Your Island Voyage Mauritius Speed Boat Excursion With BBQ Lunch

Northern Mauritius is at its best from the water, and this private speed boat trip gives you a full day of open sea, small islands, snorkeling, and beach time without sharing the boat with strangers. You’ll visit Ilot Gabriel, Ile Plate, and Coin de Mire, with a BBQ lunch served on the sand.

I especially like the private setup for families and small groups, and the mix of fast boat rides with unhurried island stops. Stephane and Coco handle the boat, safety, food, and guiding, while the lunch includes seafood, meat, local side dishes, fresh juice, and Mauritian rum. The main drawback is the early start and the weather-dependent schedule. If the sea turns rough, the route may change or the trip may be canceled.

Key points at a glance

• Private boat for up to eight: Your group has the speed boat to itself, which makes the day more relaxed and flexible than a large shared cruise.
• Three very different island stops: Ilot Gabriel is good for beach time and snorkeling, Ile Plate combines a lighthouse visit with lunch, and Coin de Mire provides the final scenic and snorkeling stop.
• A real beach BBQ: Lunch is prepared on Ile Plate and includes seafood, meat, side dishes, fruit juice, and Mauritian rum.
• Stephane and Coco lead the day: Their roles include boat handling, safety, guiding, snorkeling support, and meal service.
• Strong value for a full private day: At $615.47 per group of up to eight, the cost works out best when you fill most of the boat.
• Plan for a sea day, not a sightseeing bus: You need a moderate level of fitness, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat.

Why this northern Mauritius boat trip works so well

The appeal here is simple: you get a lot of Mauritius in one morning and afternoon, but the day does not feel like a race from one photo stop to the next. You speed out from Cap Malheureux, pause at small islands, swim in clear water, eat lunch on the beach, and return along the northern coast.

The private format is the biggest advantage. Only your own group takes part, with room for up to eight people. That matters if you are traveling with children, want to keep the day social, or would rather not spend hours beside a large mixed group.

The route also has a sensible rhythm. Ilot Gabriel comes early, when you are fresh for swimming and snorkeling. Ile Plate gets the longest stop, with three hours for the lighthouse, lunch, and beach time. Coin de Mire comes later, giving you one final chance to get in the water before the ride back.

This is not a luxury yacht cruise with a quiet cabin and formal service. It is an active speed boat outing. You should expect wind, sun, spray, and movement on the water. For many people, that is the fun of it. If you prefer a slow, sheltered cruise, this may feel too exposed.

Starting at Cap Malheureux at 8:30

The meeting point is at 2J8C+365 in Cap Malheureux, near the famous red-roofed church. You should arrive at least 30 minutes early, even though the official start time is 8:30 in the morning.

That extra time is useful for finding the boat, parking, and getting settled before the safety briefing. Ample parking is available near the Red-Roofed Church, and the area is also near public transportation. Private transport to Cap Malheureux is not included, so you need to arrange your own way there.

The crew begins with a welcome, a safety briefing, and an explanation of the day. Safety has received particular attention throughout this experience, and the boat comes with the required safety equipment. Snorkeling equipment is also provided, so you do not need to bring your own mask or fins.

Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, and a towel. You should also wear clothing that can handle spray and strong sun. The tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness, mainly because you will spend time on a moving boat, swimming, walking on beaches, and getting in and out of the water.

Ilot Gabriel: an early swim in the northern lagoon

The boat leaves Cap Malheureux at about 9:00 and reaches Ilot Gabriel around 9:45. The ride itself is part of the experience. A speed boat gets you across the water quickly, with open views of the northern islands and coastline.

At Ilot Gabriel, you can take a guided walk, relax on the beach, swim, and snorkel. This is a good first stop because it gives you a chance to settle into the day before lunch. The water is the main attraction, with marine life close to shore and time to explore at your own pace.

The one-hour stop is not long enough for a slow, thorough island walk and a long swim. You will need to choose how you spend it. I would use the guided walk to get oriented, then save most of the free time for swimming and snorkeling.

The beach stop also depends on sea conditions. Clear water and easy swimming are never guaranteed on a boat trip, so keep your expectations flexible. The route can be adjusted when weather conditions change.

Ile Plate: lighthouse, beach, and a proper BBQ lunch

The boat leaves Ilot Gabriel at about 11:30 and reaches Ile Plate around noon. This is the heart of the day, with three hours on the island.

A guided visit includes the historic lighthouse, which adds a little local character to what could otherwise be only a beach stop. The lighthouse gives you something to see between swims and helps explain why these northern islands matter beyond their postcard looks.

Then comes lunch on the beach. The BBQ includes seafood, meat, and local side dishes, with fresh fruit juices and Mauritian rum served as part of the meal. Special dietary needs and food allergies can be handled with advance notice, so you should mention them when booking rather than waiting until the morning of the trip.

The meal is one of the strongest reasons to choose this outing over a bare-bones boat transfer. You are not simply handed a snack and sent back into the water. The food is prepared locally, and the setting gives lunch a clear sense of place.

Still, the beach setting has practical limits. Sand, sun, wind, and saltwater are part of the meal. If you need shade or have difficulty walking on uneven ground, ask about the arrangements before booking. The supplied details confirm the beach setting but do not promise a particular amount of shade or seating.

After lunch, you can relax on the beach. This slower middle section keeps the day from becoming all speed and activity. Families may appreciate the break, while keen swimmers can use the time to return to the water.

Coin de Mire: the final island view and snorkeling stop

At about 2:30, you leave Ile Plate for Coin de Mire, also known as Gunner’s Quoin. The boat reaches the area around 3:00.

