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

The best part of this seven-hour catamaran cruise is that it lets you experience the northern islands from several angles. You sail across changing shades of blue, ride a dinghy to Ilot Gabriel, eat lunch on Ile Plate, swim and snorkel, then pass close to Coin de Mire without landing there.

I like the fact that lunch is served on an island, not simply on the boat. I also like the easygoing crew, regular drinks, music on the return sail, and the chance to see dolphins, turtles, stingrays, or even whales if nature cooperates. The main drawback is the sea crossing: waves can be rough, snorkeling is self-guided, and the boat can feel crowded on busy days.

Key points to know before booking

• Two island landings: You set foot on both Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, while Coin de Mire is viewed from the water.
• Beachside BBQ: Lunch is served on Ile Plate, with drinks such as juice and beer included.
• Self-guided snorkeling: Bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins because equipment is not supplied.
• A lively return cruise: Music, dancing, and rum punch often turn the sail back to Grand Baie into a small party.
• Rough water is possible: The crossing can be choppy, especially during the June to September winter period.
• Simple beach meeting point: Meet halfway along Grand Baie beach, opposite the red Express bus and the Highlights shop.

Why this northern islands cruise is worth your day

Mauritius has plenty of fine beaches, but a boat trip shows you a different side of the island. From Grand Baie, the catamaran heads north toward Ilot Gabriel, Ile Plate, and Coin de Mire. The islands look more remote from the sea, and the ride itself becomes a major part of the outing rather than just a transfer.

At $70 per person, this is good value if you want a full day of sailing, island time, lunch, drinks, and swimming in one booking. You are paying for a broad experience, not a quiet private charter. The boat carries a mixed group, and some departures have felt crowded, with more than 40 people on board.

I would choose this trip for the overall rhythm: sail, land, eat, swim, relax, and sail again. It is less suited to someone who wants a small group, detailed marine interpretation, or tightly supervised snorkeling.

Finding the boat at Grand Baie beach

The meeting point is on Grand Baie beach, about halfway along the shore. Look for the area opposite the red Express bus bound for Port Louis and the shop called Highlights. The operator asks you to provide a valid WhatsApp number when booking so that a written description, video, and Google location can be sent before the trip.

The first transfer is by dinghy from the beach to the catamaran. That may sound minor, but it affects what you wear and carry. You should expect to step into a small boat from the beach, and you may get wet before the main cruise even starts.

The boarding process has not always been perfectly clear. Give yourself time to find the crew, listen for instructions, and keep bags together. Shoes are not worn on the catamaran to protect the deck, so water shoes are useful for the beach and shallow water, but you will likely leave them off while aboard.

The catamaran ride to the islands

The outward crossing takes roughly an hour and a half, depending on conditions. This is when the trip feels most like a proper sea outing. You get wide views of Grand Baie fading behind you, open water in several shades of blue, and early views of the islands before you reach them.

The front of the catamaran is the most exciting place to sit if you enjoy spray and motion. It can also be the wettest spot. One practical trick is to leave valuables and dry clothing in the lower storage area and carry only what you need on deck.

If you are prone to seasickness, take the crossing seriously. The ride can be choppy, particularly in winter from June through September. Sitting on deck may help some people, but it does not remove the motion. A speedboat is mentioned as a better choice by one past participant for people who struggle with rough seas, but this particular experience is built around the more relaxed catamaran format.

The crew keeps the mood social, with music and a friendly style. Communication is in English and French. English is available, though one practical issue is that strong French accents can sometimes make spoken instructions hard to catch. Pay attention to meeting times and boarding directions, and ask again if anything is unclear.

Ilot Gabriel, a short taste of island nature

The catamaran anchors near the islands wherever water depth allows. You then transfer by dinghy to Ilot Gabriel, with the exact timing depending on the sea and the boat’s position.

Expect about 45 to 60 minutes on Ilot Gabriel. That is enough to walk on the beach, take photos, enjoy the clear water, and get your first taste of the island setting. It is not a long, empty-island stay. Several boats may be operating in the same area, so the feeling is more shared excursion than private escape.

The beach and shallow water are the main attractions. If conditions are calm, you can see fish close to shore. Turtles have also been seen in the area, and some trips offer an optional paid turtle visit. If you take part, listen closely to the guide’s instructions and keep a respectful distance from the animals.

I would treat Ilot Gabriel as a scenic first stop rather than the main event. The visit is short, but it breaks up the sea crossing and gives you a chance to walk on land before lunch.

Ile Plate and the beachside BBQ

Ile Plate, also called Flat Island, is where the lunch portion of the day takes place. This is one of the strongest features of the cruise. Instead of eating inside the catamaran, you sit on the island with the sea and beach around you.

The BBQ is generally served in generous portions, and repeat helpings may be available. The food has been described as fresh, tasty, and well organized, with some provision for vegan diners. Drinks include juice, beer, and other beverages, though do not expect everything to be cold. Carrying extra drinking water is sensible because bottled water may not be supplied as clearly as you expect.

The lunch is not fine dining, and you should not book this trip for a gourmet meal. Its appeal is the setting, quantity, and convenience. Eating on Ile Plate lets you slow down, sit in the shade if available, and enjoy a proper break from the boat.

The order of the island stops can vary. The usual description places Ilot Gabriel first and Ile Plate later, but some departures have eaten on Flat Island soon after arrival before moving to Gabriel. Follow the crew’s instructions on the day rather than expecting the exact order to remain fixed.

