GBaie: 3 North Islands Cruise, Lunch & CoindeMire Snorkeling

The best part of this day is the three-island setting: you get beaches, clear lagoon water, open-ocean sailing, and a close view of Coin de Mire, a steep mountain rising from the sea. I like the chance to swim at Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel, and I like that lunch is cooked aboard the catamaran rather than packed into a box.

The main catch is comfort and consistency. Boats can feel crowded, island shade is limited, and the included drinks may not cover a long hot stop ashore. Bring extra water, your own snorkel set, and modest expectations about guiding and onboard entertainment.

Key points to know before you book

• Coin de Mire is viewed from the water: You sail close to this dramatic third island, but you do not land there.
• Snorkeling depends on the sea: The crew may snorkel near Coin de Mire if weather and water conditions are safe.
• Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel provide the beach time: Expect swimming, sand, and time ashore rather than a guided historical tour.
• The barbecue is served on the catamaran in most cases: Salad and drinks are included, though service may be simple.
• Bring your own snorkel equipment and extra water: These are the two most useful additions to the supplied essentials.
• The $70 price is fair for a full day on the water: It offers several stops and lunch, but less space and polish than a small private charter.

A full day among Mauritius’s North Islands

This is a seven-hour sea outing built around scenery and easygoing beach time. You board a catamaran from the beach and head toward Mauritius’s northern islands, where the water shifts through several shades of blue and the horizon opens up around you.

You should think of this as a shared boat day, not a private sailing trip or a formal sightseeing cruise. The appeal is simple: spend most of the day outside, swim in clear water, walk on bright beaches, eat a barbecue lunch, and enjoy the company of family or friends.

The catamaran itself has been described as well maintained, which matters on a long day at sea. At the same time, the available boat space can feel tight when the vessel is full. If you prefer quiet corners, wide seating, and plenty of room to stretch out, this may not be your ideal format.

Setting sail from the beach

The meeting point is on the beach, and you are asked to contact your guide 24 hours before the activity. That conversation is important because beach meeting points can be less precise than a hotel lobby or a marked transport station.

The exact starting time depends on availability. The captain can also reschedule the trip when bad weather is known in advance, and the route or timing can change if sea conditions create a safety concern. That flexibility is sensible in Mauritius, where conditions on open water can shift quickly.

Once underway, the boat ride is part of the attraction. You are not simply being transported from one beach to another. The catamaran gives you a high, open view of the sea, with plenty of time to watch the water change color around the islands.

The ride on the high ocean can feel thrilling, especially when the boat moves away from the sheltered lagoon. It is also the point when you will notice whether you enjoy a full day at sea. Pack sunscreen, wear swimwear, and keep your towel handy. There is no need to dress formally.

Ile Plate: sand, swimming, and limited shade

Ile Plate, also known as Flat Island, is one of the main beach stops. The draw here is the setting rather than a long list of activities. You can swim in the clear lagoon, walk along the beach, and enjoy the view back toward the open sea.

This is a good place to slow down. After the boat ride, the chance to step onto sand and swim at your own pace gives the day a welcome break. Families can spread out a little, and strong swimmers have room to enjoy the water.

There is not much shade on parts of the island, so plan around the sun. Bring sunscreen and a hat if you use one, and do not assume that the catamaran’s drinks will be available while you are ashore. A particularly practical tip is to carry your own water for the island stops.

The amount of time ashore can vary. Some departures allow roughly an hour at a stop, while the schedule can leave you on an island for closer to two hours. That longer pause sounds pleasant until you are hot and thirsty, so your own bottle becomes more than a small convenience.

Ilot Gabriel and the island’s quiet side

The second beach stop is Ilot Gabriel, a natural reserve known for seabirds, including the white-tailed tropicbird, called Paille en Queue in Mauritius. The birdlife adds a little nature interest to what is otherwise a classic beach and swimming stop.

You can expect another chance to enjoy the water and the beach. The experience is self-directed, so do not count on a detailed walking tour or a planned cultural presentation. If you want a quiet hour to swim, sit by the shore, and take in the colors of the lagoon, this works well.

If your priority is learning the history of each island, keep your expectations modest. The guiding can be light, and the day is more about being outdoors than receiving a running commentary. I would bring your own interest to the stop: watch the seabirds, look back at the catamaran, and pay attention to how the reef and open water meet around the island.

As with Ile Plate, protect yourself from the sun and carry water. The beach stops are a strong part of the day, but they are also where the lack of shade and refreshments can become noticeable.

Snorkeling near the islands and Coin de Mire

Snorkeling is included, but your equipment is not clearly supplied as part of the package. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them. That avoids wasting valuable water time looking for equipment and gives you a better fit.

The first snorkeling opportunities are near the islands. You can swim in the lagoon and look beneath the surface at your own pace. The quality of the experience depends on visibility, sea conditions, and how many people are in the water at once.

The most distinctive possibility comes later, near Coin de Mire. This island looks like a large mountain rising directly from the ocean, and the catamaran sails as close to it as practical. You do not set foot on Coin de Mire, but seeing its steep shape from the water is one of the memorable visual moments of the trip.

