Full-Day Northern Catamaran Cruise: Coin de Mire and Ile Plate Island

The best part of this seven-hour catamaran cruise is the simple rhythm of the day: sail along the northwest coast, stop for clear-water swimming, eat a barbecue lunch, then spend time on Île Plate before returning to Grand Baie. You get scenery, sea time, food, and transport in one booking.

I like the easy all-inclusive setup, especially the hotel pickup and drop-off. I also like the mix of stops: Coin de Mire brings the chance to snorkel in a calm lagoon, while Île Plate gives you dry land, beach time, and a break from the boat.

The main caution is group size. The current details list a maximum of 20 people, but past departures have reportedly carried considerably more, including one boat said to have held 46. Confirm the expected capacity before booking if personal space matters to you.

Key Points to Know Before You Book

• Two water stops: Swim and snorkel near Coin de Mire and Île Plate during the day.
• Île Plate barbecue: Lunch includes fish, chicken, bread, salad, dessert, and drinks.
• Hotel transport included: Pickup usually comes one to two hours before the 9 a.m. activity start, depending on your location.
• Bring snorkeling gear: Equipment is not included, despite the advertised snorkeling stops.
• Northern coast views: Keep your camera ready for Cap Malheureux, Pereybere, and Grand Baie.
• Small-group details need checking: The stated maximum is 20 people, but past departures have reportedly exceeded that number.

Leaving Grand Baie for the Northern Coast

Your day begins with an early wait in your hotel lobby. Pickup usually arrives one to two hours before the 9 a.m. cruise, with the exact time tied to where you are staying. That broad pickup window is useful for planning, but you should ask for your exact time before the morning of departure.

The catamaran leaves from Grand Baie, one of northern Mauritius’s main seaside centers. The meeting point is associated with Grand Baie Public Beach and the Grand Bay Store area. Once on board, you can find a place on deck, settle in, and watch the coast slide by.

This is not a rushed sightseeing boat. The point is to spend a full day at sea, with time to sit, take photographs, listen to music, and enjoy the water. On clear days, the route gives you views of Cap Malheureux, Pereybere, and Grand Baie from a different angle than you get from the road.

I would bring a light cover-up, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a waterproof bag for your phone. The boat is the main setting for much of the day, so comfort matters more than dressing up.

Swimming and Snorkeling Near Coin de Mire

One of the first major pleasures is stopping in a clear, calm lagoon on the northern side of Mauritius. This is where you can swim and snorkel, with Coin de Mire forming the visual focus of the area.

The tour does not include snorkeling equipment. That detail matters. If you want to see more than the surface, bring your own mask and snorkel rather than assuming a set will be waiting on board. You can still swim without equipment, and the stop also works well for anyone who prefers to stay on deck and enjoy the view.

Water conditions can change with the weather. One departure faced fairly tough conditions, but the captain and crew handled them well. Even so, you should expect the day to feel different in rougher seas: the ride may be less restful, swimming may be less appealing, and some people may feel motion sickness.

If you are prone to seasickness, sit where the motion feels easiest for you, keep your eyes on the horizon, and bring any medication you normally use. The cruise requires good weather, so poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

The Ride to Île Plate

The trip to Île Plate is as much about the passage as the stop itself. You spend time moving through the northern waters, with the catamaran providing a broad platform for sun, shade, photographs, and conversation.

The experience can feel social. Music and dancing have been part of some departures, and the crew may create a lively mood rather than a quiet sailing trip. That is a plus if you enjoy a relaxed party atmosphere. If you want a silent, sailing-focused day, you may find the music and group energy less appealing.

Crew service can also shape the day. Kevin, Rudi, Bruno, and Olivier received especially warm praise for their friendly service and good spirit. There was also a less positive account involving a host named Jean-Pierre, described as aggressive during a crowded boarding. Experiences can vary by crew and departure, but these details are worth keeping in mind when deciding how much you value a polished welcome.

Barbecue Lunch on Île Plate

Around the middle of the day, the cruise stops at Île Plate for lunch. The meal includes grilled fish and chicken, bread, salad, and dessert. Alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks are included, with beer, wine, local rum, water, and cola listed among the choices.

I like this arrangement because you do not need to arrange lunch separately or return to the mainland hungry. A barbecue also suits a beach stop better than a formal meal. You can eat, take a drink, and then choose between more time on the sand, a walk around the island, or a quiet spell back on the catamaran.

Vegetarian food is available, but you must request it when booking. Do not wait until you are sitting down to eat. If you have other dietary needs, the supplied details only confirm the vegetarian option, so ask the operator before paying.

Food quality can never be guaranteed to the same standard on every departure, but the meal has been one of the stronger parts of the experience. Good weather, food, drinks, and friendly crew have combined to make this a satisfying day for many people.

Beach Time Instead of Constant Activity

Île Plate gives the itinerary useful breathing room. You are not expected to spend every minute swimming or following a guide. After lunch, you can explore the island or lounge on the beach, which makes the cruise suitable for mixed groups.

One person can snorkel while another rests in the sun. A couple can share a drink and take photographs. Friends can enjoy the music and social side. That flexibility is one reason the tour works better as a full-day outing than as a tightly scheduled sightseeing trip.

