Full Day Catamaran Luxury Cruise to Northern Islands w Lunch

The best part of this northern Mauritius cruise is the changing scenery from the water. You pass the steep rock face of Gunners Coin, stop to snorkel near Flat Island, eat lunch on deck, then pause again at Coin de Mire, known here as a natural aquarium.

I like the simple all-in-one setup: snorkeling gear, lunch, bottled water, and drinks are included. I also like the route, which gives you more than a quick beach stop. You see three northern islands and spend time in the water rather than simply sailing past them.

The main catch is the weather. If rain or rough seas move in, snorkeling may be canceled and shelter on the island may be limited. This is also a poor fit if you get seasick, use a wheelchair, or need easy access around a boat.

Key points to know before you book

• Three northern islands in one outing: The route includes Gunners Coin, Flat Island, and Gabriel Island, with time set aside for snorkeling.
• Departure from Bain Boeuf: Meet at the reception of Coin de Mire Attitude at 09:30 for the 09:45 departure.
• Lunch is served on board: Your package includes a BBQ lunch, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages.
• Two snorkeling opportunities: You snorkel near Flat Island, then stop at Coin de Mire on the return journey if sea conditions allow.
• No hotel pickup: You must arrange your own way to Coin de Mire Attitude Hotel.
• Weather matters: A poor-weather day can reduce the experience sharply, so check the forecast before committing.

Setting out from Bain Boeuf at 09:45

Your meeting point is the reception of Coin de Mire Attitude Hotel in Bain Boeuf, on Mauritius’ north coast. Plan to arrive by 09:30, giving yourself a little time to find the reception and get ready before the Lagoon 380 catamaran leaves at 09:45.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. That keeps the price lower than a fully escorted shore excursion, but it means you must handle the journey to the marina area yourself. If you are staying elsewhere in Mauritius, check your transport plan carefully, since a late arrival could mean missing the boat.

A safety briefing takes place before the cruise gets under way. The host or greeter speaks English or French, which is useful if you need help with the snorkeling equipment, timing, or safety instructions.

The Lagoon 380 is a stable, spacious catamaran design, though no boat is completely still. If you are prone to seasickness, this trip is specifically not recommended for you. Take that warning seriously, especially if the sea forecast looks unsettled.

Gunners Coin and the northern sea route

One of the first visual highlights is Gunners Coin, a striking rock formation with sheer cliffs. It is the kind of sight best appreciated from the water, where you can see the rock rising directly from the sea rather than viewing it from a road or beach.

The island itself is not the main swimming stop. Its value is the sailing view and the sense of scale. The cliffs give this part of the route a stronger character than an ordinary lagoon cruise, and they provide a good reason to keep your camera ready during the outward journey.

This is also where the trip feels most like a proper island cruise rather than a transfer to a snorkeling site. The catamaran carries you between separate pieces of land, with the open water doing much of the work.

Snorkeling near Flat Island

The first major activity stop is Flat Island, where you have time to snorkel in the lagoon. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask or fins. You should bring a towel and beachwear, and it is sensible to wear swim clothing under your regular clothes.

The water is described as crystal clear, but visibility always depends on weather and sea conditions. On a calm, sunny day, this should be the strongest part of the outing for anyone who enjoys seeing the water from below. If clouds, rain, or wind arrive, the colors and visibility can change quickly.

Keep in mind that the tour does not promise a specific list of marine life. The attraction is the clear lagoon and the chance to swim from the catamaran or near the island, not a guaranteed wildlife encounter.

Flat Island also reveals one limitation of the trip. If rain arrives, shelter on the island may mean staying under basic huts rather than continuing with the planned activities. A poor forecast can turn a pleasant swim stop into a long wait for the weather to pass.

BBQ lunch and drinks on the catamaran

After the Flat Island stop, a BBQ lunch is served on board. Lunch is included in the $115 price, along with bottled water and alcoholic beverages. That makes the cost easier to judge because you are not paying separately for a meal, basic snorkeling equipment, or drinks during the six-hour outing.

Eating on the catamaran is part of the experience. You do not need to leave the route to find a restaurant, and the lunch break gives you a chance to dry off and rest after snorkeling. It also keeps the day moving toward Gabriel Island instead of using a large part of the schedule for a shore meal.

The description does not provide a detailed menu, so you should not book this expecting a particular dish or special dietary arrangement unless you confirm it in advance. If you have food restrictions, ask the operator before paying.

Alcohol is included, but drink sensibly. The boat continues moving, and alcohol combined with sun and sea can make motion sickness worse. Bottled water is also included, so use that as your main drink throughout the day.

Gabriel Island after lunch

After lunch, the catamaran continues to Ilot Gabriel, also called Gabriel Island. This stop gives the itinerary a second island setting after the Flat Island snorkeling session.

