Northern Isles by catamaran beats boring tour days. This Wind Dancer full-day trip takes you to three island areas, with snorkeling equipment included, and it often includes sightings like dolphins and whales. The main thing to consider is the sea can get choppy, which can make the ride less relaxing if you’re sensitive to motion.

What really wins me over is the overall onboard feel. The crew is friendly and professional, with Captain Marcel and staff Paul and Stefan doing a great job keeping the day moving without turning it into a loud party. Add in a tasty BBQ-style lunch plus tea/coffee and plenty of soft drinks and alcoholic drinks, and you’ve got a lot of value for your time on the water.

Key points before you go

• Three islands in one day instead of picking just one beach stop
• Snorkeling gear included for lagoon and reef spots
• Early departure from Grand Baie to help you get a quieter start at the islands
• Captain Marcel and crew attention (Paul and Stefan are repeatedly praised)
• BBQ lunch and drinks on board so you’re not paying extra at each stop

Why the early start from Grand Baie matters

You meet at the Grand Baie area near Grand Baie Public Beach, with an easy target time around 7:45am and the sailing starting shortly after (the published start is 8:00am). That matters more than it sounds. Leaving early usually means fewer boats milling around when you arrive, and the whole day feels less rushed in those first couple hours.

This is also a small-group-style outing. The cap is 35 people, and on a boat that comfortably handles a modest crowd, you’re more likely to move around and actually enjoy your space—especially important when you’re spending time on deck in the sun.

Finally, it’s an all-day format (about 8 hours). You’re not just “passing by” a couple views. You’re out there long enough to swim, snorkel, eat, and still have time to relax on the islands.

Getting aboard Wind Dancer: comfort, crew, and vibe

Wind Dancer (run by Passion Oceane) is a catamaran, and that shape helps it feel more stable than you might expect—still, it’s the ocean, so waves can happen. One thing I like from the way people describe the experience is that the crew runs it like a real day on the water, not like a script that never changes.

Captain Marcel plus crew members Paul and Stefan show up again and again in the feedback. You’ll feel it in the pacing: people are brought back on time, snorkeling gear gets sorted, and lunch doesn’t feel like an afterthought.

Music is part of the atmosphere, but the tone stays reasonable. The onboard vibe is “fun but workable,” which is what you want when you’ll be snorkeling and then sitting in the sun. And if you’re the type who appreciates small kindnesses—like staff helping you spot wildlife—you’ll likely have those moments too. In at least one sailing, a crew member helped a passenger get eyes on a turtle in the lagoon.

Snorkeling on this cruise: what’s included and where it shines

The snorkeling equipment use is included, so you don’t need to hunt for rentals or manage last-minute checkout lines. This is a big deal in Mauritius. Reef time is the heart of the day, and having gear ready cuts the hassle.

Here’s what you should expect from the snorkeling flow:

• You’ll snorkel at the island areas (including Flat Island and a stop at Gunner’s Quoin).
• There’s also a return-day stop where you can swim/snorkel among reef fish, often described like a natural aquarium.
• Some people find the first snorkeling moment a bit intense, especially if the water feels deep or if mask fiddling throws you off. If you’re new to snorkeling, give yourself permission to go slow, take a few breaths to get your rhythm, and don’t force depth.

What tends to be the standout snorkeling for many people is Flat Island’s lagoon area. One of the most repeated points is that Flat Island delivers the best fish action. Gunner’s Quoin also offers reef fish, but the “quality” can vary based on conditions and how you personally handle the experience at each stop.

Quick practical tips that help

• Bring reef-safe sunscreen and reapply when you’re back on deck.
• If you get anxious in the water, spend extra time getting comfortable with the snorkel mask before you go out.
• Pack a cover-up for the ride. Several people note you can get burned during longer stretches, even when you’re not sweating.

The three island stops you’ll actually remember

This route is built around Northern Isles scenery and a mix of swimming + beach time. It’s not just one long “anchor and swim” moment. It’s a sequence: cruise, snorkel/shore time, eat, then more island time and a final reef opportunity.

Flat Island: lagoon swim plus relaxed beach time

Flat Island is where the day gets playful fast. You’ll have time to snorkel in the lagoon and also just enjoy the sand and calm water vibe. The high sea cliffs in the wider area (seen around Gunner’s Quoin/Coin de Mire) are the background drama—towering cliffs with seabirds nesting on them.

You’ll typically get around 90 minutes here. That’s long enough to do one solid swim session, take a breather on shore, then head back for another look if you still want more.

Gabriel Island: beach breaks and the sandbar feel

Gabriel Island is best known for its sandbar and the easy “drop-in” feeling of the spot. You’re dropped off and given time to swim, lounge, and stroll. Many people treat this as the “time to recharge” island: less about chasing fish and more about enjoying the beach-water combo.

The stay here is often around 60 minutes. That’s not an all-day beach, but it’s a good match for the full-day structure. You’ll probably feel like you want more time—but it keeps the day from running too late.

