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

The best views begin offshore. This seven-hour cruise from Grand Baie gives you a close look at Ilot Gabriel, Ile Plate, and Coin de Mire, with turquoise water, beach time, snorkeling, and a BBQ lunch served on one of the islands. I especially like that you set foot on both Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, rather than simply sailing past them, and that lunch is served on the beach instead of on the catamaran.

The crew gets high marks for being cheerful, helpful, and safety-minded, and the return trip often turns into a music-and-rum-punch party. The main caution is the sea itself: the crossing can be choppy, the snorkeling is self-guided, and boarding at Grand Baie may feel unclear or slow if you do not know where to wait.

Five things worth knowing before you book

• Two islands on foot: You land on both Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, with lunch served on Ile Plate.
• Coin de Mire is a sail-by stop: The catamaran passes as close as water depth allows, but nobody goes ashore.
• Seven hours at sea: The cruise includes island transfers, swimming, snorkeling, lunch, drinks, and the return sail.
• Front seats get wet: The bow offers exciting views, but spray can soak you, especially in rougher conditions.
• Bring your own snorkeling gear: Equipment is not included, and fins may help around rocky shallows and currents.
• Weather controls the day: The captain can change or cancel the route if sea conditions make the three-island plan unsafe.

What the $70 price covers

At $70 per person, this is a strong-value full-day outing if you want several Mauritius experiences in one booking. You get the catamaran ride, transfers to and from the islands, a BBQ lunch, and drinks including juice and beer. The food is served on Ile Plate, which gives the meal a much better setting than a buffet eaten on a boat deck.

The value comes from the amount of time and variety packed into the day. You are not paying only for transport to a beach. The fare also covers a long cruise from Grand Baie, a dinghy ride between the beach and catamaran, two island landings, time in the water, and a sail past Coin de Mire.

The lunch is generally described as plentiful and well organized. Several people found it tasty, and one account specifically noted vegan choices. You can expect a casual beach BBQ rather than a polished restaurant meal. Drinks are served during the day, but you should not assume every drink will be cold. Warm drinks were one of the few food-service complaints.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must reach the meeting point on Grand Baie beach yourself. That keeps the price down, but it also means you need to allow time to find the correct place before departure.

Finding the boat on Grand Baie beach

The meeting point is halfway along the beach at Grand Baie, opposite the red Express bus for Port Louis and near a shop called Highlights. The operator asks you to provide a valid WhatsApp number when booking, then sends a written description, video, and Google location after you arrive in Mauritius.

That extra communication matters. The meeting point is on a public beach, and the boarding setup is not as obvious as walking up to a marked pier. Some people have found themselves waiting around before understanding when and where the transfer would happen.

The first transfer is by dinghy from the beach to the catamaran. You may need to wade through shallow water, so wear swimwear or quick-drying clothes and keep valuables protected. Shoes are not allowed on the catamaran to protect the deck, so bring water shoes in a small bag for the islands and snorkeling.

Once on board, the crew gives safety instructions and explains the schedule. The captain has been described as strict in a useful way, making sure everyone knows the rules and meeting times. That is welcome on a day involving several transfers and open water.

The catamaran crossing and the changing colors of the sea

The cruise itself is a major part of the experience. From Grand Baie, you see Mauritius from a lower, wider viewpoint that you cannot get from the road. The water changes color as the boat moves offshore, from nearshore blue to lighter turquoise around the islands.

A catamaran offers more room than a small speedboat, and the trip is designed as a social outing rather than a silent nature cruise. Music, conversation, drinks, and a lively crew shape the atmosphere. On the way back, dancing often breaks out, with rum served as part of the onboard mood.

Choose your seat with care. The front of the catamaran gives you the most open view and a greater sense of speed, but spray can leave you soaked. One person even reported seeing dolphins from the front, while another found the deck helpful for reducing nausea. The tradeoff is that your clothes and towel may get wet.

