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

Catch three northern islands in one day. This 7-hour catamaran cruise from Grand Baie brings you to the white beaches of Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, with a pass near Coin de Mire. I like the clear-water snorkeling and the chance to eat, swim, and rest on an island rather than simply view it from the boat. I also like that lunch, salad, and drinks are included. The main drawback is the lively party atmosphere, which may feel too loud if you want a quiet day at sea.

The cruise costs about $58.08 per person, a fair price if the island lunch and open-bar-style drinks are important to you. Plan for a large group, possibly up to 48 people, and remember that weather can change the route or cancel the trip. Some accounts also describe delays using a small powered boat between shore and catamaran, so allow extra patience at the start and end.

Key points to know before booking

• Ilot Gabriel is the main beach stop: You can land, swim, snorkel, rest, and see the white-tailed tropic bird known locally as Paille En Queue.
• Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel share a turquoise lagoon: The two islands sit about 10 kilometers north of Mauritius and offer striking sea views.
• Coin de Mire is viewed from the water: The catamaran passes near this volcanic island, but you do not set foot on it.
• Snorkeling depends on conditions: Coin de Mire can offer excellent visibility, but the captain makes the final safety decision.
• Lunch and drinks are included: The package lists a barbecue, salad, and drinks, though the exact serving location may vary.
• The mood leans festive: Music, dancing, beer, and rum are part of the experience, which suits a party crowd more than a quiet sailing day.

Setting off from Grand Baie at 8:30 am

Your day begins at Grand Baie Public Beach at 8:30 am. The activity returns to the same meeting point, and private transportation is not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the beach. The location is near public transportation, but the tour does not provide a hotel pickup.

Grand Baie is a practical starting point for a northern-island outing. The crossing to the first island takes about an hour and a half, giving you a long first stretch on the water before the beach time begins. That matters because the cruise is not a quick island hop. Roughly three hours of the day can be spent sailing between Mauritius and the islands, depending on sea conditions and the operating schedule.

The boat is described as a large, stable, fully licensed catamaran. That size makes sense for a route covering several offshore points, but it also shapes the experience. This is not a private sailing trip or a quiet boat with just a few passengers. The maximum group size is listed as 48, and one account describes more than 60 people aboard, so you should be prepared for a busy deck if the operator fills the boat or the actual capacity differs on a given day.

A practical complication is the transfer between the beach and the catamaran. One account describes a small powered rowing boat carrying people from shore to the larger vessel, with delays caused by the number of people waiting. This may not happen in exactly the same way every day, but it is worth knowing that the boarding process can be less direct than walking straight onto the catamaran.

The long crossing to Ilot Gabriel

Ilot Gabriel is the first major island stop. The journey from Grand Baie takes about 90 minutes, then you have around two hours for the beach area, swimming, and snorkeling. This is the part of the day that gives the cruise its strongest island feeling.

The beach is described as very attractive, with pale sand and a more untouched character than the mainland. You can swim in the surrounding water, snorkel according to your own ability, or simply settle down for a break. The schedule also leaves room for a siesta, which is welcome after an early start and a warm crossing.

One special feature is the Paille En Queue, or white-tailed tropic bird. You may see these endemic birds near their nests on the island. That detail gives the stop more character than a standard beach visit, although you should keep your distance and avoid disturbing the birds.

The phrase snorkel as you wish and according to your abilities is important. The activity is not presented as a formal guided snorkeling lesson. You are responsible for judging your own comfort in the water, and conditions can change. If you are not a confident swimmer, the island beach still works as a pleasant place to wade, swim carefully, or relax without treating snorkeling as the main event.

Ile Plate and the shared turquoise lagoon

Ile Plate, also called Flat Island, is paired geographically with Ilot Gabriel. The two islands lie about 10 kilometers north of Mauritius, surrounded by white sand and a turquoise lagoon. The cruise itinerary allows around two and a half hours for this section, though the exact order and timing may shift with weather and sea conditions.