The supplied schedule does not specify exactly how long you spend on Gabriel Island or which activities are offered there. You should therefore think of it as an island discovery stop rather than a guaranteed second snorkeling session. The day’s clearly stated snorkeling stops are Flat Island and Coin de Mire.

This distinction matters if you are booking mainly for time in the water. The cruise gives you several chances to enjoy the sea, but the schedule is not presented as a nonstop snorkeling program. Part of the value comes from seeing the islands and sailing between them.

Coin de Mire on the way back

The return journey includes a stop at Coin de Mire, where snorkeling is planned in the crystal-clear waters of what is described as a natural aquarium. This is the final water-based highlight and can be a welcome second chance to snorkel if conditions were not ideal earlier.

It is also the part of the trip most vulnerable to the weather. A dangerous marine forecast can lead to the Coin de Mire snorkeling stop being canceled. That is not a minor change if swimming is your main reason for booking, so check the sea conditions and keep your expectations flexible.

The return is scheduled for 15:45, although the overall description also gives the activity window as 09:45 to 15:30. That small timing difference is worth noting when arranging a taxi or connecting activity. Allow extra time rather than planning a tight departure immediately after the boat returns.

What the $115 price really covers

At $115 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day in Mauritius. You are paying for a catamaran outing, island-to-island sailing, a BBQ lunch, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, and alcoholic drinks. For a visitor who wants those pieces bundled together, the price is reasonable.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the full route. You get Gunners Coin on the way out, Flat Island for snorkeling, Gabriel Island after lunch, and Coin de Mire on the return. That is more varied than booking a simple short cruise that only circles the coast.

The value drops if you mainly want a guaranteed swim. Rough weather can cancel the Coin de Mire stop, reduce visibility, or leave you sheltering on Flat Island. Since hotel transport is not included, you must also add the cost of reaching Bain Boeuf.

The free cancellation policy allows cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your plans are still changing. Neither option removes the need to check the weather forecast close to the sailing date.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a full morning and afternoon on the water, like seeing several places in one day, and prefer having lunch and drinks arranged for you. It suits confident swimmers and people who enjoy a mix of sailing, island scenery, and snorkeling.

It is also a good match if you are staying near the north coast and can reach Coin de Mire Attitude easily. The departure point is clear, and the English or French host option keeps the practical side straightforward.

I would be more cautious if you are booking for young children. Children under two are not accepted, and the activity may be tiring for very young children even above that age. Anyone with limited mobility should also avoid it, since the experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

This is not the right choice for someone who needs a fixed, weather-proof schedule. The sea controls much of the day. Rain affected one scheduled outing badly, leaving people sheltering under huts on the first island, and the Coin de Mire snorkeling stop had to be canceled because conditions were considered unsafe. That example is a useful reminder that a catamaran day can be excellent in good weather and disappointing in poor weather.

What to pack and what to leave behind

Bring a towel and beachwear. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, so you do not need to pack your own unless you strongly prefer your personal gear.

Leave large bags, oversize luggage, and baby strollers at your accommodation. Fishing is not allowed, and electric wheelchairs cannot be taken on the activity.

A small personal bag is the practical choice, though the provided information does not specify storage capacity on the catamaran. Keep your belongings compact and avoid bringing anything you would not want exposed to spray or rain.

Should you book this northern islands cruise?

Book it if the forecast is good and you want a neatly packaged day of sailing, island views, snorkeling, lunch, and drinks. The route is the real strength: Gunners Coin, Flat Island, Gabriel Island, and Coin de Mire give the outing a sense of variety, while the included meal and equipment keep extra costs under control.

Skip it if you are seasick, need wheelchair access, dislike shared boat outings, or want a guaranteed snorkeling session. The weather can change the day’s character, and the timing should be confirmed because the published return information differs slightly.

My practical advice is to reserve this cruise for one of the better-weather days during your stay, not the day you have set aside for an important flight or fixed appointment. At $115, it offers fair value when the sea is calm and the full route runs as planned.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart from?

The meeting point is the reception of Coin de Mire Attitude Hotel in Bain Boeuf, in northern Mauritius.

What time should I arrive?

You should meet at the hotel reception at 09:30. The catamaran is scheduled to leave at 09:45.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts about six hours. The listed return time is 15:45, although the cruise window is also described as ending at 15:30.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The route includes Gunners Coin, Flat Island, Gabriel Island, and Coin de Mire.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is served on board, and bottled water and alcoholic beverages are also included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The use of snorkeling equipment is included in the price.

Is transportation from my hotel included?

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

What should I bring?

Bring a towel and beachwear. Oversize luggage, large bags, baby strollers, fishing equipment, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.