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

The best part of this day is that you do not simply view Mauritius from a boat. You step ashore on two islands, eat lunch on one of them, and pass close to a third that remains protected from landing. The changing water colors and open-sea views begin long before you reach Ilot Gabriel or Ile Plate.

I like the island BBQ lunch, which gives the day a welcome pause in a natural setting. I also like the easygoing catamaran ride, especially the return trip when music, dancing, and rum drinks can turn the boat into a small floating party. The main catch is rough water, long transfers, and occasional crowding, so this is not the best pick if you are prone to seasickness or want a quiet, tightly guided outing.

Key points at a glance

• Two islands on foot: You land on Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, rather than viewing both only from offshore.
• Lunch on Ile Plate: The BBQ is served on the island, with food and drinks included.
• Three-island route: The boat passes near Coin de Mire, but you do not set foot there.
• Seven hours at sea: Expect a full day of sailing, swimming, snorkeling, and beach time.
• Social boat atmosphere: Music, drinks, and dancing are common on the return journey.
• Bring your own snorkeling gear: Equipment is not supplied, and water shoes are useful for rocky shallows.

Why this northern Mauritius cruise is worth considering

At $70 per person, this is a strong-value way to see several of the islands north of Mauritius in one day. The price covers the catamaran cruise, dinghy transfers, access to the three-island route, BBQ lunch, and drinks such as juice and beer.

You are paying for more than transport. A private visit to several northern islands would cost far more and would require arranging separate boat transfers, food, and beach time. Here, the basic pieces are bundled together, which makes planning simple.

The value depends on what you want from a boat day. If you want a comfortable ride, scenery, swimming, a meal, and a lively group atmosphere, the package makes sense. If your priority is serious snorkeling, a small group, or a silent nature cruise, you may find the experience less satisfying.

The overall rating is 4.2 from 918 ratings, which fits the pattern of the day: very strong marks for the crew, food, scenery, and fun, with more mixed reactions to boarding, crowd levels, rough seas, and the quality of the snorkeling.

Finding the meeting point in Grand Baie

The meeting point is halfway along the beach in Grand Baie, opposite the red Express bus used for Port Louis and opposite a shop called Highlights. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to reach the beach on your own.

The operator asks for a valid WhatsApp number when you book. Once you are in Mauritius, you can receive a written description, a video, and a Google location. That is useful because a public beach meeting point can be confusing, especially when several boats use the same shoreline.

The first transfer is by dinghy from the beach to the catamaran. You may need to leave shoes behind before boarding, since shoes are not allowed on the catamaran to protect its surface. Pack your footwear in a small bag rather than wearing bulky shoes for the entire morning.

Boarding can take patience. Some people find the wait and loading process unclear, while others report that the crew handles the transfers carefully and efficiently. Listen closely for instructions and keep your belongings together. Once the catamaran gets moving, the day usually feels much more organized.

The catamaran ride sets the tone

The cruise itself is a major part of the experience, not just a way to reach the islands. From the deck, you see the sea change through several shades of blue and green, with views unavailable from the coast. The boat gives you a broad look at the northern waters before the beach stops begin.

Sitting at the front can make the ride especially exciting. It can also make you very wet, particularly when the sea is choppy. That is fun if you treat the spray as part of the outing, but it is a poor place for phones, cameras, or dry clothing.

The deck may also help if you feel queasy. One person found that sitting outside helped with nausea, while another noted that the sea can be rough on the way north. If you know you get seasick, eat lightly, bring any usual medication, and avoid assuming that a catamaran will always feel smooth.

The vessel is described as a decent-sized catamaran, but capacity can vary in how crowded it feels. Some departures have had more than 40 people, and crowded boats slow down boarding and island transfers. The tradeoff is a more social atmosphere, with plenty of company and often a lively return ride.

Ilot Gabriel brings the first real island time

Ilot Gabriel is one of the two places where you set foot on land. The dinghy takes you from the anchored catamaran toward the beach, since the main boat can only approach as far as water depth allows. The shore transfer takes roughly 45 to 60 minutes of island time according to the planned schedule, though the exact arrangement can vary.

The attraction here is simple: pale sand, clear water, and a chance to leave the boat behind for a while. You can swim in shallow water, snorkel, or sit under the sun. The scenery is the reason to come, and it photographs well from both the beach and the surrounding water.

Do not expect a fully private beach. Several boats may use the islands at the same time, especially in busier periods. One account described a large number of boats around the islands, yet the operation still felt orderly. Your experience will depend on the day, weather, and number of visiting boats.

Bring water shoes. The shallows can be stony, and fins help when currents are noticeable. The supplied information says snorkeling gear is not included, so bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins if you have them. The activity is self-guided rather than a formal, closely supervised snorkeling session.

That point matters. You are free to swim according to your own ability, but you are responsible for judging the conditions. Stronger currents, uneven footing, or poor visibility can make the water less inviting than the postcard views suggest.

Ile Plate combines lunch and beach time

Ile Plate, also called Flat Island, is the heart of the day because lunch is served on the island. The BBQ includes food and drinks, and portions are generally described as generous. Some meals include enough for seconds, and vegan options have been available.

Eating on the beach is more memorable than eating on the boat. You can sit in a natural setting, take in the water, and enjoy a proper pause before more swimming. The meal is practical rather than fine dining, but that is exactly right for a day built around sand, salt water, and sun.

The lunch schedule can vary. Some departures eat soon after reaching Ile Plate, then move to Ilot Gabriel for swimming and snorkeling. Other descriptions place Gabriel first and Plate afterward. Think of the two islands as the central stops, with the crew adjusting the order to suit sea conditions and boat movements.

