Full Day Catamaran Luxury Cruise to Northern Islands w Lunch

Mauritius’s northern islands are best seen from the water, and this six-hour catamaran cruise gives you a full day of open sea, snorkelling, and island stops without packing several separate excursions into your holiday. The route takes in Gunners Coin, Flat Island, Gabriel Island, and the clear water around Coin de Mire.

I like the simple all-in-one setup: snorkelling gear, bottled water, lunch, and alcoholic drinks are included. I also like the timing, which gives you enough hours on the water to enjoy more than one stop instead of rushing through a quick boat trip. The main concern is weather. Rain or rough conditions can limit the island time and may force the Coin de Mire snorkelling stop to be cancelled.

I like the fact that you meet at a proper hotel reception, rather than hunting for a vague beach departure point. But you need to arrange your own transport to Coin de Mire Attitude Hotel, and this trip is not suitable for children under two, wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, or anyone prone to seasickness.

Key points to know before booking

• Gunners Coin gives the cruise a memorable opening view: Look for its steep cliffs and striking rock formation as the catamaran passes nearby.
• Flat Island is the main snorkelling stop: You have time in the lagoon before lunch is served on board.
• Gabriel Island adds a second island visit: The afternoon stop breaks up the return journey and gives you another chance to enjoy the northern islands.
• Coin de Mire is the final water stop: The boat may pause here for snorkelling in a natural aquarium, weather permitting.
• Lunch and drinks are included: A BBQ lunch, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages are part of the price.
• The meeting point is fixed: Arrive at the reception of Coin de Mire Attitude at 09h30 for the 09h45 departure.

Setting out from Bain Boeuf at 09h45

Your day begins at the reception of Coin de Mire Attitude Hotel in Bain Boeuf. The meeting time is 09h30, with departure scheduled for 09h45, so I would arrive early enough to check in, use the facilities, and get settled without a last-minute dash.

The catamaran is a Lagoon 380, a broad sailing boat designed for comfort and stability. You will still feel the movement of the sea, but the wide catamaran layout gives you room to sit, watch the coast, and move around during the cruise. This is not a private charter, so expect to share the boat with other passengers.

A short safety briefing takes place before the boat gets properly underway. That matters on a trip with several water stops, since you need to know where the snorkelling equipment is kept and how the crew wants you to move around the boat.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. If you are staying elsewhere in Mauritius, allow time and money for your own transport to Bain Boeuf. The fixed meeting point makes the start clear, but it also means this tour is less convenient if you are based on the opposite side of the island.

Passing Gunners Coin and its steep cliffs

One of the first notable sights is Gunners Coin, known for its dramatic rock formation and sheer cliffs. You pass this island by boat rather than stopping there, so think of it as a scenic part of the route rather than a walking visit.

This is one of the most worthwhile parts of the cruise for anyone who enjoys seeing the coast from a different angle. From the water, the cliffs form a strong contrast with the low, open shape of the catamaran. Keep your camera ready, but also take time to watch the changing view as the boat moves past.

The quality of this part depends heavily on the weather. In clear conditions, the rock should be easy to appreciate from the boat. In rain or poor visibility, the view can lose much of its impact. You cannot control the weather, so it is wise to treat the scenery as a bonus rather than the only reason to book.

Flat Island brings the first long water stop

The cruise continues toward Flat Island and Ilot Gabriel, with snorkelling scheduled in the lagoon around Flat Island before lunch. This is where the day shifts from sightseeing to active time in the water.

Snorkelling equipment is provided, which saves you from bringing your own mask and fins. You still need to bring a towel and beachwear. Bottled water is included as well, though you may want to bring extra sun protection for time spent on the boat and shore.

The appeal of Flat Island is the chance to spend real time in the lagoon rather than simply looking at it from the deck. Clear water can make this a fine place to watch marine life and enjoy the warmth of Mauritius, but conditions can change. Water clarity, rain, wind, and sea movement all affect how much you see.

You should also be comfortable getting into and out of the water. The tour is not suited to people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, and the activity is a poor fit if you are not confident around open water. The information also advises against booking if you are prone to seasickness.

BBQ lunch served on the catamaran

After the Flat Island snorkelling stop, a BBQ lunch is served on board. This is a useful feature because you do not need to leave the cruise to find a restaurant or use up more time moving between locations.

The meal also gives you a proper break after the morning in the water. You can dry off, eat, and watch the islands from the boat before the afternoon stop at Gabriel Island. Bottled water and alcoholic drinks are included, adding value to the $115 price.

I would not book this trip expecting a restaurant-style meal or a long private dining experience. The attraction is the setting and convenience: lunch on a catamaran, with the sea and islands around you. Bring a towel and suitable beachwear so you are not sitting through the meal in wet swimwear.

Alcohol can be enjoyable on a sunny boat trip, but pace yourself. The combination of sun, sea movement, and drinks can catch up with you quickly. Staying hydrated is especially sensible, even with bottled water supplied.

Ilot Gabriel offers the afternoon island visit

After lunch, the cruise heads to Ilot Gabriel. This gives you a second island setting and keeps the day from becoming one long stretch of sailing between stops.

The schedule describes Gabriel as a place to discover after lunch, but it does not provide a detailed list of activities or a guided walking route. You should therefore expect time to experience the island rather than a tightly scripted land tour. The exact feel of the stop may depend on sea conditions and the amount of time available.

