Three Islands of the North: Private Boat Trip & Beach BBQ

Exploring Mauritius’ North Islands: A Private Boat Trip & Beach BBQ Experience

Covering the turquoise waters and white sandy beaches of Flat Island, Gabriel Island, and Coin de Mire, this private boat trip with a beach BBQ promises a memorable day in the Indian Ocean. While we haven’t personally joined this tour, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a vivid picture of an activity that combines natural beauty, comfortable organization, and unique moments of tranquility.

What stands out most are the personalized experience with a private boat, the chance to enjoy fresh, delicious food on a remote beach, and the opportunity to snorkel in vibrant marine environments. We also love the flexibility of the tour, which allows early arrivals to beat the crowds and savor the islands almost entirely solo—something truly rare and valuable in popular tourist spots.

A possible consideration is the price point of $880 for up to four people—which offers excellent value for an exclusive day out but might seem steep for budget travelers. This experience is best suited for couples, families, or small groups seeking an authentic, relaxed day in Mauritius’ northern waters, away from the crowds but with all the comforts of a guided trip.

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Key Points

Private and personalized experience with a dedicated guide and exclusive access
Delicious beach BBQ featuring fresh fish, chicken, and local flavors
Excellent snorkeling spots with colorful marine life
Early arrival advantage allows for peaceful, crowd-free exploration
All-inclusive drinks and equipment make the day hassle-free
Best suited for small groups or couples looking for a relaxed, authentic day on the water

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary and Experience

This tour begins at the Mont Choisy Public Beach, a popular starting point that’s easy to reach from Grand Bay. From here, a speedboat whisks you across the waters to Flat Island, a 30-minute cruise that’s comfortably quick and scenic. The early departure is a hit among reviewers, as it allows you to arrive before the larger tour groups and enjoy the pristine beaches with a sense of exclusivity. As one reviewer shared, arriving early meant “the island and snorkeling options are fantastic,” and “for a moment this paradise belonged only to us.”

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Flat Island: The First Stop

Once on Flat Island, you’re greeted with white sands and turquoise waters that are picture-perfect. The island is free of crowds initially, allowing you to relax, sunbathe, or explore. The reviews highlight the well-organized nature of the experience and commend the guides for their friendliness and knowledge. Christian, for example, noted that everything was “well organized” with “great guides” and “good food.” We love the idea of enjoying peaceful, unspoiled beaches, especially since the guides often arrive early to set everything up for your enjoyment.

Gabriel Island & Snorkeling

Next, the boat moves on to Gabriel Island, offering stunning views of Coin de Mire—a highlight for many travelers. Gabriel Island itself is a fantastic snorkeling spot, where you can admire the colorful marine fauna and flora. Romain’s review adds a fascinating detail: “the snorkeling at Coin de Mire was extraordinary,” and being alone on the site made the experience even more memorable. The personalized attention and the chance to see vibrant corals and fish without the usual crowd is a key part of why this tour is praised.

Coin de Mire: The Final Highlight

The last stop is Coin de Mire, renowned for its stunning rocky silhouette and rich marine ecosystem. This is where you’ll find the best snorkeling, with many reviews mentioning the beautiful corals and abundant fish. The guides are noted for their knowledge, sharing insights about the local ecosystem while ensuring safety and fun. Many mention that snorkel gear is included, making it easy to focus on the experience rather than logistics.

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Culinary Delights: Beach BBQ on a Tropical Paradise

One of the tour’s major attractions is the lunch served directly on the beach. The BBQ features fish, chicken, sausages, rice and pasta salads, vegetables, and bread—a hearty feast that complements the stunning surroundings. Commenters like Philippe described the experience as “really nice” and appreciated the flambéed banana. The drinks selection is generous, including soft drinks, beer, wine, and rum, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The crew’s attention to detail shines through, creating a relaxed, holiday vibe. Being served fresh, local food in such a scenic setting elevates the experience from typical to truly special. Some reviewers mention that champagne and lobster are available for purchase, providing options for those wanting a bit extra.

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Atmosphere & Authenticity

The combination of good food, excellent company, and stunning scenery makes this part of the day memorable. Many travelers comment on the friendly and attentive crew, with one reviewer noting that their guide, Sameer, was “very nice” and made the experience even better. The laid-back vibe and the chance to enjoy the beach with an almost private feel are what reviewers rave about.

Snorkeling & Marine Discoveries

Snorkeling is a central activity on this tour—an opportunity to see colorful fish, corals, and perhaps even other marine creatures. The inclusion of snorkeling equipment makes it easy to jump in and explore. The reviews emphasize the quality of the snorkeling spots, with Romain describing his experience as “extraordinarily beautiful,” especially since he and others had the site almost entirely to themselves.

The environmental consciousness of the guides, as observed in some reviews, adds to the appeal. They focus on respecting the ecosystem, which enhances the authenticity of the experience and allows for education on local marine life.

Practical Details & Considerations

The tour costs $880 per group of up to 4 people, which can be viewed as excellent value for a tailored, private experience—including snorkeling gear, drinks, and a full BBQ. For travelers wanting a relaxed yet exclusive day, the price is justified, especially considering the ability to arrive early and avoid crowds.

Transportation to Grand Bay isn’t included, so planning your transfer is necessary. The meeting point is conveniently located just in front of La Pagode Restaurant at Grand Bay Beach. Contacting the local provider for special requests—like dietary restrictions or celebrating a special occasion—is encouraged, thanks to their flexible approach.

Timing-wise, the early start is a standout feature—many reviews mention that arriving before other travelers truly enhances the experience. The trip generally lasts until the late afternoon, making it a full but not exhausting day out.

Important Tips

Bring a towel and sunscreen for comfort and sun protection.
Arrive early to maximize the peaceful moments and snap some photos without crowds.
Consider the weather forecast, as the trip is weather-dependent.
No pets, weapons, or alcohol are allowed on the boat, aside from what’s provided or purchased.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This private boat trip is perfect for small groups, couples, or families looking for an authentic and relaxed adventure. It’s ideal if you value personalized attention, scenic snorkeling, and a scenic beach BBQ. Travelers who appreciate early mornings, quiet beaches, and good food will find this tour especially rewarding. It’s also a fantastic way to beat the crowds and enjoy Mauritius’ northern islands at your own pace.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a combination of serenity, adventure, and culinary delight that’s hard to beat. The chance to arrive first on pristine islands, snorkel in unspoiled marine environments, and indulge in a delicious beach BBQ makes it a standout choice for those seeking an authentic, intimate experience in Mauritius. The knowledgeable guides and flexible approach ensure you’ll learn, relax, and enjoy every moment.

While the price might seem high, the value of exclusivity and personalized service makes it worth considering. It’s best suited for small groups or couples who want a special day in paradise without the hassle of large tour groups or crowded beaches.

FAQs

Is transportation to the meeting point included?
No, transportation to Grand Bay is not included, so plan your transfer accordingly.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel and sunscreen to stay comfortable during the day.

Are drinks included?
Yes, soft drinks, beer, wine, and rum are provided as part of the package.

Can I purchase extra food or drinks?
Yes, champagne and lobster are available for purchase onsite if desired.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear is included, making it easy to explore the marine life.

How early should I arrive?
Arriving early is highly recommended to enjoy the peaceful beaches and the best snorkeling spots before other travelers arrive.

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?
It’s ideal for small groups, couples, or families, but those over 95 years might want to consider mobility and health factors first.

This private boat adventure in Mauritius offers a thoughtful blend of natural beauty, authentic cuisine, and personalized service. For travelers craving a peaceful yet memorable day on the water, it’s an option that truly delivers.