North of Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise w/ BBQ Lunch

A catamaran day in northern Mauritius is interesting because you get open-water sailing, island time, and seabirds all in one easy half-day loop. You’ll see turquoise bays and sandy shoreline without needing to change plans every few hours.

I love the way the crew keeps the mood upbeat and attentive, which makes the time onboard feel smooth instead of chaotic. I also love the practical bonus of a real BBQ lunch on the water, with choices that cover meat, seafood, and a vegetarian option.

One consideration: if you’re prone to seasickness, this is time on the water, so plan for it and take the motion sickness pills the tour suggests.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Paille en Queue bird spotting while sailing near Gunner’s Quoin (Coin de Mire)
• Gabriel Island free time for swimming, snorkeling, and a slow beach walk
• BBQ lunch onboard with grilled fish, BBQ chicken, sausages, seafood, plus fruit
• Drinks included like local rum, wine, Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, and mineral water
• A smooth schedule that builds in real downtime after lunch for relaxing and photos
• Sea-safety flexibility if conditions are rough, with alternate stops possible

A half-day catamaran loop in northern Mauritius

This is the kind of trip that works well if you want a classic Mauritius coastline day but don’t want the hassle of driving, parking, or bouncing between multiple places. You start in Grand Baie, sail north along the coast, visit the northern islets, and end back where you began, with about 6 hours on the water including island time.

The best part is that the experience has balance. You get movement, but you also get long stretches where you can just do your own thing. Sail for views, snorkel for underwater glimpses, then settle in for lunch and a swim afterward. If you like your days to feel active but not rushed, this fits.

Also, the cruise is run by Blue Safari Mauritius, with an on-board team that keeps things friendly. In the small group energy, you’ll likely find that people are comfortable asking questions and chatting, especially during the sailing segments.

Getting there and keeping your timing simple at Sunset Boulevard

Your start point is Sunset Boulevard, Grand Baie, in front of the jetty. The process is straightforward: you meet the hostess, do a quick check-in, then you’re onto the boat.

Plan to arrive with slack. The schedule says meet around 8:45am to 9:00am sharp and sail out shortly after. The day’s structure is built around a prompt departure because the best light and calmer water can matter for island time and snorkeling.

One more practical note: there is no hotel pickup and drop-off. So your logistics are just about getting yourself to the meeting point.

For the return, the tour ends back at the jetty, with the stated return time at 3:30pm. If you have evening plans, you’re usually fine, as long as you stay nearby to Grand Baie.

Gunner’s Quoin and Coin de Mire, plus the Paille en Queue bird game

Early in the day, you’re out on open water heading to the northern islets. A major reason this cruise feels special is Gunner’s Quoin, also known as Coin de Mire. This is where the “north Mauritius wildlife” part enters the picture.

From roughly 9:00am to 11:00am, you’ll be sailing while your crew points your attention skyward. The tour specifically calls out Paille en Queue birds, a seabird that can sometimes glide alongside the area near Gunner’s Quoin.

Here’s how to make this part actually work for you:

• Get into position where you can see the water and the horizon, not just the deck.
• Keep an eye out during the sailing stretch, because that’s when the bird spotting is expected to happen.
• Bring sunglasses, because glare can steal your ability to spot movement.

If you’re the type who likes “quiet nature watching” rather than constant activities, this portion will feel like a nice breather before you reach the main island stop.

Gabriel Island time: swimming, snorkeling, and easy beach strolling

The day’s main relaxation zone is Gabriel Island. You arrive around 11:00am to 12:30pm, and that’s your window for the fun water stuff and the slow island wandering.

You’ll get help from the experienced crew for snorkeling. But keep expectations sensible. One set of experiences from the trip notes fish sightings during snorkeling. That’s encouraging, and it also hints at the reality: marine life visibility can vary day by day. Your best move is to focus on the experience, not a guaranteed checklist of what you’ll see.

Once you’re in, the island offers a straightforward mix:

• Swimming in the clear water
• Snorkeling with crew assistance
• Leisurely walks on the sandy shoreline
• Time to just chill and take photos

There’s also value in this free-time approach. On many boat trips, you’re herded on and off on a tight timeline. Here, the island block gives you breathing room to choose what you feel like doing that moment.

One practical thing: bring a towel and keep a change of clothes ready. Even when you feel in control, it’s easy to get wet in the sun, then feel cold when you hop back onto the catamaran.

The BBQ lunch onboard: what you’ll eat, what you’ll drink, and why it matters

Lunch is served onboard around 12:30pm. This is not a snack stop. It’s a real BBQ meal, and that’s one of the most praised parts of the experience.

The BBQ menu includes a mix of sides and grilled items:

• Rice salad, potato and egg salad, mixed salad
• Seasonal vegetables, garlic bread, bread
• Grilled fish, BBQ chicken, grilled chicken sausage
• Seafood delicacy
• Seasonal fruit

If you prefer not to eat meat, there’s a vegetarian menu with sides plus grilled vegetarian sausages and fruit. Kids are listed on the adult menu, so it’s not a separate mystery box meal.

What I like about having a set menu onboard is that you’re not spending time thinking about where to eat. You can just eat and move on with your day.

