Luxury Catamaran Cruise: The Northern Islands

The best part of this Mauritius cruise is the chance to reach Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate by catamaran, rather than simply admiring them from shore. You get beach time, swimming, snorkeling, an onboard barbecue, and wide views of the northern islands in one six-hour outing.

I like the small maximum group of 17 and the easy all-in price of $113.99, which covers lunch, snorkeling equipment, water, and alcoholic drinks. I also like the lively style: the crew may turn the return sailing into a singalong, with dancing and plenty of jokes.

The main catch is the sea. Once the boat leaves the sheltered lagoon, conditions can become rough, and strong wind may shorten or change the planned activities. Also, the word luxury describes the setting more accurately than every detail of the boat itself.

Key points to know before you book

• Two northern island stops: Spend about 30 minutes at Ilot Gabriel and another 30 minutes at Ile Plate.
• Open-sea sailing: The route can be choppy outside the lagoon, especially in windy weather.
• Lunch and drinks included: Expect a barbecue meal, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages.
• Snorkeling equipment provided: Swimming and snorkeling are part of the day, though sea conditions can affect them.
• Small group format: The catamaran carries no more than 17 people, though some departures may feel fuller than expected.
• Simple meeting point: Meet at Bain Boeuf Public Beach near Cap Malheureux at 9:30 a.m., then return there.

Sailing north from Bain Boeuf at 9:30 a.m.

Your day begins at Bain Boeuf Public Beach, near Cap Malheureux, on Mauritius’s north coast. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the beach. The meeting point is near public transportation, but check your route and arrival time carefully so you are ready for the 9:30 a.m. start.

The first part of the outing is the sailing itself. You will pass views of the northern coast and see rocky islets such as Gunners Coin from the water. This is not just a transfer between stops. The boat ride is a major part of the experience, with time to sit on the catamaran, watch the sea, and enjoy drinks as the coastline gives way to open water.

That open-water section is also where you should set your expectations. The northern islands sit beyond the calmer lagoon, and the sea can feel lively. On a calm day, the crossing adds a pleasant sense of distance and adventure. In windy weather, it may mean a wet, bumpy ride and less time in the water.

Bring a light layer for the return trip, even if the morning is hot. One spring outing became noticeably cool on the way home after a rough crossing. A hat, cap, sunscreen, and bathing clothes are sensible basics, and secure sandals or water shoes can make moving around the beach and boat easier.

Ilot Gabriel: thirty minutes on a protected island

Ilot Gabriel is the first scheduled beach stop. You get off the catamaran and have around 30 minutes to enjoy the island. That is enough time to walk a little, take photographs, or sit on the sand, but it is not a long island visit.

The appeal is the setting. Ilot Gabriel is known for its bright water and open beach, and the stop gives you a break from the boat. The island is also a useful place to appreciate why this route is popular: the water and scenery feel different from the developed coast of Mauritius.

I would treat this stop as a short taste, not a full exploration. If you want a slow beach day with a long walk and plenty of quiet, the schedule may feel brisk. These islands attract many boat excursions, too, so the experience is not guaranteed to feel private or remote.

That point matters because the cruise is sometimes described as a luxury escape. The setting certainly has a high-end holiday look, but Ilot Gabriel is a shared destination. You may find other boats and people on the beach, especially on a busy day.

Ile Plate and the northern island beaches

The second scheduled stop is Ile Plate, also called Flat Island. You have about 30 minutes to get off, walk, relax, or swim. The short visit works well if you want a quick stretch and a look at another island beach without committing to a full day ashore.

Ile Plate is also where the cruise’s water activities make the most sense. You can swim in the Indian Ocean and use the provided snorkeling equipment when conditions allow. The water has been described as clear enough to see plenty of fish on good days, making snorkeling one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip.

Still, the sea decides how much you can do. Wind and chop can make snorkeling uncomfortable or unsafe. On at least one rough outing, the planned island stops and snorkeling could not happen. The operator instead used a different beach and a glass-bottom boat in cloudy lagoon water, which did not provide the same quality of experience.

That is not a reason to avoid the cruise, but it is a reason to book with realistic expectations. You are paying for a boat trip in open water, not a guaranteed snorkeling session. If snorkeling is the one activity you most want, choose a date with favorable weather and ask about conditions before setting out when possible.

Barbecue lunch, cold drinks, and a social boat

Lunch is served onboard and is one of the better parts of the value. The meal has included barbecue chicken wings, hot dogs, fish, and other items, with vegetarian and vegan choices available if requested when booking. You should state dietary requirements in advance rather than wait until the morning of departure.

The food is practical rather than formal. You are eating on a moving catamaran, often after swimming, so a fresh barbecue and cold drink fit the day better than a polished restaurant meal. Bottled water and alcoholic beverages are included, which helps explain why the $113.99 price can be reasonable compared with paying separately for a boat trip, lunch, snorkeling equipment, and drinks.

