Grand Bay: Catamaran Cruise to Flat Island with BBQ Lunch

Flat Island is the prize here: a low, open island north of Mauritius with a beach, lagoon, walking space, and fewer signs of development than the main coast. The trip begins with a small-boat transfer from Grand Baie beach, then opens into a full day on the water with views toward Cap Malheureux, Pereybere, and Coin de Mire.

I like the easy mix of swimming and free time, and I like that lunch includes fish, chicken, salad, bread, dessert, and drinks rather than leaving you to pack a meal. The main caution is comfort: boats can carry more than 50 people, seating may be limited, and loud music has been a real issue for some passengers.

Key points to know before you book

• Flat Island sits about 11 kilometers north of Cap Malheureux, near Round Island at the northern end of Mauritius.
• The day starts with a dinghy transfer from Grand Baie beach, not a direct step aboard the catamaran from a pier.
• Lunch includes BBQ fish and chicken, salad, bread, dessert, and drinks, including beer, wine, local rum, water, and cola.
• Snorkeling depends on sea and weather conditions, and you do not land on Coin de Mire.
• Group size can exceed 50 people, with limited cockpit and dining seats on some departures.
• Expect a lively boat atmosphere, since loud music has been a repeated complaint, especially if you want a quiet sail.

Sailing north from Grand Baie

The first practical detail is the meeting point: you go to the beach at Grand Baie, where a staff member is assigned to welcome you. From there, a small boat carries you out to the catamaran. This is a simple transfer, but you should be ready to step through shallow water or board from the beach, and you will want swimwear already under your clothes.

Once aboard, the route follows the northwest coast of Mauritius. Keep your camera ready for views of Grand Baie, Pereybere, and Cap Malheureux. These coastal sights give the journey more substance than a simple point-to-point boat ride, especially when the wind is up and the catamaran is under sail.

The sea can also change the mood quickly. One departure faced strong wind, rain, and rough water on the way to Flat Island. The skipper handled the conditions safely, but adults still had to hold on firmly. If you are prone to seasickness, bring motion-sickness tablets. That is one of the most useful pieces of preparation for this trip.

The operator may change the boat or timing when conditions are poor. That is not a minor detail in Mauritius, where a sunny beach can still come with rough water offshore. A day-before WhatsApp message with the arrangements has been used on at least some departures, so keep an eye on your phone.

What Île Plate offers once you arrive

Île Plate, or Flat Island, lies near Round Island at the far north of Mauritius. It is known here for its open beach, lagoon, trails, and quiet natural setting. You get free time rather than a tightly scripted island walk, which lets you choose between swimming, sunbathing, strolling, and looking for wildlife.

The island is not presented as a place packed with attractions. Its value is the lack of them. You can walk, sit near the beach, and enjoy a break from the busier resort areas. Bring a towel, sunscreen, and water-friendly clothing, since the best use of your time is likely to involve getting wet.

A special sight is the endemic bird called Paille en Queue. Keep your eyes open while walking around the island, although the trip does not promise a dedicated bird-watching session. The natural setting is best enjoyed at an unhurried pace, with no expectation of a long guided hike.

There is an important timing point. The advertised duration is seven hours, but the amount of time actually spent on Flat Island can vary. One account had only about an hour on the island, making the outing feel more like a catamaran cruise with an island stop than a full island visit. If your priority is exploring Flat Island on foot, ask about the expected landing time before you commit.

Swimming and snorkeling around the northern islands

Swimming is one of the stronger parts of the day. At Flat Island, you can swim in the lagoon at your own pace and according to your ability. That makes the activity workable for mixed groups, since you are not required to join a demanding guided water session.

Snorkeling is also included, but conditions matter. The boat may stop for snorkeling at sea on the return journey if the weather and water are suitable. You may also snorkel around the islands at your own pace. Equipment details are not specified, so ask the operator what is supplied before assuming you need nothing beyond swimwear and a towel.

The boat passes as close as possible to Coin de Mire, a striking island near the northern coast, but you do not set foot on it. You can snorkel around the area when conditions allow. This distinction matters if you are choosing the trip for island landings: Coin de Mire is a scenic and marine stop, not another island visit.

Water time is flexible rather than highly structured. That is good if you want to swim without being hurried. It also means you need to judge your own limits, particularly if the sea is rough or the current feels strong. Pregnant women should not join this activity.

BBQ lunch, drinks, and the dining setup

Lunch is designed to keep the day self-contained. The meal includes BBQ fish and chicken with bread, salad, and dessert. Drinks listed for the outing include beer, wine, local rum, water, and cola, with juice and other soft drinks also available.

The food is a useful part of the $70 price because you are spending most of a day away from Grand Baie. You do not need to find a restaurant on Flat Island, and the included drinks make the price easier to justify for people who plan to swim, sail, and stay out until the return.

Still, keep your expectations practical. Food quality and serving arrangements have not been consistent on every departure. One account described the lunch and included drink as poor, while another found the lunch very good. There has also been a change in setting: although lunch is described as being served on the island, at least one departure had the buffet on the boat.

