Catamaran Full-Day 3 island Northern Isles Cruise in Grand Baie

The main draw here is simple: this is a full day on the water that combines three northern-island stops with snorkeling, beach time, lunch, and drinks. You leave from Grand Baie, cruise past Gunner’s Quoin, visit Flat Island and Gabriel Island, then stop at a natural aquarium near Gunner’s Quoin before returning.

I like the easy rhythm of the day. You can snorkel, swim, sunbathe, or simply enjoy the catamaran, and the included barbecue lunch is fresh and plentiful. I also like the friendly Wind Dancer crew, especially Captain Marcel, Paul, and Stefan, who have earned praise for attentive service and a relaxed atmosphere.

The main caution is the sea. The return crossing can bring large waves, and the ride may feel rough if you are prone to seasickness. Cover up with clothing and sunscreen, since the long ride back offers plenty of sun and wind.

Key Points to Know Before You Sail

• Three northern islands in one day: The route includes Flat Island, Gabriel Island, and Gunner’s Quoin, with Round Island and Snake Island visible farther away.
• Best snorkeling is not guaranteed at every stop: Flat Island and the Gunner’s Quoin aquarium are the strongest prospects, while conditions can vary at the other sites.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Expect a barbecue meal, salads, bread, soft drinks, water, tea, coffee, snacks, and alcoholic drinks.
• Small-group feel: The advertised maximum is 35 people, while one account described a boat carrying about 25 and still feeling uncrowded.
• Early meeting in Grand Baie: Meet at Grand Baie Public Beach near the corner of B11 and Rue de la Salette at about 7:45 a.m. for an 8 a.m. departure.
• Open-sea conditions matter: Rough water can make snorkeling difficult, especially for anyone uncomfortable wearing a mask or staying afloat in deeper water.

Setting Out From Grand Baie at 8 a.m.

The day begins at Grand Baie Public Beach, at the junction of the coastal road and Rue de la Salette. The meeting point is easy to reach and close to public transportation, but you should arrive early enough to find the beach pickup point and get organized before departure.

The boat may be reached from the beach by a small tender, rather than by walking straight onto the catamaran. That short transfer is part of the outing, so wear footwear you can remove easily and keep your phone, wallet, and camera in something that can handle splashes.

The catamaran is Wind Dancer, operated by Passion Oceane. The boat is described as clean and well kept, with room for up to 35 people. One account found that a group of roughly 25 still felt pleasantly open, which matters on an eight-hour trip. You want enough room to move between the shaded and sunny areas without feeling packed against the next person.

The first hour is an easy cruise toward the northern islands. This is not just transport between stops. You get broad sea views, a chance to settle into the boat, and views of Gunner’s Quoin, also called Coin de Mire. Its steep cliffs rise sharply from the sea and provide nesting areas for tropicbirds.

Keep your eyes open for Round Island and Snake Island in the distance. The route may also offer a chance to see dolphins or whales, though these sightings are not guaranteed. The point is to enjoy the crossing as part of the day, not treat it as a promise of wildlife.

Flat Island: The Strongest Snorkeling Stop

Flat Island is one of the first major stops and often the best place for snorkeling. The water around the island can be clear enough to reveal colorful reef fish, and snorkeling equipment is supplied as part of the price.

This stop combines water time with a chance to enjoy the beach. You can swim in the lagoon, use the provided mask and equipment, or stay on the sand and enjoy the setting. One schedule described roughly 90 minutes at Flat Island, though the exact time can depend on sea conditions and the day’s running order.

The snorkeling here is not a pool-like activity. You are in open water, and conditions can change. On a calm day, the reward is a close look at reef fish in clear tropical water. On a rough day, the first snorkeling stop can feel exposed, particularly if you are not comfortable using a mask or keeping yourself steady in deeper water.

If snorkeling is important to you, this is the time to make the most of it. Listen carefully to the crew, stay within the area they indicate, and do not assume every stop will offer the same visibility. You can always choose beach time instead of going into the water.

Gabriel Island and Its White Sandbar

Gabriel Island, or Ilot Gabriel, is the prettiest beach stop on the route for many people. Its white sandbar and pale lagoon make it a natural place to slow down after the first swim.

You may be brought ashore for about an hour, with time to bathe, walk, sunbathe, or simply sit on the sand. The island is less about a formal sightseeing program and more about having a beautiful, unhurried break in the middle of the cruise.

That simplicity is part of the appeal. You are not being hurried from one landmark to another. The crew provides the boat transfer, then gives you time to enjoy the beach at your own pace.

Bring protection from the sun. There is plenty of exposure on the sand, and the long return ride adds more hours in direct sunlight. A hat, light long-sleeved clothing, and strong sunscreen are more useful here than extra sightseeing gear.

Barbecue Lunch on the Catamaran

Lunch is served aboard Wind Dancer, usually between the island visits. The meal has been described as fresh and generous, with salads, baguette, fish, chicken, and sausages among the food available. You can eat well without paying extra once you are on the boat.

Drinks are another strong part of the value. The package includes bottled water, soda, tea, coffee, snacks, and alcoholic beverages. Drinks are available with lunch and during the return journey, according to the schedule described for the cruise.

The meal also gives you a useful break from swimming and sun. If you have spent the morning in the water, sitting down to eat on the catamaran feels like a proper pause rather than a snack squeezed between activities.

Music helps set the mood, but it does not appear to be the main event. The atmosphere has been described as lively without excessive volume. That suits this kind of day: enough energy for a little dancing on deck, but still possible to talk and enjoy the sea.

