Grand Bay: Catamaran Cruise to Flat Island with BBQ Lunch

A catamaran day trip from Grand Baie to Île Plate is interesting because you sail the northwest coast of Mauritius and reach a small island where the beach and lagoons feel wonderfully calm. I love the free time on Île Plate for strolling, swimming, and soaking up the island vibe. I also love that snorkeling is in the lagoon at your pace, paired with a proper BBQ lunch on the island. The main drawback to keep in mind is that comfort and timing can vary when the sea gets rough, and the onboard atmosphere can be louder than you might expect.

You meet on the Grand Baie beach (mid-way), then you transfer by dinghy to the catamaran and later to the island. The whole trip runs about 7 hours, and you come back to the same area once the sailing and island time are done.

Key Points You Should Care About

• Île Plate beach time is the real star, with walking trails, swimming, and lagoon views.
• Snorkeling is flexible, so you can stay shallow or go a bit deeper based on how you feel.
• BBQ lunch plus drinks are included on-site, with fish and chicken, salad, dessert, and multiple beverage options.
• You pass close to Coin de Mire but do not land there, so treat it as a view and optional water activity around it.
• The sail-by scenery is part of the fun, including areas like Cap Malheureux, Péreybère, and Grand Baie from the water.

Sailing From Grand Baie, A Day That Mixes Views and Water Time

This cruise is built for people who want a clean, classic north Mauritius day at sea, without a complicated schedule. You start at the beach in Grand Baie, get routed to the catamaran via a small boat, and then head out toward Île Plate, also called Flat Island.

The best part is the contrast. First you get a proper catamaran sail with big open-sky views. Then you shift gears to a smaller, slower rhythm on Île Plate, where the beach and lagoon are the point. If you like trips where you can actually take a breath, this one fits.

Where Île Plate (Flat Island) Sits

Île Plate is near Round Island in the far north of Mauritius, about 11 kilometers north of Cap Malheureux. As you cruise up the northwest coast, you can often get great photo angles of the shoreline areas, including Cap Malheureux, Péreybère, and Grand Baie.

That matters because it makes the ride feel like more than just transportation. Even if your main goal is snorkeling or beach time, the sailing portion is a scenic bonus.

Getting Onboard: The Dinghy Transfer and What It Means for Your Day

This isn’t a “step onto a big boat at the pier and you’re done” kind of trip. You board using the beach setup in Grand Baie, and there’s a dinghy step to get you onto the catamaran.

That affects two things you should plan for:

• Your timing at the start. You’ll want to arrive ready to move, in swimwear if possible.
• How you feel on a boat transfer. Some people find dinghies fine, others prefer to take it slow.

Once on the catamaran, you’re out there with enough time that it still feels like a real outing, not a quick hop.

Meeting Point in Grand Baie

You meet on the beach of Grand Baie, mid-way. Someone will welcome you on site. Since there’s no hotel pickup, you’ll want to factor in how you’ll reach Grand Baie by bus, taxi, or a ride-share.

Île Plate Time: Beach, Lagoon Swims, and Island Strolls

When you arrive at Île Plate, you get free time that you control. The included plan gives you the freedom to relax, swim, and explore at your pace.

On the island, you can expect:

• Beach time to tan and unwind
• Walking the natural trails
• Swimming in the lagoon
• A chance to spot local wildlife, including the endemic Paille en Queue bird

That last one is a small detail, but it adds something real. It’s not just water and sand, you get a hint of Mauritius nature. If birds interest you, slow down on your walk and keep an eye out rather than treating it like a timed checklist.

How Much Island Time You Really Get

Most day cruises are a trade-off: you get sailing and snorkeling, but island time is still a limited window. Some sea conditions can also affect timing.

If you are hoping for long hiking time, plan more for beach and lagoon than for a full exploration of the island. This is best thought of as a sea day anchored by a beach interlude.

Lunch on the Island: BBQ, Salad, Dessert, and Drinks

Lunch is served on the island, which is a big deal for comfort. It keeps the meal from turning into a rushed snack between boat maneuvers. You’re eating in a calmer setting, with the water nearby.

The BBQ lunch includes:

• Fish and chicken
• Bread
• Salad
• Dessert

Drinks are also included. You can have beer, wine, local rum, water, or coke with your meal. Juice and soft drinks are available too.

Value Check: Is It Worth the Price?

At around $70 per person for a 7-hour day, the value comes from the bundle:

• Catamaran sailing
• Dinghy transfers
• Island BBQ lunch
• Drinks
• Snorkeling and swimming time

Because lunch and drinks are built in, you avoid the usual on-the-water pricing shock. The biggest “hidden” cost is not money, it’s planning, since you need to get yourself to Grand Baie (no hotel pickup).

Snorkeling at Your Own Pace, Not a Rush Job

Snorkeling is a core part of this trip, and the way it’s framed matters. You’re not stuck doing a forced group routine. You can snorkel based on your own comfort level in the lagoons.

Here’s what that means practically:

• You can spend more time shallow if you want easy viewing.
• You can move more slowly if you’re not a strong swimmer.
• You can take breaks without feeling like you’re falling behind.

