Luxury Catamaran Cruise: The Northern Islands

The best part of this six-hour cruise is the route. You leave from Bain Boeuf and head beyond the north coast toward Ilot Gabriel and Flat Island, where bright water, open sea, and beach time replace the hotel pool routine. The boat ride itself is part of the day, not just transport.

I like the small maximum group of 17 and the easy all-in format: lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear are included. I also like the crew’s cheerful style. William and his fellow crew member have been praised for their friendliness, humor, and attention, with music, singing, and dancing sometimes turning the return sail into a party.

The catch is the sea. Outside the sheltered lagoon, the water can get rough, and strong wind may shorten or change the route. Also, the word luxury may set your expectations too high: the boat is clean and well kept, but some passengers find the experience lively and crowded rather than private or polished.

Key points to know before booking

• Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate: You get time ashore on two northern islands, not just a passing view from the boat.
• Open-sea conditions: The route can be choppy beyond the lagoon, so bring a hat, sunscreen, and patience if you are prone to seasickness.
• Barbecue on board: Lunch has included grilled chicken wings, hot dogs, fish, and other simple barbecue fare, with vegetarian and vegan choices available by request.
• Friendly crew: Expect an informal, social atmosphere, with drinks, jokes, music, and dancing on some departures.
• Snorkeling included: Equipment is supplied, but water conditions may prevent snorkeling or reduce visibility.
• Simple meeting point: You make your own way to Bain Boeuf Public Beach for the 9:30 am departure and return there later.

The northern islands are the real reason to go

Mauritius has no shortage of pretty beaches. The value of this excursion is that it gets you out on the water and toward the smaller islands north of the main island, areas that are difficult to visit without a boat.

From Bain Boeuf Public Beach, the catamaran heads toward the northern island group. Along the way, you can expect views of Gunners Coin, a rocky offshore landmark, before reaching Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, also called Flat Island. The scenery changes as the boat leaves the coast. You see more open water, low islands, pale beaches, and the broad horizon.

This is not a museum tour or a guided nature walk. The appeal is simple: sail, swim, eat, and spend time in beautiful places. If you want a full day with a relaxed rhythm, this route makes sense.

The islands are popular, so do not expect a deserted private beach. At busy times, the atmosphere can feel shared rather than secluded. That is the tradeoff for visiting some of the north coast’s most attractive spots.

Ilot Gabriel: a short but worthwhile beach stop

The first scheduled island stop is Ilot Gabriel, where you get off the catamaran and have about 30 minutes on the beach. That is enough time for a walk, photographs, or a quick swim, but not enough for a long exploration.

The island’s main attraction is its natural setting. It gives you a chance to step off the boat, feel sand under your feet, and see the sea from shore rather than through a catamaran railing. Keep your expectations realistic, though. Thirty minutes passes quickly, particularly if you need to move between the boat and beach or gather your things.

The water may be inviting, but conditions vary. Wind and waves can make swimming less comfortable, and the operator may adjust the plan for safety. Bring sandals or shoes you can manage around a beach landing, though the supplied details do not specify the exact type of transfer used.

Ilot Gabriel is also the main snorkeling highlight for many people. On a calm day, you can use the included equipment to look for fish in clear water. On a windy day, visibility can drop, and the crew may decide that getting in the water is not sensible.

Ile Plate gives you another chance to swim

The second stop is Ile Plate Beach, with roughly 30 minutes to walk, relax, or swim. This short stop works well as a change of pace after the first island. You can stretch your legs, take pictures, and enjoy the beach without giving up the rest of the sailing day.

The two island stops are similar in length, so this is not a trip built around extended time ashore. Think of each one as a compact beach visit paired with a sea cruise. If you want hours on one island with time for a long walk, this will feel rushed.

I like this arrangement for a first visit to northern Mauritius. You get a taste of two locations and still spend much of the day on the water. It also gives the crew some flexibility. If conditions make one activity less appealing, you still have the boat ride, lunch, drinks, and another shore stop.

Snorkeling depends on the weather

Swimming and snorkeling are central to the appeal, but you should treat them as weather-dependent rather than guaranteed. The cruise travels outside the lagoon into deeper water, and strong wind can make the sea rough.

On good days, the experience can be excellent. Clear water and fish make the snorkeling memorable, and equipment is included, so you do not need to arrange a separate rental. The crew has also been praised for being safety conscious and helping people feel comfortable in the water.

On poor-weather days, the difference is substantial. One difficult departure could not reach the planned islands because of choppy water. The alternative involved stopping along the north shore and using a glass-bottom boat in cloudy lagoon water, where visibility was poor. That is a useful warning: the operator may try to provide an alternative, but it may not feel like an equal replacement.

Check the forecast before you book, especially if snorkeling is your main goal. The cancellation terms allow a different date or a full refund if the operator cancels because of poor weather. If the boat sails and conditions later change, however, you should not assume a partial refund.

Lunch is simple, generous, and part of the fun

The barbecue lunch is one of the strongest features of the day. Food has included grilled chicken wings, hot dogs, fish, and other barbecue items, along with drinks served during the cruise. Bottled water and alcoholic beverages are included, so you are not paying extra every time you want something to drink.

This is casual boat food, not a fine-dining meal. That is exactly the right level for a day built around swimming and beach stops. You can eat without leaving the boat, and the meal helps turn a six-hour outing into a complete day rather than a boat transfer with optional extras.