The crossing can be rough, particularly in winter from June through September. The ride to the islands may take around an hour and a half, depending on conditions and the route. If you are prone to seasickness, eat sensibly, stay where you can see the horizon, and consider asking the crew where the smoothest part of the boat is. This is not a promise of calm water. It is an ocean outing, and the ocean has its own schedule.

Ilot Gabriel, a quiet first taste of island life

Ilot Gabriel is one of the two islands where you actually go ashore. The catamaran anchors as close as depth allows, then a dinghy carries you to the beach. The transfer is part of the adventure, but it also means you should expect a little waiting and coordination while people move between boat, dinghy, and sand.

Time on Ilot Gabriel is limited, often around 45 to 60 minutes according to the planned schedule. That is enough for a walk, photographs, and a quick look at the beach and water, but not enough for a long, unhurried exploration.

The appeal is simple: white sand, clear water, and a feeling of being away from the main island. You get to see the island from the water before stepping onto it, then turn around and take in the catamaran, lagoon, and surrounding sea from the beach.

The tour may visit Ile Plate first and Ilot Gabriel second, depending on the day. The operator’s planned description places Ilot Gabriel before Ile Plate, while actual schedules can reverse the order. Do not worry if the sequence changes. The important point is that both islands are included when sea conditions permit.

Ile Plate, where the BBQ lunch is served

Ile Plate is the practical center of the day because lunch is served there. After the dinghy transfer, you have the chance to eat on the island, sit in a natural setting, and spend time near the water without rushing straight back onto the catamaran.

The BBQ is one of the most praised parts of the outing. Portions are usually ample, and seconds may be available. The meal is casual, fresh, and designed to feed a group after a morning on the water. Drinks, including juice and beer, are included, and vegan food has been available on at least some departures.

Do not expect a quiet picnic. Several boats may be visiting the northern islands at the same time, and one account described a very large number of people spread across the area. Even so, the organization can keep the day moving, and the islands are spacious enough that the setting does not always feel packed.

Lunch timing may vary. Some schedules serve food soon after arrival at Ile Plate, then move people toward swimming and snorkeling. This makes sense if you are hungry after the crossing, but it can mean your best water time comes after the meal. Bring sunscreen and water protection for your belongings, since you remain exposed to sun and wind for much of the day.

Snorkeling, swimming, and the limits of the water time

The swimming and snorkeling are self-guided. You choose when to enter the water and how far to go, based on your ability and the conditions. That freedom suits confident swimmers who prefer not to follow a strict group route.

The shallow water can offer fish, coral, and occasional wildlife. Some people have seen turtles, stingrays, dolphins, and even whales during the wider cruise. A separate turtle experience may cost extra, and if you take part, follow the guide’s instructions closely and avoid touching or chasing the animals.

The snorkeling is not always the highlight. Currents can be strong, and some areas are stony underfoot. Fins are useful, especially if you want to swim beyond the shallow edge. The operator does not provide snorkeling equipment, so bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins if you have them.

You may also find the coral less impressive than expected in busy areas. Heavy boat traffic and large numbers of people can affect the underwater setting, and one account noted rubbish on the islands. This is worth keeping in mind if you are booking mainly for serious snorkeling. The cruise is better understood as a scenic island day with casual swimming than as a specialist reef trip.

Time in the water can feel shorter than the seven-hour length suggests. Travel, transfers, lunch, and boarding all take time. One person estimated only a few hours for swimming overall, while others felt the schedule allowed enough time at each stop. Your impression will depend on sea conditions, group size, and how efficiently people move between the catamaran and beaches.

Coin de Mire, a dramatic island seen from the water

Coin de Mire is the third island, but it is a viewing stop rather than a landing. The catamaran passes nearby, as close as water depth and safety allow. You stay aboard and see the island from the sea.

That distinction is important. If you expect three beach stops, this is not that tour. The value of Coin de Mire lies in the changing view as the catamaran approaches, circles or passes nearby, and continues along the northern route.

