Three islands, one catamaran, big ocean smiles. I like the mix of island beach time and snorkeling stops, and I also like the BBQ lunch plus an open spread of drinks on board. The one heads-up is that snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own if you want to snorkel easily.

This 7-hour day trip runs from Grand Bay and usually wraps up back at the jetty around 16h00. You’ll visit Flat, Gabriel, and Gunners Coin, with an English or French live guide, and the exact sequence can shift if tides or water depth make it necessary.

Key Highlights You Can Plan Around

• Three Northern Isles in one day: Flat, Gabriel, and Gunners Coin
• Snorkel time at Gabriel with coral gardens and marine life, gear not included
• Optional bonus snorkeling at Gunners Coin depending on sea conditions and the captain’s call
• A proper onboard lunch with BBQ fish, chicken, and sausage, plus sides and fruit
• Drinks are included on the catamaran: water, wine, beer, and local punch plus rum
• You’ll likely get wet and the deck can be slippery, so footwear matters

Grand Bay to the Northern Isles: Why This 7-Hour Day Feels Like Good Value

For $76 per person, this works best when you want an all-day ocean outing without having to piece together boats, lunch, and beach logistics. The trip time is long enough to feel like a real day at sea, and the included meal is not a sad snack. You get an open lunch buffet on board, plus a set of complimentary drinks.

What really sells the value is the combination. You’re not only cruising around, you’re getting multiple island experiences in the same day: beach time, snorkeling opportunities, and a full meal with drinks. And because Flat, Gabriel, and Gunners Coin are nature reserves, you’re typically going somewhere that’s managed for conservation rather than just built up for mass tourism.

The other practical point: this is a boat day. One review (Arek, Poland) warned that the islands have no drinks and that you should bring water, especially if you’re left ashore for around two hours. That’s not a deal-breaker, but it changes how you pack and plan your comfort.

Gabriel Island Beach Time and Snorkel: The Main Event

Gabriel Island is the stop that’s built for water lovers. You’ll disembark at a white-sand beach with calm, clear water you can swim in. Then you get the chance to snorkel around the island, described as coral gardens and marine life.

The big practical detail: snorkeling equipment is not included. If you only bring a basic swim mindset and no gear, you might still enjoy the water, but your snorkeling options can feel more limited and less comfortable. If you’re investing time in snorkeling at all, bring your own mask and snorkel, plus consider fins if you use them.

Also keep in mind safety and comfort. The operator notes that boats can be wet most of the time and can be slippery, so it’s smart to treat moving around on board like you’re on a deck after rain. If you’re new to snorkeling, take it slow. Currents and sea conditions can change what the captain does during the day, and the order of sites can shift depending on tide and water depth.

Flat Island: Easy Beach Time Between Swim and Lunch

Flat Island is one of the names that makes this trip feel different from a simple sightseeing cruise. The promise here is pristine shoreline and clear water, and the day is timed so you can actually enjoy the island, not just stand on a boat while it passes by.

In practice, Flat fits well as a breather stop. You get another chunk of beach and swim time, and it’s also a good moment to reset if you went hard on snorkeling at Gabriel. Since the islands are nature reserves, the vibe is generally about being outside and enjoying the sea rather than shopping or big built attractions.

One more comfort tip comes from a specific review pattern. Arek (Poland) mentioned that on island time there aren’t any drinks available, and that you should pack a bottle of water because it can be extremely hot. That aligns with how beach stops work on boats like this. Bring what you need before you land, because you probably won’t be able to buy it once you’re ashore.

Gunners Coin: A Bonus Reef Stop Only If Conditions Cooperate

Gunners Coin is the “maybe we get extra time” part of the day. The plan is to potentially pass by on the return route, and if the sea state is safe and the captain approves, there may be a brief stop for additional snorkeling.

This matters because it changes expectations. You should treat Gunners Coin as an extra rather than a guarantee. When it does happen, it’s described as a natural aquarium with colorful reef fish in their habitat, which is exactly the kind of snorkel payoff that makes a boat day feel special.

If the captain skips it due to rough seas or currents, you’re not losing the core experience. You still visited Gabriel and Flat, and you still have the major highlight built around swimming and snorkeling. But it’s worth mentally budgeting for variable timing, because the operator explicitly says that itinerary changes can happen for safety when conditions are poor.

The Catamaran Lunch: BBQ, Sides, and Drinks That Actually Make a Difference

This is where the trip earns its keep. The lunch is served onboard as a BBQ spread, and it’s more than one protein and some bread. The menu includes BBQ chicken, fish, and sausage, along with green salad and what’s described as a buffet of sides like rice, potato, and pasta. Fresh crudites and warm bread round it out.

On top of the food, the drinks are complimentary and listed clearly: water, wine, beer, local punch, and rum. That’s a big deal for value because meals and drinks add up fast in Mauritius, especially if you’re paying per item during a day trip.

Dessert is simple and tropical. You’ll have pineapple or seasonal fruit, which is exactly what you want after hours in the sun and salt air.

One review from Sibylle (Switzerland) also highlighted something I appreciate on boat days: after the beach segment, the crew cleaned and dried the floor so it was safer to move around on deck. That tells you they’re paying attention to practical comfort, not just serving food and sending everyone out.