Possible Sea Snorkeling If Conditions Are Right

If the meteo and sea conditions cooperate, you may also get some snorkeling at sea. That’s not guaranteed every day, but it gives flexibility when conditions are calm.

Coin de Mire: See It Closely, Don’t Land

The boat passes close to Coin de Mire. You do not set foot there. Still, around the island there may be time to snorkel on your own, again at your pace.

If your dream is to explore by foot on multiple islands, you’ll be happier with a cruise that actually lands. If your dream is water time with views, passing close and having optional snorkeling can still feel satisfying.

The Sailing Experience: Comfort, Crowd Reality, and Music

The cruise lives or dies based on boat comfort and the vibe on board. Based on firsthand patterns I’ve seen from similar island catamaran days, here’s what you should plan for.

Seating and Eating Space Can Get Tight

On busier days, the cockpit area can feel crowded. There may be limited shaded seating and not much space at eating tables. The result can be that people end up eating wherever they can, which is fine if you stay flexible, but annoying if you want a calm, sit-down setup.

Music Can Be Loud

This is the one area where expectations need adjusting. Some departures have strong music playing from morning until late in the day. If you’re sensitive to sound, bring earplugs. If you want the wind and sail sound more than a party soundtrack, this is not a quiet, hushed kind of cruise.

Motion Sickness: Bring a Backup Plan

If you get even mildly queasy on boats, plan to protect yourself. Seas can be choppy, and when that happens, you might feel it more than you expect. A simple motion sickness remedy can make a huge difference. I’d rather you arrive calm than spend the day wishing you had prepared.

What the Crew Does Well, and What to Watch For

The crew typically keeps things moving: guiding you between the beach, dinghies, catamaran, and the island. Safety is a real part of the job, especially when winds pick up. You also tend to get helpful attention when boarding and getting settled.

Still, the experience can vary depending on conditions and how full the boat is. So keep your expectations grounded:

• You’re on a shared catamaran with a group atmosphere.
• You might not get the most personal service if the day is busy.
• Weather can change the plan, and the guide will adapt.

Practical Tips So You Have a Better Day

If you want the smoothest version of this cruise, focus on the small choices that help you feel comfortable.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen

Also consider:

• Earplugs if you dislike loud music.
• A light layer if the wind is strong, since you’ll be out on open water for hours.
• Motion sickness tablets if you know you get car sick or boat sick, even a little.
• Reef-safe sunscreen only if it’s part of your own routine. The listing focuses on sunscreen in general, so just make sure it works for you.

And when you’re on the island, do two things early: get your swim done before you’re hungry, and take a slow trail walk while your legs still feel fresh. Once you relax and settle in, it can be hard to get the energy back.

Who This Cruise Suits Best

This is a great fit if you want:

• A catamaran day trip from Grand Baie
• Island beach time with lagoon swimming
• Snorkeling that’s self-paced
• An included BBQ lunch and drinks

It’s also a good choice for mixed groups, since most people can enjoy something, swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing on the sand.

It’s not a great fit if you:

• Are looking for a quiet, luxury-style experience
• Get very motion sick
• Are pregnant, since it is not suitable

Price and Logistics: No Hotel Pickup, So Plan Your Arrival

At about $70 per person for a 7-hour day with sailing, lunch, drinks, and snorkeling time, the price is fair for north Mauritius. The included lunch and beverages make a real difference compared to tours where you pay extra once you’re on the water.

The logistics are simple, but you need to handle your own trip to the meeting point. Since there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off, factor that into your budget in time, not just money.

Also remember that the date and time can change if weather conditions are not suitable. That’s normal for island cruises, but it’s still worth keeping your day flexible.

Should You Book the Grand Bay to Île Plate Catamaran With BBQ?

Book it if:

• You want a classic Mauritius north catamaran day with island beach time
• You like snorkeling at your own pace in lagoon water
• You want lunch and drinks included, without extra spending

Skip it or choose a different style if:

• You’re chasing a quiet, VIP feel
• You hate loud music onboard
• You are very sensitive to choppy water and can’t tolerate boat motion

My practical advice: treat this as a sea day with a beach anchor. If you come for the sailing, the lagoon snorkeling, and the island BBQ meal, it can feel like a special day. If you come expecting long island exploration or total calm, adjust your expectations and prepare for the vibe and conditions.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the cruise?

You meet on the beach of Grand Bay, mid-way. Someone will welcome you.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How long is the Grand Bay catamaran cruise to Île Plate?

The duration is listed as 7 hours.

What is included in the price?

The catamaran trip to Île Plate, dinghy shuttles to the beach and island, lunch, drinks, and a snorkeling and swimming stop are included.

What does lunch include?

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

What drinks are provided?

Beer, wine, local rum, water, and coke are provided, plus juice and soft drinks.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. There is a snorkeling and swimming stop, and snorkeling in the lagoons is done at your own pace.

Do you visit Coin de Mire?

The boat passes close to Coin de Mire, but you do not set foot on it. You may have time to snorkel around it depending on conditions.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is this activity suitable for pregnant women?

No, it is not suitable for pregnant women.