Grand Baie: Catamaran 3 Islands Cruise & Lunch on the Island

Mauritius’s northern islands are best seen from the water, and this full-day catamaran trip gives you two proper island stops rather than a quick photo pass. You’ll sail to Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, swim and snorkel in clear water, and eat a BBQ lunch directly on the island.

I like the cheerful crew, generous food, and relaxed return ride with music and rum-based drinks. I also like the chance to see Coin de Mire from the sea, even though nobody lands there. The main drawback is the open-water ride: rough conditions, sun, wind, and a crowded boarding process can make the first part tiring.

Key points at a glance

• Two island landings: Visit Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, with lunch served on Ile Plate.
• Coin de Mire from the water: The catamaran passes close to this striking third island, but you do not go ashore.
• Seven hours at sea: The ride is a major part of the experience, not just transport between stops.
• Food and drinks included: BBQ lunch, juice, beer, and other drinks are provided, with enough food for seconds.
• Self-guided snorkeling: Bring your own gear, or rent and pack it in advance, since equipment is not supplied.
• Plan for sun and motion: Shoes come off on the catamaran, the front deck can get very wet, and winter seas can be rough.

Why this northern-island cruise is worth your day

At about $70 per person, this is a strong-value day on the water. You are paying for a seven-hour outing, island transfers, two landing points, lunch, drinks, and the catamaran ride itself. A cheaper boat trip may get you across the bay, but this one gives you a full day with food and several stops built in.

The best part is the setting. Before you reach land, you see the sea change color around the reefs and sandbanks. The northern islands look especially fine from a low boat, where the water, beaches, and rocky shores form one wide view. You also get the simple pleasure of sailing with no road, buildings, or traffic in sight.

This is not a quiet, private sailing trip. The boat can carry more than 40 people, and busy days may feel crowded during boarding and disembarking. The mood is social, with music and dancing often taking over on the return ride. If you want a peaceful day with a small crew and long stretches of silence, this may not be your best choice.

Meeting the boat on Grand Baie beach

The meeting point is halfway along Grand Baie beach, opposite the red Express bus for Port Louis and near the shop called Highlights. The operator asks for a valid WhatsApp number so they can send written directions, a video, and a Google location after you book. That is useful because the first boarding point can feel unclear.

You do not simply walk onto the catamaran from the beach. A dinghy takes you from the sand to the main boat. Allow time for this transfer, and keep your belongings together while you wait. Some people have found the start less organized than the rest of the day, with a little standing around before the boarding process became clear.

The crew gives safety instructions before departure. Take them seriously. The captain has the final say if wind or sea conditions make the route unsafe, and the plan can change in rough weather.

The catamaran ride is half the attraction

The ride to the islands takes roughly an hour and a half, depending on conditions. That is enough time to make your seat choice matter. The front of the catamaran gives you the most exposed view and the biggest spray. It can also get wet enough that you will want to leave bags and electronics below deck.

If you are prone to seasickness, sit where you can see the horizon and consider bringing the medication you normally use. One person found the deck helped with nausea, while another noted that the winter sea between June and September can be rough. The boat is a catamaran, but it can still rock in open water.

Shoes are generally removed before getting on the catamaran to protect the deck. Bring water shoes in a small bag for the beach, shallow water, and stony areas around the snorkeling spots. Comfortable clothes, swimwear, a towel, and high-factor sunscreen are essential. The sun and wind can make you feel cooler than you are, so reapply sunscreen even when the breeze is strong.

Keep your eyes open during the crossing. Dolphins and whales have been spotted on some trips, and one captain diverted the boat so people could watch humpback whales on the return. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the open water gives you a chance that a land-based outing does not.

Ilot Gabriel: a short first taste of island life

The catamaran anchors as close to the island as water depth allows. You then transfer by dinghy to Ilot Gabriel, usually for about 45 to 60 minutes. This is a proper landing, not just a view from the boat.

The stop is short, so use it well. Walk along the beach, take in the bright water, and swim if conditions allow. The island is a good place to feel the difference between Mauritius’s developed coast and its more exposed offshore islands. You should not expect a long guided walk or much formal commentary. The value is the setting and the chance to step onto a small island.

The dinghy transfer requires balance, especially if the sea is moving. Crew members help people on and off, but mobility is still important. The trip is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and it is not recommended for pregnant women.

Ile Plate puts lunch on the beach

After Ilot Gabriel, the boat collects you and continues to Ile Plate, also called Flat Island. This is the main stop for lunch and usually the part of the day with the most time in the water.

The BBQ is served on the island rather than on the catamaran. That small detail makes a big difference. You eat with sand, sea, and open sky around you, instead of queuing in a tight galley on board. The food is described as plentiful, with some people able to take second helpings. Vegetarian and vegan food has also been available on some trips, though you should mention dietary needs when booking rather than rely on a last-minute arrangement.

Drinks include juice, beer, and other beverages. Some drinks may be served warm, and bottled water is not always clearly provided, so bring your own water if possible. The supplied information lists drinks as included, but carrying extra water is still sensible for a full day in the sun.

Ile Plate gives you time to slow down. Eat first, then swim, snorkel, or rest on the sand. The schedule allows for a few hours of free time, although the exact balance changes with weather, sea conditions, and the day’s pace. This is not a tightly supervised water-sports session. You choose how active you want to be.

Snorkeling is pleasant but not the main event

Snorkeling is self-guided. You are free to enter the water according to your ability, but snorkeling equipment is not included. Pack your own mask, snorkel, and fins, or arrange equipment separately before the trip.

