North of Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise w/ BBQ Lunch

Northern Mauritius is at its best from the water. This six-hour catamaran trip takes you past Coin de Mire, also called Gunner’s Quoin, toward the pale beaches and clear lagoon around Gabriel Island. Along the way, you may spot Paille en Queue birds gliding around the cliffs, then spend the warmest part of the day swimming, snorkeling, and eating lunch at sea.

I like two things right away: the day combines real island scenery with plenty of time to relax, and the BBQ lunch plus drinks are included, so you are not constantly reaching for your wallet. The main caution is the sea. If you are prone to seasickness, this is not the best choice, and rough water may change the route.

Key points to know

• Coin de Mire bird watching: Keep your eyes on the cliffs and open water for Paille en Queue seabirds.
• Gabriel Island stop: You get free time for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, or a walk along the sand.
• Lunch on board: The BBQ includes fish, chicken, sausage, salads, vegetables, garlic bread, and fruit, with vegetarian food available.
• Drinks included: Expect water, soft drinks, fruit juice, beer, wine, and local rum.
• Grand Baie meeting point: Meet at Sunset Boulevard near the jetty, with check-in around 8:45 to 9:00 in the morning.
• Weather matters: The captain may change the route for safety if the sea is rough or impassable.

Six hours among Mauritius’s northern islands

At $80 per person, this is a full half-day on the water rather than a short boat ride with a quick photo stop. You are paying for the catamaran, crew, island access, lunch, and drinks, which makes the price reasonable if you want a complete day out without arranging each part separately.

The boat leaves from Sunset Boulevard in Grand Baie. The stated meeting time is 8:45 to 9:00 in the morning, with the cruise listed as starting at 9:00. Another timing note gives a 9:30 departure, so I would arrive by 8:45 and confirm the exact sailing time when you book. That small buffer is worth it, since the meeting point is at the jetty and check-in happens before you board.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You need to make your own way to Grand Baie, then return to the same place at about 3:30 in the afternoon. That is handy if you are staying in or near Grand Baie, but less convenient if your hotel is elsewhere on Mauritius.

The cruise is offered every day from Monday through Sunday. English and French are available, making this a practical choice for many visitors staying in the north.

Sailing past Coin de Mire and Gunner’s Quoin

The first part of the trip takes you out across the northern waters toward the islands. Coin de Mire, known in English as Gunner’s Quoin, is one of the most distinctive sights on this route. Its rocky shape rises from the sea, and the area is known for Paille en Queue birds, the white tropical seabirds with long tail feathers.

Bird watching here is not a formal nature walk. You are on a moving catamaran, so keep your camera ready and watch the sky, cliffs, and water as the boat passes. The sight can be brief, especially if the sea is choppy, but it adds a welcome wild note to a day that otherwise centers on swimming and lunch.

This two-hour sailing stretch is also useful for simply settling into the rhythm of the boat. You will have time to look across the blue water, enjoy a drink, and get comfortable before the swimming stop. If you are sensitive to motion, sit where the boat feels steadier, avoid staring down at your phone, and take motion-sickness tablets before departure if you normally need them.

The sea condition warning matters here. The captain may alter the route if the water becomes rough or unsafe. The stated alternatives include Gunner’s Quoin or Casita Beach. That means the exact island plan is not guaranteed, but the change is made for safety rather than convenience.

Gabriel Island for swimming and snorkeling

The main stop is Gabriel Island, where the catamaran reaches a clear lagoon and sandy shoreline. The scheduled visit runs from roughly 11:00 to 12:30, giving you enough time for a swim, snorkeling, sunbathing, or a walk along the beach.

The island stop is not built around a packed schedule. You can choose your own pace. If you want to swim, the crew can help with the water activity. If you prefer dry land, walk along the immaculate sand or find a quiet place to sit. That flexibility is one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise over a more tightly programmed boat excursion.

Bring your own snorkeling equipment if you prefer it. The tour information specifically advises bringing personal gear, which suggests you should not assume that the exact mask, snorkel, or fit you want will be available. A waterproof bag is also useful for keeping phones, wallets, and spare clothes dry.

The snorkeling can be enjoyable, but you should keep expectations sensible. One account of the trip found fish in the water, though not a huge range of marine life. The clear lagoon and warm water are the main attraction. This is not presented as a specialist reef tour, so you should book it for the overall island day, not only for underwater wildlife.

You are asked not to touch marine life or plants. That is good practice in any shallow-water stop. Avoid standing on coral or handling anything you find, and take care not to leave litter behind.

A BBQ lunch served at sea

Lunch comes aboard the catamaran at around 12:30, after the swimming stop. Eating on the boat gives you wide sea views and keeps the day moving without sending everyone back to shore for a restaurant meal.

The regular menu includes:

• Rice salad
• Potato and egg salad
• Mixed salad
• Seasonal vegetables
• Grilled fish
• BBQ chicken
• Grilled chicken sausage
• A seafood dish
• Garlic bread and bread
• Seasonal fruit

The vegetarian menu includes 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, so families should not expect a separate simplified meal.

The meal is a useful part of the value here. You are not buying lunch separately on an island, and the food is described as both tasty and sufficient. The menu also gives you several side dishes, not just one piece of grilled meat. If you have strict dietary needs beyond the vegetarian option, ask before booking, since no other special menus are specified.

