North: Cruise to the flat island & Gabriel island.bbq lunch

The best part of this North Mauritius catamaran cruise is the variety packed into one day. You visit Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel, sail close to the dramatic Coin de Mire, swim in clear water, and eat a BBQ lunch on the sand. I like the easy mix of free time and organized transport, and I like that drinks, island boat transfers, and lunch are included. The main drawback is that this is a relaxed cruising day, not a guided island tour, so you are on your own once you reach shore.

You should also expect a social boat atmosphere, with music and entertainers rather than a quiet nature trip. The ride to the islands can take about 90 minutes, and the full outing may last around seven hours, so bring sunscreen, a towel, beachwear, and your own bottled water for time spent away from the boat.

Key points to know before you book

• Three North Mauritius islands in one day: Visit Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel, then sail close to Coin de Mire without landing there.
• A proper beach-and-sea itinerary: Swim, snorkel, stroll, sunbathe, or simply rest during free time on the two islands.
• BBQ lunch on Ile Plate: Grilled fish, chicken, sausages, pasta, rice, bread, and green salad are served with drinks.
• Drinks included while cruising: Water, juice, cocktails, and lunch drinks are provided, but carry bottled water when walking on the islands.
• A lively catamaran setting: Music and onboard entertainers create a party mood, especially on the return ride.
• Good value at $76: The price covers boat transport, island transfers, lunch, and drinks, but not hotel pickup.

Three North Mauritius islands, three different views

This trip works because each stop has a different role. Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel give you beach time and swimming, while Coin de Mire is best viewed from the water as a striking rocky island rising from the sea.

You leave from the beach at Grand Baie, where a staff member holding a list helps identify the meeting point. A small boat takes you from shore to the catamaran anchored nearby. That short transfer matters because you do not simply walk from a harbor straight onto the main boat.

The catamaran ride toward the northern islands is part of the day, not just a transfer. You get broad sea views, changing water colors, and views back toward the mountains of Mauritius. If the sea is lively, the ride can feel fast and exciting. If you prefer calm water, remember that conditions can change, and the trip may be rescheduled for safety in bad weather.

The route takes about 90 minutes in some conditions. That is long enough to make the boat itself a major part of the outing, so this suits you best if you enjoy being at sea rather than wanting the quickest possible trip to a beach.

Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel: beach time without a fixed tour script

The two main island stops are designed for free time. You are taken from the catamaran to shore by smaller taxi boats, then you choose how to use the time. You can swim, snorkel, walk along the beach, sit in the shade, or simply enjoy the sand and sea.

Ile Plate is the lunch stop and one of the main places to settle into the day. Its soft, powdery beach makes it easy to spend time barefoot, while the nearby greenery gives you a break from the open water. The appeal is simple: there is no long commentary or rushed series of sights. You get a pleasant island setting and the freedom to do as much or as little as you want.

Ilot Gabriel offers another stretch of quiet beach and clear water. The two stops are similar in spirit, but visiting both gives the day more range than staying at a single island. You can use one stop for swimming and the other for sunbathing or a walk, though the exact order and timing can depend on the day’s operation.

There is no guided walk through the islands. That is worth understanding before you pay. If you want facts about plants, local history, or geology at every stop, this will feel light on information. If you want a flexible beach day with transport already arranged, the lack of a formal tour can be a benefit.

Snorkeling in clear northern water

Snorkeling is one of the strongest reasons to book this outing. The water around the islands can be exceptionally clear, with coral fish and other sea life visible near the boat and beaches. You might see an octopus, larger fish, or even turtles, though no wildlife sighting is guaranteed.

The advertised plan leaves roughly an hour of free time at the island stops. That is enough for a good swim and a short snorkeling session, but not enough for a full-day reef expedition. You will need to manage your own time and return to the meeting point for the taxi boat.

Bring your own towel and sunscreen. The supplied information specifically asks you to carry bottled water for walking on the islands or waiting for pickup, even though drinks are served during the cruise and lunch. That small bit of preparation will make the beach stops much easier.

The water is not one single shade throughout the day. From the catamaran and the beaches, you may see blue tones changing with depth and sunlight. The views are especially appealing when paired with the mountain scenery of Mauritius in the distance, giving you both open sea and land-based views.

BBQ lunch on Ile Plate

Lunch is served on Ile Plate, which helps the day feel like a true island outing rather than a boat ride with a packed meal. The menu includes grilled fish, chicken, sausages, pasta, rice, bread, and green salad.

That is a practical spread for a mixed group. You have meat, fish, starches, and salad, so you can build a filling plate after swimming or snorkeling. Drinks are also served with lunch, and beverages continue to be available while cruising.

The meal is not presented as fine dining, and you should not expect a restaurant setup. Its value comes from location and convenience: you eat on the island, avoid carrying a full meal yourself, and return to the boat already fed for the afternoon ride.

If you have strict dietary needs, the available information does not confirm special menus. Ask before booking if that matters to you. The listed menu gives useful guidance, but it does not promise vegetarian, vegan, allergy-free, or religiously specific alternatives.

After lunch, you can take a quiet break before returning to the catamaran. A short siesta on the island makes sense here. The day includes a lot of sun, salt air, swimming, and boat movement, so a slower period can be just as valuable as another activity.

