North of Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise w/ BBQ Lunch

The best part of this northern Mauritius catamaran trip is the mix of open-sea scenery and easy island time. You sail past Coin de Mire, watch Paille en Queue seabirds, then spend several hours around Gabriel Island with time to swim, snorkel, walk, or simply sit in the sun.

I like the generous six-hour schedule and the fact that lunch is cooked and served aboard the boat, not rushed between stops. I also like the friendly, attentive crew, with three guides helping keep the day sociable and practical. The main drawback is the sea itself: if you get seasick, or if conditions turn rough, this may not be your best day out.

Key points at a glance

• Coin de Mire bird watching: Keep an eye on the cliffs and skies around Gunner’s Quoin for Paille en Queue birds.
• Gabriel Island swimming stop: You get time for swimming, snorkeling, sunshine, and a walk along the sandy shore.
• BBQ lunch at sea: Fish, chicken, sausage, seafood, salads, vegetables, garlic bread, and fruit are served onboard.
• Drinks included: Wine, local rum, Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, and water are available.
• Grand Baie departure: Meet at Sunset Boulevard, with no hotel transfer included.
• Weather matters: The captain may change the route for safety if the sea becomes rough or impassable.

Sailing north from Grand Baie

Your morning begins at Sunset Boulevard in Grand Baie, where a hostess meets you in front of the jetty and handles check-in. The stated meeting window is 8:45 to 9:00 am, with the boat scheduled to leave at 9:00 am. One part of the booking information lists departure at 9:30 am, so I would confirm the exact time before setting out, especially if you are arranging a taxi.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. That keeps the price at a reasonable $80 per person, but you need to make your own way to Grand Baie. The meeting point is central to the activity, and the tour ends at the same jetty later in the day.

Once underway, the trip becomes a day on the water rather than a string of hurried stops. The catamaran heads toward the northern islands, with the early sailing period lasting roughly two hours. You have room to watch the sea, take photographs, and settle into the pace of the boat.

The crew speaks English and French. Three guides are part of the onboard team, and the practical tone of the trip suits people who want help with the day without being pushed through a rigid program.

Coin de Mire and the Paille en Queue birds

The first major sight is Coin de Mire, also called Gunner’s Quoin. This steep offshore islet is best appreciated from the water, where its rocky shape provides a sharp contrast to the bright sea around it.

The boat does not present this as a long shore visit. Instead, the point is the view and the bird watching. Paille en Queue birds, known for their long tail feathers, may glide around the islet or pass above the boat. Bring binoculars if you have them, though you can still enjoy the sight with the naked eye.

This part of the morning is worth understanding before you book. The bird watching is not a guaranteed close-up encounter, and the crew cannot control how many birds appear or where they fly. It is a pleasant natural pause during the crossing, not a formal wildlife tour.

The open water can also feel exposed. There is little shade once you are away from shore, so a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a light cover-up are practical rather than optional. I would keep a waterproof bag close for phones and cameras.

Gabriel Island from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm

The main activity stop is Gabriel Island, reached late in the morning. Here the day shifts from sightseeing to free time. You can swim in the clear water, snorkel with help from the crew, walk along the sandy beaches, or sit back and enjoy the setting.

The water is the star. The turquoise lagoon and pale sand make Gabriel Island a strong choice for anyone who wants a classic tropical beach stop without spending the whole day on land. You have enough time to get wet and enjoy the shore, rather than stepping off the catamaran for a quick photo before leaving.

Bring your own snorkeling equipment if you prefer. The information provided does not promise a specific range of rental gear, so having your own mask and snorkel gives you more control. The crew can assist with snorkeling, but you should still be comfortable in the water and follow instructions around marine life.

Expect the underwater viewing to depend on conditions. One account of the trip described seeing fish but not a huge range of sea life, while still finding the snorkeling impressive. That is a useful guide to your expectations: the water and setting may be excellent, but this is not sold as a specialist reef expedition.

You must not touch marine life or plants. That rule protects the area and helps keep the stop pleasant for the next group. Littering is also prohibited, so bring a small waterproof bag for personal items and take care with wrappers and wet clothes.

A BBQ lunch with the sea as your view

At about 12:30 pm, lunch is served aboard the catamaran. The menu is broad enough to work for mixed groups, with grilled fish, BBQ chicken, grilled chicken sausage, a seafood dish, rice salad, potato and egg salad, mixed salad, seasonal vegetables, garlic bread, bread, and seasonal fruit.

The food has been one of the strongest parts of the day for me to assess. It is not just a token sandwich or a plate of snacks. You get a proper meal, and the portions are described as sufficient, with no shortage of drinks.

Vegetarians receive rice salad, potato salad, mixed salad, seasonal vegetables, grilled vegetarian sausages, bread, and seasonal fruit. The children’s menu is listed as the same as the adult menu. If you have an allergy or a special dietary need beyond the vegetarian option, the supplied details do not confirm what can be arranged, so ask before booking.

Drinks include local rum, red, rosé, and white wine, Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, and mineral water. The selection gives the lunch a relaxed holiday feel, though I would pace alcoholic drinks carefully in the tropical sun and on a moving boat.