The appeal here is visual. From the catamaran, you see colors that are difficult to appreciate from land: pale shallows near the sand, stronger blues farther out, and the dark outline of open sea around the islands. The boat gives you a wider view than a beach day, and this is one reason the cruise offers good value for someone who wants both swimming and scenery.

The description presents Ilot Gabriel as the landing point, while Ile Plate is part of the island stop and surrounding lagoon experience. Do not assume that you will spend equal time walking on both islands. The confirmed plan focuses on landing at Ilot Gabriel, then enjoying the beach and nearby water.

Lunch is listed as a barbecue with salad and drinks. The general description says you have the chance to eat on the island, which adds to the appeal: you can combine a simple outdoor meal with sand, sea, and a slower pace. Still, one account specifically wished the meal had been served on the island, suggesting that the serving arrangement may not always match the headline description. If eating on land is a deciding factor, confirm the plan with Vacances Oh Soleil before departure.

The food should be viewed as practical fuel rather than a restaurant meal. At this price, including a barbecue, salad, and drinks is useful, especially since the excursion occupies most of the day. The strongest value comes from the combination of transport, beach time, food, and beverages in one booking.

Passing Coin de Mire, the volcanic third island

Coin de Mire, also known as Gunner’s Quoin or Gunners Point, is the third island on the route. It is a small volcanic island of about 65 hectares, around 8 kilometers north of Mauritius, with steep basaltic rock rather than a broad sandy beach.

You do not land here. The catamaran passes nearby, and if the sea is calm enough, you may snorkel in the natural aquarium close to the island. The water is described as averaging about 6 meters deep, with a range from 3 to 9 meters and clear visibility. Those conditions help explain why the area is regarded as a strong snorkeling and diving location in northern Mauritius.

The important phrase is if the sea remains favorable. The captain has the final say, and safety takes priority. You should not treat the Coin de Mire snorkeling stop as guaranteed. This is particularly important during changeable weather, when the boat may pass the island without stopping in the preferred spot.

For many people, this is the most interesting water section of the day. Ilot Gabriel gives you the beach, while Coin de Mire offers a chance to see the underwater side of the northern islands. Bring realistic expectations, though. The activity does not promise a guided reef tour, special equipment, or a fixed amount of time in the water.

A party boat, not a silent sailing trip

Music is a major part of the mood. Positive accounts describe a friendly atmosphere, dancing, fun, and crew members who take care of people. Beer may be available from early in the morning, with rum and other drinks continuing through the day.

That creates two very different experiences depending on what you want. If you enjoy a social boat with music, drinks, and a loose holiday mood, the atmosphere may be one of the best parts. Several comments praise the warmth and good humor on board, and the staff are described as attentive.

If you imagine a quiet catamaran with the sound of water and an occasional conversation, this may disappoint you. One account describes the music as very loud for most of the trip. The boat can also feel crowded, particularly during boarding and meal service.

I would not book this excursion mainly for peace and quiet. I would book it for the combination of sea views, beach time, snorkeling, food, and a party setting. You can still rest on Ilot Gabriel, but the boat itself is likely to remain lively.

What the $58.08 price really includes

At approximately $58.08 per person, the cost is reasonable for a full 7-hour outing with a catamaran crossing, two island areas, possible snorkeling near Coin de Mire, a barbecue, salad, and drinks. You are paying for a whole-day package rather than a short boat transfer.

The price is strongest for you if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, lunch, and drinks. It also saves the trouble of arranging visits to Ilot Gabriel, Ile Plate, and Coin de Mire on your own. The island access and scenery provide the main value, not luxury service.

The price looks less attractive if you dislike crowds, do not drink, or want a guided snorkeling experience. In that case, much of the package may not suit your priorities. A smaller boat or a dedicated snorkeling outing could be a better use of your money, though that comparison is outside this specific experience.

The booking pattern suggests that people often reserve about 11 days ahead. That is a useful planning guide, especially if you have limited time in Mauritius. The maximum listed group size is 48, so reserving in advance also gives you a better chance of securing your preferred date.

