Your Island Voyage Mauritius Speed Boat Excursion With BBQ Lunch

The best part of this Mauritius boat trip is its mix of speed, quiet beach time, and good food. You race north from Cap Malheureux to Ilot Gabriel, snorkel in clear water, then slow down for a long BBQ lunch on Ile Plate. Guides Stéphane and Coco handle the boat, safety, food, and local stories.

I like the private group setup, which means your party of up to eight does not share the day with a boatload of strangers. I also like the generous three hours at Ile Plate, enough time for lunch, the old lighthouse, swimming, and simply sitting on the sand. The main consideration is the early start and weather-dependent schedule. Rough water can change the order or cancel the trip.

Key points to know before booking

• Private boat for up to eight: The price is $615.47 per group, so the cost becomes much better when shared by a family or small group.
• Three northern islands in one day: The route includes Ilot Gabriel, Ile Plate, and Coin de Mire, with time for beaches, views, and snorkeling.
• A full beach lunch: Expect seafood, meat, local side dishes, fruit juices, and Mauritian rum at Ile Plate.
• Stéphane and Coco lead the day: The crew is praised for careful boat handling, friendly service, and close attention to safety.
• Several chances to snorkel: Equipment is provided, with sessions at Ilot Gabriel and near Coin de Mire.
• Simple meeting point: You start and finish at Cap Malheureux, near the famous red-roofed church and nearby parking.

Why this northern Mauritius boat trip works so well

Northern Mauritius is at its best from the water. The coast near Cap Malheureux opens onto small islands, pale beaches, and shallow lagoons that are hard to appreciate from land. A speedboat lets you cover a lot of ground without giving up the pleasures of a slow beach day.

This is not just a ride from one beach to another. The route gives you three different moods. Ilot Gabriel is for swimming and snorkeling. Ile Plate offers the longest stop, lunch, and a lighthouse visit. Coin de Mire is more about views, open sea, and one final look below the surface.

The private format changes the feel of the outing. Your group controls the social atmosphere, and the crew can focus on your party rather than trying to keep dozens of people together. That is especially useful for families, couples traveling together, or friends who want a day that feels personal without arranging a fully custom charter.

At $615.47 for up to eight people, this is not a cheap solo excursion. But the price is for the group, not each person. Split eight ways, it works out to about $77 per person before any currency conversion. For four people, it is about $154 each. That includes the boat, safety equipment, guide, snorkeling gear, lunch, and drinks. The value is strongest when you fill most of the available places.

Starting at Cap Malheureux at 8:30 a.m.

Plan to reach Cap Malheureux at least 30 minutes before departure, even though the listed start time is 8:30 a.m. That gives you time to park, find the crew, and deal with sunscreen, towels, bags, and swimwear before the boat leaves.

The meeting point is at 2J8C+365 in Cap Malheureux. If you drive, parking is available near the red-roofed church. This landmark makes the start point easier to identify, but arriving early still matters. A late arrival can be awkward on a boat trip with a fixed route.

The crew begins with a welcome, safety briefing, and outline of the day. That short briefing is important. You will be moving quickly between islands, stepping on and off a boat, and spending time in the water. Safety equipment is included, and the crew places clear attention on safe operation.

The excursion is offered with an English or French guide. Stéphane and Coco are the crew names associated with this outing. Their roles appear to cover the practical side of the day as well as guiding, from boat handling and snorkeling arrangements to the beach lunch.

Ilot Gabriel brings the first swim

The speedboat leaves Cap Malheureux at about 9 a.m. and reaches Ilot Gabriel around 9:45. The ride itself is part of the attraction. You get a fast view of the northern coast, and the boat makes the island route feel more like an outing than a simple transfer.

Ilot Gabriel is the first proper stop, and the pace changes as soon as you arrive. You have a guided walk, free time on the beach, swimming, and a snorkeling session. This is a smart first stop because it gets you into the water early, before the day becomes too hot and before lunch makes you sleepy.