Lunch is eaten onboard, which means you do not lose more time going ashore to find a restaurant. It also means the boat may feel busy around the meal service, and your seating choice may not be yours for the full lunch period. The trade-off is worth it for the sea views and the simple convenience.

The quiet afternoon return

After lunch, the schedule allows time to relax on the catamaran until around 2:15 pm. This is a useful buffer after swimming and eating. You can dry off, chat with the crew, watch the islands recede, or find a comfortable place to rest.

The boat is scheduled to reach Sunset Boulevard at about 3:30 pm. That makes this a full-day activity without taking over your evening. You should still allow a little flexibility, since sea conditions can affect the route and timing.

Flat Island is included among the northern islands named for the sailing area, but the detailed schedule focuses on passing Coin de Mire and spending time at Gabriel Island. Do not book this expecting a separate, extended landing on every island mentioned. The exact route can change, particularly if the captain decides that the sea is too rough.

If conditions are rough or the sea is impassable, the captain may alter the direction and take the boat to Gunner’s Quoin or Casita Beach instead. This is a safety decision, not a failed version of the tour. Still, you should understand that Gabriel Island is not guaranteed in every weather situation.

What the $80 price really covers

At $80 per person, the value is strongest if you plan to use the whole day. You are paying for about six hours aboard the catamaran, the northern island route, crew support, beach time, a substantial BBQ lunch, and a wide range of drinks.

That compares well with the cost of arranging a boat trip, lunch, and drinks separately. The included meal is especially useful for families and couples who do not want to keep opening their wallets during the day. The free time also gives you more say in how active you want to be.

The price does not include transport to Grand Baie or personal expenses. If your hotel is elsewhere in Mauritius, add the cost of reaching Sunset Boulevard. You may also want to budget for any personal purchases, though the core food and drink service is included.

The trip is a good value for people who enjoy a social boat outing. It is less ideal if you want a private charter, a quiet luxury cruise, or a highly focused snorkeling trip with long time spent underwater.

What to bring for a comfortable day

Pack lightly, but pack for sun, water, and wind. I would bring:

• Swimwear and a full change of clothes
• Towel and a waterproof bag or backpack
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat
• Comfortable beachwear and a cover-up
• Non-slip shoes
• A light waterproof jacket
• Insect repellent
• Motion sickness pills if you need them
• Your own snorkeling gear if preferred

A waterproof jacket may sound excessive on a sunny morning, but the boat can feel windy and spray can reach the deck. Motion sickness medication is worth considering if you are prone to seasickness, since the tour spends much of the day on open water.

The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, according to the supplied information. It is also not recommended for people prone to seasickness. Pets are not allowed, although assistance dogs are permitted.

Who will enjoy this northern Mauritius trip

I would choose this trip if you want a relaxed day with several kinds of scenery: open sea, offshore islands, a sandy beach, bird watching, swimming, and a meal with drinks. It works particularly well for couples, families, and friends who want some activity but do not need every minute planned.

Children can take part, and the listed children’s menu matches the adult menu. Parents should still consider the sun, the boat motion, and whether their children are comfortable in the water. The crew can help with snorkeling, but this is not a supervised children’s swimming program.

This also suits people who like social outings. The friendly crew is a major part of the appeal, and the onboard lunch gives everyone a natural chance to talk. If you prefer silence, privacy, or a small private group, the shared catamaran format may feel less personal.

I would be cautious about booking if you are strongly affected by motion, dislike sitting in direct sun, or want guaranteed marine-life sightings. The trip is built around the sea, so weather and visibility will always shape the day.

Should you book it?

Book this catamaran trip if you want a well-rounded northern Mauritius day for a fair $80. The strongest reasons are the long sailing time, the friendly three-person crew, the solid BBQ lunch, the included drinks, and the freedom to choose between snorkeling, swimming, walking, and resting at Gabriel Island.

Skip it if you need hotel transfers, guaranteed calm seas, a private boat, or serious reef snorkeling. For everyone else, it offers a simple way to see the northern islands without arranging separate transport, food, and water activities. Confirm the exact departure time before you go, arrive early at Sunset Boulevard, and pack for strong sun and possible spray.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The cruise starts at Sunset Boulevard in Grand Baie, Mauritius. Meet the hostess in front of the jetty for check-in.

What time does the trip depart and return?

The meeting time is listed as 8:45 to 9:00 am, with sailing scheduled at 9:00 am. Another booking detail lists departure at 9:30 am, so confirm the exact time before your trip. The planned return to the jetty is around 3:30 pm.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must arrange your own transport to Sunset Boulevard in Grand Baie.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch includes salads, seasonal vegetables, grilled fish, BBQ chicken, chicken sausage, a seafood dish, garlic bread, bread, and seasonal fruit. Vegetarian food and the listed children’s menu are available. Drinks include local rum, wine, Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, and mineral water.

Can I snorkel during the cruise?

Yes. You have time to snorkel at Gabriel Island, with help from the crew. You may bring your own snorkeling equipment if preferred.

What happens if the sea is rough?

The captain may change the route for safety. The boat may go toward Gunner’s Quoin or Casita Beach instead of following the planned route to Gabriel Island.