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

The best part of this day is the mix of open-water sailing and island time. You glide north from Grand Bay, stop for swimming and snorkeling in a calm lagoon, then eat a barbecue lunch before relaxing on Île Plate. It feels like a proper day at sea, not a quick boat ride with one rushed stop.

I like that hotel pickup and drop-off are included, since reaching Grand Bay on your own can add cost and planning. I also like the generous onboard package: fish, chicken, bread, salad, dessert, beer, wine, rum, water, and Coke are all covered.

The main caution is group size. The advertised maximum is 20 people, but some departures have reportedly carried far more, with one account describing 46 passengers. Ask for the current boat capacity before paying if personal space matters to you.

Key points to know before you book

• Seven hours on the water: Plan for a full morning and afternoon, plus one to two hours of pickup time before the 9 a.m. start.
• Two scenic water stops: You swim and snorkel near Coin de Mire and Île Plate, with the exact conditions shaped by weather and sea conditions.
• Île Plate lunch stop: Expect a barbecue of fish and chicken with bread, salad, dessert, and included drinks.
• Snorkeling gear is not included: Bring your own equipment or confirm rental arrangements before departure.
• The atmosphere can vary: Some sailings feature music, dancing, and an upbeat crew, while others may feel crowded or less organized.
• Adult booking only: Every participant must be at least 18, and a minimum of two people is required per booking.

Setting out from Grand Bay at 9 a.m.

Your day starts early. Hotel pickup comes roughly one to two hours before the catamaran leaves Grand Bay, depending on where you are staying in Mauritius. That wide pickup window matters, so do not schedule a tight morning plan around the departure.

The boat leaves from the Grand Bay area, with the stated meeting point at Grand Bay Public Beach and the Grand Bay Store. Once aboard, you can find a place on deck and settle in for the ride north. The catamaran gives you more room to stretch out than a small speedboat, though comfort depends heavily on how full the departure is.

Grand Bay is a practical launch point for a northern cruise. It is close to several coastal sights, and the outward route offers views of Cap Malheureux, Pereybere, and the bay itself. Keep your phone or camera ready during this first stretch, but protect it from spray and strong sun.

I would treat the first hour as part of the experience rather than dead time. You are not simply being transported to a beach. You get a changing view of the northwest coast, time to find your preferred spot, and a chance to settle into the slower rhythm of a day on the sea.

Sailing past Cap Malheureux and Pereybere

The northern coast gives this trip much of its character. From the water, you see the coastline from a different angle, with beaches and coastal settlements passing by rather than appearing as isolated stops on a road itinerary.

Cap Malheureux is one of the photo opportunities named for the route. Pereybere and Grand Bay also help you place the cruise geographically as you move away from the launch point. The scenery is likely to be most enjoyable from the front or side of the catamaran, but those areas may fill quickly on a busy departure.

This is a good time to decide how you want to spend the day. You can make the cruise social, listen to music, take photos, and chat with the crew, or claim a quieter section of the deck. The mood is not guaranteed to be identical on every sailing. Some departures have had lively music and dancing, while other accounts point to crowding and weaker organization.

That variation is important. The trip is sold as an all-inclusive sailing day, but the quality of the atmosphere depends on the crew, the boat, and the passenger load. Crew members associated with the operation include Kevin, Rudi, Bruno, and Olivier. If one of them is working your departure, you can ask at check-in, but crew assignments are not guaranteed.

Swimming and snorkeling in a northern lagoon

The first major water stop takes place in a clear, calm lagoon on the north side of Mauritius. This is where you can swim and snorkel before lunch, and it is likely to be the most active portion of the day.

The calm-water setting is useful for anyone who wants to get in without dealing with heavy sea movement. Still, conditions can change. One sailing encountered tough weather, though the captain and crew handled it well. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where the catamaran moves least, watch the horizon, and consider bringing your preferred remedy.

Snorkeling equipment is not included in the price. That detail is easy to miss, especially because snorkeling is one of the central activities. Bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins if you have them, or ask the operator in advance about availability. Do not assume equipment will be waiting on the boat.

The swimming stop also gives you an escape from the deck if the boat feels crowded. You can take a short swim, snorkel for as long as conditions allow, or remain aboard and enjoy the view. The itinerary is not built around a long guided snorkeling lesson, so you should be comfortable managing your own time in the water.

Lunch on Île Plate

Midway through the day, the catamaran stops at Île Plate for lunch and free time. This is the part of the trip that turns the outing into a full-day island visit rather than a simple coastal cruise.

The barbecue includes fish and chicken, along with bread, salad, and dessert. Drinks include beer, wine, local rum, water, and Coke. A vegetarian meal is available if you request it when booking. This is a practical advantage, but do not wait until boarding to mention dietary needs.

The meal is served as part of the package, so you do not need to search for food on the island. That saves both time and money, especially since the cruise already includes transportation and drinks. You should still bring any snacks you need between stops, since no other food details are provided.

