GBaie: 3 North Islands Cruise, Lunch & CoindeMire Snorkeling

The ocean is the main attraction here. This seven-hour catamaran trip from Mauritius takes you toward Ile Plate, Ilot Gabriel, and Coin de Mire, combining beach time, swimming, snorkeling, and a barbecue meal at sea. I like the chance to see three very different islands in one day, and I like that the trip works well for families and groups of friends. The main concern is comfort: the boat can feel crowded, and drinks may not be available during the island stops.

This is a relaxed outing rather than a detailed sightseeing tour. You get beautiful sea views and time in the water, but little formal explanation about the islands. If you want a full history lesson, this may feel thin. If you want a sunny day on the water with lunch included, the $70 price is reasonable, provided the snorkeling and service run as planned.

Key points to know before boarding

• Three North Island stops: Visit Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel, then sail close to Coin de Mire.
• Coin de Mire is not a landing stop: You see this striking offshore mountain from the catamaran, with snorkeling nearby only if conditions allow.
• Seven hours on and around the water: Expect a full day of sun, swimming, beach time, and sailing.
• Lunch is a barbecue: Salad, drinks, and a grilled meal are provided, though the exact serving location can change.
• Bring your own snorkeling gear: Equipment is not supplied, and snorkeling may be canceled for safety in rough weather.
• Expect a casual group outing: The boat may be busy, with limited shade and seating at certain points.

Setting off from the beach in Mauritius

Your meeting point is on the beach, and you should contact the guide 24 hours before departure to confirm the exact arrangements. The activity lasts about seven hours, but the starting time depends on availability and the day’s schedule.

Once aboard, the appeal is immediate. You are not confined to a bus or moving from one indoor attraction to another. The catamaran carries you across changing shades of blue, with open views toward the North Islands. For families, this gives everyone something to do: children can enjoy the boat and beach, while adults can swim, take photos, or simply sit in the sun.

The crew provides guide services in English, French, Hindi, Urdu, Spanish, and Arabic. That range is useful for mixed-language groups. Still, you should set your expectations correctly. The trip appears to focus on the sea experience rather than detailed commentary. You may receive basic guidance, but do not count on a thorough account of the islands’ past or geology.

The boat itself has been described as well maintained, which matters on a long day at sea. At the same time, comfort depends on how many people are aboard. One practical complaint was that seating became difficult when the catamaran was crowded, especially late in the day when everyone was warm and tired. I would arrive ready to share space rather than expecting a quiet private charter.

Ile Plate brings the first beach break

Ile Plate, also called Flat Island, is one of the main beach stops. The point here is simple: step ashore, see the beach, swim in the clear lagoon, and enjoy a break from the boat.

This stop gives you room to spread out more than you can on the catamaran. The water is suitable for a refreshing swim when conditions are good, and the beach makes a pleasant place to take photos or dry off. The island’s appeal is its natural setting, not a long list of facilities. You should expect a fairly basic stop.

Shade is limited, and that becomes important during a long day under the Mauritius sun. Bring sunscreen and a towel, and keep drinking water close. Although drinks are included during the wider excursion, some passengers found that refreshments were not available while they were on the islands. I would carry a personal bottle if possible, even though the official inclusions list drinks.

The time spent ashore can vary. The schedule may give you close to an hour or longer at a stop, but the captain can change the plan because of sea conditions. If you enjoy an unhurried beach break, that flexibility can be welcome. If you prefer constant activity, the waiting time may feel long.

Ilot Gabriel offers more island time

The second island stop is Ilot Gabriel, a natural reserve known for nesting Paille en Queue birds, the white-tailed tropical birds associated with Mauritius. The island gives you another stretch of beach and another chance to swim in clear water.

I like the contrast between the two island visits. You are not simply looking at the islands from the boat. You get to step ashore, feel the sand, and spend time in the water. For a family or a group of friends, these stops create a natural rhythm: sail, swim, dry off, eat, then sail again.