And yes, drinks are included. You get a variety of beverages, including:

• Local rum
• Wine (red, rosé, and white)
• Phoenix beer
• Fruit juice, soft drinks
• Mineral water

From the feedback, the team stays attentive, and people don’t report drink shortages. For value, that matters. Many cruises keep drinks limited or make you pay extra on board. Here, you can spend your budget on the main experience instead of constant add-ons.

After lunch reset: relaxation time and how to use it well

The schedule leaves you a calm stretch after lunch. After eating around 12:30pm, you have time to relax on the catamaran until about 2:15pm.

This is where you should decide what kind of trip day you want:

• If you’re sun-hungry, use this time to hang out on deck, but keep water and shade in mind.
• If you snorkeled hard earlier, this is the perfect window to recover with a slow swim instead of chasing more effort.
• If you want photos, it’s often easier to get them here because you’re not constantly moving between island points.

Then you head back toward Grand Baie and return around 3:30pm.

Value check: is $80 per person a fair deal?

At about $80 per person, the price makes sense when you look at what’s actually included. You’re paying for:

• A 6-hour catamaran cruise in northern Mauritius
• Visits to multiple areas, including Gunner’s Quoin (Coin de Mire) and Gabriel Island, plus Flat Island
• BBQ lunch onboard
• Drinks included, including alcohol, soft drinks, juice, and water
• Time for swimming and snorkeling with crew support

Two things push this toward good value:

1. Lunch is included and is described as substantial enough, not a token portion.
2. Drinks are included in a way that keeps the vibe relaxed, rather than turning into a spend-every-hour situation.

What’s not included is also clear. There’s no hotel pickup and drop-off, and you’ll pay for personal expenses. But if you’re already in Grand Baie, you can usually keep extra costs limited.

So for a lot of people, this becomes a “one paid day” rather than a series of little purchases.

What to bring so the day stays comfortable

Even with a well-run cruise, the water and sun can take a toll. The tour lists clear essentials, and they’re worth following.

Bring:

• Snorkelling equipment if you have your own, especially if you prefer your fit
• Swimsuit and change of clothes
• Towel
• Waterproof bag or backpack
• Sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, and cover-up
• Non-slip shoes
• Insect repellent
• Motion sickness pills if you tend to get queasy
• A waterproof jacket (weather can change)

Rules onboard also matter. You’re asked to avoid touching marine life and touching plants. Littering is not allowed either.

And if you’re worried about comfort on the boat, pack smart for heat. You’ll likely spend long minutes in direct sun, and it adds up fast.

Who this cruise is best for

This trip is a strong fit if you want a classic northern islands day without complicated planning. It works well for:

• People who like a mix of sailing + island time
• Anyone who wants snorkeling with crew help
• Food lovers who appreciate a true BBQ meal at sea
• Groups of friends or couples who want an easy, social day

A couple of limits are spelled out:

• It’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments
• It’s not suitable for people prone to seasickness

If those apply to you, don’t force it. The sea part of this itinerary is central to the experience.

Also note: languages onboard are English and French, so you’ll be able to ask questions without stress.

Should you book this North of Mauritius catamaran with BBQ lunch?

I’d book it if you want an efficient, good-value day that combines real food, included drinks, and genuine island time. The most consistently praised parts are the friendly, attentive crew and the BBQ lunch quality, plus that the boat doesn’t feel stingy with drinks.

I would not book it if you know you’re likely to get sick on boats. In that case, the itinerary’s water time is too central to risk feeling miserable for hours.

If you’re based in or near Grand Baie, this is also a tidy option because the meeting point is local and the schedule returns you to the jetty by mid-afternoon.

If you want a calm day that still feels like a proper excursion, this one earns its place.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise from Grand Baie?

The trip is listed as a 6-hour catamaran experience, sailing toward the northern islands and including island time for swimming and snorkeling.

Where do I meet and what time does the tour start?

You meet at Sunset Boulevard, Grand Baie, in front of the jetty for check-in. The meeting time is 8:45am, with departure scheduled for the morning shortly after.

What islands will you visit during the day?

The cruise heads to the northern islands, including Gunner’s Quoin (Coin de Mire) and Gabriel Island, with Flat Island also part of the experience.

What is included in the BBQ lunch and do you have vegetarian food?

A BBQ lunch is included on board with sides like rice salad, potato and egg salad, mixed salad, seasonal vegetables, grilled items such as grilled fish, BBQ chicken, chicken sausage, and seafood, plus seasonal fruit. There is also a vegetarian menu with vegetarian sausages and the same kinds of sides and fruit.

What drinks are available during the cruise?

Drinks included include local rum, wine (red, rosé, white), Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, and mineral water.

What should I bring for swimming and snorkeling?

Bring snorkelling equipment if you prefer, a swimsuit, towel, sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses), a waterproof bag for your things, cover-up, non-slip shoes, insect repellent, and a waterproof jacket. The tour also suggests motion sickness pills if needed.

What happens in rough sea conditions, and is it suitable for everyone?

If sea conditions are rough or impassable, the captain may change direction for safety and take you to Gunners Coin or Casita beach instead. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and pets are not allowed (assistance dogs are allowed).