Grand Baie: Catamaran 3 Islands Cruise & Lunch on the Island

Mauritius looks best from the water. This seven-hour catamaran trip from Grand Baie takes you toward Ilot Gabriel, Ile Plate, and Coin de Mire, with beaches, snorkeling, a BBQ lunch, and drinks included. I especially like the chance to land on both Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, rather than simply viewing them from offshore. The return sail often turns into a cheerful music-and-rum-punch party, too.

The other strong point is the setting for lunch. You eat on the island, not just on the boat, with the sea and pale sand close by. The main drawback is the open-water crossing: waves can be rough, the boat may feel crowded, and snorkeling is not always the star attraction.

At $70 per person, this is a solid value if you want a full day at sea with food and island access built into one price. It is less suitable if you want a quiet sailing trip, a small private group, or a tightly guided snorkeling session.

Key points before you book

• Two island landings: You set foot on both Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate. Coin de Mire is viewed from the catamaran, since nobody lands there.
• Seven hours on the water: The day includes the catamaran cruise, dinghy transfers, island time, lunch, swimming, snorkeling, and the return sail.
• Lunch is served on Ile Plate: The BBQ is included, and portions are generally ample, with drinks such as juice and beer provided.
• Expect a social atmosphere: Music, dancing, and rum punch are common on the ride back, especially when the crew gets everyone involved.
• The sea can be rough: The crossing may take about 1.5 hours, and choppy water can make the journey uncomfortable for people prone to seasickness.
• Bring your own snorkeling gear: Equipment is not included. Water shoes, sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, and spare comfortable clothes are useful.

Setting out from Grand Baie

The meeting point is halfway along Grand Baie beach, opposite the red Express bus for Port Louis and opposite the shop called Highlights. The operator asks you to provide a valid WhatsApp number when booking, then sends a written description, a video, and a Google location once you are in Mauritius.

You do not board the catamaran directly from the beach. A dinghy takes you from shore to the boat, and this transfer is included. The boarding area can feel unclear at first, especially if several boats are preparing to leave. Give yourself time to find the correct crew and listen carefully for instructions.

Once aboard, you will usually remove your shoes. This keeps the catamaran clean and protects its deck, so carry your footwear in a small bag. Water shoes are still useful later for the beach, shallow water, and stony patches near the snorkeling areas.

The catamaran itself is described as a decent-sized boat, though the group may be larger than expected. Some departures have had more than 40 people, and the time needed to move everyone between the boat, dinghy, and islands can add a little waiting. The upside is a lively social mood, with solo passengers and couples easily joining the group.

The crossing to Mauritius’s northern islands

The cruise is a major part of the experience, not simply transport between stops. From the deck, you see changing shades of blue and green that are impossible to appreciate from land. The islands appear gradually across the water, with views of beaches and rocky headlands before you ever reach the shore.

The trip to the islands may take around 1.5 hours. On calm days, the catamaran moves smoothly and quickly. In rougher conditions, the same crossing can become the hardest part of the day. One practical tip is to sit on deck if you are prone to nausea, since fresh air can help. Deep water, wind, and movement are unavoidable, so consider your sea legs before booking.

The front of the catamaran gives you an exciting ride and a clear view ahead, but it can also be the wettest place. Spray may soak you, especially in choppy water. Keep phones, cameras, and spare clothing in the downstairs storage area or in a waterproof bag.

Wildlife sightings are possible but not guaranteed. People have seen dolphins, humpback whales, stingrays, and turtles during or around the cruise. The crew has even altered the return route to give passengers a better view of whales. Treat these sightings as luck, not as a promised part of the schedule.

Ilot Gabriel, bright sand and open sea

Ilot Gabriel is the first island named in the usual plan. Because the catamaran anchors where the water depth allows, you transfer by dinghy for roughly 45 to 60 minutes of island time. This is a short visit, but it gives you a chance to walk on the beach, take photographs, and enjoy a view that feels far removed from Grand Baie.

The island is known here for its clear water and attractive beach. You can stay in the shallows, swim, or snorkel close to shore. Even without going far into the water, you may see fish. The setting is strongest when the weather is bright and the sea is calm.

