Turquoise water, birds overhead, and BBQ afloat. This north Mauritius catamaran day ties together Pailles-en-Queue bird spotting near Coin de Mire (Gunner’s Quoin) and real island time at Gabriel Island. I like that the rhythm stays simple: sail, look out, swim, eat, and sail back.

I also really like the BBQ lunch on board. You get a proper meal with salads, grilled fish, BBQ chicken, grilled sausage, garlic bread, and seasonal fruit, plus a vegetarian option with grilled vegetarian sausages. The drinks list is generous too, with local rum, wine, Phoenix Beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, and mineral water.

One heads-up: this cruise is not suitable if you’re prone to seasickness. The itinerary is built on open water, and even though the operator may adjust the route for safety, you’ll still be out on the sea for several hours.

Key Highlights at a Glance

• Pailles-en-Queue bird watching while the catamaran passes Coin de Mire (Gunner’s Quoin)
• Gabriel Island swim and snorkel time with crew help and free time to explore
• A full BBQ lunch on board, including grilled fish, chicken, sausage, and a vegetarian menu
• Drinks included, from local rum and wine to soft drinks, juice, and mineral water
• Easy island-day pacing, with time built in to relax after lunch

Arriving at Sunset Boulevard in Grand Baie (and getting settled fast)

Your day starts in Grand Baie at Sunset Boulevard, right in front of the jetty. Check-in is handled by the hostess on site, so it’s not a mystery meet-up point. Plan to arrive early, because the schedule is tight: meeting is listed around 8:45 to 9:00 am, and the cruise leaves in the morning.

The provider lists departure timing in two ways, so don’t be surprised if your confirmation shows a specific time. What matters is that you should be checked in before the boat pushes off, with swim stuff ready to go. Once you’re aboard, you’ll feel the practical setup immediately: you’re on a catamaran where moving around is easier, and the day is structured around comfort on the water.

If you want a smooth start, pack so you can grab essentials quickly: sunscreen, sunglasses, and your snorkel items if you’re bringing your own. Since there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off, your biggest logistics task is simply getting yourself to the jetty and back.

The Morning Sail: Coin de Mire and Pailles-en-Queue Birds

After you leave Grand Baie, the catamaran heads toward the northern island area. A standout stretch is the sea time where you can look for birds while you pass Coin de Mire (Gunner’s Quoin). Between roughly 9:00 and 11:00, it’s all about scanning the skies and staying aware of what’s around the boat.

This is where Pailles-en-Queue bird watching happens. Even if you’re not an expert birder, this is one of those experiences that feels simple and satisfying: you look out, you spot what you can, and the crew’s job is to keep you oriented to what to watch for. It’s also a nice break from the ocean-focused moments, because it shifts your attention up from the waterline.

What I like about this part of the day is how it sets a theme. You’re not just doing a “drive to a beach.” You’re seeing how the northern coast and its islets work together—birds, sea, and coastline in one connected run. And it gives you something to enjoy even before the snorkeling window.

Gabriel Island Timing: Swim, Snorkel, and Beach Time

Next comes the main shore stop: Gabriel Island. You’re scheduled to arrive around 11:00 am and have time until about 12:30 pm. This is the core block for swimming and snorkeling, and you’ll have support from the crew to help you make the most of it.

Here’s the honest reality check: snorkeling conditions vary day to day, so fish sightings aren’t guaranteed. In my mind, that makes it even more important to focus on the experience you can control—timing, gear, and calm water movements. If you’re new to snorkeling, don’t rush; take a moment to settle, clear your gear if you need to, and enjoy looking around.

When you’re not in the water, Gabriel Island is your land reset. You get free time to enjoy the beaches and take a leisurely walk on the island. That combination is the best part of this stop: you can go full active with snorkel time, or keep it easy and just enjoy the sand and views.

One practical tip: wear water-ready footwear if you have it, because you’ll be moving between boat and beach surfaces. The operator lists non-slip shoes, and that’s good advice. Also bring a waterproof bag or backpack so you don’t spend your day worrying about phones and wallets.

What the BBQ Lunch on Board Feels Like (and what you actually get)

At about 12:30 pm, lunch is served onboard. This is one of those “small” inclusions that makes a big difference. You’re already on the water, and you’re not stuck arranging a meal with messy timing. Lunch is part of the plan, served while you’re still in island scenery.

The BBQ menu is built like a proper lunch, not a token snack. Expect rice salad, potato and egg salad, a mixed salad, seasonal vegetables, grilled fish, BBQ chicken, grilled chicken sausage, seafood delicacy, plus garlic bread, bread, and seasonal fruit. It’s a lot of variety, which matters because it gives you options if you don’t feel like the same flavor profile over and over.

Vegetarians aren’t left out either. The vegetarian menu keeps the salad sides and vegetables, then includes grilled vegetarian sausages, plus bread and seasonal fruit. There’s also a kids’ menu that matches the adult menu, so families aren’t forced into a separate process.

Drink-wise, it’s not just water. You’ll have a range that includes local rum, wine (red, rosé, white), Phoenix Beer, plus fruit juice, soft drinks, and mineral water. I like this setup because you can keep it light—juice and water—without feeling like you’re missing out.

After lunch, you get a relaxing stretch. The schedule shows about 1:30 to 2:15 pm for loosening up on the catamaran. It’s a good time to dry off, reapply sunscreen if you need to, and just enjoy the return sail.

