Your Island Voyage Mauritius Speed Boat Excursion With BBQ Lunch

The best part of this Mauritius excursion is its mix of fast open-water travel and unhurried island time. You leave Cap Malheureux by speed boat, reach Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate before the day feels long, then finish near Coin de Mire with more snorkeling and fine northern views.

I like the private format, which gives your group the whole boat rather than placing you with strangers. I also like the lunch setup on Ile Plate: seafood, meat, local side dishes, fruit juice, and Mauritian rum served on the beach. The main consideration is the early start and weather exposure. You’ll need moderate fitness, sun protection, and enough energy for a full day on the water.

Key points to know before you book

• Three northern island stops: Visit Ilot Gabriel, Ile Plate, and Coin de Mire in one well-paced outing.
• Private boat for up to eight: Your group travels together, with a certified crew and safety equipment.
• BBQ on Ile Plate: Lunch includes seafood, meat, local side dishes, fruit juice, and Mauritian rum.
• Several chances to snorkel: Swim at Ilot Gabriel and again near Coin de Mire, with equipment supplied.
• Personal service: Stéphane and Coco are named members of the team, and safety receives close attention.
• Weather shapes the day: The route can change, and poor weather may lead to a new date or full refund.

A fast start from Cap Malheureux at 8:30

Your morning begins at Cap Malheureux, at the meeting point marked 2J8C+365. The crew welcomes you, explains the day, and gives a safety briefing before you board. I would arrive at least 30 minutes early, even though the listed start time is 8:30 am. That leaves time to park, find the launch area, and settle in without rushing.

If you drive, parking is available near the Red-Roofed Church. The area is also near public transportation, but private transportation to Cap Malheureux is not included. Check your route before departure, especially if you are staying away from the island’s north coast.

The boat ride is part of the appeal. A speed boat covers more water than a slow cruise and lets you see several northern islands in one day. The tradeoff is that the ride may feel lively, particularly if the sea is choppy. Bring a hat that fits well, and keep your phone protected from spray.

The excursion is private, but it is not a quiet, stay-seated boat trip. You’ll get on and off the boat, walk on beaches and islands, swim, and use snorkeling equipment. A moderate level of fitness is requested, so this suits active families and couples better than anyone seeking a completely passive day.

Ilot Gabriel: your first island and snorkeling stop

The boat is scheduled to leave Cap Malheureux at 9:00 am and reach Ilot Gabriel around 9:45. This first stop gives you a gentle introduction to the islands. The crew leads a walk so you can see the natural setting, then you have free time for the beach and lagoon.

The appeal here is variety. You can walk with the guide, stretch out on the sand, or get into the water. A snorkeling session adds another layer, letting you look for marine life rather than simply admiring the water from shore.

I would treat this as your chance to get comfortable with the equipment. If you have not snorkeled recently, use the first session to check the mask and breathing rhythm. You’ll have another opportunity later, so there is no need to force a long swim at the beginning.

The stop lasts about an hour. That is enough for a taste of the island, but not enough for a slow, all-morning beach visit. If your ideal outing means staying in one place for hours, this multi-stop plan may feel brisk. If you want to see more of northern Mauritius, the schedule works well.

Ile Plate: lighthouse, beach, and the day’s main meal

Around 11:30 am, the boat heads to Ile Plate, arriving about 30 minutes later. This is the longest stop, with roughly three hours for a guided visit, lunch, and beach time. The longer pause gives the day a better rhythm after the speed boat ride and morning swim.

A visit to the historic lighthouse adds a point of interest beyond swimming. You’ll also have time to relax on the beach, which matters because the other stops are shorter and more active. The guide can explain the island and its past while showing you around.

The meal is a major part of the value. The BBQ includes a selection of seafood and meat, plus local side dishes. Drinks include fresh fruit juices and Mauritian rum prepared locally. Special diets and food allergies can be handled with advance notice, so mention them during booking rather than waiting until lunch.

I like that lunch is built into the island stop instead of sending you back to the mainland or offering only a packaged snack. You get a proper break in a memorable setting. Still, this is a beach BBQ, not a restaurant meal, so expect a relaxed outdoor setup and conditions shaped by sun and wind.

The tour’s strongest praise centers on the food and service. The team has been described as attentive and highly professional, with Stéphane singled out for careful handling of safety and Coco praised for warm service. Families have also enjoyed the meal and the easygoing attention from the crew.

After eating, give yourself time to cool off before more swimming. The sun can be intense, and the lunch stop is long enough for you to overdo it if you are not careful. Reapply sunscreen, drink water, and use the shade when available.

Coin de Mire: dramatic views and a final swim

At about 2:30 pm, you leave Ile Plate for Coin de Mire, also called Gunner’s Quoin. The boat reaches the area around 3:00 pm. This final island stop is more about views, scenery, and the sea around the island than a long beach stay.

Coin de Mire has a striking profile from the water. You’ll hear about its importance and history from the guide, then have a final chance to snorkel in the surrounding waters. This is a useful finish because you can choose the activity that suits your energy level. Swim if you still want more time in the water, or stay aboard and enjoy the views.

Some outings have included sightings of dolphins, turtles, and rays, but wildlife is never guaranteed. Treat those encounters as a bonus rather than a promised part of the schedule. The dependable attractions are the island scenery, the boat ride, and the chance to snorkel.

