Mauritius: Catamaran cruise to 3 Northern Isles with lunch

The best part of this day is the combination of three Northern Isles with a proper catamaran outing. You sail from Grand Bay to Gabriel and Flat Island, spend time in clear water, eat lunch on board, and may stop near Gunners Coin for another look below the surface. It is a full day at sea, not a quick beach transfer.

I like the friendly crew and the generous food and drinks, especially the BBQ fish, chicken, sausages, salads, rice, pasta, bread, fruit, wine, beer, and local punch. I also like the freedom on board. On a recent trip with about 35 people, there was still enough room to move around, sit in the sun, or find shade.

The main consideration is the sea. The ride can be rough, the boat can get wet and slippery, and the order of stops may change with weather, currents, tides, or water depth. Bring your own snorkeling gear, as well as water for the island stop, good sun protection, and reef-friendly water shoes.

Key points to know before you sail

• Grand Bay departure: The catamaran leaves from Grand Bay and returns to the jetty at about 16:00 after roughly seven hours.
• Gabriel Island beach time: Expect a stop for swimming, snorkeling, and time on white sand, but bring your own drinks for the island.
• Flat Island views: The route includes broad sea views and a chance to see one of Mauritius’ protected Northern Isles.
• Gunners Coin is weather-dependent: A short snorkeling stop may happen on the return if sea conditions and the captain allow it.
• Lunch is served on board: BBQ fish, chicken, sausages, salads, rice, potato, pasta, bread, fruit, and drinks are included.
• Pack for a wet day: You need beachwear, a towel, a change of clothes, sun cream, and preferably water shoes.

From Grand Bay to Mauritius’ Northern Isles

This cruise begins in Grand Bay, one of the main boating areas in northern Mauritius. Once under way, the day settles into a simple rhythm: sea views, island stops, swimming, food, and more sea views.

The trip is seven hours long, which gives the outing room to breathe. You are not rushed off the beach after 20 minutes or hurried through lunch. At the same time, seven hours on a boat is a serious commitment. If you dislike open water, motion, or strong sun, this may feel long.

The crew speaks English and French. Their job is part guide, part host, and part safety team. A recent trip had a cheerful crew that gave clear instructions and paid close attention to passengers, even when the weather worsened later in the day. That matters on a catamaran, where wet decks and shifting movement require common sense.

You should expect the plan to remain flexible. The captain may change the order of the islands, shorten a water stop, or alter the route if currents, tides, rough seas, or poor weather make the original schedule unsafe. In bad conditions, the trip can be rescheduled. If no suitable alternative date is available, a full refund is offered.

Gabriel Island, white sand and time in the water

Gabriel Island is the main beach stop, and it provides the clearest picture of what makes this day appealing. You get time to leave the boat, walk on the sand, swim, and use the water around the island for snorkeling.

The island is protected as part of Mauritius’ natural heritage. Its appeal is not shops, buildings, or a long list of sights. The point is the clean beach, open water, coral gardens, and a quieter setting than the main coast.

The water can look inviting, but do not treat the stop as a fully serviced beach day. There are no drinks supplied on the island, even though the catamaran has plenty available. I would bring a refillable bottle or another container from the boat before going ashore. You may be left on the island for about two hours, and the heat can be intense.

Sun protection is not optional. One family found that even repeated use of sun cream did not prevent burns in several places. I would apply a high-factor sunscreen before boarding, reapply after swimming, and cover your shoulders and back when possible. The bright sand and reflected water make the sun feel stronger than it does at the start of the morning.

The shoreline may also include coral and rough patches. Water shoes are a smart addition, both for comfort and protection. They are especially useful if you plan to walk in shallow water rather than simply swim from a sandy section.

Flat Island and the northern sea views

Flat Island is part of the northern-island visit, and the approach is one of the pleasures of the route. From the catamaran, you see the coast and surrounding water from a broad, open angle that you cannot get from land.

The exact amount of time spent at each site can change. Tides and water depth affect where the boat can stop, while sea conditions influence whether passengers can safely swim or go ashore. Think of Flat Island as part of a moving day at sea, not a guaranteed fixed timetable.

The islands are protected areas, so the attraction is their natural setting. You are there to look, swim, snorkel, and enjoy the quiet. Do not expect extensive facilities or a developed beach resort.

This is also where the catamaran itself becomes part of the sightseeing. You can sit on deck, watch the water change color, and take in the islands without having to repack and transfer between several small boats. A recent group of around 35 people still had room to move around freely, though the amount of personal space will depend on the boat and the day’s passenger count.

Gunners Coin, an optional reef stop

Gunners Coin, also called Coin de Mire, is approached on the return journey. The stop is not guaranteed. It depends on weather, current, sea conditions, water depth, and the captain’s judgment.

If conditions cooperate, the boat may pause for another snorkeling session near the island. The site is known for reef fish and marine life, making it a useful extra stop for anyone who enjoys looking underwater.

It is important to set your expectations correctly. The included plan says three Northern Isles, but Gunners Coin may be a brief passing point or an optional snorkeling stop rather than a long shore visit. If the sea turns rough, the captain can skip it. That is the right call for safety, but it means you should not book this trip solely for a guaranteed swim at that location.

Snorkeling equipment is not included

The catamaran includes swimming and snorkeling opportunities, but snorkeling equipment is not provided. Bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins if you have them.