Crew and Safety on a Wet, Rolling Catamaran

Catamaran days can feel carefree, but safety still drives the experience. The operator provides a live guide in English and French, and there’s an emphasis on instruction and being careful on board.

A clear heads-up from one review (Lana, Croatia): expect a wild ride on waves. Translation for you: bring the right mindset. If you’re prone to motion sickness, plan for it in advance since rough water can make the ride more intense. And because the boat is wet much of the time, think about how you step. Slippery decks are a real thing, and you do not want to learn that lesson mid-cruise.

That same safety theme shows up in another review (Sibylle, Switzerland). She noted that the crew was helpful, gave good instructions, and kept attention on safety throughout the day. She also mentioned there was enough room even with about 35 people on board, which matters because packed catamarans can make it hard to move, relax, or find a spot to dry off.

What to Pack: Water, Water Shoes, and Sunscreen That Doesn’t Lie

This trip is short enough that packing mistakes show up fast. You’re out there for most of the day, likely in heat, with wet surfaces and real sun exposure.

Here’s what I’d pack based on the provided guidance and the strongest review tips:

• Change of clothes (you’ll want dry clothes for the ride back)
• Towel
• Beachwear
• Water shoes or footwear for the water (Arek explicitly advised this because reefs can make walking more comfortable with protective footwear)
• Sunscreen, and yes, reapply

That last one might sound obvious, but the reviews make it clear. Arek mentioned that even after using filters over several days, everyone still came back sunburned in multiple spots after this excursion. So assume strong sun even if you think you’re prepared.

Also, bring your own bottled water even though drinks are included on board. Arek specifically said that the islands have no drinks and that time ashore can be around two hours. If you get thirsty while you’re on the sand, you’ll want something ready.

Price and Logistics: The Real Decision Points

At $76 per person for a 7-hour outing, you’re paying for a full boat day with transport by catamaran, visits to three nature-reserve islands, snorkeling time (with your own gear), and a full onboard lunch with drinks. If you were to price those separately, especially the meal and the boat time, it often adds up faster than you expect.

A couple of logistics points affect convenience. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included, though they may be arranged separately for an additional cost. So you’ll want to be able to get yourself to Grand Bay.

It’s also not for everyone. The tour is listed as not suitable for children under 3 and not suitable for people with mobility impairments. That lines up with the reality of boarding a boat, dealing with wet decks, and moving around for beach and snorkeling.

Finally, note that snorkeling equipment is not included. If you travel with gear, you’ll get a smoother day. If you don’t, you can still enjoy swimming and the islands, but you may not get the full snorkeling experience the plan is built around.

Who This Catamaran Cruise Suits Best

This is ideal if you like a structured beach-and-snorkel day, and you want it without constant planning. You’ll enjoy it if you value:

• Multiple island stops in one trip rather than a single beach
• A real lunch onboard, not just chips and a drink
• Time in clear water where snorkeling is part of the plan
• A crew that focuses on safety and instructions (based on reviews)

It’s also a good fit for couples, friends, and adults who don’t mind a boat ride that can be bouncy. Families with older kids might enjoy it, but the under-3 limit is strict.

If you hate being on a boat, or if rough water can knock you out, you should think carefully. One review said you can expect a wild ride on waves, and the itinerary can change if currents or sea conditions require safety adjustments. That doesn’t ruin the trip, but it shapes the mood.

Should You Book This 3 Northern Isles Catamaran Cruise?

I think this is a smart book if you want a one-day “greatest hits” route for Mauritius’s northern island coast, with snorkeling built in and lunch handled for you. The price feels fair for the time at sea, three island visits, and an onboard BBQ plus drinks.

I’d especially book if:

• You already have snorkeling gear or you’re willing to bring your own
• You can handle a wet, rolling catamaran day
• You want an easy day trip where food and drinks are taken care of on the boat

I might skip or choose a different style of tour if:

• You need hotel pick-up to make your day easy (since it’s not included by default)
• You’re not comfortable with slipping hazards and moving around on wet decks
• You’re counting on extra snorkeling at Gunners Coin as a sure thing, since it depends on the captain and conditions

If you go in with the right expectations, this cruise is one of those good-value days where the islands do the heavy lifting, and the catamaran handles the rest.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The tour duration is listed as 7 hours, and you return back to the jetty around 16h00.

What islands are visited on this tour?

You visit three Northern Isles: Flat Island, Gabriel Island, and Gunners Coin Island.

Is snorkeling included?

Swim and snorkel are included, but snorkeling equipment is not included.

What food is included on board?

Lunch is included and described as BBQ chicken, fish, and sausage, with green salad, sides, desserts, and drinks.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks included are water, soft and alcoholic drinks, listed as water, wine, beer, local punch, and rum.

Is hotel pick-up and drop-off included?

Hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included, but may be arranged separately for an additional cost.

What languages are offered for the live guide?

The live tour guide is available in English and French.

Is the itinerary fixed?

Not always. The sequence of site visits may vary based on tide, water depth, and sea conditions for safety.

Is the tour canceled in bad weather?

If sea conditions are adverse, the trip can be rescheduled with an alternative date, and if a suitable date cannot be arranged, a full refund is offered.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

It’s not suitable for children under 3 years and it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments.