Catamaran Mauritius Cruise in the North Coasts

This catamaran cruise is a great way to see Mauritius’ north coast islands in one smooth day. I like the mix of protected nature reserves and real sea time, plus the simple pleasure of sailing out of Grand Baie with the breeze on your face. One caution: there can be some swell, so if you get motion sick easily, plan accordingly.

What you do is straightforward and scenic, and you get enough structure to feel like a full outing without rushing. You’ll start with a captain’s briefing onboard the Wind Dancer, then hop between Ile Plate (Flat Island), Gabriel Island, and Coin de Mire. You’ll also get a BBQ lunch with drinks and snacks, and the guide speaks English and French. If you want a day that’s equal parts beach, snorkeling, and chill, this fits well.

Key highlights at a glance

• Grand Baie Public Beach departure with a proper captain’s briefing before you cast off
• Three Northern Isles in one day: Ile Plate, Gabriel Island, and Coin de Mire
• Snorkel windows in protected waters at Gabriel Island and Coin de Mire
• BBQ lunch onboard with drinks and snacks, timed between island stops
• Short transfers from the Port Louis area to Grand Baie, so your day stays on the water
• English and French live guide for clearer island and safety info

Why This North Coasts Catamaran Route Works So Well

This cruise is basically a best-of day for Mauritius’ northern islands. The islands you visit are government-declared nature reserves, which matters because it helps keep the beaches, water, and coral habitat looking like the photos. You get the practical benefit of planning everything for you, while still having enough time at each stop to actually enjoy it.

I like that the day isn’t only “look from the boat.” You’ll have real beach time and actual snorkeling opportunities. The BBQ lunch onboard is also a smart touch, because it breaks up the day without forcing you to track down food on your own in a place where schedules can be unpredictable.

The main tradeoff is physical comfort. Catamarans are usually stable, but the day still involves open-water sailing and time on the water. If you’re sensitive to chop, you’ll want to bring motion sickness help and dress for wind.

From Port Louis to Grand Baie: Getting to Wind Dancer

Your day starts with pickup in the Port Louis area and a short coach transfer to Grand Baie, plus a brief walk to the departure area. Depending on where you’re staying, pickup can be arranged at your resort reception, and you’ll be contacted ahead of time with pickup details.

The key thing here is that you’re not left guessing. Once you reach Grand Baie Public Beach, you’ll board the Wind Dancer catamaran, and there’s a captain’s briefing before sailing. You’ll also have tea, coffee, and cake onboard to start the day, which sounds simple, but it makes a real difference when you’re heading out early.

Practical tip: if you’re coming from the Port Louis cruise terminal side of things, ask where you’ll meet. The logistics are designed to bring you back to the same general area later, which keeps the return smooth.

Ile Plate (Flat Island): Beach Time That Feels Like a Reset

After setting sail, you’ll spend about an hour heading to the first main stop, Ile Plate, also called Flat Island. This is where you get your first payoff: island views from the sea, then time to explore once you’re there.

What makes this stop work is the balance. You get a chunk of time to relax and enjoy the shoreline, without feeling like you’re sprinting from activity to activity. You can take in the white sand, clear water, and the general “out of the rush” feeling that comes from visiting protected island territory.

What to consider: Ile Plate is more about being on the island and enjoying the water than about a long guided program. If you love lots of organized history and museum-style info, this may feel light. If you want scenery and time to chill, it hits the sweet spot.

BBQ Lunch Onboard Wind Dancer: Food That Keeps the Day Moving

Once your morning island time wraps up, you return to the catamaran for lunch. The BBQ lunch is served onboard and comes with refreshing drinks and snacks. This is one of the most practical parts of the day because it prevents the classic beach-tour problem: you end up hungry and annoyed between activities.

Timing-wise, the lunch sits right after Ile Plate and before Gabriel Island. That means you get to eat while the pace is steady, not right as you’re transferring between stops.

What I think matters for value: you’re paying for a day that includes transportation, entrance fees, and meal service. So the lunch isn’t an add-on you have to budget separately on the ground. At around $170 per person, those inclusions help justify the price, especially if you’d otherwise spend money on a private boat, taxis, and island food.

