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

The best views are offshore. This seven-hour cruise from Grand Baie brings you across bright blue water to Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, with time for swimming, snorkeling, a barbecue lunch, drinks, and a close pass by Coin de Mire. I like the chance to reach two small islands in one morning, and I like that the trip includes food and drinks rather than leaving you to arrange everything separately. The main thing to consider is the party atmosphere: loud music and generous alcohol service may suit some people, but it can distract from the sea and islands.

The advertised price is about $58.08 per person, which is a fair deal if the full day runs as planned. You get the catamaran ride, island stops, lunch, salad, and drinks, but not transport to Grand Baie Public Beach. Weather also matters. The captain can change the route or cancel the outing when sea conditions are unsafe.

Key points to know before booking

• Ilot Gabriel offers the clearest island time: You land on a quiet beach with time to swim, snorkel, rest, and look for the distinctive white-tailed tropical bird called the Paille-en-Queue.
• Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel share a turquoise lagoon: These two northern islands are close together, about 10 kilometers from Mauritius, and make a fine contrast to the busier mainland beaches.
• Coin de Mire is mainly a snorkeling stop: The catamaran passes near this steep volcanic island, but you do not set foot on it.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Expect barbecue food, salad, and drinks, although the lunch location may not always match the advertised island setting.
• The mood can become a booze cruise: Music, dancing, beer, and rum are part of the experience, so this is not the best choice if you want a quiet nature cruise.
• The boat carries a large group: The stated maximum is 48 people, though one account described more than 60 aboard. Confirm the current capacity if personal space matters to you.

Leaving Grand Baie for the northern islands

The day begins at 8:30 am from Grand Baie Public Beach. You need to make your own way there because private transport is not included. The meeting point is near public transportation, which helps if you are staying in or around Grand Baie.

The first crossing takes about an hour and a half. That is a substantial stretch of open water, not a quick transfer between beaches. I would treat it as part of the attraction. You get wide sea views that are impossible to see from the road, and the changing colors of the water become the day’s main scenery.

There is one practical wrinkle. A detailed account describes passengers using a small powered tender to reach the catamaran and return to shore. With a large group, that transfer can take time. The catamaran itself is described as powerful, stable, and fully licensed, but the shore transfer may feel less smooth if everyone arrives at once.

The boat is intended for a big group, with a stated maximum of 48 people. That means you should expect a social outing rather than a private sailing trip. One account reported more than 60 people on board, so I would confirm the current operating capacity before booking if crowding is a concern.

Ilot Gabriel: a beach, birds, and open water

Ilot Gabriel is the first major stop and usually receives around two hours. You land on the island, which is the main reason this cruise appeals to people who want more than a boat ride.

The beach is described as especially attractive, with white sand and clear water. You can swim, snorkel, or simply sit on the shore and enjoy the feeling of being away from Mauritius proper. The island is presented as a preserved, almost untouched place, although the number of people arriving by catamaran naturally affects that sense of solitude.

The Paille-en-Queue, or white-tailed tropical bird, is one of the more unusual details here. You may see these endemic birds near their nests. This gives the stop a little more character than a standard beach break, but keep your expectations sensible. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and the trip does not present itself as a formal bird-watching excursion.

For me, Ilot Gabriel is the strongest part of the day because you actually set foot on the island. The water gives you an easy chance to cool off, while the beach provides a place to rest if you would rather not snorkel. Bring a practical attitude: the stop is about simple sea time, not a guided historical tour or a long list of organized activities.

Ile Plate and the connected turquoise lagoon

The next island stop lasts about two and a half hours. Ile Plate, also called Flat Island, lies close to Ilot Gabriel. Together, the two islands are linked by a shallow turquoise lagoon and surrounded by bright sand.

The scenery here is the reason to bring a camera, though you will want to protect it from spray. From the water, the islands look very different from mainland Mauritius. You see low shores, open sea, and pale sand without the usual buildings and roads.

The itinerary gives Ile Plate its own beach time, but the exact division between the two island stops may vary with weather, the captain’s judgment, and the pace of the group. You may spend more time swimming at one beach and more time resting or eating at another.

The lunch arrangement deserves special attention. The experience includes barbecue food, salad, and drinks, and the description presents island dining as part of the appeal. However, one account specifically regretted not eating on the island, while another described the crew preparing the barbecue during a swimming stop. That suggests the meal location may change. If eating on the sand is important to you, ask the operator before departure rather than assuming it is guaranteed.

The food is best understood as convenient included fare, not a gourmet meal. That is perfectly reasonable at this price. You are paying for a full day on the water, and having lunch provided means you do not need to return to the mainland or carry a separate picnic.

Coin de Mire, the volcanic island you do not visit

Coin de Mire, also known as Gunner’s Quoin or Gunners Point, is the third island in the route. It sits about eight kilometers north of Mauritius and covers roughly 65 hectares. Unlike Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, it is not a beach landing. The catamaran passes nearby.

The island is an old volcanic cone made of basaltic rock. From the water, its shape offers a sharper contrast to the flat, sandy islands earlier in the day. You will see it from the boat rather than explore it on foot.

The important activity here is snorkeling in the natural aquarium near the island. The water is described as clear, with an average depth of around six meters and a range of roughly three to nine meters. Conditions are considered suitable throughout the year, but the captain has the final say because sea conditions can change.

That decision is not a minor detail. If the water becomes rough, the snorkeling stop may be shortened or skipped for safety. You should see Coin de Mire as a possible snorkeling highlight, not a promise that you will enter the water at a particular spot.

You can snorkel according to your own ability. The information does not describe a formal lesson or individual instruction, so you should be comfortable judging your own limits. If you are not a strong swimmer, staying close to the boat and choosing a gentler swim at the island beach may be the better option.