The crew’s service is a major part of the mood. The boat may become a lively shared space, with music, jokes, singing, and dancing on the way back. The captain and two crew members have been singled out for keeping the atmosphere friendly and looking after people onboard. William and his crewmate have also received specific praise for their kindness on one departure.

This is good news if you want a sociable day rather than a quiet private charter. It is less appealing if you expect hushed luxury, personal butler-style service, or complete control over the music and pace. The trip feels like an enjoyable island party with good scenery, not an exclusive yacht charter.

How luxurious is the catamaran?

The boat has been described as neat, clean, and in good condition. The small stated maximum of 17 people is a useful advantage over large excursion boats, since fewer people usually means easier access to the crew and less crowding around lunch and snorkeling equipment.

But the group size does not guarantee a private feeling. Some departures have felt crowded, and the catamaran may share the island stops with other boats. That is the most important distinction between the title and the practical experience: the cruise offers a comfortable way to see beautiful northern islands, but it may not deliver the solitude or polished exclusivity you associate with a luxury sailing charter.

I would choose this trip for its route and included activities first, then its comfort. The real luxury is having a crew handle the sailing, barbecue, drinks, and equipment while you look out at the sea. If your definition of luxury is space, silence, and a private crew, compare it with a smaller private charter.

What the six-hour schedule feels like

The advertised duration is about six hours, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and ending back at Bain Boeuf Public Beach. The two island stops are each listed at roughly 30 minutes, so much of the day is spent sailing, eating, swimming, and enjoying the boat.

That balance works well for you if you want variety. You will not spend the whole day on one beach, and you will not spend all six hours sitting on a motorboat. Instead, you move between short island visits and time on the water.

It can feel less satisfying if you want long, uninterrupted time ashore. Thirty minutes passes quickly, especially if you need to get off the boat, find a place for your belongings, take photographs, and swim. Think of Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate as scenic stops within a sailing day, not as two fully guided island tours.

The route may also change in poor conditions. A weather-related cancellation can lead to a different date or a full refund, but rough conditions on the day do not necessarily mean the trip will be canceled before departure. If safety or comfort is your concern, ask about the forecast and sea state before you go.

The real value of $113.99

At $113.99 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day around Mauritius. You are paying for access to the northern islands, a catamaran cruise, lunch, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and alcoholic drinks. For someone who would otherwise book several separate activities, the package offers a fair amount.

The value is strongest when the weather cooperates. You can swim, snorkel in clear water, visit both beaches, eat onboard, and enjoy the crew without reaching for your wallet throughout the day. Some hotel-based bookings may cost less, so it is worth checking your accommodation before purchasing if price is your main concern.

The value drops sharply when wind prevents the island stops and water activities. One poor-weather outing included a substitute beach and lagoon snorkeling with limited visibility. That kind of day can feel expensive, even when the boat is clean and the lunch is good.

My advice is simple: book this for the complete experience, not only for snorkeling. That way, a rough sea may spoil part of the plan without ruining the entire day. You will still have a boat ride, views, food, and time with the crew.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, and small groups of friends who want a straightforward northern-island day. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and most people can take part, but anyone sensitive to motion should think carefully about the open-sea crossing.

It also suits you if you like a social atmosphere. The crew’s humor, music, singing, and dancing are central to the mood. People who want a silent, private sailing experience should choose a different style of trip.

The cruise works particularly well for visitors staying in northern Mauritius, since the meeting point is at Bain Boeuf. If you are staying elsewhere, remember that hotel transport is not included. You will need to plan your own journey to Cap Malheureux and back.

Vegetarians and vegans can be accommodated, but you need to give notice at booking. The same applies to other dietary requirements. Pack sunscreen, a hat, bathing attire, and a light layer for the return sailing.

Should you book the Northern Islands cruise?

Book it if you want a well-rounded day on the water with two island beaches, swimming, snorkeling, a barbecue lunch, drinks, and an entertaining crew. The route is the main attraction, and the combination is convenient.

Think twice if you need guaranteed snorkeling, dislike choppy seas, or expect a private luxury charter. The islands can be busy, the open water can be rough, and the schedule may change when the wind rises.

For most people, I would call this a good-value catamaran day rather than a true luxury cruise. Choose a favorable-weather date, request any special meal in advance, and arrive ready for both beautiful scenery and a bit of sea motion. That is the honest version of the experience.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise begin?

The meeting point is Bain Boeuf Public Beach in Cap Malheureux, Mauritius.

What time does the cruise start?

The scheduled start time is 9:30 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately six hours and returns to Bain Boeuf Public Beach.

Are hotel transfers included?

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

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The route includes Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, also known as Flat Island. The cruise also offers views of northern features such as Gunners Coin.

How long do you spend on each island?

The planned time is about 30 minutes at Ilot Gabriel and about 30 minutes at Ile Plate.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with the opportunity to swim and snorkel when sea conditions permit.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A barbecue lunch is included. Vegetarian and vegan options are available if requested at the time of booking.

What happens if the weather is poor or the minimum group size is not reached?

If poor weather causes the experience to be canceled, you will be offered another date or a full refund. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, you will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund. The booking itself is otherwise non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.