Luxury Catamaran Cruise: The Northern Islands

The best part of this cruise is the route. You leave from Cap Malheureux and head toward the northern islands, where pale sand, open sea, and the rocky outline of Gunners Coin give the day a real sense of escape. Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate are the stars, with time for swimming, snorkeling, or simply lying on the beach.

I like two things in particular: the small maximum group of 17 and the easy all-in format. Lunch, snorkeling gear, bottled water, and alcoholic drinks are included, so you are not constantly reaching for your wallet. The crew also brings plenty of energy, with music, dancing, jokes, and careful attention to safety.

The catch is the sea. Once the catamaran leaves the shelter of the lagoon, wind and waves can make the ride lively, and rough conditions may limit or cancel the island stops. Also, despite the luxury label, this is a friendly excursion rather than a private yacht charter.

Key points to know before you book

• The northern island route is the main attraction: You sail past Gunners Coin toward Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, two of Mauritius’s most appealing beach stops.
• Snorkeling equipment is included: You can swim and explore in the Indian Ocean without bringing your own mask and fins.
• Lunch is cooked on board: Expect a barbecue with items such as chicken wings, hotdogs, and fish, plus drinks throughout the trip.
• The group is capped at 17 people: That can feel pleasantly personal, though the boat may still seem busy when everyone is aboard.
• The open-sea crossing can be rough: Spring and windy days may feel cool on the return, and poor conditions can change the plan.
• You must reach Bain Boeuf Public Beach yourself: Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Why this northern route is worth your day

Mauritius has plenty of pretty beaches, but a catamaran trip changes the scale of the island. From the water, the north feels less like a string of resort beaches and more like a chain of small, separate worlds. The route gives you wide views of the coast, open Indian Ocean scenery, and a look at islands you cannot reach by road.

You start at 9:30 a.m. from Bain Boeuf Public Beach in Cap Malheureux. The cruise lasts about six hours, returning to the same meeting point. That is long enough for a proper outing without taking up your entire day.

The scenery is a major reason to choose this trip. Gunners Coin, also known as Coin de Mire, is one of the striking sights along the northern route. The rocky island rises from the sea and makes a strong contrast with the bright water around it. You may not get a long stop there, but the view helps make the sailing itself part of the experience rather than just transport.

I would choose this cruise if you want a full island day without arranging a boat, lunch, snorkeling gear, and drinks separately. It works especially well for couples, families with older children, and anyone staying in the north of Mauritius. It is less suited to you if your idea of luxury means silence, personal service, and lots of space.

Leaving Cap Malheureux at 9:30 a.m.

The meeting point is Bain Boeuf Public Beach, not your hotel. You will need to plan your own way there, since transfers are not included. The beach is near public transportation, but the practical details of reaching it depend on where you are staying.

Arrive ready for the water. Bathing attire, suntan lotion, a cap, and a hat are recommended. You will want protection from the sun, since much of the day takes place outside and the glare off the sea can be strong.

The catamaran is described as being in good condition, and some outings have a notably small feel. The official maximum is 17 people, which is far more manageable than a large sightseeing boat. Still, do not picture an empty deck. One person found the boat too crowded for a luxury experience, while others felt the capacity was comfortable. Your impression will depend on the actual number booked that day.

The crew is a key part of the atmosphere. The captain and two crew members have been praised for being funny, friendly, and attentive. William is one crew member named specifically in the feedback. The mood can become quite lively, with singing, dancing, jokes, and drinks flowing during the day.

That energy will suit you if you want a social outing. If you prefer a quiet sail, choose a seat away from the main activity and be aware that the entertainment is part of the package.

The open-water ride toward Gunners Coin

Once the catamaran moves beyond the lagoon, the sea may become choppier. This is not a minor detail. Several outings have been described as rough outside the sheltered water, especially in windy weather.

The ride can be exciting, but it can also be uncomfortable if you are sensitive to motion. Keep your expectations realistic: a catamaran is stable compared with many smaller boats, but it is still a boat in the open sea. Sit where you feel most secure, keep a hand free for balance, and avoid assuming that calm beach conditions mean calm water offshore.

The payoff is the view. You get a different look at Mauritius’s north coast, with the boat moving away from the developed shoreline toward the islands. On a clear day, the route offers excellent photo opportunities, especially around Gunners Coin and the northern reef.

One person reported spotting whales, although that is an occasional bonus, not a promised part of the trip. The focus remains the islands, swimming, snorkeling, food, and the boat ride.

Weather matters enough to affect the whole experience. Strong winds can make the crossing slow or uncomfortable and may prevent the catamaran from reaching the planned destinations. In one poor-weather case, the planned activities could not take place, and the replacement snorkeling conditions were not good. That is an important warning for anyone booking a boat trip in Mauritius: the operator cannot control the sea, but you should still understand that a paid excursion may not deliver the full route on a windy day.

Ilot Gabriel, a bright beach stop

Ilot Gabriel is the first listed island stop, with about 30 minutes to get off and spend time on the beach. The island is part of a natural reserve and is known for its clear water and pale sand.

Thirty minutes is enough for a short walk, photographs, and a quick swim. It is not enough for a long beach afternoon, so treat this as a taste of the island rather than a full exploration. The limited time also means you may need to choose between swimming and walking instead of doing both at a relaxed pace.

The water is one of the main rewards. Ilot Gabriel is associated with the kind of bright, clear sea that makes the northern island route so appealing. You will likely want to bring only what you need when leaving the boat, since the stop is brief and the day moves at a steady pace.

