North of Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise w/ BBQ Lunch

Northern Mauritius is at its best from the water, and this six-hour catamaran cruise gives you a full day of sea views, island beaches, swimming, and food without the fuss of changing boats. The route takes you past Coin de Mire, also called Gunner’s Quoin, toward Gabriel Island and Flat Island.

I like the chance to watch Paille en Queue birds around Coin de Mire, and I like that lunch is cooked and served onboard rather than sending you back to shore midday. The main catch is the sea itself. Rough water can change the route, and people prone to seasickness may find the open crossing uncomfortable.

I also like the generous drinks service, which includes water, soft drinks, fruit juice, beer, wine, local rum, and cocktails. The three-person crew is described as friendly, funny, attentive, and easy to talk with. Just note the timing needs care: the main schedule says meet at 8:45 to 9:00 a.m. and sail at 9:00, while another detail lists departure at 9:30. Confirm the exact sailing time when you book.

Key points to know before you book

• Coin de Mire bird watching: Keep your eyes on the skies and cliffs for Paille en Queue birds, the graceful white-tailed tropical birds associated with Mauritius.
• Gabriel Island swimming stop: You get roughly an hour and a half for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and walking on the beach.
• BBQ lunch at sea: Fish, chicken, sausage, seafood, salads, vegetables, garlic bread, and fruit make this a substantial midday meal.
• Drinks are included: Beer, wine, rum, cocktails, juice, soft drinks, and mineral water are available onboard.
• Grand Baie departure: You meet the hostess at Sunset Boulevard, directly in front of the jetty, and return to the same place.
• Weather affects the route: If the sea is rough or unsafe, the captain may choose Gunner’s Quoin or Casita Beach instead.

Setting out from Grand Baie

Your day begins at Sunset Boulevard in Grand Baie. Meet the hostess in front of the jetty for check-in, with the stated meeting window running from 8:45 to 9:00 a.m. The boat is scheduled to return around 3:30 p.m., giving you a useful half-day-plus outing without sacrificing the entire evening.

The information gives two departure times, 9:00 and 9:30 a.m. That is worth clearing up before you go. Arrive by 8:45 regardless, since a late arrival at a jetty is a poor way to start a boat day.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to make your own way to Grand Baie. That makes the trip easiest if you are staying nearby or already have transport arranged. The activity finishes at the same meeting point, which keeps the day simple.

The crew speaks English and French. The onboard team includes three guides, and their style appears to be one of the stronger parts of the outing. You can expect conversation, jokes, help with the water activities, and attention during the meal rather than a silent ride with food left on a table.

Sailing toward Coin de Mire

Once the catamaran leaves Grand Baie, the first stretch is mainly about the sea, sky, and northern islands. The route heads toward Coin de Mire, known in English as Gunner’s Quoin, with Flat Island and Gabriel Island also part of the northern island area.

Coin de Mire is not presented as a landing stop. Instead, it is a scenic and wildlife-focused part of the crossing. Look for Paille en Queue birds gliding around the islet. These birds are a memorable sight because they move lightly above the water, and the open sea gives you a good setting for watching them.

Bring sunglasses and a hat, but do not expect to sit in the shade all day. A light jacket or waterproof layer is also sensible. The sea can feel cooler than the beach, and spray can reach the seating area even on a pleasant day.

This first sailing period lasts about two hours in the detailed schedule. That is a fair amount of time on the boat, so people who enjoy being at sea will appreciate the pace. If you need constant activity, this part may feel slow. The appeal is the view and the unhurried ride, not a packed list of stops.

Gabriel Island’s clear water and beach time

The main active stop is Gabriel Island, where you have free time for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and a walk along the sandy beach. The water is described as clear and turquoise, and the lagoon is the natural focus of the visit.

The scheduled stop runs from about 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. That gives you enough time to get wet and relax, though not enough for a long island hike or a full exploration of every shore. Think of Gabriel Island as a beach break with water time, not a guided land tour.

You can bring your own snorkeling gear if you prefer. The essentials list also asks you to bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a waterproof bag, and a change of clothes. Non-slip shoes are useful around a wet boat and beach access points.

The crew can help with snorkeling, which matters if you are unsure of the equipment or want a little direction. Still, the marine life can be variable. One account of the outing saw fish while snorkeling, but not a huge range of animals. That is normal for a sea day: clear water does not guarantee a dramatic underwater show.

You must not touch marine life or plants, and littering is not allowed. Those rules are basic but important. The best way to enjoy this stop is to watch, swim, and leave the lagoon as you found it.

A BBQ lunch served on the catamaran

At about 12:30 p.m., lunch is served onboard. The meal is more than a quick sandwich. The listed spread includes rice salad, potato and egg salad, mixed salad, seasonal vegetables, grilled fish, BBQ chicken, grilled chicken sausage, a seafood dish, garlic bread, bread, and seasonal fruit.

That range gives you a proper plate after swimming. The food has also been described as delicious and sufficient, which is exactly what you want after a morning on the water. You are not paying for a fancy restaurant meal, but you are getting a generous, freshly prepared BBQ-style lunch with the sea around you.

Vegetarians have a separate menu with rice salad, potato salad, mixed salad, seasonal vegetables, grilled vegetarian sausages, bread, and fruit. The children’s menu is listed as the same as the adult menu, so families should not expect a separate smaller or simpler dish.

Drinks are one of the better inclusions. You can expect mineral water, soft drinks, fruit juice, Phoenix beer, red, rosé, and white wine, local rum, and cocktails. That helps explain part of the $80 price, especially if you would otherwise pay separately for lunch, drinks, and a boat trip.

Alcohol is included, but you still need to pace yourself. Sun, motion, and rum are not always a wise combination. Drink water throughout the day, use sunscreen, and remember that the return crossing may be just as warm as the outward journey.

