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

The best Mauritius days happen offshore. This seven-hour catamaran trip from Grand Baie combines the pleasure of sailing with stops at Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, plus a close pass by Coin de Mire. I like the generous barbecue lunch served on the island, and I like that the $70 price includes drinks, transfers between the boat and islands, and access to all three northern islands. The main caution is the sea: rough water, limited snorkeling in some areas, and a boarding process that can feel unclear at the start may test your patience.

This is a lively, social outing rather than a quiet private cruise. The crew keeps the mood cheerful with music, drinks, and plenty of encouragement to dance on the return ride. You should also expect a full day in the sun, limited shade, wet feet, and no hotel pickup.

Key points to know before you go

• Two island landings: You set foot on both Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, not just one beach.
• Lunch on Ile Plate: The barbecue is served on the island, with food and drinks included.
• Coin de Mire is a scenic pass-by: The catamaran gets as close as water depth allows, but nobody lands there.
• Snorkeling is self-guided: Bring your own equipment, and expect currents, rocks, and changing water conditions.
• The return trip gets festive: Music, rum, dancing, and a sociable boat crowd are part of the experience.
• Weather controls the itinerary: The captain may reschedule or skip an island if sea conditions are unsafe.

From Grand Baie beach to the open sea

The meeting point is on the middle stretch of Grand Baie beach, opposite the red Express bus for Port Louis and near the shop called Highlights. You first take a dinghy from the beach to the catamaran, since the larger boat cannot pull directly onto the sand.

This first transfer is simple, but it can be confusing. Several people had trouble identifying the right boat and understanding the boarding order, so arrive ready to ask questions. The operator requests a valid WhatsApp number when you book and sends a written description, a video, and a Google location once you are in Mauritius. That extra help matters here.

Once aboard, the boat ride becomes the main event. The catamaran gives you a broad view of the northern sea, with water changing from pale green near shore to stronger blue farther out. You see the islands well before reaching them, and the ride offers a side of Mauritius that is impossible to appreciate from a road or hotel beach.

The sea can be choppy, especially during the cooler months from June through September. One useful tip is to sit on the deck if you are prone to nausea. The motion is more noticeable at the front, where spray can soak you, but fresh air and a clear view may help. Keep valuables and spare clothes in the storage area below.

Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate: two different island stops

The day is built around two landings. The exact order can vary, but the plan is to reach the islands, transfer by dinghy where needed, and give you time to swim, snorkel, relax, and eat.

Ilot Gabriel offers the first taste of the remote island setting. The transfer from the catamaran takes roughly 45 to 60 minutes of island time, depending on the schedule and conditions. You step onto pale sand and have a chance to wander, swim, or sit by the water.

The beach is beautiful, but do not expect an empty Robinson Crusoe scene. Other boats may be visiting the same islands, and the area can become busy. Even so, the open setting spreads people out, and the shallow water gives you an easy place to cool off.

Ile Plate, also called Flat Island, is where lunch is served. This is one of the tour’s strongest features. Instead of eating at sea from a serving line on the catamaran, you sit on the island and take in the sand, water, and low green surroundings while the crew handles the meal.

The barbecue is generous rather than fancy. You can expect a hearty serving, and food is available in enough quantity for seconds. The meal has been praised for freshness, taste, and good organization. Vegetarian and vegan choices have also been available, which is useful if you do not eat meat, though you should still communicate your needs when booking.

Drinks include juice, beer, and other beverages. The supply is generous, but bring extra drinking water if you can. Some people found the available drinks insufficient while spending time on the island, and one person noted that beverages were warm. In tropical sun, a refillable bottle is practical.

The lunch setting is what gives this outing more value than a standard boat ride. You are not simply looking at the islands from the rail. You sit down, eat, and spend part of the day in the island environment.

Coin de Mire is for the view, not the beach

Coin de Mire is the third island on the route, but it is not a landing stop. The catamaran passes as close as water depth allows, giving you time to photograph its steep profile and rocky shoreline.

This distinction is important. The tour is often described as a three-island cruise, but only Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate are places where you get off the boat. Coin de Mire is best understood as a scenic coastal pass.

The approach can be especially rewarding when the sea is calm. You get a different view of the northern islands from the water, and the catamaran makes the scale and shape of Coin de Mire easier to appreciate. The captain may also point out wildlife along the route, though sightings are never guaranteed.

Whales have been spotted on return journeys, and dolphins have appeared near the boat. Those moments are luck, not a promised part of the trip, but they add a memorable bonus when they happen.

Snorkeling, swimming, and the practical reality

Snorkeling is available near the islands, but it is not a guided instruction session. You decide when to get in and how long to stay, based on your swimming ability and the conditions.

Bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins because equipment is not included. Fins are particularly useful in areas with current. Some sections have rocks underfoot, and the water is not uniformly easy for standing or walking.

The fish and coral can be rewarding in shallow water, yet the snorkeling is not the main reason to book this cruise. Some areas have limited coral, and heavy boat traffic has affected parts of the underwater setting. You may see fish and coral, but you should not expect a protected marine reserve with perfect visibility.

