling cooked by 1 pm, this tour gives short, clear chunks of time on beaches. That makes it more relaxing than you might expect from a “full-day” label.

Where you start and how the day flows (no hotel pickup)

The cruise meets at Bain Boeuf Public Beach, Cap Malheureux, with departure at 9:30 am. There’s no hotel pickup or drop-off, and the meeting point is noted as being near public transportation, so you’ll want to arrange your own way there.

The tour ends back at the same meeting point. That matters for planning your evening, because you can usually line up dinner in Grand Baie without scrambling for an alternate return.

If you prefer a simple day with fewer moving parts, this setup is a win. You just show up, check in, and let the crew handle the rest.

The onboard vibe: crew energy, music, and drinks

Most of the reviews for this cruise are loud about one thing: the crew attitude. There’s a noticeable “hosts on a fun outing” energy, including jokes, group participation, and music that shifts the day from quiet sightseeing to something more social.

This is paired with a steady flow of drinks. Alcoholic beverages are included, along with bottled water. In plain terms, you’re not stuck planning hydration on your own budget, and you’re less likely to do that half-day “dry boat, dry vibe” thing.

Group size helps here too. With a maximum of 17 travelers, you’re more likely to feel like part of the group and less like a passenger in a floating queue.

Stop 1 at Ilot Gabriel Beach: quick beach time that actually matters

Your first hop-off is Ilot Gabriel Beach for about 30 minutes. The ticket is listed as free, which usually means you’re not paying extra once you’re on the island.

Why this stop works: Ilot Gabriel is a nature-focused reserve type of experience. In practical terms, that usually means it feels more “island” than a crowded public beach. You get to stretch your legs, grab some shade if you find it, and reset before the next swim-and-snorkel window.

With such a short time block, you’ll get more out of this stop if you treat it like a checklist:

• Walk out and pick a swim spot early
• Take a few photos before the crowd presses in
• If you’re snorkeling, keep it simple and focus on comfort over distance

Also, if seas are rough, this is often the stop where you can still enjoy the day even if the water doesn’t cooperate later.

Stop 2 at Ile Plate Beach (Flat Island): the swimming and snorkeling payoff

The second hop-off is Ile Plate Beach for about 30 minutes. This is the stop that aligns with the cruise’s Flat Island swim and snorkeling promise, so expect this to be your most “water-focused” moment of the day.

This is where the cruise earns its reputation. Reviews point to crystal clear water and good fish viewing, and the included snorkeling gear means you’re not scrambling to rent equipment last minute. It also helps that the crew is described as safety-conscious, which matters when you’re getting in and out of the boat while water conditions change.

That said, there’s a real-world warning built into multiple reviews: when winds pick up, the ride outside the lagoon can get rough enough that snorkeling may be limited, delayed, or swapped with a different activity. If you’re sensitive to motion sickness, bring what you normally use.

The cruise views: Gunners Coin and that “north coast” feel

This trip is framed around the north shore route, and you see that in the way it’s described: views of Gunners Coin and Ilot Gabriel plus the small-island rhythm of Mauritius’s northern waters.

Even when you’re not hopping off, the scenery from a catamaran is different from the shore. You’re moving, the coastline keeps shifting, and light changes fast. It’s also a more comfortable way to cover distance without burning energy on car transfers.

One review also mentions a chance to see whales. That’s not guaranteed based on the tour details you were given, but it’s a reminder that nature can show up when conditions are right.

Lunch and drinks onboard: BBQ comfort, plus options for different diets

The included lunch is a major part of the value here. It’s a BBQ lunch onboard, and reviews describe a spread that can include items like chicken wings and hot dogs, plus fish. In other words, it’s not just a sad sandwich situation.

You’ll also have bottled water, and alcoholic beverages are included. If you’re traveling with friends or family, this is what makes the day feel like a party without the stress of buying drinks all day.