Gabriel Island: Sandbar Relaxing and Snorkel Time

Next up is Gabriel Island. This is the stop people tend to remember, because it gives you both iconic “sandbar” time and a calm lagoon option.

You can relax on the sandbar and soak up the sun. If you want water time that’s a bit more active, there’s also snorkeling in the tranquil lagoon, known for marine life. This is one of the best parts of the cruise if you enjoy coral and fish and want to see the underwater world without dealing with the logistics of hiring gear and arranging a separate boat.

A realistic drawback to plan for: snorkeling depends on conditions. Even when the water is clear, wind and currents can change how comfortable the experience is. Bring or use a mask that fits well, and don’t force it if you’re feeling unsure. The “calm lagoon” wording suggests it’s gentler than open surf, but it’s still the ocean.

Also, give yourself a little time on the sand after snorkeling. It’s the easiest way to actually enjoy what you saw rather than rushing to the next photo moment.

Coin de Mire Natural Aquarium: Swim Among Reef Fish

On the way back to Grand Baie, the cruise stops at Coin de Mire, described as a natural aquarium. This is where you get another swimming and snorkeling window, with colorful reef fish in the water.

Why this stop is valuable: it extends your day beyond just one snorkeling session. If your first snorkeling time is limited by conditions or you just want more, Coin de Mire gives you a second chance. It also helps break up the return trip with a final hit of sea time instead of feeling like you’re just cruising back.

What to consider: it’s still a catamaran day. You’ll be going in and out of the water depending on your comfort. If you’re not confident in water, focus on enjoying the scenery from the boat and on the sun-soaked breaks when you’re not in the sea.

Price and Value: What $170 Gets You in a 6-Hour Day

At about $170 per person, this cruise is not the cheapest thing you can do on Mauritius. But it’s also not priced like a private charter. So the question is value.

Here’s what you actually get for that price: transportation, entrance fees, a BBQ lunch onboard, and all drinks and snacks. You also get a structured full-day feel with a guided experience from start to finish, plus snorkeling opportunities across multiple island stops. That’s usually where the cost makes sense, because those pieces add up fast if you try to recreate it independently.

In plain terms: if you want a one-day island tour that’s set up for you, includes your meal, and gives you two snorkeling chances, this is strong value. If you only care about one beach and you’d rather spend the day on land near Grand Baie, you might feel like you’re paying for extras.

Who Should Book This Cruise, and Who Might Skip

This cruise is a great match if you want:

• A single-day island highlight plan in Mauritius’ north
• Time for both snorkeling and just plain beach relaxing
• A guided day with clear structure, meals, and included drinks
• A comfortable catamaran experience rather than a long series of car transfers and separate boats

It may be less ideal if:

• You get motion sick in boats and don’t plan for it
• You only want one simple beach stop and don’t care about island-hopping
• You’re expecting a deep, education-heavy guided lecture at each stop, because the emphasis here is scenery and water time more than structured indoor content

The Booking Decision: Should You Go?

If your idea of a perfect Mauritius day is sailing, white sand beaches, and snorkeling in protected waters, I’d book this. The inclusion of BBQ lunch with drinks and snacks makes the day feel complete, not like you’re constantly spending extra money between activities. And hitting Ile Plate, Gabriel Island, and Coin de Mire in one outing is the big win.

My final go or no-go advice is simple: pack for the sea (light layers, sun protection, and motion sickness help if you need it). If you handle that part well, you’ll get a well-paced north-coast day that feels like more than a standard boat trip.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The tour duration is listed as 6 hours, and the overall activity time is described as 6-8 hours.

Where does the tour start and is pickup included?

Pickup is included. You can be picked up at your resort reception, and you will be contacted a day before to confirm pickup details. The experience also references pickup in the Port Louis area.

Which islands are included?

You visit Ile Plate (Flat Island), Gabriel Island, and Coin de Mire.

Is BBQ lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is included, along with all drinks and snacks.

Do you get time to snorkel?

Yes. You have snorkeling opportunities, including at Gabriel Island and during the Coin de Mire stop.

What languages is the guide speaking?

The live tour guide is available in English and French.