Water shoes are a smart addition. Shoes are removed before boarding the catamaran to protect the deck, so keep your water shoes in a small bag for the beach, rocks, and water. Comfortable clothes, a towel, swimwear, and strong sunscreen are essential.

You remain in sun and wind for much of the day. Put sunscreen on before leaving Grand Baie and reapply often. A hat, sunglasses with a secure strap, and a light cover-up will make the ride more comfortable.

The trip is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments. Getting between the beach, dinghy, catamaran, and islands requires boarding and disembarking several times.

The crew and the mood aboard

The crew is one of the most praised parts of this experience. The atmosphere is friendly, playful, and relaxed, with staff helping people on and off the dinghy and keeping an eye on the schedule.

The captain also gives safety instructions and can be firm about rules. That is a good sign on a sea trip. The final call belongs to the captain if wind, waves, or visibility make the planned route unsafe.

Communication is generally available in English and French. English explanations can be harder to follow if you are not used to a strong French accent, so ask for clarification when needed. This is especially important for meeting times, island departure times, and safety instructions.

The return ride often changes character. After a quieter day of swimming and lunch, music comes on, drinks circulate, and people dance. Birthday groups and solo visitors have been welcomed into the party, making the boat feel social rather than formal.

That mood will suit you if you enjoy meeting people and do not mind shared entertainment. If you want a peaceful sailing day with little music or group activity, this may feel too lively.

Food, drinks, and what $70 really covers

At $70 per person, the tour offers solid value for a full seven-hour day. You receive the catamaran cruise, dinghy transfers, two island landings, a barbecue lunch, drinks, and the pass by Coin de Mire.

The price is strongest for visitors who want several activities in one outing. Booking separate transport, a boat ride, lunch, and island transfers would take more planning and could cost more. You also avoid having to arrange how to reach the islands independently.

The tradeoff is that this is a shared excursion. Group size has varied, and some departures have felt crowded, with more than 40 people aboard. A full boat can slow boarding and make the island transfers less personal.

Lunch is filling and well regarded, but it is not a restaurant meal. Think of it as a well-organized beach barbecue. Drinks are included, though bottled water may not be supplied in the way you expect, so bring your own water if possible.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You need to reach Grand Baie beach yourself and allow time to find the correct meeting point. The WhatsApp directions can help, but do not leave this until the last minute.

Weather can change the promise of the day

The itinerary depends on the sea. The captain may cancel or reschedule the trip when conditions are unsafe. In rough weather, the boat may not reach all three islands, even if the day begins normally.

This matters most in winter, generally June through September, when sea conditions can make the crossing uncomfortable or force changes. A trip can still be enjoyable in light rain, but strong wind and heavy waves may affect the route, snorkeling, and time on the beaches.

If your Mauritius schedule is tight, avoid booking this on the only day you have available. Give yourself some flexibility in case the weather moves the departure. The operator places safety first, and that is the correct approach for a long open-water crossing.

The ride can also be tiring for anyone prone to seasickness. Eat lightly before departure, sit where there is fresh air, and consider staying on the deck if that helps you. The front seats are fun but wet, while the catamaran may feel more stable toward the middle.

Who will enjoy this northern islands cruise?

I would choose this tour if you want a full day that mixes scenery, swimming, food, and social energy. It works well for couples, groups of friends, families with capable swimmers, and solo visitors who enjoy meeting people.

It is also a good choice if you want to walk on two islands rather than simply cruise past them. Eating lunch on Ile Plate gives the day a stronger sense of place and breaks up the time aboard.

You may want a different option if your priority is serious snorkeling, a quiet luxury boat, private service, or a guaranteed three-island landing. This tour is active and informal. The water can be rough, the boat can be busy, and the underwater sights vary.

The outing suits confident swimmers best, though you can also stay on the beach and enjoy the scenery. Keep in mind that the snorkeling is self-guided, with no promise of a dedicated instructor or protected swimming area.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want one of Mauritius’s best-value full-day sea outings and you enjoy a friendly group atmosphere. The combination of Ilot Gabriel, Ile Plate, an island barbecue, drinks, snorkeling, and a lively return cruise makes the $70 price fair.

Book with realistic expectations. Bring water shoes, your own snorkeling gear, a towel, extra sunscreen, and a dry bag. Confirm the meeting point through WhatsApp, arrive early, and keep your schedule flexible for weather.

I would skip it only if rough seas cause you problems, if you need accessible boarding, or if you want a quiet and highly controlled snorkeling trip. For everyone else, this is a memorable way to see Mauritius from the water, with enough beach time and good food to make the long boat ride worthwhile.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The activity lasts about seven hours, including the boat ride, island visits, lunch, swimming, snorkeling, and the return trip.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The tour 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 barbecue lunch is served on Ile Plate, and drinks such as juice and beer are included.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must reach the meeting point on Grand Baie beach.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is halfway along Grand Baie beach, opposite the red Express bus for Port Louis and near the shop named Highlights.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins.

Can I snorkel without joining a guided group?

Yes. Snorkeling is self-guided, and you can swim according to your ability and the conditions.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The captain can cancel, reschedule, or change the route when sea conditions are unsafe. In rough conditions, all three islands may not be possible.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English and French. The operator asks for a valid WhatsApp number to send meeting instructions, a video, and a Google location.