Drinks include mineral water, fruit juice, soft drinks, Phoenix beer, red, white, and rosé wine, plus local rum. Cocktails and nonalcoholic drinks are also included in the tour description. The selection makes the lunch feel like part of the outing rather than a packed meal you carry in your bag.

Use some judgment with alcohol. The boat includes swimming and snorkeling after or around lunchtime, and the sun can be strong. Water, a hat, and sunscreen matter more than making full use of every drink option.

The quiet hour after lunch

After eating, the catamaran remains in the area for a period of rest until about 2:15. This is a welcome pause. A day on open water can be tiring, especially after swimming, and the schedule gives you room to sit back rather than rush straight into another activity.

This stretch is best for enjoying the boat, drying off, and taking in the views. You may want a light cover-up or dry clothes by then. A towel is essential, and a waterproof jacket is sensible even in warm weather because wind and spray can make the ride back feel cooler.

The return to Grand Baie is scheduled for about 3:30. That gives you a full day without taking up the evening. If you are planning dinner, a second activity, or a drive to another part of Mauritius, leave a little spare time in case the sea slows the return.

What the crew adds to the day

The crew is an important part of this trip because the day depends on simple things being handled well: boarding, drinks, lunch, swimming guidance, and the route. The crew has been described as friendly, funny, talkative, and attentive, with three guides helping on board during one trip.

That kind of service matters more on a catamaran than it does on a bus tour. You spend hours in a shared space, and a crew that keeps the mood relaxed can make the difference between a pleasant day and a long one. At the same time, do not expect a private charter. You are sharing the boat with other people, and the atmosphere will depend partly on the group aboard that day.

English and French are available. If you need help with snorkeling or have a question about the route, ask the crew early rather than waiting until the boat reaches the island.

Is $80 good value?

For $80, you receive approximately six hours on the water, access to a catamaran route around several northern islands, a stop at Gabriel Island, BBQ lunch, and a wide selection of drinks. That is solid value for someone who wants a simple all-in-one day.

The price is less attractive if you only want a short swim or a quiet beach visit. You also need to pay for your own transport to Grand Baie, and personal expenses are not covered. The experience makes the most sense if you are happy to spend most of the day at sea and will use the included meal, drinks, and island stop.

I would compare it with the cost of arranging a boat independently. Once you add lunch, beverages, and the time needed to organize transport and a route, the package is easier to justify. The main thing you are not buying is certainty. The route can change with weather, and snorkeling conditions may be ordinary rather than spectacular.

What to pack for the catamaran

Pack for sun, spray, and a wet landing. The most useful items are:

• Swimsuit and a change of clothes
• Towel
• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• High-protection sunscreen
• Waterproof bag or backpack
• Comfortable beachwear
• Non-slip shoes
• A light jacket or waterproof layer
• Personal snorkeling gear, if preferred
• Insect repellent
• Motion-sickness medication, if needed

Keep valuables to a minimum. Phones and cameras should go in a waterproof pouch when you are near the water, and loose items can be awkward on a moving boat.

The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and it is specifically not recommended for people prone to seasickness. You should be comfortable boarding a boat, walking on sand, and getting in and out of the water if you plan to snorkel.

Who should book this northern Mauritius cruise?

I would choose this trip for couples, families with children who are comfortable around water, and anyone who wants a social day with food already arranged. It works especially well if you are staying near Grand Baie and want to see the northern islands without planning a private boat trip.

It is also a good fit if you like variety. The day includes open-water sailing, bird watching, an island stop, snorkeling, a beach break, and lunch. You are not locked into one activity for six hours.

I would hesitate if your main goal is serious snorkeling, a private atmosphere, or guaranteed access to a particular island. Strong swimmers and marine-life enthusiasts may want a more specialized trip. People who get seasick should choose a land-based outing instead.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want an easy, social day on the sea with lunch and drinks included, plus time to swim and relax on Gabriel Island. The friendly crew, generous food, and unhurried schedule are the strongest parts of the package.

Skip it if rough water is a major concern, if you dislike shared boat trips, or if you need a highly predictable route. Arrive at Sunset Boulevard by 8:45 in the morning, bring sun and motion-sickness protection, and treat the island plan as weather-dependent. With those expectations, this is a well-priced way to see a different side of northern Mauritius.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise begin?

Meet the Blue Safari Mauritius team at Sunset Boulevard in Grand Baie, in front of the jetty. A hostess handles check-in before boarding.

What time does the cruise start and finish?

The meeting time is listed as 8:45 to 9:00 in the morning, with the boat returning to the jetty at about 3:30 in the afternoon. One timing note gives a 9:30 departure, so confirm the exact sailing time when booking and arrive by 8:45.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is served on the catamaran. The menu includes grilled fish, chicken, chicken sausage, a seafood dish, salads, vegetables, garlic bread, bread, and seasonal fruit. A vegetarian menu is available.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Included drinks can include mineral water, fruit juice, soft drinks, Phoenix beer, red, white, and rosé wine, local rum, cocktails, and nonalcoholic options.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

You may bring your own snorkeling equipment if you prefer. The tour recommends bringing personal gear, along with swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a waterproof bag, sunglasses, and a hat.

What happens if the sea is rough?

The captain may change the route if sea conditions are rough or impassable. The possible alternatives listed are Gunner’s Quoin or Casita Beach. Safety takes priority over the planned route.