Luxury Catamaran Cruise: The Northern Islands

This Northern Islands catamaran cruise is interesting because it mixes quick beach time with time in the water, right along Mauritius’ north shore. I like that you get set sail views of spots like Gunners Coin and Ilot Gabriel, then you’re actually in the Indian Ocean with snorkeling gear in hand.

I also like the simple, all-inclusive feel: a barbecue lunch on board plus bottled water and alcoholic beverages, without you needing to plan a thing. The main drawback to consider is that this day depends on conditions, and when the sea gets rough outside the lagoon, snorkeling and route plans can change.

Key Points at a Glance

• Small group size (max 17) makes it easier to move around the boat and enjoy the stops
• Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate Beach time gives you actual shore moments, not just a photo stop
• Snorkeling gear included so you can focus on water time, not shopping or rentals
• BBQ lunch plus drinks onboard adds real value for a day that starts in the morning
• Weather matters since the schedule is sensitive to wind and choppy water

The Big Appeal: North Shore Views Plus Real Water Time

This isn’t a “sit on deck and hope” kind of cruise. The point is to get you out to the northern island area, then deliver on the two things most people come for: scenery from the boat and time in the water.

The route runs from Cap Malheureux (meeting at Bain Boeuf Public Beach) and focuses on Ilot Gabriel and the Flat Island area. You also get the kind of north-coast perspective you can’t really recreate from land, especially when the boat is gliding along the sunlit shoreline.

Your Day Plan, Hour by Hour (What It Feels Like)

The cruise runs for about 6 hours, starting at 9:30am, and ends back at the same meeting point. There’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll want to plan to reach Bain Boeuf Public Beach on your own.

Here’s how your time typically breaks down:

Stop 1: Ilot Gabriel Beach (Quick island time, good for photos and a reset)

You hop off at Ilot Gabriel Beach and get about 30 minutes. In practice, this is a short window for two things:

• a breather after the morning sail
• time to soak in the look of the reserve area and grab pictures while the light is still clean

Because your stop is brief, I treat it like a “move fast but don’t rush” moment. Put on sunscreen early, then do your walk, swim check, or quick stretch before the boat calls you back.

Stop 2: Ile Plate Beach (Relaxation and a second chance to swim)

Next comes Ile Plate Beach, also with around 30 minutes. This is where the cruise gives you a second landing spot so you can switch from “boat mode” to “beach mode” twice.

If you like a simple rhythm on vacation, this works well. You’re not stuck on one crowded stretch of sand all day, and you’re not stuck only on the water either.

The Water Part: Snorkeling equipment is included, and conditions decide how smooth it is

You’ll have snorkeling equipment provided, and the cruise is built around getting you into the water around the island area. Many people love this part because the water can be crystal clear when conditions are calm.

But here’s the honest part: the north coast can be breezy. One positive pattern shows up in the feedback, where the crew keeps things fun and well managed even if the ride is a bit adventurous outside the lagoon. One negative pattern shows up too, where high winds and choppy water prevented planned activities and led to changes in what people could do.

So, think of snorkeling as part of the plan, not a guarantee. Your best-case scenario is clear water and active swim time. Your realistic backup is that you’ll still have a great boat day even if the water portion gets shortened or altered.

The Boat Experience: Friendly Crew, Music, and Drinks That Keep Coming

The “luxury” in the title might make you picture a white-glove, quiet lounge. On this outing, the reality leans more toward social and energetic service, with lots of attention to keeping the day moving and people happy.

What I like about this kind of setup:

• You’re not left wondering what to do next.
• Food and drinks are handled on board, so you aren’t hunting for snacks at stops.
• The crew style can be playful, including getting people singing and dancing on some departures.

Also, the group size matters. With a maximum of 17 travelers, you’re less likely to feel swallowed by crowds on the boat. That small scale can make the day feel more personal, even when it’s still a shared experience.

BBQ Lunch and Beverages: Why the Included Meal Actually Changes the Value

At $113.99 per person, you’re paying for a half-day plus a full-day type of experience. The big value lever here is that your lunch and drinks are included, not added later.

A few details that help you set expectations:

• Lunch is included, served as a barbecue-style meal on board.
• You also get bottled water.
• Alcoholic beverages are included, which is a big deal for a day on the water.