After lunch, you have time to explore Île Plate or relax on the beach. The island stop is less structured than the swimming session, which gives you a welcome choice. You can walk around, sit in the sand, return to the catamaran, or simply enjoy a slow drink after eating.

The trade-off is that beach time can feel different when the boat is full. With a small group, it may feel relaxed and easy. With a larger group, the beach and seating areas may be less peaceful. If an uncrowded island experience is your top priority, confirm the expected passenger count before booking.

Drinks, music, and the mood on board

The included drinks are a real part of the value here. Beer, wine, local rum, water, and Coke are available with the barbecue and during the cruise. Since you are on the water for about seven hours, having basic drinks covered means fewer extra purchases and less need to plan.

Alcohol can change the tone of the day. Some sailings have featured music, dancing, and a cheerful crew, creating a festive boat-party feel. Others may be quieter or less polished. I would book this for a social day at sea, not for a private yacht atmosphere.

The catamaran offers more open space than a standard excursion boat, but the space is shared. If you need lots of room, arrive ready to choose your seat promptly. A maximum of 20 people is stated for the activity, yet the actual passenger count has not always matched that expectation. This is the clearest concern attached to the experience.

There have also been problems with return transfers on at least one departure, when the driver was not waiting after the boat returned and passengers waited about half an hour. That does not mean your transfer will fail, but I would keep the provider’s contact details handy and avoid scheduling an immediate evening reservation after drop-off.

How the price works out at $111.54

At $111.54 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the northern islands. It is also more than a basic beach transfer. You are paying for roughly seven hours on the water, hotel pickup and drop-off, the catamaran, a barbecue lunch, and alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.

The value improves if you plan to use the included food and transfers. A separate taxi to Grand Bay, a boat trip, lunch, and drinks could add up quickly. The package also removes the need to coordinate several pieces of the day yourself.

The value falls if you mainly want a short swim or a quiet beach visit. You will spend much of the day aboard the catamaran, and the experience is shared with other passengers. If the boat reaches or exceeds the expected capacity, the space and service may not feel worth the full price.

I see this as a fair package for someone who wants a convenient, social island day and does not want to arrange transport or meals separately. It is less attractive for anyone seeking a small private charter, specialist snorkeling instruction, or a carefully controlled itinerary.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this experience to adults who enjoy being on the water and want several elements in one day. It suits couples, friends, and small groups who like a relaxed schedule with swimming, a beach stop, drinks, and music.

It also works well if you are staying away from Grand Bay and want pickup included. The transfer removes one of the more annoying parts of a boat excursion, though the early pickup window means you should be ready in your hotel lobby well before 9 a.m.

This is not ideal for children because the minimum age is 18. It may also disappoint you if your main goal is serious snorkeling. The water stops are included, but equipment is not, and the activity is not described as a specialist reef excursion.

People who dislike crowded boats should ask direct questions before booking. Confirm the expected number of passengers, the type of catamaran, and whether snorkeling equipment is available. The stated maximum is 20, but past departures have not always followed that limit.

Practical details that can save you trouble

You need to provide each participant’s passport name, passport number, expiry date, and country when booking. Have those details ready, especially if you are reserving for a group.

A minimum of two people is required per booking, and all participants must be at least 18. Most people can take part, but you should be comfortable boarding a boat, moving around a shared deck, and entering the water if you choose to swim.

Pack swimwear, sun protection, a towel, and a dry bag for electronics. Bring snorkeling equipment unless the operator confirms that it will be supplied. The tour includes drinks, but personal snacks may still be useful for the long day.

The trip requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel the departure, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can cancel without penalty up to 24 hours before the start time, while later cancellations and changes are not accepted.

Should you book this northern catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a convenient, all-day outing with coastal scenery, swimming, a barbecue, and drinks rolled into one price. The route gives you a good taste of northern Mauritius, and the included pickup makes the day simple to arrange.

Think twice if you need a quiet boat, guaranteed low numbers, or first-rate snorkeling support. The biggest question is passenger capacity, so ask for a current head count before paying. If the boat is limited to 20 and the weather looks good, this can be a lively and worthwhile day at sea. If the operator cannot give you a clear answer, choose another excursion.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran cruise last?

The activity lasts about seven hours, not including the hotel transfer time before and after the cruise.

What time does the experience start?

The stated start time is 9 a.m. Hotel pickup takes place about one to two hours before the activity, depending on your pickup location.

Where does the catamaran leave from?

The boat departs from Grand Bay. The meeting information lists Grand Bay Public Beach and the Grand Bay Store.

Is hotel transportation included?

Yes. Round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off from Mauritius accommodations are included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The barbecue lunch includes fish and chicken, bread, salad, and dessert. A vegetarian option is available if requested when booking.

Are snorkeling masks and fins included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own or confirm availability with the operator before departure.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. If poor weather cancels the trip, you will be offered another date or a full refund.