The shallow water can be rewarding, with fish visible close to shore. Turtles and even a stingray have been seen, and some departures offer an optional turtle experience for an extra fee. If you see turtles, follow the guide’s instructions and keep your distance. Do not chase, touch, or surround them.

Set your expectations carefully. Some areas have strong currents, stones underfoot, and coral that has been affected by heavy tourism. Fins are useful, especially if the water is moving. If you are not a confident swimmer, stay in shallow water and ask the crew where conditions are easiest.

The snorkeling adds variety, but I would not book this trip only for coral reefs. The strongest parts are the boat ride, beaches, lunch, and general day out. Snorkeling is a pleasant extra whose quality depends on the exact anchorage and the sea that day.

Coin de Mire is a scenic pass, not a landing

The third island is Coin de Mire, a steep, rocky island north of Mauritius. You do not set foot on it. Instead, the catamaran passes as close as the water depth and conditions allow.

This stop works best as a moving view. Have your camera ready, but do not expect another beach break. The island’s shape gives the return route a different feel from the low, sandy shores of Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate. It also reminds you that the outing is about seeing the northern island group as a whole, not simply spending the day on one beach.

Because no landing is made, some people may feel the three-island label promises more than the schedule delivers. In practical terms, you get two landings and one close sea passage. That is still a worthwhile route, but it is important to understand before booking.

Lunch, music, and the lively ride home

After the island stops, the return journey becomes more social. The crew serves drinks, plays music, and often encourages dancing. On some days, the ride has turned into a friendly party, with birthdays and fellow passengers joining in.

The atmosphere depends on the group. Solo visitors can easily meet people, while couples and families can enjoy the music without needing to take part. If you prefer a quiet sail back, choose a seat away from the main gathering area and treat the music as part of the package.

The crew receives particularly strong praise for being cheerful, helpful, and attentive during dinghy transfers. They also keep the boat tidy and explain timing and safety rules. English and French are offered, though accents and the noisy boat can make some instructions hard to catch. Pay close attention when the meeting time for the dinghy or catamaran is announced.

Weather can change the whole route

The captain may cancel or reschedule the activity if the sea is unsafe. In winter, normally June through September, rough conditions may make it impossible to visit all three islands. The final route is a safety decision, not something the crew can guarantee in advance.

Rain does not always ruin the day. One departure had intermittent rain but still managed to enjoy the islands and water. Rough seas are a different matter. The ride can become uncomfortable, and the crew may shorten or change stops.

I would avoid scheduling this as the one activity you cannot miss on the final morning of your holiday. Give yourself some flexibility in case weather moves the trip or the return takes longer than planned. The stated duration is seven hours, but a delayed start has occasionally led to a later finish while still allowing the planned activities.

Who will get the most from this trip?

You should consider this catamaran cruise if you want:

• A full day rather than a short boat transfer
• Two island landings and lunch in a beach setting
• Swimming and casual snorkeling without a formal lesson
• Included food and drinks
• A friendly, social boat with music on the return
• Big sea views and the chance of dolphins or whales

You may want another option if you need a quiet, private boat, dislike rough water, or want expert-led snorkeling. You should also think twice if you need easy, step-free access. The beach-to-dinghy-to-catamaran transfers require agility, and getting wet is part of the deal.

The trip suits couples, families with capable swimmers, groups of friends, and solo visitors who enjoy meeting people. It also works well as a high-energy final day, as long as you do not have a tight flight connection afterward.

Practical value at $70 per person

The price is reasonable because it covers more than a boat ride. You get the catamaran, dinghy transfers, access to the two landing islands, lunch, and drinks for around seven hours. The setting alone would make a simple day at sea worthwhile, and the meal removes the need to arrange food during the outing.

The value is strongest when you use the whole day: eat on Ile Plate, swim, snorkel, enjoy both beaches, and take in the ride to Coin de Mire. It is weaker if you mainly want a short snorkeling session or a quiet sail, since the crossing takes a large part of the schedule and the boat can be busy.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to reach Grand Baie beach yourself, and snorkeling equipment is also extra. Factor those costs into your budget, especially if you are staying far from Grand Baie.

Should you book this northern-island cruise?

I would book it for the combination of island beaches, a filling BBQ, helpful crew, and a lively sail home. The chance to eat lunch on Ile Plate is a real advantage, and seeing Coin de Mire from the water rounds out the route nicely.

I would not book it expecting a private cruise, perfect snorkeling, or guaranteed access to all three islands in every season. Bring water shoes, sunscreen, a towel, snorkeling gear, and a waterproof bag. If you can handle open water and a social boat, this is one of the better-value ways to see Mauritius’s northern islands in a single day.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran tour?

The stated duration is seven hours, including the catamaran ride, island transfers, lunch, swimming, snorkeling, and the return journey.

Where does the tour meet?

You meet halfway along Grand Baie beach, opposite the red Express bus for Port Louis and opposite or near the shop called Highlights.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must make your own way to Grand Baie.

Which islands can I visit on foot?

You can land on Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate. You do not land on Coin de Mire. The catamaran passes close to Coin de Mire where conditions and water depth allow.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is included and is served on Ile Plate. Drinks such as juice and beer are also included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. You need to bring your own snorkeling equipment or arrange it separately. Fins can be useful because some areas have currents and stones underfoot.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. The tour offers live guidance in English and French.

Can the route change because of weather?

Yes. The captain can cancel, reschedule, or change the route when sea conditions are unsafe. Between June and September, rough conditions may make it impossible to visit all three islands.

Is the activity suitable for people with limited mobility?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or pregnant women. Beach, dinghy, and catamaran transfers require physical agility.