GBaie: 3 North Islands Cruise, Lunch & CoindeMire Snorkeling

The best part of this seven-hour catamaran trip is the changing view from the water: pale lagoon shallows, open sea, small islands, and Coin de Mire rising like a dark mountain offshore. You also get two very different pleasures in one day, beach time on Flat Island and Ilot Gabriel, followed by a barbecue lunch back aboard.

I like the chance to snorkel near Coin de Mire, one of Mauritius’ most talked-about water spots, and I like that lunch, drinks, a guide, and the boat ride are included in the $70 price. The main caution is comfort: the catamaran can feel crowded, shade is limited on Flat Island, and drinks may not be available during the island stops. Bring your own water.

Key points at a glance

• Coin de Mire from the sea: You sail close to this steep offshore island but do not land there. Snorkeling nearby depends on weather and sea conditions.
• Two island stops: Flat Island offers a clear lagoon and beach, while Ilot Gabriel is a natural reserve known for seabird nests, including the paille-en-queue.
• Barbecue on the catamaran: Lunch includes barbecue food, salad, and drinks, though service may sometimes take place on an island instead.
• Seven hours on the water: This is a full day, not a quick boat outing. Expect sun, wind, open-sea movement, and long periods aboard.
• Good for families and friends: The relaxed format suits groups who want swimming and scenery more than formal sightseeing.
• Weather controls the schedule: The captain may change the route, starting time, duration, or snorkeling plan when conditions are unsafe.

Setting out from the beach near Grand Baie

Your meeting point is on the beach, and you are asked to contact the guide 24 hours before the activity. The exact starting time depends on availability, so you should confirm the details before setting out.

The day begins aboard a catamaran bound for Mauritius’ northern islands. This is a social boat trip rather than a quiet private charter. You will share the deck, seating, shade, and water access with other passengers. On busy days, the boat can feel tight, with one account describing roughly 12 catamarans operating in the area at once.

That matters most late in the day. At the start, the open deck and sea air feel freeing. After hours in the sun, though, limited seating can become a real issue. If you want a specific place to sit, arrive ready and keep your expectations practical. This is a popular group excursion, not a secluded sailing day.

The ride itself is part of the attraction. The water changes colour as you move from the lagoon toward the high sea. You get broad views of the northern coast and the islands ahead, with the catamaran giving you a better angle than a standard road excursion. Wind and spray are also part of the deal, so secure loose belongings and use sunscreen early.

The crew speaks English, French, Hindi, Urdu, Spanish, and Arabic. The published information does not give individual guide names, but the staff are described as friendly, and the trip is designed to work for a mixed group.

Flat Island, clear water and limited shade

Flat Island, also known as Ile Plate, is usually the first major island stop. The draw is simple: a beach, clear lagoon water, and time to swim rather than a long guided walk.

I like this part of the day because you can set your own pace. You can swim, sit on the sand, take in the sea colours, or simply let the boat ride settle into a slower rhythm. The water is described as crystal clear, which makes the stop appealing to anyone who wants an easy swim without a packed sightseeing schedule.

The drawback is the lack of facilities during the island stops. There may be very little shade on Flat Island, and drinks are not necessarily handed out while you are ashore. One reported experience involved nearly an hour at each island without water, followed by a second island stop that felt dehydrating in the heat.

Take that warning seriously. Bring a refillable bottle or your own drinks, along with a towel, swimwear, and high-factor sunscreen. The supplied information specifically asks you to bring a towel, sunscreen, and swimwear, but carrying water is a sensible extra based on how the day can run.

The island time can also feel long if you are not keen on swimming or sunbathing. You will not find a long programme of organized activities here. This is a beach stop, and its value depends on how much you enjoy unstructured time beside clear water.

Ilot Gabriel and the paille-en-queue nests

The second island stop is Ilot Gabriel, a natural reserve with seabird nests, including those of the paille-en-queue, or tropicbird. This gives the day a little more character than a simple beach-hopping trip.

The island is still mainly about swimming, beach time, and scenery. You should not expect a detailed nature walk or a formal wildlife presentation. The available information does not promise a guided interpretation of the birds, so enjoy the reserve as a quiet natural setting rather than booking this as a birding tour.

I would use this stop to slow down. After the boat ride and the first swim, the warm sand and open sea create an easy pause. You can look for the white-tailed birds around the island, but you should keep a respectful distance from nests and avoid treating the reserve like a photo set.

As with Flat Island, shade and refreshments may be limited. The programme may leave you ashore for close to an hour or longer, depending on the day. Bring water with you when you leave the catamaran, and do not assume that the bar will follow you onto the beach.

Snorkeling near the islands and Coin de Mire

Snorkeling is one of the headline reasons to choose this cruise, but it is also the least certain part. You may snorkel near the islands and, if sea conditions permit, close to Coin de Mire. You need to bring your own snorkeling equipment.

Coin de Mire is not a beach stop. The catamaran sails as close as possible to the island, but you do not set foot on it. From the water, it appears as a large rocky mountain rising from the sea. That view alone gives the return journey a strong finish, especially when the boat passes near its steep sides.

If conditions are suitable, the captain may allow snorkeling near Coin de Mire. The site is regarded as one of the better snorkeling areas around Mauritius, but there is no guarantee that you will get into the water there. The sea can change, and safety takes priority.

The timing can also be flexible. One account described snorkeling taking place after a passenger requested it, which suggests that the exact stop may depend on the captain, sea conditions, and the flow of the day. I would treat the snorkeling as a valuable possibility, not a fixed promise.

