Luxury Catamaran Cruise: The Northern Islands

The best part is the sea time. This six-hour catamaran cruise from Bain Boeuf Public Beach combines a scenic ride past Gunners Coin with stops at Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, plus swimming, snorkeling, a barbecue lunch, and drinks. I especially like the small maximum group of 17 and the crew’s lively approach, which can turn a simple boat outing into a cheerful day on the water.

The two strongest reasons to book are the chance to reach Ilot Gabriel’s protected coastal setting and the generous onboard package: lunch, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and alcoholic drinks are included. The main caution is the open-water ride. Once the catamaran leaves the calmer lagoon, wind and waves can make the crossing rough, and poor conditions may limit snorkeling or even change the planned route.

Key points before you book

• Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate: You get time ashore at two northern-island locations, not just a passing view from the boat.
• Six hours on the water: The 9:30 am start gives you a substantial day out, with the cruise ending back at Bain Boeuf Public Beach.
• Lunch and drinks included: Expect a barbecue meal, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages as part of the price.
• Snorkeling equipment supplied: You can swim and snorkel without packing your own mask and equipment.
• Small advertised group: The maximum is 17 people, though one account found the boat busier than expected.
• Weather matters: Wind and rough water can affect the route, swimming, and snorkeling.

Setting off from Bain Boeuf at 9:30 am

The meeting point is Bain Boeuf Public Beach near Cap Malheureux, on the north coast of Mauritius. You arrange your own way there because hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The activity begins at 9:30 am and returns to the same meeting point after roughly six hours.

That arrangement is simple if you are staying in the north, especially around Grand Baie, Cap Malheureux, or nearby beach communities. It matters more if you are based elsewhere on the island, since you need to allow time for your own transport and arrive ready for a full morning on the coast.

Bring bathing clothes, sun lotion, a cap or hat, and something light to cover your shoulders. The boat offers little escape from the sun, and the return ride can feel cool if the wind picks up. One spring outing was described as chilly on the way home, while another day was affected by strong wind and choppy water. Mauritius may be warm, but an open catamaran is still exposed.

The boat carries no more than 17 people according to the stated limit. That is a welcome number for a catamaran trip, since it can give you more room to sit, move around, and speak with the crew. Still, expectations matter. One assessment found the boat too crowded to feel truly luxurious, while other accounts praised the smaller capacity and relaxed sailing. The practical takeaway is that the experience may feel intimate on some departures and more social on others.

The northern coast and the view toward Gunners Coin

The cruise begins with the pleasure of being on the water rather than rushing from one stop to another. You get views along the northern shore and toward Gunners Coin, a distinctive rocky island known for its steep profile and dramatic position offshore.

This is a good trip for people who enjoy the ride itself. The islands are the destination, but the sailing gives the day its shape. You are not simply being delivered to a beach. You spend time in the open air, watch the coast recede, and see Mauritius from a different angle.

The water can change quickly once the boat leaves the protected lagoon. Several accounts praised the scenery but warned that the outer crossing was rough. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where you feel most stable, keep your eyes on the horizon, and avoid treating the open-water section as a minor detail. The cruise is called luxurious, but the sea does not follow a luxury schedule.

Ilot Gabriel: a short island stop with a natural feel

The first named stop is Ilot Gabriel, where you can get off and spend about 30 minutes. The island is described as a natural reserve, and its appeal is simple: pale sand, clear water, and a sense of being away from the main island.

Half an hour is enough for a short walk, photographs, and a quick swim if conditions allow. It is not enough for a long exploration, so you should think of this as a taste of the island rather than a full beach day. Keep your expectations realistic and use the time well. Take a few pictures, look around, and return to the boat when called.

This stop received some of the strongest praise. Snorkeling near Gabriel Island was singled out as a highlight, with clear water and fish visible in good conditions. Another account described the island as worth the journey and called the sea around it the finest part of the day.

That last point comes with a weather warning. Wind can reduce visibility and make swimming uncomfortable. On one particularly difficult outing, the planned activities could not take place because of choppy seas. The crew attempted an alternative near the north shore, but the substitute snorkeling in cloudy lagoon water did not provide the same experience. The conditions were outside the crew’s control, yet this shows why the cruise should not be booked if you need guaranteed water activities.

Ile Plate and the freedom to slow down

The second shore stop is Ile Plate, also known as Flat Island. You get about 30 minutes to walk, relax, or swim. Compared with Ilot Gabriel, this stop sounds less focused on a single activity. It gives you space to choose your own pace.

If you like beaches more than organized sightseeing, this may be your favorite pause. You can stretch your legs after the boat ride, take in the northern-island views, or settle into the water for a short swim. The time is brief, so do not expect a long beach session or a detailed island tour.

The northern islands are popular, and the sense of solitude can vary. One assessment expected a quiet, niche experience but found the destination more popular than anticipated. That is worth knowing before you go. You get beautiful scenery, but not necessarily an empty beach.

Still, popularity does not erase the appeal. The combination of bright sand, open sea, and rocky island views makes the stop worthwhile, especially when the water is calm. I would value this part of the day as a chance to stop moving and enjoy the setting rather than as a major sightseeing event.