The drawback is that the islands are not set up like resort beaches. Shade can be scarce, and there may be no food or water available during the stop. This is where good planning matters. Apply sunscreen before leaving the boat, use your towel as a seat or cover, and avoid assuming that the next drink will appear as soon as you want one.

If you are interested in birds, keep your eyes open, but remember that the activity is not presented as a dedicated wildlife tour. The Paille en Queue nesting areas add an interesting touch, yet the main experience remains swimming and beach time.

Snorkeling near the islands and Coin de Mire

Snorkeling is one of the strongest reasons to book this trip, but it comes with an important condition: sea and weather conditions control the plan. You are expected to bring your own snorkeling equipment, and the crew may not be able to offer the snorkeling portion if the water is unsafe.

Near the islands, you can swim in the lagoon and snorkel on your own. The clear water can make this one of the day’s best parts, especially if you enjoy choosing your own pace rather than following a strict guided route. You should still listen carefully to the crew, as the open sea can change quickly.

Coin de Mire is the most dramatic sight of the day. This rocky island rises from the sea like a large mountain, and the catamaran sails as close to it as conditions allow. You do not land on Coin de Mire. The experience is about viewing it from the water and, if the weather permits, snorkeling nearby.

That distinction matters. Some descriptions of the trip may make the three islands sound like three shore visits, but Coin de Mire is a sail-by destination. You should not expect to walk ashore there.

The snorkeling near Coin de Mire can be excellent, but it is not guaranteed. One past outing included the activity only after a passenger requested it, while other days may follow the planned schedule more closely. The captain has the final say, and safety is the right priority. If you book mainly for Coin de Mire snorkeling, treat it as a strong possibility rather than a promise.

Bring a mask, snorkel, and fins that fit you well. Personal equipment saves time and avoids the disappointment of arriving without what you need. Pack a waterproof phone pouch too if you want photos, but keep your attention on the water and the boat’s instructions.

Barbecue lunch aboard the catamaran

Lunch is part of the $70 package, which helps the price make sense. The meal includes a barbecue, salad, and drinks. In some cases, lunch may be served on an island instead of aboard the catamaran, depending on the day’s arrangements.

The meal is best viewed as a practical beach-day barbecue, not a polished restaurant service. The food has been praised as good, and a grilled lunch after swimming is exactly what many people want. It gives the day a social center and saves you from arranging food separately.

Service may feel rushed. One report described lunch as hurried, while another found the food good but the drinks disappointing. There have also been complaints about a single round of drinks and a bar that closed when more refreshments were requested. That does not mean every departure will be the same, but it gives you a useful warning: bring extra water and do not rely entirely on the included drinks.

The best meal setting may be the boat itself, with the sea around you and the islands in view. If lunch moves to shore, you gain the pleasure of eating on an island but may have less shade and less access to refreshments. Either way, the meal is a welcome part of a long day outside.

The return sail past Mauritius’s offshore mountain

After the island stops and lunch, the catamaran begins the return journey. This is when the trip can become quiet and easy. You have already had your main swims, and the remaining hours give you time to sit, listen to music, and watch the sea.

The catamaran sails close to Coin de Mire on the way back. The island’s shape makes it the most memorable visual point of the route. It looks very different from the low beaches of Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel, so the three stops offer useful variety: sandy shorelines, lagoon swimming, bird habitat, and a steep rocky island offshore.

There may also be a chance to jump into the deep water while the boat waits before returning to Grand Baie. This has been described as a particularly enjoyable part of the outing, thanks to the clear water and the sense of swimming away from shore. It is optional, and you should only enter the water when the crew says it is safe.

The return can feel lively, with music on board. On one departure, music from nearby catamarans was louder than the boat’s own atmosphere for much of the day. Another report noted that music was turned up near arrival, possibly to draw attention from people on shore. If you want a peaceful sail, this may not be the right style of excursion.

How much value do you get for $70?

At $70 per person, this is a fair deal for a seven-hour outing that includes the catamaran, guide services, island stops, snorkeling opportunities, barbecue lunch, and drinks. Booking each part separately would likely be less convenient, even if a private boat could offer more space.

