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

Sea days begin early. This seven-hour cruise from Grand Baie takes you across changing shades of blue to Ilot Gabriel, Ile Plate, and the waters near Coin de Mire. I like the combination of two island beach stops and a generous day on the water, and I also like that barbecue lunch, salad, and drinks are included rather than treated as costly extras. The main thing to consider is the party atmosphere: music and alcohol can be a major part of the day, so this may not suit you if you want a quiet nature cruise.

The price is about $58.08 per person, which is fair for a full day with food, drinks, island time, and snorkeling opportunities. Still, the experience is not highly polished in every account. Communication about weather cancellations has caused frustration, and the boat may feel crowded or louder than expected.

Quick points before you book

• Three northern islands in one outing: You see Ilot Gabriel, Ile Plate, and Coin de Mire from the water, with landings on the first two.
• A long crossing from Grand Baie: The ride to the first island takes about 90 minutes, so the cruise itself is a major part of the day.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Expect barbecue, salad, and drinks served as part of the outing.
• Coin de Mire is viewed from the boat: Landing there is not included, but snorkeling nearby may be possible when the sea is calm.
• Music can be loud: Some departures feel like a lively booze cruise, with beer and rum available early in the day.
• Weather controls the plan: The captain decides if conditions are safe, and poor weather can lead to a new date or full refund.

Leaving Grand Baie for the northern islands

Your meeting point is Grand Baie Public Beach, with departure scheduled for 8:30 a.m. This is a public beach meeting point rather than a private hotel pickup, so you need to arrange your own way there. Private transportation is not included.

The trip begins with open water and a broad view back toward northern Mauritius. The crossing to the first island takes roughly an hour and a half. That is long enough to make the outward journey part of the attraction, not just a transfer.

I like this stretch when the sea is calm. You get to watch the water change color and see the northern islands from angles impossible from the shore. The tradeoff is simple: if you are eager to get straight to the beach, the first 90 minutes may feel slow. If you enjoy being on a catamaran, it gives you time to settle in.

The boat is described as a large, stable catamaran, with a maximum advertised group size of 48 people. One account reported more than 60 people aboard, so I would confirm the expected capacity before booking if personal space matters to you. There have also been reports of a small powered boat being used to move people between the beach and the catamaran, with delays when many people need to transfer.

Ilot Gabriel, a beach with a wild edge

The first main stop is Ilot Gabriel, where you get off the boat and spend about two hours. This is the most straightforward beach portion of the day, with time for swimming, snorkeling, and walking along the sand.

Ilot Gabriel is appealing because it feels far removed from the developed coast of Mauritius. The beach is described as very clean and preserved, with clear water and a simple island setting. You can look for the endemic Paille en Queue, or white-tailed tropic bird, including birds near their nests. That detail gives the stop more character than a standard sun-and-swim break.

You should bring patience here. The attraction is natural rather than built up, so do not expect a long list of facilities or organized activities. Snorkeling is available according to your ability and comfort, and conditions can vary. If you are not a confident swimmer, keep your plans modest and stay close to safe areas.

The beach stop is also where the cruise can feel most peaceful, depending on the group. Some departures have a warm, cheerful atmosphere, while others are dominated by music and drinking. You may get a quiet swim, or you may find yourself sharing the island with a lively crowd.

Ile Plate and the turquoise lagoon

Ile Plate, also called Flat Island, is located close to Ilot Gabriel, roughly 10 kilometers north of Mauritius. Together, the two islands are linked by a shallow turquoise lagoon and pale sand, creating the classic northern Mauritius view many people hope to see.

The scheduled time here is about two and a half hours, though the exact flow can depend on the captain, the sea, and how the crew organizes lunch. You may spend this portion swimming, snorkeling, resting on the beach, or simply enjoying the view from the sand.

The chance to eat on an island is one of the strongest parts of the package. Barbecue, salad, and drinks are included. That matters because a full seven-hour sea outing can become expensive if you must buy lunch and beverages separately.

The practical catch is that the meal location and timing may not always match your expectations. One account specifically regretted not eating on the island, while the advertised plan emphasizes island dining. I would ask the crew at the beginning where lunch will be served and how much beach time remains afterward.

If you prefer a relaxed day, use the island time wisely. A swim followed by lunch and a short rest is more enjoyable than trying to fit in every possible activity. The schedule allows for a siesta, and that is sensible. Sun, wind, salt water, music, and alcohol can wear you out faster than expected.

Coin de Mire, the island you view from offshore

The third island is Coin de Mire, also called Gunner’s Quoin or Gunner’s Point. It is a small volcanic island of about 65 hectares, roughly eight kilometers north of Mauritius. Its dark basaltic rock makes a sharp contrast with the white sand and shallow water around the first two stops.

You do not land on Coin de Mire. The catamaran passes close by, giving you a good view from the sea. If weather and sea conditions are favorable, you may snorkel in the nearby water, described as a natural aquarium.

