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

Mauritius from the water hits different. On this 3 North Islands catamaran cruise, you get proper island time plus lunch and drinks, with sea views you cannot get from shore. I love the chance to step onto Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate for swimming and snorkeling. I also like that the trip includes a BBQ lunch, salad, and drinks, so you are not hunting for food all day. The main consideration is that the schedule depends on sea conditions, and snorkeling near the third island is ultimately the captain’s call.

You’ll sail out of Grand Baie at 8:30am and spend about 7 hours on the water, with transfers by smaller boat to reach the islands. The vibe can be more lively than you expect, so if you want quiet, keep that in mind. I think this is a smart way to see three island stops without renting a boat yourself.

Key things to know before you go

• You land on two islands: Ilot Gabriel Beach and Ile Plate, not just a slow pass-by.
• Snorkeling is weather-dependent: the best spot near Coin de Mire happens only if conditions are favorable.
• Lunch is included: BBQ, salad, and drinks are part of the package.
• You start from Grand Baie Public Beach and you’re back there the same day.
• Group size is limited with a maximum of 48 travelers, which helps with the pace.

Sailing out of Grand Baie: what the 7-hour day really feels like

This is a full morning-to-afternoon cruise, roughly 7 hours, starting at 8:30am. You meet at Grand Baie Public Beach, and the tour ends back at the same spot, which makes it easier to plan your day after.

The route is simple: you head north to Ilot Gabriel first, then to Ile Plate, and finally you cruise near Coin de Mire (Gunners Quoin) for snorkeling if conditions allow. The trip from Grand Baie to the first island takes about one and a half hours, so you get time to settle in before the island fun starts.

One practical point: expect transfers. Even though you’re on a catamaran, you’ll use smaller boats to reach the islands, which can mean waiting depending on how many people are boarding at once. That’s normal for island landings, but it’s good to know so you’re not surprised if the first minutes feel like logistics before ocean time.

Stop 1: Ilot Gabriel Beach, with swimming and Paille En Queue birds

Ilot Gabriel is your first land stop, and it’s the one that sets the tone fast. You get about two hours on the island, including time to swim and snorkel right there at the beach.

A neat detail here is the wildlife angle. Ilot Gabriel has a virgin feel compared with more developed beach areas, and you can sometimes spot the endemic bird Paille En Queue in its nesting areas from close range. If birds are your thing, this stop adds more than just water-and-sunscreen.

What I like about this stop is the mix of access and atmosphere. You’re not stuck only on the boat, and you’re not locked into a walking tour either. You get a genuine beach block of time, which is exactly what makes island cruises feel like more than sightseeing.

Possible drawback: depending on timing and sea conditions, your snorkeling time may be more focused than you planned. Keep your expectations flexible, and use the beach time first—swim, cool off, then decide on snorkeling.

Stop 2: Ile Plate (Flat Island) and its lagoon-colored views

After Ilot Gabriel, the catamaran heads to Ile Plate, often described as Flat Island. This stop is a little longer, with about two hours and thirty minutes on the island area.

The highlight here is the setting: white sand, and a turquoise lagoon feel that looks almost unreal from the water. Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel are close enough to make the day feel connected, but separate enough that they don’t blur together.

You also get that classic “see it from the sea” moment. From the catamaran, you notice angles and colors that you simply wouldn’t catch from the beach. Then you land, and suddenly the whole place turns real—feet on sand, salt spray in the air, and a better sense of scale than you’ll get from a boat-only day.

One consideration: island-hopping can create some dead time between stops. You’ll factor in boat transfers, and you might feel a bit of waiting while everyone gets organized. It’s usually brief, but it’s not a nonstop thrill ride.

Coin de Mire (Gunners Quoin): the best snorkeling stop, if the captain says yes

The third island is Coin de Mire, also known as Gunners Quoin. It’s described as an ancient volcanic cone made of basaltic rocks, and it’s a serious snorkeling area in the north.

Here’s the key point for your expectations: you’re not setting foot on Coin de Mire. The plan is to cruise nearby and snorkel near the natural aquarium conditions if the sea stays favorable. You’ll spend about two hours at this stage, with the trip to reach the area taking roughly one and a half hours from the previous island.

Why snorkel here? The water depth is said to average around 6 meters (with a range from 3 to 9 meters), and visibility is often described as crystal clear year-round—again, assuming conditions cooperate. That combination is what tends to make snorkeling more rewarding, especially if you want a calmer “viewing window” instead of rough open-water chasing.

The captain makes the final decision based on sea conditions. That is not just formality; it’s your safety system. If conditions aren’t right, you might snorkel less than you hoped or adjust where you go. I consider that a fair trade—safer water beats forced snorkeling every time.

Lunch BBQ, salad, and drinks: included value you’ll actually use

This cruise includes lunch: BBQ, salad, and drinks. That matters more than it sounds. Island time is tiring—heat, sun, swimming—so having food already handled makes the day easier to enjoy.

The BBQ setup typically happens around your island stops, so you’re not stuck eating at some random time. You also get drinks included, which helps keep momentum when you’re bouncing between sea and sand.

