Catamaran Full-Day 3 island Northern Isles Cruise in Grand Baie

Three islands, one catamaran day.

This full-day Northern Isles cruise out of Grand Baie is built around time on the water, early departure to dodge the busiest boat traffic, and island scenery like Gunner’s Quoin (Coin de Mire) with high cliffs and tropicbird nesting spots.

I like two things a lot. First, snorkeling gear is included, so you can show up, clip in, and focus on enjoying the water. Second, the onboard lunch is a real meal (BBQ style), and you’ll have soda and drinks plus alcoholic beverages if that’s your thing.

One consideration: the sea can get a bit choppy. If you’re prone to seasickness, bring whatever works for you, and plan to take it slow during the water stops.

Key highlights at a glance

• Three Northern Isles in one day: Flat Island, Gabriel Island, and Gunner’s Quoin (Coin de Mire)
• Snorkeling equipment included: You’re not paying extra or hunting for gear on arrival
• Included lunch with drinks and alcohol: BBQ onboard plus soda, tea/coffee, and more
• Gunner’s Quoin for reef fish: A natural aquarium feel when you snorkel from the stopover
• Not a giant crowd: Maximum is 35, and the boat size keeps things feeling manageable
• Wildlife chances on the sail out: The route is set up for possible dolphins and whales

Why this Northern Isles catamaran works so well

If your Mauritius trip has limited days, this type of cruise is hard to beat. Instead of doing one island and calling it a day, you pack in multiple island experiences with real water time: beach lounging, island lagoon moments, and snorkeling stops geared toward reef fish.

The other big strength is the order of operations. You leave early to be out on the water before the heavier rush, which usually means calmer vibes and better timing for your island slots. And the route is set up for scenery as much as swimming—especially around Gunner’s Quoin, where the cliffs tower and tropicbirds are part of the visual show.

This is also a good “all-weather fantasy” trip. Even when the plan is mostly islands and snorkeling, you’re still on a catamaran with space to sit, cool down, and enjoy the day when you’re not in the water.

Meeting point and getting onto Wind Dancer without stress

You’ll meet at a spot in Grand Baie near Angle de la Route Côtière et Rue de la Salette (B11). The cruise is set to start in the morning, with an easy meeting point at Grand Baie Public Beach around 7:45am and a listed start time of 8:00am.

In practice, expect a smooth handoff from shore to boat. One common experience on this kind of setup is getting transferred by dinghy from the beach to the catamaran, rather than stepping directly aboard from the sand. The key for you: arrive a bit early, keep your day bag simple, and be ready for a short boat transfer.

Also note: you’ll need to get yourself there. There’s no air-conditioned vehicle and no private transport included. The good news is that it’s near public transportation, so you can usually keep the logistics painless.

What the Wind Dancer day feels like (small-group energy)

The operator is Passion Oceane – Wind Dancer, and the cruise keeps numbers limited. The maximum is 35 travelers, and multiple guests have described the boat as feeling surprisingly uncrowded for the number of people on board.

The vibe matters on a long day at sea. You’re not stuck listening to loud sound systems or trapped indoors. Music is typically present on deck, but it’s not described as overbearing, and the mood stays friendly rather than chaotic.

A big practical win: snorkeling gear is included. That reduces decision-making time and keeps you from spending the morning figuring out how to fit a mask that never seems to seal correctly.

Flat Island: the best snorkeling slot and the simplest beach time

Flat Island is one of your main island stops, and it’s the one that tends to deliver the most satisfying snorkeling. If you’re trying to get real reef-fish viewing time, this is the stop to prioritize in your head.

You’ll have a chunk of time on the island—around 90 minutes is a common slot—so you can do the classic cycle: get in the water, take a break on the sand, then go back if conditions are good. The island is known for those classic white-sand vibes, and the lagoon setting is made for relaxed swimming even if you’re not a hardcore snorkeler.

What to watch for: if you’re new to snorkeling, pay attention to how the crew sets up the water entry. Snorkeling can feel very different depending on depth and water movement, and the first snorkeling moment of the day may feel like a bigger step for some people. If you need a slower start, ask for guidance and take your time getting comfortable with the mask and breathing.

Gabriel Island: beach-and-breathe time after the snorkeling push

After Flat Island, you’ll shift to Gabriel Island, which is more about hanging out than about technical snorkeling. Think sandbar time, swimming, and sun-and-shade breaks rather than a nonstop schedule.

You’ll generally get about 60 minutes at Gabriel Island, which is enough time to do something real (walk a bit, swim, snorkel if you want, then decompress). A lot of the enjoyment here is just how the lagoon looks when you’re not hurrying to the next thing.

This is also where the day starts to feel like a rhythm. You do water time, then you transition to food and the deck atmosphere, then you do more island time on the next stop.

Gunner’s Quoin (Coin de Mire): cliffs, nesting birds, and snorkeling from the stopover

Gunner’s Quoin is the star scenery piece of the whole itinerary. The high sea-cliffs rise dramatically and are described as nesting grounds for tropicbirds. Even if you don’t land on the island (you don’t, since it’s treated as a natural area), you still get the payoff through passing views and stopover time around it.

You may also notice the wider “Northern Isles” geography while cruising—Round Island and Snakes Island are mentioned as distinctive shapes and colors in the distance. It’s the kind of detail that makes the trip feel like more than just island hopping.

Here’s the practical part you’ll care about: Gunner’s Quoin is also where you get a snorkeling stop tied to a natural aquarium effect. You’re swimming among reef fish from the stopover, so the focus shifts from beach cruising to water visibility and fish watching.

