Grand Bay: Catamaran Cruise to Flat Island with BBQ Lunch

The best part of this day is the run north from Grand Baie to Flat Island, with open-water views, clear lagoons, and a beach stop far from the usual resort routine. I like the chance to snorkel at your own pace, and I like that lunch includes fish, chicken, salad, dessert, and drinks rather than leaving you to find food on the island. The main catch is comfort: groups can be large, music may be very loud, and rough seas can make the crossing hard on the stomach.

This is a seven-hour catamaran day for people who want sun, swimming, and a social boat atmosphere. You board from Grand Bay beach by small dinghy, sail past Cap Malheureux and Pereybere, and spend time around Flat Island. The boat passes near Coin de Mire, but does not land there. Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and motion-sickness tablets if you are sensitive to waves.

Key points to know before booking

• Flat Island is the main stop: You get beach time, lagoon swimming, island walks, and a BBQ meal.
• The boat leaves from the beach: A small dinghy carries you from shore to the catamaran.
• The ride can be lively: Music has been very loud on some departures, so this suits a party mood more than quiet sailing.
• Sea conditions matter: Wind, rain, and strong swell can change the boat, timing, and snorkeling plans.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Expect fish and chicken with bread, salad, dessert, beer, wine, local rum, water, or soft drinks.
• Coin de Mire is only viewed from the water: You may snorkel nearby, but you do not set foot on the island.

Grand Baie beach to the open water

Your day begins on Grand Bay beach, somewhere around the middle of the shoreline. A member of the team is due to meet you there and guide you to a small boat. That dinghy takes you out to the catamaran, so this is not a simple walk from a pier onto the vessel.

Wear shoes that can handle wet sand, and keep your belongings in something that can tolerate splashes. The transfer is part of the outing, but it also means you should be ready to step into a smaller boat before the main cruise starts.

Once aboard, the catamaran heads north. The route gives you changing views of the northwest coast, including Grand Baie, Pereybere, and Cap Malheureux. Keep your camera ready during this part. The coastal views are one of the quieter pleasures of the morning, before the boat becomes more focused on swimming, food, and music.

The boat is shared, and space is not unlimited. A particularly busy departure had more than 50 people, with about 40 seats in the cockpit and only around 10 places at a dining table. You may need to sit elsewhere or eat with your plate on your lap. That detail matters more than it may sound, especially if you expect a polished, comfortable cruise.

Sailing toward Flat Island and Coin de Mire

Flat Island, or Île Plate, lies about 11 kilometers north of Cap Malheureux, near Round Island and Coin de Mire. It is one of the northern island stops that gives this trip its appeal. The island offers a change from the developed coast, with a beach, lagoon, trails, and open space for walking.

The catamaran also passes as close as possible to Coin de Mire. You do not land there, so keep your expectations clear. This is a water view and snorkeling area, not a two-island landing tour.

The crossing can be smooth, but it can also be rough. One departure had strong wind, rain, and large waves, with adults needing to hold on tightly. The crew changed boats because the original arrangement was considered unsuitable for families with children in those conditions. That is a good sign for safety judgment, but it also tells you to take the sea seriously.

If you are prone to seasickness, take suitable tablets before departure. A separate outing had such strong swell that almost everyone felt unwell. Conditions are not under the operator’s control, and the date or start time can change if the weather is unsuitable.

Pregnant women should not book this activity. Anyone else who dislikes boat motion should think carefully about the seven-hour commitment.

Flat Island beach time and swimming

After reaching Flat Island, you get free time to relax on the beach, swim in the lagoon, or walk along the island trails. The island’s appeal is its quiet, natural setting. You can leave the catamaran behind for a while and enjoy a slower stretch of the day.

The exact amount of island time deserves attention. The plan allows time to explore and relax, but one account described only about an hour on the island, with the meal served on the boat. That means the day may feel more like a catamaran cruise with an island stop than a full island walk. Ask about the expected timing on the day if the beach visit is your main reason for booking.

The lagoon is the place for an easy swim or snorkel. You can snorkel at your own pace and according to your ability, rather than being pushed into a long guided swim. Still, you should stay within your comfort zone, follow crew instructions, and remember that sea conditions may alter the plan.

When weather and water conditions are good, the crew may add snorkeling at sea on the return route. This is an extra possibility, not a guarantee. The listed snorkeling stop is included, but the exact location and duration depend on the conditions.

BBQ lunch, drinks, and the practical reality

Lunch includes BBQ fish and chicken, bread, salad, and dessert. Drinks include beer, wine, local rum, water, and Coca-Cola, with juice and other soft drinks also available. For a $70 price, the included meal and drinks add real value, since you do not need to budget separately for lunch on a remote island.

The food has received mixed reactions. Some departures served a very satisfying lunch, while another found the included lunch and drink poor. I would treat this as a straightforward group BBQ rather than a meal worth booking the cruise for by itself.