The timing also gives you a final look at the northern islands from a different angle. Ilot Gabriel offers beach and lagoon time, Ile Plate provides the long lunch stop, and Coin de Mire supplies the dramatic closing view. That variety is what makes the route more interesting than a simple trip to one beach.

The return to Cap Malheureux at 4:30

You leave Coin de Mire around 4:00 pm and return to Cap Malheureux at approximately 4:30. The return ride follows the northern coastline, giving you one last stretch of open-water scenery before disembarkation.

The total duration is about six hours and 30 minutes. That is a substantial half-day excursion, so plan little else for the late afternoon. You may be ready for a shower and a quiet meal afterward, especially if you snorkel at both water stops.

The schedule is fairly clear, but it is not rigid. Weather can change the route or timing, and the operator may adjust the itinerary for safety. That flexibility is sensible on the ocean, though you should not book this as a day with fixed onward plans immediately afterward.

What the $615.47 group price really means

The listed price is $615.47 for a group of up to eight people. The value depends heavily on how many people join you. A full group works out to about $77 per person, before considering the included boat, crew, snorkeling gear, lunch, and drinks. For a smaller party, the per-person cost rises, but you still receive a private activity rather than a standard shared excursion.

That private format is the key price comparison. You are paying not only for transportation between the islands, but also for control over who is on the boat and for direct attention from the crew. A family of six to eight people may find this especially attractive. A solo visitor or couple should compare the cost with a shared boat option if keeping the budget low is the priority.

Lunch and equipment reduce the extra costs during the day. You do not need to arrange a separate meal on Ile Plate or rent snorkeling gear. You will still need to organize your own transport to Cap Malheureux and bring personal items such as towels and sunscreen.

The experience has received a top overall rating from seven submitted ratings, with repeated praise for the team, food, safety, snorkeling, and family-friendly service. Those are the areas where the price appears strongest. The value is less compelling if you mainly want a short boat ride or a single quiet beach.

Who will enjoy this northern Mauritius outing

I would recommend this tour for:

• Families wanting a private day together
• Couples who prefer a personal boat rather than a large group
• People who want several islands in one outing
• Confident swimmers and casual snorkelers
• Anyone who values a prepared lunch and attentive crew
• Visitors staying near northern Mauritius who can reach Cap Malheureux easily

It may be less suitable if you dislike speed boats, have limited mobility, or want a fully flexible beach day. The tour includes walking, boarding and leaving the boat, swimming, and exposure to sun and wind. The operator asks for moderate physical fitness, and that is useful guidance to take seriously.

The English or French guide makes the tour accessible to speakers of either language. A certified guide and crew are included, along with safety equipment. Safety has been a repeated strength of the experience, but you should still follow the briefing and tell the crew if you are uncomfortable in the water.

What to pack for six and a half hours outside

Keep your packing simple, but do not forget the basics:

• Sunscreen, with extra for reapplication
• A hat
• Swimwear
• A towel
• Water or a refillable bottle
• A phone case or small dry bag
• Any needed medication
• Details of food allergies or dietary needs

The supplied snorkeling equipment covers the main gear, but personal comfort items still matter. Wear clothing that dries quickly, and avoid bringing valuables you do not need. The boat and beach stops expose your belongings to water, sand, and sun.

Arrive early. The recommended arrival time is at least 30 minutes before departure, which means aiming for about 8:00 am. That is especially important if you are driving and need to park near the Red-Roofed Church.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

You receive confirmation at booking, and the activity returns to the same Cap Malheureux meeting point. Free cancellation is available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start. Cancellations made within 24 hours are not refunded, and changes in that final 24-hour period are not accepted.

The tour requires suitable weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same choice applies if the minimum number of participants is not met, though this is a private activity for your own group. The route itself may change with sea conditions, so keep some flexibility in your plans.

Should you book Your Island Voyage Mauritius?

Book it if you want a private, active day around northern Mauritius with three island settings, two snorkeling chances, and a proper BBQ lunch. The combination is well suited to families and small groups who can share the cost, especially if personal service matters more than finding the cheapest boat trip.

I would be especially keen to book for a group of six to eight. The private price makes more sense then, and the boat remains intimate. The food, attentive crew, and strong focus on safety add real value rather than simply filling time between island stops.

Think twice if you want a slow beach holiday, dislike open-water rides, or cannot manage moderate physical activity. Also remember that dolphins, turtles, and rays may appear, but they are not guaranteed. For most active visitors who arrive prepared and allow for weather changes, this is one of the more rounded ways to see the northern islands in a single day.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

The tour starts at 2J8C+365 in Cap Malheureux, Mauritius, at 8:30 am. It ends back at the same meeting point around 4:30 pm.

How long does the speed boat excursion last?

The experience lasts approximately six hours and 30 minutes, including the boat rides, island visits, snorkeling, lunch, and return to Cap Malheureux.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the speed boat ride, safety equipment, snorkeling equipment, an English or French guide, a certified guide and crew, BBQ lunch, and locally prepared drinks.

Can food allergies or special diets be accommodated?

Yes. Special dietary requirements and food allergies can be accommodated with advance notice. You can provide the details when booking.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, and a towel. You should also arrive at least 30 minutes early. The tour requires moderate physical fitness.

What happens if the weather is poor or I need to cancel?

The itinerary may change because of weather. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can select another date or receive a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.