Grand Bay: Catamaran Cruise to Flat Island with BBQ Lunch

Flat Island is the star here: a low, quiet island north of Mauritius with bright lagoons, open beach, and a sense of space that is hard to find on a busy resort coast. I like the chance to snorkel at your own pace and the simple pleasure of eating grilled fish and chicken with a cold drink after time in the water. The boat ride also gives you good views toward Cap Malheureux, Pereybere, and Grand Baie.

The catch is that this is not a quiet sailing retreat. Music can be very loud for much of the day, seating may be tight when the catamaran is full, and rough seas can make the crossing uncomfortable. I would choose it for a social day on the water, not for peace and solitude.

Key points to know before booking

• Flat Island is about 11 kilometers north of Cap Malheureux, near Round Island at the far north of Mauritius.
• You board from Grand Baie by small dinghy, then climb onto the catamaran offshore.
• The day lasts seven hours, with beach time, swimming, snorkeling, an island walk, lunch, and drinks.
• Lunch includes fish, chicken, bread, salad, and dessert, with beer, wine, rum, water, and soft drinks provided.
• Coin de Mire is viewed from the water only, and you do not go ashore there.
• Strong weather can change the schedule or boat assignment, so keep your plans flexible.

Setting out from Grand Baie by dinghy

The morning begins on the beach at Grand Baie. You meet a staff member roughly midway along the beach, then take a small boat out to the catamaran. This transfer is worth noting if you dislike uncertain boarding arrangements: you do not simply walk from a pier onto the vessel.

Once aboard, the catamaran heads north along the coast. Keep your camera ready for views of Grand Baie, Pereybere, and Cap Malheureux. The coast looks best from the sea, where the beaches and headlands line up in a broad sweep rather than appearing as separate resort stops.

The boat ride is part of the experience, not just transport. With a seven-hour day, you have enough time for the crossing, island time, lunch, and a return sail. Still, the sea can be rough. One departure had heavy rain and strong waves, and even adults needed to hold on firmly. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring suitable medication. The provided information specifically warns that weather can change the date or time, and that warning matters here.

A boat change can also happen for safety reasons. On one occasion, the crew moved passengers to a different catamaran because the original booking included families with children and the conditions were judged too rough for them. That is a sensible decision, but it shows that your exact boat is not always fixed.

Reaching Île Plate, the flat island of the north

Île Plate, called Flat Island in English, sits near Round Island, about 11 kilometers north of Cap Malheureux. It is a striking contrast to the developed coast. The island offers open beach, shallow water, trails, and a slower pace.

You reach the beach by dinghy shuttle. That means a second small-boat transfer after the catamaran ride, so expect to get wet around the feet and legs. Wear swimwear under your clothes and keep cameras and phones protected from splashes.

Once ashore, you have free time rather than a tightly guided walk. You can stretch out on the beach, swim in the lagoon, or follow the island paths. I like this loose arrangement because you can match the day to your energy. If you want water time, you can snorkel. If you have had enough sun, a short walk and a shaded rest may suit you better.

The natural setting is the main attraction, not a long list of monuments or organized activities. The island is peaceful, and the free time gives you room to notice small details. Look for the paille en queue, the distinctive white tropical bird associated with Mauritius. You may also find that the island feels more rewarding when you leave some time simply to sit and watch the water.

One practical warning: the amount of time on the island may vary. A departure recorded only about an hour of island time, making it much more of a catamaran outing than an island exploration day. The advertised plan allows free time on Flat Island, but weather, sea conditions, group movement, and lunch arrangements can affect how long you actually spend ashore.

Snorkeling in the northern lagoons

Snorkeling is included, but the format is fairly informal. You can swim and snorkel according to your own ability rather than joining a demanding guided session. That is helpful for mixed groups, since confident swimmers can spend longer in the water while less confident swimmers can stay close to shore or take a break.

The northern islands are known for tropical fish, and the snorkeling is one of the strongest reasons to book this outing. You can snorkel near the island, and if sea and weather conditions are good, the crew may also stop in open water on the return journey.

Do not confuse Coin de Mire with a landing stop. The catamaran passes as close as possible to the island, but you do not set foot there. The activity includes time to snorkel around the island at your own pace, subject to conditions, but the day is not a visit to Coin de Mire itself.

The word subject to conditions is important. Rough water can make snorkeling unpleasant or unsafe, and the crew may shorten or skip an open-water stop. You should be comfortable making your own decision about entering the sea. There is no promise that every planned water stop will happen in the same form on every departure.

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. The sun can feel strong even when wind makes the air seem cool. Keep applying sunscreen, especially during the boat ride, when you may not notice how much exposure you are getting.

BBQ lunch, drinks, and the seating question

Lunch is planned as a barbecue of fish and chicken, served with bread, salad, and dessert. Drinks include beer, wine, local rum, water, and Coke, with juice and other soft drinks also available. For a $70 price, that food and drink package adds real value, especially because you are out for seven hours rather than taking a short harbor cruise.

The meal is straightforward rather than gourmet. I would think of it as a filling beach barbecue, not a restaurant lunch. The fish and chicken give you a choice, while bread and salad make the plate more substantial after swimming.