Do not expect a long, empty-island escape. Several boats may visit the same area, particularly during busy periods. The shore can feel busy, although the operation is generally organized. Time on the island is also limited, so you will need to choose between walking, swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.

This is where water shoes earn their place. The seabed can be stony, and the best swimming areas are not always soft underfoot. Bring only what you need from the boat, and protect your skin carefully because you spend much of the day exposed to sun and wind.

Ile Plate and the island lunch

Ile Plate, also called Flat Island, is the most important stop for anyone choosing this excursion over a standard boat ride. You do not merely look at it from the catamaran. You land, spend time there, and eat lunch beside the beach.

The BBQ usually includes enough food for seconds, and the meal has been praised for being fresh, tasty, and well organized. Drinks include options such as juice and beer, and the package information says drinks are provided throughout the outing. Vegetarian and vegan food has also been available on some departures, but you should raise dietary needs when booking rather than assume every menu will be identical.

Lunch on the island changes the rhythm of the day. Instead of eating quickly at a table on a moving boat, you can sit near the beach, take in the sea, and settle into a slower midday break. If you like a relaxed outdoor meal, this is one of the best parts of the trip.

There are a few small cautions. Some people have found drinks warm, and bottled water is not clearly listed as a standard inclusion. Bring a reusable bottle if possible, and do not wait until you feel thirsty. Sun, salt, wind, and swimming can leave you dehydrated faster than expected.

The schedule may place lunch on Flat Island before the stop at Ilot Gabriel. The order is not the main issue. What matters is that the two islands serve different purposes: one gives you a scenic beach visit, while the other provides the longer meal and a more settled island break.

Snorkeling, swimming, and time to rest

After lunch, you have time to swim and snorkel according to your own ability. This is not a tightly supervised snorkeling lesson with a guide leading everyone in formation. It is more of a self-directed swim, so you need to judge the current, depth, and your comfort level.

The water can be clear, and shallow areas may contain fish. Some people have also seen turtles and stingrays. If a turtle appears, follow the crew’s instructions and keep your distance. Wildlife is best enjoyed without touching, chasing, or blocking its path.

Conditions vary sharply. Currents can be strong, and some sections are rocky underfoot. Fins would help, but snorkeling equipment is not included. Pack your own mask, snorkel, and fins if you have them, or confirm rental options before departure.

This part of the day suits confident swimmers who want freedom rather than constant instruction. If you are not a strong swimmer, stay in shallow water and remain close to the group. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and it is not recommended for pregnant women.

You can also simply rest. The island offers a chance to sit in the shade if available, relax on the sand, or have a short siesta before returning to the catamaran. That flexibility is valuable because a full day of swimming is tiring, especially in strong sun.

Coin de Mire, the island you only see offshore

Coin de Mire is the third island on the route, but the experience is different. The catamaran passes as close as water depth and conditions allow. You do not land there.

Coin de Mire is best understood as a scenic sailing point rather than a stop. Have your camera ready as the boat approaches, but do not expect beach time, a walk, or snorkeling from the island itself. The offshore view completes the three-island route without pretending that every island can be visited on foot.

This distinction matters when you compare tours. The headline says three islands, but only two involve a landing. If your priority is spending time on three beaches, this is not the right trip. If you want to see the northern islands from several angles, the route gives you a good range of views.

The return sail and the famous party mood

The journey back is often the most social part of the day. Once swimming and lunch are over, the crew may play music, serve drinks, and encourage dancing. Several departures have turned into full-on group celebrations, including a birthday gathering where the wider boat joined in.

I would not book this excursion expecting a silent sunset sail. The music and friendly crew are a major reason many people rate the day so highly. You may meet people from several countries, and even solo visitors can find the group easy to join.

The atmosphere depends partly on the people aboard. A fun group can make the final hours fly by. A quieter group may prefer to sit on deck and watch the sea. The crew generally helps create a warm, playful mood, but the boat remains a shared public experience rather than a private charter.

Food, drinks, and what the $70 price covers

At $70, the package covers a lot for a seven-hour outing. You receive the catamaran cruise, the dinghy ride from the beach, transfers to and from the islands, access to both island landings, BBQ lunch, and drinks. That removes the need to pay separately for the central parts of the day.

