Three island stops beat a beach day. This North Coast catamaran outing takes you past Gunners Coin and gives you a proper snorkel window around Flat Island with equipment included. One thing to plan for: if weather turns, the sea views and snorkel time can shrink fast.

I like that lunch and drinks are handled onboard, so you’re not hunting down food between islands. Keep in mind there’s no hotel transfer, so you’ll need to get yourself to Coin de Mire Attitude reception by 09h30.

Key things to know before you go

• Gunners Coin cliffs on the route: a dramatic rock formation you see from the water
• Flat Island snorkel time: gear included, set in calm lagoon conditions
• BBQ lunch on the catamaran: eat while you’re still on the move
• Ilot Gabriel visit after lunch: a second island stop to break up the day
• Coin de Mire stop on the return: another chance to snorkel in the natural aquarium area
• Alcoholic beverages included: part of the onboard lunch setup

A full-day catamaran cruise on Mauritius north coast

If you’re picturing Mauritius as beaches only, this cruise nudges you toward the sea side of the island. It’s a 6-hour catamaran day focused on moving between islands along the north coast, with snorkelling as the main activity and food built into the schedule.

The “luxury” angle here isn’t about nonstop hotel-style service for you to chase—it’s about spending the day on a proper boat with included meals, included snorkel gear, and time at several key spots. That matters, because your energy goes into swimming and looking, not into figuring out where lunch happens.

The route also sets the tone. You go out from Coin de Mire Attitude Hotel in Bain Boeuf, head toward Ilot Gabriel and Flat Island, and then come back with one more snorkel stop around Coin de Mire.

Timing and where to meet at Coin de Mire Attitude

This is a day that runs like a real tour, not a flexible half-day you can drift through. Meeting happens at 09h30 at the hotel reception, and the boat departs at 09h45 from Coin de Mire Attitude.

The published duration is 6 hours, but the schedule also notes a return around 15h45. In practice, I’d treat it as a full-morning-to-mid-afternoon commitment and not a “be back right after lunch” plan.

If you want a smooth start, arrive a bit early to check in and settle before the safety briefing. You’ll feel the difference once you’re actually on the catamaran and the day starts moving.

First big visual: passing Gunners Coin

One of the most memorable parts of this kind of cruise is seeing Mauritius’ north-coast features from the water. Here, Gunners Coin is specifically called out as a highlight, and you’ll pass it as you head out.

What you’ll likely notice is scale: sheer cliffs look very different by boat than they do from shore. This is also a good early segment for photos and simply getting oriented—before you switch from sightseeing to snorkelling.

Even if your snorkel stops end up being the star of the day, Gunners Coin helps the morning feel like more than just travel between points.

Flat Island snorkel stop: your main swim window

The tour’s structure is built around snorkelling, and the Flat Island lagoon time is where that really happens. After you set sail toward Ilot Gabriel & Flat island, you get time to snorkel in the lagoon around Flat Island.

This is the part that’s easiest to enjoy because it’s not just a quick look at water. It’s scheduled snorkel time, and you’re provided snorkelling equipment, plus bottled water onboard.

Why this matters for your day: when gear is included, you waste less time. When snorkel time is planned, you’re less likely to feel rushed. And when it’s in a lagoon setting, it’s often more comfortable than open-water conditions (though sea state can always change).

BBQ lunch and drinks on the catamaran

After snorkelling, you move into the onboard BBQ lunch portion. This is a big value point because lunch isn’t tacked on as a separate stop—it’s served while you’re still on the catamaran.

Included with lunch:

• Lunch
• Alcoholic beverages
• Bottled water

That combination changes the feel of the trip. You don’t need to budget extra for food mid-day, and you can keep the experience moving instead of breaking the rhythm to find a place to eat.

One small practical note: bring your beachwear and plan to eat in what you’re already wearing. The tour’s timing suggests you’ll be transitioning between water and meal, not taking long breaks to change.

Ilot Gabriel: after-lunch island time

Once lunch is done, the itinerary shifts to the Ilot Gabriel stop. The idea is to give you more than one island experience—snorkel first, then island time—so you don’t end up thinking of the whole day as one long swim session.

This stop is also where you’ll likely slow down a bit and take in the island from the shore or from the boat, depending on how the crew manages the timing. The key is that it’s placed after lunch, which helps break up the energy of the day.

If you’re someone who gets tired after extended water time, the lunch-to-island rhythm is a nice reset.