If conditions are suitable, the crew may stop for snorkeling close to Coin de Mire. This is not guaranteed. The captain can cancel that part when the sea is unsafe, and security takes priority over following the advertised plan. That is worth accepting before you book, since the Coin de Mire stop is a possible highlight, not a promise.

The open-water setting can make this swim feel more exciting than a sheltered lagoon stop. Follow the crew’s instructions and judge your own comfort honestly. If you are not a confident swimmer, you may prefer the calmer island water.

The barbecue lunch on board

After island time, a dinghy returns you to the catamaran in many cases, and lunch is prepared there. The meal includes barbecue food, salad, and drinks. In rare cases, lunch may be served on the island instead, so the exact setting is not fixed.

The barbecue is a useful part of the value. You do not have to arrange lunch separately, and eating on the water keeps the day moving without sending you back to shore. The meal is generally better viewed as a straightforward group barbecue than as a special food event.

Food quality can be perfectly satisfying after swimming and sitting in the sun. The weak point is the handling of drinks. On some departures, cold drinks were available only on the way to the island, with no ice, and later service was limited. You may receive the drinks promised, but I would still pack extra water.

That advice is especially important for families. Children can get hot and thirsty during a long beach stop, and the included beverage service may not be available at the exact moment you need it. A reusable bottle or extra purchased drinks can make the difference between a relaxed afternoon and an uncomfortable one.

The mood on board

The atmosphere depends heavily on the crew, the number of people aboard, and the energy of the group. Some departures have a friendly, lively crew and a pleasant family mood. The catamaran format is naturally social, making it easy to spend the day with people you already know.

Music may be part of the experience, but do not expect a carefully produced entertainment program. On one less successful departure, the music and atmosphere felt borrowed from nearby boats rather than created by the crew. On another, loud music was used near arrival to attract attention from people on shore.

This is a useful distinction: the cruise can be enjoyable without being polished. If you want a calm boat day, the music may be more than you need. If you want a party atmosphere, you may find the entertainment uneven.

Crew service also deserves a realistic note. Friendly staff can make the day feel warm and easy, but the standard of communication and onboard management may vary. One account described the captain arriving late and speaking harshly to the crew in front of passengers. That does not define every departure, but it shows why I would choose this trip for the islands and swimming rather than for high-end service.

What the $70 price really gives you

At $70 per person, this is a solid value if you want a full seven-hour outing with several island stops, snorkeling chances, lunch, and drinks. Booking a catamaran, arranging the route, and buying a barbecue meal separately would usually require more effort and could cost more.

The value is strongest for families and groups of friends who want one organized day on the water. The boat, guide services, island visits, and food are bundled together, and you can simply show up ready to swim.

The value is less clear if you mainly want personal space or a carefully guided nature tour. A crowded boat reduces the comfort of the trip, and limited commentary means you are paying for access to the islands rather than a detailed lesson about them.

At this price, I would consider the cruise a good midrange option, not a luxury experience. The boat may be well kept, but seating can become scarce when everyone is tired and hot. Come for the sea, beaches, and shared day out, not for private-boat comfort.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend it most strongly to families with older children, couples traveling with friends, and groups that enjoy swimming and relaxed outdoor days. The combination of two island beaches, lagoon time, open-water sailing, and lunch gives you plenty to do without a packed schedule of formal activities.

It also suits you if you want to see Coin de Mire without needing to arrange a separate boat trip. The island’s shape is striking, and the close sail gives you a strong sense of its position in the ocean even if snorkeling is canceled.

You may want another option if you use a wheelchair, since the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. It is also a poor fit if you need guaranteed snorkeling, guaranteed shade, constant drink service, or a quiet, spacious boat.

For the best experience, bring a towel, sunscreen, swimwear, your own snorkel equipment, and extra drinking water. Contact the guide the day before, confirm the meeting point, and be prepared for changes caused by weather.

Should you book this North Islands day?

Book it if your ideal Mauritius day means clear water, beach stops, a barbecue, and a shared catamaran ride for a reasonable price. The strongest moments are the views around Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel, the swim stops, and the approach to Coin de Mire.

Skip it if you want a small boat, polished commentary, or a guaranteed snorkel at the third island. The main risks are crowding, limited shade, and inconsistent drink service.

For most families and friend groups, I think the $70 price makes sense, especially if you treat the day as a simple sea adventure and pack your own supplies. Just keep one fact in mind: the weather controls the most important parts of the route.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran cruise last?

The activity lasts about seven hours, though the captain may adjust the duration or schedule when weather or other force majeure conditions require it.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The route includes 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?

Snorkeling near the islands and near Coin de Mire is included when conditions allow. Bring your own snorkeling equipment.

Is snorkeling near Coin de Mire guaranteed?

No. The crew may snorkel near Coin de Mire if the weather and sea conditions are safe. The captain can cancel this part for security reasons.

Is lunch included?

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

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, swimwear, your own snorkel equipment, and extra drinking water for the island stops.

What languages are available?

Guide services are available in English, French, Hindi, Urdu, Spanish, and Arabic.

Can wheelchair users join the cruise?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.