Coin de Mire is a dramatic final stop, with broad views and a different feel from the sandy beaches earlier in the day. You can take in the island’s scenery, hear about its history and importance from the guide, and enjoy one last snorkeling session.

The timing is well judged for people who want another swim but do not want to spend the whole afternoon in the water. You have about an hour here before the return trip. If you are tired after lunch and the earlier stops, you can simply enjoy the view instead.

Snorkeling conditions may vary. The description promises equipment and a final opportunity, not guaranteed sightings of particular animals. Some outings have included dolphins, turtles, rays, and other marine life, but you should treat those as possible encounters rather than part of the fixed schedule.

The ride back to Cap Malheureux

The boat leaves Coin de Mire at about 4:00 and reaches Cap Malheureux around 4:30. The return journey follows the northern coastline and gives you a final look at the area from the sea.

By this point, you will have spent roughly six and a half hours outdoors. That makes sunscreen and water protection more important than they may seem at breakfast. The wind on a speed boat can make the ride feel cooler, but the sun remains strong.

The tour ends where it begins, which keeps the logistics straightforward. You do not need to arrange a second pickup point or find your way back from another island.

What $615.47 means for your group

The advertised price is $615.47 for a group of up to eight people. It is not a cheap solo excursion, but the calculation changes when you fill the boat.

With eight people, the cost is about $77 per person. With four people, it is about $154 per person. For a couple, the private format makes it a much more expensive day than a shared cruise, but you are paying for exclusive use of the boat, crew, lunch, equipment, and a six-and-a-half-hour route.

I see the best value for families or groups of friends who would otherwise book several places on a shared boat. You also gain privacy, which can matter more than people expect. You can spend your beach time together, keep the pace comfortable for children, and avoid being tied to the preferences of a large group.

The price includes the BBQ lunch, local drinks, English or French guiding, safety equipment, snorkeling equipment, and certified crew. It does not include transport to Cap Malheureux. You should factor in that extra cost if you are staying elsewhere in Mauritius.

The experience is booked, on average, about 94 days ahead. That suggests you should not leave it until the last minute if the date matters to you, especially if you are visiting during a busy period.

The crew, food, and personal service

Stephane and Coco are central to the feel of this excursion. Stephane is identified as the skipper, and both crew members take care of guiding, safety, hospitality, and the practical details of the day.

That combination matters on a private boat. You are not simply being transported between beaches. The crew needs to keep an eye on sea conditions, explain the stops, organize snorkeling, and serve lunch. The strongest praise has focused on their kindness, professionalism, attention to safety, and ability to make families feel well looked after.

The meal also receives unusually strong attention. Seafood, meat, side dishes, fresh juice, and Mauritian rum give the lunch more substance than the usual sandwich-and-fruit setup. You should still tell the operator about allergies or special diets in advance, since the food is prepared for the group.

The experience has earned seven five-star ratings, with repeated praise for the staff, food, safety, snorkeling, and family atmosphere. One family described seeing dolphins, turtles, and rays, while other outings included memorable snorkeling around the islands. These sightings are encouraging, but nature is not a scheduled performer.

Who should book this experience?

I would recommend this trip to families, couples traveling with friends, and small groups that want a private day on the water. It suits people who like a mix of action and rest rather than six straight hours of swimming.

It is also a good choice if you want northern Mauritius in one outing. You see three islands, a lighthouse, beaches, snorkeling areas, and the northern coastline without arranging separate excursions.

You may want another option if you dislike speed boats, get uncomfortable in wind and spray, or need a fully accessible experience. The activity requires moderate fitness, and the supplied information does not describe accessibility arrangements.

The early start also matters. You need to reach Cap Malheureux by 8:30, preferably by 8:00. That may be inconvenient if you are staying far away or prefer late mornings.

Weather, cancellation, and practical planning

The route depends on good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of required participants is not met.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off follows local Mauritius time.

Because the route may change with weather, do not plan a critical evening flight or fixed appointment immediately after the 4:30 return. The normal schedule ends then, but the sea has the final say.

Bring the basics:

• Sunscreen and a hat
• Swimwear and a towel
• A change of clothes if you dislike staying damp
• Advance details about allergies or dietary needs
• Your own transport plan to Cap Malheureux

Should you book Your Island Voyage Mauritius?

Book it if you want a private northern-island day with real time for beaches, snorkeling, and a full lunch rather than a quick boat transfer. The route is varied, the group size is excellent, and Stephane and Coco add a personal touch that suits families and small parties.

Think twice if you are booking only for guaranteed wildlife sightings or if you prefer a calm, slow cruise. Dolphins, turtles, rays, and good snorkeling are possible, but conditions can change. For a group of six to eight, the price is fair for the boat, crew, food, and length of the day. For two people, it is a splurge, but a well-targeted one if privacy is your priority.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at 2J8C+365 in Cap Malheureux, Mauritius, near the Red-Roofed Church.

What time should I arrive?

The scheduled start time is 8:30 am. You are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes early for a relaxed departure.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, from about 8:30 am until 4:30 pm.

Is the boat private?

Yes. This is a private activity, and only your group participates. The price covers a group of up to eight people.

Which islands does the boat visit?

The route includes Ilot Gabriel, Ile Plate, and Coin de Mire, also called Gunner’s Quoin. The tour begins and ends at Cap Malheureux.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch on Ile Plate is included, along with locally prepared drinks such as fresh fruit juices and Mauritian rum.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and all required boat safety equipment are included.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The itinerary may be adjusted because of weather. If poor weather causes the experience to be canceled, you can be offered another date or a full refund.