Swimming and snorkeling around the islands

After lunch, you have time to swim and snorkel. This is self-guided snorkeling, not a structured lesson or escorted reef tour. You choose how far to go based on your own ability and the conditions.

The shallow water can be rewarding. Fish are visible near shore, and some people have seen turtles and stingrays. You may also find coral and rocks underfoot, along with currents that make the water less easy than it first appears. Fins would help, especially if the sea is moving.

Bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins because snorkeling equipment is not included. Water shoes are useful for stony entries and walking along the beach. If you are not a confident swimmer, stay close to the shallows and do not assume the water will remain calm just because it looks bright and clear.

The quality of the snorkeling is mixed. There are fish and some coral, but heavy boat traffic and large numbers of visitors have affected parts of the reef. This is best viewed as a pleasant swim in a beautiful setting, not as a specialist snorkeling expedition.

You can also use this time to rest. A quiet siesta on the island is part of the appeal. The day is active, but it does not force you into one activity every minute.

Coin de Mire from the catamaran

The third island is Coin de Mire. The catamaran passes as close as water depth and safety allow, but you do not go ashore.

That distinction matters. The title promises three islands, but only two involve landing. Coin de Mire works as a scenic sea passage, giving you a close view of the island’s rocky shape from the boat. It adds variety to the route without adding another disembarkation and dinghy transfer.

If your main goal is to walk on three different islands, this is not the right trip. If you like seeing a third island from the water while keeping the day manageable, the arrangement makes sense.

The return sail, music, and possible wildlife

After the island stops, the catamaran heads back toward Grand Baie. The return trip is often the most social part of the day. Music comes on, drinks continue, and dancing can break out on deck. The crew has helped mark birthdays and other celebrations, so the mood can shift from quiet sightseeing to an informal boat party.

This is also when wildlife sightings may surprise you. Dolphins have been seen on the way to the islands, and whales have appeared on return crossings. These sightings are never guaranteed, but the open-water route gives you a chance that a beach day does not.

The atmosphere will not suit everyone. Some people want a calm ride back and may find the music and dancing too lively. For many others, it is exactly what makes the seven hours feel short.

Group size, comfort, and the real pace of the day

The catamaran is a decent-size boat, but comfort depends on the departure. Some trips feel manageable, while others can seem packed. Disembarking everyone by dinghy takes time, and the island transfers may feel slow if many people are waiting.

You should also expect limited island time rather than several hours alone on each beach. The tour covers a lot in one day, so every stop is measured. That is the tradeoff for visiting two islands, seeing a third, eating lunch, snorkeling, and enjoying a full sailing route for one price.

The crew generally keeps the day moving and helps passengers on and off the dinghy. The captain also has the final say if weather makes part of the route unsafe. The three-island plan may be shortened or changed in poor conditions, especially during rough winter seas. That is frustrating if you have planned around the full route, but it is the sensible rule for an offshore trip.

What to pack for a more comfortable day

Pack lightly, but bring the items that make a real difference:

• Swimsuit and a towel
• Plenty of sunscreen
• Comfortable clothing that can get wet
• Water shoes for beaches and rocky shallows
• Your own snorkeling mask, snorkel, and fins
• A dry bag or protected pouch for valuables
• Extra drinking water, since bottled water may not be supplied

Leave bulky bags and unnecessary electronics behind if possible. The front deck can be wet, and there is no good reason to risk a phone or camera during the dinghy ride.

The operator does not provide hotel pickup or drop-off, so you must reach Grand Baie beach yourself. Pregnant people and those with mobility impairments should not book this activity, since the sea crossing, dinghy transfers, beach landings, and uneven ground can make the day difficult.

Who should book this catamaran trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want an active, social day that combines several Mauritius highlights. It suits couples, families with confident swimmers, solo visitors who enjoy meeting people, and anyone who likes music and a friendly crew as much as scenery.

It is especially good for someone who wants lunch on the island, not just a boat ride with food served at sea. The included BBQ and drinks add real value, and the two landings give the day more substance than a simple sightseeing cruise.

I would think twice if you get seasick, need a quiet small-group trip, or want expert-led snorkeling. You may also prefer another option if three island landings are essential, since Coin de Mire is viewed only from the catamaran.

Should you book it?

At $70, this is a strong-value full-day outing when the sea is kind. You get the catamaran cruise, dinghy transfers, two island landings, BBQ lunch, drinks, swimming time, and a pass near Coin de Mire without adding separate fees for each part.

Book it for the whole-day atmosphere, not just the beaches. Expect some waiting, possible crowds, self-guided snorkeling, and a wet, bumpy crossing. Pack water shoes, sunscreen, snorkeling gear, and patience, then you have a good chance of getting the lively, scenic Mauritius day this tour is designed to provide.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran tour?

The activity lasts about seven hours, including the cruise from Grand Baie, island transfers, lunch, swimming, snorkeling, and the return sail.

Which islands can I visit?

You land on Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, also known as Flat Island. The catamaran passes close to Coin de Mire, but you do not set foot on that island.

Is lunch included?

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

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. You need to bring your own snorkeling equipment. Water shoes are also useful for rocky areas and shallow water.

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet halfway along Grand Baie beach, opposite the red Express bus for Port Louis and the Highlights shop. The operator can send a written description, video, and Google location through WhatsApp after receiving your number.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must make your own way to the Grand Baie meeting point.

Can the tour be changed because of weather?

Yes. The captain may cancel, reschedule, or change the route if sea conditions are unsafe. During rough winter weather, it may not be possible to visit all three islands.