North of Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise w/ BBQ Lunch

The best views come from the water. This six-hour catamaran trip from Grand Baie takes you toward Gunner’s Quoin, Gabriel Island, and Flat Island, with time for swimming, snorkelling, beach walks, birdwatching, and a BBQ lunch served at sea. I like the mix of easygoing sightseeing and free time, plus the crew’s friendly, funny, attentive approach.

I also like that the price includes lunch and a generous drinks selection, including local rum, wine, Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, and water. The main consideration is the sea: rough conditions can change the route, and the open-water setting is not a good match for anyone prone to seasickness. Check the departure time carefully, since the details give both 9:00 and 9:30 am, while check-in begins at 8:45 am.

Key points before you book

• Gunner’s Quoin birdwatching: Look toward Coin de Mire for the white-tailed Pailles-en-Queue birds gliding around the rocky islet.
• Gabriel Island swimming stop: You get roughly 90 minutes for swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing, and walking along the sandy shore.
• BBQ lunch at sea: Fish, chicken, sausages, salads, vegetables, garlic bread, seafood, and fruit are included, with a vegetarian menu available.
• Drinks are part of the day: Wine, rum, beer, juices, soft drinks, and mineral water are provided.
• Friendly crew: Three guides were praised for being talkative, cheerful, and attentive, which matters on a shared boat trip.
• Bring your own snorkel gear if preferred: Equipment is not listed as a guaranteed inclusion, so pack your own mask and snorkel if you care about fit.

Starting at Sunset Boulevard in Grand Baie

The meeting point is Sunset Boulevard in Grand Baie, directly in front of the jetty. A hostess welcomes you and handles check-in, so plan to arrive by 8:45 am rather than cutting it close.

The published schedule says the boat sails toward the northern islands at 9:00 am. Another timing note gives departure as 9:30 am. That small mismatch is worth confirming before the day, especially if you are arranging a taxi or connecting it with another activity.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You need to make your own way to Grand Baie, and the cruise ends at the same meeting point. The listed return time is 3:30 pm, giving you a full half-day on the water without turning the outing into a late-night commitment.

The languages listed are English and French. That makes the trip practical for a mixed-language group, and the crew’s warm, chatty style appears to be one of the strongest parts of the experience.

Sailing past Coin de Mire and Gunner’s Quoin

The first part of the cruise is about two hours on open water. The catamaran heads toward the northern islands, passing the dramatic rocky form known as Coin de Mire, or Gunner’s Quoin.

This is not simply a transfer to the beach stop. You are asked to watch the sky and sea around the islet for Pailles-en-Queue birds, the white-tailed tropical birds associated with Mauritius. Birdwatching here is informal rather than a specialist wildlife outing, so sightings depend on conditions and luck. Still, it gives the sailing a purpose beyond sitting in the sun with a drink.

The northern islands also provide a changing view from the boat. Gabriel Island is known for its sand and lagoon, while Gunner’s Quoin and Flat Island add a more rugged note to the route. You should not expect a detailed island tour on foot, since the main land-based time is reserved for Gabriel Island.

A boat ride of this length has two sides. The open deck offers better views and fresh air, but there is little shade mentioned in the information provided. Take a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a light jacket or waterproof layer. Sea conditions can change, and the captain may alter the route for safety if the water becomes rough or impassable.

Gabriel Island from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm

The main active stop is Gabriel Island, reached at about 11:00 am. You have approximately 90 minutes here, which is enough for a swim and some time on the beach, but not enough for a slow, all-purpose island day.

The water is described as clear and turquoise, making this the natural point to get wet. You can swim, snorkel with help from the crew, or walk along the sandy shore. If you prefer not to swim, the island also works as a simple beach break. Find a patch of sand, enjoy the view, and let the rest of the group handle the water.

Bring your own snorkelling equipment if you have it. The instructions specifically say you may do so, and that is useful advice for anyone who cares about a well-fitting mask. The crew can help with the water activities, but the available details do not promise a full equipment package or guaranteed fish sightings.

