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

The most memorable part of this $70 catamaran day is not simply seeing three islands. It is eating a BBQ lunch on Ile Plate, with the beach and open sea around you, after arriving by boat from Grand Baie. Ilot Gabriel gives you time to walk, swim, and snorkel, while Coin de Mire is viewed from the water.

I like the beautiful cruise itself, with changing shades of blue and broad views that you cannot get from shore. I also like the friendly crew, generous food, regular drinks, and lively music on the return trip. The main drawback is the sea: the crossing can be choppy, the snorkeling is self-guided, and boarding at Grand Baie may feel unclear or slow.

• Lunch on Ile Plate: Eat a BBQ meal on the island instead of staying aboard the catamaran.
• Two island landings: Set foot on Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate. Coin de Mire is seen from the boat only.
• A full seven hours: The day includes sailing, dinghy transfers, swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and time to relax.
• Drinks included: Juice, beer, and other drinks are provided, though some drinks may be warm.
• A lively return cruise: Music, dancing, and rum punch often turn the trip home into a small party.
• Sea conditions matter: Rough water can affect comfort and may prevent the boat from reaching all three islands.

Grand Baie to the Northern Islands

This is a full-day outing from Grand Baie, with about seven hours on and around the water. You meet on the beach roughly halfway along Grand Baie, opposite the red Express bus for Port Louis and near the shop called Highlights.

The meeting point is not a formal terminal, so pay close attention to the instructions sent after booking. A WhatsApp number is requested so the operator can send a written description, a video, and a Google location once you are in Mauritius. That extra help matters because the first transfer can be a little confusing.

You begin with a dinghy ride from the beach to the catamaran. This is one of the less polished parts of the day. You may wait on the public beach while the crew organizes boarding, and several people have found the process slow or unclear. Once you are aboard, the day becomes much easier to follow.

The catamaran itself is a major part of the experience. You see the water change color as you leave Grand Baie, from deeper blue offshore to pale turquoise near the islands. Sit on the deck if you want the best views and a breeze. If you sit at the very front, expect spray and possibly a wet ride. Keep cameras and spare clothing in a protected bag.

The crossing can be smooth, but it can also be rough, especially in the cooler months from June through September. If you get seasick, sit where you can feel less movement and consider eating lightly before departure. One useful tip is that the open deck helped some people feel better, but the front can be wet and windy.

Ilot Gabriel, White Sand and Shallow Water

The first island stop is Ilot Gabriel. The catamaran anchors as close as water depth allows, then a dinghy carries you to the beach. The transfer takes place because the catamaran cannot reach the shoreline directly.

You usually have around 45 to 60 minutes on Ilot Gabriel. That is enough to walk along the sand, take photographs, and enjoy the setting, but it is not a long island visit. If you want a quiet stroll, move away from the landing area when you arrive. Several boats may be using the same island, particularly on good-weather days.

The water near the beach is suitable for swimming and snorkeling, though conditions vary. You may see fish in shallow water, and some departures have included encounters with turtles and stingrays. If turtles appear, follow the crew’s instructions and keep your distance. Wildlife encounters are never guaranteed, but the clear water and low shoreline make this a pleasant place to look.

Bring water shoes if you have them. Shoes are removed before boarding the catamaran to protect the deck, and stony patches can make walking in the shallows uncomfortable. Water shoes are also useful on the beach and during the dinghy transfer.

The short stop is both a strength and a limitation. You get a taste of Ilot Gabriel without spending the entire day in one place, but you will need to keep an eye on the time. The crew gives instructions about when to return, and punctuality matters because the dinghy must bring everyone back to the catamaran.

Ile Plate, Island Lunch and More Swimming

The next stop is Ile Plate, also known as Flat Island. This is where the day’s main meal is served, and it is the most distinctive feature of the trip. Instead of eating at sea or returning to Grand Baie, you sit on the island and have lunch in a natural setting.

The BBQ is included in the price, and portions are generally generous. You can expect a hearty meal rather than a small snack, with drinks such as juice and beer included. Vegetarian and vegan choices have been available on some departures, but if you have specific dietary needs, tell the operator in advance rather than relying on chance.

The food is served in an organized way, and you may be able to take seconds. That is useful after a long crossing and time in the sun. The meal is not presented as fine dining, but it fits the day well: simple food, open air, sand nearby, and no need to rush back aboard for lunch.

Drinks are included, but bring this practical point into your planning: some people have found them warm, and bottled water has not always been clearly supplied. Ask about drinking water before departure. Strong sun, wind, swimming, and alcohol can leave you dehydrated faster than you expect.

After lunch, you have time to swim, snorkel, or rest on the island. The exact balance depends on the sea and the group, but the island stop often provides a couple of hours for water activities. Snorkeling is generally self-guided, not a formal lesson with a guide leading a group through marked points.

That freedom suits confident swimmers. If you are less comfortable in the sea, stay close to shore and judge the current carefully. Some areas have stones underfoot, and the water can move more strongly than it first appears. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins if you have them.

I would pack a small day bag with a towel, sunscreen, swimwear, a shirt for sun protection, and water shoes. Shoes are not worn on the catamaran, so keep them in a bag that you can carry to the island. Apply sunscreen often. The combination of reflected light from the water and steady wind makes it easy to underestimate the sun.