Drinks are included, including juice and beer, and the crew serves them during the day. One useful caution: drinks may be warm, and bottled water is not clearly guaranteed. Bring your own water if possible, especially if you are spending several hours in direct sun.

The island offers time for a swim or a rest after lunch. You can have a short siesta, wander along the beach, or return to the water. Some people find that the actual time on land passes quickly, so do not waste the first part of the stop trying to organize every photograph.

Snorkeling is pleasant but not the main event

You can snorkel near the islands, but set your expectations at the right level. The shallow areas can hold plenty of small fish, and some people see coral, turtles, and even a stingray. A separate turtle encounter may sometimes be offered for an extra fee, with instructions to keep a respectful distance and avoid disturbing the animals.

The quality of the snorkeling is less consistent than the scenery. Currents can be strong, and the bottom is stony in places. High boat traffic may also affect the coral and water conditions. Some people find the snorkeling only average, while others have a very good swim in shallow water.

I would book this as a scenic island cruise with snorkeling, not as a dedicated reef excursion. Bring fins if you can, use water shoes near shore, and swim only within your comfort zone. The freedom is pleasant for confident swimmers, but families and less confident swimmers should pay close attention to the conditions.

Your own gear is not provided. The packing list includes snorkeling equipment, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, and comfortable shoes. Use a waterproof bag for valuables and expect wind, spray, and strong sun throughout the day.

Coin de Mire is a scenic pass, not a landing

Coin de Mire is the third island on the route. You do not set foot on it. Instead, the catamaran passes as close as possible, depending on water depth and sea conditions.

That distinction is important when comparing this trip with other northern Mauritius excursions. The appeal is the view from the water, not a beach stop. Keep your camera ready as the boat approaches, but do not count on a long pause or a walk ashore.

The route gives you three different experiences in one day: island time at Gabriel, lunch and swimming at Plate, and an offshore look at Coin de Mire. That variety is one reason the trip feels fuller than a simple beach transfer.

The return ride can become the liveliest part

After the island stops, the catamaran heads back toward Grand Baie. The return journey often has a festive mood, with music, dancing, and rum drinks. Solo visitors can find it easy to meet people, while couples and families may enjoy the informal party atmosphere.

This is not a guaranteed nightclub-style event. The mood depends on the crew and the people aboard. Still, the team is repeatedly praised for being cheerful, funny, helpful, and attentive during boarding and disembarking.

The crew also handles safety rules firmly. That is a plus on a boat where people are moving between catamaran, dinghy, beach, and water. The captain can cancel or reschedule if conditions are unsafe, and the captain’s decision is final.

Bad weather can change the day. Rough seas are especially possible during the southern winter, normally June through September. The operator may be unable to visit all three islands if conditions become dangerous. That is disappointing, but refusing to push into bad water is the right call.

What the $70 price really covers

The $70 cost is sensible if you plan to use the full package. You receive:

• Catamaran transport from Grand Baie
• Dinghy transfers between the beach, catamaran, and islands
• Visits to Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate
• A close offshore pass by Coin de Mire
• BBQ lunch served on an island
• Drinks including juice and beer
• English or French tour guidance

You still need to arrange your own route to Grand Baie. Snorkeling equipment is also extra unless you bring it yourself. Add the cost of transport to the beach, water, and any optional turtle activity when working out your real budget.

The strongest value comes from the lunch setting and the amount of sea time. A seven-hour outing gives you a full day rather than a quick boat ride, and the included meal means you do not need to search for food on the islands.

Who should book this cruise

I would choose this trip if you want a broad taste of northern Mauritius in one day. It suits swimmers, couples, groups of friends, solo visitors, and anyone who likes a social boat atmosphere with music on the way home.

It also works well for a last full day in Mauritius, since the combination of scenery, food, swimming, and company gives you a strong final outing. The crew has also helped organize birthday moments, so special occasions can fit the relaxed style of the trip.

I would think twice if you are pregnant or have mobility impairments, since the activity is not considered suitable for either. The repeated transfers by dinghy can be awkward, and getting in and out of the boat requires care.

You should also reconsider it if you dislike rough water, strong sun, or groups. A speedboat may suit you better if the long catamaran ride concerns you, though that is a different experience and not part of this booking.

Booking is flexible, with cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Starting times depend on availability, so check the date carefully and save the WhatsApp directions before leaving for the beach.

Should you book the three-island cruise?

Yes, if your ideal Mauritius day includes turquoise water, two beach landings, an island BBQ, and a cheerful catamaran ride. The setting is the star, while the friendly crew, generous food, and lively return trip make the long day enjoyable.

Just pack water shoes, snorkeling gear, sunscreen, a towel, and a waterproof bag. Sit on the deck if you want the best views or feel queasy, but protect your belongings from spray. If rough seas or crowds would spoil the day, choose a smaller or faster boat instead.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran tour last?

The activity lasts about 7 hours. This includes the catamaran cruise, dinghy transfers, island visits, lunch, swimming, and snorkeling time.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Ilot Gabriel, Ile Plate, and Coin de Mire. You land on Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, but the catamaran only passes near Coin de Mire.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is included and served on the island, along with drinks such as juice and beer.

Are snorkeling masks and fins provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so you should bring your own gear if you want to snorkel.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You must make your own way to the meeting point on Grand Baie beach, opposite the red Express bus for Port Louis and near the Highlights shop.

What languages are available?

The live guide service is available in English and French.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The captain can cancel or reschedule the activity when sea or weather conditions are unsafe. During rough winter conditions from June through September, visiting all three islands may not be possible.

Who should not join this activity?

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments. Boat and dinghy transfers, beach landings, and uneven areas on the islands require reasonable mobility.