Luxury Catamaran Cruise: The Northern Islands

The best part of this Mauritius cruise is the route: you leave the north coast and head toward Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, two bright, low-lying islands surrounded by clear Indian Ocean water. The day combines beach time, snorkeling, lunch, and a lively boat ride rather than trying to pack in a long list of shore sights.

I like the small maximum group of 17 and the fact that lunch, snorkeling gear, bottled water, and alcoholic drinks are included. I also like the easygoing social mood, with a crew that may turn the return trip into a round of music and dancing. The main caution is the sea: once you leave the sheltered lagoon, wind can make the ride rough and can limit swimming or snorkeling.

At a glance

• Two island stops: Spend about 30 minutes at Ilot Gabriel Beach and another 30 minutes at Ile Plate Beach.
• A north-coast route: Look for views of Gunners Coin and the open water around the northern islands.
• Lunch on board: The barbecue has included chicken, hotdogs, fish, and side dishes, with vegetarian and vegan options available if requested in advance.
• Snorkeling included: Equipment is supplied, though conditions can affect where and how long you snorkel.
• A sociable crew: Music, jokes, drinks, and dancing are part of the atmosphere on many departures.
• Simple meeting point: Meet at Bain Boeuf Public Beach near Cap Malheureux at 9:30 a.m., then return there after roughly six hours.

Leaving Bain Boeuf for the northern islands

Your morning starts at Bain Boeuf Public Beach, near Cap Malheureux, rather than at your hotel. That matters if you are staying elsewhere in Mauritius. Hotel pickup and return are not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the beach and allow time to find the meeting point.

The boat leaves at 9:30 a.m. and the activity lasts about six hours. That gives you a full morning and afternoon on the water, but I would think of it as a substantial half-day cruise rather than a full sunrise-to-sunset outing.

The first stretch is part sightseeing, part adjustment. You get views along the north shore and out toward Gunners Coin. The sea may look calm near land, but conditions can change once the boat moves beyond the protected lagoon. Several people have found the open-water ride rough, especially in windy weather, so take the sea conditions seriously if you are prone to motion sickness.

The catamaran has a maximum capacity of 17 people, which is smaller than many island cruise boats. That should give you a more personal feel and makes it easier to get the crew’s attention. Still, small does not always mean quiet. Music, jokes, drinks, and group dancing can make this an outgoing, social trip rather than a private escape.

Ilot Gabriel, a short stop with big scenery

Ilot Gabriel is the first named island stop. You get off at Ilot Gabriel Beach and have about 30 minutes there. The stop is free, and the main appeal is simple: pale sand, open sea, and a chance to get away from the boat for a while.

Thirty minutes is enough for a quick walk, photos, and a swim if conditions allow. It is not enough for a long island walk or a slow afternoon under a beach umbrella. I would treat this as a scenic shore break, not a full island exploration.

The natural setting is the reason to come. Ilot Gabriel is part of a protected area, and its low profile makes the surrounding sea feel wide and exposed. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and sandals or other footwear that can handle a beach landing. The tour information specifically recommends bathing attire, sun lotion, caps, and hats, and that advice is worth following.

You should also keep your expectations in check. The northern islands are popular destinations, and they may not feel deserted. One of the clearest practical lessons here is that this is a beautiful shared outing, not a private castaway fantasy. The scenery is strong, but other boats and day-trippers may be part of the view.

Ile Plate and the best water time

The second stop is Ile Plate Beach, also known as Flat Island. You get another 30-minute break to walk, relax, or swim. The two stops give you a useful choice: stay active on shore, or use the time to cool off in the sea.

Ile Plate is especially appealing for people who want beach time without giving up the cruise itself. You are not spending the entire day on one island. Instead, you see two different settings and return to the catamaran for food, drinks, and the ride back.

Snorkeling is one of the main reasons to book this route. Equipment is included, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins. In good conditions, the water can be clear enough to see fish, and the area around Gabriel Island has provided some of the strongest water experiences on this trip.

But this is where the weather matters most. Strong wind can make snorkeling uncomfortable or unsafe. On one poor-weather departure, the planned island stops and snorkeling could not go ahead, and the boat used a different arrangement closer to shore. That possibility does not make the cruise a bad choice, but it means you should not book it solely for guaranteed underwater viewing.

The safest approach is to think of snorkeling as a major possibility, not a promise. If the sea is calm, it may become the highlight of your day. If the water turns choppy, the crew may need to shorten, move, or cancel that part of the plan.

Barbecue lunch and drinks on the return leg

Food is a real strength here. Lunch is prepared on board and has included barbecue chicken wings, hotdogs, fish, and side dishes. Bottled water and alcoholic drinks are included as well, so you do not need to budget separately for the basic meal and refreshments.

I would tell you to state any dietary needs when booking. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, but they must be requested ahead of time. Do not wait until you are already on the boat and expect the kitchen plan to change easily.

