Mauritius: Catamaran cruise to 3 Northern Isles with lunch

The best part of this day is the setting: three protected northern islands, clear sea, white sand, and a catamaran deck where lunch is served after your swim. I like the generous food and drink setup, and I like that the crew puts real attention on safety and comfort. The main catch is the sea itself. One recent outing had rough waves, and poor weather can change the route or make the ride less relaxing.

I also like the two-hour stop on Gabriel Island, which gives you time to swim, walk, and dry off instead of rushing from one photo stop to the next. Just pack carefully: snorkel gear is not supplied, there are no drinks on the island, and the reef can make water shoes very useful.

Key points at a glance

• Three northern islands in one day: Visit Flat Island, Gabriel Island, and Gunners Coin, also called Coin de Mire in the tour description.
• A proper BBQ lunch aboard: Eat fish, chicken, sausages, salads, rice, potatoes, pasta, bread, and fruit.
• Drinks are included on the catamaran: Water, wine, beer, local punch, and rum are available during the boat portion.
• About two hours at Gabriel Island: Swim and snorkel from the beach, but bring water because the island has no drinks.
• A possible second snorkel stop: Gunners Coin may be used for a short stop if the sea, tide, and captain allow it.
• Plan for wet, slippery surfaces: Bring a towel, dry clothes, beachwear, sunscreen, and reef-friendly water shoes.

What this northern-island day is really like

This is a full day on the water, not a quick boat transfer with a few minutes on shore. You leave from Grand Bay and spend much of the seven-hour outing aboard a catamaran, with time for swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and quiet stretches when you can simply watch Mauritius recede behind you.

The three islands are protected by the Mauritian government. That matters because you are visiting places kept for their beaches, reefs, and natural setting rather than developed resort facilities. You should not expect cafés, shops, or a polished beach club at Gabriel Island. The lack of facilities is part of the appeal, but it also means you need to carry the basics.

The trip usually returns to the jetty around 4 p.m. Exact departure times should be checked when you book, since the activity lists availability by date and starting time. The route can change if currents, tides, water depth, wind, or rough seas make the planned sequence unsafe.

Sailing from Grand Bay toward Flat and Gabriel

The opening part of the trip is about getting out into the open water and watching the north coast from a different angle. As the catamaran moves toward Flat and Gabriel Islands, you get broad coastal views that are difficult to appreciate from shore.

The catamaran gives you more room than a small speedboat, and one recent trip carried about 35 people while still leaving enough space for passengers to move around. That number should not be treated as a fixed capacity for every departure, but it gives you a useful idea of the possible group size.

You can expect spray and wet decks. Boats used for water activities are often damp, and the floor can become slippery. Wear secure footwear, walk slowly, and keep a hand free when moving around. This is not a serious drawback for most people, but it is worth knowing before you arrive in smooth sandals.

The crew speaks English and French. Their job is not only to point out the islands, but also to explain the water activities and keep an eye on safety. A recent departure was especially praised for friendly staff, clear instructions, and careful attention to passengers, including children.

Gabriel Island, the main beach stop

Gabriel Island is the most substantial shore stop in the published plan. You may have about two hours there, enough time to swim, snorkel, sit on the beach, and take in the scenery without watching the clock every five minutes.

The beach is the reason for the stop. White sand and clear water make this the classic Mauritius portion of the day, but the shore is not a fully serviced resort area. Bring a bottle of water from the boat because drinks are not available on the island.

The water around Gabriel offers the day’s main snorkeling opportunity. You may see coral gardens and reef fish in the shallow water, though visibility and marine life depend on conditions. The trip does not provide snorkeling equipment, so bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins if you want to spend proper time in the water.

Water shoes are a smart addition. One useful warning from a recent outing is that reef areas can make walking uncomfortable without foot protection. They also give you better grip when entering or leaving the water. Do not treat the beach as a place for careless barefoot wandering if the bottom feels rocky or uneven.

Use sunscreen before you leave the catamaran and apply it again during the stop. The sun reflects off both the water and the pale sand. A family on one trip found that even regular sunscreen use was not enough to prevent burns in several spots, so cover your shoulders, back, and the tops of your feet.

Flat Island and the protected northern setting

Flat Island is part of the same northern-island setting, but the time spent here can vary with sea conditions and the captain’s judgment. The itinerary promises a visit to the island, yet the order and length of each stop may change with the tide and water depth.

That flexibility is practical rather than disappointing. A boat crew has to work with the sea in front of them, and a fixed schedule is less important than a safe landing and good swimming conditions. If the weather changes, you may see the islands from the catamaran rather than spend the expected amount of time ashore.

The attraction here is the combination of exposed coast, pale beaches, and open sea. You get a stronger sense of Mauritius as an island country when you see these smaller reserves away from the main hotels. If you prefer a tightly timed sightseeing program, the weather-led schedule may test your patience. If you enjoy leaving room for the sea to set the pace, it is easier to accept.

Gunners Coin and the possible second snorkel

Gunners Coin is the third named island and may provide a short snorkeling stop on the return journey. The tour description also uses the name Coin de Mire, so you may see both names associated with this part of the route.

This stop is not guaranteed. It depends on the weather, currents, sea conditions, tide, and the captain’s decision. When conditions are right, the area is known for reef fish and can feel like a natural aquarium. When conditions are not right, the captain may pass by or change the timing.

