Grand Baie: Three Islands Private Boat Trip and Beach BBQ

Fast boat time and quiet beach time.

This private North-islands trip mixes Flat Island calm, beach BBQ on the sand, and a real snorkeling stop at Coin de Mire. I especially like the emphasis on getting you on the islands early for breathing room, and the food is served as part of the beach experience instead of feeling like a rushed lunch break. One thing to consider: the schedule is morning-heavy, so if you hate early starts, this might feel like a lot—plus it’s not suitable for people over 95.

The trip is built around a speedboat hop from Grand Baie public beach, with time to swim, snorkel, and enjoy the views from the water. With a private group (up to 4) and English/French hosting—guides like Sameer and his team are noted for staying on top of details—you get a more flexible feel than bigger boats. Just don’t assume you’ll have alcohol in every situation, since the notes say they may not provide alcohol drinks, even though drinks are listed.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Early access feel on Flat Island so you can enjoy the beach before larger crowds arrive
• Beach BBQ lunch on the sand with fish, chicken, sausages, and sides
• Coin de Mire snorkeling stop focused on colorful marine life
• Private group pace (up to 4) for a calmer day on the water
• Snorkeling equipment provided so you just show up with sunscreen
• Photo stops and scenic cruising as part of the day, not just transfers

Grand Baie departure: where your day actually starts

Your day begins at Grand Baie public beach. That matters more than it sounds, because a lot of island trips turn into a transportation puzzle. Here, the focus is on getting you onto the speedboat quickly, with the day laid out as a sequence of short, scenic hops.

You’ll be in a private group setting (up to 4). That gives you space to move at your own pace when you’re changing locations—no waiting for everyone to find their sandals, and no awkward crowd choreography at snorkeling time.

And yes, you’ll likely be heading out in the morning. Several details point to the same idea: the best beach moments here are the early ones.

Flat Island (Ile Plate): the beach portion that makes the whole trip worth it

Flat Island is the first big draw, and it’s the one you’ll feel most immediately. Expect white sand and water that looks like it was made for swimming. The timing is key: the plan is set up so you arrive after a short cruise (about 30 minutes) and then get a window before the island fills.

That early arrival is what people talk about when they describe the magic of the day: quiet soundscape, gentler waves, and the feeling that the beach is yours for a bit. It’s also practical. If you show up later when other boats have already unloaded, the beach still looks great, but you spend more time sharing space instead of enjoying it.

Once you’re there, you’re not just dropped off. The experience includes beach time, and the overall schedule includes swimming and snorkeling gear use. You also get the sense of a guided, structured stop rather than a free-for-all. The itinerary even lists dune bashing—so if you’re curious, this is the kind of ride detail that can pop up as you move around the area before the main beach block.

What I like for your planning: the trip doesn’t treat Flat Island as just a photo stop. It’s the main beach reset, with enough time to actually enjoy the water and sand.

Possible drawback: if you’re traveling with very young kids or anyone who gets restless waiting around, the best approach is to bring a towel, sunscreen, and a simple plan for snack/water timing. This is a beach day, and you’ll want to be ready for the long shoreline moments.

Gabriel Island: the view stop that breaks up the day

After Flat Island, you head toward Gabriel Island. This leg is more about changing scenery and enjoying the water approach than collecting activities.

Gabriel Island is paired with a view of Coin de Mire, which is smart. You get the big picture before you reach the snorkeling spot. It helps you understand what you’re seeing and why that area is worth stopping for later.

In practical terms, this stop also functions as a pacing tool. It gives you a break from being in the water nonstop, and it keeps the day from feeling like a nonstop grind of one activity after another.

What to expect: boat cruising time, photo opportunities, and a calmer, visual moment before the snorkeling focus.

Coin de Mire snorkeling: where the marine life is the main event

Coin de Mire is the highlight for snorkeling. It’s described as the most beautiful snorkeling spot on the island, and the focus is on colorful marine fauna and flora of the Indian Ocean.

Because the snorkeling equipment is included, you won’t need to hunt down gear or pay for rentals. You’ll just bring basics (towel, sunscreen) and show up.

What I like about the way this is set up: the snorkeling is not thrown in as a last-minute add-on. It’s the centerpiece after the beach time, which keeps your energy aligned with what you want most—seeing fish and coral detail in clear water conditions.

A key consideration: the trip rules explicitly say no touching marine life. That’s normal in responsibly run ocean activities, but it matters for your enjoyment. It means you’ll watch and admire more than you’ll interact, so set your expectations accordingly.

Also, there’s a note about not feeding animals and not touching anything you shouldn’t. If you’re the type who leans in with hands first, this trip won’t match that instinct.

The beach BBQ: lunch that actually feels like part of the day

At noon, you’ll be served BBQ prepared by the crew on the beach. This is one of the most praised parts of the whole experience, because it doesn’t feel like a generic catering moment.

