Full Day Catamaran Luxury Cruise to Northern Islands w Lunch

The best part of this cruise is its route through Mauritius’s northern islands, where steep Gunners Coin, sandy Flat Island, and Gabriel Island give the day more variety than a simple boat ride. I like the included BBQ lunch and drinks, and I like having snorkeling equipment provided, so you can enjoy the water without arranging extra gear.

The main catch is the sea. A July 2024 departure was badly affected by rain and unsafe conditions, leaving the group sheltering on the first island and cancelling the Coin de Mire snorkeling stop. You should also note that hotel transfers are not included, and the trip is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, children under two, or anyone prone to seasickness.

Key points to know before booking

• Flat Island is the main water stop: You have time to snorkel in the lagoon before lunch.
• Gunners Coin is a dramatic pass-by: Look for the sheer cliffs and unusual rock shape from the boat.
• Gabriel Island follows lunch: The afternoon stop gives you time to see a second island at a slower pace.
• Coin de Mire is weather dependent: The return stop is planned for snorkeling in a natural aquarium, but rough seas can cancel it.
• The meeting point is in Bain Boeuf: Arrive at Coin de Mire Attitude reception by 09:30 for the 09:45 departure.
• The $115 price covers the day’s basics: Lunch, bottled water, alcoholic drinks, and snorkeling equipment are included, but not transport to the hotel.

A northern-island route with three different moods

This cruise works because the stops are not all the same. Gunners Coin is mostly a striking sight from the water. Flat Island is the place for snorkeling and a break in the lagoon. Gabriel Island comes after lunch and gives the afternoon a different rhythm.

You begin at Coin de Mire Attitude Hotel in Bain Boeuf. The meeting time is 09:30 at reception, with the catamaran scheduled to leave at 09:45. That early start matters because the trip has several stops packed into roughly six hours.

The boat is a Lagoon 380 catamaran. That gives you the open-air feel people usually want from a Mauritius sailing day, along with room to sit, watch the coast, and move around during the crossing. The exact group size is not provided, so you should not assume this is a small private charter.

A safety briefing comes first. Listen closely, especially if you are not used to moving around on a boat or swimming from a vessel. The crew speaks English and French, which makes the basic instructions accessible to most international visitors.

Gunners Coin: a sharp rock wall from the sea

Gunners Coin, also known as Coin de Mire, is one of the memorable sights on this northern route. Its sheer cliffs give it a bold profile, and the boat’s approach lets you appreciate the rock formation from the water rather than from a distant viewpoint.

This is not presented as a long island walk. Think of it as a scenic passage and a visual highlight. Keep your camera ready, but also watch how the cliffs change as the catamaran moves past them.

Coin de Mire matters again later in the day. On the return, the catamaran is scheduled to stop so you can snorkel in the clear water around its natural aquarium. That second appearance gives the route a nice sense of progression, but it is also the part most exposed to weather and sea conditions.

A July departure had to cancel this snorkeling stop because the forecast indicated dangerous conditions. The rain also reduced the views and left people sheltering under huts on the first island. That is a useful warning: the route is attractive, but no boat operator can guarantee every water stop in poor weather.

Flat Island brings the main snorkeling session

After setting out, the cruise heads toward Flat Island and Gabriel Island. The first substantial water activity takes place around Flat Island, where you have time to snorkel in the lagoon.

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with bottled water. That makes the $115 price easier to assess, since you are not adding rental costs once you reach the boat. You still need to bring your own towel and beachwear.

The water is described as crystal clear, but visibility will always depend on conditions. On a calm, bright day, this should be the strongest part of the cruise for seeing underwater scenery. On a wet or rough day, the experience can feel far less rewarding. Plan with that reality in mind rather than treating the snorkeling as guaranteed.

Flat Island is also where the day may slow down. If you are not keen to snorkel, you can use the stop as a chance to sit, dry off, and enjoy the setting. The available information does not specify a separate guided island tour, so do not book this expecting a detailed walk or cultural program.

BBQ lunch and drinks keep the day simple

Lunch is served on board after the Flat Island snorkeling period. The meal is a BBQ, with alcoholic drinks and bottled water included.

I see real value here. You do not need to leave the boat looking for a restaurant, and the lunch is built into the timing rather than treated as an optional extra. For a six-hour sea trip, that convenience helps keep the day moving.

The meal also marks the change from morning activity to afternoon sightseeing. You can eat, take a break from the water, and then visit Gabriel Island afterward. The details of the BBQ menu are not provided, so anyone with specific dietary needs should confirm what is available before booking.

Drinks are included, but sensible pacing still matters. You will be on a boat, in the sun, and possibly swimming. Water is especially useful, even with alcoholic beverages available.

Gabriel Island gives you a second island stop

After lunch, the catamaran visits Ilot Gabriel. This is the afternoon island portion of the trip, following the main snorkeling time at Flat Island.