There is another practical point: the standard information says snorkeling is on your own. That means you should be comfortable in the water and able to manage your own equipment. This is not presented as a closely supervised lesson. If you are not a confident swimmer, ask the crew about the conditions before entering.

Weather can cancel this section altogether. The captain may reschedule the trip in advance when bad weather is forecast, and the route or duration can change under force majeure conditions. At sea, that is a sensible rule. A missed snorkel is disappointing, but it is better than forcing a stop in rough water.

What lunch is really like on board

Lunch is listed as a barbecue with salad and drinks. In the usual plan, you return to the catamaran after the island time, and a dinghy helps bring people back so the meal can be served aboard. In rare cases, lunch may be served on an island instead.

The barbecue adds real value to the $70 price because you do not need to arrange a separate meal during a full day out. One account described the food as very good, while another found it acceptable but not special. That feels like the right expectation: useful, filling tour food rather than a restaurant meal.

Meal service can be quick, especially when a full boat returns from the beach at once. You may not get a long, leisurely lunch with plenty of time between courses. Eat when food is served, keep water close, and remember that the schedule depends on the boat, weather, and number of people aboard.

Drinks are the weak spot in the practical setup. The programme includes drinks, but reports describe cold drinks only at certain times, no ice, and the bar being closed when more drinks were requested. You should bring your own water even though drinks are included.

Music and atmosphere also vary. Some departures may have lively crew interaction, while others can feel quiet or disorganized. There was also an account of loud music being played near arrival, apparently to attract attention from people on shore. If a calm sailing atmosphere matters to you, this may not always be the right match.

How the crowd and crew affect the day

This trip works best when you approach it as a shared island outing. You are not paying for a private catamaran, and you may have limited space to sit when everyone is back aboard, particularly after several hours in the heat.

The crew has received credit for being friendly, lively, and entertaining on some departures. That can make a big difference on a family day, especially with children who enjoy music, swimming, and an informal mood.

Service may not be consistent every day. You might find clear explanations and a warm crew, or you might get little information about the history of the three islands. If learning about Mauritius is your main aim, this is not the strongest choice. The focus is outdoor fun, not detailed interpretation.

The same applies to the captain. The captain controls the route, weather decisions, snorkeling, and timing. Your experience depends partly on how clearly the programme is explained and how smoothly the group is managed. I would ask practical questions early: when will lunch be served, where will water be available, and is snorkeling likely today?

Is $70 good value?

At $70 per person, the package covers a lot for a seven-hour day: catamaran transport, two island stops, beach time, swimming, possible snorkeling, a barbecue lunch, drinks, and multilingual guide service.

I see good value here for a family or group of friends that would otherwise need to arrange a boat trip, lunch, and access to the northern islands separately. The scenery and time on the water provide the main return on your money. The trip also gives you a simple way to reach Flat Island and Ilot Gabriel without planning your own boat hire.

The value drops if you expect a small group, constant drinks, expert island history, or guaranteed snorkeling at Coin de Mire. You are paying for a full group experience with weather limits and basic meal service. The crowded deck and occasional lack of water during island stops are not minor points in Mauritius’ strong sun.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later booking make the decision less risky. Still, check the weather and confirm the meeting details with the guide the day before. Wheelchair users should note that the activity is not suitable for them.

Who should book this northern-island cruise?

I would choose this trip if you want a full day on the sea with family or friends, enjoy swimming and beaches, and like the idea of a barbecue without arranging lunch yourself. Children and easygoing groups can have a great time, especially when the crew is in a lively mood.

I would also choose it if Coin de Mire interests you but you do not need to land there. Seeing the island from close offshore gives you a memorable visual marker, and a possible snorkel nearby adds extra appeal.

I would hesitate if you need reliable shade, frequent drinks, a quiet boat, a private setting, or a tightly managed educational tour. Strong swimmers should bring their own snorkeling equipment, and everyone should carry water, sunscreen, and a towel.

Should you book it?

Book this catamaran cruise if your priority is a reasonably priced day of sea views, island beaches, swimming, and a barbecue with people you enjoy. The best moments are the changing colours of the water, the sight of Coin de Mire from close offshore, and the freedom to relax rather than follow a packed land itinerary.

Skip it if you will be frustrated by crowds, limited shade, uncertain snorkeling, or basic service. For the right group, it is a cheerful and worthwhile Mauritius outing. Just pack water, protect yourself from the sun, bring your own mask and snorkel, and treat the schedule as flexible.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran cruise last?

The activity lasts about seven hours, although the duration and starting time can change if weather or other force majeure conditions affect the programme.

What islands does the cruise visit?

The route includes Ile Plate, also called Flat Island, and Ilot Gabriel. The catamaran also sails close to Coin de Mire, but you do not land on that island.

Can I snorkel near Coin de Mire?

You may snorkel near Coin de Mire if weather and sea conditions allow. The catamaran does not stop so you can set foot on the island, and you should bring your own snorkeling equipment.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A barbecue lunch, salad, and drinks are included. Lunch is usually served on the catamaran, although it may occasionally be served on an island.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and swimwear. You should also bring your own snorkeling equipment and carry extra drinking water because drinks may not be available during the island stops.

Is the trip suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What languages are available?

Guide service is available in English, French, Hindi, Urdu, Spanish, and Arabic.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The captain may reschedule the trip when bad weather is known in advance. The route, starting time, duration, or snorkeling portion may also change when sea conditions make the original plan unsafe.