Two vibes can show up on this type of cruise. One is beach-day relaxation. The other is party-leaning energy, sometimes with loud music and a strong push toward early drinking. If you are traveling with kids or you just want calm conversation, you might want to bring your own strategy—think earplugs for the loud-music moments and a sunscreen-and-shade plan for downtime.

I’ll also flag a small mismatch that can happen on multi-stop days. You might expect the lunch to be delivered exactly where you are, and sometimes logistics mean it’s not as island-central as you imagined. The good news: lunch is still included, so at least you aren’t paying extra once you’re hungry.

Snorkeling tips: how to get the most out of the natural aquarium setup

The experience says you can snorkel based on your wish and abilities. That’s a big deal because snorkeling spots vary a lot from day to day. If you’re confident, you can explore more. If you’re new, focus on steady floating and close-range views.

Bring what makes you comfortable. Since the data doesn’t confirm what snorkeling gear is provided, I recommend bringing your own mask (and fins if you use them). If you don’t, you might still be able to snorkel, but a tight fit can be the difference between enjoyable and annoying.

Also, protect your skin. You’ll be on bright water all day, and you’ll likely spend longer in and out of the water than you expect. Do a proper sunscreen layer before you start moving between islands, not just after your first swim.

The most practical mindset: decide when to snorkel based on conditions, not on a fixed schedule. The captain’s weather call governs what’s possible near Coin de Mire, and that’s the stop that often delivers the best water viewing when everything lines up.

Timing and logistics: transfers, sea conditions, and what can slow you down

The day has a rhythm: travel to the first island, land and play, then travel again, and repeat. The time blocks are built in—Ilot Gabriel about two hours, Ile Plate about two and a half hours, and Coin de Mire nearby snorkeling time about two hours.

The thing that can change your day is sea conditions. The cruise is tied to weather and water safety, especially for the snorkeling near the final stop. If conditions aren’t favorable, the plan can be adjusted, and that affects what you actually experience that day.

Transfers between boat and island can also take time. You land on Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, but you do it via smaller boats, not by walking off directly from the catamaran. If your priority is being the first one into the water, arrive mentally prepared for a line-and-wait moment.

On the upside, the tour is capped at 48 travelers. That helps keep the boat and the beach time from turning into a chaotic stampede.

Price and value: what $58.08 buys you (and why it can be worth it)

At $58.08 per person, you’re buying a full half-day island cruise experience with real inclusions. You get:

• Island landing time at two different beaches
• Lunch BBQ plus salad
• Drinks included
• Snorkeling opportunities near islands when conditions allow
• A catamaran day out of Grand Baie with a total duration of about 7 hours

The “not included” part matters too: private transportation is not part of the price. So if you’re not staying near public transport, you’ll likely spend on a taxi or local ride to Grand Baie Public Beach and back.

Still, compared with the cost of booking a boat charter or piecing together multiple activities, this package has a strong value logic. You’re paying for time on water, meals, and a planned route to three island areas. The main value risk is the weather factor—if the day is canceled or adjusted, you may need to reschedule.

Who should book this cruise (and who should skip it)

This cruise is a good fit if you want:

• Island time, not just cruising past coasts
• Lunch and drinks handled for you
• A balance of beach swimming and snorkeling windows
• A day trip that’s easy to structure from Grand Baie

It’s also suitable for most travelers, and it’s close to public transportation. That makes it practical even if you’re not traveling with a car.

I’d think twice if you:

• Need a quiet, low-music day
• Are extremely sensitive to timing changes caused by sea conditions
• Expect a guaranteed Coin de Mire snorkeling session regardless of weather

If you’re flexible and you like the idea of chasing the best possible water conditions, this tour can land really well.

Should you book the 3 North Islands catamaran cruise?

I’d book it if your priority is a classic north-coast Mauritius day: two island landings, a BBQ lunch with drinks, and a strong chance at snorkeling near Coin de Mire when conditions cooperate. The included food and drinks make the price feel less like a ticket and more like a full, handled experience.

I’d also book with eyes open. Since the plan depends on sea conditions and the captain’s final call, you need a bit of weather tolerance. If you’re the type who plans every hour down to the minute, pick your date carefully and keep a backup day free.

Overall, it’s an excellent way to see Mauritius from the sea and then actually touch the islands—with enough comfort built in to feel like a holiday, not a project.

FAQ

Where does the 3 North Islands cruise start and end?

It starts at Grand Baie Public Beach in Grand Baie, Mauritius at 8:30am and ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 7 hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included as a BBQ with salad, and drinks are also included.

Can I snorkel during the cruise?

Snorkeling is available near the islands, based on your wish and your abilities. The snorkeling near Coin de Mire is subject to favorable sea conditions.

Do we land on Coin de Mire?

No. The catamaran passes nearby, and the plan focuses on snorkeling near Coin de Mire rather than setting foot on the island.

What is the group size?

The maximum group size is 48 travelers.

Is transportation to the meeting point included?

No. Private transportation is not included. The meeting point is near public transportation. You’ll need to arrange your own way to Grand Baie Public Beach.

What happens if weather conditions are poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.