GBaie: 3 North Islands Cruise, Lunch & CoindeMire Snorkeling

The best part of this North Islands catamaran cruise is the change of scene: one moment you are sailing across open water, and the next you are standing on a bright island beach with a clear lagoon at your feet. Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel provide the beach time, while Coin de Mire appears later as a steep mountain rising from the sea.

I like the chance to snorkel near Coin de Mire, one of the more memorable sea settings around Mauritius, and I like that a barbecue lunch is included rather than leaving you to arrange food on a remote island. The main catch is comfort: boats can feel crowded, shade is limited on Flat Island, and drinks may not be available as freely as the description suggests.

Key points at a glance

• Coin de Mire is viewed from the water: You do not land on this rocky island, but the catamaran sails as close as conditions allow.
• Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel are the main beach stops: Expect lagoon swimming, beach time, and a slower island break.
• Snorkeling depends on the sea: The crew may cancel it for safety, and you should bring your own equipment.
• BBQ lunch is included: Food includes barbecue items, salad, and drinks, with lunch usually served on the catamaran.
• The trip suits families and groups: Children enjoyed the outing, and the crew has been described as friendly and lively.
• Bring extra water and sun protection: Limited shade and uneven drink service are the most useful practical warnings.

Sailing north from Mauritius for seven hours

This is a full-day sea outing rather than a quick boat transfer. The advertised duration is seven hours, with the catamaran leaving from the beach area and heading toward the North Islands. You will spend a good part of the day moving between open water, island beaches, and snorkeling sites.

The setting changes as you go. The water takes on different shades as the boat moves through the lagoon and farther offshore, and the views are the main reason to choose this trip. You get a broad view of the northern coast from the boat, then a closer look at the islands when the catamaran stops.

The pace is deliberately relaxed. This is not a tightly packed sightseeing circuit with a guide giving a long explanation at every turn. It is closer to a social day on the water, with time to swim, sit in the sun, listen to music, eat, and spend time with family or friends.

That relaxed style will suit you if you want a low-stress day. If you expect detailed commentary about the islands, you may find the guiding light. One French-speaking customer specifically found there was little explanation of the history of the three islands. I would treat this as a boat-and-beach day first, and a cultural tour second.

Ile Plate and the first island break

Ile Plate, also known as Flat Island, is one of the main stops. The appeal is simple and direct: a beach, clear lagoon water, and time to swim without rushing straight back aboard.

The stop gives you a chance to stretch your legs after the sail. You can swim in the lagoon, sit on the sand, and take in the open view around the island. The water is the star here, especially for anyone who prefers a simple shore swim to a more structured snorkeling session.

There is a practical weakness. Shade is limited on Flat Island, so you should not assume that everyone in your group can sit out of the sun. Pack a hat, use sunscreen before you arrive, and bring a towel that can serve as a small cushion or cover.

The amount of time on the islands is not presented as a strict, minute-by-minute schedule. Based on the operating pattern and customer experiences, you may spend about an hour or longer at a stop. That sounds generous, but it also means you need to manage your own water and sun exposure. Some people found the island pauses too long without refreshments.

For families, the freedom can be useful. Children can swim or play on the beach while adults find a place to sit. For people who prefer constant activity, the wait for the dinghy back to the catamaran may feel slow.

Ilot Gabriel, birds, and open beach time

The second island visit is Ilot Gabriel, described as a natural reserve with nesting Paille-en-Queue birds among other wildlife. The main experience remains the beach and lagoon, but the reserve setting gives the stop a little more character than a simple sandbar visit.

You can walk around, swim, and enjoy the strong contrast between pale sand and surrounding sea. The island is also a good place to take photographs, although the useful details here are practical ones: shade, drinks, and timing matter more than the perfect picture.

Do not count on a drink station waiting for you on the island. Some customers found that refreshments were served on the way to the beach but not during the island stop. One person reported spending close to two hours without food or water. That may not happen on every departure, but it is enough reason to carry your own bottle.

