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

The best part of this day is the route itself. From Grand Baie, you cross open water to Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, two small northern islands framed by white sand and bright lagoon water. You get a full day of sea views, swimming, snorkeling, and island time rather than a quick coastal boat ride.

I like the chance to land on an uncrowded island beach and the practical all-in price, which includes barbecue lunch, salad, and drinks. The route also passes close to Coin de Mire, a strong snorkeling spot when the sea behaves.

The main caution is the atmosphere. Some departures become loud, alcohol-focused party cruises, and the boat can carry up to 48 people, with reports of larger numbers. Also, the advertised island lunch may not always happen exactly as expected, so check the plan before you set out.

Key points to know before you book

• Three northern islands in one day: Visit Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, then pass near Coin de Mire, also called Gunner’s Quoin.
• About seven hours on the water: The trip starts at 8:30 a.m. from Grand Baie Public Beach and returns there.
• Lunch and drinks included: The package lists barbecue lunch, salad, and drinks, though the meal location may vary.
• Snorkeling is flexible: You can snorkel near the islands according to your ability and comfort, but sea conditions control the final plan.
• A lively boat atmosphere: Music, dancing, beer, and rum may be part of the experience, not just background entertainment.
• Weather matters: If conditions are unsafe, the captain can skip Coin de Mire or the operator can cancel the entire cruise.

From Grand Baie to the northern islands

You meet at Grand Baie Public Beach at 8:30 a.m. The location is central and near public transportation, but private transportation is not included, so you arrange your own way to the beach.

The first crossing takes about an hour and a half. That is a substantial ride, but it is also part of the appeal. You leave the busy resort coast behind and get a wider view of Mauritius from the water. The changing shades of the lagoon are one of the main reasons to choose a catamaran day instead of staying on the mainland.

The boat is described as large, stable, powerful, and licensed. That matters on an open-water route, especially when the boat has to cover the distance to three separate islands. At the same time, reports from one departure describe passengers transferring between shore and catamaran by a small motorized rowing boat, with delays caused by the number of people waiting. Allow extra patience at boarding points.

The advertised capacity is a maximum of 48 people, though one account described more than 60 on board. I would confirm the expected group size directly with Vacances Oh Soleil if personal space matters to you. This is not a quiet private sail. It is a shared excursion with music, drinks, and a social mood.

Ilot Gabriel: white sand, shallow water, and island time

The first island stop is Ilot Gabriel Beach. You land on the island and have about two hours for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on the beach.

This is the most appealing stop for anyone who wants a simple tropical island break. Ilot Gabriel is described as a preserved island with a very attractive beach, and the setting gives you something that a view from the mainland cannot: open water in every direction and a chance to walk directly on a small, undeveloped island.

One special detail is the possibility of seeing the paille-en-queue, or white-tailed tropicbird. These endemic birds can be seen near their nests on the island. Keep your distance and avoid disturbing them. Their presence adds a natural point of interest to what could otherwise be just a beach stop.

Snorkeling here is available, but the experience is self-paced. You can enter the water according to your own ability rather than following a tightly managed lesson. That suits confident swimmers and people who simply want to float and look below the surface. If you are less comfortable in the sea, you can stay on the beach or swim close to shore.

The practical drawback is time. The crossing takes around 90 minutes, while the island stay lasts about two hours. You need to decide quickly how to divide your time between swimming, snorkeling, walking, bird watching, and resting. I would not try to do everything.

Ile Plate and the turquoise lagoon

The next stop is Ile Plate, also known as Flat Island. The combined island portion of the itinerary is listed at about two and a half hours, giving you a longer stretch of time for lunch, swimming, and rest.

Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel sit about 10 kilometers north of Mauritius. They are close enough to visit on a day cruise, but far enough offshore to give the outing a real sense of separation from the main island. Their beaches and the lagoon between them are the visual heart of the route.

The tour description promises a barbecue lunch, salad, and drinks. It also presents the chance to eat on the island, which is a major selling point. A meal on the beach makes the day feel more like an island picnic than a standard boat excursion.

Still, keep your expectations flexible. One person specifically regretted not eating on the island, while another account described lunch being prepared while people swam near Coin de Mire. That suggests the meal setup can change with weather, timing, or the captain’s decision. The food is included, but the exact location and timing may not be fixed.

The drinks can change the character of the cruise. Beer is available early in the day, and rum is part of the party atmosphere on some departures. If you want a relaxed family outing, the music and alcohol may feel too prominent. If you enjoy dancing and a cheerful boat crowd, that same energy may be exactly what you want.

Coin de Mire: the day’s best snorkeling possibility

The final island is Coin de Mire, also called Gunner’s Quoin or Gunner’s Point. You do not land here. The catamaran passes nearby, and, if the sea is calm enough, you can snorkel in the natural aquarium around the island.

Coin de Mire is a small volcanic island about eight kilometers north of Mauritius. Its basalt rocks rise from the sea, giving the final section of the trip a different look from the low sandy beaches of Gabriel Island and Flat Island.

The water around Coin de Mire is described as clear, with an average snorkeling depth of about six meters and a range of roughly three to nine meters. That makes it the strongest underwater stop on paper. Good visibility and a relatively shallow reef area can create ideal conditions for seeing below the surface.