This is the most conditional part of the outing. The water is said to average about six meters deep, with a range of roughly three to nine meters and good visibility. Those figures explain why the area is valued for snorkeling and underwater exploration. They do not guarantee that you will snorkel there on your departure.

The captain has the final say, and that is the right arrangement. Conditions around an offshore volcanic island can change. If the sea is rough, the boat may skip this section or keep you aboard. Do not book this cruise solely for Coin de Mire snorkeling. Treat it as a welcome extra after the island beaches.

Lunch, drinks, and the party question

The included meal is barbecue with salad, accompanied by drinks. For the price, this makes the cruise easier to budget. You do not have to search for food on a small island, and you can spend more of the day enjoying the sea.

Drinks are a major part of the mood. Some departures begin serving beer early and continue with rum later. Music may play loudly for much of the journey, with dancing and a festive atmosphere. If you want a social day with a bit of holiday mischief, that can be fun.

If you picture a quiet catamaran with only the sound of water and seabirds, set your expectations carefully. The cruise has been described as a party boat, and the energy can begin soon after departure. Families and mixed-age groups may still participate, but the noise and alcohol level are worth considering before you commit.

The best approach is to decide what kind of sea day you want. This trip combines scenery, beach time, snorkeling, food, and drinks, but it does not promise a silent nature excursion. The balance may shift from one departure to another.

What the $58.08 price really covers

At about $58.08 per person, the cost is attractive for a seven-hour excursion. You are paying for the catamaran outing, stops at the northern islands, barbecue lunch, salad, drinks, and the chance to swim or snorkel.

That is good value if you plan to spend a full day at sea anyway. A shorter boat trip followed by a separate restaurant meal could easily approach the same total, while offering less time around the islands.

The price becomes less appealing if you mainly want a peaceful beach visit or a guaranteed snorkeling session. You are also responsible for getting to Grand Baie Public Beach, since private transportation is not included. Add your taxi or other transport cost when comparing the total price.

One complaint involved a taxi fare after a weather cancellation. The operator disputed the timing of the notification and stated that a refund was issued. The practical lesson is to monitor email and WhatsApp before leaving for the meeting point, and to keep written confirmation of any cancellation.

Timing, comfort, and what to bring

The tour lasts approximately seven hours and returns to the same meeting point. The long crossing, two island stops, offshore viewing, meal, and return journey make this a substantial day rather than a quick excursion.

Bring swimwear, sun protection, and anything you need for a long period outdoors. The supplied information does not specify equipment rental or a detailed packing list, so ask the operator if you need snorkeling gear or have special requirements.

You should also be comfortable with the basic demands of a boat trip. The experience includes swimming and snorkeling according to your own ability, and the route depends on sea conditions. Most people can participate, but you should judge your own comfort in open water honestly.

The boat is described as strong, stable, and fully licensed. Even so, the sea can be unsettled, and the final decision about Coin de Mire or other parts of the route belongs to the captain. Safety is more important than following a fixed timetable.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a full northern Mauritius day without arranging several separate activities. It works especially well for people who enjoy a mix of scenery, swimming, beach time, food, and music.

It also suits visitors who want to see more than the main island. Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate provide the beach stops, while Coin de Mire adds a dramatic offshore landmark and a possible snorkeling site.

You may want another excursion if you prefer quiet, careful guiding, a small group, or a guaranteed underwater program. The maximum advertised group size is 48, and the atmosphere can be louder and more crowded than the phrase catamaran cruise might suggest.

I would also be cautious about booking this as your only available day if your schedule cannot absorb a weather change. The cancellation rules allow a full refund or a different date when poor weather prevents the trip, but a disrupted plan can still cost you time and transport money.

My call: book it for the sea day, not one promise

Book this cruise if you want good scenery, two island landings, included food and drinks, and a lively day on the water for a reasonable price. The most praised qualities are the friendly crew atmosphere, the beautiful island setting, the swimming, and the sense of getting away from mainland Mauritius.

Skip it if loud music, alcohol, possible crowding, or a long open-water crossing would spoil your day. Also skip it if Coin de Mire snorkeling is your main goal, since the captain may cancel that section for safety.

For the best chance of enjoying yourself, arrive ready for a flexible schedule, check messages before heading to Grand Baie, and ask where lunch will be served. Think of the experience as a social island cruise with snorkeling opportunities, not a silent marine expedition.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start and finish?

The cruise starts at Grand Baie Public Beach in Grand Baie, Mauritius, at 8:30 a.m. It returns to the same meeting point at the end.

How long does the experience last?

The full outing lasts approximately seven 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 and Ile Plate, but you do not set foot on Coin de Mire.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Barbecue, salad, and drinks are included.

Can I snorkel during the cruise?

Yes, snorkeling is available according to your ability and comfort near the islands. Snorkeling near Coin de Mire depends on favorable weather and sea conditions.

Is transportation from my hotel included?

No. Private transportation is not included. You need to make your own way to Grand Baie Public Beach.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If bad weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. The captain makes the final decision about sea conditions and safety.