Grand Bay: Catamaran Cruise to Flat Island with BBQ Lunch

Flat Island is the star here: a quiet northern island with a lagoon, open beach, walking paths, and views toward the smaller islands off Mauritius. The catamaran sailing is scenic, and the chance to swim and snorkel near Coin de Mire adds real value to a full day at sea.

I especially like the included fish and chicken BBQ, served with salad, bread, dessert, and drinks, plus the freedom to relax on the beach or walk around Île Plate. The main catch is comfort: boats can carry more than 50 people, seating is limited, and loud music may run from morning to afternoon.

Key points

• Flat Island sits about 11 kilometers north of Cap Malheureux, near Round Island and Coin de Mire.
• A dinghy transfer is required from Grand Baie beach to the catamaran and later to the island.
• Lunch includes fish, chicken, salad, bread, dessert, and drinks, including beer, wine, local rum, water, and Coke.
• Sea conditions shape the day, with rough water capable of causing motion sickness and changing the schedule.
• The atmosphere can be lively rather than peaceful, with loud music and limited cockpit seating on busy departures.
• Snorkeling is self-paced, and you do not land on Coin de Mire, even though the boat passes close to it.

Sailing north from Grand Baie to Flat Island

This is a seven-hour outing built around the sea rather than a long stay on land. You meet on Grand Baie beach, roughly midway along the beach, where a member of the team directs you to the small boat used for boarding. The dinghy takes you out to the catamaran, so expect a wet-footed start and bring your towel where you can reach it.

Once aboard, the boat follows the northwest coast of Mauritius. Keep your camera ready for views of Grand Baie, Pereybere, and Cap Malheureux. The route becomes more open as you head north toward the islands, and wind and swell can make the crossing feel like a proper ocean trip rather than a calm harbor cruise.

The catamaran is the attraction as much as the destination. You can sit in the cockpit, watch the coast slip past, or find a place on deck. On a busy departure, though, space is not generous. One account described more than 50 people aboard, with about 40 cockpit seats and only around 10 places at a table. That means some people eat on their knees and may need to move around to find a comfortable seat.

What Île Plate offers once you arrive

Île Plate, or Flat Island, lies near Round Island at the northern edge of Mauritius. It is not a polished resort island. Its appeal comes from the open beach, lagoon, simple paths, and feeling of being away from the main island.

You get free time to choose your own pace. Swim inside the lagoon, sit on the sand, tan, or walk along the island trails. I like this flexible setup because you are not pushed through a fixed list of stops. You can spend your time in the water if that is your priority, or stay dry and look for the island’s natural details.

The island is also a good place to watch for the Paille en Queue, the white-tailed tropical bird associated with Mauritius. Seeing one is not guaranteed, but the bird is one of the more distinctive details to look for during your walk.

Do not expect a long island expedition. The exact amount of time on shore can vary, and one departure allowed only about an hour for the island stop. Weather, sea conditions, meal arrangements, and the overall running of the day all matter. If you are booking mainly to explore Flat Island on foot, keep your expectations modest. This is primarily a catamaran cruise with an island visit, not a full island hiking tour.

Snorkeling near Coin de Mire

The northern Mauritius islands are known for clear water and tropical fish, and snorkeling is one of the strongest parts of this trip. You can swim and snorkel at your own pace and according to your ability, which is useful if the group includes people with different levels of confidence in the water.

The boat passes as close as possible to Coin de Mire, but you do not go ashore there. The activity includes time to snorkel around the island, and if the weather and sea are suitable, the crew may also arrange snorkeling in open water during the return journey.

That wording matters. Snorkeling is included, but the exact location and timing depend on conditions. Rough water can make getting in and out uncomfortable, and anyone prone to seasickness should consider taking motion sickness tablets before departure. A December outing had strong swell that left many people feeling unwell, so this is not the right day at sea for someone who struggles in choppy water.

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. You should also be honest with yourself about your swimming ability. The activity lets you set your own pace, but it does not turn rough water into a calm swimming pool.

A BBQ lunch with a mixed track record

Lunch is included in the $70 price, which helps make the outing good value compared with paying separately for a boat trip, a meal, drinks, and snorkeling. The meal includes fish and chicken, along with bread, salad, and dessert. Beer, wine, local rum, water, and Coke are provided, while juice and soft drinks are also available.

The food has received mixed reactions. Some departures provided a very good lunch, with enough time to eat and relax on the island. Another departure drew criticism for a poor lunch and drinks. The setting and serving arrangement can also vary. On one trip, the buffet was served on the boat rather than on Flat Island.

Do not book this cruise expecting a restaurant meal. Think of it as a practical BBQ that keeps you fed during a long day on the water. If you have dietary needs, the information provided does not explain special meal arrangements, so you should confirm them before booking rather than assume alternatives will be available.

The limited seating is worth planning around. With only a small number of table places, you may eat from your lap. That is manageable for a casual beach day, but less comfortable if you need a proper chair and table for your meal.

