Full-Day Northern Catamaran Cruise: Coin de Mire and Ile Plate Island

The best part of this cruise is the mix of open-water sailing and island time. You leave Grand Bay, trace Mauritius’ northwest coast, stop in clear lagoon water for a swim, then reach Île Plate for a barbecue lunch and a few easy hours by the beach. It feels like a full day at sea rather than a quick boat ride.

I like the all-inclusive lunch and drinks, which save you from carrying much beyond sun protection and a towel. I also like the chance to see Cap Malheureux, Pereybere, Grand Bay, Coin de Mire, and Île Plate in one outing. The main concern is crowd control: the stated limit is 20 people, but some departures have reportedly felt badly overfilled.

Key points

• Two water stops: Swim and snorkel in a calm northern lagoon, then spend time around Île Plate.
• Barbecue included: Fish and chicken come with bread, salad, dessert, and drinks.
• Hotel transfers: Pickup usually begins one to two hours before the 9 a.m. start, depending on your location.
• Snorkel gear costs extra: Equipment is not included, so bring your own or confirm rental arrangements before departure.
• Crew can make the day: Kevin, Rudi, Bruno, and Olivier received especially warm praise for their service and atmosphere.
• Check the group size: The published maximum is 20, yet some departures have reportedly carried far more.

Setting Out From Grand Bay at 9 a.m.

Your day begins well before the catamaran leaves. Pickup from your accommodation normally takes place one to two hours before the 9 a.m. activity start, with the exact time based on where you are staying. That early pickup matters if you are far from Grand Bay, so do not plan a slow breakfast.

The meeting point is Grand Bay Public Beach, listed as the Grand Bay Store stop. Once you reach the waterfront, you board the catamaran and find a place on deck. The boat has room to stretch out and watch the coast, though your comfort will depend heavily on how many people are aboard.

Grand Bay is a useful launch point for a northern cruise. The coast here gives you quick photo opportunities before the boat reaches the quieter water farther out. Keep your camera ready for Cap Malheureux, Pereybere, and the sweeping views around Grand Bay.

I would pack a light bag rather than a large one. Bring a swimsuit, towel, reef-safe sun protection, a hat, dry clothes, and a waterproof phone pouch. Since snorkeling equipment is not included, pack your own mask and fins if you have them. The supplied details do not promise rental gear, so check before departure if you need equipment.

Sailing Along Mauritius’ Northwest Coast

The first stretch is as much about the boat ride as the stops. You glide along the northwest coast, with time to sit back, take photographs, and enjoy the changing view of Mauritius from the water.

This is a good outing for anyone who likes a social day rather than a tightly scheduled sightseeing tour. The plan leaves room for conversation, music, drinks, and time on deck. One especially positive account praised Kevin, Rudi, Bruno, and Olivier for keeping the mood friendly, with music and dancing adding to the day.

That relaxed style will not suit everyone. If you want quiet sailing, a private boat, or precise timing, a shared catamaran may feel loose. The day is designed around a broad group experience, not a private guide explaining every reef and headland.

Weather also shapes the ride. One account described rougher conditions but praised the captain and crew for handling them well. You should still be prepared for wind, chop, and a moving deck. If you are prone to seasickness, eat lightly before boarding and choose a stable spot near the center of the boat.

Swimming and Snorkeling in the Northern Lagoon

The catamaran anchors in a clear, calm lagoon on the northern side of Mauritius. This is your first proper chance to get into the water, swim, and look below the surface.

The calm setting is valuable because you can enjoy the water without rushing straight into a beach stop. You can swim, try snorkeling, or stay aboard and watch from the deck. The choice is yours, which helps if members of your group have different comfort levels in the water.

Do not assume that all snorkeling needs are covered. The tour includes the stop, but equipment is specifically not included. One person also expected gear and did not receive it. For a smooth day, ask about equipment before you go, or bring a mask and fins from your hotel or a local rental shop.

The information does not specify the exact marine life or reef conditions you will see. That means you should treat this as a pleasant swim and snorkeling stop, not a guaranteed wildlife encounter. Water clarity, wind, and sea conditions can change the quality of the stop from one day to the next.

Île Plate, Barbecue, and Beach Time

The main island stop is Île Plate, where the barbecue lunch is served. The meal includes fish and chicken, along with bread, salad, and dessert. Vegetarian food is available, but you need to request it when booking.

Drinks are part of the package. You can have beer, wine, local rum, water, or Coke with lunch and during the day. That makes the $111.54 price easier to assess, since you are not paying separately for a meal and a few basic drinks once aboard.

Lunch is more than a practical refueling stop. It breaks up the sailing and gives you a place to spend time on land. After eating, you can explore Île Plate or settle on the beach before returning to the catamaran.

The island time is likely to be the most appealing part for people who want a simple beach day without arranging several separate transfers. It is also where the pace feels least hurried. You are not being marched from one viewpoint to another. You have time to swim, sit, eat, and enjoy the setting.

Still, do not picture a private island visit. The quality of the stop depends on how many people are sharing the boat and beach area. Reports of boats carrying 30 or even 46 people raise a real concern, especially if you value personal space during lunch and swimming.

What the Group Size Really Means

The published maximum is 20 people, which would be a reasonable size for a full-day catamaran. A group of that size can still feel social, while leaving enough deck space for people to sit, move around, and get into the water without a crush.

