Full-Day Northern Catamaran Cruise: Coin de Mire and Ile Plate Island

This is a full day on the water, not just a quick island transfer. From Grand Baie, you’ll cruise past Cap Malheureux and Pereybere, stop for swimming and snorkeling, then spend time at Île Plate with a barbecue lunch and open drinks. I like the mix of sailing, beach time, and simple sea activities. I also like that hotel transport is included, which saves you from arranging an early taxi.

The main caution is group size. The advertised maximum is 20 people, but some departures have carried far more, including reports of 30 and even 46 passengers. You should also bring or arrange your own snorkeling equipment, since it is not included.

Key points to know before you book

• Two island areas in one day: Swim and snorkel near Île Plate and Coin de Mire during a roughly seven-hour cruise.
• Lunch and drinks are covered: Fish, chicken, bread, salad, dessert, beer, wine, local rum, water, and Coke are included.
• Pickup begins early: Hotel pickup is usually one to two hours before the 9 a.m. activity start, depending on your location.
• Snorkeling gear is extra: Equipment is not included, so bring your own if you want more than a casual swim.
• Capacity needs checking: The stated limit is 20, but some departures have been significantly overbooked.
• Best for adults: The minimum age is 18, and at least two people are required per booking.

Setting out from Grand Baie at 9 a.m.

Your day begins before the catamaran leaves Grand Baie. Pickup is offered from Mauritius accommodations, but do not expect the vehicle to arrive just before departure. The pickup window is one to two hours before the 9 a.m. start, depending on where you stay.

That early collection is useful if you are based away from the north coast. It also means you should have breakfast before leaving or bring something small with you. The transfer takes you to Grand Baie Public Beach, listed as the meeting point for the cruise.

The precise boarding routine may vary, so keep your phone available and allow extra time at the hotel entrance. One reported return problem involved a taxi driver who did not arrive after the boat returned, leaving the passenger waiting about half an hour. That is not a reason to reject the trip, but it is a reminder to confirm the return transfer before you leave the boat.

Grand Baie is one of Mauritius’s main departure points for northern sea trips. Once aboard, you can choose a place on deck and settle in for the coastal run. The catamaran offers more room to stretch out than a small motorboat, though the amount of usable space depends greatly on how full the departure is.

The northwest coast from the water

The cruise heads along the northwest coast, with photo opportunities around Grand Baie, Pereybere, and Cap Malheureux. This part of the trip is as much about getting a wider view of Mauritius as it is about reaching the islands.

Cap Malheureux is especially recognizable for its coastal setting and red-roofed church, though the exact view depends on the route and weather. Keep your camera ready during the first part of the sailing. Once the catamaran moves farther from shore, the open water becomes the main subject.

I like this gradual start. You are not rushed straight into a scheduled swim. You get time to settle into the boat, watch the coast recede, and enjoy the breeze. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where the motion feels mildest and avoid spending the whole crossing with your eyes fixed on a screen.

Weather matters here. Calm conditions make the trip feel easy and give you clearer water for swimming. Wind and rougher seas can make the crossing less comfortable, though the crew has handled difficult conditions well on some departures. The company requires suitable weather and may offer another date or a full refund if poor conditions cancel the trip.

Swimming and snorkeling in the northern lagoon

The first major water stop takes place in a clear, calm lagoon on the north side of Mauritius. The catamaran anchors so you can swim and snorkel before lunch.

This is one of the strongest parts of the outing for anyone who wants time in the water without committing to a technical or demanding activity. Most people can take part, but you should be comfortable entering open water and managing yourself in the sea. The tour is not designed as a formal snorkeling lesson.

Bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins if you have them. The equipment is specifically not included, and one person arrived expecting gear that was not supplied. That small detail can make a big difference: without a mask, you may still swim, but you will miss much of the point of stopping over clear water.

The sea conditions may also shape the experience. In calm weather, you might get good visibility and a pleasant swim. In rougher conditions, you may prefer to stay aboard and enjoy the view. There is no need to force yourself into the water just because the boat has anchored.

Île Plate, barbecue lunch, and beach time

Midday brings the main island stop at Île Plate. Lunch includes fish and chicken, bread, salad, and dessert. Drinks include beer, wine, local rum, water, and Coke, so the price covers more than the boat ride and access to the island.

The meal is served as a straightforward barbecue rather than a formal restaurant lunch. That suits the setting. You can eat near the water, take in the island surroundings, and avoid losing time to a long meal service. Vegetarian food is available, but you need to request it when booking.

After lunch, you have time to explore Île Plate or relax on the beach. The schedule gives the day a welcome pause. You are not constantly climbing aboard, getting off, counting heads, and moving to the next stop. If you prefer a quiet beach hour to another swim, this is your chance.

The tradeoff is that island time is limited by the full-day route. You should think of Île Plate as a pleasant stop within a boat excursion, not as a long independent island visit. The exact balance between beach time, lunch, swimming, and sailing can also change with conditions.