The value is strongest for families and groups of friends. You receive a full day of shared activities, and children do not need to sit through long explanations or formal sightseeing. The beaches, boat ride, swimming, and barbecue keep the day moving.

The value is weaker if you expect a small, quiet group or high-end service. Crowding can reduce seating, and the drink service may not match your expectations. You also have little control over the exact amount of time spent at each island, and the key snorkeling stop depends on weather.

I would judge the price this way:

• Good value if you want a simple, active day on the sea with food included.
• Average value if your main goal is snorkeling and you would be disappointed if it is canceled.
• Poorer value if you want privacy, strong historical commentary, or dependable drinks throughout the day.

A 4.1 rating from 18 ratings suggests a generally positive but uneven experience. The most consistent praise goes to the scenery, friendly crew on some departures, good food, and the fun of sharing the day with family. The repeated concerns are crowding, limited refreshments on the islands, weak explanations, and inconsistent atmosphere.

Who should book this North Islands cruise?

I would recommend it to families with children, couples who want a simple day away from the resort, and groups of friends who enjoy swimming and casual boat trips. The combination of beaches and catamaran time makes it easy to fill seven hours without planning every minute.

It also suits people who prefer a flexible outdoor day to a tightly scripted tour. You can swim, sit, take photos, and enjoy the ocean without needing to follow a detailed program.

I would be more cautious if you use a wheelchair, since the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. You should also think twice if you dislike sun, limited shade, or shared seating. The boat may feel cramped, especially near the end of the day.

The tour is not ideal for anyone seeking serious marine instruction. Snorkeling is available on your own, rather than presented as a detailed lesson. The guide languages are broad, but the sightseeing commentary may be limited.

Practical packing advice for a smoother day

The official essentials are a towel, sunscreen, and swimwear. I would add a hat, sunglasses, a reusable bottle of water, and your own snorkeling kit.

Wear swimwear under light clothing so you can change quickly between boat and beach. A dry bag is useful for phones and wallets, though the basic requirements do not list one.

Keep your sunscreen within reach rather than leaving it in a bag under a seat. You will spend many hours exposed to sun, and the island stops offer little shade. If you are sensitive to heat, take breaks on the catamaran and drink before you feel thirsty.

Confirm the meeting details with the guide 24 hours ahead. The beach meeting point can be easy to find once confirmed, but exact departure arrangements and times can change.

The captain may reschedule the trip when bad weather is known in advance. Force majeure conditions can also alter the departure time, duration, or original program. That flexibility is normal for an ocean outing, and safety should come before reaching every planned stop.

Should you book GBaie’s North Islands cruise?

Book this trip if you want a social, affordable day on the water with beach stops, a barbecue, and the chance to snorkel near Coin de Mire. The scenery is the strongest feature, and the day offers enough variety to keep families and active groups interested.

Go in with realistic expectations. Bring extra drinks, expect shared space, and understand that Coin de Mire is a sail-by sight rather than a place you can visit on foot. Snorkeling may be canceled if the sea turns rough, and the level of commentary and onboard atmosphere can vary.

For $70, I think it is a sensible choice for a flexible beach day, especially when the crew is friendly and the water conditions allow the full plan. It is not the pick for private luxury or dependable all-day bar service. For sun, sea, swimming, and a little island adventure, it earns a qualified yes.

FAQ

How long does the North Islands cruise last?

The activity lasts about seven hours. Starting times depend on availability, and the captain may change the duration or program because of weather or other force majeure conditions.

Which islands does the catamaran visit?

The trip includes visits to Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel. The catamaran also sails close to Coin de Mire, but you do not land on that island.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling near the islands and near Coin de Mire is included as part of the experience. You must bring your own snorkeling equipment, and the captain may cancel snorkeling if sea conditions are unsafe.

Is lunch included in the price?

Yes. A barbecue lunch, salad, and drinks are included. Lunch is normally served on the catamaran, though it may sometimes be served on an island.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and swimwear. Your own snorkeling equipment is also needed. Carrying extra drinking water is sensible because refreshments may not be available during the island stops.

Can wheelchair users join the activity?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.