Full Day Catamaran Luxury Cruise to Northern Islands w Lunch

Three northern islands, one easy day at sea. I like the route’s mix of snorkeling at Flat Island and a visit to Gabriel Island, and I like that lunch, water, and drinks are included in the $115 price. The main concern is weather: rain and rough conditions can spoil the swimming stops, and one July 2024 outing had to cancel the Coin de Mire snorkeling for safety.

This is a six-hour cruise, not a dawn-to-dusk expedition. You meet at Coin de Mire Attitude Hotel at 09:30 for a 09:45 departure, then return around 15:45. You need to arrange your own transport, and the boat is not suitable for children under two, wheelchair users, or people with serious mobility limits.

Key points at a glance

• Gunners Coin is a scenic pass-by: You see the island’s steep rock walls from the water rather than taking a shore excursion there.
• Flat Island gets the first swim: The plan gives you time to snorkel in the lagoon before lunch.
• BBQ lunch is served aboard: Food, bottled water, and alcoholic drinks are part of the $115 cost.
• Gabriel Island follows lunch: You have time to explore Ilot Gabriel after eating.
• Coin de Mire is the final snorkeling stop: The boat aims for a clear-water area described as a natural aquarium.
• Weather can change the day: A July 19, 2024 outing lost its final snorkeling stop because conditions were considered unsafe.

A six-hour route through Mauritius’s northern islands

I see this cruise as a compact way to reach several northern islands without arranging separate boat trips. From the north coast, the catamaran heads toward Flat Island and Gabriel Island, passes Gunners Coin, then returns by way of Coin de Mire.

The schedule runs from 09:45 to about 15:45. That timing matters. You get a full block of time on the water, but the phrase full day should not make you expect eight or ten hours. This is a well-defined half-day-plus outing with lunch included.

The starting point is the Coin de Mire Attitude Hotel in Bain Boeuf. You should arrive at reception by 09:30, giving yourself time to find the meeting point and settle in before the safety briefing. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to plan your own way to Bain Boeuf.

The listed vessel is a Lagoon 380 catamaran. A catamaran gives you a broad, stable platform and several places to sit outside, though no boat is completely immune to a choppy sea. If you are prone to seasickness, this is specifically not considered a suitable activity.

Gunners Coin, the dramatic rock on the way north

Gunners Coin, also called Coin de Mire in the route details, is one of the memorable sights of the trip. It is a striking rock formation with sheer cliffs rising from the sea.

You do not land there as part of this outing. Instead, you pass by it on the way out and later stop near Coin de Mire for snorkeling on the return. That distinction is important. If you want a walking visit to the island itself, this cruise will not provide it.

The pass-by still gives the catamaran a strong visual moment. From the water, the cliffs are the point: hard rock, open sea, and a scale that is difficult to appreciate from shore. I would keep your camera ready, but protect it from spray and do not let photos distract you from the safety instructions.

Flat Island brings the first chance to swim

The first major stop is Flat Island, where you are scheduled to snorkel in the lagoon. The water is described as crystal clear, making this the best part of the route for anyone who wants to spend time in the sea rather than simply look at it.

Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins. Still, bring a towel and beachwear, as requested, and consider arriving already prepared to change into swim clothes. The information provided does not specify changing-room facilities, so it is sensible to keep your belongings simple.

The quality of this stop depends heavily on the weather and sea conditions. Clear water can turn cloudy in rain or rough water, and a strong wind can make swimming less pleasant. The boat’s schedule includes a swim here, but a planned stop is not a guarantee of perfect snorkeling.

For confident swimmers, this part of the day should feel active and refreshing. If you prefer to stay dry, you can remain aboard and enjoy the views, though the main value of the cruise is its access to these water stops.

BBQ lunch and drinks keep the middle of the day simple

After the Flat Island snorkeling period, a BBQ lunch is served on the catamaran. This is a useful inclusion because you do not need to leave the boat in search of a restaurant or carry food for six hours.

Bottled water is included, along with alcoholic beverages. That makes the $115 price easier to assess. You are paying not just for transport across the water, but also for the catamaran, snorkeling equipment, lunch, water, and drinks.

I would still treat the word luxury with some restraint. The supplied details do not give a passenger capacity, cabin arrangement, menu, or premium service list. The Lagoon 380 is a comfortable-style catamaran, but the experience is primarily about the islands, swimming, and the time spent outdoors.

Lunch is served aboard, so expect the boat to remain central to the experience. That is convenient and saves time, but it also means you are not getting a long island lunch with a view from shore. If you want a quiet meal, the movement of the boat and the number of passengers may affect how relaxed it feels.

Alcohol is included, but I would pace yourself. You still have another island visit and a snorkeling stop ahead, and sun, wind, and motion can make drinks feel stronger than expected.

Gabriel Island gives you a second island setting

After lunch, the catamaran heads to Ilot Gabriel. The schedule allows time to discover the island, giving the day a change of pace after the first snorkeling stop.

Flat Island is linked with swimming and snorkeling. Gabriel Island is the more land-based part of the afternoon, although the information does not specify the exact duration or activities available once you arrive. I would expect this stop to be useful for walking, taking in the shore, and enjoying a break from the boat, but I would not book the trip expecting a guided cultural tour or a detailed island history.

