GBaie: 3 North Islands Cruise, Lunch & CoindeMire Snorkeling

Three islands, one full day at sea. This Mauritius catamaran trip combines bright water, island beaches, a barbecue lunch, and a close sail past Coin de Mire for $70 per person. I like the mix of swimming and scenery, especially the chance to see Coin de Mire rising from the sea like a huge rocky mountain.

I also like that the cruise works well for families and groups, with a seven-hour schedule and a live guide available in English, French, Hindi, Urdu, Spanish, and Arabic. The main caution is comfort: the catamaran can feel crowded, shade is limited on Ile Plate, and drinks may not be available throughout the island stops.

• Ile Plate gives you a proper beach stop, with time for swimming in clear lagoon water.
• Ilot Gabriel is a natural reserve, known for its beach, seabirds, and Paille en Queue nests.
• Coin de Mire is viewed from the water, since you do not land there.
• A BBQ lunch is served on the catamaran, though it may occasionally be served on an island instead.
• Snorkeling depends on sea conditions, and you should bring your own equipment.
• The strongest value is the full day at sea, not a detailed island tour or luxury cruise.

What the seven-hour cruise is really like

This is a day built around the sea, not a tightly managed sightseeing program. You board near the beach and spend much of the day moving between open water, island beaches, swimming spots, and the catamaran itself.

That makes the experience easy to enjoy with family or friends. You can talk, sunbathe, swim, eat, and take in the changing water colors without having to organize several separate activities. At the same time, you should not expect long historical explanations about each island. The emphasis is on being outside and having an easy-going day.

The meeting point is on the beach, and you are asked to contact your guide 24 hours before the activity. Since exact starting times depend on availability, check the schedule carefully before booking. The cruise lasts about seven hours, so bring a towel, sunscreen, and swimwear. I would also carry drinking water and any snorkeling equipment you care about using.

Leaving the beach for Mauritius’s northern islands

The first part of the day is the sailing itself. You get views of the northern waters as the catamaran heads toward the islands, with the sea changing color around the boat. The trip is described as safe, but it also includes stretches on the open ocean, so the ride can feel lively when conditions are less calm.

The catamaran is a good choice if you enjoy a social boat trip rather than a quiet private charter. Music and a friendly crew can add to the mood, especially on a family holiday. The atmosphere, however, appears to depend on the group and the crew working that day. One poor experience included a late captain, little explanation, and music coming from nearby boats rather than from this one.

That is worth keeping in mind. You are paying for a shared catamaran day with several other people, not a personal guide and private yacht. On busy dates, the boat may feel full, particularly later in the day when everyone is hot and ready to sit down.

Ile Plate: beach time with a shade problem

Ile Plate, also called Flat Island in some descriptions, is one of the main stops. The draw is simple: a beach, clear lagoon water, and time to swim. For many people, this will be the most immediately enjoyable part of the trip because you can get off the boat, stretch your legs, and spend time in the water.

The stop is not presented as a guided island walk. You are given free time, and a dinghy later returns you to the catamaran. That freedom is pleasant, but it also means you need to look after your own comfort. Shade is limited, and one account described nearly an hour on the island without water.

Bring your own bottle if you can. Sunscreen matters here, and a hat would be useful even though only a towel, sunscreen, and swimwear are specifically listed. If you are traveling with children, watch how much sun they get before lunch. A beach stop sounds restful, but an exposed island can become tiring quickly.

The water is the star. If your ideal Mauritius day involves swimming in clear lagoon water rather than sightseeing from a bus, Ile Plate fits well. If you need shade, refreshments, or a structured activity at every stop, this part may feel sparse.

Ilot Gabriel and its seabird setting

The cruise also visits Ilot Gabriel, a natural reserve with a beautiful beach and nesting Paille en Queue seabirds. The island gives you another chance to enjoy the water and sand, but it also adds a little nature interest to a day that could otherwise be only beach and barbecue.

The Paille en Queue, or white-tailed tropicbird, is a distinctive seabird associated with island environments. The trip information specifically points out nests on Ilot Gabriel, so keep your eyes open around the island without disturbing nesting areas.

Again, the stop is mainly about free time. You may swim, walk along the beach, and enjoy the open view. Food and drinks are not necessarily available while you are ashore. Several parts of the experience point to a practical rhythm: you spend time on the island, then a dinghy takes you back to the catamaran when lunch is ready.