The tour includes drinks, but the actual service has not always matched the idea of an open bar throughout the day. Cold soft drinks were available on one outing, but ice was not, and a request for another drink was met with the information that the bar was closed. I would regard the included drinks as a useful extra, not as your only hydration plan.

Snorkeling near the islands and Coin de Mire

Snorkeling is included at island sites and near Coin de Mire, but you need to bring your own mask and snorkel. The description does not promise equipment rental, so pack your gear if you want to take part.

The most interesting snorkeling prospect is near Coin de Mire, the third island. From the sea, it looks like a large mountain rising straight from the ocean. The catamaran sails close to it on the return journey, but you do not set foot on the island.

The boat does not always stop for snorkeling there. The captain makes the decision according to sea and weather conditions. This is important because the open-water setting can be thrilling, but it also means conditions can change. If the sea is rough, the snorkeling portion may be removed for safety.

There was also an unusual report of snorkeling happening only after a passenger asked for it, which suggests that the timing can depend on the day and the crew’s judgment. I would ask about the plan when you board, but I would not treat the Coin de Mire swim as guaranteed.

The water around this part of Mauritius is often the visual highlight of the cruise, and the chance to swim near a dramatic offshore island gives the day a stronger sense of adventure. Still, this is not a dedicated marine-life expedition. The supplied information promises the location and opportunity to snorkel, not a particular list of fish, coral, or underwater sights.

One customer described a later swim in deep, clear water while the boat waited to return to Grand Baie as the best moment of the day. That kind of unscheduled swim can be wonderful, but it depends on the captain and conditions. You should be comfortable in open water and follow the crew’s instructions.

BBQ lunch on the catamaran

Lunch is one of the practical strengths of the package. The meal includes barbecue food, salad, and drinks, so you do not need to pack a full picnic for a seven-hour outing.

Lunch is generally served after the island time, when the dinghy brings you back to the catamaran. In rare cases, it may be served on the island instead. That change is worth knowing if you are picturing a set table or a fixed meal schedule.

The food has received mixed but useful feedback. One customer called it very good, while another found it acceptable but not special. I would expect a straightforward barbecue meal that fills you up, not a restaurant lunch.

Service may feel hurried if the boat is running behind or the group is large. One account described the meal as rushed. That does not make it a poor lunch, but it means you should not book this trip for a long, leisurely dining experience.

The barbecue also adds value at this price. At $70 per person, you are paying for a full day on a catamaran, island access, guide service, snorkeling opportunities, lunch, and drinks. Comparable costs can quickly rise when you add a boat trip and a separate meal. The value is strongest if you plan to use the swimming and beach stops, and weaker if you mainly want a quiet sail with plenty of personal space.

What the catamaran feels like on a busy day

The catamaran is described as well maintained, which is reassuring for a seven-hour outing. The crew has also been praised for being friendly, lively, and entertaining, with a family group calling the trip a must-do and good value.

The boat may not feel spacious when full. One customer found there was not enough seating, especially late in the day when people were hot and tired. That is a real concern because the final hours can be less comfortable than the first.

You may also encounter many boats visiting the same islands. One account described around 12 catamarans in the area at once. That reduces the feeling of having a remote island to yourself and can make the beach stops feel more social than secluded.

Music is part of the atmosphere, although it may not come from your own boat all day. One account said other boats supplied most of the music, while loud music was played on arrival to attract attention from potential customers. Expect a lively, informal outing rather than a silent sail.

The crew atmosphere can vary. The staff have been described as friendly, but there was also a complaint about the captain arriving late and speaking harshly to the crew in front of customers. That is not a reason to dismiss the whole trip, but it shows that the onboard mood may depend on the day’s captain and schedule.

What to pack for comfort

The operator asks you to bring a towel, sunscreen, and swimwear. I would add extra drinking water, your own snorkeling equipment, a hat, and a dry bag or waterproof pouch for phones and valuables.

