Mauritius: Catamaran cruise to 3 Northern Isles with lunch

Mauritius can be a great island, but the best days often feel simple: get out on the water, hit a few pristine islands, eat well, and slow down. This catamaran trip is interesting because you cover three Northern Isles in one day and get snorkeling plus an onboard BBQ lunch. I like that the focus stays on real beach time and easy marine viewing, not a rushed parade. One thing to consider: snorkeling gear is not included, and sea conditions can affect the exact order of stops.

I also appreciate the practical onboard rhythm. You get drinks with the meal, plus a crew that pays attention to safety and comfort, which matters when you are moving around on a wet boat. The drawback is weather: if conditions are rough or currents are unsafe, the route can shift or the trip can be rescheduled.

Key points before you go

• Three Northern Isles in one day: Gabriel Island, Flat Island, and Gunners Coin (often associated with Coin de Mire).
• Snorkeling is a highlight, but gear is on you: bring your own mask and snorkel if you want it.
• Lunch is not a snack, it’s a real BBQ spread with hot food, salads, and fruit.
• Bring water and water shoes: one tip I’d take seriously, the island stop has limited to no refreshments.
• Expect some boat rocking depending on the day, so pack for motion comfort.
• Nature reserve coast time: these islands are protected areas, so the pay-off is mostly nature and clear water.

Grand Baie to the Northern Isles: what this catamaran day feels like

The day starts in Grand Baie and runs about 7 hours, with a return around 16h00. You are on a catamaran, so the ride generally feels steadier than a smaller speedboat, but it is still the ocean. Plan for spray, warm sun, and the kind of bouncy ride that makes you grateful for handrails.

What I like most is how the tour balances movement with downtime. You sail out, you get beach and swim time, you snorkel, then you eat on board and you are back in time to keep your evening open. The islands are also described as government-declared nature reserves, which helps explain why the focus is “stay and enjoy” more than “run through sights.”

The trip is run by a live guide in English and French, and the crew is responsible for the safety basics, especially around slippery wet areas on deck.

Gabriel Island: sand time, swimming, and how to make snorkeling worth it

Gabriel Island is the main beach stop, and it is the one built around the classic water experience. You are looking at white sand, clear water, and a chance to get in and enjoy a proper swim. This is also the snorkeling target, because the waters around Gabriel Island are where you get the best shot at coral and fish.

Two practical points that matter here:

1. Snorkeling gear is not included. If you care about comfortable fit, bring your own mask and snorkel. If you do not, you can still swim, but your snorkeling experience may be less enjoyable.
2. The island is hot and feels busy in the sun. One piece of advice I would not ignore: the island stop can mean time on land with no easy drinks available. Bring a water bottle so you are not caught trying to wait it out.

When you snorkel, keep it relaxed. You do not need to “race” through coral gardens. Take your time, float, and look for movement in the shallows first. It is also a good idea to protect your skin since you will be out on open water with a strong tropical sun.

Flat Island: another taste of beach and a change of pace

After Gabriel, you keep island-hopping toward Flat Island. This part of the day is all about variety. Same general theme, sand and sea, but the coast can feel different from stop to stop, and that is what keeps the day from feeling repetitive.

Flat Island is presented as another protected, scenic beach area, so expect a relaxed vibe rather than a big commercial scene. The tour pacing matters too: you are not trying to do endless activities in quick succession. You get time to enjoy the water, then move on when it makes sense.

If you are the type who likes “one more swim,” this stop is often where that urge shows up. Just remember the schedule can flex based on tide, water depth, and safety conditions.

Gunners Coin (Coin de Mire): the natural aquarium option

Gunners Coin, also referenced as Coin de Mire, is the stop built around marine life. On the return journey, the captain may pass by it, and if weather and sea conditions allow, you might get a brief stop for additional snorkeling.

This is described as a spot with a natural aquarium feel, meaning you are more likely to see reef fish in their habitat rather than just random sightings. The real value here is optionality: you do not lose the whole day if this segment is skipped. You still get Gabriel and Flat, which are the core beach experiences.

One more caution: because it depends on sea conditions and the captain’s discretion, do not plan your whole excitement around this being guaranteed. If you get it, it’s a bonus. If you do not, you are still getting the main islands plus lunch.

Lunch on the catamaran: BBQ, sides, and drinks that actually help the day

Lunch is a major part of why this tour feels like good value. You eat on board, with a 3-course setup that includes BBQ-style favorites and drinks. The hot items listed are BBQ chicken, fish, and sausages, and you also get green salad plus desserts.

The details that make this more than “carrier food” are the extras. You are not just getting one plate. You get salads, rice, potato, and pasta, plus fresh crudités and warm bread. Dessert is fruit, typically pineapple or seasonal fruit.

Then there are the drinks. Included drinks list covers water, soft drinks, and alcoholic options like wine, beer, local punch, and rum. You may not want to drink all of that, but having the options matters in the heat, especially after swimming.

If you are thinking about seasickness, lunch is usually the time you want to be careful. Eat something light first, drink water, and sit where you feel stable.

A safety note from one detailed account I came across: after lunch, the crew can tidy wet spots on deck so passengers have an easier time moving around again.

Price and value at around $76: is it worth it?

