Full-Day Northern Catamaran Cruise: Coin de Mire and Ile Plate Island

Clear water, warm sun, and a full day at sea. This northern Mauritius catamaran cruise combines island views, swimming, snorkeling, a beach stop, and a barbecue lunch without asking you to arrange separate transport or meals. I like the easy hotel pickup and the fact that beer, wine, rum, soft drinks, and lunch are included. I also like the mix of boat time and shore time, so you are not stuck on deck all day.

The main caution is group size. The advertised limit is 20 people, but some past departures were reported as much fuller, with accounts of 30 and even 46 people. That matters when you want space on deck, quick access to the water, or a calm lunch on Île Plate.

Quick Take: What Makes This Cruise Worth Considering

• The day starts with hotel pickup, usually one to two hours before the 9:00 a.m. activity start, depending on where you stay.
• Grand Bay is the launch point, giving you a scenic route along northern Mauritius toward Île Plate and Coin de Mire.
• Swimming and snorkeling take place in a calm lagoon, but snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring or rent your own.
• Lunch is a practical all-inclusive barbecue, with fish, chicken, bread, salad, dessert, and alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.
• Île Plate gives you time off the boat, with the option to explore the island or relax on the beach.
• The advertised maximum is 20 people, but you should confirm the expected group size before booking.

A Seven-Hour Day That Begins Before Breakfast

The listed activity begins at 9:00 a.m., but your day starts earlier. Pickup from your accommodation is scheduled one to two hours before departure, depending on your location. That extra time is important because northern Mauritius hotels are spread out, and the transfer has to gather several people before reaching Grand Bay.

You will meet the vehicle in your hotel lobby. Keep your phone nearby and be ready at the stated pickup window. The exact pickup time is not the same for every hotel, so do not treat 9:00 a.m. as the time to leave your room.

The catamaran departs from the Grand Bay area. The meeting point is associated with Grand Bay Public Beach and the Grand Bay store area. Once you arrive, you will board the boat and choose a place on deck. The boat ride lasts about seven hours in total, including the water stops, lunch, and return transfer.

I like this setup because it removes two common island-day hassles: finding the marina and arranging a taxi at both ends. The weak point is that transport coordination needs attention. One past departure ended with a passenger waiting about half an hour because the return taxi was not there. Keep the operator’s contact details with you, and check the pickup plan before you leave the boat.

From Grand Bay Along Mauritius’s Northwest Coast

The first part of the cruise is about scenery and settling into the pace of the day. The catamaran heads along the northwest coast, with photo opportunities around Grand Bay, Pereybere, and Cap Malheureux.

These coastal views are a good reason to keep your camera handy, even if you are mainly interested in snorkeling. From the water, you get a different sense of the northern coast than you do from a road or beach. The boat gives you time to sit, stretch out, listen to music, and watch the shore pass at a slower speed.

The catamaran is also your base for much of the day. Find a comfortable place early, especially if the boat is carrying close to its stated limit. On fuller departures, the best seating and easiest routes to the edge of the boat may go quickly.

The atmosphere can be lively. One especially positive account praised Kevin, Rudi, Bruno, and Olivier for friendly service, music, dancing, good food, and a sunny day on the water. That gives you a useful sense of the potential mood: this is not a quiet sailing lesson. It is a social outing with drinks, music, and plenty of time to relax.

At the same time, service may not be equally polished on every departure. A negative account described an overcrowded boat, poor handling by the captain, and a long period spent going around in circles. That sounds like an exception rather than the intended program, but it is enough reason to confirm the vessel and group size close to your travel date.

Swimming and Snorkeling in a Calm Northern Lagoon

The boat anchors in a clear, calm lagoon on the north side of Mauritius. This is the point where you can get into the water for swimming and snorkeling.

The calm setting should appeal to you if you want a gentle water stop rather than a rough open-sea outing. You can swim, look below the surface, or stay aboard and enjoy the view. The program suits mixed groups because not everyone has to snorkel.

There is one easy-to-miss detail: snorkeling equipment is not included. The tour includes the stop, but you need to bring or arrange your own mask and snorkel. If you already carry personal gear, pack it. If not, ask the operator before departure where equipment can be obtained.

Do not assume that the water will always be perfectly smooth. One account described difficult conditions caused by weather, although the captain and crew handled them well. Sea conditions can affect comfort, swimming time, and the feel of the ride. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where the boat moves least, watch the horizon, and consider bringing your usual remedy.

The description names both Île Plate and Coin de Mire, but the clearest activity details focus on the lagoon stop and Île Plate. You should confirm the exact order and duration of the Coin de Mire portion when booking, especially if seeing that island from close range is your main reason for choosing this cruise.

Île Plate: Barbecue Lunch and Time on the Beach

Midway through the day, the catamaran stops at Île Plate for lunch. The meal includes grilled fish and chicken, bread, salad, and dessert. Drinks include beer, wine, local rum, water, and Coke.

That menu is simple, which is exactly right for a beach-and-boat day. You get a filling meal without leaving the island or searching for a restaurant. The inclusion of alcoholic drinks also adds real value at a price of $111.54 per person, provided you plan to enjoy the food, drinks, and full transport package.

A vegetarian option is available, but you must request it when booking. Do not wait until lunchtime, since the operator needs advance notice.

After eating, you have time to explore Île Plate or relax on the beach. This break gives the day a useful change of rhythm. You can move around after several hours aboard, dry off, take photographs, or simply find a quiet patch of sand.

The beach time may feel less peaceful if the catamaran is over capacity. A larger group means more people moving between the boat, shore, lunch area, and water. If you picture a quiet island picnic, keep expectations moderate. If you enjoy a sociable day with music and conversation, the same setting may feel more festive.