This small detail has a large effect on the day. Without your own gear, you may still swim and enjoy the islands, but your snorkeling plans become less certain. Pack equipment that fits well, since a leaking mask or poor-fitting fins can quickly spoil your time in the water.

You also need to take care around the boat. Catamarans are often wet, and the deck can become slippery. Move slowly, use available handholds, and listen to the crew before entering or leaving the water. The same care applies on the islands, where coral and uneven surfaces may be present.

The activity is not suitable for children under three or people with mobility impairments. The information provided does not specify detailed accessibility arrangements, so anyone with mobility concerns should confirm suitability before booking.

A BBQ lunch with a generous drinks selection

Lunch is served on the catamaran and is one of the strongest practical reasons to consider the cruise. The meal includes BBQ chicken, fish, and sausages, along with green salad, other salads, rice, potato, pasta, fresh vegetables, warm bread, and fruit for dessert.

This is more substantial than a light snack between swims. It gives you a chance to dry off, sit down, and refuel after the beach stop. The menu also offers enough variety for a mixed group, though the available information does not specify vegetarian, vegan, allergy, or special-diet options. If that matters to you, ask before booking.

Included drinks are water, soft drinks, wine, beer, local punch, and rum. Alcohol can be pleasant with lunch, but remember that you are still on a moving boat in strong sun. Drink water throughout the day and be cautious with alcohol before swimming or walking on a wet deck.

The crew may clean and dry the floor after lunch. That is a useful touch, since food, water, and bare feet can make a catamaran deck uncomfortable. The meal is served in a relaxed setting rather than a formal dining room, so you should dress for a wet, sunny day and not expect restaurant-style service.

What the $76 price really covers

At $76 per person, this is good value if you want a full day that combines transport, island visits, swimming, lunch, and drinks. The price covers the catamaran trip, visits connected with Gabriel, Flat Island, and Gunners Coin, the BBQ meal, and the listed beverages.

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, beach transfer, lunch, and drinks. You also get the advantage of a single organized route from Grand Bay rather than arranging several pieces yourself.

There are two extra costs to remember. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so you need to bring your own. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also excluded, though they may be arranged separately for an additional charge.

The price does not remove the weather risk. A rough day can change the route or reduce the pleasure of the outing. The operator allows cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. If poor weather forces a reschedule, an alternative date is offered, or a full refund is available if no suitable date can be arranged.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this day to you if you want a relaxed mix of sightseeing and swimming, rather than a packed schedule of land attractions. It suits couples, families with older children, and friends who enjoy being on the water and sharing a casual lunch.

It is also a good choice if you like having some structure. The crew handles the route, food, drinks, and safety instructions, while you decide how much time to spend swimming, snorkeling, sitting, or walking on the island.

I would be more cautious if you get seasick or dislike rough rides. One recent trip was described as a wild ride on the waves, and weather changed during another outing. The catamaran provides space, but it cannot make a choppy sea feel calm.

You should also think carefully if you need a highly accessible activity. The boat, wet decks, beaches, and coral areas may be difficult for people with mobility impairments, and the tour specifically excludes that group.

What to pack for a comfortable seven hours

Pack lightly, but pack the right things. Your day will be easier with:

• Beachwear and a towel
• A change of dry clothes
• Your own snorkeling mask and equipment
• Water shoes or protective reef footwear
• Plenty of sunscreen
• A water bottle for the island stop
• A waterproof pouch for small valuables

Keep your belongings secure and protected from spray. You will have drinks on the boat, but the island itself has no drinks available. I would fill your bottle before leaving the catamaran for the beach.

Do not forget that sunscreen needs to be reapplied. A hat, light shirt, or cover-up can save you from a painful evening, especially after several hours reflecting sunlight off the sea.

My verdict on the Starline Tours catamaran day

This is a strong-value northern Mauritius outing with a friendly crew, a good meal, and enough time to enjoy the islands instead of merely photographing them from a distance. The highest marks go to the staff’s attention to safety, the cheerful atmosphere, the clean catamaran, the generous lunch, and the useful range of included drinks.

Its weak point is not poor organization. It is the nature of the sea. The trip can be rough, the boat can be slippery, snorkeling gear costs extra in the sense that you must supply it, and the Gunners Coin stop is conditional.

Book it if you want a full day on the water and are happy to let weather shape the schedule. If you pack water shoes, snorkeling gear, dry clothes, and serious sun protection, the $76 price gives you a lot: three island destinations, beach time, swimming, lunch, drinks, and a pleasant catamaran setting. If you need guaranteed calm water or fixed shore time, choose a land-based outing instead.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Grand Bay in Mauritius.

How long is the tour?

The activity lasts about seven hours and returns to the jetty at around 16:00.

Which islands are included?

The route includes Gabriel Island, Flat Island, and Gunners Coin, also known as Coin de Mire.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. You need to bring your own snorkeling equipment.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes BBQ chicken, fish, and sausages, plus salads, rice, potato, pasta, fresh vegetables, bread, and fruit.

Which drinks are included?

Included drinks are water, soft drinks, wine, beer, local punch, and rum.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

Can the itinerary change?

Yes. The route and order of stops may change because of currents, weather, tides, sea conditions, or water depth.

What happens if the weather is too poor for the trip?

The cruise may be rescheduled to another date. If a suitable alternative cannot be arranged, a full refund is offered.

Who should not take this activity?

The cruise is not suitable for children under three years old or people with mobility impairments.