At about $76 per person for a full day, the value comes from what is wrapped into the price. You are paying for boat time, the catamaran crew, access to three islands, swimming and snorkeling time, and a full meal with drinks.

For Mauritius, the key question is: does the itinerary give you enough water time to justify the price? Here, it does, because the tour is structured around beach time and snorkeling opportunities, not just sightseeing from a distance. The lunch is also substantial enough that you do not have to pay for another meal later or scramble for food between stops.

The main trade-off is that snorkeling gear is not included. If you already have your mask, snorkel, and fins, this tour fits nicely. If you do not, plan to either rent locally or go without proper gear, which can reduce how much you enjoy the underwater portion.

Also, this is not ideal for people with mobility impairments, and it is not suitable for children under 3. If that describes your group, you should look for a more accessible option.

Snorkeling and safety: small choices that save your day

This trip spends a lot of time around water, and the tour data is honest about the reality: the boat is wet most of the time, and decks can be slippery. That is why what you wear and how you move matters.

Here is what I recommend based on the kinds of practical tips that show up for this kind of cruise:

• Wear water shoes or reef-safe footwear. One strong tip from a recent experience: there are reefs around the island areas, and protected footwear makes walking around much easier and more comfortable.
• Bring your towel and beachwear. You will get wet, and you will want to dry off without hunting around.
• Change clothes. Even if you do not mind getting sandy, comfort improves if you can switch before you head back.
• Use sunscreen properly. One detailed note was blunt: people ended up burnt even after using sunscreen earlier in their trip, and many needed extra attention around sun-exposed areas.
• Watch your balance in wet areas. Use railings. Take your time when moving between deck sections.

For snorkeling itself: if you want a personal fit, bring your own equipment. If you go without, keep your expectations simple, you can still enjoy the water and try snorkeling when conditions are calm.

Weather, rough seas, and why the route might change

Mauritius is tropical, which means weather can change quickly. The tour is transparent that the order of site visits can shift based on tide and water depth, and safety comes first if there are currents or poor sea conditions.

If the sea turns rough or weather worsens, the trip can be rescheduled to an alternative date or refunded if a suitable date cannot be arranged. This is the part you cannot control, but you can prepare mentally: the captain’s job is to keep everyone safe.

One insight that helps with planning: even when the weather gets worse later in the day, it does not always ruin the experience. Often the crew’s competence and the flexibility in timing are what keep the day enjoyable.

What to bring for a smooth day on the water

You already know the basics, but on a catamaran cruise they become non-negotiable.

Bring:

• Change of clothes
• Towel
• Beachwear

Then I strongly suggest extras, even if the official list is short:

• Sunscreen you trust, plus a hat
• A water bottle for the island time, since refreshments may not be available once you are ashore
• Water shoes for reefy areas
• Any personal snorkeling gear you want to use comfortably

If you are prone to motion sickness, consider packing something for the boat ride too. The tour notes that conditions can change, and one account described the ride as sometimes feeling wild on waves.

Who should book this Northern Isles catamaran cruise?

This is a great match if you want a day that feels like a vacation inside your vacation. You like beach time, you want snorkeling, and you also want a lunch that is actually worth the price. It is also a good option if you are staying in or near Grand Baie and want an easy day out without chaining together multiple transport steps.

You might want to reconsider if:

• You need mobility-friendly logistics, since it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.
• You expect snorkeling gear to be provided, because it is not.
• You want total certainty that every optional snorkeling stop will happen, since the Gunners Coin segment can depend on conditions.

For families, note that it is not suitable for children under 3. For adults and older teens, it can be a fun, social day, and one recent account described plenty of room even with about 35 people on board.

Should you book it, or skip it?

If your ideal Mauritius day includes three island stops, a chance to snorkel, and a full onboard BBQ lunch, I think this is a solid booking. The price makes sense because you are buying a package: transportation, guided coordination, the islands, and food and drinks in a single block.

Before you book, do two things: confirm you can bring or arrange snorkeling gear, and pack for sun and wet deck walking. If you show up prepared with water shoes and your own mask, you will likely enjoy the day more, even if the sea gets choppy at times.

If you are flexible about timing and you go in for the water, not perfect control over the schedule, this catamaran cruise to the Northern Isles is one of the easier ways to get a big chunk of Mauritius nature in a single day.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The tour duration is 7 hours, and you return to the jetty around 16h00.

Where does the tour start?

It departs from Grand Bay.

Which islands are included?

The trip includes visits to Flat Island, Gabriel Island, and Gunners Coin Island.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so it’s a good idea to bring your own gear if you plan to snorkel.

What is included in lunch?

Lunch is served on the catamaran and includes BBQ items such as chicken, fish, and sausages, plus green salad and desserts.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks included with lunch include water, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks such as wine, beer, local punch, and rum.

What languages is the tour guide available in?

The live tour guide speaks English and French.

What should I bring?

Bring change of clothes, a towel, and beachwear.

What happens if the weather is rough?

If conditions are unsafe due to weather or sea conditions, the trip can be rescheduled to an alternative date. If a suitable date cannot be arranged, you receive a full refund.

Is it suitable for everyone?

It is not suitable for children under 3 and not suitable for people with mobility impairments.