That uncertainty is important when you compare this trip with a dedicated snorkeling excursion. The main promise here is a day visiting three islands with food and drinks included. The extra stop at Gunners Coin is a welcome possibility, not something you should book solely to guarantee a particular underwater site.

The BBQ lunch is a real part of the value

After the beach visit, the catamaran becomes a floating dining room. The lunch includes BBQ chicken, fish, and sausages, along with green salad, rice, potatoes, pasta, fresh vegetables, warm bread, and fruit for dessert.

The meal is served as an open buffet, so you can choose a light plate or make it the main meal of the day. Pineapple or seasonal fruit provides a simple tropical finish. This is useful after swimming, sun exposure, and several hours on the water, when a small snack would not be enough.

Drinks include water, wine, beer, local punch, and rum. The alcoholic drinks are complimentary, so the price covers more than transport and a packed lunch. You should still pace yourself. Alcohol, strong sun, and a moving deck are not a great combination, particularly if the return crossing becomes choppy.

The food has received particularly strong praise, with enough for everyone on one recent trip and a lunch described as tasty even after weather worsened during the afternoon. The crew also cleaned and dried the catamaran floor after the meal, which is a small but meaningful detail when you want to sit comfortably after eating.

How rough can the ride be?

The biggest variable is the sea. One person described the ride as wild on the waves, while another found the trip enjoyable despite poor weather arriving later in the day. A separate outing in bad conditions was judged unpleasant because the trip continued rather than being canceled.

The operator does reserve the right to adjust the itinerary for safety. If the weather is considered too poor, the trip can be rescheduled. An alternative date is offered, and if no suitable date can be arranged, a full refund is available.

You should think about your own comfort before booking. If you get seasick, ask about appropriate precautions before departure and avoid drinking alcohol early in the day. Sit where you feel most stable, follow crew instructions, and keep water nearby.

The catamaran format helps, but it does not remove the movement of the sea. This is still a seven-hour marine outing. Calm conditions can make it wonderfully easy, while rough waves can dominate the day.

Price, transport, and what the $76 covers

At $76 per person, the price is fair if you plan to use the full package. You are paying for a seven-hour catamaran trip, visits to three northern islands, swimming and snorkeling time, a substantial BBQ lunch, and several drinks.

The value is strongest for someone who wants a complete day without arranging separate boat transport, food, and refreshments. The meal and open drink selection would add up quickly if purchased separately, and the island access is the main reason to choose a boat tour rather than simply spend the day at a mainland beach.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. They may be arranged separately for an additional cost, so check the transport plan before booking. You will need to make your own way to the departure point in Grand Bay unless you add a transfer.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Mauritius plans are still shifting.

What to pack for a better day

A short packing list can make a large difference:

• Your own snorkeling mask, snorkel, and fins
• Water shoes for reef areas and uneven entry points
• A towel and a complete change of clothes
• Beachwear that stays secure in the water
• A bottle of water for the Gabriel Island stop
• High-protection, reef-conscious sunscreen
• A hat or other sun cover
• Dry storage for phones and valuables

The supplied information specifically advises a towel, beachwear, and spare clothing. I would treat the dry clothes as essential, not optional. Spray, swimming, wet decks, and lunch all make it easy to remain damp for hours.

Do not count on buying forgotten items on the islands. The most important example is drinking water, which is available aboard the catamaran but not at the Gabriel Island beach.

Who will enjoy this catamaran trip?

This is a good match for you if you want a full day outdoors, enjoy being on boats, and prefer a mixture of beach time, reef snorkeling, and a shared meal rather than a private luxury charter.

It also suits families with children over three, provided everyone is comfortable around water and on a moving boat. A young passenger even got a brief chance to sit at the helm on one recent outing, though that should not be treated as a promised activity.

You may want a different experience if you have limited mobility. The trip is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and wet, slippery decks plus island access can make movement difficult. Children under three are not accepted.

It is also less suitable if your top priority is a guaranteed snorkeling session at a specific reef. The Gunners Coin stop depends on conditions, and the whole route may change when the sea turns rough.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want the northern-island scenery, a long day at sea, and the convenience of lunch and drinks included. The strongest reasons are the two-hour Gabriel Island stop, the generous BBQ buffet, and the crew’s attention to safety and onboard comfort.

Think twice if you dislike choppy water, need a rigid timetable, or expect drinks and facilities on the islands. Bring your own snorkeling equipment and water shoes, protect yourself from the sun, and accept that the captain may change the order or shorten a stop.

For the right weather and the right attitude, $76 buys a lot: three island visits, swimming, possible snorkeling at Gunners Coin, food, drinks, and a full view of Mauritius from the sea.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip depart from?

The trip departs from Grand Bay in Mauritius.

How long does the experience last?

The catamaran outing lasts about seven hours and is expected to return to the jetty around 4 p.m. Check the available starting time for your chosen date.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Flat Island, Gabriel Island, and Gunners Coin. The description also refers to Gunners Coin as Coin de Mire.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. You need to bring your own snorkeling equipment if you want to snorkel.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch includes BBQ chicken, fish, sausages, salad, rice, potatoes, pasta, bread, and dessert fruit. Drinks include water, wine, beer, local punch, and rum.

Is hotel transportation included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, though they may be arranged separately for an additional cost.

Can the itinerary change because of weather?

Yes. The order of the stops may change because of currents, tide, water depth, or poor sea conditions. The trip may also be rescheduled in adverse weather.