The value here is variety. You get one stop built around the water, one centered on an island visit, and a return route that includes another chance to snorkel. That variety helps the cruise feel less repetitive than a simple out-and-back boat ride.

Bring only what you need. Oversize luggage, large bags, and baby strollers are not allowed. Fishing is also not permitted, so this is a sightseeing and swimming trip, not a fishing charter.

Coin de Mire is the final snorkeling gamble

On the return journey, the catamaran is scheduled to stop at Coin de Mire for snorkeling. The area is described as a natural aquarium with clear water, which makes it an appealing final stop.

This is also the part most exposed to weather decisions. A July 19, 2024 outing was affected by rain, and the planned Coin de Mire snorkeling was canceled because forecasts indicated dangerous conditions. The boat continued to the first island, where passengers reportedly spent time sheltering under huts from the rain.

That incident is worth taking seriously. It does not mean every departure will be disappointing, but it shows how quickly a sunny-water itinerary can become a wet-weather waiting game. Several groups on that outing were said to share the same concern, and the experience received a very poor individual rating.

If your holiday schedule gives you only one chance to snorkel in Mauritius, I would book with a flexible attitude and watch the forecast closely. If conditions look poor, the option to cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund gives you some protection, provided you meet that deadline.

Is $115 good value for this catamaran day?

At $115 per person, the cruise is not the cheapest way to spend time on the north coast. Its value depends on how much you use the included elements.

The price covers:

• A six-hour catamaran cruise
• Use of snorkeling equipment
• BBQ lunch
• Bottled water
• Alcoholic beverages
• Stops or scheduled visits at Flat Island, Gabriel Island, and Coin de Mire
• A pass by Gunners Coin

You must add your own transport to and from Coin de Mire Attitude Hotel. That extra cost is easy to overlook, especially if you are staying outside Bain Boeuf. For someone already based in the north, the location is more convenient than for someone staying far away.

I think the package is reasonable for a person who wants a single organized day at sea. You do not need to arrange a boat, pack a meal, rent snorkeling gear, or find drinks along the way. The value is weaker if you dislike swimming, avoid alcohol, or mainly want a quiet beach day.

The cruise also saves planning time. You see several named places in one outing, with the route and meal handled for you. That convenience is part of the cost, even though it does not remove the need to organize your own transport.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to adults and older children who enjoy boat rides, salt water, and a fairly active schedule. It suits you especially well if you want to combine snorkeling with island scenery and do not want to spend your holiday comparing separate excursions.

It is less suitable for people who need firm guarantees about swimming time. Sea conditions can cancel a stop, as the July 2024 experience showed. It is also a poor match if you are prone to seasickness or need wheelchair access.

Children under two are not accepted. People with mobility impairments and wheelchair users should not book this activity. Electric wheelchairs are specifically not allowed, and large luggage or strollers cannot come aboard.

The host or greeter speaks English and French. That is helpful for the safety briefing and basic communication, though no named guide is provided in the available information.

What to bring for a smoother day

Keep your packing light and practical. You need beachwear and a towel, and I would add sunscreen, a hat, and a waterproof way to protect your phone, although only the towel and beachwear are specifically required.

Do not arrive with suitcases, oversize luggage, large bags, or a stroller. The boat is an outdoor setting, so a small personal bag is more useful than a bulky day bag.

You should also plan for weather changes. Rain can affect both the views and the swimming schedule. A light cover-up or dry change of clothes would be sensible, but the supplied instructions specifically identify a towel and beachwear as the essentials.

Booking advice and practical timing

Arrive at the hotel reception by 09:30, not at the 09:45 sailing time. The boat departs at 09:45, and a late arrival could put the whole schedule at risk.

The planned return is around 15:45. I would avoid booking a tight connection, evening restaurant reservation, or airport transfer immediately afterward. The stated schedule is clear, but boat trips can be affected by sea conditions.

You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your plans are still shifting. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. That policy is particularly useful here because weather has a direct effect on the experience.

Should you book the northern-island catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a convenient northern Mauritius boat day with snorkeling, a BBQ lunch, drinks, and several island views folded into one price. The strongest reasons are the Flat Island swim, the Gabriel Island stop, and the chance to see Gunners Coin and Coin de Mire from the water.

Think twice if your priority is guaranteed sunshine or a long, quiet stay on one beach. The $115 cost includes a lot, but the whole day depends on the sea. I would choose a date with a flexible forecast, arrive early at Coin de Mire Attitude, pack lightly, and treat the final snorkeling stop as a welcome possibility rather than a promise.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts about six hours, from the 09:45 departure until the scheduled return around 15:45.

Where does the cruise depart?

It departs from Coin de Mire Attitude Hotel in Bain Boeuf, on the north coast of Mauritius.

What time should I arrive at the meeting point?

You should arrive at the reception of Coin de Mire Attitude at 09:30 for the 09:45 departure.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Transfers to and from the hotel are not included, so you need to arrange your own transport.

Which islands are included in the route?

The route includes Gunners Coin, Flat Island, Gabriel Island, and Coin de Mire. Gunners Coin is passed by, while the schedule includes time at Flat Island, Gabriel Island, and Coin de Mire.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are lunch and drinks included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages are included in the price.

What languages are spoken by the host or greeter?

The host or greeter speaks English and French.

Can I cancel the booking for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.