Gunner’s Quoin (Coin de Mire): cliffs outside + a reef swim stop

Gunner’s Quoin is famous for its dramatic cliffs. In this itinerary, you get the scenery without necessarily walking onto the island itself. It’s one of those places where the view is part of the experience: tropicbirds are seen soaring and gliding near the nesting areas, and you may also notice Round Island and Snakes Island from a distance.

On the return journey, you get a stopover where you can swim and snorkel in a reef area described like a natural aquarium, with colorful reef fish. This is a great “second chance” moment for snorkeling. If the first swim session didn’t click for you, this stop can help make up for it.

Lunch, tea, coffee, and alcohol: what you really get onboard

The onboard meal is a major part of why this cruise feels worth the money. Lunch is included, and it’s served as a BBQ-style onboard meal. People describe it as fresh and delicious, and there’s a solid range: salads, baguette, fish, chicken, and sausages are all mentioned.

Drinks are included too:

• Soda/pop
• Tea and coffee
• Bottled water
• Alcoholic beverages for those who want them

You don’t need to plan where you’ll eat or guess what lunch costs at the islands. That’s a hidden value point: you’re spending your time on water and beaches, not doing meal math.

Also, the pacing helps. Lunch happens in the middle of the day, so you’re not starving before the best swimming or too full right before it.

Sea conditions: the one drawback to plan for

This cruise runs on real ocean time. That means you should respect wave conditions.

One common caution: on rougher sea days, the experience can feel less relaxing, especially during earlier snorkeling moments when the water is choppier. If you’re prone to seasickness, this is the time to plan ahead.

What to do to reduce discomfort

• Wear something you can get wet without worrying, and use cover-ups for sun and wind.
• Consider seasickness medication if you know you react to boats.
• Keep your focus on the next step: stabilize, breathe, then snorkel when you’re ready.

The good news is that the staff usually keeps things organized, even when conditions aren’t perfect. And some people note the return journey can be fully sail powered, which can feel calmer than engine-driven stretches—though water conditions still rule the day.

How long the day takes (and how to make it feel shorter)

You’re looking at about 8 hours total. That’s a long stretch, but it’s paced across different activity “zones”:

• Morning cruise to the first island area
• Lagoon time and/or snorkeling at Flat Island
• Lunch onboard
• Beach break at Gabriel Island
• Scenic sailing around Gunner’s Quoin/Coin de Mire
• Final swim/snorkel stop at the reef area before heading back

To make the day feel smoother, treat it like a schedule of mini-holidays: water time, sun time, food time, repeat. You don’t need to be in constant “adventure mode.”

Who this Northern Isles catamaran is best for

This tour fits best if you want a one-day Northern Isles overview with real swim time and minimal extra logistics.

You’ll probably love it if you:

• Want a value-packed full day that includes snorkeling gear, lunch, and drinks
• Enjoy beaches plus reef snorkeling in the same outing
• Prefer a smaller group (up to 35 people) and a crew that’s attentive
• Like scenery—cliffs and seabirds included—not just flat beach views

You might want to choose something else if:

• You’re very sensitive to choppy water and don’t handle boat motion well
• You’re expecting a calm, spa-like cruise where snorkeling happens effortlessly at every stop

Should you book Wind Dancer for the Northern Isles?

I’d book this if your top priorities are snorkeling time, island time, and not having to pay separately for lunch and drinks. For the listed price (about $81.42 per person), the included snorkeling equipment, lunch, tea/coffee, soft drinks, bottled water, and optional alcohol add up fast. You’re buying a full day that’s structured, not just “go see the islands.”

My only real hesitation is sea conditions. If you know you get seasick, be ready with a plan. If the forecast looks rough, you’ll also want to remember the trip depends on good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund—so you’re not stuck.

If you’re going to Mauritius and you want the Northern Isles experience without spending the whole day coordinating transport, this is one of the most straightforward ways to do it.

FAQ

What time does the cruise start?

You meet in the Grand Baie area around 7:45am, with the activity start time listed as 8:00am.

How long is the cruise?

Plan on about 8 hours for the full-day experience.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included.

Which islands are included?

This cruise includes stops around Flat Island, Gabriel Island, Gunner’s Quoin (Coin de Mire), and additional time in the Northern Isles area.

Is lunch included, and what is it like?

Yes. Lunch is included onboard, described as a BBQ lunch with items like salads, baguette, fish, chicken, and sausages, plus other meal components.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The tour includes tea/coffee, soda/pop, bottled water, snacks, and alcoholic beverages for those who want them.

Where do I meet the tour?

The meeting point is listed as Angle de la Route Côtière et Rue de la Salette, B11, Grand Baie, Mauritius.

Is there transportation included?

No. Private transportation is not included, and there’s no air-conditioned vehicle included.

What’s the group size limit?

The maximum group size is listed as 35 travelers.

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