That point matters. One account of the trip described seeing fish while snorkelling, but not a large variety. The fish were still considered impressive, yet you should treat the snorkelling as a pleasant extra rather than a dedicated marine-life expedition. Do not touch marine life or plants, and avoid leaving any rubbish behind.

The stop may feel short if you want to swim, snorkel, explore the beach, and take photos. On the other hand, its limited length helps keep the day moving. You get a taste of Gabriel Island without being stranded there for hours after the novelty wears off.

BBQ lunch on the catamaran at 12:30 pm

At 12:30 pm, you return to the catamaran for lunch. This is one of the better inclusions in the $80 price because you are not left to buy food separately at an island stop.

The main menu includes:

• Rice salad
• Potato and egg salad
• Mixed salad
• Seasonal vegetables
• Grilled fish
• BBQ chicken
• Grilled chicken sausage
• Seafood
• Garlic bread and bread
• Seasonal fruit

The vegetarian menu includes rice salad, potato salad, mixed salad, seasonal vegetables, grilled vegetarian sausages, bread, and seasonal fruit. The kids’ menu is listed as the same as the adult menu, so families should not expect a separate child-sized selection.

The food is freshly prepared and served with the boat as your dining room. You may find that the movement of the catamaran affects how comfortable lunch feels, particularly if you are already sensitive to motion. Anyone prone to seasickness should think carefully before booking, and motion sickness pills are suggested among the items to bring.

The strongest food feedback is consistent: the BBQ was considered delicious and filling. The meal is not presented as fine dining, and it should not be judged that way. Its value is in having a substantial spread after the morning on the water, with enough variety for meat eaters and vegetarians.

Drinks, shade, and the relaxed afternoon

The drink selection is unusually broad for a day cruise at this price. You can have local rum, red, rosé, or white wine, Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, and mineral water. Cocktails and nonalcoholic options are also included in the general description.

This helps the trip feel like a proper day outing rather than a boat transfer with a packed lunch. Still, drink responsibly. The combination of alcohol, sun, and moving water can catch you out quickly, so keep drinking water as well.

After lunch, the schedule allows time to relax on the catamaran until about 2:15 pm. This quiet stretch is useful. You can sit back, talk with the crew, watch the sea, or simply recover from swimming before the return journey.

Three guides are described as especially friendly, funny, and talkative. That kind of crew makes a real difference on a six-hour shared cruise. You are spending much of the day in a common space, so a crew that stays attentive without becoming overbearing can turn an ordinary boat ride into a more enjoyable one.

The return to Grand Baie at 3:30 pm

The catamaran returns to Sunset Boulevard at about 3:30 pm. The day therefore has a clear rhythm: morning sailing and birdwatching, a midmorning island stop, lunch, a relaxed afternoon boat ride, and a return to Grand Baie.

The route is not fixed in every condition. If the sea becomes too rough, the captain can change direction and take the boat toward Gunner’s Quoin or Casita Beach instead. That is a safety decision, not a service failure, but it means you should not book this expecting one guaranteed beach and one guaranteed snorkelling spot.

This flexibility is important in Mauritius, where the quality of a boat day depends heavily on wind and sea conditions. The experience is best approached as a northern-island cruise with a planned Gabriel Island stop, not as a promise that every part of the route will look exactly as described.

What the $80 price really covers

At $80 per person, the cruise sits in the midrange for a full-day island outing. The value comes from the number of inclusions: a six-hour catamaran trip, the northern-island route, an island stop, BBQ lunch, and a substantial drinks list.

You are also paying for convenience once you reach the jetty. There is no need to shop for lunch, carry a cooler, or budget separately for soft drinks and water. The crew assists with the swimming and snorkelling stop, which adds some practical support.

The price does not include transport to Grand Baie or personal expenses. That means the total cost for you will be higher if you need a taxi to and from the jetty. You should also bring your own snorkelling gear if you prefer familiar equipment.

