North: Cruise to the flat island & Gabriel island.bbq lunch

This is a full-day north-coast postcard run. You get catamaran cruising, island beach time, and a proper BBQ lunch without the hassle of guided sightseeing. I love the easy pace—about an hour to soak up Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel—plus the way the boat crew keeps the atmosphere upbeat. One thing to consider: it’s not a land-and-walk tour of every island, and you won’t step onto Coin de Mire.

If you’re craving clear water and simple tropical joy, this trip makes it easy. You’ll spend time in the ocean’s different colors, you can snorkel right from the anchored routine, and the day stays relaxed even with several stops. The only possible drawback is weather-related: if conditions are rough, the itinerary may be rescheduled and the operator prioritizes safety first.

Key Things That Make This North Islands Cruise Worth Your Time

• Two island stops with real beach time on Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel, not just a quick photo stop
• Unlimited drinks during the cruise plus lunch service on Ile Plate
• BBQ lunch that’s built to satisfy with grilled fish, chicken, sausages, pasta, rice, bread, and salad
• Closest possible sail past Coin de Mire with eye-level sea views, even without stepping ashore
• Snorkel odds for sea life (you might be lucky and see turtles, coral fish, and more)
• A straightforward, no-stress day structure from Grand Baie out to the north islands and back

North Mauritius in One Day: Catamaran Cruising From Grand Baie

This is the kind of trip that works when you want your vacation day to feel like a vacation. From Grand Baie, you head north by catamaran to Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel, then you pass very close to Coin de Mire. The whole point is relaxing in the sun while the scenery keeps changing: open water, sea cliffs in the distance, and that classic Mauritius mix of sand + greenery.

I like that the day isn’t built around speeches or strict group herding. You get time to choose how you spend it—swim, snorkel, stroll, or just do absolutely nothing with your toes in soft sand. If your travel style is slow and scenic, you’ll match the rhythm easily.

Meeting Up on the Beach: The Simple Start That Sets the Tone

You’ll meet on the beach in Grand Baie. Look for the gentleman holding a list—he’s easy to spot—and there will be other people on standby too. It’s a friendly setup, and it matters because a smooth start means less standing around later.

Once you’re sorted, you transfer to the catamaran anchored at sea. It’s not complicated. The boat transfer is part of the included package, so you’re not scrambling for a water taxi later. If you hate planning, this is your day.

Tip: arrive with beachwear on, and keep your towel and sunscreen in an easy-to-reach spot. You’ll want to jump into the day fast, especially once the islands appear.

The Catamaran Ride Out: Views, Drinks, and That Open-Sea Feeling

The sailing part is more than just transportation. You’ll cruise on a catamaran with big ocean views and constantly shifting perspective. You’ll pass sea scenery and neighboring mountain silhouettes that look different depending on the light and how the boat turns.

What helps the ride feel like part of the holiday: the drinks plan. You get unlimited drinks, including juice, water, and cocktails during the cruise. That alone changes the mood from a typical transport day to something you actually look forward to.

From my practical angle: this is the easiest time to grab a seat with a view and plan your next move for the islands. If snorkeling is on your list, you’ll want to be ready once you arrive, not still thinking about it while everyone else is in the water.

Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel: How the Island Time Really Works

Here’s the core of the day: you visit two neighboring islands—Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel. You’ll drop anchor and take a dinghy to the islands. This is the moment when the ocean turns from “pretty” into “wow,” because the water color changes so much with the shallows.

You get about 1 hour of free time on the islands. That’s long enough to do a swim or snorkel session, take a slow beach walk, or just lie down and watch clouds drift. It’s also short enough that you don’t feel trapped in a timeline.

Ile Plate: Soft Sand and Easy Beach Hours

Ile Plate is where the day’s lunch happens, and it also fits the vacation vibe. Expect soft, powdery sand and that feeling of being on a beach that’s not crowded. The day’s structure gives you a break from constant motion: you can stretch out and enjoy the greenery around you too.

Why this stop is valuable: it’s the easiest island for a relaxed afternoon. You’re not racing around; you’re enjoying.

Ilot Gabriel: Another Beach Mood, Same Relaxed Pace

Ilot Gabriel gives you a different view angle and a second chance to enjoy the ocean. You’ll have time to soak up sun, snorkel, or stroll the virgin beach area. The point is choice: you decide your pace.

From the experience’s track record, it’s also a place where snorkeling can be unexpectedly rewarding. You might see coral fish, and if you’re lucky, you could spot larger sea life too.

Consideration: since the time on each island is limited, don’t over-plan. Choose what you’ll do first (snorkel or beach walk) so you don’t burn time deciding.

BBQ Lunch on Ile Plate: Food That Matches the Holiday Mood

Lunch is not a sad sandwich situation. It’s a full BBQ spread served on Ile Plate, and it’s included in the price. The menu is built for variety—so you won’t hear that complaint of everyone feeling stuck with the same option.

You can expect:

• grilled fish
• chicken
• sausages
• pasta and rice
• bread
• green salad

Drinks are served for lunch too, and they keep flowing during the cruise. In real terms, it means you don’t have to buy extras or interrupt your day to hunt for food.

