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

The best part of this Grand Baie catamaran cruise is that lunch is served on Ile Plate, not just on the boat. You also set foot on Ilot Gabriel, then pass close to Coin de Mire, giving you three very different views of Mauritius’s northern islands in one long day.

I like the generous BBQ meal and drinks, and I like the cheerful crew, music, and open-air sailing on the return trip. The main catch is the sea: the crossing can be rough, the snorkel time is self-guided, and boarding from the public beach can feel unclear at first.

Key things to know before booking

• Two island landings: You visit Ilot Gabriel by dinghy and spend time on Ile Plate, where lunch is served.
• Coin de Mire is a scenic pass-by: The catamaran gets as close as water depth allows, but you do not go ashore.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Expect a BBQ meal, juice, beer, and other drinks, with enough food for many people to take seconds.
• Seven hours on the water: The cruise, transfers, island visits, swimming, snorkeling, and return sailing make this a full-day outing.
• Bring your own snorkeling gear: Equipment is not supplied, and fins can help around rocky areas and currents.
• Weather matters: Rough winter seas between June and September can shorten or change the route.

The northern islands in one full day

This trip works because it combines three pleasures that are often split between separate excursions: a proper sail, time on remote beaches, and a meal outdoors beside the sea. At about $70 per person, the package is good value if you use all of those parts.

You are not simply taken to one beach, given lunch, and returned. The catamaran carries you out across changing shades of blue, the dinghy handles the shallow approach to the islands, and the route gives you both swimming time and a close view of Coin de Mire.

I would set aside most of a day for this. The stated duration is seven hours, though a delayed start or rough water can push the return a little later. That matters if you have an evening flight, a dinner reservation, or another booked activity.

Meeting the boat at Grand Baie

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

That extra location help is useful because the first part can be less obvious than the main cruise. You wait on the public beach and take a dinghy from shore to the catamaran, rather than walking directly onto a fixed dock.

Give yourself time to identify the correct group and listen for instructions. The boarding process has sometimes felt slow or loosely organized, especially before everyone understands when the dinghy is leaving. Once the catamaran is underway, the day becomes much easier to follow.

Shoes are generally removed before boarding to protect the boat. Put water shoes, sunscreen, and anything you need on the island in a small bag. You may leave heavier belongings in the catamaran’s storage, but keep valuables secure and follow the crew’s instructions.

Sailing out from Grand Baie

The outward cruise is a major part of the experience, not just transport. From the deck, you see water that changes colour with depth, along with views of the islands long before you reach them. The scenery is much broader than anything you can see from the coast.

If you sit at the front, expect spray. Some people find this the most exciting place to sit, while others will prefer the more sheltered deck area. You can get wet at the bow, so keep phones and cameras protected. The open deck can also help if you are prone to motion sickness, but the sea may still be choppy.

The catamaran is described as a decent-sized boat, though the number of people can vary. Some departures have felt comfortable, while others have carried more than 40 people and made boarding the dinghy or leaving the catamaran slower.

The crew usually sets a lively tone, with music and plenty of interaction. English and French are offered, but the English explanations may be harder to follow if the speaker has a strong French accent. If a safety instruction or meeting time is unclear, ask directly rather than guessing.

Ilot Gabriel: a short first island visit

The catamaran anchors as close to the islands as water depth allows. You then transfer by dinghy to Ilot Gabriel, with the ride taking roughly 45 to 60 minutes on the island before the group returns to the boat.

Ilot Gabriel is the kind of place where the setting does most of the work. You get pale sand, shallow water, and wide views across the northern sea. The visit is short, so think of it as a chance to walk, take photographs, and get your first swim rather than a long, quiet beach stay.

The dinghy transfer is part of the fun, but it also requires care. You may need to step from sand or shallow water into the boat, and the operator says the activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Pregnant women are also advised not to take part.

Do not expect a private island. Several boats may be visiting the same area, and the most popular beaches can feel busy. Still, the open setting spreads people out, and the water and views remain the main reward.

Ile Plate: the best meal setting

After Ilot Gabriel, the group heads to Ile Plate, also called Flat Island in some descriptions. This is where the day’s BBQ lunch is served on the island, an important detail that sets this trip apart from cruises where the meal is cooked and eaten entirely on deck.

The food is generally considered a strong part of the outing. Expect a filling BBQ meal, with drinks such as juice and beer included. Portions are usually generous, and you may be able to take seconds. Vegan options have also been available on some departures, but you should communicate dietary needs when booking rather than assume every menu will be identical.

Eating on the island gives the middle of the day a slower rhythm. You can sit near the beach, look out over the water, and take a break from the wind and motion of the boat. It is a simple meal, not a fine-dining event, but the setting adds real value.

Drinks are included, yet you should still bring water if possible or confirm what is available before leaving the boat. One departure left people thirsty on the island, and drinks may not always be cold. Sun, salt, wind, and several hours outdoors can leave you dehydrated faster than you expect.

Swimming and snorkeling around the islands

Swimming and snorkeling are flexible rather than heavily directed. After lunch, you have time to relax, swim, and snorkel according to your ability. This suits confident swimmers who like to set their own pace, but it is less suitable if you want a formal guided snorkel session with someone leading the group through a marked area.

Bring your own snorkeling mask, snorkel, and fins because equipment is not included. Fins are especially useful where currents are noticeable or the bottom is stony. Water shoes are helpful for walking along the beach and entering shallow water, though they must be removed before getting onto the catamaran.

The snorkeling can be rewarding close to shore, with fish and some coral in the shallows. Conditions vary, and some areas have been affected by heavy use, so you should not book this as a specialist reef excursion. The best reason to snorkel here is the chance to combine a quick look underwater with an outstanding island setting.

