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

The best part of this day is that you do more than look at Mauritius from a boat. You land on Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, eat lunch on one of them, then pass close to Coin de Mire, where landing is not allowed. I like the island lunch and the lively catamaran ride, especially the music and dancing on the way back.

The main catch is the sea itself. The trip can be rough, the snorkeling is self-guided, and the islands may feel busy at popular times. Bring water shoes, sunscreen, and motion-sickness medicine if you need it, and accept that bad weather can change the route.

Key points to know before you book

• Three northern islands in one day: Visit Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, then cruise near Coin de Mire without landing.
• Lunch on Ile Plate: The BBQ is served on the island, with drinks such as juice and beer included.
• A proper catamaran cruise: The sailing time is part of the attraction, with sea views, music, and a party atmosphere on the return.
• Snorkeling is independent: You can swim and snorkel at your own pace, but equipment is not supplied and no formal snorkeling lesson is included.
• Expect wet, windy conditions: The front of the boat can spray you, while open water may be choppy between Grand Baie and the islands.
• Good value at $70: The price covers seven hours, island transfers, lunch, drinks, and access to all three stops, but not hotel transport or snorkeling gear.

A full day from Grand Baie to the northern islands

This is a seven-hour outing built around the sea. You meet on Grand Baie beach, then take a dinghy from shore to the catamaran. The exact meeting point is halfway along the beach, opposite the red Express bus for Port Louis and near the shop called Highlights.

That meeting arrangement deserves attention. The beach can be confusing, and a few minutes of waiting before boarding may leave you wondering where to go. Send a valid WhatsApp number when booking so the operator can provide a written description, a video, and a Google location once you are in Mauritius.

Once aboard, the catamaran heads north. The boat ride is not just transport between stops. You get broad views of open water, pale sand, and the islands ahead. On a calm day, this is the smooth, easy part of the outing. On a rough day, the same crossing can be tiring, especially for anyone prone to seasickness.

You may want to sit on the front deck for the best view and the strongest sense of speed. That also means more spray. One group saw dolphins from the front, while other trips have included sightings of whales on the return journey. These are lucky extras, not promised parts of the tour.

Ilot Gabriel, a short first taste of island life

The catamaran anchors as close to the islands as water depth allows. You then transfer by dinghy to Ilot Gabriel, with roughly 45 to 60 minutes on the island.

That short visit gives you time to walk on the beach, take photographs, and get your first swim. Ilot Gabriel is one of the places where the color of the water makes the trip worthwhile, shifting from deeper blue offshore to clear, pale turquoise near the sand.

Do not expect a long, quiet island walk. The stop is brief, and the day follows a fixed schedule. You may also find other boats in the area, particularly during busy periods. Still, stepping onto the sand gives the excursion more substance than a simple sightseeing cruise.

Wear or carry water shoes. Shoes are not allowed on the catamaran because they can damage the deck, so you may leave them at the beach before boarding. Water shoes are useful on the island and in the shallows, where the bottom can be stony.

Ile Plate puts lunch in the right setting

After Ilot Gabriel, the dinghy takes you to Ile Plate. This is the main island stop and the place where lunch is served.

The BBQ is included in the price, and portions are generally generous enough for seconds. The food has been described as fresh, tasty, and well organized, with vegetarian and vegan choices available on at least some departures. Drinks include juice and beer, though you should not assume every drink will be cold. One practical weakness is that bottled water is not clearly guaranteed, so bringing your own supply is sensible.

I like the decision to serve lunch on the island rather than on the catamaran. You eat with the sand and sea nearby, and the pause feels less rushed than a meal squeezed between boat activities. It also gives you a chance to sit in the shade if available, relax after the crossing, and settle into the slower rhythm of the day.

The timing can vary. On some departures, lunch comes soon after arrival at Ile Plate, followed by swimming and snorkeling. On others, the group spends more time moving between the islands before settling down. In either case, you should expect a few hours of combined eating, swimming, and resting rather than a full afternoon of uninterrupted beach time.

Swimming and snorkeling without a formal lesson

After lunch, you can swim and snorkel according to your own ability. The water near the islands is clear enough to see fish, and shallow areas can be pleasant for a relaxed swim. Turtles and stingrays have been spotted, but wildlife sightings are never certain.

The snorkeling is self-guided. There is no supplied equipment and no tightly supervised snorkeling session, so you need to bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins if you want them. Fins are especially useful when currents pick up.

Conditions can vary sharply. Some sections have fish and coral, while other areas have been affected by heavy boat traffic and may offer less impressive coral. The bottom can be rocky, and currents may make swimming harder than the calm water near shore suggests.

This is best for confident swimmers who can judge their own limits. If you prefer a guide in the water, detailed instruction, or a carefully managed wildlife encounter, this trip may feel too loose. If you like choosing when to swim, when to snorkel, and when to lie back on the beach, the flexible setup works well.

A turtle encounter may be available as an optional extra on some departures. If you take part, follow the instructions about keeping distance and not disturbing the animals. The northern islands are beautiful enough without chasing wildlife for a closer photograph.

Coin de Mire is a scenic pass, not a landing

The third island is Coin de Mire, also known as Gunner’s Quoin. The catamaran passes near it, as close as water depth and conditions allow, but you do not set foot on the island.

This part of the route is about the view. Coin de Mire has a strong, rocky profile that contrasts with the low beaches of Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate. Seeing all three islands in one day helps you understand how varied the northern waters are, even when the stops themselves are short.

