Grand Bay: Catamaran Cruise to Flat Island with BBQ Lunch

One small island makes the whole day. This Grand Baie catamaran cruise to Île Plate (Flat Island) pairs catamaran sailing with real lagoon beach time, plus a BBQ lunch once you’re there. It’s easy to see why people love the natural, calm feel of this part of Mauritius—just note the main trade-off: if the sea is a bit rough, you may want to think about comfort and motion sickness.

You start right on the beach in Grand Baie, then spend the day moving between the water, a quiet island break, and a swim/snorkel window. For about $70 per person and a full 7 hours, the value is strong because lunch, drinks, and water time are built in—but it’s also the kind of trip where group size and onboard noise can affect your mood.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Grand Baie beach start + dinghy shuttles: you’ll transfer by small boat and then get onto the catamaran
• Île Plate time is the core: relax on the beach, walk the trails, and swim in the lagoon
• BBQ lunch with drinks: fish and chicken, plus salad, dessert, and drinks like beer, wine, local rum, and soft drinks
• Snorkeling is flexible: you snorkel at your own pace; sea conditions can decide how much you do
• Coin de Mire is passed, not landed on: you’ll get a close pass, with snorkel time around islands instead
• Weather can change the experience: if conditions aren’t suitable, timing can shift

Grand Baie to Île Plate: a 7-hour North Coast Escape

This trip is designed for people who want a classic Mauritius day at sea without a heavy schedule. You’re not trying to cram a long list of sites into one day. Instead, you get a focused loop: sail from Grand Baie, spend time on Île Plate (Flat Island), eat well on site, then sail back.

What I like most is how the experience balances “active” and “easy.” You can swim when you want, snorkel when you want, and then simply hang out on the beach for as long as the day allows. The second big win is that the lunch isn’t an afterthought. It’s a proper BBQ-style meal on the island, with sides and dessert, and drinks are included.

The one consideration: the boat day can be a little more crowded and louder than you’d expect for a calm island break. A few experiences point to limited seating around meal time and music volume on board. If you’re the type who wants quiet, bring earplugs or consider a more private option.

Meeting on Grand Baie’s beach: getting to the catamaran

Your day starts right on the beach of Grand Baie, with a staff member assigned to welcome you at the mid-way meeting spot. There’s no hotel pickup included, so you’ll want to plan to arrive on your own.

One practical detail that matters: you don’t just walk up to the catamaran like it’s parked at the dock. You’ll go from the beach to the catamaran using a small boat transfer (dinghy shuttle). This is very normal for island cruises in the north, but it’s worth knowing so you don’t show up in flip-flops that hate water.

If you’re traveling with kids, this kind of setup is usually manageable, but if you hate steps, wet transfers, or you’re wearing delicate footwear, dress with a “beach transfer” mindset.

Cruising past Cap Malheureux, Péreybère, and Grand Baie

Once you’re on board, the sailing part is genuinely part of the fun. You glide up the northwest coast with photo opportunities along the way—especially around Cap Malheureux, Péreybère, and back in the Grand Bay area.

This is the kind of route where you’ll notice how the north coast looks from the water: the shoreline rhythm, the small stretches of beach, and the “come-and-go” mood of fishing and resort areas. It’s not a museum route. It’s a scenery route.

Also, keep your camera handy early. Once you reach Île Plate, the day shifts into beach mode, and your attention will move from coastline views to water time.

Île Plate (Flat Island): beach, lagoon swim, and island trails

Île Plate, also known as Flat Island in English, sits near Round Island in the far north—about 11 kilometers north of Cap Malheureux. It’s close enough to the coast to feel connected, but far enough to feel like a true island break.

When you arrive, you get free time on the beach. That means you’re not stuck on a tight guided loop. You can:

• relax and tan on the beach
• walk island trails (good for stretching your legs)
• swim in the lagoon

This is also where the bird-spotting idea comes in. The endemic bird Paille en Queue is mentioned as something you might spot while you’re exploring. You won’t be hunting it with a guide, but it adds a nice “this place has its own living rhythm” layer to the day.

One more real-world point: your time can feel longer when conditions are calm, and more rushed if the day’s sea state affects timing. You’ll still get a proper island break, but don’t count on marathon lounging if the schedule tightens.

The BBQ lunch on Île Plate: fish, chicken, salad, dessert, drinks

Lunch is one of the strongest parts of the day because it’s included and it’s served on the island. The menu is BBQ-style with fish and chicken, along with bread, salad, and dessert.

Drinks are also included with the meal. You can expect options like beer, wine, local rum, water, and coke, and there are also juice and soft drinks available.

This matters for value. Many island cruises look good on paper but make you pay extra for drinks or try to rush food. Here, the meal is part of the experience, not a separate expense that drags down the mood.

There is one caution from real-world feedback: seating and eating space may feel tight for larger groups. Some people describe eating on their laps when the food setup is more buffet-like or when tables are limited. So if you’re picky about comfort, bring patience and expect a casual island lunch setup.

