Your Island Voyage Mauritius Speed Boat Excursion With BBQ Lunch

Northern Mauritius is at its best from the water, and this private speedboat trip gives you a full day of islands, snorkeling, and open sea without sharing the boat with a large group. You’ll visit Ilot Gabriel, Ile Plate, and Coin de Mire, with time for swimming, beach walks, and a freshly cooked BBQ lunch.

I especially like the small-group setup, which means your party of up to eight has the boat to itself, and the lunch stop on Ile Plate, where the meal includes seafood, meat, local side dishes, fruit juices, and Mauritian rum. The main consideration is the early start and exposure to sun, wind, and waves. The route may change if the weather turns poor.

Key points at a glance

• Three northern islands in one day: Ilot Gabriel, Ile Plate, and Coin de Mire each offer a different setting, from sandy beaches to dramatic offshore scenery.
• A private boat for up to eight: You can share the day only with your own group, a useful feature for families and friends.
• Two chances to snorkel: You’ll have time in the waters around Ilot Gabriel and Coin de Mire, with equipment supplied.
• A proper beach BBQ: Ile Plate includes seafood, meat, local sides, fresh juices, and Mauritian rum.
• Experienced crew: Stéphane and Coco are named in the tour information and are repeatedly associated with attentive service and careful handling of safety.
• Good value for a full boat: At $615.47 for up to eight people, the price works out to about $77 per person if you fill the boat.

Why this northern Mauritius boat trip works

Many sea excursions in Mauritius focus on getting you from one swim stop to another. This one gives the day a clearer shape. You start near the red-roofed church at Cap Malheureux, cruise north, spend the morning at Ilot Gabriel, settle in for lunch on Ile Plate, then finish near Coin de Mire before returning along the coast.

That matters because you get both activity and downtime. You can snorkel and swim when you want action, then sit on the beach during the longer Ile Plate stop. The six-and-a-half-hour schedule is long enough to feel like a real island outing, but it does not stretch into an exhausting full-day expedition.

The private format is the biggest practical advantage. The boat is reserved for your party, up to eight people, so you are not forced to follow the preferences of a large mixed group. If some people want to snorkel while others prefer to stay on the beach, the day should feel easier to manage, though the exact route and timing remain subject to sea conditions.

Starting at Cap Malheureux before the water opens up

The meeting point is 2J8C+365 in Cap Malheureux, near the well-known Red Roofed Church. The tour begins at 8:30 a.m., but you are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes early. If you are driving, parking is available near the church, and arriving early should give you time to find a space and meet the crew without rushing.

The opening includes a safety briefing and an outline of the day. That is more than a formality on a speedboat outing. You will spend hours in open water, so listen carefully to instructions about seating, movement, swimming, and the use of safety gear.

The boat includes safety equipment, and the crew includes a certified guide. Previous outings with Stéphane and Coco have been praised for careful attention to safety and friendly service. The guide speaks English or French, which helps if you want explanations about the islands, local culture, or the route.

Ilot Gabriel: your first swim and snorkel stop

The boat leaves Cap Malheureux at about 9 a.m. and reaches Ilot Gabriel around 9:45. This is a good first stop because you have time to settle into the rhythm of the day before lunch.

You can take a guided walk, relax on the beach, swim in the lagoon, or use the supplied snorkeling equipment. The island’s appeal is its open, natural setting and pale sand beside clear water. If you want photographs, the morning light and wide views make this an easy place to begin.

The snorkeling is not presented as a technical excursion, so you do not need specialist experience. Still, you should be comfortable in the water and have a moderate level of fitness. The boat trip, beach walking, swimming, and repeated movement in and out of the water can be tiring, particularly in strong sun.

You get about an hour here. That is enough for a short swim and snorkel, but not enough to explore every corner at a slow pace. I would decide ahead of time what matters most to you. If snorkeling is your priority, get your equipment ready early. If you prefer a quiet beach, use the first few minutes to find a comfortable place before the stop becomes busy with activity.

Ile Plate and the three-hour beach lunch

The boat leaves for Ile Plate at about 11:30 a.m. and arrives around noon. This is the main stop, with roughly three hours for the island, the meal, and time on the beach.

The island visit includes a look at its historic lighthouse. That small cultural detail gives the stop more character than a simple beach picnic. You are not only stopping to eat and swim, you are also getting a glimpse of the islands’ place in the wider maritime story of northern Mauritius.

Lunch is prepared for you on the beach. The menu includes seafood, meat, local side dishes, fresh fruit juices, and Mauritian rum. Special dietary needs and food allergies can be accommodated if you provide notice in advance, either during booking or through the special requirements field.

The meal is one of the strongest reasons to choose this excursion over a basic boat ride. A packed lunch can keep you going, but a freshly prepared BBQ served during a long island stop makes the middle of the day feel more generous. The food has also received especially strong praise, with attention given to the quality of the meal and the service.

Alcohol is part of the included local drinks, so keep that in mind if you plan to snorkel again or sit in the sun afterward. You should drink carefully and follow the crew’s instructions. The tour is designed for relaxation, but it remains a water-based activity.

The three-hour stop is also where the pace slows. After your morning swim, you can eat, walk to the lighthouse, sit on the sand, or simply enjoy the view. Families may appreciate the breathing room here, while couples and small groups can use the time at their own pace.

One limitation is that beach conditions are not fully under your control. Wind, sun, and sea spray are part of the setting. Bring a hat, sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel. A waterproof bag for phones and other small items would also be sensible, though it is not listed as supplied.

