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

Mauritius saves some of its best scenery for the sea. This full-day catamaran trip from Grand Baie takes you across bright, changing water to Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, with a close pass by Coin de Mire. The real treat is lunch served on Ile Plate, not simply on the boat.

I like the easy mix of sailing, beach time, swimming, and food. I also like the cheerful crew, who keep the return trip lively with music, dancing, and drinks. The main catch is the sea crossing: waves can be rough, the boat may feel crowded, and snorkeling is self-guided rather than a formal lesson.

Key points to know before you book

• Two island landings: You reach both Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate by dinghy, while the catamaran passes near Coin de Mire without landing.
• BBQ on Ile Plate: Lunch is served on the island, with food and drinks included.
• About seven hours at sea: Expect a long day with a roughly 1.5-hour crossing each way, depending on conditions.
• Bring your own snorkeling gear: Equipment is not supplied, and fins can help around rocky or current-affected areas.
• The return trip is the party portion: Music, rum, dancing, and a sociable atmosphere are common after the island stops.
• Weather matters: The captain can change or cancel the route when sea conditions make the three-island plan unsafe.

Why the northern islands make a fine day on the water

The northern islands offer a different side of Mauritius from the resort beaches. From the catamaran, you see bands of turquoise, darker blue water, low sandy shores, and islands that look more striking as you approach them. The boat ride is not just transport between stops. It is a large part of the experience.

The trip is priced at about $70 per person for seven hours. That is fair value if you want a full day with a boat ride, island access, BBQ lunch, drinks, and transfers by dinghy. Paying separately for each part would quickly add up, especially if you are looking for an all-day outing rather than a short snorkeling trip.

The package suits you best if you enjoy a social boat atmosphere. It is less suitable if you want a quiet private charter, a tightly guided snorkeling session, or a guaranteed itinerary in every season.

Meeting the boat on Grand Baie beach

The meeting point is halfway along the beach at Grand Baie, opposite the red Express bus for Port Louis and opposite the shop called Highlights. The operator asks for a valid WhatsApp number so you can receive a written description, a video, and a Google location once you are in Mauritius.

That extra location help is useful because the first stage can feel informal. You wait on the public beach before taking a dinghy out to the catamaran, and the boarding process has not always felt perfectly clear. Give yourself time to find the right spot and pay attention to directions from the crew.

You will normally leave your shoes on the beach before boarding. Shoes are not allowed on the catamaran because they can damage the deck, so carry water shoes or sandals in a small bag for the islands. Keep valuables and spare clothing in a dry bag if you plan to sit at the front, where spray can reach you.

The catamaran crossing to the islands

Once you are aboard, the cruise becomes the main event. A catamaran gives you open views from the deck, and you can watch the sea change color as Grand Baie fades behind you. Sitting on the deck can also help if you are prone to nausea, though the front seats are the wettest.

The ride to the islands can take around 1.5 hours. On calm days, it is a smooth and pleasant sail. On rough days, the crossing may be choppy enough to make some people uncomfortable. One practical tip is to eat lightly before departure. Carry sunscreen, water, and a towel, and do not assume the sea will stay calm simply because the beach looked peaceful at the start.

The crew keeps the mood friendly and social. They give safety instructions, help people in and out of the dinghy, and keep the boat organized. Communication is offered in English and French. Some English-speaking visitors have found the crew’s strong French accent difficult to follow, so ask again if you miss an instruction, especially around departure times and meeting points.

You may see dolphins, whales, or other sea life, but these sightings are not promised. A return route has even been adjusted so people could watch humpback whales. Treat such moments as luck, not part of the fixed program.

Ilot Gabriel: the first island landing

The catamaran anchors as close to the islands as water depth allows. A dinghy then carries you to Ilot Gabriel, where you usually have about 45 to 60 minutes. The transfer adds a little adventure, but it also means boarding and disembarking takes time, particularly when many people are aboard.