What I’d watch for

This is a BBQ on an island. Expect it to be casual and timed to the overall day schedule. In other words, arrive at lunch hungry and stay flexible. If you’re the type who needs a perfectly quiet dining room experience, this won’t be that day. But if you want a fun, tropical lunch with ocean air around you, it fits.

Also note an important practical detail: while drinks are provided, the info says you’re expected to bring your own bottled water to use when walking on the islands or when waiting to be picked up. It’s a small thing, but it matters because island heat + waiting time can catch people off guard.

Coin de Mire From the Water: Close Views Without the Hassle

The final highlight is the pass close to Coin de Mire. This part is special because you get those iconic sea-and-mountain views from the water.

One key thing: there’s no catamaran stop for you to step onto Coin de Mire. You won’t hop off onto the island. Instead, the boat sails close enough for you to admire the scenery. That’s honestly a smart trade if your goal is views without extra logistics.

Why this works for many people

Coin de Mire can be famous, but the real win here is how low-stress the experience stays. You don’t lose time commuting or waiting for a landing. You’re still on the boat, still enjoying the cruise feeling, just with that mountain-shaped island in your field of view.

If you love photo moments, this section is where you’ll want to position yourself for the best angle—especially if the light hits the water clearly.

Swim Colors, Snorkel Chances, and Sea-Safety Basics

One of the consistent joys of this day is the ocean itself. You’ll swim in different colors of the sea, which is what happens when the boat moves between deeper and shallower water. It’s not just pretty; it helps you gauge snorkeling spots visually.

Snorkeling is available as part of the free time on the islands. And based on the experience’s pattern, you may see coral fish and other sea life. I’d go in with open expectations—sometimes you’ll see plenty, sometimes you’ll see less—but the water clarity can be excellent.

Safety is also explicitly framed as a priority. The operator notes that no life will be risked, and weather can trigger changes. That matters. You want a crew that’s ready to protect passengers first, even if it means adjusting the plan.

What to bring so you feel comfortable

At minimum:

• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Beachwear

Then, consider bringing your own bottled water, since you’re expected to use it when you’re on land or waiting for pickup. It’s a small cost that can keep you more comfortable all day.

Price and Value: Is $76 Worth It?

At $76 per person, this is a fairly easy value call because the day is packed with the things tourists usually pay extra for.

What’s included that usually costs separately elsewhere:

• the full catamaran trip
• transfers to the catamaran from the beach
• taxi-boat transfers to Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel
• lunch on Ile Plate with drinks
• the close sail past Coin de Mire
• unlimited drinks during cruising

You’re not just buying a ride. You’re buying a full day structure: transport + island access + time on the beaches + food. The fact that the lunch is a real BBQ spread (not a snack) makes the price feel more reasonable.

Where it could feel less “worth it” for certain travelers: if you’re chasing strict guided history tours or want to disembark at every stop, this isn’t designed that way. It’s a relaxation cruise with scenery, not a museum day.

Who This North Islands Cruise Fits Best

This tour fits best if you want:

• a relaxed day at sea with actual beach time
• an affordable way to see multiple spots in northern Mauritius
• a mix of swimming and scenic cruising without strict schedules
• a group day that still gives you freedom once you land

You’ll especially enjoy it if you like being outside and you’re happy with a simple plan: islands first, lunch on the main island, then the big final views from the water.

It’s also a good fit for couples and friends who can agree on priorities—swim, snack, photos—without needing a guide to manage every minute.

Should You Book This Cruise to the North Islands?

I’d book it if your ideal Mauritius day looks like catamaran time, sand under your feet, and a BBQ lunch that doesn’t feel like an afterthought. The value is strong because so much is included, and the day’s structure gives you choice: swim or stroll, snack or just sit back.

Skip it if you mainly want a guided island walk, museum-style explanations, or you’re set on stepping onto Coin de Mire itself. Here, you’ll get the views without the landing, and that’s the trade.

If you’re on the fence, one last practical nudge: bring sunscreen, pack your towel, and plan to be on island time immediately. This is one of those trips where the best memories are made in the moments you don’t overthink.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the cruise?

You meet on the beach in Grand Baie. You’ll see a gentleman with a list who is easy to recognize, and there are other people standing by. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What islands do you visit during the trip?

You visit Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel, and you sail close to Coin de Mire.

Do you get to set foot on Coin de Mire?

No. The catamaran does not stop for passengers to land on Coin de Mire. You see it from the boat with close sailing passes.

Is lunch included, and what does the BBQ include?

Yes. Lunch on Ile Plate is included and features grilled fish, chicken, sausages, pasta, rice, bread, and green salad. Drinks are served with lunch.

Are drinks included during the cruise?

Yes. You get unlimited drinks during the cruise, including juice, water, and cocktails. Drinks are also served for lunch.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. The information also notes that you should bring your own bottled water to use when walking on the islands or when waiting to be picked up.

Is the hotel transfer included?

No. Hotel transfers are listed as not included. The trip starts and ends at the beach meeting point in Grand Baie.