The strongest value comes from the combination of transport and lunch. Reaching the northern islands independently would require arranging a boat, transfers, and food. Here, those elements are bundled into one booking, and you also get the social atmosphere and crew service.

The value is weaker if you mainly want premium snorkeling. Equipment is not included, the snorkeling is self-guided, and coral conditions are not always impressive. Some areas have been affected by heavy tourism, with limited coral and occasional rubbish on the islands.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to reach Grand Baie beach yourself, and the boarding process may require patience. Still, for people staying in or near Grand Baie, the absence of hotel transport is less of a problem.

The overall rating of 4.2 from 918 ratings suggests a strong but not flawless experience. The consistent positives are the friendly crew, good food, beautiful islands, and fun return trip. The recurring concerns are rough seas, crowded boats, unclear boarding, and snorkeling that can be ordinary rather than spectacular.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Strong sunscreen
• Comfortable clothing
• Comfortable shoes or water shoes
• Your own snorkeling gear
• A waterproof bag for phones and valuables
• Drinking water, especially if you prefer bottled water

Apply sunscreen before boarding, then reapply during the day. Wind can make the sun feel less intense while you are still getting burned.

If you sit at the front, expect spray. It is a fun place for the ride, but not a safe spot for loose belongings. If you want a calmer trip, choose a more sheltered place on deck.

Listen closely to the captain’s timing instructions. The crew gives directions for the dinghy, island visits, and return boarding, and delays can happen when a large group moves at once.

Weather controls the route. The captain can cancel or reschedule for safety, and rough winter conditions between June and September may prevent the boat from visiting all three islands. The final route decision belongs to the captain. This is a sensible rule in open water, even if it means your day may not match the planned route exactly.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and reserve-now, pay-later booking may be offered. The tour operates with live guidance in English and French, though some English explanations may be harder to follow if the speaker has a strong French accent.

Who should book this catamaran cruise?

I would choose this trip if you want a full day that mixes sailing, beaches, food, swimming, and music. It suits couples, groups of friends, families with confident swimmers, and solo people who enjoy a friendly shared outing.

It is also a good choice if lunch on an island matters to you. Many boat tours stop for swimming but serve food aboard. Here, the meal is part of the island experience.

I would think twice if you get seasick, dislike loud music, or want a small and quiet boat. The journey can be rough, the group may be sizable, and the snorkeling is not always carefully guided. Pregnant women and people with mobility impairments should not book this activity.

Should you book it?

Book it for the complete day, not just the snorkeling. The real strengths are the beautiful cruise, two island landings, a generous BBQ lunch, helpful crew, and lively ride home. At $70, that is good value for a northern Mauritius outing.

Choose another option if you need guaranteed visits to all three islands, specialist snorkeling instruction, or a peaceful private cruise. Check the forecast, carry water and water shoes, and accept that the sea may be choppy. If those conditions work for you, this is one of Grand Baie’s more enjoyable ways to see Mauritius beyond the shore.

FAQ

How long is the Grand Baie catamaran tour?

The activity lasts about seven hours, including the cruise, dinghy transfers, island visits, lunch, snorkeling, swimming, and the return trip.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Ilot Gabriel, Ile Plate, and Coin de Mire. You land on Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, while the catamaran passes near Coin de Mire without landing.

Is BBQ lunch included?

Yes. BBQ lunch is included, and it is served on the island. Food is generally provided in generous portions.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks such as juice and beer are included. Bring extra drinking water if you prefer bottled water or expect to need more during the day.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins if you have them.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet halfway along Grand Baie beach, opposite the red Express bus for Port Louis and opposite the Highlights shop. The operator can send a written description, video, and Google location through WhatsApp.

Can I land on Coin de Mire?

No. The catamaran passes as close to Coin de Mire as possible, depending on water depth and conditions, but passengers do not set foot on the island.

Can bad weather change the itinerary?

Yes. The captain may cancel or reschedule the tour for safety. Rough sea conditions, particularly during the usual June to September winter period, may also make it impossible to visit all three islands.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for pregnant women and people with mobility impairments.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide service is offered in English and French.