If you’ve ever done island trips where the “cheap boat day” turns into a spendy lunch hour, this feels different. You can keep your budget under control while still eating well.

And yes, the food gets mentioned a lot in positive feedback: people tend to highlight that it’s tasty, well-prepared, and served in a way that fits a sea day.

Snorkeling Gear Included: What to Bring So You Enjoy It More

Because snorkeling equipment is provided, you can travel lighter than you would on a tour that expects you to bring everything. That said, you’ll still want your own comfort items.

Bring:

• bathing attire (you’ll want to be ready to go fast at the stops)
• suntan lotion (apply before boat time if you can)
• caps and hats for sun protection

If you’re prone to motion discomfort, pack your preferred remedy too. The cruise can go beyond the lagoon into deeper water, and that means a ride that can feel rough when the wind ramps up.

The practical takeaway: if your goal is to snorkel a lot, pick a day with calmer weather if you have flexibility. If you don’t, plan to enjoy the whole boat day, not only the water time.

Where You Start, How You Get There, and Why Logistics Matter

This tour starts at Bain Boeuf Public Beach, Cap Malheureux at 9:30am, and it ends back there. There’s no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’ll want a simple plan to get to the meeting point.

Two points that make this easier than some remote tours:

• it’s listed as being near public transportation
• you end where you start, so you’re not stuck solving a second transport problem after a sea day

You’ll also receive a mobile ticket, which usually means fewer paper hassles if you like to travel light.

Price and Value: What You’re Really Paying For

The price is $113.99 per person. On paper, that’s not “rock-bottom Mauritius cheap.” But when you factor in what’s included, it starts to look more like a fair package for a northern island day.

You’re getting:

• boat time with planned island/beach stops
• snorkeling equipment
• lunch (barbecue style)
• bottled water plus alcoholic beverages
• a small group cap (max 17)

If you’re comparing options, I’d look at the total package, not just the base cost. Tours that charge extra for gear or for food and drinks can look cheaper until you add everything.

One more smart move: check prices against booking through local channels near your accommodation. In one case, a traveler noted it was cheaper to book directly through their hotel than through an online reseller. I’d treat that as a reminder to do a quick price comparison before you lock it in.

Weather Reality Check: When Wind Changes the Day

This is the part you should respect, even if you’re excited. The cruise requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you should be offered a different date or a full refund. But if the day runs and conditions are choppy, your route or activities might shift.

What I’ve learned from the experience feedback:

• Some people describe the ride outside the lagoon as rough, but worth it because the destination is stunning.
• Others had a tough day where planned activities could not be completed due to wind-driven choppiness, and the snorkeling plan got adjusted.

So I suggest you do two things:

• Choose mornings earlier in the week if you can, so you’re not always gambling on the same weather pattern.
• Bring the right attitude. The best days happen when you treat the day as a cruise first, snorkeling second.

Who This Cruise Suits Best (And Who Might Want Something Else)

This works best if you want:

• a morning start and a return to the same point
• a day that includes lunch and drinks onboard
• a mix of shore time and snorkeling
• a smaller group feel (max 17)

It’s also fairly broad in appeal: it says most travelers can participate, and children must be accompanied by an adult. If you’re traveling with family, you’ll want to plan for sun and water safety, since the day is clearly built around being in swimwear.

It may not be your best fit if you need calm, guaranteed snorkeling in every condition, or if you strongly dislike any boat ride outside the lagoon.

Should You Book the Northern Islands Catamaran Cruise?

If you want a solid value day in northern Mauritius, I think this one makes sense. You’re paying for a complete package: boat travel, Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate Beach time, snorkeling gear, and an on-board barbecue lunch with drinks. For many people, that combination is the sweet spot.

Book it if:

• you’re okay with a ride that can feel a bit bumpy when wind hits
• you’ll enjoy the whole day even if the water portion is shortened
• you want an easy schedule without hotel pickup chaos

Consider a different option if:

• you can’t handle choppy seas at all
• your trip depends on snorkeling for a specific time window with zero changes

Bottom line: plan for sun and saltwater, pack smart, and you’ll have a fun north-shore cruise day that feels properly “Mauritius,” not just a checklist tour.