The meal also helps define the style of the excursion. This is not a silent sailing trip with formal service. It is a relaxed lunch cruise where the crew may keep drinks moving, talk with the group, and create a party mood. That suits people who enjoy meeting others and adding a little music to their sea day.

If you want a quiet, polished luxury experience, the word luxury may set your expectations too high. The boat is described as neat and in good condition, and some departures have used a newer catamaran. But the experience is casual rather than high-end in the strict sense. You are paying for the route, food, water activities, and crew atmosphere more than for private space or refined service.

The crew makes the difference

The crew is one of the most consistently praised parts of this outing. The captain and two crew members have been described as funny, attentive, safety-conscious, and good at keeping the mood warm. William and his fellow crew member have also received specific thanks for their kindness on one departure.

You can expect the crew to do more than steer the boat and serve lunch. They may explain what is happening, help people feel comfortable in the water, serve drinks, and encourage music or dancing. That personal touch can turn a routine boat transfer into a memorable day.

The social style will not suit everyone. If you want to read quietly, nap, or photograph the coast without interruption, the entertainment may feel like too much. I would choose this cruise for its friendly group energy, not for solitude.

Safety is another important point. The crew has been praised for being careful in the water, but no operator can control wind, swell, or visibility. Listen closely if conditions change. A flexible plan is part of any northern-island boat outing.

Is $113.99 a fair price?

At $113.99 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the northern islands. The value depends on how many parts of the package you will use.

You are paying for roughly six hours on the water, the catamaran, two island stops, snorkeling equipment, lunch, bottled water, and alcoholic drinks. If you plan to swim, eat on board, and enjoy the crew’s entertainment, the package is easier to justify than a simple boat transfer.

There is also a price-checking point worth noting. One person reported paying 3,200 Mauritian rupees per person when booking through a hotel, which was less than the online rate. Prices and availability can change, but I would check your hotel and local operators before paying. The lower price may come with different arrangements, so compare the exact route, meal, boat size, and inclusions.

The small group limit adds value, though you should not assume the boat will feel empty. Some departures have been described as comfortably uncrowded, while others felt too full for a truly luxurious experience. The number of people on your date will shape the day.

Weather, comfort, and what to pack

Mauritius is sunny, but a bright morning does not guarantee calm water. Wind is the biggest variable on this cruise. Rough seas can make the outward ride uncomfortable, chill you on the way back, and prevent snorkeling or island landings.

Bring:

• Swimsuit and a dry change of clothes
• High-factor sunscreen
• Hat or cap
• Towel
• Sunglasses
• A light layer for the return ride
• Motion-sickness medication if you normally need it

The advice about a light layer is especially useful outside the hottest summer months. One departure was warm and enjoyable at the islands but cool on the return because of wind and the season.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Most people can take part, but the activity involves boarding a boat, moving around a catamaran, swimming, and handling changing sea conditions. If you have mobility or medical concerns, ask the operator before booking, since the supplied information does not provide detailed accessibility arrangements.

The tour requires good weather. If the operator cancels because conditions are poor, you are offered another date or a full refund. If too few people book and the trip is canceled, you are offered another date, another experience, or a full refund. For any other cancellation or change, the booking is non-refundable.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to you if you want a single outing that combines several Mauritius highlights without organizing separate boat trips. It works especially well for couples, families with older children, and friends who enjoy swimming, casual food, and a friendly crew.

It is also a good choice if you are staying in the north and want to see the islands without spending the day arranging transport, equipment, and lunch separately. The meeting point is straightforward, though you must get yourself to Bain Boeuf Public Beach.

I would hesitate if your priority is luxury in the private-yacht sense, long stretches of empty beach, or a guaranteed snorkeling session. I would also think twice if rough water makes you miserable. The best version of this trip is sunny, calm, and social. The worst version is still a boat outing with food, but weather can remove the main island and water activities.

Should you book the northern-island cruise?

Book it if you want the complete northern-island day package: a catamaran ride, Ilot Gabriel, Flat Island, snorkeling gear, barbecue lunch, drinks, and an entertaining crew. The route is the main attraction, and the crew adds warmth that a basic transfer would not provide.

Before paying, check the weather forecast, compare the price with your hotel, and ask for vegetarian or vegan food in advance if needed. Go expecting a popular shared cruise rather than a private escape. With calm seas, this can be one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to experience the north of Mauritius.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

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

What time should I arrive?

The listed start time is 9:30 a.m. You should plan to be at Bain Boeuf Public Beach before departure.

Where does the cruise finish?

The activity ends back at the original meeting point at Bain Boeuf Public Beach.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately six hours.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The route includes Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, also known as Flat Island. You can also see views of Gunners Coin during the sailing route.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, although weather and sea conditions can affect whether snorkeling is possible.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A barbecue lunch is included, along with bottled water and alcoholic beverages. Vegetarian and vegan meals are available if you request them when booking.

Can I cancel for a refund?

The booking is non-refundable and cannot normally be changed. If the operator cancels because of poor weather or because the minimum number of people is not reached, you are offered another date, another experience, or a full refund.