3 North Islands Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Drinks on island.

The best part of this seven-hour catamaran cruise is the changing view from the water. From Grand Baie, you sail across shifting shades of blue toward Ilot Gabriel, Ile Plate, and Coin de Mire, with time for swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and a proper island siesta.

I like the chance to land on the northern islands rather than only circle them, and I like that lunch, salad, and drinks are included in the $58.08 price. The main caution is the party atmosphere: music and alcohol can be a major part of the day, and the boat may feel crowded.

Key points to know before booking

• Three northern-island views: Reach Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, then pass close to Coin de Mire, weather permitting.
• A long first crossing: The sail from Grand Baie to the first island takes about 90 minutes.
• Swimming is flexible: You can snorkel near the islands according to your ability and comfort.
• Lunch is included: The package covers barbecue food, salad, and drinks, though the exact serving spot may vary.
• A lively boat setting: Music, dancing, and alcohol have been part of some departures, so this suits a social crowd more than a quiet sailing day.
• Sea conditions matter: The captain decides if the Coin de Mire stop is safe, and poor weather can cancel the outing.

Setting out from Grand Baie at 8:30 am

Your day begins at Grand Baie Public Beach. The activity returns to this same meeting point after roughly seven hours, so plan around a full morning and afternoon rather than a quick boat ride.

Getting to the catamaran may involve a short transfer by a small motorized boat from the beach. This matters because boarding can take time when many people are waiting. The listed maximum is 48 people, but one account describes a departure with more than 60 aboard. I would confirm the expected group size if personal space is important to you.

The catamaran itself is described as large, powerful, stable, and licensed. That is useful in the open water, where the trip includes long crossings rather than short hops between nearby beaches. Still, a large boat can feel more like a social excursion than a peaceful sail.

Expect music and a party mood on some departures. Alcohol begins early on the livelier outings, with beer and rum available, and music may continue through much of the trip. You may enjoy that energy, especially if you want dancing and easy conversation. If you are hoping for quiet birdwatching or a calm reading day, choose your seat carefully and set your expectations early.

The first 90 minutes across the northern lagoon

The crossing from Grand Baie to the first island takes about an hour and a half. This is not wasted time. It gives you a broad view of Mauritius from the sea, including the coastline behind you and the open water ahead.

The colors change as the boat moves away from shore. Shallow water near the islands creates the bright turquoise tones shown in many photographs, while deeper water appears darker blue. The main pleasure here is simply seeing the northern coast from a lower, more open viewpoint.

Bring sun protection and keep a light layer handy. The supplied information does not specify shade, seating, or equipment, so you should not assume every comfort is provided. A phone or camera will be useful, but protect it carefully around the water.

The route is also tied to the weather. Strong wind, rough water, or poor visibility can change the plan. A cancellation for bad weather should result in a choice of another date or a full refund, but the operator has received complaints about cancellation messages arriving late. Keep your phone available on the morning of the trip and check email and messages before leaving for Grand Baie.

Ilot Gabriel: a quiet beach and white-tailed tropicbirds

Ilot Gabriel is the first major stop in the published route. You land on the island and have about two hours for swimming, snorkeling, and time on the beach.

This is the stop that gives the day its strongest island feeling. The beach is described as very attractive, and the island is presented as relatively untouched. You are not just looking at a strip of sand from a moving boat. You have time to walk, sit, swim, and adjust the pace to your own energy.

The bird sighting is a special detail. Ilot Gabriel is home to the endemic white-tailed tropicbird, locally called the Paille en Queue. You may see the birds close to shore and, if conditions allow, near their nests. Keep your distance and avoid disturbing nesting areas. The bird life adds something more lasting than another beach photograph.

Snorkeling here is informal rather than a guided lesson. You can enter the water according to your ability, but the information does not state that equipment or instruction is included. If you need mask, fins, or flotation support, ask before departure or bring your own if practical.

Two hours is enough for a swim and beach break, though it may feel short if you want a long snorkel session, a walk, and a relaxed lunch all in the same stop. The boat schedule controls the day, so listen for the return-to-boat time.

Ile Plate and the white sand between two islands

Ile Plate, also called Flat Island, and Ilot Gabriel sit about 10 kilometers north of Mauritius. Their white sand and turquoise water create the classic northern-island view, with the two islands linked visually by a shallow lagoon.

The route allows about two and a half hours around the Ile Plate area. That longer period gives you more breathing room than the first stop. You can swim, snorkel, lie on the beach, and take in the open setting without rushing from one activity to the next.

I like this part of the trip because it shows why a boat is worthwhile here. From land, you cannot see the islands arranged in the lagoon or appreciate how quickly the water color changes around them. The view is the attraction, even when you are not in the water.

The tradeoff is that these islands are popular enough to support organized boat trips. With a full catamaran and possible beach transfers, the experience may not feel private. Your enjoyment will depend partly on how well you handle a shared outing.

The activity description says you can eat on the island and settle into the natural setting. Yet the exact lunch arrangement deserves clarification. The included meal is barbecue, salad, and drinks, but accounts of the day indicate that food may sometimes be served aboard the catamaran or at a different stop. If eating on the sand is one of your main reasons for booking, confirm this with Vacances Oh Soleil before departure.