Snorkeling at your pace, plus the Coin de Mire pass-by

Snorkeling is included as a stop, but the way you experience it depends on conditions. Here’s what you can plan for:

• You snorkel at your own pace, based on your comfort and capacity.
• If the weather and sea conditions are good, you may also do some snorkeling at sea.
• You’ll have time to snorkel around the islands, even if you don’t land anywhere extra.

A key detail to know: the cruise passes close to Coin de Mire, but you do not set foot on it. So think of Coin de Mire as a view-and-water-time bonus, not an extra island stop.

If you like snorkeling, the lagoon approach is a good fit. Calm water usually gives you easier visibility and less pressure than choppy open sea. If conditions are rough, your best plan is simple: take it slow, keep your head clear, and treat snorkeling as optional rather than a must.

One extra practical tip: if you’re prone to motion sickness, consider bringing motion-sickness tablets. Stronger swell days can lead to nausea for some people, and it’s easier to handle if you plan ahead rather than waiting until you feel bad.

Comfort, group size, and why noise can matter

This is where the day can swing from “great day out” to “hmm.” The catamaran style gives you that sailing feeling, but it’s also an open, social setup.

Some experiences describe:

• a lot of passengers onboard (around 50+ mentioned)
• limited seating in the cockpit area
• a tight layout around meal time

And then there’s the music issue. Multiple notes mention loud music onboard, starting early and continuing through the day. If you picture your ideal catamaran day as sails, sea air, and quiet conversation, loud sound can be genuinely annoying.

What I suggest:

• If you want peace, bring earplugs
• If you don’t mind a party vibe and you want energy, you’ll likely enjoy the lively atmosphere
• If you’re sensitive to noise or you need calm, it’s smart to choose a quieter day or a different type of cruise if available

Comfort also depends on sea state. A well-run crew can be careful with safety, even when the sea is rough. One report highlighted the skipper’s decision-making around safety and boat choice for certain groups, which tells you conditions matter to the operation.

Weather changes the day: flexibility is part of the deal

This cruise is weather-dependent. The schedule may change if sea conditions aren’t suitable, and that’s not a “small inconvenience” kind of change—it can affect how smooth the ride feels and how long you get for each activity.

So think of the itinerary as a plan with built-in flexibility:

• you’ll cruise to Île Plate
• you’ll get island time and lunch
• snorkeling depends on conditions

If you’re visiting in a period where the water can be unpredictable, choose your day with buffer time. Also pack for both sun and wind: even if it’s warm, open water can feel cooler and harsher on skin.

Price and value: why $70 can feel fair

At around $70 per person for about 7 hours, this cruise is not a bargain because it’s cheap—it’s better described as value because the essentials are included.

You get:

• catamaran trip to Île Plate
• dinghy shuttles to the beach/island
• lunch
• drinks
• a snorkeling/swimming stop

That combination reduces decision fatigue and hidden costs. If you were to do similar parts independently—boat transport, a guide/snorkel logistics, and island lunch—you’d likely spend more.

Where value can shrink:

• if the day’s sea state forces a shorter island window
• if seating and lunch space don’t match your comfort expectations
• if loud music disrupts your ideal day

Still, for most people focused on island relaxation plus water time, $70 feels like a reasonable trade for a full day at sea without extra add-ons.

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

This is best for you if:

• you want a straightforward day trip from Grand Baie
• you like swimming and want snorkeling without the stress of complicated planning
• you’re happy with a casual island BBQ lunch and included drinks
• you can handle a group day and don’t need a private boat experience

You might want to skip or choose something else if:

• you’re pregnant, since it’s listed as not suitable
• you’re extremely sensitive to noise or tight spaces on boats
• you strongly prefer calm, quiet sailing as the main experience

If you’re traveling with a family, this type of cruise can work well because the day is simple and island-based time is clear. Safety decisions around sea conditions can also be a good sign, not a bad one.

Should you book the Grand Baie to Île Plate catamaran cruise?

If your goal is an island-and-lagoon day that’s simple, includes lunch and drinks, and gives you room to snorkel and swim at your own pace, I’d say this is a solid pick. The best version of this day is when seas are calm: sailing feels great, Île Plate beach time stretches, and the BBQ lunch turns into a relaxed meal rather than a rushed stop.

Don’t book this expecting a quiet, luxury charter. The experience can be loud, seating can feel tight on busy days, and weather can shift what the day feels like.

My quick decision rule: book it if you’re flexible and want a classic north-island swim day. Skip it if quiet matters more than the views.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for this tour?

You meet on the beach of Grand Baie, mid-way, and someone will be there to welcome you.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is 7 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What does the tour include?

It includes the catamaran trip to Île Plate, dinghy shuttles to the beach/island, lunch, drinks, and a snorkeling and swimming stop.

What is served for lunch?

Lunch is a BBQ with fish and chicken, served with bread, salad, and dessert.

Are drinks included, and what types?

Yes. Drinks included with the meal can include beer, wine, local rum, water, and coke, plus juice and soft drinks.

Do we set foot on Coin de Mire?

No. The boat can pass close to Coin de Mire, but you do not land there. Snorkeling time is available around the islands on your own.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes, snorkeling and swimming are included, and you snorkel at your own pace. How much sea snorkeling you get can depend on sea conditions.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is it suitable for pregnant women?

No. It’s listed as not suitable for pregnant women.