Full Day Catamaran Luxury Cruise to Northern Islands w Lunch

Northern Mauritius is best seen from the water, and this cruise gives you a full day of sea, rock, sand, and snorkelling without the rush of a short boat ride. From Bain Boeuf, you sail past Gunners Coin, a dramatic rock with steep cliffs, then spend time around Flat Island and Gabriel Island.

I like the easy all-in-one format: lunch, drinks, and snorkelling gear are included, so you do not need to arrange much once you reach the meeting point. I also like the route itself, especially the chance to stop at two northern islands and finish with a snorkel near Coin de Mire.

The main caution is weather. This is an exposed sea outing, not a sheltered lagoon picnic. Rain can spoil the views and force the crew to cancel the final snorkelling stop, as happened on one July trip when poor conditions left the group sheltering on the first island.

Key points to know before you book

• A six-hour northern-island route: The catamaran leaves at 09:45 and returns around 15:45.
• Three striking locations: You pass Gunners Coin, visit Flat Island and Gabriel Island, and may snorkel at Coin de Mire.
• Barbecue lunch on board: Food, bottled water, and alcoholic drinks are included in the $115 price.
• Snorkelling is built into the day: Equipment is supplied, with stops at Flat Island and, if safe, Coin de Mire.
• No hotel transport: You must reach Coin de Mire Attitude Hotel in Bain Boeuf yourself.
• Weather matters: Rain and rough or unsafe conditions can reduce the day to a much less enjoyable island stop.

Setting off from Bain Boeuf at 09:45

Your day begins at the reception of Coin de Mire Attitude Hotel. Plan to arrive by 09:30, giving yourself time to check in before the scheduled departure. The cruise does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, so the meeting point is an important part of your planning.

The catamaran is a Lagoon 380, a roomy multihull designed for a steady day on the water. You should still expect movement, spray, and changing conditions. If you are prone to seasickness, this trip is not a good match, even though a catamaran can feel steadier than some smaller boats.

A safety briefing comes first. Listen closely, especially if you are not comfortable in open water or have not used snorkelling equipment before. The crew speaks English and French, which keeps the basic instructions accessible to most visitors.

The schedule gives you about six hours from departure to return. That is long enough to make the northern islands feel like the main event rather than a quick photo stop. It also means you should arrive ready, with beachwear and a towel already packed.

Passing Gunners Coin and its steep cliffs

One of the first visual highlights is Gunners Coin, known for its tall rock face and sheer cliffs. You do not need a long land visit to appreciate it. The approach by catamaran lets you see the formation from the water, where its height and shape are easiest to grasp.

This is the sort of stop that rewards keeping your phone ready, but do not spend the whole crossing staring at a screen. The northern route is part of the experience. The cliffs, open water, and changing views give the trip a sense of place before you even reach the islands.

The information provided does not promise a landing at Gunners Coin, so treat it as a scenic passage rather than a separate shore excursion. The main time ashore and in the water comes later at Flat Island and Gabriel Island.

Flat Island brings the first snorkelling stop

The cruise continues toward Flat Island and Gabriel Island, with snorkelling scheduled in the lagoon around Flat Island before lunch. This is likely the most active part of the morning. You can use the supplied equipment and spend time in clear water rather than simply looking at the islands from the deck.

The word lagoon matters here. The stop is intended for relaxed swimming and snorkelling, not a demanding underwater expedition. You can choose how much time to spend in the water, though the exact duration is not given.

Bring your own towel and wear beachwear under your clothes. That small bit of preparation saves you from changing awkwardly on board. Bottled water is included, but you should still use sun protection suitable for a day outside. The supplied information does not specify whether sunscreen is provided, so do not count on it.

Flat Island is also where weather can make a major difference. On one July outing, rain made it difficult to enjoy the scenery, and the group spent much of its time under huts for shelter. That is a useful warning: the island stop can be pleasant in good conditions, but it offers less comfort if the sky turns wet.

Barbecue lunch and drinks on the catamaran

After the morning snorkelling, a barbecue lunch is served on board. Lunch is included in the price, along with bottled water and alcoholic beverages. That makes the day simpler, since you do not need to carry a packed meal or search for food on the islands.

The meal also gives you a natural pause after swimming. You can dry off, eat, and enjoy the views from the catamaran before the afternoon visit to Gabriel Island. The precise menu is not supplied, so you should not book this expecting a named dish or a special dietary arrangement unless the operator confirms it directly.

The drinks add value, but they also call for sensible choices. You still have an afternoon sea crossing and a possible snorkel ahead. Keep hydrated with water and treat alcoholic drinks as an optional extra, not the main point of the day.