Tell the operator about dietary needs when booking. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, but they need to be requested in advance. You should not wait until lunch to explain a restriction.

The food also contributes to the social mood. The crew’s friendly approach, music, and occasional dancing give the cruise a festive feel. If you want a quiet, private sail with a formal meal, this is not the right match. If you enjoy a shared barbecue and easy conversation, it fits well.

The crew sets the tone

A good crew matters on a boat trip, and this one seems to lean heavily on personality. William has been singled out for his kindness, while other passengers have praised the captain and crew for keeping drinks flowing, preparing lunch, and maintaining a relaxed atmosphere.

Expect humor and interaction, not a silent scenic cruise. Singing and dancing have been part of some outings, which can be a highlight for social groups and families. It may be less appealing if you want to read in peace or keep to yourself.

The crew has also been described as attentive and professional. That balance is important. A lively atmosphere is welcome, but you still want clear help with snorkeling, boarding, and changing sea conditions.

The group limit is listed as 17 people. That is smaller than many large catamaran outings and can make service easier. Still, group size may vary by departure, and a full boat can feel less luxurious than the product name suggests.

Is this really a luxury catamaran cruise?

This is where you should read the title carefully. The experience offers some comfortable extras: a catamaran, an included meal, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and a limited group size. The boat has been described as neat, clean, and in good condition.

But luxury is not the same as a private yacht charter. The outing is social, the island stops are short, and the catamaran may feel crowded when full. Music, dancing, and shared beach time are part of the character.

I would think of it as a comfortable, well-organized day cruise with a festive crew, not a quiet high-end escape. That description is less glamorous, but it is more useful when deciding if the price feels right.

What the $113.99 price buys you

At $113.99 per person, the cost is not low, but the package includes several expenses that can add up on your own: the boat trip, beach stops, snorkeling equipment, lunch, bottled water, and alcoholic drinks.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the included food and drinks and want to visit both northern islands in one outing. You also avoid arranging separate transport between beaches or finding a boat operator at the coast.

There is one important comparison to make. One person reported paying 3,200 Mauritian rupees per person by booking directly through a hotel, which was cheaper than the online rate at that time. Prices and availability can change, so compare the direct rate with the $113.99 price before paying. Confirm that the direct option includes the same route, lunch, drinks, and snorkeling equipment.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to reach Bain Boeuf Public Beach in Cap Malheureux yourself and return to that meeting point at the end. The beach is near public transportation, but the supplied details do not specify a shuttle or exact transport arrangement.

Timing, comfort, and what to bring

The start time is 9:30 am, and the trip lasts about six hours. That gives you most of the day without making the cruise an all-day commitment.

Wear a bathing suit under light clothing. Bring sunscreen, a cap or hat, and a towel if you want one, since the supplied information specifically recommends bathing attire, suntan lotion, caps, and hats. A dry change of clothes is a sensible addition after swimming, though it is not listed as a required item.

Wind matters more than many first-time boat passengers expect. You may feel cool on the return ride, even in a generally warm destination, especially outside the summer season. Carry a light layer and keep it in a dry bag or protected place.

If you are sensitive to motion, sit where the crew suggests and pay attention to the forecast. The sea can be rough once the boat leaves the lagoon. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and most people can take part, but you should consider your own comfort in open water.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a social day on the sea with a clear plan and no need to organize lunch or snorkeling equipment. Couples, families with older children, and small groups of friends are likely to enjoy the mix of scenery, beach time, barbecue, and music.

It also suits first-time visitors who want to sample the northern islands without committing to a private charter. The two short beach stops give you a broad taste of the area.

You may want another option if your priority is solitude, long island walks, or a polished luxury setting. You may also be disappointed if snorkeling is your one essential activity and you are visiting during a windy period. The route is weather-sensitive, and the operator may change the plan for safety.

Booking confirmation is sent within 48 hours and remains subject to availability. The experience is non-refundable if you cancel or request a change, so choose your date carefully. If the operator cancels because of poor weather or because the minimum number is not reached, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Should you book this northern islands cruise?

Book it if you want the best-value version of a social island day: a catamaran, two northern beaches, snorkeling equipment, barbecue lunch, and drinks in one package. The scenery is the star, and the friendly crew adds plenty of warmth.

Skip it if you need a private, quiet, strictly luxurious experience. Also think twice if the forecast looks windy or if you cannot accept a possible route change.

For most people, the smart approach is to compare the direct price, check the weather, request dietary needs in advance, and arrive ready for sun, spray, and a bit of boat movement. Do that, and this should be a memorable way to see the north of Mauritius.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise begin?

The cruise begins at Bain Boeuf Public Beach in Cap Malheureux, Mauritius.

What time does the cruise start?

The scheduled start time is 9:30 am.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately six hours and ends back at the meeting point.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The route includes Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, also known as Flat Island. The cruise also offers views of Gunners Coin.

How much time do you get on Ilot Gabriel?

The planned stop at Ilot Gabriel lasts about 30 minutes.

How much time do you get on Ile Plate?

The planned stop at Ile Plate Beach lasts about 30 minutes.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A barbecue lunch is included.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water and alcoholic beverages are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the experience.

Are vegetarian and vegan meals available?

Yes. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, but you should advise the operator of your dietary needs when booking.