Snorkeling, swimming, and the real pace of the day

This cruise gives you several chances to get into the water, but it is not built around intensive guided snorkeling. You can swim near the islands and choose whether to participate based on your comfort and ability.

That flexibility is useful for mixed groups. One person can snorkel while another rests on the beach or remains aboard. Families and couples with different energy levels may appreciate that freedom, though the group schedule means you cannot linger indefinitely at one favorite spot.

The natural aquarium near Coin de Mire is described as one of the finest snorkeling areas in the north of Mauritius. Clear water and moderate depths make it appealing, but the captain controls access. The best approach is to enjoy the opportunity if conditions cooperate and not judge the whole trip by one weather-dependent stop.

Bring sun protection, a swimsuit, and a way to keep valuables dry. These are practical precautions for any full day at sea. The supplied information does not state that snorkeling equipment is included, so confirm whether masks and fins are provided or plan accordingly.

A party boat with real atmosphere

The mood is a major part of this experience. Music begins early, and the drinks can include beer and rum. Dancing and a generally festive atmosphere are common features of the day.

Some people will see this as the cruise’s greatest strength. It creates an easy social mood, especially for couples, friends, and younger groups who want a lively day rather than a quiet sailing lesson. The crew has been praised in individual accounts for being attentive and creating a warm atmosphere.

Others may find the music too loud. One account described the outing as a full-on booze cruise, with loud music continuing for most of the trip. That description is useful because it sets the right expectation. This is not a silent nature expedition, and you should not book it hoping for hours of peaceful reading on deck.

The boat’s size helps provide stability and room for the required route, but it also means you share the experience with a sizable crowd. If you prefer calm, small-group sailing, a private boat or a smaller excursion would likely suit you better.

Is the $58.08 price good value?

At approximately $58.08 per person, the outing offers a lot for a seven-hour day. The price covers the catamaran, access to the island stops, barbecue lunch, salad, and drinks. It also includes the chance to swim and snorkel in several different areas.

The strongest value comes from the combination of transport and meals. Reaching Ilot Gabriel, Ile Plate, and the waters near Coin de Mire independently would require separate boat arrangements, and lunch would still need planning. Here, one booking handles the main structure of the day.

The value drops if you dislike loud music or do not drink. You are still paying for the route and the islands, but part of the atmosphere is built around alcohol and dancing. Likewise, if bad weather cancels the trip after you have already arranged a taxi, your time and local transport plans may be disrupted even though the activity payment is refunded.

There is a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before departure. If poor weather forces cancellation, you should be offered another date or a full refund. If the minimum number of bookings is not reached, the same type of alternative or refund applies. Keep an eye on messages and email before leaving for the meeting point, since communication about weather cancellations has been a source of frustration.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a simple, affordable way to see northern Mauritius from the sea. It suits people who enjoy a social boat, beach swimming, casual snorkeling, and a day where food and drinks are already arranged.

It is especially suitable for:

• Couples looking for a full-day island outing without arranging several separate activities.
• Friends who enjoy music, dancing, beer, and rum.
• Families with swimmers and non-swimmers, provided everyone is comfortable with a large group.
• First-time visitors who want broad northern sea views and several island stops in one day.
• Budget-conscious visitors who value lunch and drinks being included.

I would hesitate if you want quiet, precise scheduling, a small group, or serious marine instruction. I would also avoid booking it as your only plan on a tight itinerary, since weather can affect the route and the Coin de Mire stop.

Practical details that matter

Plan to arrive at Grand Baie Public Beach before the 8:30 am start. You arrange your own transport, and the activity returns to the same meeting point after roughly seven hours.

A mobile ticket is accepted, and confirmation is provided at booking. Most people can participate, but you should consider your swimming ability before choosing to snorkel near Coin de Mire.

The stated group limit is 48 people, although one account reported a larger number. Ask for the current capacity if you need more room. Also ask where lunch will be served, since the meal may be prepared on the catamaran or arranged near an island rather than served directly on the beach.

The trip requires good weather. The captain’s decision about sea conditions is final, particularly for the Coin de Mire snorkeling area. That can be disappointing, but it is the correct safety call for an offshore outing.

Should you book the 3 North Islands cruise?

Book it if you want maximum scenery and activity for a moderate price, and you are happy with a lively group atmosphere. Ilot Gabriel’s beach, Ile Plate’s pale sand and lagoon, and the possible snorkeling near Coin de Mire give the day a satisfying range.

Skip it if you want silence, privacy, or a carefully controlled small-group experience. Before paying, confirm the current group size, lunch location, snorkeling equipment, and cancellation contact method. With those points clear, this is a good-value northern Mauritius day out, provided you treat the party atmosphere and weather dependence as part of the package.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The cruise starts at Grand Baie Public Beach in Grand Baie, Mauritius.

What time does the cruise begin?

The scheduled start time is 8:30 am.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately seven hours and returns to the original meeting point.

Are lunch and drinks included?

Yes. The included food is described as barbecue lunch and salad, with drinks provided.

Does the cruise land on all three islands?

No. You land at Ilot Gabriel and visit Ile Plate Beach. The catamaran passes near Coin de Mire, but setting foot on that island is not part of the experience.

Can I snorkel during the cruise?

Yes. Snorkeling is available near the islands and, when sea conditions allow, near Coin de Mire. You should choose activities according to your own ability.

Is transport to Grand Baie included?

No. Private transportation is not included. You need to reach Grand Baie Public Beach yourself.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

You should be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes cancellation. Free cancellation by you is available up to 24 hours before the start time.