Mauritius: Catamaran cruise to 3 Northern Isles with lunch

Three islands, one floating BBQ day. This catamaran cruise from Grand Bay gives you time on Gabriel and Flat Islands plus snorkeling in protected waters, and it’s powered by a very satisfying onboard BBQ lunch. The main catch: snorkeling gear isn’t included, and on hotter days you’ll want sun protection that actually holds up.

You’re out for about 7 hours, and the experience is built around a simple rhythm—sail, swim, eat, repeat. The one drawback to plan for is that sea and currents can change the day, and if the water’s choppy you’ll feel it on the boat (boots, non-slip habits, and patience help).

Quick hits you’ll care about

• Gabriel Island + Flat Island time gives you real beach time, not just a quick stop.
• Snorkeling is the main underwater activity, but you must bring your own gear.
• On-board lunch is a full buffet, including BBQ fish, chicken, sausages, salads, rice/potatoes/pasta, bread, and fruit.
• Drinks are included (water plus soft and alcoholic drinks), but not once you’re on the islands.
• An extra snorkeling stop can happen near Gunners Coin, based on tide, weather, and the captain’s call.

Grand Bay catamaran day: the basic flow

This is a full-day catamaran outing that runs around 7 hours, with a return to the jetty around 16h00. You start out from Grand Bay, and the day is structured for people who want a mix of water time and food, without juggling multiple transport legs.

The overall pacing is straightforward: you sail to the three Northern Isles, spend time on the beaches, and fit snorkeling into the best moments. The order can shift depending on tide and water depth, and the crew may adjust what you do if currents or conditions change. Think of it as “plan A with flexibility,” not a rigid timetable.

If you’re wondering about comfort: boats can be wet most of the time, and the deck can feel slippery. You don’t need to panic, but you do want to move like you’re on a moving ship—slow steps, solid footing, towel in hand, and a dry layer ready if spray gets your clothes.

Gabriel Island: the beach stop and snorkeling reality

Gabriel Island is where the day turns “active.” You get off at a pristine beach with calm, shallow water for a swim, and the underwater part is a big reason people book.

Snorkeling here is centered on coral gardens and marine life in clear coastal waters. It’s a great choice for first-timers because the tour is built around a casual beach-to-water pattern (not hours of gear wrestling). But there’s one practical thing you should know before you arrive: snorkeling equipment is not included, so you’ll need your own mask and snorkel if you want to go straight in.

Also, plan for heat. One useful tip from people who’ve done this trip is that there aren’t drinks on the island while you’re there, and some stops can last around two hours. I’d rather carry a small bottle than spend the day feeling dry and cranky—especially because you’ll likely work up a sweat.

If you’re serious about comfort under the water, bring water shoes too. Reef edges can be sharp, and being able to walk into the water without guessing is a quality-of-life upgrade. It also makes it easier to linger on the shoreline.

Flat Island: another taste of “small and protected”

After Gabriel, you move on to Flat Island, another stop designed for swimming and enjoying a quieter stretch of coast. The overall vibe stays similar—time for the beach, time in the water, and a chance to slow down without needing to figure out anything beyond where to set up your towel.

Flat Island tends to feel like a change of scenery rather than a second copy of the same beach. You’ll be surrounded by calm water, bright sky, and enough space that it doesn’t feel like you’re fighting for every meter of sand. If your goal is photos, this is one of the days where you can get them without chasing tour buses or lining up at famous viewpoints.

If you’re snorkeling again, remember the gear note still applies: no equipment is provided. Also, the tour may alter conditions based on safety and sea state, so don’t assume you’ll always get the exact same water visibility window every day.

Gunners Coin (Coin de Mire area): the “maybe” snorkel stop

The third island is Gunners Coin, and this stop has a reputation for marine life. Your captain may make a brief stop for extra snorkeling if conditions cooperate—so treat it as a “bonus if the sea allows,” not a guaranteed second snorkel session.

This is the part of the trip that feels most like a natural aquarium. If you get the chance, you can expect colorful reef fish in their habitat. Timing matters here: light, tide, and the day’s water conditions all affect how you experience the water. So even if one day feels less dramatic than another, the setting is still a legit reason to get out in the water.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, this is also the part where your instincts matter. Some days the water is rougher than others, and wave motion can change how comfortable the deck feels. Bring your calm with you, or choose a spot where you have a clear view of the horizon and can breathe normally.

On-board BBQ lunch and included drinks: the real value

Here’s where this tour surprises people—in a good way. Lunch isn’t just a sandwich and a wink. It’s an open buffet on the catamaran with a real BBQ spread.

You’ll find BBQ dishes like fish, chicken, and sausages, plus sides that keep things from getting repetitive: salads, rice, potatoes, and pasta. There’s also fresh crudités and warm bread, which sounds simple, but it’s exactly what you want when you’ve been in the sun and salt air.

Dessert is fruit—often pineapple or seasonal fruit. It’s not a fancy restaurant dessert, but it does the job after a day of swimming and sunlight.

Then there are the drinks. Water is included, along with soft and alcoholic drinks such as wine, beer, local punch, and rum. This matters for value because a lot of island tours price food separately once you’re off the boat. Here, you get a full meal while still being on the water—no “buy lunch” scramble.

One key contrast: drinks are included on board, not on the islands. That’s why I’d treat the buffet as your main hydration-and-energy reset, then carry your own water stash for island time.

