3 North Islands Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Drinks on island.

The best part of this outing is the view from the water. From Grand Baie, you cross open sea toward Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, where white sand and clear lagoon water make the islands feel far removed from Mauritius’s busy north coast. I especially like the chance to land on a quiet island and the freedom to snorkel at your own ability, rather than being pushed into a fixed-water activity.

I also like that lunch, salad, and drinks are included, which keeps the day simple and good value at about $58 per person. The main consideration is the atmosphere: this can be a lively party boat, with loud music and plenty of alcohol, not a quiet nature cruise. Sea conditions may also cancel the Coin de Mire snorkeling or the entire trip.

Key points to know before booking

• Three northern islands, three different experiences: Land at Ilot Gabriel, spend time around Ile Plate, and view Coin de Mire from the water.
• Snorkeling is flexible: You can swim and snorkel near the islands according to your ability, but the captain makes the final call based on sea conditions.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Expect a BBQ, salad, beer, and other drinks as part of the day.
• The mood can be party-focused: Music, dancing, and rum are part of the experience, and it may not suit anyone seeking a peaceful sailing trip.
• The day starts at Grand Baie Public Beach: Private transportation is not included, and the boat returns to the same meeting point.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can change the route or cancel the trip, with a different date or full refund offered.

A full day on Mauritius’s northern water

This 7-hour cruise is built around the islands north of Mauritius, not around a long guided history lesson. You come for the sea, the pale beaches, the snorkeling, the food, and the easygoing boat atmosphere.

The meeting point is Grand Baie Public Beach, with departure at 8:30 am. The boat returns there at the end of the day. Private transportation is not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the beach. The experience accepts mobile tickets, and confirmation is provided when you book.

The advertised group limit is 48 people. One account described more than 60 people on board, so I would confirm the expected number with Vacances Oh Soleil if personal space matters to you. A larger catamaran gives you stability and room to move, but it also makes the day feel less intimate.

There may also be a short transfer from the beach to the catamaran in a small motorized boat. This can take time when many people are boarding. It is a practical detail worth knowing, especially if you expect to step directly from the beach onto the main vessel.

Crossing from Grand Baie to Ilot Gabriel

The crossing to the first island takes about an hour and a half. That is a substantial part of the day, but it is also where the cruise earns its keep. You see Mauritius from offshore, with changing shades of blue and broad views that you cannot get from the road or beach.

The catamaran itself is described as large, stable, powerful, and licensed. Those traits matter on open water. You may still feel the movement of the sea, but a broad catamaran is generally more comfortable than a small boat for a long crossing.

The mood begins early. Music and drinks can start soon after departure, and the trip may become quite social. Some people will enjoy dancing, conversation, and an open bar feeling from the morning onward. If you prefer the sound of water and a quiet lookout, bring realistic expectations. This is not designed as a silent sailing retreat.

Ilot Gabriel: white sand and a chance to swim

Ilot Gabriel is the first major stop and the place where you set foot on an island. The beach is the draw: pale sand, open water, and a preserved setting that feels much less developed than the main island.

You can swim and snorkel here, with the activity left to your own ability. That flexibility is useful because not everyone is comfortable in open water. You can stay close to shore, take a swim, or spend the time walking along the beach and taking in the views.

Ilot Gabriel is also noted for the paille-en-queue, the white-tailed tropicbird. You may see these endemic birds near their nests. This is one of the more distinctive details of the trip, since it gives the island a natural feature beyond the usual beach-and-snorkel routine.

The planned stop lasts about two hours. That should give you enough time for a swim, some snorkeling, and a rest on the sand. The exact balance depends on the boat’s timing and sea conditions. I would not expect a guided wildlife outing, but you can keep an eye out for the birds while walking around.

Ile Plate and the turquoise lagoon

Ile Plate, also called Flat Island, is close to Ilot Gabriel. The two islands sit about 10 kilometers north of Mauritius and are surrounded by bright water and sandbars. In places, the lagoon between them makes the islands look almost connected.

The planned time here is about two and a half hours. That is generous for a swimming stop and may be the most relaxed part of the outing. You can stretch out on the beach, snorkel, or take a siesta before the boat continues.

The tour description says lunch is served on the island, with BBQ food, salad, and drinks included. One account specifically noted disappointment at not eating on the island, so the exact lunch location can vary. It is sensible to ask the crew when you board rather than assume the meal will be served on shore.

The food is best viewed as a practical part of a beach day, not a restaurant meal. Having lunch included means you do not need to carry a separate picnic, and the drinks help keep the day easy. If you have strict dietary needs, the supplied details do not specify alternatives, so ask the operator before booking.

Coin de Mire and the natural aquarium

Coin de Mire, also called Gunner’s Quoin or Gunners Point, is the third island on the route. It is a small volcanic island of about 65 hectares, roughly 8 kilometers from Mauritius’s north coast. Its steep basalt form gives it a different character from the low, sandy islands.

