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

The best part of this trip is that you do not simply look at Mauritius from the water. You land on Ilot Gabriel, swim beside a preserved beach, and eat lunch on the island before continuing toward two more northern islands. I like the changing sea colors and the chance to pair a beach day with a proper boat journey. I also like that snorkeling is optional, so you can swim, sunbathe, or simply enjoy the ride.

The main consideration is the atmosphere. Music and drinks are a large part of the day, and some departures feel more like a party boat than a quiet nature outing. The advertised maximum is 48 people, though one account described more than 60 on board, so confirm the current group size if space matters to you.

Key Points Before You Book

• Ilot Gabriel is the main beach stop: You can land, swim, snorkel, rest, and see the white-sand shore at close range.
• Lunch is served on the island: The included meal is a barbecue with salad and drinks, though the exact serving location may vary with conditions.
• Coin de Mire is viewed from the water: You do not land there, but you may snorkel nearby if the captain considers the sea safe.
• Expect a lively sound track: Music, beer, and rum are part of the experience, which suits a social day more than a peaceful sailing trip.
• The boat ride is part of the attraction: The route from Grand Baie gives you broad views of the open sea and the northern islands.
• Weather can change the plan: Poor conditions may cancel the outing or remove the Coin de Mire stop, with the captain making the final safety decision.

From Grand Baie to the Open Sea

You meet at Grand Baie Public Beach at 8:30 am. There is no private transportation included, so you must arrange your own way to the beach. The meeting point is near public transportation, but the information provided does not specify pickup service, parking, or exact transfer arrangements.

The first stretch to the northern islands takes about an hour and a half. That is a meaningful part of the day, not a quick transfer. You get time to watch Grand Baie recede, see the water shift in color, and take in views that are impossible to enjoy from shore.

A practical note comes from the boarding process. One account described a small motorized tender carrying people between the beach and the larger catamaran, with delays caused by the number of people waiting. This may not happen on every departure, but you should allow patience at the beginning and end of the cruise. If you have limited mobility, ask the operator about the boarding arrangement before booking.

The catamaran itself is described as large, stable, powerful, and licensed. That matters on a full-day water outing. A stable boat makes the long ride easier, although no vessel can remove the effects of wind and waves. Bring sun protection, a cover-up, and something secure for phones and cameras.

Ilot Gabriel: White Sand and a Proper Island Stop

Ilot Gabriel is the first important stop and one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise. You land on the island and have roughly two hours for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on the beach.

The shore is described as a preserved, almost untouched beach. That does not mean you should expect a completely empty island, especially on a popular cruise route, but the setting is far removed from a built-up resort. You can walk on the sand, settle into a slower rhythm, and enjoy the simple pleasure of being on an island rather than only sailing past it.

The water around Ilot Gabriel is suited to casual swimming and snorkeling. You can take part according to your ability, which makes the stop workable for mixed groups. Strong swimmers may spend more time in the water, while others can stay close to shore or use the stop for a rest.

A particularly interesting detail is the presence of the paille-en-queue, or white-tailed tropicbird. The birds are associated with the island, and you may see them near their nests. Keep your distance and avoid disturbing them. The birdlife gives the stop a little more character than a standard beach visit.

This is also where the day’s rhythm becomes clear. The cruise is not built around a tightly managed list of activities. You have time to swim, look around, sit in the shade if available, and enjoy the setting. The trade-off is that facilities and comforts may be limited on a small island. Pack only what you need and keep valuables protected from sand and water.

Ile Plate: A Lagoon Shared With Ilot Gabriel

Ile Plate, also called Flat Island, is paired geographically with Ilot Gabriel. The two islands sit about 10 kilometers north of Mauritius and are surrounded by white sand and a turquoise lagoon.

The schedule allows about two and a half hours for this section of the trip. The exact use of that time may depend on the boat’s operating plan and sea conditions. You may spend it swimming, snorkeling, relaxing, or moving between the beach and the catamaran.

The appeal here is visual. From the water, you can see the relationship between the low sandy islands, the lagoon, and the open sea. The views are broader than anything you get from a beach on Mauritius. I would bring a waterproof phone pouch if you want photographs, but do not let the camera distract you from the color changes in the water.

The included barbecue and salad are central to the experience. Drinks are also included, and the cruise is designed to let you eat in an island setting rather than return to the mainland for lunch. That can be a memorable feature, especially for anyone who wants a full day outdoors.

There is one point to clarify before booking. The description says lunch is eaten on the island, while one account specifically wished the meal had been served there rather than elsewhere. Conditions, timing, or the operator’s setup may affect the arrangement. If eating on land is important to you, ask Vacances Oh Soleil to confirm the current lunch plan.

Coin de Mire: The Snorkeling Stop Depends on the Sea

Coin de Mire is also called Gunner’s Quoin or Gunner’s Point. It is a small volcanic island, about 65 hectares in size, located roughly eight kilometers north of Mauritius.

You do not set foot on Coin de Mire. The catamaran passes nearby, and if the sea is favorable, you may snorkel in the surrounding water. The site is described as having an average depth of about six meters, with a range from three to nine meters and generally clear visibility.