The sea, the crew, and the safety rhythm

This tour is run by Starline Tours, and the crew’s tone tends to be practical—helpful, attentive, and focused on keeping everyone comfortable. On a boat like this, safety isn’t a lecture; it’s a constant “watch your footing, mind the deck, and follow instructions” routine.

The catamaran can also mean a different kind of motion. Some people describe it as a ride with waves—so if you hate rocking, it’s worth planning for it. Simple tactics help: choose a stable spot, keep moving slowly, and avoid sprinting across the deck because your brain thinks you’re still on land.

The important part is that the crew manages the day with safety in mind, and the captain can adjust plans if conditions worsen. That’s why it’s smart to pack for flexibility. You might go in expecting one snorkel window and get a different one, or you might do less water time if currents are strong.

Price and what you’re actually getting for $76

At around $76 per person for a full-day catamaran with multiple island stops, snorkeling time, and a full BBQ buffet with drinks, the price can make sense—especially if you compare it to paying for a boat plus lunch separately.

What makes it good value is that the experience includes:

• Three island stops rather than one main beach
• Snorkeling time built into the day (even though you must bring gear)
• A full meal with multiple hot items and sides, not just a snack
• Included drinks on board

You’ll still have to budget for your snorkeling gear if you don’t own it, plus transport to Grand Bay if you’re not doing a package pickup. But in terms of “time on the water + food + two swims,” it’s one of those tours that feels more complete than its price tag suggests.

Who this tour fits best (and who should skip it)

This cruise is best for people who want a beach-and-water day with minimal logistics. You don’t have to be a pro swimmer, but you should be comfortable around boats and water activities. The tour itself isn’t suitable for children under 3 and isn’t recommended for people with mobility impairments, which makes sense given wet decks and water transfers.

It’s a great pick if:

• You want to see multiple Northern Isles in one go
• You like snorkeling and want coral-and-fish time
• You’re happy to spend part of the day relaxing on deck with a drink in hand

It’s less ideal if you:

• Absolutely hate choppy water
• Have limited comfort with wet, moving decks
• Don’t plan to bring snorkeling gear and aren’t willing to sit out water activities

What to bring so the day stays fun

For this trip, think “hot sun + salt water + wet deck.” Pack for the reality, not the brochure.

Bring:

• Beachwear
• A towel
• A change of clothes (you’ll be glad you did)
• Snorkeling gear (equipment isn’t included)
• Water shoes if you want comfortable walking near the reef
• Sun protection you trust (sunscreen that works in heat, not one you apply once and forget)

One practical note: even if you’ve used sunscreen before, don’t assume it will prevent every burn after hours in sun and after water contact. Reapply if you’re out in the heat, and consider extra protection on shoulders and the tops of feet—places that tend to get skipped.

Also, keep in mind that on the islands you might not have drinks available. A small bottle can save your mood when island time stretches.

Weather changes and rerouting: how to handle the “what if”

The day is designed with weather in mind. If conditions are poor, the sequence of stops can change, and the crew may adjust plans for safety. In rougher weather, the trip can be rescheduled, and an alternative date is provided—if that doesn’t work out, a refund is offered.

That said, not every bad day becomes a full stop. Sometimes you’ll still go out, but the comfort level may drop. If you’re booking close to the end of your vacation, you may want a bit of breathing room in your schedule so you can handle a reschedule without stress.

My advice: keep a flexible mindset. This is a water tour. The water has its own opinions.

Should you book this catamaran to the Northern Isles?

Book it if you want one solid day that checks multiple boxes: two island beaches, a genuine snorkeling focus, and a buffet lunch with drinks included—while spending most of the day on a comfortable catamaran rather than shuttling around.

Skip it if you hate boats, you can’t handle wet decks and water steps, or you don’t want to bring snorkeling gear. Also, if you’re extremely sensitive to rough water, consider traveling on a day you’re not rushed, since conditions can affect comfort.

If you go, go prepared: bring your own snorkel mask, pack water shoes, and treat sunscreen like a reapply job, not a one-and-done task. Do that, and you’ll end the day with the kind of memories you don’t need to over-explain—just salt air, island time, and a BBQ lunch you’ll actually remember.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The tour lasts about 7 hours, and you return to the jetty around 16h00.

Where does the tour start?

It departs from Grand Bay.

Which islands are included?

You visit three Northern Isles: Flat Island, Gabriel Island, and Gunners Coin.

Is lunch included, and what’s it like?

Yes. Lunch is included on board as a 3-course style BBQ buffet with BBQ items (chicken, fish, sausages), plus sides like salads, rice, potatoes, pasta, bread, crudités, and fruit dessert. Drinks are also included.

Are snorkeling equipment and life jackets included?

Snorkeling equipment is not included. The tour includes swim and snorkel time, and equipment isn’t provided according to the info provided.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Water, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks are included on board.

Do I need a towel and a change of clothes?

Yes, you should bring a towel and a change of clothes (you’ll be wet on the boat).

Is hotel pick-up included?

Hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included, though they may be arranged separately for an additional cost.

Is this tour suitable for young children or reduced mobility?

It is not suitable for children under 3 years old and not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

What if the weather is rough?

In case of adverse weather or rough seas, the trip can be rescheduled to an alternative date, and if a suitable date cannot be arranged, a full refund is offered.