The quiet hour after lunch

After eating, the detailed schedule allows about 45 minutes to relax on the catamaran, from 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. This is a useful pause. You can dry off, sit with a drink, take in the island views, and let your lunch settle.

The cruise does not try to fill every minute with loud entertainment or extra activities. That is a plus if you want an easy day at sea. The crew’s friendly, talkative approach adds some life, but the basic rhythm remains simple: sail, swim, eat, rest, and sail back.

You should not book this as a high-adrenaline excursion. There is no list of motorized water sports in the supplied details. The main pleasures are the catamaran ride, island scenery, bird watching, snorkeling, swimming, and a relaxed meal.

What the $80 price really covers

At $80 per person, the value depends on how you use the day. The price covers about six hours aboard the catamaran, the northern island route, free time at Gabriel Island, the BBQ lunch, and a wide choice of beverages.

That is a reasonable package for someone who wants a full day on the water without arranging separate transport, food, and boat time. The included drinks make the cost more attractive, especially since the menu includes beer, wine, rum, and cocktails as well as nonalcoholic options.

The value is weaker if you dislike long boat crossings, do not plan to swim, or avoid group meals. Much of the day is spent sailing, and the island stop is limited to roughly 90 minutes. You are paying for the whole mood of the outing, not simply for time on a beach.

There are also practical extras to budget for. Hotel transfers are not included, and personal expenses are your responsibility. You need to reach Sunset Boulevard in Grand Baie on your own.

Weather, sea conditions, and seasickness

The captain may change direction if the sea is rough or impassable. In that case, the boat may go toward Gunner’s Quoin or Casita Beach instead of following the planned route. That is a sensible safety decision, but it means you should treat the island itinerary as weather dependent.

People prone to seasickness are specifically advised against this activity. If you are sensitive to boat motion, bring motion sickness pills if appropriate for you and take your usual precautions. Sit where the motion feels manageable, keep your eyes on the horizon, drink water, and avoid overdoing alcohol early in the day.

A waterproof jacket is listed among the recommended items. Even if the forecast looks sunny, spray and wind can make the return trip cooler. Pack light, but bring a waterproof bag or backpack for phones, wallets, and dry clothes.

The activity is also not considered suitable for people with mobility impairments. The meeting point is at a jetty, and the day involves moving around a catamaran, getting in and out of the water, and spending time on a beach. If you have mobility concerns, ask the operator for a clear access assessment before booking.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would choose this cruise if you want a social, easygoing sea day with food and drinks already organized. It suits couples, families, and groups of friends who like swimming and beach time but do not want to plan every detail themselves.

It is also a good fit if you want to see more than Grand Baie’s shoreline. Coin de Mire, Flat Island, and Gabriel Island give the day a sense of place, while the Paille en Queue bird watching adds a small wildlife element.

Families should note that the children’s menu is the same as the adult menu. That can work well for older children who like grilled food, but parents of younger children may want to ask about serving arrangements and suitable portions.

I would hesitate if you are looking for a quiet private charter, a guided natural history trip, or a serious snorkeling expedition. The schedule is shared, the island time is limited, and the underwater sightings may be modest. This is a pleasant all-round boat outing rather than a specialist wildlife or reef trip.

What to pack for a better day

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a change of clothes. You will also want a waterproof bag, comfortable beachwear, non-slip shoes, and a light jacket.

Snorkeling equipment is not required if you bring your own, and you should pack it if you prefer using familiar gear. Insect repellent is also listed, which is sensible for time spent on the island.

Keep your phone and other valuables protected from spray. A cover-up helps during the boat ride, especially after swimming. Motion sickness pills are worth considering if you know you react badly to open water.

Should you book the northern catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a well-fed, well-watered day visiting Mauritius’s northern islands, with swimming at Gabriel Island and a relaxed catamaran ride between stops. The friendly crew, generous BBQ, and included drinks are the strongest reasons to choose it.

Skip it if you are prone to seasickness, need accessible facilities, or want a long, serious snorkeling session. Also confirm the departure time, since the information gives both 9:00 and 9:30 a.m. With that detail settled, the $80 price offers solid value for a full six-hour outing from Grand Baie.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise begin?

You meet the team at Sunset Boulevard in Grand Baie, Mauritius, in front of the jetty. A hostess welcomes you and handles check-in.

What time should I arrive?

The stated meeting time is 8:45 to 9:00 a.m. Arrive by 8:45 a.m. to allow time for check-in. One part of the information lists departure at 9:30 a.m., while the detailed schedule says sailing begins at 9:00 a.m., so confirm the exact time before the day of your cruise.

When does the cruise return?

The catamaran is scheduled to return to the jetty at Sunset Boulevard around 3:30 p.m. The activity ends at the same meeting point.

Which islands are included in the route?

The cruise sails toward the northern islands of Mauritius, including Coin de Mire, also called Gunner’s Quoin, Flat Island, and Gabriel Island. The captain may change the route if sea conditions are rough or unsafe.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

You may bring your own snorkeling equipment if you prefer. The supplied information does not specify whether equipment is included, so ask the operator if you need to use equipment provided onboard.

What food is served for lunch?

The BBQ lunch includes salads, seasonal vegetables, grilled fish, BBQ chicken, grilled chicken sausage, a seafood dish, garlic bread, bread, and seasonal fruit. A vegetarian menu includes salads, vegetables, grilled vegetarian sausages, bread, and fruit.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks include mineral water, soft drinks, fruit juice, Phoenix beer, red, rosé, and white wine, local rum, and cocktails.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must make your own way to Sunset Boulevard in Grand Baie.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers a reserve-and-pay-later option, allowing you to hold a place without paying immediately.