The appeal is variety. You are not spending the whole day at one beach or repeating the same activity. Gabriel Island lets you see another part of the northern island group and gives you time away from the boat before the return run.

At the same time, the schedule is not a full island expedition. The cruise description does not give a long walking route, named landmarks, or a guided tour of Gabriel Island. Expect time to look around and enjoy the surroundings, not a detailed history lesson.

That distinction matters when comparing this cruise with a land-based island visit. You are paying for a combination of sailing, swimming, lunch, and short island stops. The islands are the setting for the day, not a series of deeply guided visits.

The return to Coin de Mire depends on the sea

The return route includes a planned stop at Coin de Mire for snorkeling in its natural aquarium. This is potentially the most memorable swim of the day because the water is described as especially clear.

It is also the most weather-sensitive part of the schedule. A previous departure had to skip it because conditions were considered dangerous. The operator was right to put safety first, but you should understand that a cruise can still run while losing one of its headline activities.

If you are booking mainly for snorkeling, choose a date with the best possible weather outlook and keep your plans flexible. The free cancellation window allows cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, according to the stated terms. Once at sea, however, conditions may still force changes.

The scheduled return is around 15:45. The overall duration is listed as six hours, while another timing reference gives 15:30 as the end of the cruise. Treat the afternoon return as approximate rather than planning a tight connection immediately afterward.

Is $115 a fair price?

At $115 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend time on the water in Mauritius. It is a reasonable package if you want several costs handled together.

The price includes:

• Catamaran sailing
• BBQ lunch
• Bottled water
• Alcoholic beverages
• Snorkeling equipment

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must make your own way to Coin de Mire Attitude Hotel in Bain Boeuf and arrive at reception by 09:30. That extra transport cost should be part of your calculation, especially if your hotel is elsewhere on the island.

The value is strongest for you if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, snorkeling gear, lunch, and drinks. It is weaker if you mainly want a short swim or a quiet beach day.

I also like that the day includes both active and easygoing parts. You can snorkel, sit on the catamaran, eat lunch, and visit two islands without arranging several separate activities. The tradeoff is that the schedule depends heavily on weather, and the exact amount of time at each stop is not specified.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

This trip suits confident swimmers and active couples, friends, or families with older children who want a full day on the water. You will get the most from it if you enjoy snorkeling and do not need every stop to include a formal guided tour.

It is also a good match if you want an easy package. The crew provides equipment, food, water, and drinks, while the English and French service covers the basic practical needs.

I would think twice if you are prone to seasickness. The trip lasts about six hours, and rough water can affect both comfort and the itinerary. Bring only what you need, since oversized luggage, large bags, and baby strollers are not allowed.

The cruise is not suitable for children under two, wheelchair users, or people with mobility impairments. Electric wheelchairs are also not permitted. These limits are important because boat boarding, movement on deck, and swimming stops require a level of physical independence.

Weather is the decision that matters most

Mauritius can give you a superb boat day, but this experience is particularly exposed to rain, wind, and sea conditions. A poor-weather departure included heavy rain, reduced views, sheltering under huts, and a cancelled snorkeling stop at Coin de Mire.

That does not mean every cloudy day will ruin the cruise. It does mean you should keep your expectations realistic. The best version includes clear water, good visibility, comfortable time on deck, and a full route. The weaker version may still include the boat and lunch but lose the swimming and sightseeing moments that justify the price.

Check the forecast close to departure and use the 24-hour cancellation policy if your plans allow. If you are staying in Mauritius for several days, placing this cruise on a flexible day is wiser than making it the centerpiece of a short, weather-sensitive visit.

Should you book the northern-island catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a packaged sea day with Flat Island snorkeling, Gabriel Island, lunch, and drinks in one outing. The route has good variety, and the included equipment and food make the $115 price easier to defend.

Skip it if you dislike boats, suffer from seasickness, need wheelchair access, or want a guaranteed snorkeling session. You should also avoid treating the return time as exact, since the schedule can shift with sea conditions.

My practical verdict: this is a worthwhile choice in good weather, especially for someone who wants more than a quick catamaran ride. Just arrive at Bain Boeuf with your towel and beachwear, leave the big bags behind, and remember that the sea gets the final say.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The meeting point is at the reception of Coin de Mire Attitude Hotel in Bain Boeuf, in northern Mauritius.

What time should I arrive?

You should arrive at the meeting point by 09:30. The scheduled departure is 09:45.

What islands does the cruise visit?

The route includes Gunners Coin, Flat Island, and Gabriel Island. A return snorkeling stop is also planned at Coin de Mire.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is served on board after the Flat Island snorkeling session.

Are drinks and snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The package includes snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages.

Are hotel transfers included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must arrange your own transport to and from Coin de Mire Attitude Hotel.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel and beachwear. Oversized luggage, large bags, baby strollers, fishing equipment, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.