GBaie: 3 North Islands Cruise, Lunch & CoindeMire Snorkeling

The best part of this seven-hour catamaran trip is the changing sea around Mauritius. You sail toward Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel, swim in clear lagoon water, then pass close to Coin de Mire, a steep mountain rising from the ocean. I especially like the mix of sailing, beach time, and snorkeling, plus the easygoing barbecue lunch shared with family or friends.

The main caution is comfort. Boats can become crowded, and the island stops may leave you in full sun without drinks or shade. Bring extra water, your own snorkeling gear, and patience if you want a polished, tightly managed day.

Key points to know before you book

• Coin de Mire is viewed from the water: You do not land on this dramatic third island, but the catamaran sails as close as conditions permit.
• Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel offer different pleasures: Expect beach time, lagoon swimming, and a chance to slow down on the sand.
• Snorkeling depends on the sea: The crew may cancel this part for safety, and you should bring your own equipment.
• Lunch is served around the middle of the day: The barbecue includes salad and drinks, though the exact setting can change between the catamaran and an island.
• The tour suits families and groups: Friendly crew service and a relaxed pace make it easy to spend the day together.
• Bring more water than you think you need: Island stops can last close to an hour or longer, with little shade and no reliable drink service.

A full day on Mauritius waters

This trip is built around a simple idea: spend a full day outside, moving between islands and swimming spots rather than rushing from one attraction to the next. The catamaran leaves from the beach area, with the exact meeting details confirmed by contacting the guide 24 hours before departure.

The stated duration is seven hours. That gives you enough time for the outward sail, two island visits, lunch, and the return route past Coin de Mire. It is not a quick boat transfer. You will spend a good part of the day sitting, standing, swimming, and waiting for the crew to move the boat between stops.

The tour is offered with guides who speak English, French, Hindi, Urdu, Spanish, and Arabic. That range is useful for mixed-language groups, though the amount of guiding can vary. You should expect basic assistance and direction during the day, not necessarily a detailed lecture about the history or geology of every island.

Sailing toward Ile Plate

The first major stop is Ile Plate, also called Flat Island. The appeal is straightforward: a beach, clear lagoon water, and time to swim or sit on the sand. You get a chance to leave the boat and enjoy a more open stretch of shore.

Ile Plate works best as a break from the catamaran. After sitting in the sun and wind, you can stretch your legs and cool off in the water. The lagoon is described as crystal clear, making this one of the more appealing places to swim during the trip.

There is a practical catch. Shade is limited, and the island stop may last close to an hour or more. Water and other drinks may not be available while you are ashore. I would carry a refillable bottle or extra bottled water in a dry bag, even though drinks are included with the tour.

Take sunscreen seriously here. The white sand and open sea can make the sun feel stronger than it did at the start of the morning. A towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and a hat are sensible basics.

Ilot Gabriel and its quiet shore

The next island, Ilot Gabriel, is described as a natural reserve with nesting birds, including the paille en queue, or white-tailed tropic bird. The attraction here is less about a formal guided visit and more about the setting: a small island, a bright lagoon, and time to swim or relax.

You may find the stop appealing if you like unstructured beach time. There is no need to fill every minute with an activity. Sit near the shore, take a swim, or look across the water toward the surrounding islands.

The same limits apply as at Ile Plate. Shade is scarce, and there may be no food or water available while you are on the beach. This matters because the tour description promises drinks as part of the overall experience, but drinks are not necessarily served at every stop.

I would treat the island visits as simple nature breaks rather than fully guided sightseeing. If you want detailed information about the birds or the islands, ask the guide directly. The advertised experience gives you access to the places, but it does not promise a full naturalist talk.

Snorkeling near the islands

Snorkeling is included in the plan, both near the islands and close to Coin de Mire. You need to bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins because equipment is not supplied.

Near the islands, the appeal is the clear water and easy access from the beach or boat. The exact snorkeling spot depends on sea conditions and the captain’s judgment. The crew may adjust the schedule, shorten the stop, or remove snorkeling altogether if the water becomes unsafe.

That flexibility is important. A boat trip around exposed islands is controlled by wind and waves, not just by the printed schedule. The captain can reschedule the trip in advance when bad weather is known, and the program can change during the day if force majeure conditions affect safety.

One unusual feature is the chance to swim in deeper water while the boat waits before returning to Grand Baie. This can be a thrilling part of the day for confident swimmers, with clear water beneath the catamaran. It is not the same as a sheltered beach swim, so stay within your comfort level and follow crew instructions.

Coin de Mire from the catamaran

Coin de Mire is the visual centerpiece of the return journey. It looks like a large mountain rising straight from the ocean, and the catamaran sails as close as possible to it.

You do not set foot on Coin de Mire. That distinction matters if you were hoping to explore the island itself. This is a scenic pass by boat, with snorkeling near the island only if the weather and sea conditions allow it.

The view should be excellent from the catamaran, particularly because you see the island from low on the water. The steep rock profile gives the return sail a clear sense of place. It is also one of the parts of the trip that makes this more than a standard beach cruise.