The island’s appeal is simple: sand, shallow water, and open space. The guided walk gives the stop some shape, while the free time lets you choose your pace. You can swim, sit on the beach, or use the provided snorkeling equipment.

Do not expect a long nature trek. The stop lasts about an hour, so the focus is on enjoying the island rather than covering every corner. If snorkeling is important to you, use this time well. Ask the crew where conditions are best, stay aware of the boat’s schedule, and keep your gear together.

The reports of dolphins, turtles, rays, and other marine life make the sea time sound especially appealing, but these sightings are not guaranteed. Wildlife is always a matter of conditions and luck. The reliable promise is the snorkeling opportunity, not a particular animal encounter.

Ile Plate is the heart of the day

At about 11:30 a.m., the boat leaves Ilot Gabriel for Ile Plate. You arrive around noon and spend roughly three hours here, making it the central stop rather than a quick photo break.

Ile Plate gives the day its balance. After a fast boat ride and a swim, you get a proper meal and time to slow down. The beach setting is more relaxed than a restaurant, but the food is described as a full spread rather than a basic packed lunch. Expect seafood, meat, local side dishes, fresh fruit juices, and Mauritian rum.

The food is one of the strongest reasons to consider this trip. A beach BBQ can be hit or miss, especially when a small boat crew is trying to feed a whole crowd. Here, the meal is a major part of the experience, and the service is meant to feel personal. Special diets and food allergies can be handled if you give advance notice or add the information when booking.

The drinks also help make lunch feel local. Fresh juice suits the heat, while Mauritian rum adds a distinctly island touch. If you do drink alcohol, remember that the afternoon still includes a boat ride and snorkeling. Keep your comfort and safety ahead of the holiday spirit.

After eating, you have time to relax on the beach. This is where the private format pays off again. You are not being pushed straight back onto the boat after a quick plate of food. You can settle into the sand, swim, walk, or simply enjoy the open view.

The Ile Plate lighthouse adds a bit of context

The guided visit to the historic lighthouse gives Ile Plate more interest than a beach-only stop. It is a chance to connect the pretty scenery with the practical role these northern islands have played in navigation and coastal travel.

The description does not promise an extensive museum visit or a long historical talk, so keep your expectations measured. Think of the lighthouse as a short cultural and scenic addition to the beach time. It gives you something to see between swimming and lunch, and it helps the island feel like a real place rather than just a sandbar used for a meal stop.

Three hours is generous, but it can also feel long if you do not enjoy sitting on a beach. Bring a book, a hat, or something simple to occupy you between activities. For families, the extra time is useful. Children can eat at an unhurried pace and swim without the whole group being rushed.

Coin de Mire closes the island circuit

The boat leaves Ile Plate at about 2:30 p.m. for Coin de Mire, also called Gunner’s Quoin. Arrival is scheduled for around 3 p.m., followed by about an hour of views, island context, and a final snorkeling session.

Coin de Mire has a different character from the low beach islands. The stop is about the island’s dramatic form and the view from the water. The crew explains its significance and history, giving you more context for the final part of the route.

The last snorkeling session is well timed. You have already had lunch and beach time, so this offers one more chance to get in the water before returning to shore. If your first snorkeling session was brief, you can use this opportunity to ask the crew for advice on where to look and how to make the most of the conditions.

Again, marine life varies. Some outings may bring dolphins, turtles, or rays, while another day may offer mostly fish and clear water. The crew’s care matters here. The strongest praise for Stéphane and Coco centers on attentive service, professionalism, and safety, which is exactly what you want when snorkeling from a speedboat.

The ride back to Cap Malheureux

At about 4 p.m., you head back to Cap Malheureux, arriving around 4:30. The return ride follows the northern coast, giving you a final chance to see the shoreline from the water.

The total day runs about six and a half hours. That is long enough to make the trip feel worthwhile, but short enough to leave your evening free. You return to the same meeting point, so there is no need to arrange a second pickup location.