You might see turtles or stingrays, but wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. If turtles are present, listen carefully to the guide and keep your distance. The crew has given clear instructions on avoiding disturbance, which is exactly the approach you want around wild animals.

You can also skip the water. Find a shaded spot, walk along the beach, or have a quiet rest before returning to the boat. The itinerary allows for a siesta-like pause, and that can be welcome after an early start and a windy crossing.

Passing Coin de Mire by catamaran

Coin de Mire is the third island on the route, but this is a viewing stop rather than a landing. The catamaran passes nearby, as close as the water depth and conditions allow, so you see the island from the sea without stepping ashore.

That distinction matters. If your main goal is to walk on three islands, this trip does not provide that. You set foot on Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, while Coin de Mire remains a dramatic part of the seascape viewed from the catamaran.

The pass-by gives you a welcome change after time on the beaches. You can stay on deck, take photographs, and watch the island’s shape from different angles as the boat moves past. The captain may adjust the route for sea conditions, and the promised order or timing of stops can change.

The return trip turns social

The return sailing often becomes the most relaxed part of the day. Music comes on, drinks continue, and the crew may encourage dancing. Some groups keep it calm, while others turn the back deck into a small party.

That social mood is a real strength if you enjoy meeting people and do not mind shared entertainment. Solo visitors can fit in easily, and the atmosphere has included birthday celebrations and group dancing. If you want a silent sunset cruise, this may not be the right boat.

The crew’s friendliness receives consistent praise. They help people on and off the dinghy, keep the boat reasonably tidy, explain the schedule, and pay attention to safety. The captain may be strict about rules, which is welcome on a boat carrying many people.

Marine life can add a surprise to the return. Dolphins and humpback whales have occasionally been spotted, and one captain diverted the boat so the group could watch whales. Treat this as luck, not a scheduled part of the trip.

Sea conditions and comfort

The biggest practical issue is the crossing. The trip to the islands can take around an hour and a half, and the sea may be rough, especially in the winter period from June through September. Even on a smooth day, a catamaran can move more than a large ferry.

If you suffer from seasickness, eat lightly before departure and consider sitting on deck where you can see the horizon. One person found the deck helped with nausea, but there is no guarantee that the ride will feel easy. A speedboat may be a better choice for some people who prefer a faster transfer, though this activity itself is specifically a catamaran cruise.

The captain can cancel or reschedule if conditions are unsafe. In rough weather, it may not be possible to visit all three islands. This is not a minor scheduling detail: you should book with some flexibility and avoid placing an important same-day commitment afterward.

Bring a towel, swimwear, comfortable clothing, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and snorkeling gear. Pack more sun protection than you think you need. Wind can make the heat feel mild while you are still exposed for most of the day.

Food, drinks, and overall value at $70

At $70, the value depends on how much of the day appeals to you. The price includes the catamaran route, dinghy transfers, access to the two landing points, BBQ lunch, and drinks including juice and beer. It does not include hotel pickup, hotel drop-off, or snorkeling equipment.

For a full day on the water with food and transport between islands, that is a fair package. You avoid arranging separate boat transfers, and lunch is included in a memorable outdoor setting. The value is strongest for people who want a social day rather than a private or highly polished sailing charter.

The meal is well organized and filling, though it is best viewed as a good beach BBQ rather than a culinary highlight. Drinks have been served regularly, but cold bottled water may not always be available. Bring your own refillable bottle if the operator permits it, and ask where drinking water will be kept.

The boat can feel crowded on some departures. More people mean longer transfers and less personal space, even if the crew manages the group well. If you prefer quiet sailing, a smaller private boat may suit you better, but it will likely cost more.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this for a first visit to Mauritius if I wanted to see the northern islands without organizing several separate outings. It suits couples, families with mobile older children, solo visitors, and anyone who likes a mix of swimming, scenery, food, and music.

It is especially good for you if:

• You want two island landings and a third island viewed from the sea.
• You enjoy a friendly, social boat atmosphere.
• You are comfortable swimming without a formal snorkel guide.
• You can handle a potentially rough crossing.
• You value an included meal and drinks more than a luxury boat finish.

I would think twice if you are pregnant, have mobility limitations, get severe seasickness, or need a quiet and carefully timed day. I would also reconsider if your main aim is pristine coral snorkeling, a private beach, or a landing on Coin de Mire.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those options help if your schedule or the weather remains uncertain, but they do not remove the need to keep your day flexible.

Should you book the Grand Baie 3-island cruise?

Yes, if you want a lively, good-value day that combines sailing, beaches, a generous BBQ, swimming, and island views. The most memorable feature is eating lunch on Ile Plate after visiting Ilot Gabriel, then sailing back with music and drinks.

Go with realistic expectations. The crossing can be choppy, the boat may be busy, snorkeling is not fully guided, and Coin de Mire is a pass-by only. Pack water shoes, sunscreen, a towel, your own snorkeling gear, and a sense of flexibility, and this should be one of the more enjoyable full-day outings from Grand Baie.

FAQ

How long is the Grand Baie 3-island catamaran cruise?

The activity lasts about seven hours. The actual timing can change if the start is delayed or sea conditions affect the route.

Which islands can I visit on foot?

You visit Ilot Gabriel by dinghy and Ile Plate, where the BBQ lunch is served. You do not set foot on Coin de Mire.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is included, along with drinks such as juice and beer. Food is served on Ile Plate.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. You need to bring your own snorkeling equipment. Comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen are also recommended.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The meeting point is on Grand Baie beach, opposite the red Express bus for Port Louis and the shop called Highlights.

Can the cruise be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The captain can cancel or reschedule the activity when conditions are unsafe. Rough seas, especially between June and September, may also prevent the group from visiting all three islands.