Coin de Mire from the Water

Coin de Mire is the third island in the route, but you do not go ashore. The catamaran passes as close as water depth and conditions allow, giving you views of the island from the sea.

This distinction matters when you compare tours. The experience includes three northern islands, but only Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate are landing stops. Coin de Mire is a scenic pass-by, not a beach visit or snorkeling stop.

The view is still worthwhile. From the catamaran, you see the island’s rocky profile and surrounding water from a perspective that is impossible from the mainland. Have your camera ready, but do not expect a long stop. The boat continues after passing the island.

The route may change if the sea turns rough. The captain can cancel, reschedule, or alter the plan for safety. In winter, particularly from June through September, it may not be possible to reach all three islands. That is not a minor detail: if visiting every island is your main reason for booking, you need to accept that weather can win.

Music, Drinks and the Ride Back

The return trip often has a different mood from the morning crossing. After lunch and time in the water, people settle into the catamaran with drinks and music. Dancing is common, and the crew encourages a sociable atmosphere.

This is not a silent nature cruise. The music and party mood are part of the appeal, especially if you enjoy meeting people and sharing a boat for the day. Birthday celebrations have been folded into the return journey, and solo passengers have found it easy to join the group.

If you want a quiet ride, choose a less central place on deck and bring your expectations into line with the format. The atmosphere can be lively, and rum punch may be served. The crew has also been praised for keeping the catamaran clean and helping people during the dinghy transfers.

Wildlife sightings are possible but not promised. Dolphins have been seen on the way to the islands, and whales have appeared on some return trips. These sightings depend entirely on luck and conditions, so treat them as a bonus rather than part of the scheduled program.

What the $70 Price Really Covers

At $70 per person, this is good value if you want a full day on the water with food and island transfers included. The price covers the catamaran route, dinghy rides, access to the islands, BBQ lunch, and drinks. A comparable day can become expensive when lunch, boat transfers, and separate island access are added one by one.

The value is strongest for people who want variety. In seven hours, you cruise, land on two islands, swim, snorkel, eat outdoors, and pass Coin de Mire. You do not need to arrange separate transport between stops.

There are a few costs and gaps to remember. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and snorkeling equipment is not supplied. You will need to reach Grand Baie yourself and bring your own mask and snorkel if you do not want to rent or borrow equipment elsewhere.

The boat may also feel crowded. Some departures have carried more than 40 people, and disembarking by dinghy can take time. The group size does not ruin the day for everyone, but it affects how quickly you leave the catamaran and how much personal space you have on the island.

Who Will Enjoy This Catamaran Day

I would choose this trip if you want a social, active day and like the idea of making the boat ride part of the attraction. It suits couples, families with older children, solo visitors, and groups who enjoy music and conversation.

It is especially useful for a first visit to Mauritius when you want to see the northern islands without arranging several separate activities. The crew provides guidance in English and French, and the captain gives safety instructions and timing information.

You should think twice if you are pregnant, have a mobility impairment, or struggle with rough water. The beach-to-catamaran dinghy transfer requires getting in and out of a small boat, and sea conditions can change quickly.

This is also not the best choice if you want a quiet, highly structured snorkeling excursion. The snorkeling is mostly independent, equipment is not included, and currents or stones may limit where you feel comfortable swimming.

Practical Tips for a Better Day

• Bring water shoes: They help on stony sections and in shallow water, and they are easier than bare feet during beach transfers.
• Pack sunscreen: You are exposed to sun and wind for much of the day. Reapply after swimming.
• Carry a towel and dry clothes: The catamaran’s front section can get very wet.
• Bring your own snorkeling gear: Masks, snorkels, and fins are not included.
• Eat lightly before sailing: The crossing can be choppy, especially in winter.
• Use the WhatsApp instructions: The beach meeting point can be hard to identify at first.
• Ask about drinking water: Juice and beer are included, but bottled water may not be consistently available.
• Listen for time calls: The island stops are limited, and the dinghy schedule depends on everyone returning promptly.
• Protect your phone: Keep electronics in a dry bag, especially if you sit at the front of the catamaran.

Should You Book This Northern Islands Cruise?

Book it if you want a well-priced, full-day mix of sailing, island scenery, swimming, BBQ food, and a lively ride home. The strongest feature is the chance to eat lunch on Ile Plate, not just photograph it from a boat. The friendly crew, generous meal, and changing sea views add real value.

Skip it if you need guaranteed calm water, a quiet boat, long independent island walks, or a guided snorkeling program. The sea can be rough, the boarding process may be untidy, and Coin de Mire is viewed without landing.

For most able-bodied visitors who accept those limits, this is a memorable way to see Mauritius from the water. Check the weather, bring proper sun and swim gear, and approach the day as a shared island cruise rather than a private escape.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran tour last?

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

Which islands can I visit on foot?

You can set foot on Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate. The catamaran passes near Coin de Mire, but landing there is not part of the activity.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is included and served on Ile Plate. Drinks such as juice and beer are also included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so you should bring your own gear if you want to snorkel.

Where does the tour meet?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You are responsible for reaching the Grand Baie meeting point, as hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What languages are available?

The tour operates with live guidance in English and French.

Can the tour be changed because of weather?

Yes. The captain can cancel, reschedule, or change the route when sea or weather conditions make the trip unsafe. Rough conditions may also prevent visits to all three islands.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is not considered suitable for people with mobility impairments or for pregnant women.