The Return to Gunner’s Quoin

After Gabriel Island and lunch, the catamaran heads toward Gunner’s Quoin for another water stop. You do not land on the island itself. Instead, the boat anchors near its natural aquarium, where you can snorkel among reef fish.

For many people, this is the highlight of the cruise. The water around the island can provide a close look at colorful fish and coral, and the dramatic cliffs make the setting feel different from the low white sand of Gabriel Island.

There is a useful contrast between the two main snorkeling areas. Flat Island is often considered the better place for snorkeling, while Gunner’s Quoin offers the more dramatic setting and a memorable final swim. Neither is guaranteed to be perfect on every date. Wind, swell, water clarity, and the abilities of the people on board all affect how long the boat can safely remain at anchor.

You may also spot a turtle in the lagoon. A crew member has been praised for helping someone see one, but wildlife encounters remain a matter of luck. Enjoy them if they happen, but book this for the islands, snorkeling, and sailing rather than for a guaranteed animal sighting.

The Long Sail Back to Grand Baie

The return crossing can be the quietest and most tiring part of the day. One particularly appealing detail is that the catamaran may sail under wind power for much of the return, creating a peaceful finish when conditions cooperate.

It is also the part most likely to expose you to rough water. Large waves have made the ride uncomfortable for some people, and anyone prone to seasickness should plan ahead. Sit where the movement feels easiest, keep drinking water, and avoid overdoing the alcohol before the crossing is finished.

Sun protection matters even more on the return. The wind can make the heat feel less intense than it is, so you may not notice how much sun you are getting. A cover-up is practical, not just fashionable.

The excursion ends back at the original meeting point in Grand Baie after about eight hours. There is no separate private transfer included, so arrange your own way to the beach at the start and from the beach at the end.

What the $81.42 Price Gets You

At $81.42 per person, this is a strong value if you plan to use the full package. The price includes the catamaran cruise, three island areas, snorkeling equipment, lunch, snacks, water, hot drinks, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages. A full-day boat outing with food and drinks included can cost more once those extras are added separately.

The value is strongest for people who want a complete day rather than a short scenic cruise. You are paying for roughly eight hours on the water, multiple stops, and a meal, not just a boat ride to one beach.

The price is less compelling if you dislike open-water travel or prefer a quiet, private outing. This is a group cruise with up to 35 people, even if the boat may feel less crowded when the booking is smaller. You also do not get private transport or an air-conditioned vehicle.

The booking pattern suggests that people reserve about 29 days ahead on average. That is a useful planning clue, especially if your Mauritius dates are fixed. The departure time is early, and the experience needs suitable weather, so leaving some flexibility in your schedule is sensible.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want several parts of a Mauritius sea day in one outing. It suits couples, friends, and families who enjoy swimming, beach time, a casual meal, and a social boat atmosphere.

It is also a good choice if you want snorkeling gear provided rather than packing your own. You can decide at each stop how active you want to be. Swim with the fish, walk on the sand, sunbathe, or remain on the boat with a drink.

You should think twice if you become seasick easily. The route crosses open water, and rough seas can affect both comfort and snorkeling. The crew can help, but they cannot control the swell.

It may also be less suitable if you need long, guaranteed snorkeling sessions. The day includes several elements, and time at the final snorkeling area can feel short if the group is delayed earlier. Some people have wished for more time at the last site.

Practical Tips for a Better Day

Arrive at the Grand Baie meeting point by 7:45 a.m., even though the listed start time is 8 a.m. The beach departure and tender transfer can take a little organization.

Pack the basics:

• A swimsuit and a dry change of clothes
• A hat, sunscreen, and a long-sleeved cover-up
• A towel, if one is not provided
• Waterproof protection for your phone and valuables
• Motion-sickness medication if you normally need it
• Shoes that are easy to remove for the beach transfer

Use the supplied snorkeling equipment, but bring your own mask if you already have one that fits well. A comfortable mask makes a real difference, particularly when the sea is moving.

Follow the crew’s timing closely. The schedule includes several transfers, lunch, beach visits, and the final snorkeling stop. Delays can reduce time in the water, so returning promptly to the boat is a small courtesy that benefits everyone.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made inside that window are not accepted and the payment is not refunded. The cruise also requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If the operator cancels for either reason, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Should You Book the Northern Isles Cruise?

Book it if you want a full, well-stocked day at sea rather than a brief island transfer. The combination of Flat Island, Gabriel Island, Gunner’s Quoin, snorkeling, barbecue lunch, and drinks gives you plenty for the price.

I would choose it for the friendly crew, the uncrowded feel when numbers are moderate, and the chance to see both reef fish and dramatic offshore cliffs. I would skip it only if rough seas are a serious concern or if you want a private, tightly controlled itinerary.

For most people who enjoy the ocean, this is a practical way to see Mauritius’s Northern Isles in one day. Just respect the early start, protect yourself from the sun, and treat the sea conditions as part of the decision.

FAQ

Where does the Northern Isles cruise start?

The cruise starts at Grand Baie Public Beach, at the corner of the coastal road and Rue de la Salette, on route B11 in Grand Baie, Mauritius.

What time should I arrive?

The meeting time is about 7:45 a.m., with the listed departure time at 8 a.m. Arriving early allows time to find the beach meeting point and board the catamaran by tender if required.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts approximately eight hours and ends back at the original meeting point in Grand Baie.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The route includes Flat Island, Gabriel Island, and Gunner’s Quoin. You may also see Round Island and Snake Island from the water.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The price includes use of snorkeling equipment.

What food and drinks are included?

The package includes lunch, snacks, bottled water, coffee, tea, soda, and alcoholic beverages. The lunch is a barbecue-style meal.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The cruise requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.