For me, this kind of stop works best when you want a relaxed day outdoors. You can enjoy the change of scenery, take photos, and spend time near the water. If you prefer a tour packed with historical facts, long guided walks, or structured activities, this cruise may feel light on interpretation.

The islands are the main attraction, but the catamaran ride between them is part of the experience too. You get a sense of distance and scale that is easy to miss when you only visit a beach by road.

Coin de Mire and the natural aquarium

On the return journey, the catamaran is scheduled to stop at Coin de Mire for another snorkelling session. The water here is described as a natural aquarium, with clear conditions that can make it one of the most appealing water stops of the day.

This final snorkel is also the part most vulnerable to weather. A poor-weather outing in July 2024 led to the Coin de Mire stop being cancelled because forecasts indicated dangerous conditions. Rain also reduced the time available on the first island, leaving people sheltering under huts rather than enjoying the shore.

That example is important. A boat operator should put safety ahead of the advertised route, and a cancelled snorkel is preferable to unsafe conditions. Still, you should understand that the $115 price buys a planned day on the water, not a guarantee that every stop will run exactly as scheduled.

If the sea is calm and visibility is good, Coin de Mire can provide a strong final water session. If conditions turn bad, the return trip may feel longer because one of the final highlights is missing.

What the $115 price really covers

At $115 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day in Mauritius. The value comes from combining transport by catamaran, several island stops, snorkelling equipment, a BBQ lunch, bottled water, and alcoholic drinks in one booking.

I see the price as reasonable for someone who wants a full marine outing and would otherwise pay separately for a boat ride, snorkelling gear, lunch, and drinks. It is less compelling if you mainly want a short scenic cruise or plan to spend most of the day on land.

The absence of hotel transfers affects the real cost. You need to reach Coin de Mire Attitude Hotel in Bain Boeuf by yourself, so include that transport when comparing this cruise with other options. The clear meeting point is helpful, but the tour is not door-to-door.

The six-hour duration also matters. You meet at 09h30, leave at 09h45, and are scheduled back at about 15h45. That gives you a substantial part of the day, while still leaving the evening free. Check the exact departure availability before booking, since the start time may vary by date.

Weather is the key decision point

The biggest weakness is not the boat, lunch, or route. It is the possibility of bad weather cutting the day short or removing the best water stops.

Rain can make the islands less enjoyable, reduce visibility, and leave you looking for shelter. Strong or dangerous conditions can also cancel the Coin de Mire snorkelling stop. This is normal for a sea excursion, but it matters more here because snorkelling and island time are central to the experience.

I would avoid placing this cruise on the one day of your Mauritius holiday when you need guaranteed conditions. If your schedule allows, keep some flexibility. The booking terms allow cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if the forecast is uncertain.

That said, a weather-related change is not automatically a fault. A responsible operator should alter the plan when conditions are unsafe. The practical lesson is to book with realistic expectations and check the forecast before setting out.

Who will enjoy this northern-island cruise

This trip suits you if you want an easy day built around the sea rather than a packed cultural schedule. It is a good match for confident swimmers and snorkellers, couples, friends, and families with older children who can manage a boat and water activity.

You will probably appreciate it most if you enjoy:

• A full day outdoors with several scenic stops
• Snorkelling in clear lagoon water
• A relaxed catamaran setting rather than a fast boat
• Lunch and drinks included in the price
• A mix of boat views and island time

It is not the right choice for everyone. Children under two are not accepted, and the experience is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. People prone to seasickness should also think carefully before booking.

The boat may move with the swell even when the conditions are safe. If you know you get sick at sea, a shorter coastal outing may be a better choice.

What to bring and what to leave behind

Bring a towel and beachwear. Those two items are specifically needed for the snorkelling stop and time around the islands.

Sun protection is a sensible addition, although it is not listed as a requirement. You should also arrive ready to spend much of the day outdoors, with no need to change into formal clothing. Large bags, oversize luggage, and baby strollers are not allowed.

Fishing is not permitted, and electric wheelchairs cannot be taken on the activity. Keep your belongings compact and practical. A small personal bag is more suitable than a suitcase or large beach load.

The host or greeter speaks English and French, so you can expect basic communication in either language at the meeting point and during the cruise. No individual guide names are provided, so you should not book this expecting a named private guide.

Should you book the northern-island catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a full marine day with Flat Island snorkelling, Gabriel Island, and a BBQ lunch included. The route covers several northern sights, and the catamaran format gives you more variety than a simple beach visit.

Think twice if your holiday dates are tight, the forecast is poor, or you need guaranteed access to every stop. The July 2024 experience shows how rain and unsafe conditions can remove key parts of the program.

For the right weather and the right expectations, $115 is a fair price for a six-hour outing with food, drinks, equipment, and multiple island stops. I would choose it for a relaxed day on the water, but I would keep my schedule flexible and arrange transport to Bain Boeuf in advance.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

The cruise starts at the reception of Coin de Mire Attitude Hotel in Bain Boeuf, in northern Mauritius.

What time should I arrive?

You should meet at the hotel reception at 09h30. The scheduled departure time is 09h45.

What islands does the cruise visit?

The route includes Gunners Coin, Flat Island, and Ilot Gabriel. The catamaran also stops at Coin de Mire for scheduled snorkelling on the return journey, subject to conditions.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is served on board. Bottled water and alcoholic beverages are also included.

Is snorkelling equipment provided?

Yes. The use of snorkelling equipment is included in the price. You should bring your own towel and beachwear.

Are hotel transfers included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to arrange your own transport to and from Coin de Mire Attitude Hotel.