Full Day Catamaran Luxury Cruise to Northern Islands w Lunch

The best part of this northern-island catamaran cruise is the mix of open water, dramatic rock scenery, and easy snorkeling stops. From Bain Boeuf, you sail toward Gunners Coin, Flat Island, Gabriel Island, and Coin de Mire, with lunch served on board rather than losing time at a restaurant.

I like the clear, simple day plan: meet at 09:30, leave at 09:45, snorkel, eat, explore another island, then stop again at Coin de Mire. I also like that snorkeling gear, bottled water, alcoholic drinks, and a barbecue lunch are included. The main concern is weather. Rain and rough seas can reduce the day to sheltering on one island, and the Coin de Mire snorkel stop may be canceled for safety.

Key points to know before booking

• Gunners Coin is a sightseeing stop, known for its steep cliffs and striking rock formation.
• Flat Island offers the first main snorkeling session, followed by a barbecue lunch on the catamaran.
• Gabriel Island comes after lunch, giving the day a second island setting rather than one long beach stop.
• Coin de Mire is the final snorkeling chance, described as a clear natural aquarium when sea conditions allow.
• Hotel transfers are not included, so you must reach Coin de Mire Attitude in Bain Boeuf yourself.
• The trip suits confident swimmers and active beachgoers, but not children under 2, wheelchair users, or people prone to seasickness.

A six-hour route through Mauritius’ northern islands

This is a full day on the water, though the published schedule needs a small clarification. The trip begins at 09:45, with a planned finish around 15:30 to 15:45. Allow the full six hours, and do not schedule another tight activity immediately afterward.

You meet at the reception of Coin de Mire Attitude Hotel in Bain Boeuf at 09:30. The catamaran is a Lagoon 380, a broad sailing boat suited to a relaxed group outing. A safety briefing comes before departure, and the host or greeter speaks English or French.

The meeting point matters because hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. If you are staying elsewhere in Mauritius, you need to arrange your own transport to Bain Boeuf. Build in enough time to arrive before the 09:45 departure, since a late arrival could be awkward once the boat has left.

Passing the cliffs of Gunners Coin

One of the first memorable sights is Gunners Coin, a large rock formation with sheer cliffs. You pass it from the water, so this is mainly a scenic part of the route rather than an island visit with a long walk or organized activity.

The cliffs give the cruise a strong sense of place. Mauritius is often sold through beaches and lagoons, but the northern coast also has hard-edged rock and open sea. Keep your phone or camera ready, though protect it from spray. The available details do not promise a dedicated landing at Gunners Coin, so think of it as a boat-level sightseeing stop.

This part of the route also helps you settle into the pace of the day. You are not rushing from one attraction to another. The appeal comes from moving between islands, watching the water change, and having the boat itself serve as your base.

Flat Island brings the first snorkeling stop

The first major activity is snorkeling in the lagoon near Flat Island. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, which saves you from packing fins and a mask, though you still need to bring beachwear and a towel.

The water is described as clear, and the stop is intended for time in the lagoon rather than a brief photo pause. You can expect to spend part of the morning in the water before returning to the catamaran for lunch. The exact length of the snorkeling session is not specified, so the available time depends on the day’s sailing conditions and the group schedule.

I like this arrangement because Flat Island is not treated only as a passing view. You get time to experience the water, then return to a prepared meal without searching for a café. Still, you should be comfortable in the sea. The excursion is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, and it is not designed for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Barbecue lunch and drinks on board

After the Flat Island snorkeling stop, a barbecue lunch is served on the catamaran. Bottled water and alcoholic beverages are included, so the $115 price covers more than the boat ride itself.

The value here depends on what kind of day you want. If you would rather have a planned meal, drinks, equipment, and transport between several northern islands, the package is convenient. If you mainly want a long, quiet sail with no fixed schedule, the organized format may feel less flexible.

Lunch on board also keeps the route moving. You do not spend part of the day traveling to a separate restaurant, and you can remain close to the water. The tradeoff is that the meal experience depends on boat conditions. In rough weather, eating on a moving catamaran may be less comfortable than lunch on land.

Alcohol is included, but sensible pacing matters. You still have time on the water after lunch, including the planned Gabriel Island visit and the return snorkeling stop. Bottled water is useful, especially in the sun, and you should drink it even if you choose alcoholic drinks.

Gabriel Island after lunch

After eating, the cruise continues to Ilot Gabriel. This gives the afternoon a different rhythm from the morning. Flat Island is linked to the first snorkeling session, while Gabriel Island is the main post-lunch island stop.

The description does not specify a guided walk, beach time, or separate activity on Gabriel Island. You should therefore expect time to discover the island in the way the crew allows, not a detailed land tour with a named guide or a long cultural program.

That distinction is important when comparing this trip with a land excursion. The focus is sea, islands, and swimming, not museums, villages, or local history. You choose this cruise for the northern coast’s natural setting and for the ease of visiting several locations in one day.