Swimming and snorkeling in the Indian Ocean

Snorkeling equipment is included, which keeps the day easy. You do not need to bring your own mask and gear, though you should bring swimwear, sun protection, and any personal items you prefer for time in the water.

In good conditions, the snorkeling can be excellent. Clear water, colorful fish, and the chance to swim around the northern islands were repeatedly praised. The crew was also described as safety-conscious and reassuring, which is helpful if you are not a confident swimmer.

The phrase in good conditions is important. Wind and waves can affect access to the best spots, water clarity, and how comfortable you feel in the sea. One day produced no usable snorkeling because the water was too rough. Another had cloudy lagoon water after the main route was abandoned.

I would treat snorkeling as a valuable possibility, not a promise. The cruise remains worthwhile for the scenery, islands, lunch, and sailing, but you should not pay for it solely to see fish. If conditions are calm, the water may become the best part of your day. If not, the crew may need to adjust the plan.

Barbecue lunch, drinks, and the social atmosphere

Food is one of the clear strengths of this outing. The included barbecue has been described as tasty and plentiful, with chicken wings, hot dogs, fish, and other accompaniments mentioned in one account. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, but you need to request them when booking.

Bottled water and alcoholic drinks are also included. This makes the price easier to judge because you are not starting with a low fare and then adding lunch, equipment, and drinks one by one. You should still confirm the food request in advance if you have dietary needs.

The crew creates a lively mood. Singing, dancing, jokes, and steady drink service were all part of the positive descriptions. That atmosphere suits you if you want a social boat day rather than a silent sailing trip. The crew members are frequently praised for being friendly, attentive, funny, and helpful. William was specifically thanked for his kindness along with a fellow crew member.

There is a tradeoff. Music and dancing can make the trip memorable, but they will not appeal to everyone. If your idea of luxury means calm service, quiet decks, and lots of personal space, this may feel more like a friendly party cruise than a refined private charter.

Is $113.99 good value?

At $113.99 per person, the cruise is not a bargain beach transfer, but it includes a solid amount: about six hours, catamaran transport, two island stops, snorkeling equipment, barbecue lunch, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages.

I think the price is reasonable when the sea is calm and the full route operates. You are paying for the boat, crew, meals, equipment, and access to places that are not part of an ordinary day at a mainland beach. The social atmosphere also adds value if you enjoy meeting people and taking part in the fun.

The value drops sharply when strong wind prevents the planned stops and snorkeling. One unhappy account described a changed route, a basic beach stop, and cloudy lagoon snorkeling instead of the advertised northern-island experience. That was an unusual bad day, but it points to the main financial risk: the weather controls much of what you are buying.

There is also a price comparison worth checking. One account said the same type of outing could be booked directly through a hotel for 3,200 Mauritian rupees per person. That may not apply to your dates or departure, but it is sensible to compare the direct rate before paying. The online price may still be worthwhile if it is easier to arrange or if the inclusions differ.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

This is a strong choice for you if you want several Mauritius experiences in one day:

• A scenic catamaran ride
• Time on two northern islands
• Swimming and snorkeling
• A cooked lunch on board
• Drinks and a cheerful crew
• A social setting with a small stated group limit

Families can book, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Most people can participate, though anyone uncomfortable on boats should think carefully about the outer-sea crossing.

The cruise suits couples, friends, and families who prefer an active beach day with a bit of music and conversation. It is less suitable if you want a private, silent, high-end sailing experience, guaranteed snorkeling, or a completely empty island.

The six-hour length is also useful. It is long enough to feel like a proper day out without taking your entire day from early morning until evening. You return to the original meeting point, which makes it easier to plan dinner or another activity afterward.

Booking details and weather risks

Your booking confirmation is expected within 48 hours, subject to availability. The experience requires good weather, and the operator may cancel if conditions are poor or if the minimum number of bookings is not reached. In those cases, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Your own cancellation is different. The booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason, so do not reserve it until your plans are firm.

I would also contact the operator about dietary needs when booking, rather than waiting until boarding. Vegetarian and vegan meals are available, but advance notice is required. Public transportation is nearby, although hotel transfers are not included.

Should you book the northern-islands cruise?

Book it if you want a sociable, activity-filled day on the water and can accept some weather risk. The islands are beautiful, the food earns strong praise, and the crew appears to be the heart of the experience. When the sea is calm, the mix of snorkeling, beaches, scenery, barbecue, and music offers good value for the price.

Think twice if you want true luxury, solitude, or guaranteed access to the advertised snorkeling spots. The boat may feel busier than expected, the northern islands can be popular, and rough water can change the plan.

My practical advice is simple: check the forecast, compare the direct price if possible, request any special meal in advance, and bring a warm layer for the ride home. If you can handle a little chop and enjoy a friendly boat atmosphere, this is one of the better ways to see Mauritius from the north.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise begin and end?

It begins at Bain Boeuf Public Beach in Cap Malheureux and ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the cruise start?

The stated start time is 9:30 am, and the experience lasts about six hours.

Are lunch and drinks included?

Yes. The package includes lunch, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages. The barbecue has included items such as chicken wings, hot dogs, and fish.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with swimming and snorkeling opportunities in the Indian Ocean.

Are vegetarian and vegan meals available?

Yes. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, but you must advise the operator of dietary requirements when booking.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or experience, or a full refund.