The sea view is often the point. You see the island rising from the water, with the catamaran offering a broad front-row position. Keep your camera protected from spray and do not count on a long commentary session. The level of explanation can vary, and the crew’s strongest role is usually managing the boat, transfers, food, and atmosphere.

A lively ride home with music and drinks

The return trip is often when the social side of the day reaches full speed. After swimming and lunch, the crew puts on music, serves drinks, and encourages people to enjoy the catamaran. Dancing has been a regular part of the ride back, and birthday groups have been welcomed into the shared celebration.

This is not a formal performance. It is a friendly boat party that depends on the group onboard. Solo visitors can meet people easily, while couples and families may enjoy the relaxed energy. If you want a peaceful return in silence, the music and dancing may be more than you hoped for.

The crew receives especially strong praise for being upbeat, attentive, and helpful during the dinghy transfers. They also keep an eye on safety and explain the timings. Communication can occasionally be difficult if English is spoken with a strong French accent, so ask for clarification rather than guessing where to go or when to return.

Weather, comfort, and who should skip it

The captain can cancel or reschedule the trip when conditions are unsafe. Even when the boat sails, rough water may prevent the full three-island route, particularly during the June to September winter period. The captain’s decision is final, and this is one situation where flexibility matters more than sticking rigidly to the advertised order.

This trip is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments. The beach-to-boat dinghy transfers, wading, uneven sand, and movement on a catamaran require reasonable mobility.

Pack:

• Swimwear and a towel
• High-factor sunscreen, with extra for reapplication
• Comfortable clothes that can get wet
• Water shoes for beaches, rocks, and shallow water
• Your own snorkeling mask, snorkel, and fins
• A small waterproof bag for valuables
• Motion-sickness supplies if you need them

A reusable cup may be used for drinks, and bottled water is not specifically promised. Bring drinking water if you want a guaranteed supply during the day. You will be in sun and wind for hours, so dehydration can sneak up on you.

Should you book the Grand Baie three-island cruise?

I would book this tour if you want a full day that mixes scenery, swimming, beach time, food, and a friendly party atmosphere. The strongest reasons are the two genuine island landings, the BBQ served on Ile Plate, and the pleasure of seeing the northern coast from a catamaran. At $70, that combination offers good value.

I would choose another option if your priority is calm water, highly structured snorkeling, a small group, or long, quiet time on each island. The boat can feel busy, boarding may be untidy, and the snorkeling is not guided or equipment-inclusive.

For the best experience, use WhatsApp communication before the day, arrive ready for a beach transfer, sit near the front only if you do not mind getting wet, and bring fins and extra sunscreen. If you can accept a little sea spray, a flexible schedule, and the chance of rough water, this is one of the better ways to see Mauritius beyond its roads and resort beaches.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The activity lasts about seven hours, including the catamaran journey, island transfers, lunch, snorkeling, swimming, and the return trip.

Which islands can I visit?

You can land on Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate. The catamaran also passes near Coin de Mire, but passengers do not go ashore there.

Is lunch included?

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

Are drinks included throughout the day?

Drinks are included, including juice and beer. Bottled water is not specifically guaranteed, so bring water if you want a personal supply.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. You need to bring your own snorkeling gear. Fins may be helpful because some areas have currents and stony ground.

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is halfway along Grand Baie beach, opposite the red Express bus for Port Louis and opposite or near the Highlights shop. A WhatsApp number allows the operator to send a map, written directions, and a video.

Do I need to wear shoes on the catamaran?

Shoes are not allowed on the catamaran to protect the deck. Bring water shoes in a bag for the beach, shallow water, and snorkeling.

Can bad weather change the itinerary?

Yes. The captain may cancel or reschedule the activity for safety. Rough sea conditions can also make it impossible to visit all three islands.

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments because it involves beach access, dinghy transfers, and movement around the catamaran. It is also not suitable for pregnant women.