If you like a mix—some beach, some snorkeling, some wildlife views—this stop is your balance point. It’s also a good moment for your camera, because cliffs and birds add drama, not just turquoise water.

Lunch, tea/coffee, and drinks: what’s included and how it adds value

For the price, one of the biggest reasons this cruise makes sense is what you’re not paying for. Your ticket includes coffee and/or tea, bottled water, snacks, and lunch. Lunch is described as a BBQ onboard, and you’ll have soda and drinks with both soft and alcoholic options.

That matters because island days in Mauritius can get expensive when you add up meals and drinks. Here, the food is part of the sailing plan, so you’re not hunting for lunch on your own or eating at a time that wrecks your island slot.

A few quality-of-life details show up in the way people talk about the day:

• The lunch is described as fresh and plentiful.
• Drinks flow during the trip and while you’re sailing back.
• Music on deck stays in the background rather than taking over the whole experience.

One small warning: the day runs long enough that you’ll want to manage sun exposure. Even with drinks on board, you’ll still be outside. If you cover up properly, you’ll feel better through the long return.

Dolphins, whales, and other sea-sightings you might catch

The cruise description includes a chance to encounter dolphins and whales. You shouldn’t count on a specific sighting, but the route and timing are set up for that possibility, especially with the scenic sailing around Gunner’s Quoin and the islands.

The other animals you do get more reliably are the birds tied to the cliffs. Tropicbirds are part of the Gunner’s Quoin story, and that adds a natural, non-random feel to the most scenic area of the day.

Even when you don’t see dolphins or whales, the cruising is part of the entertainment. Catamarans move smoothly, and you’ll have plenty of time to sit up top, watch the coastline shapes, and look for movement on the water.

Timing, island order, and why the day can feel long

The overall duration is about 8 hours. That’s long enough to feel like a full day trip, but it’s also short enough that you’re back for dinner plans without losing a whole day to logistics.

A typical flow is:

• A morning sail with a scenic pass that includes Gunner’s Quoin views
• Island time around Flat Island and Gabriel Island
• Lunch onboard during the sailing rhythm
• A return stopover near Gunner’s Quoin for reef-fish snorkeling

Why this order helps you: Flat Island gives you your best snorkeling odds, while Gabriel Island is more about beach lounging and lagoon time. Then Gunner’s Quoin gives you that “wow” scenery plus a final aquatic highlight on the way back.

What can make the day feel less relaxing: sea conditions. If it’s rough, the boat motion is real. On one kind of day, the deeper water snorkeling moment can feel overwhelming for some people if they’re not ready for the tank-like experience of a mask on and open water movement around them.

Weather and sea state: the part to plan for before you go

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

Even when the weather is technically fine, the sea can still have waves. If you’re sensitive to motion, this is where you’ll feel it most—during open-water sailing and at the moments you need to be still while snorkeling.

My practical advice:

• Bring your usual motion-sickness solution if you’ve needed it before.
• Dress for sun and spray, not just air temperature. A cover-up helps a lot on the return trip.
• If you’re doing snorkeling for the first time, go slowly and focus on comfort with the mask before you commit to longer swims.

Who should book this cruise (and who should think twice)

You’ll love this if:

• You want multiple Northern Isles in one day without organizing separate transport.
• You care about snorkeling and want gear included.
• You like a day-trip format with food and drinks built in, not a “bring your own lunch” situation.
• You want scenic sailing plus island time, not just one beach and back.

You might think twice if:

• You know you get motion sick in any chop.
• You want a super calm, lazy cruise with zero urgency. This trip has stops, water moments, and a full-day rhythm.

If you fall somewhere in the middle, it can still work. Just plan your comfort and manage expectations: you’re trading a bit of relaxing for more variety and better value.

Should you book this Full-Day 3 Island Northern Isles cruise?

Here’s how I’d decide quickly.

Book it if your priority is value and variety: snorkeling gear included, lunch onboard, tea/coffee, water, snacks, and drinks including alcohol—all for a single set price. For many budgets, that combo is the real win.

Skip it or switch dates if you’re extremely seasick-prone or if you’re planning your trip around a day when weather looks sketchy. The tour depends on good conditions, and even on good days, waves can still happen.

If you want an efficient, memorable day on the water—Flat Island for snorkeling, Gabriel Island for beach time, and Gunner’s Quoin for cliffs and reef fish—this cruise is a strong bet. It’s the kind of trip that makes your Mauritius “island day” feel complete without swallowing your whole schedule.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The cruise is about 8 hours (approx.).

Where do I meet for the tour?

You’ll meet near Grand Baie Public Beach, with a common meeting point at Angle de la Route Côtière et Rue de la Salette (B11), Grand Baie. The start time is listed as 8:00am.

Which islands are included?

The cruise includes Flat Island, Gabriel Island, Gunner’s Quoin (Coin de Mire), and you’ll also cruise past Round Island and Snakes Island in the distance.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling stops are part of the day, and snorkeling equipment use is included.

Do you provide lunch and drinks?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with coffee and/or tea, soda/pop, snacks, and bottled water.

Is alcohol included?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages are included.

What’s the group size?

The tour has a maximum of 35 travelers.

How do you get from shore to the catamaran?

The tour meets at Grand Baie Public Beach and passengers are transferred to the catamaran using a small boat/dinghy.

What happens if the weather is 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.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.