Coin de Mire is a viewing stop, not a landing

Coin de Mire is the third island on the route, but you do not set foot on it. The catamaran sails as close as possible, giving you time to admire its steep, curious shape rising from the sea.

This detail prevents a common misunderstanding. The island is a scenic pass-by point, not a beach stop or walking visit. The best way to enjoy it is from the water, with the catamaran providing a wide view of the rock and surrounding sea.

I like this part of the route because it adds a strong visual change after the softer beaches of Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel. You move from sand and swimming to a more dramatic offshore view. Keep your camera ready, but protect it from spray and salt.

A lively catamaran mood

The boat atmosphere leans social and festive. Music is part of the experience, and onboard entertainers help create a party mood, particularly during the return to Grand Baie.

That can be a big plus if you want a cheerful day with other people. The boat is not designed as a silent sailing excursion or a private yacht charter. You may prefer this setting if you enjoy music, shared meals, and a little movement around the deck.

The same feature can be a drawback if your ideal island day is quiet. You can find peaceful moments on the beaches, but the main boat remains a communal space. At $76 per person, the entertainment and social setting are part of what you are buying along with the transport.

The catamaran is described as comfortable and secure, with the crossing offering good sea views. Still, a boat trip of several hours can be tiring for anyone who is sensitive to motion. Eat lightly before departure if you know you get seasick, and keep water close by.

Is $76 good value?

At $76, this is a strong package if you plan to use the included parts. The cost covers the beach-to-catamaran transfer, the full cruise, small-boat transfers to both islands, lunch on Ile Plate, drinks during lunch and cruising, and the pass near Coin de Mire.

You are paying for a full day on the water rather than a short boat transfer. The day may last around seven hours, which makes the price reasonable for visitors who want several northern highlights in one booking.

Hotel transfers are not included. You need to reach Grand Baie beach yourself, and that can add cost and planning time if you are staying elsewhere in Mauritius. Check the meeting instructions carefully: look for the staff member with a list on the beach, with other staff nearby.

The package is less useful if you only want a guided visit to one island or a dedicated snorkeling trip. It is aimed at variety. You get two island stops, lunch, drinks, music, and a scenic pass by Coin de Mire, but no detailed island commentary and no promise of specific wildlife.

Who will enjoy this day most?

I would recommend this cruise to couples, families, groups of friends, and solo visitors who want a straightforward day at sea with plenty built in. It is particularly suitable if you want to swim and relax without arranging several separate boat trips.

It also works well for first-time visitors who want to see the northern islands in one outing. The route gives you a broad taste of the area, from beach time to snorkeling to dramatic offshore scenery.

You may want a different activity if you need a quiet, private setting. You should also think twice if you dislike long boat rides, loud music, or flexible free time without a guide. The islands are not presented as a structured cultural visit, and the schedule leaves you to choose your own pace.

The experience is also dependent on weather. If conditions are unsafe, the trip may be rescheduled after discussion with you. If it cannot be rescheduled, a full refund is available through the booking site after the operator approves it.

Practical details for a smoother day

Wear beachwear from the start and bring a towel, sunscreen, and a dry change of clothes if you have room. The sun can feel strong on open water, and there is limited reason to dress formally for any part of this outing.

Carry your own bottled water for the island portions. Drinks are included on the boat and with lunch, but the information specifically advises you to bring water for walking or waiting for a taxi boat.

The activity is offered in English, French, Hindi, and Urdu. No named guide is provided, and the day is not built around a single guide leading you from sight to sight. Staff handle the boat movements and island transfers, while you decide how to spend your free time.

You can reserve now and pay later, which is useful if your schedule is still moving. Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Those terms make it easier to fit the cruise into a Mauritius itinerary without committing too early.

Should you book the North Mauritius island cruise?

Book it if you want a full, social day at sea with two beach stops, snorkeling, an island BBQ, drinks, music, and a close view of Coin de Mire. At $76, the inclusion list is generous, and the route gives you a lot more variety than a simple beach transfer.

Skip it if you want a private boat, a quiet sailing mood, a guided nature walk, or guaranteed turtle sightings. For most people seeking an easy northern-island day, though, this is a practical choice. Bring water, protect yourself from the sun, and treat the schedule as a relaxed beach adventure rather than a formal guided tour.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

The meeting point is on the beach in Grand Baie. Look for the staff member with a list, with other staff members nearby.

Where does the activity finish?

The cruise returns to the same meeting point in Grand Baie.

Are hotel transfers included?

No. Hotel transfers are not included, so you must make your own way to the Grand Baie meeting point.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

You visit Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel, with time on both islands. The boat also sails close to Coin de Mire.

Can you land on Coin de Mire?

No. The catamaran passes as close as possible for views, but the trip does not let you set foot on Coin de Mire.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served on Ile Plate and includes grilled fish, chicken, sausages, pasta, rice, bread, and green salad.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks, juice, water, and cocktails are available while cruising, and drinks are served with lunch. You should still bring your own bottled water for time spent walking on the islands or waiting for a taxi boat.

Is snorkeling included?

The itinerary gives you free time to swim and snorkel at the islands. The activity is not described as a guided snorkeling tour, and specific equipment details are not provided.

What should you bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and your own bottled water for the island stops.

What happens in bad weather?

The trip may be rescheduled after consultation with you. If bad weather prevents the trip from going ahead and rescheduling is not possible, you are entitled to a full refund after approval by the operator and booking site.