Keep your expectations clear. This is not a third beach stop, and there is no walk or swim on Coin de Mire. The catamaran may slow or alter its position for photographs, but the captain controls the distance for safety and navigation.

The return trip turns into the social part of the day

After the island stops, the catamaran heads back toward Grand Baie. This is often when the mood changes from quiet sightseeing to a small party at sea.

The crew plays music, serves drinks, and encourages dancing. Rum is part of the festive atmosphere on some departures, alongside the included drinks. Birthdays and other celebrations may become shared moments on board, which can be fun if you enjoy a social group setting.

The crew is widely praised for being cheerful, helpful, and attentive during transfers between the beach, dinghy, and catamaran. The captain also gives safety instructions and may make firm decisions about where the boat can go. That is a good sign at sea, even if the process feels less casual than the music later in the day.

English and French are offered. Communication can be uneven at times, particularly if you are not comfortable with a strong French accent in English. Instructions about meeting points, transfer times, and return arrangements matter, so ask for clarification rather than relying on a quick announcement.

What the $70 price really covers

At $70 per person, this is a solid package if you want a full day on the water without paying separately for each part. The price includes the dinghy transfer from the beach to the catamaran, travel to the three northern islands, island transfers, BBQ lunch, and drinks including juice and beer.

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise book a boat trip, arrange a separate island visit, and buy lunch. Here, those pieces are combined into one seven-hour plan. You also get the unusual detail of eating lunch on Ile Plate, not simply viewing it from the boat.

The price does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. You need to reach Grand Baie beach yourself, and the boarding process may take patience. Snorkeling equipment is also excluded, so add the cost of renting or buying a mask, snorkel, and fins if you do not already have them.

The catamaran is a good size, but capacity varies by departure. Some trips feel comfortable, while others can have more than 40 people. Crowding is most noticeable during boarding, getting off at the islands, and moving toward the food. Once everyone spreads out on the sand or deck, it may feel easier.

How to prepare for the sea and sun

Treat this as an outdoor day with very little shade and plenty of wind. Pack:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Strong sunscreen, applied before boarding and renewed often
• Comfortable clothes that can get wet
• Water shoes
• Your own snorkeling equipment
• A waterproof pouch for essential items
• Motion-sickness medicine if rough water affects you

You may get soaked on the front of the catamaran, particularly on the outward crossing. Keep phones, cameras, and spare clothes protected. Leave nonessential belongings in the boat’s storage area when swimming.

Eat lightly before departure if you are sensitive to motion. One useful tip is not to begin the trip with a heavy breakfast, since the sea can be choppy for around an hour and a half before reaching the islands. This is personal tolerance, not a rule, but it is worth considering.

Pregnant women and people with mobility impairments should not book this activity. You must manage beach transfers, dinghy boarding, uneven sand, and movement on a boat. The captain can cancel or change the route when weather or sea conditions make the planned itinerary unsafe.

During the winter months, normally June through September, rough seas can make it impossible to visit all three islands. You may still have a good day, but you should book this with some flexibility rather than treating every stop as guaranteed.

Who will enjoy this catamaran day most?

I would choose this trip if you want a social, active day that combines scenery, swimming, food, and music. It suits couples, families with capable swimmers, solo visitors who enjoy meeting people, and anyone who wants more than a short boat ride.

It is also a good choice for a final full day in Mauritius. The pace gives you beaches, open water, lunch, and a cheerful return without requiring several separate bookings.

I would think twice if you need a quiet boat, a small group, a polished interpretation of local nature, or excellent coral snorkeling. The boat can feel busy, information may be limited, and the snorkeling depends heavily on sea conditions and your own equipment.

Should you book the three-island cruise?

Book it if the main appeal is the whole day: catamaran sailing, two island landings, lunch on Ile Plate, swimming, and music on the way home. For $70, the combination is strong, and the friendly crew adds much to the experience.

Choose another option if you are highly prone to seasickness, need guaranteed access to all three islands, or want snorkeling to be the main focus. For everyone else, pack lightly, protect yourself from the sun, bring water shoes and snorkeling gear, and treat the schedule as weather dependent. That is the best way to enjoy this lively northern-island outing.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran tour last?

The activity lasts about seven hours, including the catamaran cruise, dinghy transfers, island visits, lunch, swimming, and the return trip to Grand Baie.

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. The operator can send a written description, video, and Google location through WhatsApp.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Ilot Gabriel, Ile Plate, and Coin de Mire. You land on Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, while the catamaran passes near Coin de Mire without landing.

Is lunch included?

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

Are drinks included all day?

Drinks are included as part of the activity, with juice and beer listed among the options. Bring extra drinking water because bottled water is not clearly guaranteed on every departure.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. You need to bring your own snorkeling equipment. Fins can be useful because currents may be present.

Can I snorkel without joining a guided group?

Yes. Snorkeling is self-guided, so you can swim and snorkel according to your own abilities and comfort.

Can I land on Coin de Mire?

No. The catamaran passes near Coin de Mire, but setting foot on the island is not part of the activity.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The captain may cancel, reschedule, or change the route if sea conditions are unsafe. Rough winter seas between June and September can make it impossible to visit all three islands.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or pregnant women because it involves boat movement, dinghy transfers, beach landings, and uneven surfaces.