Flat Island Catamaran Cruise
Full-Day Sailing to Île Plate from the North Coast · Coin de Mire Sail-By · Snorkelling · BBQ Lunch · Open Bar
Child price on request · Hotel transfer extra · Regular €65.00
Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. No questions asked.
Everything included:
- Full-day catamaran sailing
- Sail-by of Coin de Mire (Gunner's Quoin)
- Time on Flat Island (Île Plate) beach
- Snorkelling stop (gear available)
- BBQ lunch — fish, chicken, sausages, salads
- Unlimited open bar — beer, rum, soft drinks
- Safety equipment & life jackets
About This Flat Island Cruise
Flat Island — known locally as Île Plate — is one of the quieter gems of the Mauritian north coast, and a catamaran cruise is the only comfortable way to reach it. This full-day sailing departs from Grand Baie and carries you past the dramatic silhouette of Coin de Mire before anchoring in the calm turquoise waters that surround Flat Island and its famous lighthouse.
The island itself is exactly what its name promises: a low, flat stretch of white sand crowned by an 18th-century stone lighthouse that still stands sentinel over the northern islets. There are no resorts, no roads, and no crowds here — just powdery sand, shallow swimming water, and one of the most peaceful beaches in Mauritius.
The day is built around relaxed island time. After a gentle morning sail, the catamaran anchors for a snorkelling break over the coral gardens that ring the island, where you will find colourful reef fish in water so clear you can count the sand ripples on the bottom. Then comes a freshly grilled BBQ lunch served on deck, accompanied by an open bar that runs from the moment you step aboard.
What makes this cruise special is the sense of escape. While Île aux Cerfs and Gabriel Island draw the larger crowds, Flat Island feels like a secret — a place where the loudest sound is the water lapping against the hull. If you want a north coast sailing day with genuine peace and quiet, this is the one to book.
Add a return hotel transfer to your Flat Island day
Get picked up from your hotel and dropped back after the cruise — no early-morning drive or parking hassle. The Flat Island cruise is available as a combined package with return hotel transfer included.
Full Day Itinerary
Board at Grand Baie
Step aboard the catamaran at the Grand Baie departure point. The crew welcomes you, the open bar opens, and the boat pushes off into the calm north coast lagoon.
Sail past Coin de Mire
The catamaran glides past Coin de Mire — the distinctive rock islet also known as Gunner's Quoin. Keep your camera ready; the cliff face looks different from every angle and is a seabird sanctuary.
Anchor at Flat Island
Arrive at Flat Island and drop anchor in the shallow turquoise water. Swim ashore or stay on board — the choice is yours. The water here is shallow, warm, and impossibly clear.
Snorkelling the coral gardens
Slip on a mask and explore the coral gardens that surround the island. Parrotfish, butterflyfish, and sergeant majors are regular sightings, and the sandy channels between coral heads make for easy, relaxed snorkelling.
BBQ lunch on deck
The crew fires up the grill for a beach-style BBQ — marinated fish, grilled chicken, sausages, fresh salads, and bread. Eat with your feet dangling over the water and the lighthouse in view.
Return sail to Grand Baie
Re-board for the sail home. The bar stays open, music plays, and the late-afternoon light turns the water to gold. Arrive back in Grand Baie around 16:00.
Food & Beverages
BBQ Lunch
- Grilled marinated fish
- BBQ chicken & sausages
- Fresh salads & bread
- Tropical fruit
Vegetarian option available on advance request.
Open Bar
- Local beer
- Rum & punch
- Soft drinks & juices
- Bottled water
Menu subject to change without prior notice.
Important: Snorkelling equipment may not be provided on all sailings — confirm when booking or bring your own mask for the best fit.
What to Bring
- Swimwear— wear under your clothes
- Towel— not provided on board
- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+)— protect the reef
- Sun hat & sunglasses
- Waterproof phone case or camera
- Your own snorkel mask— recommended — gear may not be provided
Meeting Point & Directions
The catamaran departs from the Grand Baie area on the north coast of Mauritius. Please arrive 15 minutes early to check in with the skipper and crew. If you have booked hotel pickup, your driver will drop you directly at the departure point. Exact jetty location is confirmed on booking.
Important Notes
- Maximum 34 passengers per sailing.
- Sailing is subject to weather and sea conditions.
- Snorkelling equipment may not be provided — confirm at booking.
- Not recommended for pregnant women.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.
Transportation & Hotel Pickup
Return hotel pickup and drop-off is available from most locations across Mauritius for an additional fee. We operate air-conditioned vehicles and confirm your exact pickup time after booking. Self-drivers can park near the Grand Baie departure point.
Hotel pickup is available as an optional add-on. Provide your accommodation when booking and we'll confirm your pickup time.
Guest Reviews
“Flat Island was the quietest, most beautiful stop of our entire trip. The lighthouse is so photogenic and the beach is pure white sand with nobody on it. The BBQ was excellent and the crew were brilliant. Worth it for the peace alone.”
Emma W.
United Kingdom · March 2026
“Loved the sail past Coin de Mire before arriving at Flat Island. The snorkelling was great — so many fish. A much calmer experience than the busier islands. Highly recommend for couples wanting to escape the crowds.”
Luc M.
France · February 2026
“Beautiful day out from Grand Baie. The crew kept the drinks flowing and the music was perfect. The water at Flat Island is so shallow and clear it felt like a swimming pool. We swam for hours. Fantastic value.”
Priya S.
India · January 2026
“The lighthouse island is a hidden gem. BBQ lunch was fresh and generous, open bar ran all day. Only minor note — bring your own snorkel mask as they didn't have enough for everyone. Otherwise a perfect day.”
Mark D.
Australia · December 2025
“We had an amazing full day sailing to Flat Island. The crew were so friendly and knowledgeable about the northern islets. The beach was nearly empty which made it feel incredibly special. Would book again without hesitation.”
Anna K.
Germany · November 2025
“Great cruise with a relaxed vibe. Flat Island is stunning and the water is crystal clear. Departure was slightly delayed but the crew made up for it with great service. The BBQ fish was a highlight.”
Tom R.
Netherlands · October 2025
“Hands down our favourite day in Mauritius. Flat Island felt like a private paradise. Swimming, snorkelling, a delicious lunch and an open bar — everything was perfect. The lighthouse photos are unreal.”
Isabelle G.
Belgium · September 2025
“If you want a peaceful north coast cruise away from the crowds, this is it. The crew were professional and fun. Flat Island is breathtaking. The whole day was relaxed and exactly what we needed.”
James P.
South Africa · August 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Important Notes
- Max 34 passengers per sailing
- Subject to weather & sea conditions
- Snorkel gear: confirm at booking
- Pregnant women: not recommended
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
Prices
Promotional rate. Hotel pickup/drop-off available at additional cost. Private charter available — enquire for pricing.
Also Consider
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