Coin de Mire and the second island setting

The cruise also includes Coin de Mire, a striking northern island known for its steep profile when seen from the sea. The itinerary presents the area as part of the island-hopping route, with swimming and snorkeling stops along the way.

The supplied details give more exact information about the Île Plate lunch stop than about a separate landing on Coin de Mire. Do not assume you will have a long shore visit there. The important point is that the cruise takes you into the northern island area and includes water time around these destinations.

That distinction matters when you compare this trip with a dedicated island beach tour. Here, you get a broader day on the sea, coastal views, two island areas, lunch, and drinks. You may get less time on any one beach than you would on a simple beach transfer.

Crew, music, and the feel on board

The mood can be lively. A highly praised departure featured music, dancing, sunshine, and a crew that included Kevin, Rudi, Bruno, and Olivier. Those names are worth noting if you are trying to identify the team, though crew assignments can change.

The best departures seem to combine practical handling with a friendly social atmosphere. One account described the captain and crew managing tough weather well. That matters more than polished entertainment when the sea becomes choppy.

At the same time, not every departure has felt equally well run. Reports describe long periods of confusion, an apparently impaired captain, and a boat going around in circles for roughly 90 minutes. These are serious complaints, not minor matters. They appear alongside strong accounts of good food, drinks, weather, and crew service, which points to an uneven experience rather than a uniformly poor one.

The clearest issue is capacity. The current information gives a maximum of 20 people, but some departures were described as carrying 30 or more, with one account claiming 46. Another older description referred to only eight to ten people. Since the numbers conflict, contact the operator before booking if personal space is important to you.

What $111.54 includes, and what it does not

At $111.54 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day in Mauritius. The price becomes easier to justify when you count what is included: return hotel transportation, the catamaran, island stops, barbecue lunch, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and the chance to swim and snorkel.

Buying those pieces separately could take more planning. You would need to arrange transport to Grand Baie, find a boat, pay for food and drinks, and organize your return. The included transfer is especially useful if you are staying away from the north coast or do not want to negotiate with taxis.

The value weakens if the catamaran is overloaded or if you expected snorkeling gear to be provided. You are paying for a day with room to relax, so a crowded boat changes the basic product. If you book, ask directly about the expected passenger count for your date and the pickup arrangements.

For a couple or a group that enjoys a social boat day, the package can be good value. For someone seeking quiet sailing, premium service, or a small private group, it may not meet expectations.

Who should book this cruise

I would put this trip high on the list for adults who want several Mauritius highlights in one day. It suits you if you enjoy:

• A full day outdoors rather than a short sightseeing stop
• Swimming in calm sea water
• A casual barbecue lunch
• Drinks included with the meal
• Coastal views and island scenery
• A social atmosphere with music
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

It is less suitable if you want a silent, private cruise or guaranteed low passenger numbers. It is also a poor fit if you need supplied snorkeling equipment, since that is not part of the package.

The minimum age is 18, and at least two people must book together. Most people can participate, but you should consider your comfort with boat movement, swimming, and getting in and out of the sea.

Practical booking advice for a smoother day

Book at least a little ahead. The average booking point is 16 days before departure, suggesting that popular dates can fill before the last minute. At booking, provide the requested passport name, number, expiry date, and country for every participant.

Ask two questions before paying:

• How many people are expected on the catamaran on your date?
• Will snorkeling equipment be available, or should you bring your own?

The answer to the first question helps you judge the value. The answer to the second prevents an avoidable disappointment. If you need a vegetarian meal, state that when you book rather than waiting until the boat.

Wear practical swim clothing and protect your phone from spray. The supplied information does not promise equipment, towels, or other personal items, so pack only what you know you need and can keep secure on board.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. Since weather can cancel the trip, keep some flexibility in your Mauritius schedule if possible.

Should you book the Île Plate and Coin de Mire cruise?

Book it if you want an easy all-day package with hotel pickup, lunch, drinks, swimming, and island scenery in one outing. The strongest parts are the northern coastline, the calm-water stop, the Île Plate barbecue, and the chance to relax without planning each segment yourself.

Proceed carefully if boat space matters to you. The official capacity is 20, but past departures have reportedly exceeded that by a wide margin. Confirm the expected group size, bring your own snorkeling gear, and verify the return transfer before leaving the catamaran.

At $111.54, I see solid value when the boat is properly staffed and not overcrowded. I would choose it for a sociable day on the water, but not for a quiet luxury cruise or a guaranteed small-group experience.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The experience lasts approximately seven hours.

What time does the activity start?

The listed start time is 9 a.m. Hotel pickup usually takes place one to two hours before the activity, depending on your pickup location.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Round-trip transportation from Mauritius accommodations is included.

Where does the catamaran leave from?

The catamaran departs from Grand Baie. The meeting point is Grand Baie Public Beach.

Are lunch and drinks included?

Yes. The barbecue includes fish, chicken, bread, salad, and dessert. Included drinks are beer, wine, local rum, water, and Coke.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included.

Is a vegetarian meal available?

Yes. You must request the vegetarian option when booking.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the experience starts.