There is some uncertainty about where lunch is served. The main plan describes a meal on Île Plate, but one departure served the buffet on the boat instead. That may depend on weather, beach conditions, group size, or the operator’s arrangement that day. Ask at check-in if eating on the island is especially important to you.

Group size can affect the meal. One departure had more than 50 people, with about 40 seats in the cockpit and only around 10 places at a table. In that situation, some people ate from their laps. This is a key distinction between a casual shared cruise and a small-group sailing trip.

The same applies to personal space. A full catamaran may feel lively and sociable, but it will not give every person a prime seat or a quiet corner. If you picture a calm lunch with room to spread out, this may disappoint you. If you are happy with an informal picnic-style meal, it is easier to accept.

Music, atmosphere, and the size of the boat

The mood leans toward a party cruise. Loud music can run from morning until the end of the trip, and that has been a serious drawback for some passengers. The crew is described as friendly on some departures, but the level of service can vary when the boat is crowded.

You should book this with the right expectation. The sound system may be a major part of the atmosphere, not background decoration. Younger groups and anyone who enjoys a lively soundtrack may have a good time. If you want to hear wind in the sails, the sea, and little else, choose a smaller or more private sailing option instead.

The catamaran offers a good platform for views, but seating is not guaranteed to feel generous. A large group can mean standing, sharing benches, or eating without a proper table. That does not cancel out the scenery or the water stops, but it affects comfort during a long seven-hour day.

I would also avoid treating the word catamaran as a promise of luxury. This is an included-food-and-drinks excursion with shared transport and informal seating. The value comes from covering a lot in one day, not from polished service or a premium onboard setup.

Is $70 a fair price?

At $70 per person, the tour is reasonably priced if you want several elements bundled together. You receive the catamaran trip, dinghy transfers, lunch, drinks, swimming, snorkeling, and a full day on the water. Paying separately for transport, food, and a boat trip could easily make a self-planned day less simple.

The value becomes weaker if you mainly want a long, quiet visit to Flat Island. The time ashore may be limited, and the boat can be crowded. You are paying for the complete outing, including the coastal cruise and social atmosphere, not just for island access.

Hotel pickup is not included. You must make your own way to Grand Baie beach, then find the assigned welcome person midway along the beach. That is manageable if you are staying nearby, but it adds a small planning task for anyone based elsewhere in Mauritius.

The flexible booking terms help if your schedule is uncertain. You can reserve and pay later, and cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Weather can affect the date and time, so do not build an important onward connection around this cruise.

Who will enjoy this northern-island day?

I would recommend it to you if you want a broad Mauritius experience in one outing: sea views, a beach, snorkeling, a barbecue, drinks, and a glimpse of the northern islands. It works especially well for people who enjoy informal group activities and do not need every minute organized.

It also suits swimmers who prefer to choose their own pace. You can take a short dip, spend longer snorkeling, walk the island, or stay on the sand. The mix is useful for couples or families with different interests, although rough conditions may not suit young children or anyone who struggles on boats.

I would be cautious if you are pregnant, since the activity is specifically not suitable for pregnant women. I would also think twice if you dislike loud music, crowded boats, eating without a fixed table, or open-sea motion.

The day received an overall rating of 3.9 out of 5, which fits the picture: strong scenery, swimming, fish, and crew effort on the plus side, with music, group size, sea conditions, and inconsistent lunch arrangements on the minus side.

Should you book the Flat Island catamaran?

Book it if you want an active, social day and see Flat Island as one part of a larger sea outing. The northern coast views, tropical fish, free time on the beach, and included barbecue make $70 fair for many visitors.

Skip it if your priority is quiet sailing, a small group, a guaranteed island lunch, or a long stretch of uninterrupted time ashore. In that case, look for a more private or premium boat trip.

My practical advice is simple: check the forecast, bring motion-sickness medicine if you need it, protect your phone during the dinghy transfers, and expect loud music. With those limits in mind, this can be a memorable way to see the islands north of Mauritius without arranging each part yourself.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart?

The meeting point is on Grand Baie beach, roughly midway along the beach. A staff member will be assigned to welcome you.

How do I get from the beach onto the catamaran?

You first take a small dinghy from the beach, then climb onto the catamaran offshore. Dinghy shuttles are included.

How long does the activity last?

The cruise lasts about seven hours. Starting times depend on availability and should be checked when booking.

What is included in the lunch?

The barbecue includes fish and chicken, along with bread, salad, and dessert.

Which drinks are included?

Provided drinks include beer, wine, local rum, water, Coke, juice, and other soft drinks.

Can I snorkel during the cruise?

Yes. Snorkeling and swimming stops are included, and you can snorkel at your own pace according to your ability. An additional sea stop may happen if weather and sea conditions are suitable.

Do I visit Coin de Mire Island?

No. The catamaran passes as close as possible to Coin de Mire, but you do not go ashore there. Snorkeling around the island may be available.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Motion-sickness medication is also a practical choice if you are sensitive to rough seas.

Can pregnant women join this activity?

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