The serving arrangement can affect how much you enjoy it. With only around 10 table places on a busy boat, many people may eat seated elsewhere or with food balanced on their knees. If you need a proper dining table, this trip may frustrate you. If you see lunch as fuel between swims, the arrangement is easier to accept.

Alcohol is included, so the atmosphere can become festive. That connects to the biggest comfort complaint: loud music. On some departures, music played at high volume from morning until the end of the day. I would not choose this cruise for quiet sailing, conversation, or the sound of wind in the sails.

What the boat atmosphere is really like

The crew can be warm and safety-focused. One strong-weather departure had a crew that kept passengers informed and handled difficult water with care. The same account praised the organization and said information arrived by WhatsApp the day before.

Service may not always feel equally attentive. One departure was criticized for staff being less helpful with passengers. Taken together, the picture is a working group excursion with a friendly crew, not a small luxury charter where every passenger receives personal attention.

You should also decide how you feel about music before paying. Younger visitors who like a party soundtrack may find the energy fun. If you want a peaceful day, bring realistic expectations or choose a smaller, more private sailing option if one is available.

The activity is offered in French and English. A live guide is listed, but no individual guide name is provided. Communication should therefore be possible in both languages, though the style of the day is more social and practical than a detailed guided nature tour.

Is $70 a fair price?

At $70 per person, the package covers the catamaran, dinghy transfers, lunch, drinks, swimming, snorkeling, and a full seven-hour outing. That is fair value if you plan to use the whole day and appreciate having food and beverages included.

The value drops if you mainly want a long, quiet stay on Flat Island. The island portion may be shorter than expected, and a crowded boat can limit seating. You are paying primarily for a northern-island cruise with a beach and snorkeling stop, not a private island escape.

The price makes more sense for a group of friends, couples who enjoy a lively boat, or anyone who wants an easy day package without arranging transport, food, and water activities separately. Families should check the sea forecast carefully, especially since strong swell can make the crossing difficult for children.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to reach Grand Bay beach yourself, then find the assigned welcome person at the stated meeting point. The booking offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve-now, pay-later option, which is useful when the forecast is uncertain.

What to pack for this northern-island day

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. You should also carry a dry bag or waterproof pouch for phones and valuables because the first transfer is by dinghy and the boat may spray water.

I would add motion-sickness tablets if you know you react badly to waves. The crossing can be rough, and the return trip may include another sea snorkeling stop if conditions allow.

Keep your packing simple. You need beach items, sun protection, and anything that helps you stay comfortable on a shared boat. Do not count on having a fixed table seat for lunch or a quiet corner away from music.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want a full day on the water, enjoy swimming and snorkeling, and like a sociable atmosphere. The northern views, Flat Island beach, included drinks, and BBQ make it an easy all-in-one outing.

It is especially suited to people who see the boat as part of the entertainment. You can move between sailing, swimming, sunbathing, food, and music without arranging separate activities.

I would hesitate if you want small-group comfort, long island walks, a carefully presented lunch, or a calm sailing experience. Loud music, limited seating, rough seas, and a possibly brief island stop can change the day from relaxing to tiring.

Should you book the Flat Island catamaran?

Book this cruise if your ideal Mauritius day includes a shared catamaran, open-water views, a beach stop, snorkeling, BBQ food, and drinks for one set price. The crew’s handling of poor weather can be reassuring, and the northern islands are genuinely attractive.

Skip it if silence, personal space, and guaranteed island time matter most. Before you commit, check the weather, prepare for motion, and accept that this is a lively group boat rather than a quiet premium cruise. At $70, it is a reasonable day out when you value variety and included extras more than comfort and privacy.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise leave from?

The activity begins on Grand Bay beach in Mauritius. You will meet a member of the team at a meeting point around the middle of the beach.

How do I get from the beach to the catamaran?

A small dinghy takes you from Grand Bay beach to the catamaran. You should be prepared for a short boat transfer before boarding the main vessel.

How long is the activity?

The advertised duration is seven hours. The exact amount of time spent on Flat Island can vary, and one departure had about one hour on the island.

What food is included?

Lunch includes BBQ fish and chicken, bread, salad, and dessert. The meal may be served on the boat rather than on the island.

What drinks are included?

Included drinks can include beer, wine, local rum, water, and Coca-Cola. Juice and other soft drinks are also available.

Can I snorkel during the cruise?

Yes. Snorkeling and swimming are included, and you can snorkel at your own pace. If weather and sea conditions are suitable, the crew may also stop for sea snorkeling on the return route.

Do I visit Coin de Mire?

You pass as close as possible to Coin de Mire, but you do not land on the island. Snorkeling may take place around the area if conditions permit.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Motion-sickness tablets are also a sensible choice if you are sensitive to rough seas.