Flat Island on the Route: Why You’ll Care Even Without Long Stops

Your cruise is described as going to several northern islands, including Flat Island alongside Coin de Mire and Gabriel Island. While the schedule you’ll follow is heavily focused on Coin de Mire for bird watching and Gabriel for swimming and snorkeling, Flat Island is still part of the overall route.

The practical value of including multiple islands is that you’re not stuck with one visual scene all day. Even if you don’t have a long beach block at every stop, you still get changing viewpoints from the water. And on a catamaran, that movement adds up—more sea time variety, less “one-and-done” feeling.

If you like photos, this helps. You’re capturing different stretches of coastline and different angles of the islands across the day. If you prefer quiet time, it helps too, because the boat ride doesn’t feel monotonous between the main activities.

The Return Trip: Back to Grand Baie by Late Afternoon

The cruise heads back to Sunset Boulevard in Grand Baie around 3:30 pm. By this point, you’ve usually had your water time, your lunch, and the relaxation portion, so the return feels like the wind-down phase rather than another exhausting segment.

This timing works well if you’re building the rest of your day around it. You’re back with enough room to freshen up and go for dinner in Grand Baie without needing to plan a major second activity. And since the departure and arrival points match, you avoid the common headache of dealing with transfers at the end.

One more thing: keep some energy for the last stretch. Even though you may feel “done” after snorkeling, the return sail is still part of the experience, especially if you liked the bird watching earlier and want one last scan for birds and coastal views.

Pricing and Value: Is $80 a Fair Deal?

At $80 per person, this cruise looks like more than just a boat ride. You’re paying for several things bundled together:

• Catamaran time across the northern islands
• Access to multiple island areas (Coin de Mire and Gabriel Island are the main activity blocks)
• A full BBQ lunch onboard
• Drinks included, including both alcoholic and nonalcoholic options
• Free time to swim and snorkel, plus crew support during the water window

If you tried to recreate this on your own, you’d likely pay separately for a boat, food, and guided snorkel help. The value isn’t only about the price tag—it’s about avoiding coordination. Also, the day is structured so you don’t have to decide what to do every hour.

The main trade-off is transportation: there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off. So your real cost includes how easily you can reach the jetty in Grand Baie. If you’re staying nearby, the value spikes. If you’re farther out and need a long taxi ride, it still can be worth it, just factor that time and expense into your budget.

What to Bring (So Your Day Stays Easy)

This is a sun-and-sea day, so your packing list matters. The essentials the operator suggests include:

• Swimwear and a change of clothes
• Snorkelling equipment if you prefer to bring your own
• Towel, sunglasses, and a sun hat
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• A waterproof bag or backpack (or at least something waterproof)
• Non-slip shoes
• A jacket and a waterproof jacket for weather shifts

I also recommend treating motion comfort as part of packing. The cruise isn’t suitable if you’re prone to seasickness, but if you’re on the edge, bring whatever your body needs to feel steady. The operator notes motion sickness pills if necessary, which tells you the sea ride is real enough that it’s worth preparing.

Also, follow the simple rules onboard: no littering, and you’re not allowed to touch marine life or plants. It’s good for the environment and it keeps the crew from having to interrupt your day to correct behavior.

Who This Catamaran BBQ Cruise Is Best For

This cruise makes the most sense if you want a structured day with great water time and food included.

You’ll likely love it if:

• You want swim and snorkel time without arranging your own tour
• You like the idea of seeing Coin de Mire and having a bird-focused part of the trip
• You want a BBQ lunch onboard where you don’t have to leave the boat for food

You might skip it if:

• You’re prone to seasickness and know you struggle on boats
• You need accessibility accommodations, because it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments

Based on how the day tends to play out, it’s also a good option for people who like a friendly onboard atmosphere. The crew’s attitude is repeatedly described as personable and attentive, with guides who keep things light and talkative—exactly what you want during a day out on open water.

Should You Book This North of Mauritius Catamaran Cruise?

If you’re planning a north Mauritius day and you want the kind of tour that’s ready-made—boat, birds, swim time, and a BBQ lunch—this one is a strong choice. The value comes from the bundle: island time plus onboard food and drinks, all tied together with a simple schedule that doesn’t ask you to coordinate extra details.

I’d book it if you can comfortably handle a few hours at sea and you’re excited about Gabriel Island’s swimming and snorkeling window. I’d reconsider if you get seasick easily or you need accessibility support. Otherwise, for Grand Baie visitors who want a classic catamaran day with more than one activity, it’s a solid pick.

FAQ

Where do I meet the catamaran cruise in Mauritius?

You meet at Sunset Boulevard, Grand Baie, in front of the jetty. The hostess welcomes you there and handles check-in.

What time does the cruise leave and when does it return?

You’re instructed to meet around 8:45 am, with boarding/check-in in the 8:45 to 9:00 am window. The cruise returns back to the jetty at 3:30 pm, and departure is listed in the morning (either 9:00 am or 09:30 am depending on the schedule).

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The northern islands route includes Coin de Mire (Gunner’s Quoin), Gabriel Island, and Flat Island.

Is lunch and drinks included?

Yes. Lunch is a BBQ served onboard, and drinks are included, including local rum, wine, Phoenix Beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, and mineral water.

Can I bring my own snorkeling gear?

Yes. You can bring your own snorkeling equipment if you prefer, and it’s listed as something to bring.

What happens if the sea is rough?

If sea conditions are rough or the captain considers it unsafe, the captain may change direction for safety and take you to Gunners Coin or Casita beach instead.