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

Northern Mauritius is at its best from the water, and this seven-hour catamaran cruise gives you a full day of bright sea, low sandy islands, swimming, and a BBQ lunch served on the beach. You land on both Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, while Coin de Mire is viewed from the boat because nobody goes ashore there.

I like two things right away: the lunch is served on an island, not simply handed out on the catamaran, and the crew creates a cheerful party atmosphere on the return sail. The price also covers food, drinks, the dinghy transfers, and the full island route, making $70 a fair deal for a full day on the water.

The main catch is the sea. The trip can be choppy, especially from June through September, and the ride to the islands can take about an hour and a half. Snorkeling is self-guided, currents can be strong, and time on the beaches is limited to a few hours.

Key points before you book

• Land on two islands: Reach both Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate by dinghy, then pass close to Coin de Mire without landing.
• Eat lunch on Ile Plate: The BBQ is served in a natural beach setting, with food and drinks included.
• Expect a lively return sail: Music, dancing, and rum drinks often turn the trip home into a floating party.
• Bring water shoes: Shoes are removed before boarding the catamaran, and beaches or shallow water can be stony.
• Snorkel independently: Fish and some coral are visible, but fins help with currents and the snorkeling is not a guided lesson.
• Plan for wind and spray: The front of the boat can get very wet, so keep valuables in the storage area.

Starting from Grand Baie and getting aboard

The meeting point is halfway along Grand Baie beach, opposite the red Express bus for Port Louis and near the shop called Highlights. The operator asks for a valid WhatsApp number so you can receive a written description, a video, and a Google location once you are in Mauritius.

You first take a dinghy from the beach to the catamaran. This can feel less tidy than the rest of the day. Some people have had to wait on the public beach while working out where to stand and when boarding would begin, and the process can take time if many people arrive together.

Once you are aboard, the mood improves quickly. The catamaran gives you room to sit on deck, watch the water change color, and take in the northern islands from a viewpoint you simply cannot get from shore. The boat is described as a decent size, though some departures have carried more than 40 people and can feel crowded during boarding and transfers.

You must remove your shoes before getting on the catamaran, so pack water shoes in a small bag rather than wearing them as your only footwear. You will need them later for the beach, shallow water, and uneven or stony sections around the islands.

The long sail north across changing water

The cruise itself is a major part of the experience, not just transport between stops. You see turquoise shallows, darker channels, white sand, and the islands growing larger as the catamaran moves away from Grand Baie.

Sit at the front if you want the most movement and spray. It can be a thrilling place to ride, but you may get soaked, so leave cameras, phones, and spare clothes in the storage area downstairs. If you are prone to seasickness, sitting on deck may help, but you should still prepare for a rolling ride.

The sea is not always gentle. Several departures have had rough water on the outward trip, and people who skipped breakfast found that easier than sailing with a full stomach. The catamaran can also sway more than you expect. If you know you are sensitive to motion, consider taking suitable medication before leaving and choose a steadier seat rather than the very front.

The crew keeps the day moving and gives safety instructions before the crossings. Some English speakers have found the crew’s French accents hard to understand at times, so pay close attention to times and meeting instructions. The main safety rule is simple: the captain can change or cancel the route when conditions are poor, and that decision is final.

Ilot Gabriel, a short taste of island life

Ilot Gabriel is one of the two islands where you set foot. Because the catamaran anchors where the depth allows, you transfer by dinghy rather than pulling the large boat directly onto the beach.

The transfer is part of the fun, but it also creates a bottleneck. You may need to wait while other people get on or off the dinghy, and the beach time is not unlimited. The usual visit lasts around 45 to 60 minutes according to the planned description, though the exact timing can change with sea conditions and the day’s schedule.

What makes Ilot Gabriel special is its simplicity. There are no city streets or resort facilities to distract you. You get sand, shallow water, open sky, and views back across the sea. It is a good place to walk, take photographs, or make a quick swim before the group moves on.

Do not expect a long private-island stay. Northern Mauritius is popular, and several boats may use the same beaches. Even when the shore looks busy, the size of the setting keeps the scene from feeling completely closed in. Bring patience during the dinghy transfers and use your short time well.

Lunch on Ile Plate, with the sea beside your table

The trip’s best feature for many people is lunch on Ile Plate, also called Flat Island. Instead of eating on the catamaran, you sit on the island and eat close to the beach and vegetation.

The included meal is a BBQ with drinks such as juice and beer. Portions are generally generous, and second helpings have been available. The food is described as fresh, tasty, and well organized, with vegan choices available on at least some departures. It is not fine dining, but it suits the setting: a filling island meal after a long ride and before more swimming.

Drinks are served throughout the day, though you should not assume everything will be cold. Warm drinks have been an occasional complaint, and bottled water is not clearly guaranteed. I would bring extra drinking water if you can, particularly because you spend hours in sun and wind.

Eating on Ile Plate gives the day a better sense of place than a standard boat BBQ. You get off the vessel, sit among the island’s natural surroundings, and have time to slow down. The tradeoff is that the island lunch, beach transfers, and swimming all compete for the same limited block of time.

The exact order can vary. Some departures have eaten on Flat Island soon after arrival and then moved to Gabriel Island for swimming, while the planned description places Gabriel first and Ile Plate afterward. Follow the crew’s instructions rather than expecting a fixed sequence.

Swimming and snorkeling in shallow northern water

After lunch, you have time to swim and snorkel near the islands. This is not a formal lesson with a guide leading a group from one reef to the next. You choose how far to go according to your confidence and ability.

The shallow water can be rewarding. Fish are visible close to shore, and some people have seen turtles and even a stingray. One optional turtle experience has been offered at an extra cost, with instructions to keep a respectful distance and avoid disturbing the animals.