Coin de Mire and the natural aquarium

On the return sail, the catamaran stops at Coin de Mire for another snorkeling opportunity. The water here is described as crystal clear, with the area presented as a natural aquarium.

This final stop could be the highlight for anyone who enjoys seeing the sea from below. It gives you a second chance to snorkel after lunch, and conditions may differ from the morning lagoon. If you were hesitant earlier in the day, you may find the later stop more appealing once you are comfortable with the equipment and boat routine.

But this is also the most weather-sensitive part of the plan. A confirmed bad-weather experience shows what can happen when the sea turns against the schedule: the Coin de Mire snorkeling stop may be canceled because of dangerous conditions. That is the right call for safety, but it means the advertised route is not guaranteed in poor weather.

The same weather issue can affect more than snorkeling. Rain may limit views, make the deck uncomfortable, and leave you sheltering under island huts instead of enjoying the shore. Check the forecast before committing, and keep your expectations flexible.

Is $115 a fair price?

At $115 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day in Mauritius. The price becomes easier to justify when you count the inclusions: a Lagoon 380 catamaran, several northern-island stops, snorkeling equipment, barbecue lunch, bottled water, and alcoholic drinks.

You are also paying for the route. Reaching Gunners Coin, Flat Island, Gabriel Island, and Coin de Mire independently would take more planning, and some of these stops are best experienced from the water. The catamaran puts the scenery, swimming, meal, and island access into one six-hour outing.

The value is weaker if you are staying far from Bain Boeuf and need costly private transport, since hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. It is also weaker if you do not swim, dislike boats, or want a cultural tour. In those cases, much of what you pay for is not useful to you.

For an active couple, a small group of friends, or a beach-focused family with older children, the package can make sense. Children under 2 are not accepted, and the excursion is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

What the weather can change

This is the point I would take most seriously. The boat route depends on sea conditions, and snorkeling at Coin de Mire can be canceled when forecasts indicate dangerous weather.

Poor weather can also change the mood of the entire day. Instead of open views and relaxed swimming, you might spend a long period under shelter on the first island. Rain can make the deck slippery and reduce the value of the scenery, even if the boat still operates.

You should bring a towel and beachwear, as requested, but a light waterproof layer would also be sensible. The provided information does not promise a weather replacement route, so ask about conditions before departure if the forecast looks unsettled. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, which gives you a useful option when the forecast is already poor.

The displayed rating is 4.3 from three reviews, but the available written account describes a very disappointing rainy day. That does not prove the cruise is poor in normal conditions. It does show that the experience has a high weather risk, and that you should not treat every listed stop as guaranteed.

Who will enjoy this catamaran day

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a straightforward day at sea with several stops and little planning once you arrive. It works especially well if you enjoy snorkeling, want lunch and drinks included, and prefer seeing more than one northern island.

You will probably like it if you value scenery over formal sightseeing. Gunners Coin gives you rock cliffs, Flat Island gives you the first water stop, Gabriel Island adds an afternoon island visit, and Coin de Mire offers a final chance to snorkel.

I would be cautious if you get seasick. The trip lasts about six hours, and there is no quick way to leave once the boat is underway. Anyone who needs step-free access should also choose another activity, since the experience is specifically listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments and wheelchair users.

Bring only what you need. Oversize luggage, large bags, baby strollers, fishing equipment, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed. A towel and beachwear are essential, while valuables should be kept to a minimum because the day centers on swimming and boat travel.

Should you book the northern-island cruise?

Book it if you want a water-focused Mauritius day with snorkeling, several island views, barbecue lunch, and drinks in one package. At $115, it offers reasonable value for an active outing when the sea is calm and the weather is bright.

Skip it if your dates have a poor forecast, you dislike open water, or you need hotel transport and accessible facilities. The route is attractive, but safety can remove the Coin de Mire stop, and heavy rain can turn the day into a long wait for better conditions.

My practical advice is to check the forecast, arrive at Coin de Mire Attitude by 09:30, wear swim-ready clothing, and keep the afternoon free until at least 15:45. With good weather, this is a tidy way to see Mauritius from the sea without organizing each island stop yourself.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The meeting point is the reception of Coin de Mire Attitude Hotel in Bain Boeuf, Mauritius. You should arrive at 09:30 for the 09:45 departure.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts about six hours. Departure is scheduled for 09:45, with the return listed around 15:30 to 15:45.

Which islands and sites does the cruise visit?

The route includes Gunners Coin, Flat Island, Gabriel Island, and Coin de Mire. Gunners Coin is viewed for its steep cliffs, while the other locations are linked to island time and snorkeling.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with bottled water.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A barbecue lunch is served on board after the Flat Island snorkeling stop. Alcoholic beverages are also included.

Are hotel transfers included?

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

Who should not join this cruise?

The activity is not suitable for children under 2, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or people prone to seasickness. Oversize luggage, large bags, baby strollers, fishing, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.