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

The best part of this day is not just reaching the islands. It is the long, open-water ride between them, with changing shades of blue, sea spray, music, and wide views that you simply cannot get from shore. You land on Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, then pass close to Coin de Mire without going ashore.

I like two things in particular: the BBQ lunch served on an island, rather than cooked and eaten on the catamaran, and the cheerful crew, who keep the return ride lively with music, drinks, and sometimes dancing. The $70 price also covers lunch, drinks, the dinghy transfers, and the full three-island route.

The tradeoff is the sea itself. The ride can be choppy, especially from June through September, and snorkeling is self-guided rather than a formal lesson. Boarding at Grand Baie can also feel unclear at first, so arrive ready for a little beach-side waiting.

Key points at a glance

• Three northern islands in one day: Land on Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, then cruise close to Coin de Mire.
• Lunch on Ile Plate: The BBQ is served ashore, with food and drinks included.
• A lively catamaran ride: Expect music, rum drinks, dancing, and a social mood on the way back.
• Snorkeling is independent: Bring your own equipment, and be ready for currents, shallow coral, and rocky patches.
• Weather matters: Rough seas can shorten or change the island route, with the captain making the final safety call.
• Grand Baie meeting point: The beach meeting place is opposite the red Express bus and the Highlights shop, with WhatsApp directions sent after booking.

From Grand Baie beach to the open sea

Your day begins on the beach in Grand Baie, about halfway along the bay. The meeting point is opposite the red Express bus for Port Louis and opposite the shop called Highlights. You first take a dinghy from the beach out to the catamaran, so keep your first few belongings together and expect to get your feet wet.

The check-in point is not a formal terminal. That is useful to know. One traveler described some uncertainty while waiting on the public beach and trying to work out when boarding would begin. A WhatsApp number is requested at booking so the operator can send written directions, a video, and a Google location once you are in Mauritius.

Once you reach the catamaran, the day feels more organized. The crew gives safety instructions and helps people move between the dinghy and the larger boat. Shoes may not be allowed on the catamaran, so pack water shoes in a small bag rather than wearing them aboard. You can leave ordinary shoes on the beach before boarding, but water shoes are useful for the islands and the water.

The first hour or so is part of the attraction. The sea changes color as you leave Grand Baie, and you get a different view of Mauritius from the water. The front of the catamaran gives the strongest sense of speed and spray, but you may get wet there. Put your valuables in the lower storage area and keep sunscreen, a towel, and a dry layer handy.

The ride can be smooth and quick, but it can also become rough. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where you can see the horizon and consider taking suitable medication before departure. One practical tip from the day is not to arrive with a heavy breakfast if choppy water tends to bother you.

Ilot Gabriel, sand, water, and limited time

The first island stop is Ilot Gabriel, reached by dinghy because the catamaran anchors where water depth allows. The transfer takes roughly 45 to 60 minutes on the island visit itself, depending on the day’s timing and sea conditions.

Ilot Gabriel is the kind of place people picture when they book a northern-island cruise: bright sand, clear shallow water, and very little built environment. You can walk, swim, sit in the sun, or simply enjoy the contrast between the open ocean and the low island shoreline.

Time here is not unlimited. This is a three-island cruise, not a full beach day on one island. You will see a lot in seven hours, but you should not expect long, quiet stretches alone on the sand. Several boats may be in the area, particularly during busy periods, although the operation is generally arranged so that people can move between the beach, catamaran, and lunch area without much trouble.

The water near the islands can be excellent for a casual swim. You may see fish in shallow areas, but conditions vary. Parts of the seabed can be stony, currents can be noticeable, and fins make swimming easier. Bring your own snorkeling gear, since equipment is not included.

Ile Plate and the rare pleasure of eating ashore

Ile Plate, also called Flat Island, is the most useful stop for anyone who values a proper break in the middle of a boat day. The operator serves a BBQ lunch on the island, not just a snack from a cooler on the catamaran.

The meal includes drinks such as juice and beer, and the food is served in generous quantities. The menu is described as fresh and filling, with some previous menus also including vegan choices. You can expect a relaxed island meal rather than restaurant service, so the setting does much of the work: sand, sea, open air, and a simple BBQ spread.

The order of the island stops may change. The stated plan places Ilot Gabriel first and Ile Plate afterward, while some days have taken people to Ile Plate for lunch before moving to Gabriel. Weather, anchoring conditions, and the captain’s plan can affect the sequence. The important point is that both islands are included when conditions allow.

Drinks are included, but you should still bring water. One day produced a clear warning about people becoming thirsty while on the island, and warm drinks have also been noted. The supplied information lists juice and beer, but do not treat that as a promise of chilled bottled water throughout the day. Bring a reusable bottle if possible and ask the crew where it can be refilled.

Lunch is one of the strongest reasons to choose this tour over a simple boat transfer. Eating on Ile Plate gives the middle of the day a real sense of place. It also means you do not have to buy a separate island meal, which helps make the $70 cost reasonable.

Snorkeling without a formal lesson

After lunch, you have time to swim and snorkel around the islands. This is a relaxed, self-directed part of the day. The crew can help with practical transfers and general instructions, but there is no promise of a guided snorkeling circuit or a dedicated instructor leading the group.

That suits confident swimmers who want freedom. You can choose a shallow patch, swim for a while, then return to the beach and rest. You may see plenty of small fish in the clear water, and some people have encountered turtles and even a stingray. If turtle viewing is offered as an extra on the day, follow the guide’s instructions closely and keep your distance.

It is less ideal if you want a carefully managed reef tour. Coral quality is not guaranteed, and heavy boat traffic in popular areas has affected some snorkeling spots. Strong currents, stones underfoot, and limited visibility after rough weather can also reduce the appeal.

Bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins. The tour includes the island transfers but not snorkeling equipment. Water shoes are a smart addition because they help on the beach, in shallow water, and over uneven ground. Sunscreen is essential, since you spend much of the day in sun and wind, with few places to escape it.

Coin de Mire, seen from the catamaran

The third island is Coin de Mire, also known as Gunner’s Quoin. You do not get off the boat here. The catamaran passes as close as water depth and safety allow, giving you a view from the sea rather than a beach visit.

That distinction matters. The tour is sold as a three-island route, but only Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate are landing stops. Coin de Mire is a scenic pass-by, useful for seeing the island’s shape and rocky shoreline from the water.

This final section is also a good chance to settle back on deck after swimming. Keep your camera ready, but protect it from spray. Sea conditions may affect how closely the catamaran can approach, and the captain has the final say.

The return ride continues the social side of the day. Music is often played, drinks are served, and the crew may encourage dancing. Some outings have included birthday celebrations and group dancing, while others have been quieter. You should expect a friendly shared-boat atmosphere, not a silent nature cruise.

The crew, language, and mood on board

The crew is one of the tour’s most praised features. They are described as cheerful, helpful, safety-conscious, and willing to keep the mood light during a long day at sea. The captain gives rules and time instructions, and crew members help people in and out of the dinghy.

English and French are supported. Communication is usually clear enough for practical instructions, but one English-speaking participant found a strong French accent difficult to follow at times. If you miss a time or meeting instruction, ask the crew to repeat it rather than guessing.

The tone is social. Solo visitors can meet people easily, and couples or families who enjoy music will likely find the return trip fun. If you want a quiet, private sailing experience, this may not be the right fit, especially when the boat is busy.

Group size can feel different from day to day. Some departures have felt comfortable, while others have carried more than 40 people and made island transfers slower. A fuller boat affects the time it takes to get off the catamaran, board the dinghy, and reach the beach.

What $70 really gets you

At $70 per person, the value is strong if you want an all-day outing with several included elements. The price covers the catamaran trip, the dinghy transfers, access to both landing islands, the Coin de Mire pass-by, BBQ lunch, and drinks such as juice and beer.

A separate boat ride, island meal, and transfers could quickly cost more. The tour also saves you the trouble of arranging transport between multiple northern islands, which is difficult to do independently in one day.

The value is less clear if your main goal is serious snorkeling. Equipment is not included, the snorkeling is self-guided, and conditions can be ordinary in places. You are paying for a complete day at sea, island scenery, food, and atmosphere, not for a specialist reef excursion.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to reach Grand Baie yourself and find the beach meeting point. Plan extra time for that, especially if you are unfamiliar with the bay.

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Pregnant people and those with mobility impairments should not book, given the beach boarding, dinghy transfers, uneven island ground, and movement on a boat.

Weather, rough seas, and the captain’s decision

Weather is the main uncertainty. The captain can cancel or reschedule if conditions are unsafe, and the final decision belongs to the captain. In winter, usually June through September, rough seas can also make it impossible to visit all three islands.

That policy is not a minor footnote. A day that looks perfect from Grand Baie can still bring uncomfortable water farther offshore. The catamaran may need to change the order of stops, shorten a visit, or skip one island for safety.

I would keep your schedule flexible and avoid booking this on the same day as an important flight or fixed evening plan. The advertised duration is seven hours, but late returns can happen if departure is delayed or conditions slow the route.

Pack as if you will be wet all day: swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, water shoes, and snorkeling equipment. A dry bag or protected phone case is useful, especially if you sit at the front of the catamaran.

Who should book this northern-island cruise?

I would choose this outing if you want one full day that combines sailing, beaches, lunch, swimming, and a party-like return ride. It suits couples, friends, solo visitors, and families with confident swimmers who are comfortable climbing between a beach, dinghy, and catamaran.

It is also a good choice if you want to see both Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate rather than merely cruise past them. The island lunch adds something memorable and practical to the day.

I would think twice if you get seasick, dislike being in a group, need easy step-free access, or want a quiet boat with a detailed naturalist talk. The boat can be crowded, the sea can be rough, and the explanations may be brief. Snorkeling fans should bring fins and manage their expectations about coral and currents.

Should you book it?

Book it if the idea of a long catamaran day with turquoise water, two island landings, an island BBQ, and music on the return sounds better than a tightly scheduled sightseeing trip. The price covers enough food, transport, and time on the water to make it good value.

Skip it if you need calm seas, guaranteed access to every stop, or a formal guided snorkeling program. For most people who accept those limits, this is a cheerful and scenic way to experience Mauritius from the sea, with the island lunch making it more than just a boat ride.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran tour last?

The activity lasts about seven hours. The exact timing can change because of weather, sea conditions, boarding delays, or the order of the island stops.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Ilot Gabriel, Ile Plate, and Coin de Mire. You set foot on Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, while the catamaran passes close to Coin de Mire without landing.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is included and is served on one of the islands, generally Ile Plate. Drinks such as juice and beer are also included.

Are hotel transfers included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must reach the meeting point on Grand Baie beach.

Where is the meeting point?

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

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins. Comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes are also recommended.

Can I get off at Coin de Mire?

No. The catamaran passes near Coin de Mire as closely as water depth and safety allow, but the tour does not include setting foot on the island.

What happens if the sea is rough?

The captain may cancel, reschedule, change the route, or omit an island if conditions are unsafe. In rough winter seas, visiting all three islands may not be possible.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments or pregnant women?

No. The tour is not considered suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments because it involves beach boarding, dinghy transfers, boat movement, and island access.