Ilot Gabriel is a good first taste of the northern islands. You get to stand on the beach, look back toward the open sea, and see why the catamaran trip is worth doing. The water is clear and inviting, and you can use this stop for a short swim or a quiet walk.

Do not expect an entire morning here. The timing is designed to give you a taste of the island before moving to Ile Plate for lunch and more water time. Bring only what you need in the dinghy. A towel, sunscreen, water shoes, and a camera in a waterproof pouch are enough.

Ile Plate: lunch with your feet on the island

Ile Plate is the heart of the outing. The catamaran or dinghy brings you ashore, and the crew serves a BBQ lunch on the island. This matters because you are not eating below deck or balancing a plate while the boat moves. You can sit in a natural setting, eat, and take in the water and beach around you.

The meal is generally described as generous, with enough food for seconds. Drinks include juice, beer, and other refreshments, and the crew serves them during the day. The quality is better judged as a casual island BBQ than as a restaurant meal. It is practical, filling, and part of the atmosphere.

Vegetarian or vegan needs may be accommodated, but you should confirm your needs when booking rather than rely on chance. Bottled water is worth bringing. Drinks are included, but some people have found that water was not always easy to get while on the island, and warm drinks have occasionally been noted.

After lunch, you have time to swim, snorkel, rest, or simply sit in the shade if available. The exact balance depends on the day’s schedule and sea conditions. Some people feel the island time is a little short, while others find it enough to see both islands without rushing.

Snorkeling: pleasant, but bring the right equipment

Snorkeling is available near the islands, but it is self-guided. The crew does not run a structured lesson or lead you through a marked route. You decide when to enter the water and how far to swim, within the limits of your own ability and the conditions.

Bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins because equipment is not included. Fins are especially useful where currents are noticeable or the bottom is stony. Water shoes help when walking from the beach into shallow water, though they are not a substitute for sensible care around rocks.

The snorkeling can be rewarding in shallow water, with fish and some coral visible. It is not always a spectacular coral expedition. Heavy tourism has affected some areas, and visibility and marine life vary with weather, current, and crowd levels. If snorkeling is the single most important part of your Mauritius holiday, compare this trip with a smaller specialist boat outing.

You may also have the chance to see turtles or a stingray. If turtles are present, follow the guide’s instructions and keep your distance. The wildlife experience is best when you watch without chasing, touching, or blocking the animal’s path.

Coin de Mire: a close pass, not a landing

The third island is Coin de Mire, also called Gunner’s Quoin. The catamaran passes as close as possible according to water depth, but you do not go ashore. That distinction is important if you are choosing this trip mainly because you want to set foot on three islands.

Coin de Mire gives you a fine view from the water. Its shape and position make it an enjoyable part of the cruise, even without a beach stop. The crew then continues the route toward Grand Baie, and the return crossing becomes more social than the outward journey.

The return ride brings music and rum

By the afternoon, the boat often shifts into party mode. Music plays, drinks continue, and people dance on the return trip. The atmosphere can be a highlight, especially if you are traveling alone or want to meet other people during your holiday.

This is not a silent sunset sail. Music and group energy are part of the appeal, but they may not suit everyone. If you want a calm ride back, sit away from the main music area if possible and let the more energetic group take the center of attention.

The crew’s warmth is one of the strongest parts of the trip. They help with the dinghy transfers, keep the food moving, and often make an effort for birthdays or other celebrations when they have advance notice. The captain also gives safety rules clearly, and those rules should be taken seriously when the sea is rough.

Crowds, timing, and comfort on board

Group size varies, but the boat can carry more than 40 people and may feel packed on a busy departure. Several boats may gather around the islands, especially in popular months. The beaches can still feel beautiful, but you should not picture a private island reserved for your group.

Crowding affects more than the view. It takes time for everyone to board the dinghy, leave the catamaran, collect food, and return to the boat. If you dislike queues or crowded decks, a smaller speedboat or private charter may suit you better.

