Luxury Catamaran Cruise: The Northern Islands

A small boat, big Mauritius coastline views. This Northern Islands catamaran from Cap Malheureux is a practical day out: you get Ilot Gabriel and Flat Island beach time with snorkeling gear and a proper BBQ lunch onboard, and I like that the crew keeps the mood lively. The one thing to watch for is sea conditions—once you head outside the lagoon, the ride can get choppy and that can affect swimming time.

You start at Bain Boeuf Public Beach at 9:30am with no hotel pickup, and you’re back at the same meeting point when the ~6-hour cruise ends. With a stated maximum of 17 travelers, it usually feels manageable, though popular island stops can still bring a little crowd energy depending on the day.

Key things I’d circle before you book

• BBQ lunch plus bottled water and alcoholic beverages included so you’re not hunting for food all day
• Snorkeling equipment included for the Indian Ocean water time around Ilot Gabriel and Flat Island
• Two beach breaks (Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate/Flat Island) that work for both swimming and relaxing
• Small-group size (max 17) which helps you find your spot on board and at the beach
• Weather matters: outside-lagoon sailing can be rough, and some planned water time may change

Northern Islands catamaran cruise to Ilot Gabriel and Flat Island: the vibe and the value

This is one of those Mauritius trips that feels simple on paper, then turns into a full-on island day once you’re out on the water. You’re out of Grand Baie area and focused on the north shore sights—long sea views, a couple of beach-and-water stops, plus lunch handled onboard. It’s not a “sit on the couch and admire from afar” outing. It’s built for time in the ocean.

I also like the way the day is paced. Two separate stops give you a chance to get your swim fix without it becoming one long slog. And because snorkeling gear is included, you can take advantage of the water without paying extra at the beach.

Here’s the tradeoff: it’s a real boat day. One review notes the sea was rough outside the lagoon, and rougher weather can push things around. If you’re prone to seasickness, pack accordingly and keep expectations flexible.

Price and what you’re actually getting for $113.99 per person

At $113.99 per person, you’re paying for a bundled experience: boat transport, two island beach breaks, snorkeling equipment, lunch, and drinks. That matters in Mauritius where “cheap” boat trips can start adding costs quickly once you factor in food and gear.

A few details make the price easier to swallow:

• Lunch is included and described as a BBQ onboard (and multiple reviews praise the food quality).
• Snorkeling equipment is included, which saves you from last-minute rentals.
• Bottled water and alcoholic beverages are included, so you’re not stuck calculating every drink.

Still, don’t ignore a practical heads-up from one review: someone felt it was overpriced on a resale platform and suggested booking directly can be cheaper. Translation for you: if you’re comparing options, it’s worth checking rates across booking channels. The experience can be excellent, but price can vary.

Getting there: Bain Boeuf start time and the no-pickup reality

This tour starts at 9:30am from Bain Boeuf Public Beach, Cap Malheureux. There’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll need to arrange your own transport to the meeting point and arrive on time.

A couple of practical notes:

• You’ll use a mobile ticket, so have it accessible offline if your phone battery likes to die at inconvenient moments.
• The meeting point is listed as near public transportation, which is helpful if you’re staying somewhere with easy local access.
• You return to the same meeting point. No mystery ending, no extra shuffle.

Why I think this matters: boat tours punish late arrivals. If you want a calm start, plan to be early enough to park yourself, use the restroom, and feel human before boarding.

The sea route: what you can see while heading north from Cap Malheureux

On a day like this, the travel time isn’t just “getting there.” You’re sailing along the north shore and you’ll get views of spots like Gunners Coin as well as Ilot Gabriel. That’s the kind of Mauritius scenery that works even when the ocean is being moody.

The vibe onboard is also part of the route. Reviews repeatedly mention an entertaining, friendly crew and that the atmosphere can turn into singing and dancing. If you want a lively day, you’ll likely enjoy that.

If you want quiet and solitude, just know this is a shared cruise. One review complained it felt too popular for the calm, niche feeling they expected. On the flip side, other reviews highlight that boats can be less crowded and attention from the crew feels personal. In other words: the experience can skew social even if the group size is capped.

Stop 1: Ilot Gabriel beach break and that first taste of island time

Your first shore stop is Ilot Gabriel Beach, with about 30 minutes on the sand. Admission is listed as free for this stop, so you’re not paying a second ticket just to enjoy the beach time.

This is a good stop for:

• A quick swim if conditions feel safe to you
• A relaxed walk along the shoreline
• Snorkel time if the water is cooperative

One reason I like that first stop is it lets you “calibrate” fast. If the ocean is calmer than expected, you’ll take more time in the water. If not, you still get a beach moment without losing the whole day.

A practical tip: pack for the sun. The day is built for outdoor time, and bathing attire plus suntan lotion, caps, and hats are recommended. The boat doesn’t make you forget the sun just because you’re moving.

Stop 2: Ile Plate (Flat Island) for swimming, relaxing, and second-chance snorkeling

Your second shore time is Ile Plate Beach for another ~30 minutes. This is essentially the stop often described as Flat Island. Same idea: admission is listed as free, and you’ve got a short window to make it count.