Snorkeling is often described as a highlight, with clear water and fish close to the boat or islands. The operator supplies snorkeling equipment, which adds real value to the price. Conditions are not guaranteed, though. Wind, waves, and visibility can change the quality of the experience from one day to the next.

Ile Plate, or Flat Island, for swimming and a slower pause

The second stop is Ile Plate, also called Flat Island. You get about 30 minutes to walk, relax, or swim. The stop has a different feel from simply viewing the island from the catamaran because you can step ashore and spend a little time on the beach.

I like that the itinerary gives you a choice here. You do not have to snorkel or race into the water. If you have had enough sun, take a short walk. If the sea is inviting, swim. If you are traveling with children, the beach break gives them a chance to move around after the boat ride.

Again, half an hour goes quickly. This is not an expedition across the island, and you should not expect a secluded, untouched experience. These northern islands are popular, and other boats may be present. One of the clearest cautions from the feedback is that the beaches can feel more popular than private.

That matters if you are booking because of the word luxury. The setting is beautiful, but the experience is shared. You are paying for a well-organized day on the water, not exclusive access to an empty island.

Barbecue lunch, drinks, and the social side

Lunch is served on board and is one of the strongest parts of the package. The food described includes barbecued chicken wings, hotdogs, and fish, with additional side dishes. Vegetarian and vegan choices are available if you request them when booking.

The meal is simple rather than formal. That is exactly right for this kind of day. You can eat with the sea around you, keep your beach clothes on, and get back to swimming or relaxing without a long restaurant stop.

Bottled water and alcoholic drinks are included, which helps the $113.99 price feel more reasonable. You are not paying only for a boat seat and a view. The cost covers a six-hour outing, lunch, snorkeling equipment, water, and drinks.

Still, compare prices before booking. One person reported paying less when arranging the same kind of trip directly through a hotel, quoting 3,200 Mauritian rupees per person. Prices and arrangements can change, but it is worth checking with your hotel or the operator directly if value is your main concern.

The crew’s approach to lunch also adds to the atmosphere. They have been praised for cooking well, keeping the drinks moving, and creating a cheerful mood. If you want a quiet, refined meal, this may feel casual. If you enjoy a friendly boat party, it should fit nicely.

Is this really a luxury catamaran cruise?

The word luxury needs a little translation here. You get a catamaran, attractive scenery, a limited group size, included food and drinks, snorkeling equipment, and an attentive crew. That is a comfortable package.

You do not get a private vessel, a silent deck, or guaranteed solitude. One outing was described as lacking the expected luxury and feeling too crowded. Another had a particularly pleasant, low-capacity atmosphere. Both impressions can be true because the feel depends on how many people are booked and how lively the group becomes.

I would call it a good-value leisure cruise with some upscale touches, not a high-end private charter. The friendly crew is more important to the experience than polished formality. William and the other crew members are there to keep the day moving, help with activities, serve food, and make people feel at ease.

Safety is another positive point. The crew has been described as safety-conscious, and that matters when the water gets rough. Even so, listen carefully to instructions and be honest with yourself about swimming ability and seasickness.

Who will enjoy it most

This excursion is a strong choice for you if you want:

• A complete northern Mauritius outing in roughly six hours
• Beach stops without arranging a private boat
• Swimming and snorkeling equipment included
• A barbecue meal and drinks already covered
• A social crew with music, jokes, and dancing
• A small group rather than a large excursion boat

It may not be the best match if you want:

• A quiet, private sailing experience
• A guaranteed empty beach
• A long stay at each island
• Calm water in all seasons
• A formal luxury service
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

Children can join, but they must be accompanied by an adult. Most people can take part, but the sea conditions are the real limiting factor. If you are prone to seasickness, the open-water section deserves serious thought.

Price, weather, and booking details that matter

At $113.99 per person, the price is fair if the weather allows the full route and you make use of the inclusions. Lunch, drinks, bottled water, snorkeling gear, two island stops, and six hours on the water add up. It becomes less attractive if rough seas cancel the island visits or reduce snorkeling time.

You must give dietary requirements when booking. Vegetarian and vegan meals are available, but do not wait until you are on board to ask.

The experience is non-refundable and cannot normally be changed. If poor weather forces cancellation, you should be offered another date or a full refund. If the minimum number of bookings is not reached, the operator should offer another date, another experience, or a full refund.

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability. Since the activity is often booked about 15 days ahead, I would avoid leaving it until the last minute, especially if your Mauritius schedule is tight.

Should you book the northern islands cruise?

Yes, if you want a sociable, well-organized day with good scenery, beach time, barbecue food, and snorkeling built into one price. The route to Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate is the real reason to go, and the crew’s warmth appears to add plenty of life to the trip.

Book with caution if your priority is luxury in the private-yacht sense. The islands can be popular, the boat may feel busy, and rough sea conditions can change the plan. I would choose a settled-weather day, check the direct price before paying, and arrive prepared for sun, spray, and a lively crew.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start and finish?

The cruise starts at Bain Boeuf Public Beach in Cap Malheureux and ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the cruise start?

The scheduled start time is 9:30 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately six hours.

Are hotel transfers included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must make your own way to Bain Boeuf Public Beach.

What is included in the price?

The price includes lunch, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages.

Are vegetarian and vegan meals available?

Yes. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, but you should state your dietary needs when booking.

Can children join the cruise?

Yes, but children must be accompanied by an adult.