Northern Isles, one boat, one long lunch break.

I love how this day trip strings together three nature-reserve islands—Gabriel, Flat, and Gunners Coin—without turning your day into a bus shuffle. You’ll also get snorkeling time plus a full BBQ lunch on board, so you can focus on water, sun, and the sea view instead of hunting for food. The main trade-off: you’re on the water for hours, so expect a wet, slightly bumpy boat day and possible itinerary tweaks if conditions aren’t great.

What makes the experience feel worthwhile is the mix of downtime and doing-stuff. You get a real beach stop at Gabriel, a second island visit for more swimming and views, and then a potential extra snorkeling moment around Gunners Coin depending on weather and the captain. One more practical note: snorkeling gear isn’t included, and the deck can be slippery, so bring the right things and you’ll have a smoother day.

Quick hits before you sail

• Gabriel + Gunners Coin are your main snorkeling zones, with coral and fish around the island edges
• BBQ lunch and drinks are included, with fish, chicken, sausages, salads, sides, and fruit for dessert
• Snorkeling equipment isn’t included, so plan on bringing your own mask/snorkel (and water shoes if you have them)
• Gunners Coin stop can be brief or skipped, based on tide, sea conditions, and captain discretion
• You’ll be on a wet-deck catamaran, so change clothes and towel matter more than you think

Grand Bay departure and a 7-hour day that usually fits

This is a roughly 7-hour catamaran outing from Grand Bay, and you’ll head back to the jetty around 16h00. That timing is handy because it gives you a full slice of the ocean experience without swallowing your whole day.

One thing to keep in mind: the order of island stops can shift. Safety comes first, so if currents are strong, the sea is rough, or water depth/tide requires it, the schedule may be adjusted. In other words, you’re booking a boat day with a plan, not a guaranteed script.

Gabriel Island: beach time and snorkeling you can actually enjoy

Gabriel Island is the star stop for most people, because you get the chance to go from boat to sand and spend real time in the water. After you disembark, you’ll be able to swim and then snorkel in the surrounding area—often described as coral gardens with marine life around.

Here’s the practical part: snorkeling equipment is not included. If you don’t bring your own mask/snorkel, you’ll be limited to “watch from the surface.” If snorkeling matters to you, pack your gear. Also add reef-friendly footwear if you have it—standing/walking near coral can be more comfortable when your feet are protected.

Another real-world tip: there may not be much (or any) on-island drinking water. Even though the catamaran serves drinks, plan for the beach time itself. Bring a bottle you can grab quickly before you settle in, because midday heat on the island can be intense.

Flat Island: more island time, more sea views, less pressure

Flat Island is your second island visit, and it gives you a change of pace from the main beach stop at Gabriel. The tour is structured so you’re not rushing through the scenery—this is more “island time” than “checklist time.”

What I like about this stop is that it keeps the day varied. You’re on the boat, then you’re on land again, then you’re back in the water. It’s a simple rhythm that works well for most people: swim, rest, take photos, repeat.

If you’re hoping to snorkel at Flat specifically, the tour description focuses snorkeling around Gabriel and Gunners Coin. So treat Flat as extra swim and scenery time, not as the guaranteed main snorkeling moment.

Gunners Coin: an optional nature-aquarium stop for extra snorkeling

Gunners Coin (also written as Coin de Mire on some materials) is the “maybe” stop that can add a lot to your day. On the return journey, the captain may make a brief stop if conditions are right. That’s key: the marine life experience here depends on sea state, weather, and tide.

When the stop happens, you’re essentially in a natural aquarium, with colorful reef fish you can spot while snorkeling. Even a short stop can feel like a different kind of water time—less “beach day” and more “look closer at what’s under the surface.”

Because this part is optional, I recommend mentally booking it as bonus time. If you don’t get the stop, you still have Gabriel’s beach and snorkeling, plus your full lunch and drinks waiting on board.

The BBQ lunch on a catamaran is more than a snack

This is one of the strongest value points of the tour. You get a 3-course lunch on board that’s not just a sandwich and a soda.

The buffet includes:

• BBQ items like fish, chicken, and sausages
• Sides such as green salad, rice, potato, and pasta
• Fresh crudités and warm bread
• Dessert like pineapple or seasonal fruit

Drinks are included too: water, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks (wine, beer) plus local punch and rum. That doesn’t mean you have to “go hard,” but it does mean you won’t be paying extra for a mid-day drink when everyone else is cooking in the sun.