The cruise offers better value if you want a social, all-in-one day on the water. It is less compelling if your only goal is serious snorkelling, quiet solitude, or a long stretch of time on the beach. Gabriel Island time is limited, and the boat remains the main setting for most of the day.

What to pack for a more comfortable day

Pack lightly, but do not leave the basics behind. The most useful items are:

• Swimsuit and a change of clothes
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Sun hat or cap
• Sunglasses
• Comfortable beachwear and a cover-up
• Waterproof bag or backpack
• Non-slip shoes
• Light jacket or waterproof jacket
• Insect repellent
• Motion sickness pills if needed
• Your own snorkelling equipment, if preferred

A waterproof bag protects phones, cameras, wallets, and spare clothes from spray. Non-slip shoes are sensible around a wet boat deck, though the information does not specify a footwear rule.

You should also follow the simple environmental rules. Do not litter, touch marine life, or touch plants. These instructions are easy to follow and help keep the island and surrounding water in good condition.

Who will enjoy this northern Mauritius cruise

I would recommend this trip to couples, families, and friends who want a relaxed day with several activities built in. You can swim in the morning, eat lunch without searching for a restaurant, and spend the afternoon enjoying the boat rather than rushing between separate bookings.

It also suits anyone who likes a social atmosphere. The crew is described as friendly and talkative, and the shared catamaran setting encourages conversation. English and French are supported, which is helpful for mixed groups.

Families should note that the kids’ menu is the same as the adult menu. That is not a problem for children who eat a standard BBQ meal, but parents should not expect a specially designed children’s plate.

This is not suitable for people with mobility impairments according to the activity information. It is also a poor choice if you are prone to seasickness. The six-hour duration gives you plenty of time to enjoy the day, but it also gives discomfort plenty of time to build if you struggle on boats.

Should you book the Gabriel Island catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want an easy northern Mauritius day that combines scenery, a beach stop, food, and drinks in one package. The best reasons are the attentive crew, filling BBQ, clear water around Gabriel Island, and the chance to see Pailles-en-Queue birds near Gunner’s Quoin.

Think twice if you need a guaranteed route, a long snorkelling session, or a quiet private charter. Sea conditions can change the plan, and the Gabriel Island stop lasts about 90 minutes. Confirm the exact departure time before you go, arrive early at Sunset Boulevard, and pack sun protection plus a waterproof bag.

With a five-star rating from the available feedback and praise focused on the food, drinks, and crew, this looks like a strong-value choice for a sociable day on Mauritius’s northern waters.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The cruise starts at Sunset Boulevard in Grand Baie, Mauritius. Meet the hostess in front of the jetty for check-in.

What time should I arrive?

Check-in begins at 8:45 am. The schedule gives a sailing time of 9:00 am, while another note says departure is at 9:30 am, so confirm the exact time before the trip.

When does the cruise return?

The catamaran is scheduled to return to Sunset Boulevard at about 3:30 pm.

How long is the experience?

The trip lasts about six hours, from the morning meeting time until the afternoon return.

Which islands are included in the route?

The route heads toward Coin de Mire, also called Gunner’s Quoin, Flat Island, and Gabriel Island. The captain may change direction if sea conditions are rough or unsafe.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is served on the catamaran, with salads, seasonal vegetables, grilled fish, BBQ chicken, sausages, seafood, bread, garlic bread, and fruit.

Is there a vegetarian menu?

Yes. The vegetarian option includes salads, seasonal vegetables, grilled vegetarian sausages, bread, and seasonal fruit.

What drinks are included?

Drinks include local rum, red, rosé and white wine, Phoenix beer, fruit juice, soft drinks, mineral water, cocktails, and nonalcoholic options.

Can I snorkel at Gabriel Island?

Yes. You have free time for swimming and snorkelling at Gabriel Island, with help from the crew. You may bring your own snorkelling equipment if preferred.

Is the cruise suitable for people prone to seasickness?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for people prone to seasickness. Motion sickness pills are suggested among the items to bring if needed.