Returning to Grand Bay by Catamaran

After the island stop, you sail back toward Grand Bay and transfer to your accommodation. The return gives you another stretch of open-water scenery, although the mood may be different by then. You may be ready for a nap, a drink, or a final swim rather than more sightseeing.

The full experience lasts about seven hours, not including the extra transfer time before and after the boat trip. In practice, you should reserve most of the day. Do not book a tight afternoon appointment, airport transfer, or dinner reservation that depends on returning at an exact hour.

The boat ride back is also when small logistical problems become more noticeable. One past departure had trouble with the return taxi, so confirm where you should meet your driver and what to do if the vehicle is late. This is especially useful if the boat arrives after several other groups have also returned to shore.

Is $111.54 a Fair Price?

At $111.54 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day in Mauritius. The price becomes easier to justify because it covers hotel pickup and drop-off, the catamaran, island stops, barbecue lunch, and alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.

You are paying for convenience as much as for the boat. A self-arranged day would require transport to Grand Bay, a boat booking, lunch, drinks, and a return ride. The package keeps those pieces together and gives you a simple plan from your hotel lobby to the coast and back.

The value is strongest if you want a social full-day outing and intend to use the included food and drinks. It is weaker if you do not drink, prefer a small private boat, or mainly want a short snorkeling session. Since equipment is excluded, add that cost if you need to rent a mask and snorkel.

Group size is the biggest factor in the price calculation. The stated maximum of 20 people sounds reasonable for a catamaran, but past accounts describe much larger crowds. Before paying, ask whether the 20-person limit applies to the boat, the booking, or a particular departure. A full boat can change the experience more than a small difference in price.

The Crew Can Shape the Whole Day

A catamaran cruise depends heavily on its crew. When the staff are attentive, the day feels easy: drinks appear, lunch runs smoothly, boarding is orderly, and the boat keeps a pleasant rhythm.

The strongest praise has been directed at Kevin, Rudi, Bruno, and Olivier. Their service was associated with good food, music, dancing, sunshine, and a relaxed atmosphere. If your ideal day includes a little singing and movement rather than silent sailing, that is encouraging.

But you should also know that not every departure has received the same level of praise. One account described an aggressive welcome from a staff member named Jean-Pierre and a boat that was already too full. Another described the captain as unwell and the boat spending 90 minutes moving in circles. These are serious complaints, even though they do not describe the intended itinerary.

The practical lesson is simple: ask questions before boarding. Confirm the boat name, expected passenger count, pickup details, and whether snorkeling gear is available. A quick check can help you spot a mismatch between the promised experience and the departure being prepared.

Who Will Enjoy This Mauritius Cruise Most?

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a complete, social day on the water rather than a short transfer to one beach. The included lunch, drinks, and hotel transport make it easy for couples, groups of friends, and adults who want a ready-made plan.

The minimum age is 18, and the minimum booking requirement is two people. That makes the experience better suited to adults traveling together than to families with younger children.

You should also be comfortable with a long day at sea. The boat may be relaxing, but it is still a boat ride with weather, movement, and shared space. If you want privacy, a quiet deck, or complete control over the schedule, a private charter may suit you better.

The cruise can also work for a mixed group. Strong swimmers can use the snorkeling stop, while others can remain aboard or spend time on Île Plate. Just remember that the activity details do not promise specialized instruction or supplied equipment.

Practical Details to Know Before You Book

Confirmation is provided at booking, and passport name, number, expiry date, and country are required for every participant. Have those details ready to avoid delays.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. The cutoff follows local Mauritius time.

The cruise depends on good weather. If poor conditions force cancellation, you can take another date or receive a full refund. This policy is useful because wind and sea conditions can affect both comfort and safety.

Use sunscreen, carry a swimsuit, and bring a towel if your accommodation does not provide one for outside use. A waterproof bag is sensible for your phone and passport details. Since drinks are included, you may not need to pack much food, but bring water if you prefer to have your own supply between service times.

I would also pack a light cover-up. The boat may be sunny, while the ride back can feel cooler after swimming. Comfortable sandals or shoes that handle a boat deck and beach are more useful than formal footwear.

Should You Book the Île Plate Catamaran Cruise?

Book it if you want a convenient, full-day northern Mauritius outing with island scenery, swimming, a barbecue, and drinks already arranged. The combination of hotel transport and an included lunch gives the $111.54 price a reasonable case, especially for couples and adult groups.

Think twice if you need a quiet boat, guaranteed small numbers, or included snorkeling equipment. The biggest concern is the conflicting group-size information. Before booking, confirm that your departure will follow the advertised maximum of 20 people and ask exactly how Coin de Mire fits into the route.

If the operator confirms a properly sized boat and clear pickup arrangements, this can be a fun and good-value way to see northern Mauritius from the water. If the answers are vague, choose a smaller cruise with firmer capacity rules.

FAQ

What time does the cruise start?

The listed activity start time is 9:00 a.m. Hotel pickup usually takes place one to two hours earlier, depending on your accommodation’s location.

Where does the catamaran depart?

The catamaran departs from Grand Bay in northern Mauritius. The meeting area is associated with Grand Bay Public Beach and the Grand Bay store area.

Is hotel transportation included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Mauritius accommodations are included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The barbecue lunch includes fish, chicken, bread, salad, and dessert.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Yes. Included drinks can include beer, wine, local rum, water, and Coke.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so you should bring or arrange your own mask and snorkel.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience begins. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund. If bad weather cancels the cruise, you can receive a full refund or choose another date.