Coin de Mire stop on the return: natural aquarium snorkelling

On the way back, the catamaran makes a stop at Coin de Mire to allow snorkelling in the area described as a natural aquarium. This is your second chance to get in the water.

It’s also the part of the day that can be most affected by conditions. If the weather is rough or forecasts become risky, snorkel plans may change. A poor weather day can mean less time outdoors and more time under whatever shelter is available at the first island stop.

So here’s the practical way to think about it: plan the first snorkel stop as your main “must-do.” Treat the Coin de Mire snorkel stop as a bonus if conditions allow.

Price and value: what you’re paying for (and what’s not included)

At $115 per person for a roughly 6-hour day, this cruise is priced like a full package—food, drinks, and snorkelling gear included. The value isn’t just the catamaran itself. It’s what comes with it:

Included:

• Lunch
• Snorkelling equipment
• Bottled water
• Alcoholic beverages

Not included:

• Transfer (hotel pick-up and drop-off)

That last part matters. If you’re staying anywhere other than Coin de Mire Attitude, or if you don’t already have an easy way to get to Bain Boeuf, the “real” cost becomes the transport you need to reach the meeting point.

Still, if you’re already based near Coin de Mire Attitude, the inclusion list is a strong deal. You’re paying for a structured day with activities and gear, not piecemeal expenses.

What to bring, what to wear, and what to avoid

The tour keeps it simple on packing. What to bring:

• Towel
• Beachwear

You’ll be in and out of the water, so having a towel ready helps a lot.

Not allowed (important if you’re traveling with gear or kids):

• Oversize luggage and large bags
• Baby strollers
• Fishing
• Electric wheelchairs

If you’re planning a day with minimal baggage, you’ll match this activity much better. If you’re bringing extra beach equipment or bulky bags, you’ll run into the “no large bags” rule fast.

Who this cruise suits best (and who should skip it)

This trip is best for people who want a catamaran day with snorkelling built in and don’t want to manage meals separately. If you like the idea of multiple stops—Gunners Coin views, Flat Island snorkel time, Ilot Gabriel, and a return snorkel chance at Coin de Mire—this fits your style.

It’s not suitable for:

• Children under 2 years
• People with mobility impairments
• Wheelchair users
• People prone to seasickness

That isn’t a “maybe.” If you know the boat will be a problem for you, choose a land-based option instead.

Weather and sea conditions: the real decision point

The experience you want is clear: sunny views, time to snorkel, and a relaxed onboard lunch. The reality check is that this is an open-water activity, and weather can change the schedule.

One common risk on day cruises is losing outdoor time when rain moves in. In at least one bad-weather scenario, a group spent more time under basic shelter at the first island stop, and the return snorkel at Coin de Mire was cancelled due to dangerous conditions forecast.

So don’t treat this as an “always guaranteed snorkel” plan. Treat it as a thoughtfully scheduled day that depends on conditions.

If weather looks questionable, I’d still book only if your expectations are flexible: you came for the day on the water, and snorkelling is the priority when conditions cooperate.

Should you book this Northern Islands catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want:

• a full day on a catamaran rather than a short excursion
• included snorkel gear and snorkel-focused stops
• lunch and drinks handled onboard
• a north-coast route with recognizable highlights like Gunners Coin, Flat Island, and Ilot Gabriel

Skip or reconsider if:

• you get seasick easily
• you need hotel transfer included
• you’re traveling with bulky luggage or a baby stroller
• your schedule can’t handle weather-based changes to snorkel plans

Overall, the experience lands at 4.3 out of 5 based on 3 reviews, and the package is clearly built around three value drivers: the catamaran setting, the included snorkelling, and the onboard meal-and-drink setup. With that in mind, it’s a solid choice for most healthy adults who care more about time in the water than time in a classroom about the water.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the cruise?

You meet at the reception of Coin de Mire Attitude at 09h30.

What time does the catamaran leave and return?

The cruise starts at 09h45. The scheduled return time is listed as 15h45.

How long is the experience?

It’s listed as a 6-hour experience.

Which islands and stops are included?

You’ll travel around Ilot Gabriel and Flat Island, pass Gunners Coin, and on the return the catamaran stops at Coin de Mire for snorkelling.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and it’s described as a BBQ lunch served onboard.

Is snorkelling equipment included?

Yes. The tour includes the use of snorkelling equipment.

Is hotel transfer included?

No. Hotel pick up and drop off is not included, so you need to be at Coin de Mire Attitude for the meeting time.