The mood on board: sailing day or party boat

The crew has earned praise for being friendly and for taking safety seriously. On one rough crossing, the skipper handled strong wind and rain with care, and the team made sure people held on securely. The crew also changed boats for one departure because the original setup was not considered suitable for a group with children in rough conditions. That shows sensible judgment when the sea turns difficult.

The mood is not always quiet. Loud music has been a repeated complaint, with music playing at high volume for much of the day. If you picture a peaceful sail with only wind and water, this may disappoint you. If you like a social, energetic boat with music, it may fit your idea of a good Mauritius day.

This is an important choice point. The cruise suits people who want a lively group outing, swimming, drinks, and a bit of dancing or holiday noise. It suits less well if you want silence, careful nature watching, or a small-group sailing experience. A more private or VIP-style cruise would likely be a better match for the second group, though no alternative is included here.

Timing, weather, and the reality of a seven-hour day

Seven hours is long enough to feel like a full excursion. You will spend a large part of the day on the catamaran, with time split between the outward sail, the island stop, lunch, swimming, snorkeling, and the return trip.

Weather is not a minor detail. The date and start time can change if conditions are unsuitable, and rough water can affect the order or length of the stops. Strong wind may make the crossing exciting for some people and tiring for others. Rain is also possible, so pack your towel and protect your phone and camera.

The catamaran transfer begins from the beach rather than a marina. You first use a small boat to reach the catamaran, then repeat the process on the way back. Wear something that can handle splashes and keep your belongings secure during the transfer.

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you must arrange your own way to Grand Baie beach and arrive at the stated meeting point. The operator provides a live guide in French and English, and pickup instructions are expected to be confirmed by the local team.

Is $70 a fair price?

At $70 per person, the package covers the main costs of a full day: catamaran transport to Île Plate, dinghy transfers, lunch, drinks, and swimming and snorkeling stops. If you plan to spend a day on the northern water anyway, that is a reasonable bundle.

The value drops if you mainly want a long, quiet visit to Flat Island. Your island time may be limited, and the boat can be crowded. You are paying for the whole outing, not just the beach stop, so the right comparison is with another shared catamaran day rather than a simple beach transfer.

The included drinks also make a difference. Beer, wine, local rum, water, and soft drinks are part of the package, although the quality and serving experience may not feel special. With no hotel transfer included, remember to add the cost and time of reaching Grand Baie beach.

The flexible booking terms are useful for weather-sensitive plans. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. Those policies are especially helpful for a sea trip, where conditions can force changes.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would choose this trip if you want an easy way to combine a boat day, an island beach, a BBQ, drinks, and casual snorkeling. It works well for active adults, couples who enjoy a social atmosphere, and groups looking for a full day outside without planning separate transport and meals.

It is also a good fit if you like flexibility. You can swim, snorkel, walk, or sit on the beach rather than follow a tightly managed shore program. The crew’s attention to safety is reassuring when weather changes.

I would hesitate if you need quiet, generous seating, a polished meal, or a calm sea. Families with young children should pay close attention to the forecast and the crew’s safety advice, since the crossing can become rough. Pregnant women should not book this activity.

The overall score of 3.9 from 30 ratings fits the experience well. There are real strengths, especially the northern islands, swimming, the friendly crew on some departures, and the all-in-one price. The weaker points are crowding, loud music, variable lunch quality, and the possibility of rough seas.

Should you book the Grand Baie Flat Island cruise?

Book it if you want a lively, shared catamaran day and you value having lunch, drinks, snorkeling, and island time included for $70. Pack sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, and motion sickness medicine if you need it. Arrive ready for splashes, limited seating, and a boat atmosphere that may be louder than expected.

Skip it if your main goal is a quiet sail or several hours exploring Flat Island. For the right person, this is a fun and practical northern-island outing. For someone seeking comfort and peace, the crowd and music may overshadow the beautiful setting.

FAQ

Where does the cruise meet?

The meeting point is on Grand Baie beach, around the middle of the beach. A representative will be assigned to welcome you and direct you.

How long does the activity last?

The cruise lasts about seven hours. Starting times depend on availability and may change if weather conditions are unsuitable.

How do I get onto the catamaran?

You first take a small boat from Grand Baie beach to the catamaran. Dinghy shuttles are also used for the beach and island transfers.

Where is Flat Island?

Flat Island, called Île Plate in French, is about 11 kilometers north of Cap Malheureux, near Round Island at the northern end of Mauritius.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes fish, chicken, bread, salad, and dessert.

What drinks are included?

Provided drinks include beer, wine, local rum, water, and Coke. Juice and soft drinks are also available.

Can I snorkel during the cruise?

Yes. Snorkeling and swimming stops are included. You can snorkel at your own pace, depending on your ability and sea conditions.

Do you visit Coin de Mire?

The catamaran passes as close as possible to Coin de Mire, but you do not set foot on the island. Snorkeling may take place around it.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must make your own way to the meeting point at Grand Baie beach.