You should pay attention to the captain’s call here. The stop depends on favorable weather and sea conditions, and the captain has the final say for safety. Do not treat a missed Coin de Mire stop as a failure of the tour. Open-water conditions can change, and this is the part of the route most exposed to wind and waves.

The itinerary allows about two hours around this stop, including the crossing time. If conditions are good, this may be the most memorable water time of the day. If they are not, you may simply pass the island and return toward Grand Baie.

What the music and drinks mean for your day

This cruise has two personalities. At its best, it is a scenic island outing with swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and plenty of time in the sun. On some departures, it is also a booze cruise with loud music and dancing beginning in the morning.

The distinction matters. The boat is large enough for a group atmosphere, and drinks are part of the included package. Several accounts describe beer, rum, music, and dancing as central to the experience. That is useful information for your decision because the trip is not designed as a silent nature cruise.

I would book it if you want an upbeat day with a social crowd. I would think twice if you are seeking a peaceful sail, a small boat, or a carefully guided snorkeling program. The description does not promise a marine biologist, dedicated snorkel guide, or equipment briefing. It gives you access to the places and lets you choose how much time to spend in the water.

The balance between scenery and party mood may also vary by departure. You can enjoy the islands and still find the sound level tiring. Bring a patient attitude, protect yourself from the sun, and remember that the boat ride is a large part of the outing.

Lunch, island access, and what is really included

The price is about $58.08 per person. For a seven-hour outing that includes transport by catamaran, two island landings, barbecue lunch, salad, and drinks, that can be good value in Mauritius.

The value is strongest if you use the whole package. You are not paying only for a beach transfer. You are also paying for a full route north of Grand Baie, time on Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, the possibility of snorkeling at Coin de Mire, and a meal during the day.

The value is weaker if you mainly want quiet snorkeling. The group size, music, and possible transfer delays can reduce the time you spend in the water. You also need to arrange your own transport to Grand Baie Public Beach.

The food plan deserves a clear question before booking. Ask where lunch is expected to be served, how the barbecue timing works, and what happens if the route changes. The listed inclusions are clear, but the meal location has not been consistent on every departure.

Weather, cancellations, and practical planning

This is a weather-dependent sea trip. Poor conditions can lead to a changed route, a skipped Coin de Mire stop, a different date, or a full cancellation. The operator says the captain’s safety decision is final.

The cancellation terms allow you to cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. If the operator cancels because of bad weather or because the minimum number of people is not reached, you should be offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

I would keep the day before this cruise flexible and check your email, phone, and messaging apps before leaving for the beach. Some cancellation disputes have involved people learning about a change only after reaching the meeting point, while the operator says notices were sent earlier. The practical lesson is simple: confirm the departure directly, especially if the forecast looks poor.

The meeting point is at the public beach, and the cruise ends back there. Most people can take part, but you should be comfortable with a long day around water, boat transfers, swimming, and sun. Snorkeling is optional and should match your own ability.

The activity is usually booked about 11 days ahead. That is not a rule, but it suggests that booking ahead is sensible during popular periods. The confirmation is received at booking, and the maximum listed group size is 48 people.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want to see several northern islands in one day without arranging separate boat trips. It works especially well for couples, families with confident swimmers, and friends who like music, drinks, and a busy social setting.

You will get the most from it if you value scenery over formal guiding. The pleasure comes from the open-water crossing, the beaches, swimming, the changing sea colors, and the chance to spend time on an island that feels far removed from Grand Baie.

I would be more cautious if you dislike loud music, want a small group, or need a precise schedule. I would also avoid making this your only snorkeling plan if Coin de Mire is the main reason you are booking. The best snorkeling stop depends on conditions, and the captain may cancel it.

The rating attached to the experience is 3.6 out of 5, which fits the mixed nature of the outing. The strongest points are the friendly onboard mood, the attractive island scenery, and the all-in lunch and drinks. The weak points are possible crowding, loud music, uncertain lunch location, and communication problems around weather cancellations.

Should you book the three-island catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a good-value, full-day sea outing with two island landings, a barbecue meal, drinks, and the chance to snorkel near Coin de Mire. The route gives you a broad look at the northern islands and plenty of time outside the resort area.

Skip it if you want peace, privacy, or a serious guided snorkeling experience. Before paying, confirm the expected passenger count, the lunch location, the boarding arrangement, and the weather policy for your date.

For the right person, this is a fun and scenic Mauritius day. Just choose it as a lively island party with strong views, not as a quiet yacht charter.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start and finish?

The cruise starts at Grand Baie Public Beach in Grand Baie, Mauritius, at 8:30 a.m. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the activity last?

The experience lasts about seven hours.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

You land at Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, also called Flat Island. The catamaran passes near Coin de Mire, also known as Gunner’s Quoin, but you do not set foot on that island.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Barbecue lunch, salad, and drinks are included. The experience description offers the chance to eat on the island, but the exact meal location can depend on the day’s route and conditions.

Can I snorkel during the cruise?

Yes. You can snorkel near the islands according to your ability and comfort. Snorkeling near Coin de Mire is subject to favorable weather and sea conditions.

Is transportation to Grand Baie included?

No. Private transportation is not included. You need to make your own way to Grand Baie Public Beach.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you should be offered a different date or a full refund. The captain may also change the route or skip the Coin de Mire snorkeling stop when sea conditions are unsafe.