Private transportation to and from the meeting point is not included. You need to make your own way to Cap Malheureux. Public transportation is nearby, and parking is available near the red-roofed church. If you are staying in Flic en Flac or another part of the island, check the road time carefully. The boat starts early, and the operator recommends arriving 30 minutes before departure.

What to pack for six hours on the water

Keep your packing simple. You should bring:

• Sunscreen
• A hat
• Swimwear
• A towel

You will receive snorkeling equipment, so you do not need to bring your own unless you prefer a personal mask or fins. A waterproof phone pouch could be useful for your own belongings, but it is not listed as an included item.

Wear something comfortable for a boat ride and bring only what you can manage easily. Small islands and beaches are not the place for bulky luggage. You should also tell the operator about allergies or dietary needs in advance. The kitchen team can cater to special requirements when given notice.

The physical level is listed as moderate. You need to manage a speedboat outing, beach movement, swimming, and snorkeling. That does not make this an athletic expedition, but it is not a sightseeing bus either. If you are not confident in the water, tell the guide before entering. The crew can explain the setup and safety arrangements.

Weather matters more than the calendar

The route may change with weather and sea conditions. This is normal for a boat trip, but it is worth understanding before you book. The operator can adjust the order of the islands, alter the timing, or cancel if conditions are poor.

A weather cancellation brings a choice of a different date or a full refund. If you cancel, you need to do so at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Inside that 24-hour window, the payment is not refunded, and changes are not accepted.

That policy rewards early planning. The tour is often booked well ahead, with an average booking lead time of 94 days. If this is a priority part of your Mauritius holiday, reserve early, then watch the forecast as your date approaches.

Who will enjoy this excursion most?

I would choose this trip for a family or friend group that wants several island stops without managing the boat, food, and snorkeling arrangements separately. The private format is also a good fit for couples who value quiet time and do not want a large shared tour.

It suits you if you enjoy variety: a fast ride, a guided walk, swimming, snorkeling, a full lunch, a lighthouse, and coastal views. It is less suitable if you want a slow sailing trip, a long historical tour, or a completely flexible schedule.

Families should like the structure. The morning swim gives children something active to do, the lunch stop provides a proper break, and the final snorkeling session adds another highlight before returning. Adults will appreciate that the middle of the day is not packed with nonstop activity.

Solo visitors should think carefully about the price. Since the charge is per group of up to eight, the value is much better when shared. A solo booking could feel expensive unless you particularly want a private boat experience.

Should you book the Your Island Voyage excursion?

Book it if you want to see the northern islands in one well-organized day and value a private boat over the lowest possible price. The best reasons are the small group, two snorkeling opportunities, a long Ile Plate stop, and a proper BBQ with local drinks.

I would be cautious if your schedule cannot handle an early start, if you dislike changing plans because of weather, or if you are not comfortable in the water. Also check the transfer time from your hotel, since getting to Cap Malheureux is your responsibility.

For a group of four to eight, this is a strong value. Stéphane and Coco provide the kind of attentive service that matters on a water excursion, and the itinerary gives you more than a fast ride and a sandwich. You get beaches, sea time, food, a lighthouse, and the northern coast in one day. That is a satisfying way to see Mauritius from the water.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

The tour starts at 2J8C+365 in Cap Malheureux, Mauritius. You should arrive at least 30 minutes before the 8:30 a.m. start time.

Where does the excursion finish?

The boat returns to Cap Malheureux, the same place where the excursion begins. It is scheduled to finish around 4:30 p.m.

How long does the experience last?

The excursion lasts approximately six hours and 30 minutes, from the morning departure until the return to Cap Malheureux.

Which islands are included?

The route includes Ilot Gabriel, Ile Plate, and Coin de Mire, also known as Gunner’s Quoin.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is served on Ile Plate, with seafood, meat, local side dishes, fresh fruit juices, and Mauritian rum. Special dietary needs and allergies can be handled with advance notice.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the schedule includes snorkeling at Ilot Gabriel and near Coin de Mire.

Is the tour private?

Yes. Only your group participates, with space for up to eight people.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The itinerary can be adjusted because of weather. If the operator cancels due to poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.