The trade-off is that the island portion may feel simple. The supplied details do not promise a guided walk, major monuments, or a long list of activities on Île Plate. You should book it for the sea, beach, food, and scenery, not for an organized cultural tour.

What the Price Includes at $111.54

At $111.54 per person, the price is reasonable if you make use of the full package. You are paying for roughly seven hours, a catamaran ride, two swimming and snorkeling areas, lunch, drinks, and transport from your Mauritius accommodation.

The included alcohol improves the value for anyone who plans to spend the afternoon relaxing on board. Beer, wine, and local rum are covered, as are water and cola. You avoid the usual surprise of paying for every bottle or drink during a long boat day.

Hotel transport matters too. Grand Baie is convenient if you are staying nearby, but a transfer saves you from arranging a taxi before sunrise or finding parking near the departure point. The main issue is the uncertain pickup window, which can be one to two hours before the advertised 9 a.m. start.

The value drops if you do not drink alcohol, do not eat the listed barbecue, or mainly want a short swim. In that case, a shorter boat trip may suit you better. For a person seeking an easy, all-day northern outing with few extra costs, the package is fairly priced.

The Group Size Question

The published maximum is 20 people. That is a useful number for a catamaran because it suggests enough room to move around, find a comfortable seat, and enter the water without feeling packed in.

However, past accounts describe much larger groups. One departure reportedly had 30 people despite a stated limit of eight, while another was said to carry 46. Another account described a boat with more than 20 people but noted that the larger catamaran still made the trip reasonably comfortable.

This is the most important practical issue to clarify before booking. Ask Eco Holidays Mauritius to confirm the expected number of people and the boat assigned to your date. A spacious catamaran with 20 people can feel relaxed. A crowded boat can change the entire mood, especially during boarding, lunch, and water stops.

There was also a report of a return transfer problem, with a taxi failing to appear after arrival and leaving the passengers waiting about 30 minutes. That does not define every departure, but I would keep the operator’s contact details handy and avoid scheduling a tight connection after the cruise.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most

This outing suits you if you want a complete day with the practical pieces already arranged. It is a good match for couples, friends, and families with adult participants who enjoy swimming, casual food, and time outdoors.

The minimum age is 18, and at least two people are required per booking. Most people can participate, but the supplied information does not give specific accessibility details. If you have mobility concerns, ask about boarding, deck access, and getting on and off the boat before booking.

You will probably enjoy it most if you like a social boat atmosphere. Music, dancing, rum, and a barbecue point toward a cheerful group outing rather than a quiet private charter. If peace and privacy are your priorities, confirm the group size first or consider another style of boat trip.

The cruise also works for people who want to snorkel but do not want to plan a day around equipment, food, and transport. Just remember that the mask and snorkel are your responsibility.

Timing, Weather, and What to Pack

Plan for a long day. Pickup may begin around 7 or 8 a.m. depending on your hotel, and the cruise itself starts at 9 a.m. The total activity lasts about seven hours before your return transfer.

Weather controls the quality of the outing. Calm conditions make the lagoon stops more inviting and the sail more comfortable. Wind and waves can make the journey rougher, even when the captain and crew manage conditions well.

Pack:

• Swimsuit and a dry change of clothes
• Towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
• Personal snorkeling equipment
• Waterproof protection for your phone and camera
• Motion sickness medication if you need it
• A small amount of patience for pickup and return transfers

Bring only what you can keep secure and dry. The supplied details do not mention lockers or dedicated storage.

Cancellation and Booking Details

You can cancel without charge up to 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, and the amount paid is not refunded for a late cancellation.

Poor weather is treated differently. If the operator cancels because conditions are unsafe, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

At booking, you must provide each participant’s passport name, number, expiry date, and country. Confirmation is provided at the time of booking. Since the activity requires at least two people, solo bookings are not suitable unless another person joins the reservation.

Should You Book the Coin de Mire and Île Plate Cruise?

I would book this cruise if you want a convenient, social day on the water and value having lunch, drinks, and hotel transport included. The route offers a good mix of northern Mauritius views, swimming, snorkeling, and beach time without requiring you to organize separate pieces.

I would pause before booking if crowded boats make you unhappy, if you need included snorkeling equipment, or if you want a quiet and highly organized sailing experience. Confirm the real group size, exact pickup time, and return transfer before paying.

For the best fit, bring your own snorkeling gear, request vegetarian food in advance if needed, and leave your schedule flexible after the cruise. At $111.54, it is a solid package when the boat runs near its stated 20-person limit and the weather cooperates.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran cruise last?

The activity lasts approximately seven hours.

Where does the cruise depart?

The catamaran departs from Grand Baie, near the Grand Baie Public Beach and Grand Bay Store area.

What time does the activity start?

The listed start time is 9:00 a.m.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off from Mauritius accommodations are included.

How early will hotel pickup be?

Pickup is scheduled one to two hours before the activity start, depending on your pickup location.

Are lunch and drinks included?

Yes. The barbecue lunch includes fish, chicken, bread, salad, and dessert. Beer, wine, local rum, water, and cola are also included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

Is a vegetarian meal available?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available if you request it when booking.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the cancellation.