For many people, this is the most appealing water stop of the day. The conditions can suit both casual snorkeling and stronger swimmers, but you need to stay within your ability. There is no promise that the water will be calm on your departure date. Wind, swell, and visibility can change quickly.

The captain has the final say on visiting the snorkeling area. That is not a minor detail. If the sea is rough, the captain may skip the stop or alter the plan for safety. You should book this trip for the complete combination of islands, sailing, food, and water time, not solely for Coin de Mire.

You may also find that the water portion is less structured than a dedicated snorkeling excursion. The description says you can snorkel according to your wishes and abilities. That offers freedom, but it may not include a long guided session or detailed instruction.

A Party Cruise or a Quiet Day at Sea?

The mood is one of the biggest variables. Music begins early, and some departures include beer and rum throughout the day. Dancing and a cheerful crew can make this a fun choice for friends, couples, and families who enjoy a social boat outing.

The same features can frustrate anyone hoping for a quiet sail. One account described very loud music for most of the trip, while another felt the experience was strongly centered on drinking and entertainment. You should think of this as a friendly party cruise with beach and snorkeling stops, not as a silent nature tour.

The crew has received positive attention for being attentive and creating a warm atmosphere. That is important during a long day on the water, when simple things such as helping people board, preparing lunch, and keeping the mood organized affect the experience.

The group size deserves attention. The stated maximum is 48 people, but an account described a boat with more than 60 people. That discrepancy may reflect a different departure or an outdated description. If you prefer a small group, ask about the expected number before paying. A full catamaran can offer more music and energy, but less personal space and slower boarding.

Is the $58 Price Good Value?

At about $58.08 per person, the price is reasonable if you intend to use the full package. You are paying for roughly seven hours on the water, transport by catamaran between Grand Baie and the northern islands, time on Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, a barbecue lunch, salad, and drinks.

The value is strongest for anyone who would otherwise need to arrange several separate activities. A boat excursion, island landing, snorkeling opportunity, and lunch are combined into one day. You also avoid planning your own route between the islands.

The price is less attractive if you want a small, quiet, highly guided excursion. A larger boat and loud music are part of the experience, and the itinerary can change with weather and sea conditions. You may also spend a fair amount of time sailing, which some people love and others find long.

The outing is often booked about 11 days ahead. That gives you a useful planning guide, especially during busy periods, but availability can change. Book early if your Mauritius schedule is tight, and leave room to adjust if bad weather affects the departure.

Weather, Cancellations, and Practical Planning

This trip requires good weather. If poor conditions cause a cancellation, you should be offered another date or a full refund. If the operator cancels because the minimum number is not reached, the same type of alternative or refund applies.

For your own cancellation, you can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the 8:30 am start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. The local time in Mauritius controls the cutoff.

Past communication about weather cancellations has not always felt clear to customers. Some people arrived at the meeting point before learning that the trip had been called off, while the operator stated that email and WhatsApp messages had been sent earlier. The sensible move is to check your email, WhatsApp, and phone messages before leaving for Grand Baie, particularly when the forecast looks uncertain.

The mobile ticket is convenient. Keep it accessible on your phone, and arrive with enough time to find the meeting point at Grand Baie Public Beach. Since private transportation is not included, build in extra time for your taxi or public transport.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most?

I would choose this outing if you want a full day that combines scenery, swimming, food, and music. It works particularly well for people who enjoy meeting others, do not mind a larger boat, and want the northern islands without arranging a private charter.

Families and mixed-ability groups may appreciate the flexible snorkeling. You can participate in the water or stay on the beach, and no one has to treat snorkeling as a compulsory activity.

It is less suitable if you want silence, a small boat, or a specialist snorkeling program. It is also not ideal if the main goal is to land on all three islands, since Coin de Mire is viewed from the water and cannot be visited on foot.

Should You Book the 3 North Islands Cruise?

Book it if the idea of a lively catamaran, white-sand beaches, an island barbecue, included drinks, and optional snorkeling sounds like a good Mauritius day. The strongest parts are the long sea views, the time spent on Ilot Gabriel, the preserved setting around Ile Plate, and the chance to snorkel near Coin de Mire when conditions cooperate.

Skip it if loud music and alcohol would spoil your day, or if you want certainty about a particular snorkeling site. Before booking, confirm the current group size, ask where lunch will be served, and check the cancellation message on the morning of departure. With those points clear, the $58 price offers a solid all-in-one outing, provided you value atmosphere and scenery as much as quiet time in the water.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The cruise starts at Grand Baie Public Beach in Grand Baie, Mauritius.

What time does the activity begin?

The stated start time is 8:30 am.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately seven hours and ends back at the meeting point.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A barbecue lunch, salad, and drinks are included.

Can I snorkel during the trip?

Yes. You can snorkel near the islands according to your ability. Snorkeling near Coin de Mire depends on favorable weather and sea conditions.

Can I land on Coin de Mire?

No. The catamaran passes near Coin de Mire, but setting foot on the island is not part of the activity.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if the experience is canceled because of poor weather.