Snorkeling quality depends heavily on the exact stop, tide, weather, and crowd levels. You may see fish and coral, but some areas have strongish currents, stony footing, and coral affected by heavy tourism. Fins would be useful, but snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins if you have them.

Water shoes matter here. The shore and seabed are not always soft sand, and they make it easier to walk in and out without cutting your feet. A towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, and light clothing should be in a small dry bag or other protected container.

You may also want a quiet stretch after lunch. There is enough time on some departures to rest, swim, snorkel, or take a short siesta before returning to the boat. Do not count on several hours alone on the island, though. The schedule must move everyone through the transfers and back toward Grand Baie.

Coin de Mire, the third island seen from the sea

Coin de Mire completes the three-island route, but this is a pass-by stop. The catamaran sails as close as water depth and safety allow, and you view the island from the boat rather than stepping ashore.

That distinction matters when comparing this trip with other northern-island excursions. You do not get three island landings. You get two beaches where you can walk and swim, plus a close boat view of Coin de Mire.

The pass adds variety to the day. After beach time, food, and snorkeling, you return to the open water and see the third island from a different angle. The catamaran can keep moving without another lengthy landing procedure, which helps the group reach Grand Baie within the seven-hour schedule.

Wildlife sightings are possible but never promised. Dolphins have appeared during some trips, and humpback whales have been spotted on the return route in the right season. Treat these as fortunate extras, not part of the guaranteed program.

The return sail is part cruise, part party

The way back often has a different feel from the outward crossing. Once swimming and transfers are over, the crew plays music, serves drinks, and encourages people to relax together. Dancing and rum have turned the return into a lively boat party on many departures.

You can enjoy that atmosphere or simply sit back and watch the water. The social mood works well for solo travelers and groups who like meeting people, but it may not suit anyone hoping for a quiet sunset sail. The crew is often praised for being funny, cheerful, helpful, and attentive during the dinghy transfers.

Safety rules still matter after lunch. Listen for the return boarding time, keep track of your belongings, and do not wander away from the meeting area on the islands. The captain may be strict, which is useful when a full boat must move on schedule.

Is $70 good value for a full day?

At $70 per person, this is good value if you want a complete island day rather than a short boat ride. The price includes the catamaran route, access and transfers for the three-island itinerary, the dinghy rides, BBQ lunch, juice, beer, and other drinks.

You are paying for about seven hours of transport, scenery, swimming, food, and time on two islands. A separate boat trip, beach meal, and paid transfer could cost more, though the all-in price also means you accept a set schedule and a shared boat.

The value is strongest for people who enjoy a social day and want several activities in one booking. It is weaker if you want a small private boat, a quiet meal, long snorkeling sessions, or a carefully guided reef experience. Snorkeling gear is extra, hotel pickup is not included, and bottled water may need to be arranged by you.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve without paying immediately. Weather can still change the plan after booking. From June through September, rough sea may make it impossible to visit all three islands, and the captain may reschedule or shorten the route for safety.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would choose this trip if you want to combine boat scenery, beach time, lunch, swimming, and music without planning each part yourself. It suits couples, families with confident swimmers, solo visitors who enjoy a sociable group, and anyone looking for one busy day in northern Mauritius.

It is also a good choice if eating lunch on an island matters to you. That detail gives the outing more character than a basic catamaran ride where everyone stays aboard.

I would think twice if you are pregnant, have mobility impairments, or strongly dislike rough water. The dinghy transfers require getting on and off a smaller boat, the route can be windy, and the crew cannot guarantee calm conditions.

This is not the right pick for a private, polished luxury outing. The meeting process can be informal, the boat may feel busy, and the snorkeling is self-guided. But if you can accept those limits, the scenery, food, and friendly crew make it a strong full-day option.

Practical packing advice for the seven-hour outing

Pack light, but bring the things that matter on an exposed boat and beach:

• Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes
• Water shoes for the beach and rocky shallows
• Your own snorkeling mask, snorkel, and fins
• Extra drinking water, especially if you prefer bottled water
• A waterproof pouch for phone, money, and documents
• A light cover-up for the boat ride and sun protection for your shoulders

Do not bring valuable items to the front of the catamaran. Spray can reach that area, and the ride may be wet even when the sky is clear. Leave shoes in the designated place before boarding and keep your small bag easy to carry during dinghy transfers.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want the classic northern Mauritius day out: bright water, two island landings, an island BBQ, snorkeling, and a lively sail home. The included meal and drinks make the $70 price sensible, and the crew’s friendly energy is a big part of the appeal.

Skip it if you need calm seas, personal space, guaranteed access to all three islands, or expert-led snorkeling. The route is weather dependent, Coin de Mire is viewed only from the catamaran, and the beach time can feel short.

For most visitors who are comfortable in the sea and happy to share a boat, this is a memorable and fairly priced way to see the northern islands from Grand Baie.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran trip last?

The activity lasts about seven hours, including the sailing, dinghy transfers, island visits, lunch, swimming, and snorkeling.

Which islands can I visit on foot?

You set foot on Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, also called Flat Island. Coin de Mire is viewed from the catamaran, and you do not land there.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is included, along with drinks such as juice and beer. Vegan options have been available on some departures.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins if you want them. Water shoes are also useful.

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is halfway along Grand Baie beach, opposite the red Express bus for Port Louis and near the shop called Highlights. The operator can send a written description, video, and Google location through WhatsApp.

Can the tour be changed because of bad weather?

Yes. The captain can cancel, reschedule, or alter the route when sea conditions are unsafe. Rough conditions, especially from June through September, may make it impossible to visit all three islands.