This stop tends to work best if you:

• Want a second shot at getting in the water
• Prefer to split your day between ocean time and actual beach time
• Like having a clear rhythm (sail, stop, swim, repeat)

In reviews, people specifically praised snorkeling around Gabriel Island and described clear water and lots of fish. I can’t promise perfect visibility every day, but the overall pattern suggests this stop is chosen because conditions can be good.

Drawback? With only half an hour, you don’t have time for a long, wandering adventure. If you like to linger, you’ll want to be ready to swim early and then slow down.

Snorkeling in the Indian Ocean: what to expect about conditions and safety

Snorkeling equipment is included, and safety is something the crew seems to take seriously in the feedback. One review highlighted that the crew was safety conscious and made participants feel at ease. That’s exactly what you want when you’re in a small group and the ocean has a say in how it goes.

How it feels in real life:

• Some days are described as clear and full of fish.
• Other days can be more “adventurous,” with rougher water outside the lagoon.
• In worse weather, planned snorkeling may not happen as expected.

One review had a rough day where conditions were too choppy for planned activities. The snorkeling plan shifted and a different method of snorkeling on cloudy lagoon waters was offered instead (via a glass bottom boat). That’s a reminder to stay flexible. The crew can only control so much, but weather can change what you get.

My advice: if snorkeling is your main goal, go in with a backup mindset. Don’t only plan for the perfect day—plan for the “good enough” day too.

The BBQ lunch, drinks, and the crew that keeps things moving

Food is a big part of why this cruise feels like a good deal. The lunch is described as a BBQ onboard and multiple reviews call out the food quality. One review mentions chicken wings and hotdogs plus fish. Another talks about a mouth-watering lunch. I’d treat that as a sign the menu isn’t just an afterthought.

And then there’s the drink setup: bottled water is included, and alcoholic beverages are included too. Reviews also mention fresh drinks kept coming during the cruise. That can sound like marketing, but the repeated theme is consistent: you’re not stuck waiting for service.

The crew energy also shows up constantly. One featured review praised the captain and two crew members for humor and getting everyone singing and dancing. Another person singled out kindness from a crew member named William. Translation for you: this is a cruise where people seem to be actively hosting, not just ticking boxes.

If you don’t want a party atmosphere, you might still have fun, but bring earplugs in your bag if you’re noise-sensitive. A loud day isn’t guaranteed—but it’s common enough to consider.

Weather and rough seas: how to plan your mindset for an ocean cruise

This experience is clearly weather-dependent. The company notes it requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’re offered a different date or a full refund. That’s good structure.

But even on a day that runs, conditions can shape the experience. One review described a choppier ride outside the lagoon and said it was worth it for the destinations. Another review described a much more disappointing scenario where planned activities couldn’t be done because of winds, and the day’s snorkeling and route effectively shifted.

So here’s the practical way to handle this:

• Don’t assume you’ll snorkel the exact way you see in photos.
• If you’re sea-sick prone, consider motion-sickness prep before you reach the pier.
• Bring swimwear and a light layer. You may get warm on the outbound and cool down on the return, especially if wind kicks up.

If the ocean is rough, the experience can still be enjoyable—one review basically made lemonade out of lemons by socializing and enjoying what they could. But I won’t pretend it will always feel easy.

Who this Northern Islands catamaran is best for (and who should think twice)

This tour is listed as suitable for most travelers, and it’s a small max group. That makes it a solid pick if you want a well-run day with included basics and a fun crew.

It’s especially good for:

• People who want boat + beach + snorkeling in one package
• Anyone who values included lunch and drinks
• Couples and small groups who like a social vibe onboard

A few considerations:

• Families: children must be accompanied by an adult.
• If you’re expecting luxury solitude, it may not match. Even with a max of 17, island stops can feel busy, and the boat can get crowded depending on conditions.
• If you hate any chop in the ocean, you should be cautious. The ride goes outside the lagoon into deeper water.

Should you book the Northern Islands catamaran cruise?

If you want an easy, value-heavy way to see Mauritius’ north shore by water, I’d book this—especially if your priority is beach time, snorkeling gear included, and a BBQ lunch with drinks. The crew energy is a recurring highlight, and the small group size usually helps the day feel less hectic.

I’d think twice if your personal “must-do” is snorkeling at all costs. The ocean can be unpredictable, and rough seas can reduce or change water activities. Also, if you’re very price-sensitive, compare booking routes since at least one reviewer felt the tour was cheaper when booked directly through a hotel.

If you go with flexible expectations and a good sunscreen plan, this can be a satisfying Mauritius day: sun, sea views, two island stops, and a hosted onboard lunch that keeps the day moving.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The cruise duration is approximately 6 hours.

Where does the tour start, and what time?

It starts at Bain Boeuf Public Beach, Cap Malheureux, Mauritius at 9:30am and ends back at the meeting point.

Do I need hotel pickup?

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

What’s included in the price?

The price includes lunch, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages.

Is there snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?

Yes. Vegetarian and vegan options are available if you advise the provider at the time of booking.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.