Dietary needs are supported, but you should plan ahead. The tour says vegetarian and vegan options are available if you advise at booking. If you have any specific allergy or diet requirement, send it when you book so the crew can plan food accordingly.

Snorkeling gear included, but don’t ignore the sea-state reality

You get snorkeling equipment included, which is great because it removes one more thing from your packing list. But snorkeling in Mauritius is always about two variables: water clarity and whether the sea is calm enough for easy entry and confident swimming.

When conditions are good, the snorkeling stop is the big reward. Multiple reviews highlight clear water and fun fish viewing at the islands.

When conditions are rough, you still have options. The crew keeps the day moving, and even when snorkeling is affected, many passengers still describe the overall experience as excellent thanks to the boat ride, the onboard atmosphere, and the beach time you do get.

If you’re someone who gets seasick easily, I’d treat that as your main risk factor. The water can be rough outside the lagoon, and that’s not a “company problem,” it’s a nature problem.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for

At $113.99 per person, this isn’t the cheapest cruise in Mauritius. But for the package you get, it can represent decent value, especially compared to paying separately for boat time, snorkeling rentals, and lunch.

Here’s what’s included:

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

And what’s not:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off

That included-food-plus-equipment combo is what usually makes or breaks value. If you’ll drink during the day anyway and you don’t want to source snorkel gear, this price starts making sense.

There’s also an extra practical factor: the cruise caps at 17 travelers. That smaller group feel can be worth real money on island tours, because it affects how long you spend dealing with crowds and how comfortable the onboard experience feels.

One caution from reviews: some people felt it was better value when booking directly through other channels. If you’re staying near Grand Baie and you like checking prices, do a quick comparison before you lock it in.

Who this cruise suits best

This is a strong fit if you want a fun, social catamaran day without the headache of planning meals or finding snorkeling gear. The crew energy and included drinks make it especially good for:

• Couples who want a classic Mauritius day with minimal logistics
• Groups of friends who like a lively onboard atmosphere
• People who want two clear beach and water moments, not a rushed multi-stop race

It’s also a good choice if you can handle short hop-off times. The island stops are about 30 minutes each, so you’re not planning to explore for hours on land.

If your top priority is private, quiet beach time with zero people around, you might want to consider that this is still a group tour, and island stops can feel popular.

Practical tips so your day goes smoothly

A few details from your tour info are worth treating seriously, because they help you enjoy the day even if the weather shifts:

• Bring bathing attire, and plan to get changed fast
• Pack suntan lotion, plus a cap or hat
• Expect time outdoors, even if you don’t hop off every stop

Also, think about your “sea legs.” The more windy the day, the more the cruise can feel like a ride rather than a float. If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring something you trust.

Finally, because there’s no hotel pickup, arrive early enough to feel calm before check-in. With a 9:30 am start at Bain Boeuf Public Beach, you do not want to be sprinting in the morning.

Should you book this Northern Islands catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a well-rounded north Mauritius day with two island beach stops, snorkeling gear included, and a BBQ lunch with drinks. The small-group limit and upbeat crew vibe are exactly the sort of details that turn “just a tour” into a real memory.

Skip it or re-think if:

• You strongly dislike choppy boat rides and you know you’ll struggle with rough seas
• You need long, unhurried time on land at each island stop

If your plan is to enjoy the ride, eat well onboard, and fit snorkeling in when conditions allow, this cruise is a solid pick for the north shore.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The cruise runs for about 6 hours.

Where does the tour start, and what time?

It starts at Bain Boeuf Public Beach in Cap Malheureux, with a start time of 9:30 am.

Is hotel pickup or drop-off included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

What’s included in the price?

Lunch, bottled water, snorkeling equipment, and alcoholic beverages are included.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?

No. Snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the tour.

Are vegetarian or vegan meals available?

Yes. Vegetarian and vegan options are available if you advise at the time of booking.

Is there a limit on group size?

Yes, the maximum group size is 17 travelers.

Is this tour weather dependent?

Yes, it requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.