Seating is the bigger concern. On a busy departure with more than 50 people, there may be roughly 40 seats in the cockpit and only about 10 places at a table. You might end up eating from your lap rather than at a proper table. That will not ruin lunch for everyone, but it is worth knowing if you need a calm, comfortable meal or are traveling with older family members.

How lively is the catamaran?

This is not automatically a quiet sailing trip. Loud music from morning until the end of the day has been a repeated complaint. The atmosphere may suit you if you like a party boat, but it can be tiring if you mainly want to hear the water, wind, and sails.

The mood also depends on the crowd and the crew. Some departures have had a friendly, capable crew and careful handling in difficult weather. Other accounts describe staff as less helpful. I would treat this as a lively group excursion, not a private cruise with personal service.

Group size affects nearly everything: boarding, access to shade, seating, lunch, and the amount of space around the swimming areas. The catamaran format gives you a broad view of the sea, but it does not guarantee a seat in the cockpit or a table at lunchtime.

If you want a more peaceful day, ask whether a smaller or VIP sailing option is available. The information provided does not confirm a specific alternative, but the question is worth asking before booking. If you enjoy music and social energy, the standard trip may be a better match.

Is $70 a fair price?

At $70 per person, this is a reasonably complete full-day outing. The cost covers the catamaran ride, dinghy transfers, lunch, listed drinks, swimming, and snorkeling stops. You are also paying for access to a northern-island route that would be difficult to arrange as casually on your own.

The value is strongest when you use the whole package. If you eat the BBQ lunch, enjoy the drinks, swim, and want a day on the water, the price is easier to defend. It is less attractive if you are mainly interested in spending several quiet hours walking on Flat Island, since the island stop may be shorter than expected.

The price also does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. You must make your own way to Grand Baie beach, then locate the assigned welcome person midway along the beach. Allow time for this meeting and for the dinghy transfer, since you are not boarding at a conventional dock.

The trip offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. The schedule can change when weather conditions are unsuitable, so keep your plans flexible if this cruise is important to your holiday.

Who will enjoy this day most?

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want one activity that combines sailing, a beach stop, swimming, food, and drinks. It suits couples, groups of friends, and families with older children who can manage a beach transfer and rougher water.

It is also a good fit if you prefer freedom over a tightly managed program. At Flat Island, you can decide how much time to spend swimming, walking, or sitting in the sun. The French and English guide service helps make the outing accessible to a broad range of visitors.

I would be more cautious if you dislike loud music, crowded boats, or informal dining. People seeking quiet, polished service should look for a smaller sailing. You should also think twice if you are prone to seasickness, since rough conditions have caused widespread nausea on at least one outing.

Families with young children need to pay close attention to the sea forecast. A crew has previously changed boats and advised against taking children out in strong swell, a sensible safety decision. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women.

What to bring and how to prepare

Pack swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Since the day includes a beach transfer and several chances to swim, you will be most comfortable in clothes that dry quickly and shoes that can handle sand or wet boarding.

Bring motion-sickness medication if you need it. Strong swell has affected the route, and the open sea between Grand Baie and the northern islands can be much rougher than the water near the beach.

Keep your camera protected from spray. The route offers photo opportunities around Grand Baie, Pereybere, Cap Malheureux, Coin de Mire, and the northern islands, but the boat environment is wet and exposed.

Finally, check the weather update before leaving your hotel. The date and time can change when conditions are unsuitable, and the operator may use a different boat when safety requires it.

Should you book the Flat Island cruise?

Book it if you want an active, social day at sea and you see Flat Island as one part of a larger outing. The best features are the northern-island scenery, flexible swimming time, included BBQ meal, drinks, and the chance to snorkel near Coin de Mire when the sea cooperates.

Think twice if your main goal is peaceful sailing or a long, quiet island walk. Crowding, loud music, limited seating, rough water, and a shorter-than-expected island stop can change the experience. For $70, it is a fair package, but it is best approached as a lively catamaran party with a Flat Island visit, not as a refined private sailing or a full island expedition.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise meet?

The meeting point is on Grand Baie beach. A representative is assigned to welcome you midway along the beach.

How do I get from the beach to the catamaran?

You first take a small boat, or dinghy, from Grand Baie beach to the catamaran. Dinghy shuttles are also used for transfers to the beach and island.

How long does the activity last?

The stated duration is seven hours. Starting times depend on availability, and the schedule can change if weather conditions are unsuitable.

What islands can I see?

The route goes to Île Plate, also called Flat Island, near Round Island. The boat also passes as close as possible to Coin de Mire, but you do not land there.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling and swimming stops are included. Snorkeling at sea depends on suitable weather and sea conditions, and you can snorkel around the island area at your own pace.

What food is served for lunch?

Lunch includes BBQ fish and chicken, bread, salad, and dessert. The listed drinks include beer, wine, local rum, water, cola, juice, and other soft drinks.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must reach the meeting point at Grand Baie beach yourself.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in French and English.

Can pregnant women join the cruise?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for pregnant women.