Coin de Mire, also called Gunner’s Quoin

Around 2:30 p.m., you leave Ile Plate for Coin de Mire, also known as Gunner’s Quoin. The boat reaches the area at about 3 p.m. This final island stop is more about scenery, sea life, and the shape of the coast than a long beach stay.

Coin de Mire is a dramatic offshore landmark, and the approach gives you a different view from the low sandy setting of Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate. The guide explains the island’s history and significance, adding context to the stop rather than leaving you to look at it without background.

You also get a final chance to snorkel. The waters around Coin de Mire are described as a good place to see marine life, and the supplied equipment means you do not need to bring your own mask and fins. As always, visibility and conditions can vary, so treat the snorkel as an opportunity rather than a guarantee of a particular sighting.

Some outings have included sightings of dolphins, turtles, and rays. Those animals are not promised, and you should not book this trip expecting a wildlife show. The sensible reason to choose it is the combination of scenery and access to several snorkeling areas, with the possibility of memorable encounters along the way.

The return to Cap Malheureux

At about 4 p.m., the boat heads back to Cap Malheureux, arriving around 4:30. The return is part of the experience rather than dead time. You get a final look at the northern coastline from the water, and the boat ride gives you a quiet stretch after the island stops.

The total day runs around six and a half hours. That is a useful length for people who want a full outing but do not want to stay at sea until evening. It also makes the meeting location important. If your accommodation is far from Cap Malheureux, allow extra time for the morning drive and the return journey.

Private transportation is not included. You need to arrange your own way to Cap Malheureux, using a car, taxi, or another local option. The meeting point is near public transportation, and parking is available near the Red Roofed Church.

What the $615.47 price really means

The listed price is $615.47 per group of up to eight, not per person. Fill the boat with eight people and the basic cost comes to roughly $77 per person. For a private speedboat, a certified guide and crew, safety equipment, snorkeling gear, a three-island route, and a substantial BBQ lunch with drinks, that is a fair package.

For two people, the calculation is very different. You would be paying the full group price, so the outing becomes much more expensive per person. The value improves sharply for a family or group of friends who can share the boat.

You should also account for what is not included. Transportation to Cap Malheureux is your responsibility, as are personal items such as sunscreen, hats, swimwear, and towels. The meal and local drinks are included, which reduces the need to budget for food during the excursion.

The private format is where the price earns its keep. If you dislike large group boats, want more control over your time, or are celebrating with family and friends, the extra cost may be worthwhile. If you are a solo visitor or a couple mainly looking for the cheapest way to see the northern islands, a shared tour could offer better value, though this experience is specifically built around privacy.

The people who will enjoy it most

I would recommend this trip to families with older children, couples, and groups of friends who want several island stops in one day. The private boat makes it easier to keep your own pace, and the combination of snorkeling, beach time, food, and sightseeing gives different people something to enjoy.

It also suits visitors who want more than a short ride along the coast. You get a guided walk, a lighthouse visit, two snorkeling opportunities, and explanations about the islands. The crew’s role is not limited to driving the boat.

You should think twice if you dislike speed, open water, strong sun, or a schedule that begins early. The tour requires moderate physical fitness, and the itinerary may be adjusted for weather. It is also not a good choice if you need guaranteed wildlife sightings or a completely flexible departure time.

The tour is offered with an English or French guide. If your group prefers one of those languages, that should be straightforward. If not, confirm language needs before booking.

Timing, weather, and cancellation advice

The sea controls the day more than the clock does. The planned schedule is clear, but weather can change the route or timing. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. The same 24-hour local-time cut-off applies to the cancellation rules, so do not wait until the morning of the trip if your plans change.

Bring the basics:

• Sunscreen and a hat
• Swimwear and a towel
• Comfortable clothing for a speedboat
• A way to protect phones and valuables from spray
• Advance details about food allergies or dietary needs

The tour is booked well ahead by many customers, with an average booking lead time of about 94 days. That suggests you should reserve early if you are visiting during a busy period or need a particular date, especially with a group of eight.

Should you book this Mauritius island excursion?

Book it if you want a private day on the water with a clear route, two snorkeling stops, a lighthouse visit, and a real BBQ lunch on an island. The strongest features are the private boat, the care shown by Stéphane and Coco, and the food at Ile Plate.

Skip it if your main goal is the lowest possible price, if you want to leave from a resort closer to another part of Mauritius, or if you are uncomfortable with boats and open-water swimming. For a full group, though, the price is reasonable, and the mix of activity and rest is well judged.

For a family or group of friends staying anywhere near northern Mauritius, this is a well-rounded way to see the islands without giving up the ease of having your own boat.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at 2J8C+365 in Cap Malheureux, Mauritius, near the Red Roofed Church.

What time should I arrive?

The scheduled start time is 8:30 a.m. You are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes early for a relaxed check-in and safety briefing.

Where does the tour end?

The boat returns to the Cap Malheureux meeting point, where the activity ends.

How long does the excursion last?

The tour lasts approximately six hours and 30 minutes, from the morning departure until the return around 4:30 p.m.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The planned route includes Ilot Gabriel, Ile Plate, and Coin de Mire, also called Gunner’s Quoin.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, with opportunities to snorkel at Ilot Gabriel and Coin de Mire.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch on Ile Plate is included, along with locally prepared drinks such as fresh fruit juices and Mauritian rum.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Yes. Special dietary needs and food allergies can be accommodated if you provide notice in advance or include the details when booking.

Is transportation to Cap Malheureux included?

No. Private transportation is not included. Parking is available near the Red Roofed Church, and the meeting point is near public transportation.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The itinerary may be adjusted because of weather. If the experience is canceled due to poor conditions, you can receive a full refund or choose another date.