The snorkeling near Coin de Mire is presented as one of the best spots in Mauritius. Keep that claim in perspective. Conditions can change, and the stop is not guaranteed. The captain may decide that it is unsafe, and there is no refund or replacement activity stated for a missed snorkeling session.

What lunch is really like

Barbecue lunch is included, along with salad and drinks. In the usual plan, you return to the catamaran after the island time and find lunch ready. In some cases, the meal may be served on an island instead.

The food is a useful part of the value because you do not need to arrange lunch separately during a remote island day. The meal is casual rather than a special dining event. Expect a practical barbecue spread, not a long restaurant-style service.

Drink service deserves a little planning. The advertised package includes drinks, but the timing and availability may be uneven. Cold soft drinks may be offered on the way to an island, while no ice or drinks are available during the beach stop. Later, the bar may close after one round.

For that reason, I would bring extra water. This is particularly important for children, older family members, and anyone who finds strong sun tiring. Your own bottle can make the difference between a relaxed island break and an uncomfortable one.

Space, music, and the mood onboard

A catamaran gives you a pleasant way to see the islands, but space is not unlimited. On busy departures, seating can feel tight, especially late in the day when everyone is hot and tired.

The social atmosphere can also vary. Some departures may have lively crew members, music, and a family-friendly mood. Other times, the boat may feel less organized, with music coming from nearby catamarans rather than from your own.

That is worth knowing if you are booking for a quiet, elegant sailing experience. This is better understood as a group excursion with shared seating, beach stops, and a barbecue. It may be lively and fun, but it is not a private yacht charter.

The crew has received praise for being friendly and entertaining, especially on family trips. At the same time, service can feel rushed, and the quality of communication may depend on the captain and the day’s conditions. I would choose this trip for the islands and the chance to spend time together, not for formal onboard service.

Is $70 a fair price?

At $70 per person, the package offers a full seven-hour outing with catamaran transport, two island stops, snorkeling opportunities, a barbecue meal, drinks, and guide service. If all parts of the plan operate, that is a reasonable way to combine several Mauritius highlights in one day.

The value is strongest for families and groups. You share the boat, the meal, and the beach time, so the cost covers a substantial day rather than a short scenic cruise. You also avoid arranging separate boat transport, lunch, and island visits.

The value is weaker if you expect a small group, reliable snorkeling, unlimited drinks, or a carefully timed schedule. Crowding and limited drink service can affect how much you enjoy the day. Weather can also remove the snorkeling portion, which is one of the main reasons many people choose the trip.

I would compare this excursion with the cost of a private boat before booking if you have a large budget and strongly dislike shared tours. For most people, though, the price is fair when the goal is a broad, relaxed day on the water.

Who should book this catamaran trip?

I think this excursion suits:

• Families who want swimming and beach time without changing hotels or arranging several transfers
• Friends who enjoy sharing a boat and a casual meal
• First-time visitors who want to see the North Islands in one day
• Confident swimmers who are happy to snorkel from a boat or beach
• People who prefer a flexible outdoor day over a formal sightseeing tour

It may not suit wheelchair users, since the experience involves a catamaran, dinghy transfers, beaches, and island landings. It is also a poor match if you need guaranteed shade, fixed meal times, constant drink access, or a quiet boat with plenty of personal space.

You should also think about sea comfort. The open-water sail is described as safe, but it can still feel thrilling and exposed. If you are sensitive to motion, take sensible precautions and choose a seat where you feel steady.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Contact the guide 24 hours before the activity to confirm the beach meeting point and departure details. Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and your own snorkeling equipment.

I would add these items:

• Extra drinking water
• A hat and sun protection
• A dry bag for phones and valuables
• Light clothing for the boat
• A little patience about the order of stops and meal service

The tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Weather can cause the captain to reschedule the trip or change the original program, so leave some flexibility in your Mauritius plans.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want a full, social day that combines two island beaches, a barbecue, and a dramatic sail past Coin de Mire. The strongest moments are the open-water views, the clear lagoon swims, the family-friendly crew on a good day, and the chance to finish with a swim in deep, clear water.

Book with realistic expectations. The boat may be crowded, drinks may not be available during the island stops, and snorkeling depends on the sea. Bring your own gear and extra water, then treat the schedule as flexible. If you can accept those limits, $70 buys a useful and enjoyable introduction to Mauritius’ North Islands.

FAQ

How long does the North Islands catamaran trip last?

The activity lasts seven hours, although the captain may change the timing or program if weather or other force majeure conditions require it.

What islands does the tour visit?

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

Can I walk on Coin de Mire?

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

Is snorkeling guaranteed?

No. Snorkeling takes place only when sea conditions allow it. The captain may cancel this part for safety reasons.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. You should bring your own snorkeling equipment.

What food and drinks are included?

A barbecue lunch, salad, and drinks are included. In some cases, lunch may be served on an island instead of on the catamaran.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and swimwear. Your own snorkeling equipment and extra drinking water are also practical choices.

What languages are available?

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

Can wheelchair users join this activity?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.