Your most useful packing list is:

• Towel and swimwear
• Strong sunscreen and a hat
• Personal mask and snorkel
• Extra water and any preferred snacks
• A waterproof pouch for small valuables
• Light clothing for the boat ride
• A cover-up for the island stops

The need for extra water is not a minor point. You may spend a long stretch away from the catamaran, and the available drinks can be limited or served without ice. Sun exposure also builds quickly when you combine white sand, open water, and a boat deck.

You should be able to swim if you want to enjoy the lagoon and snorkeling. The information does not describe a special program for non-swimmers, so I would not book this as a purely scenic cruise if you do not plan to enter the water.

Wheelchair users cannot be accommodated. The beach meeting point, catamaran boarding, dinghy transfers, sandy islands, and swimming stops make the physical demands clear.

Timing, weather, and flexible planning

You receive the meeting details at the beach, and you should contact the guide 24 hours before the activity. Starting times can vary, so check the current availability rather than assuming a fixed departure.

Weather is the biggest factor in the schedule. If bad conditions are known in advance, the captain may reschedule the trip. Weather at sea can also force changes to the route, timing, initial program, or snorkeling stops.

That flexibility is sensible. Coin de Mire snorkeling is only offered if conditions allow, and safety takes priority over completing every advertised activity. You should book this with the right mindset: the islands and barbecue are the main framework, while the exact order and snorkeling details may change.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Mauritius plans are still shifting, but they do not remove the need to keep your day flexible once you are on the water.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this trip for families, couples, and groups of friends who want one shared day with plenty of swimming and social time. The family feedback is especially positive, and the mix of boat time, beaches, lunch, and music gives children and adults several ways to enjoy the day.

It also suits you if you want to see several northern islands without arranging separate boat transfers. The multilingual guide service covers English, French, Hindi, Urdu, Spanish, and Arabic, which can make communication easier for mixed-language groups.

I would hesitate if you need guaranteed snorkeling, quiet surroundings, generous shade, or a small boat with lots of personal space. A dedicated snorkeling trip may suit you better if underwater time is your main goal. A private charter may be a better fit if you want control over the pace and crowd level.

The advertised rating is 4.1 from 18 reviews, which fits the overall picture: strong enjoyment for some groups, but uneven comfort and service details. The most praised parts are the friendly crew, family appeal, good food on some departures, clear water, and the chance to swim from the catamaran in deep water.

Should you book the North Islands cruise?

Book it if you want a social, full-day island outing at a reasonable all-in price. Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel provide the beach time, Coin de Mire adds the memorable offshore view, and the included barbecue saves you from arranging lunch.

Go in prepared. Bring your own snorkeling gear and extra water, expect limited shade, and accept that the boat may be crowded. If the weather removes the Coin de Mire snorkeling, the cruise still offers the islands, lagoon swimming, scenery, and meal, but you should not pay for it expecting a guaranteed underwater adventure.

FAQ

How long does the North Islands cruise last?

The activity lasts seven hours, although the schedule can change because of weather or other force majeure conditions.

What islands does the cruise visit?

The trip visits Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel. It also sails close to Coin de Mire, but you do not land on that island.

Can I go ashore on Coin de Mire?

No. The catamaran sails as close as possible to Coin de Mire, but the program does not include setting foot on the island.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling near the islands and near Coin de Mire is included when conditions allow.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

Yes. You should bring your own mask and snorkel because personal snorkeling equipment is requested.

Is the BBQ lunch included?

Yes. BBQ lunch, salad, and drinks are included. Lunch is normally served on the catamaran, although it may occasionally be served on an island.

Are drinks available all day?

Drinks are included, but service may vary. Bring extra water because some island stops may have no drinks available.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, swimwear, and your own snorkeling equipment. Extra water, a hat, and a waterproof pouch are also practical choices.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The captain may reschedule the trip when bad weather is known in advance. Sea conditions can also change the route, timing, or snorkeling portion.

Is the activity suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What languages are available from the guide?

Guide service is available in English, French, Hindi, Urdu, Spanish, and Arabic.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.