The problem is that capacity reports are inconsistent. Some departures have reportedly carried around 30 people, while another account described 46 aboard and said the boat already felt too full at boarding. Another account expected a much smaller group and found more than 20 instead.

I would treat group size as the biggest point to clarify before paying. Ask the operator to confirm the expected number for your date and the actual maximum for that boat. This is not a minor detail. A comfortable 20-person catamaran and an overloaded boat can feel like two different products.

The supplied information identifies Eco Holidays Mauritius as the provider and gives a maximum of 20. That is the figure you should expect from the booking terms. If the answer you receive is vague, consider that a warning sign and compare other northern cruises before committing.

There is also a positive side to a shared boat. A friendly group can make lunch, music, and the return sail lively. The crew members named above were praised for their service, good humor, and ability to create a festive day. Just remember that a good crew cannot fully solve an overcrowded boat.

Lunch, Drinks, and Overall Value at $111.54

At $111.54 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the northern islands. You are paying for a seven-hour outing, hotel pickup and drop-off, the catamaran, two water-focused stops, a barbecue lunch, and alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.

I consider that fair value if you want a complete day with minimal planning. The transfer is especially useful if you are not renting a car or do not want to work out how to reach Grand Bay. Lunch and drinks also remove several small costs that can add up during a long day on the water.

The value weakens if you do not drink alcohol, already have easy access to a boat, or mainly want a short swim. You are paying for the full package and the time involved. The transfer can also make the day longer than seven hours from your point of view, since pickup begins as early as two hours before departure.

The food sounds straightforward rather than gourmet. Fish, chicken, bread, salad, and dessert are exactly the kind of practical meal that works after swimming. You should not book this expecting a restaurant-style lunch. Book it because you want food served conveniently on an island during a day at sea.

Vegetarians need to give advance notice. The information confirms that a vegetarian option is available, but it does not describe the dish. I would mention the request clearly at booking and again during pickup if needed.

Crew Service and the Mood Onboard

The people running a catamaran day can make a large difference, and the most warmly praised crew members were Kevin, Rudi, Bruno, and Olivier. Their service, music, dancing, food, and drinks helped create the kind of cheerful day many people want from a Mauritius cruise.

That atmosphere is worth considering before booking. This is not presented as a silent nature trip. Music and a social mood may be part of the appeal, especially for couples and adult groups looking for an easy holiday day.

The minimum age is 18, so this is an adults-only activity under the stated rules. That makes the drink service and music more fitting, but it also means families with younger children should choose a different cruise.

Service may not be perfectly consistent. One account described a captain who appeared unwell and a frustrating period of going in circles on the return journey. I would not ignore that report, even though other accounts praised the crew and captain. It suggests that the day can vary by departure, staff, boat, and sea conditions.

Returning to Grand Bay and Your Hotel

After the Île Plate stop, the catamaran sails back to Grand Bay. The return gives you another chance to sit on deck, listen to music, and enjoy the coast, though the ride may feel long if the sea becomes rough or the schedule slips.

Your transfer should meet you at Grand Bay and take you back to your accommodation. One account had to wait about half an hour because the taxi was not present after disembarkation. That is a practical risk worth preparing for.

Keep your pickup details and the operator’s contact information handy. If you are catching a flight, booking a dinner, or making another time-sensitive plan, leave plenty of room after the stated seven hours. A shared boat and road transfer do not always run to the minute.

Who Will Enjoy This Northern Cruise Most?

I would choose this cruise if you want one organized day that combines coastal views, swimming, an island beach, lunch, drinks, and transport. It suits couples, adult friends, and independent visitors who prefer to pay once and have the main pieces arranged.

It is also a good match if your ideal Mauritius day includes music and a friendly social atmosphere. You do not need to plan your own route between Grand Bay, the lagoon, and Île Plate.

I would be more cautious if your top priorities are quiet, privacy, premium service, or guaranteed snorkeling equipment. The capacity concerns are important, and the included details do not fully explain how equipment is handled.

You also need to be comfortable with a moving boat and changing weather. The cruise requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time, but changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

Should You Book It?

Book this northern catamaran cruise if you value convenience and a full day of simple island fun. The package covers hotel transport, lunch, drinks, swimming, snorkeling stops, and Île Plate, which gives the price solid value when the boat is operated at the stated 20-person limit.

Before booking, confirm the expected group size, ask about snorkeling gear, and give advance notice for a vegetarian meal. If the operator confirms a reasonable load and the weather looks good, this can be a cheerful, easygoing way to see Mauritius from the water.

If the group size remains unclear, or if you want a quieter and more personal outing, spend more time comparing private or smaller-boat options. The scenery and island stop are the draw. The number of people aboard will decide how enjoyable the day feels.

FAQ

What is included in the Northern Catamaran Cruise?

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a barbecue lunch, alcoholic beverages, nonalcoholic drinks, sailing, and stops for swimming and snorkeling.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included in the tour price.

What food is served at lunch?

The barbecue includes fish and chicken, bread, salad, and dessert. A vegetarian option is available if you request it when booking.

What time does the cruise start?

The activity starts at 9 a.m. Hotel pickup usually takes place one to two hours earlier, depending on your pickup location.

Are children allowed on the cruise?

No. The stated minimum age is 18.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.