Weather, cancellations, and the communication risk

The route requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel the trip, you should be offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

The formal cancellation rule is straightforward: cancel at least 24 hours before the 8:30 am start for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off follows local Mauritius time.

The practical concern is communication. One canceled booking led to a taxi expense because the customer said the cancellation became clear only at the meeting point. The operator disputed this and said notices had been sent by email and WhatsApp after unsuccessful phone contact. The useful lesson is simple: check your email, WhatsApp, and phone messages before leaving for Grand Baie, especially when the forecast looks poor.

If you have paid for a taxi, keep the confirmation and cancellation messages. The package does not include private transportation or compensation for getting to the meeting point.

Who will enjoy this northern-island day?

I would recommend the cruise to you if you want several classic Mauritius elements in one outing: bright sea views, white beaches, swimming, casual snorkeling, a barbecue, and drinks. It works particularly well for couples, friends, and families who enjoy an energetic group setting.

You should also be comfortable with a long day. The first and later crossings each take about an hour and a half, and the full activity lasts around seven hours. If you get seasick, dislike boat noise, or prefer a tightly guided schedule, the long time on board may be tiring.

The activity is suitable for most people, but the snorkeling is self-directed and subject to sea conditions. You need to judge your own swimming ability. The captain can decide not to visit the Coin de Mire snorkeling area, and that decision is final.

I would be cautious about booking it for very young children or anyone who needs a quiet, low-stimulation outing, not because participation is prohibited, but because the boat may be busy and the music loud. The available information says most people can participate, but it does not promise a calm setting or specialized assistance.

Practical tips for a better day

Arrive ready for a long morning on the water. Because the start is at 8:30 am and the first crossing takes about 90 minutes, bring anything you need for comfort during the ride.

A few choices can make the day easier:

• Bring swimwear, sun protection, and a towel for the beach and snorkeling stops.
• Keep your phone protected from spray, especially during the small-boat transfer if that arrangement is used.
• Check the weather and your messages before paying for transport to Grand Baie.
• Expect music and drinks, not a quiet naturalist cruise.
• Follow the captain’s instructions near Coin de Mire, since the snorkeling stop depends on the sea.
• Confirm where lunch will be served if an island barbecue is essential to your plans.
• Allow patience during boarding and disembarking if many people are waiting for the shore transfer.

The mobile ticket is convenient, and confirmation is provided at booking. The tour ends back at Grand Baie Public Beach, so you can plan your return from the same area.

Should you book the 3 North Islands cruise?

Book it if you want a social, full-day island outing at a moderate price, with food and drinks already covered. The best parts are the views on the open-water crossing, the pale beaches of Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, the chance to see Paille En Queue birds, and the possible snorkeling near Coin de Mire.

Skip it if you want silence, a small private group, guaranteed snorkeling, or a guaranteed meal on the sand. The 3.6 rating reflects a mixed experience, with strong praise for the staff and cheerful atmosphere alongside complaints about loud music, crowding, shore transfers, and cancellation communication.

My advice is to choose this cruise for its overall day at sea, not for one promised moment. Check the forecast, confirm the lunch location, monitor your messages, and arrive expecting a party boat with island stops. With those expectations, the $58.08 price can make good sense.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start and finish?

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

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately 7 hours.

Which islands can I visit?

You can land at Ilot Gabriel and visit the beach area associated with Ile Plate. The catamaran passes near Coin de Mire, also called Gunner’s Quoin, but you do not set foot on that island.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The package includes a barbecue, salad, and drinks. The description says you may eat on the island, but the exact serving location may vary.

Can I snorkel during the cruise?

Yes. You can snorkel near the islands according to your abilities. Snorkeling near Coin de Mire depends on favorable weather and sea conditions, and the captain makes the final decision.

Is transportation to Grand Baie included?

No. Private transportation is not included. You need to reach Grand Baie Public Beach independently.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

You will be offered another date or a full refund if the experience is canceled because of poor weather. A full refund is also available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.