The catamaran itself has been described as a decent size, though some passengers have found older boats a little wobbly. That is normal for a vessel moving through open water, but anyone who gets seasick should prepare. Choose a deck seat with fresh air, avoid a heavy breakfast, and consider your usual motion-sickness plan.

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments. The beach-to-dinghy-to-catamaran transfers require balance, stepping in and out of boats, and moving across sand or uneven ground.

What to pack for a better day

Pack lightly, but pack for sun, spray, and wet feet. Your basic kit should include:

• Swimwear and a towel
• High-factor sunscreen, with extra for the boat ride
• Comfortable clothes and a hat
• Water shoes or sandals for the islands
• Your own mask, snorkel, and fins
• A waterproof pouch for your phone and valuables
• Drinking water, especially if you prefer bottled water

No hotel pickup or drop-off is included, so arrange your own way to Grand Baie. You also need to reach the beach meeting point yourself. The operator provides the dinghy ride to the catamaran, island transfers, BBQ lunch, drinks, and access connected with the three-island route.

Weather can change the promised route

The captain has the final say when sea conditions are unsafe. The trip can be canceled or rescheduled, and in rough winter conditions, usually between June and September, the boat may not reach all three islands.

That is not a minor detail. The route is exposed to the sea, and forcing a landing simply to follow the printed plan would be poor seamanship. If your schedule is tight, do not place this activity on your final day in Mauritius unless you have no alternative. A weather change may alter the route or move the trip to another date.

Even with good weather, conditions can shift during the crossing. The captain may shorten or change a stop for safety. You should book this as a flexible day on the water, not as a guaranteed checklist of three identical island visits.

Is the $70 price good value?

At $70, this trip gives you a lot for one day: a catamaran cruise, access to Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, a close view of Coin de Mire, dinghy transfers, BBQ lunch, and drinks. The island lunch is the feature that helps it compete well with cheaper boat trips that only offer a short ride and a swim.

The value drops if you want long, quiet periods on empty beaches or expert-led snorkeling. You are paying for a social all-day outing with food and entertainment, not a private nature expedition. The included drinks and generous lunch also mean you do not need to organize a separate meal while away from Grand Baie.

The overall rating of 4.2 from 918 ratings suggests a strong experience with a few recurring limits: rough crossings, crowded boats, unclear boarding at times, and snorkeling that can be ordinary. I would consider those fair trade-offs if your priorities are scenery, island access, lunch, and a lively crew.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this trip if you want to see the northern islands without arranging several separate activities. It is especially good for couples, families with confident swimmers, solo visitors who enjoy meeting people, and anyone who likes music and a party atmosphere on the return journey.

It is also a smart choice if you want lunch on an island rather than another meal on a boat. The crew’s help with transfers makes the day easier, and the included food keeps the price clear.

I would look elsewhere if you are pregnant, have limited mobility, get badly seasick, or need a quiet and private boat. Strong swimmers should still respect currents, and casual snorkelers should bring fins and avoid expecting a guided reef tour.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The activity lasts about seven hours. The crossing to the northern islands can take around 1.5 hours, depending on sea conditions.

Which islands do you visit?

You land on Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate. 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 served on Ile Plate, and drinks such as juice and beer are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. You need to bring your own snorkeling gear. Fins and water shoes can be useful because some areas may have currents or a stony bottom.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You meet the group at the specified point on Grand Baie beach.

What languages are available?

The tour is offered in English and French.

Can the three-island route change?

Yes. The captain can cancel, reschedule, or change the route when weather or sea conditions make the planned trip unsafe. Between June and September, rough conditions may prevent the boat from visiting all three islands.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want a full, sociable day at sea with beautiful views, two island landings, a generous BBQ, and music on the way home. The lunch on Ile Plate and the friendly crew add real value to the $70 price.

Skip it if you need calm water, expert snorkeling guidance, or a private beach experience. For most active visitors staying around Grand Baie, though, this is a well-priced way to see Mauritius from the water. Check the forecast, bring water shoes and snorkeling gear, and leave room in your schedule in case the sea has other plans.