You do not land on Coin de Mire. The catamaran passes nearby, and if the sea is calm enough, you can snorkel in the water around it. The snorkeling area has an average depth of about 6 meters, with depths ranging from 3 to 9 meters, and is known for clear visibility.

This is potentially the strongest water activity of the day, but it is also the least guaranteed. The captain decides if conditions are safe. Strong wind, rough water, or poor visibility can mean passing the island without stopping to snorkel. That is the correct call for a boat trip, but you should not book this outing solely for Coin de Mire.

The route description gives roughly an hour and a half for the journey to this part of the route. Since the full trip is listed at about seven hours, the island times and crossing estimates should be treated as approximate rather than a minute-by-minute schedule.

Lunch, drinks, and the party-boat question

The included package covers BBQ lunch, salad, and drinks. That is a meaningful part of the value, since a full day on the water can become expensive once food and beverages are added separately.

The drinks are not a minor detail. The atmosphere has been described as a booze cruise, with beer flowing from the morning and rum later in the day. Loud music, dancing, and crew-led fun can continue for much of the trip.

I would divide the audience clearly here. If you want a social day with music and alcohol, this could be exactly the right fit. If you are hoping for a calm catamaran ride with soft conversation and long stretches of quiet, you may find it tiring.

Families and mixed-age groups should think about this carefully. Most people can participate, but the party tone may suit adults better than anyone seeking a low-key family excursion. The boat’s size and stability help, yet the sound level and drinking culture remain important considerations.

What the $58 price really covers

At about $58.08 per person, the price is reasonable for roughly seven hours if you want a package with transport on the water, island stops, lunch, salad, and drinks. The long duration also gives you several chances to swim and rest instead of paying for a short sightseeing boat ride.

The value is strongest when you use the included food and drinks and enjoy the social boat setting. You are paying for the complete day, not just a transfer to an island. The sea views, beach time, snorkeling opportunities, and open-water crossing all form part of the package.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a quiet snorkeling trip. Some of the day is spent crossing between Grand Baie and the islands, and the party atmosphere may not be what you had in mind. A specialized snorkeling outing could be a better match, though this particular tour offers more variety through its island landings and meal.

Remember that getting to Grand Baie Public Beach is your responsibility. Taxi costs are not included, and at least two cancellation complaints involved people paying for taxis after the trip was called off. The operator states that poor weather can lead to a different date or full refund, but it is wise to check for updates before leaving your accommodation.

Weather, cancellations, and practical timing

This experience depends on good weather. If conditions are poor, the whole outing may be canceled, or parts of the route may be changed. In either case, safety takes priority, and the captain has final authority over the Coin de Mire stop.

You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the 8:30 am start time for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refundable, and late changes are not accepted. If the operator cancels because of poor weather or insufficient numbers, you should be offered another date, another experience, or a full refund.

Because cancellation communication has caused confusion for some customers, I would check your email and WhatsApp before setting out. If you do not receive a clear update, contact Vacances Oh Soleil directly before paying for transport to Grand Baie.

The tour returns to the original meeting point. Plan your evening with some flexibility, since sea conditions, boarding delays, and the pace of the group can affect the finish time.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a social island day rather than a quiet boat charter. It suits people who enjoy music, drinks, swimming, beach time, and a loose schedule with several stops.

It is also a good choice if you want to see the north islands without arranging separate boat transport, food, and drinks. The chance to land on Ilot Gabriel and spend time around Ile Plate gives the day more variety than a simple offshore cruise.

You should think twice if your main goals are peace, wildlife interpretation, or guaranteed snorkeling at Coin de Mire. The route depends on the sea, and the music may remain loud for much of the trip. Anyone who dislikes alcohol-centered outings may prefer a smaller, quieter boat.

Should you book the three-island catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a lively, good-value day on the water with island beaches, included food and drinks, and several opportunities to swim or snorkel. Ilot Gabriel provides the most appealing land stop, Ile Plate offers time to relax, and Coin de Mire adds a worthwhile snorkeling possibility when the sea behaves.

Do not book it expecting a silent nature cruise or a guaranteed visit into the water near every island. Confirm the expected group size, ask where lunch will be served, monitor cancellation messages, and keep your transport plans flexible. With those conditions understood, this is a fun way to see Mauritius from offshore and spend a full day among the northern islands.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start and finish?

It starts at Grand Baie Public Beach in Grand Baie, Mauritius, at 8:30 am and ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately 7 hours.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The route includes Ilot Gabriel, Ile Plate, and Coin de Mire, also known as Gunner’s Quoin. You land on Ilot Gabriel, spend time around Ile Plate, and do not set foot on Coin de Mire.

Is lunch included?

Yes. BBQ lunch, salad, and drinks are included. The exact place where lunch is served may vary, so confirm with the crew when you board.

Can I snorkel at Coin de Mire?

You may snorkel near Coin de Mire if weather and sea conditions are favorable. The captain makes the final safety decision.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

You may be offered another date or a full refund. For your own cancellation, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.