The menu includes:

• Fish, chicken, sausages
• Rice and pasta salad
• Vegetables and bread

And drinks are listed as soft drinks plus beer, wine, and rum. But there’s also an important note that alcohol drinks may not be provided, so I’d treat alcohol as a “confirm first” situation rather than something to plan around.

One review detail worth calling out: some guides also add small showy touches like banana flambée. Even if that’s not guaranteed, it’s part of the overall style—crew-led, beach-centered, and meant to feel celebratory without turning the day into a production.

How to get best value out of this lunch: eat a full portion, then snorkel afterward if you feel comfortable. If you tend to get stomach issues after swimming, you might want to snack lightly first and time the bigger meal for after.

Diet note: if you have allergies or special needs, you’ll need to contact the local partner for a request. The activity notes clearly say they can handle special requests like food allergies and even event ideas, but it’s not automatic—you’ll want to communicate ahead.

Speedboat day rules: what’s allowed and what changes the vibe

This is a private boat trip, so the atmosphere is calmer than the big group model. Still, rules are part of the package.

You can bring:

• Towel
• Sunscreen

Not allowed:

• Pets (assistance dogs allowed)
• Weapons or sharp objects
• Alcohol and drugs
• Feeding animals
• Touching marine life
• Alcoholic drinks in the vehicle

That last one is especially relevant to your drink expectations. Even if alcohol appears on the drinks list, the no-alcohol-in-vehicle rule means you should avoid planning on sipping in-transit. Confirm what will be served and when.

Also note: wheelchair accessible is listed. That said, the tour is built around speedboat transfer and beach access, so it’s smart to consider how you’ll manage steps and sand once you’re there. The accessibility statement means it’s designed to be possible, but you’ll still want to think through comfort and transfers.

Timing, duration, and the “early start” tradeoff

The trip runs about 7 hours. The itinerary structure is fairly tight: short cruising legs, a main island beach window, a second island viewpoint, then snorkeling, then the return to Grand Baie public beach.

That early arrival on Flat Island is the big tradeoff you should be aware of. If you’re flexible on wake-up time, you’ll likely get the payoff people rave about: fewer people on the sand at the moment you want the beach to feel special.

If your group is more “late breakfast” than “be first on the island,” you might still enjoy it—but you won’t get the same quiet-beach feel that makes this tour stand out.

Price and value: $883 per group is high, so what do you actually get?

At $883 per group up to 4, this isn’t a budget outing. But the value case is pretty clear based on what’s included:

• Private boat experience (not a shared packed schedule)
• BBQ on the beach with a full meal setup
• Drinks (soft drinks plus alcohol types listed, but confirm availability)
• Snorkeling equipment
• Multiple island stops with a real snorkeling target

In other words, you’re paying for less hassle and more “done-for-you” time. If you tried to recreate this on your own, you’d pay for speedboat access, bring meals and transport, and figure out snorkeling logistics. Here, the crew handles the workflow.

So I’d think about it this way: this price can make sense if your group is stable (up to 4), you want a calmer private pace, and you care about the beach + snorkeling combo enough to do it as one coordinated day.

If you’re traveling solo or as a bigger group, it may be worth comparing other shared options. But for a small group wanting a tight, guided, beach-lunch-and-snorkel day, the structure is strong.

Who should book this, and who might skip it

This tour is a great fit if you:

• Want a private day rather than a crowded boat
• Like beach time with a real meal, not just snacks
• Care about snorkeling at a specific, known stop like Coin de Mire
• Prefer having a guide manage the timing

You might skip it if:

• You dislike early starts
• You need a very sedentary tour with minimal movement
• You’re traveling with someone who exceeds the age guidance (not suitable for people over 95)

Should you book the Grand Baie Three Islands trip?

If your ideal Mauritius day is “boat to islands, swim and snorkel, then eat well on the beach,” this is a strong choice. I’d book it when:

• You can handle a morning departure
• You’re traveling with a small group that values privacy
• You’re excited about the combination of Flat Island beach time and the Coin de Mire snorkeling stop

Before you go, send a quick message to the local partner about any drink expectations and any food allergies. Also pack the basics—towel and sunscreen—so you don’t lose precious time after you arrive.

If you want an ocean day that feels planned, guided, and genuinely beach-first, this one has the ingredients.

FAQ

What islands does the trip include?

You’ll visit Flat Island, Gabriel Island, and you’ll stop at Coin de Mire for snorkeling.

How long is the private boat trip?

The duration is 7 hours.

What is included in the BBQ?

The BBQ includes fish, chicken, sausages, rice and pasta salad, vegetables, and bread.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Where do we meet?

You meet at Grand Baie public beach.

Is alcohol included?

Drinks are listed as soft drinks, beer, wine, and rum, but there is also a note that they do not provide alcohol drinks. It’s best to confirm with the local partner for your specific departure.