Coin de Mire: the best water stop, when the sea allows

The final island is Coin de Mire, also known as Gunner’s Quoin or Gunners Point. It is a small volcanic island of about 65 hectares, located roughly eight kilometers off the north coast of Mauritius.

You do not set foot on Coin de Mire. The catamaran passes nearby, and the crew may stop for snorkeling in the natural aquarium around the island. The water is described as clear, with an average snorkeling depth of six meters and a range of about three to nine meters.

This is likely the most rewarding stop for confident swimmers who care about underwater scenery. The site is known for good visibility and year-round snorkeling conditions in favorable weather. You can get in the water if you feel comfortable, or stay aboard and enjoy the view.

The captain has the final say. That is not a minor detail. Even if the forecast looks fine from shore, conditions around an exposed volcanic island can change. The stop may be skipped for safety, and you should treat the three-island route as weather dependent rather than guaranteed in every detail.

The published timing gives about two hours for this part of the itinerary, including the boat ride and water time. Since you do not land, this stop feels different from Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate. It is less about a beach break and more about the sea itself.

Barbecue lunch, drinks, and the social side of the day

Food and drinks are part of the price, which strengthens the value of the package. You do not need to arrange a separate lunch during a remote-island outing, and the basic meal includes barbecue, salad, and drinks.

Do not expect a restaurant-style meal or a quiet picnic unless that is confirmed ahead of time. The atmosphere can be energetic, with music, dancing, beer, and rum. For a group of friends, couples who enjoy a sociable boat, or anyone looking for a fun day rather than a formal excursion, this can be a plus.

For families, non-drinkers, and people sensitive to loud music, it is worth asking about the mood of the departure. The supplied information does not set out a separate quiet option. You can still enjoy the beaches and water, but the soundtrack may remain part of the experience.

The lunch location is the one practical uncertainty. The description emphasizes eating on an island, while other accounts indicate that at least some outings did not serve the meal there. Ask directly when booking: will the barbecue be served on Ilot Gabriel, Ile Plate, Coin de Mire is not a landing stop, or on the boat? That simple question can prevent disappointment.

What the $58.08 price really covers

At $58.08 per person, the price is fair if you make use of the full package. You are paying for about seven hours on the water, transport between Grand Baie and the northern islands, time at two landing spots, a possible snorkeling stop near Coin de Mire, barbecue lunch, salad, and drinks.

The value is strongest when you want an all-in-one day. Booking separate transport, food, and boat time could take more effort, particularly if you do not have a car. Private transportation is not included, so you must reach Grand Baie Public Beach on your own.

The price is less compelling if you want a small private cruise or a quiet, highly guided snorkeling session. The boat can carry a large group, and the experience is built around a shared party atmosphere. You are buying access and convenience, not exclusivity.

A 3.6 rating from 47 ratings suggests a mixed experience rather than a sure bet for every kind of visitor. The most positive elements are the friendly crew, the warm atmosphere, the sea views, and the fun of a full day out. The clearest concerns are communication around cancellations, crowding, loud music, and confusion about where lunch is served.

Who should book this northern-island cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want a straightforward day on the sea with several stops and few decisions once you board. It suits people who enjoy swimming, casual snorkeling, beach time, photographs, and a sociable boat.

It is also a good fit if your Mauritius plans do not include a separate visit to the northern islands. Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate give you beach time that is difficult to recreate from the main island, while Coin de Mire adds a chance to snorkel in a well-known natural setting.

I would be more cautious if you dislike loud music, alcohol-focused outings, or busy boats. I would also hesitate if your main goal is a serious guided snorkeling program, since snorkeling is offered according to your own ability and the description does not promise instruction or equipment.

The day is not ideal for a tight schedule. The trip starts at 8:30 am, includes a 90-minute crossing to the first island, and ends back at the same beach after about seven hours. Build in extra time around the activity, especially if you are connecting with another tour.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you see the day as a social island outing with swimming, scenery, food, and drinks. The northern islands are the real reason to go, and the combination of Ilot Gabriel’s beach and bird life, Ile Plate’s lagoon views, and Coin de Mire’s possible snorkeling makes a varied day.

Skip it if you want silence, a small group, guaranteed access to every stop, or a precisely controlled meal setting. Before paying, confirm the expected group size, lunch location, and how cancellation notices are sent. If those points suit you, the $58.08 cost offers a convenient way to see a side of Mauritius that is only fully visible from the water.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The meeting point is Grand Baie Public Beach in Grand Baie, Mauritius.

What time does the activity start?

The stated start time is 8:30 am.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately seven hours and ends back at Grand Baie Public Beach.

Which islands are included?

The route includes Ilot Gabriel, Ile Plate, and Coin de Mire, also known as Gunner’s Quoin. You land on Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, but you do not set foot on Coin de Mire.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Barbecue, salad, and drinks are included in the price. The exact place where lunch is served can vary, so confirm whether it will be on an island or aboard the catamaran.

Can I snorkel during the cruise?

Yes. You can snorkel near the islands according to your own ability. The Coin de Mire stop is subject to favorable weather and sea conditions, and the captain makes the final decision.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

You can be offered another date or a full refund if the activity is canceled because of poor weather. Free cancellation is also available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.