At $115 per person, the price is reasonable if you plan to use the full package. You are paying for a six-hour cruise, the catamaran ride, lunch, drinks, and snorkelling equipment. It is less attractive if you mainly want a quick boat trip or if you are unlikely to swim.

Gabriel Island after lunch

After lunch, the route shifts to Ilot Gabriel. The schedule gives you time to discover the island, although the exact activities and length of the stop are not stated. You should expect a chance to experience the island at a slower pace rather than another tightly timed attraction.

Gabriel Island works well as the quieter half of the day. Flat Island supplies the main snorkelling focus, while Gabriel gives you time to take in the shore and surroundings. Since no guided walking route or named guide is specified, do not expect a formal historical tour or a detailed talk about island life.

This is also where your expectations should stay flexible. Island conditions, weather, and sea safety can shape how much time you spend ashore. The cruise is built around the overall day, not a guaranteed checklist of identical stops in every condition.

The return stop at Coin de Mire

On the way back, the catamaran is scheduled to stop near Coin de Mire for another snorkelling session. The water here is described as a clear natural aquarium, making it one of the most appealing parts of the route.

It is also the stop most clearly affected by sea conditions. During one trip in poor weather, the crew cancelled the Coin de Mire snorkel because forecasts indicated dangerous conditions. That decision may disappoint you, but it is the right kind of safety call on an open-water excursion.

You should think of this final snorkel as a planned opportunity, not an absolute guarantee. If the sea is calm and visibility is good, it may be the highlight of the afternoon. If conditions are unsafe, the cruise can still return without it, and you should not assume a replacement activity will be offered.

The scheduled return to Coin de Mire Attitude is about 15:45. Leave enough time afterward for your own plans, but keep a little flexibility around the return because boat days can be affected by weather and sea conditions.

What the $115 price really covers

The $115 fare makes the most sense for someone who wants a complete day on the water. A separate catamaran ride, snorkelling rental, lunch, drinks, and island stops could take more planning, while this trip combines them into one booking.

The value is strongest if you enjoy a social boat outing and plan to swim. You are not simply buying transport between islands. You are paying for time on the catamaran, two snorkelling opportunities in the planned route, food, and a northern-island itinerary.

The value drops if you need hotel transport, prefer a private boat, or dislike sitting outdoors for several hours. Transfers are not included, and there is no information about private cabins, private groups, or a quieter premium setup.

A rating of 4.3 from the available feedback suggests a generally positive experience, but the weather warning deserves equal attention. A rainy day can change a scenic island cruise into a damp wait under shelter. If your schedule allows, book with a forecast check in mind and keep the flexible cancellation terms available: cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.

Who should choose this northern-island cruise

I would choose this trip if you want a straightforward sea day with several elements already included. It suits couples, friends, and confident swimmers who like the idea of moving between islands rather than staying at one beach.

It is also a good fit if you are staying near northern Mauritius and can reach Bain Boeuf easily. The lack of hotel pickup is less of a problem when the meeting point is convenient for you, but it becomes an extra cost and planning step if you are staying elsewhere.

This is not a good choice for children under two, wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, or anyone prone to seasickness. Oversize luggage, large bags, baby strollers, fishing, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed. Pack lightly with beachwear and a towel.

You should also be comfortable with the possibility that the itinerary changes for safety. The crew may cancel a snorkel, particularly at Coin de Mire, if the forecast or sea state is dangerous. That is part of choosing a marine activity in Mauritius.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want a full northern-island day with lunch, drinks, and snorkelling included, and you are happy to make your own way to Coin de Mire Attitude Hotel. The route offers more variety than a short lagoon ride, with Gunners Coin, Flat Island, Gabriel Island, and a planned Coin de Mire stop.

Think twice if you are highly weather-sensitive, prone to seasickness, or need guaranteed snorkelling at every stop. The best version of this outing depends on calm seas and clear skies. With good conditions, the $115 price gives you a useful mix of scenery, swimming, food, and time on the water. With rain, the day can feel much less rewarding.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

The cruise starts at the reception of Coin de Mire Attitude Hotel in Bain Boeuf, northern Mauritius.

What time should I arrive?

You should arrive at the meeting point by 09:30. The scheduled catamaran departure is at 09:45.

What time does the cruise return?

The scheduled return to Coin de Mire Attitude Hotel is around 15:45.

How long is the experience?

The cruise lasts about six hours.

Which islands are included?

The route includes Gunners Coin, Gabriel Island, and Flat Island. A snorkelling stop is also planned near Coin de Mire on the return journey.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A barbecue lunch is served on board.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water and alcoholic beverages are included.

Is snorkelling equipment provided?

Yes. The use of snorkelling equipment is included.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must make your own way to Coin de Mire Attitude Hotel.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel and beachwear. Oversize luggage, large bags, baby strollers, fishing equipment, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.