One nice operational detail: the crew may clean and dry the deck after lunch so you can move around more comfortably. On a wet catamaran, that kind of hands-on care matters.

What makes the crew and guides feel dependable

You get a live tour guide in English and French, plus a captain who runs the day with safety in mind. The best sign of a good operation is how they handle water safety—giving instructions, watching sea conditions, and keeping people organized so nobody feels lost on a moving boat.

A fun human detail from one sailing I learned about: children sometimes get a chance to sit near the helm and steer for a short stretch if conditions allow. It’s not something to count on, but it hints at the relaxed, friendly tone the crew can bring.

Wet-deck reality: what to bring so the day stays comfortable

This tour can be wet most of the time. Even if you’re just walking to the snorkel area, you’ll likely get splashed. That’s why the “small packing list” matters.

Bring:

• Change of clothes
• Towel
• Beachwear

And I’d strongly add:

• Your snorkeling gear (mask/snorkel), since equipment isn’t included
• Water shoes if you’ve got them, because reefs can make bare footing uncomfortable
• Sunscreen (you’ll thank yourself later)
• A small waterproof bag for phone/keys if you’re planning to use them near the water

Also, know your limits. The tour isn’t suitable for children under 3, and it’s not recommended for people with mobility impairments. If you have balance issues or you can’t comfortably handle slippery surfaces, this one may feel stressful rather than fun.

Price and value: why $76 can make sense here

At $76 per person for a full catamaran day, you’re paying for more than transportation. You’re getting:

• Catamaran cruise to three islands
• Swim and snorkeling time (with your own equipment)
• Lunch with BBQ food plus sides
• Drinks including alcoholic options

The value equation gets better when you consider what a comparable island day costs when you have to buy lunch and drinks separately. Here, the food and drinks are part of the package, and the day is long enough that the inclusions actually get used.

Two “gotchas” that affect value:

• You still need to bring snorkeling equipment
• There’s no hotel pickup/drop-off included (though it can sometimes be arranged separately for an extra cost)

If you’re staying near Grand Bay and can get yourself to the departure point easily, the overall deal tends to feel solid.

Who this catamaran cruise fits best

I think this tour is a great match if you want:

• A day on the water with multiple island stops
• Snorkeling time, and you’re willing to bring your own gear
• A relaxed pace: swim, eat, rest, repeat
• Included lunch and drinks so your budget stays predictable

You’ll want to skip it (or choose a different format) if you:

• Need a dry, easy-to-walk experience on stable ground
• Are traveling with a very young child (under 3)
• Have mobility limitations that make wet, slippery decks difficult

Should you book Mauritius: Catamaran cruise to 3 Northern Isles with lunch?

If you’re craving a classic Mauritius “boat day with snorkeling and lunch included,” this one is an easy yes—especially because Gabriel Island + BBQ + drinks make the day feel complete. The only reason to hesitate is if you dislike being on the water for hours or you hate the idea that sea conditions can change the plan.

My practical advice: pack for getting wet, bring your snorkeling kit, and use reef-safe footwear if you have it. If you do that, you’re set up for a long, fun day that feels more like a vacation than an obligation.

FAQ

Where does this catamaran tour depart from?

It departs from Grand Bay and returns you to the jetty around 16h00.

How long is the tour?

The total duration is 7 hours.

Which islands are visited?

You visit Flat, Gabriel, and Gunners Coin.

Is snorkeling included, and do I get equipment?

Swim and snorkeling are included, but snorkeling equipment is not included.

What’s included in the lunch?

Lunch is a 3-course meal on board with BBQ items (chicken, fish, sausages), plus salads and sides (green salad, rice, potato, pasta), bread and crudités, and dessert (pineapple or seasonal fruit).

Are drinks included?

Yes. Water, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks are included, including wine, beer, local punch, and rum.

Is hotel pick-up and drop-off included?

No, hotel pick-up and drop-off is not included, though it may be arranged separately for an additional cost.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and beachwear. If you plan to snorkel, bring your own snorkeling gear since it isn’t provided.

What happens if the weather or sea conditions are rough?

The itinerary may change for safety reasons. If conditions are too rough, the trip can be rescheduled with an alternative date, and if an alternative date can’t be arranged you should receive a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for small children or mobility impairments?

No. It’s not suitable for children under 3 and it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

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