That transfer is part of the day’s character. You are not simply eating at a restaurant on land. You return to the boat, settle in, and eat with the sea around you. It is appealing, but it also means you should not assume the island stop comes with a staffed beach bar.

The BBQ lunch and what to expect from drinks

Lunch is included and usually consists of a barbecue, salad, and drinks. This is a useful part of the $70 price because a seven-hour sea trip would be less appealing if you had to arrange a separate meal. The food was praised as very good in one account, while another called it acceptable rather than special.

That sounds like the right expectation. Think of the meal as a practical onboard barbecue, not a polished restaurant service. It helps break up the day and gives you a chance to sit down after swimming and walking, but the serving period may feel rushed when the schedule is busy.

Drinks are the less reliable part of the package. The activity description says drinks are provided, yet some people received cold drinks only on the way to the islands, then had no water while ashore. Another account described one round of drinks, no ice, and a bar that closed when more drinks were requested.

I would bring extra water. This is especially important if you are spending close to an hour on Ile Plate or Ilot Gabriel in strong sun. Carrying your own drinks does not replace the included service, but it protects your day from a simple and avoidable problem.

In some rare cases, lunch may be served on an island rather than on the catamaran. The exact setup can change with conditions and the day’s operation, so stay flexible.

Snorkeling near the islands and Coin de Mire

Snorkeling is included near the islands and near Coin de Mire, but the activity is not guaranteed. The captain may cancel the snorkeling portion if sea conditions make it unsafe. That is the correct call on an open-water excursion, even if it is disappointing.

You are asked to bring your own snorkeling equipment. Do not assume a mask, snorkel, or fins will be supplied. The information specifically says snorkeling is on your own, so pack equipment that fits you properly if this part matters to you.

Coin de Mire is the most memorable sight from the boat. It rises from the ocean like a large mountain, with steep rock and open water around it. You do not land on Coin de Mire, and the catamaran does not stop there for a shore visit. Instead, the crew sails as close as possible.

If weather allows, you may snorkel very near the island. This is described as one of the best snorkeling areas in Mauritius, but conditions control the plan. One account also described a spontaneous swim in deep, crystal-clear water while the boat waited to return to Grand Baie. That sort of moment can be superb, but it is not something you should treat as a guaranteed scheduled stop.

The open-water setting adds excitement. It also calls for sensible judgment. If you are not a confident swimmer, ask the crew what the swimming setup will be before entering the water. The supplied information confirms that safety comes first and that the captain can alter the plan for sea conditions.

How crowded can the boat feel?

The answer depends on the date and the number of boats operating. One account described as many as 12 catamarans in the area at once, which reduced the sense of privacy and made the island stops feel busy.

Space on the catamaran may also become an issue. One person found there was not enough seating for everyone, especially late in the day when people were hot and tired. That is a common concern on shared boat trips: the first hour feels spacious because everyone is excited, but comfort matters more after swimming, sun, and lunch.

I would choose this trip for its route and price, not for personal space. If you want room to stretch out, a quiet deck, and careful personal service, you may prefer a private charter. If you are happy sharing the boat with a mix of families and groups, the social setting can work well.

The crew has also received positive attention. One family-focused account described the staff as friendly, lively, and entertaining. Another praised the crew even while criticizing the lack of drinks. That suggests service can be a real strength, though the experience may vary between departures.

Value at $70 per person

At $70, this is a solid-value way to spend most of a day on the northern islands, provided you use the included elements: the catamaran ride, island stops, swimming, possible snorkeling, BBQ lunch, drinks, and guide service.

The price is strongest for families and groups. Paying separately for a boat trip, island visits, a meal, and time in the water could quickly cost more, and the shared format keeps the rate reasonable. The trip also gives you a full seven hours, not a short coastal ride.

The value is weaker if you judge it by service detail. You may not receive much island history, the lunch can feel hurried, drinks may be limited, and the catamaran can be crowded. You are buying access to a memorable route and a full day outside, not a carefully staged luxury experience.

The 4.1 rating from 18 ratings reflects that mixed picture. Some people considered it worth every rupee, while others were disappointed by the crowding, food service, music, or snorkeling arrangements. I would treat the trip as good value with a few important conditions: bring water, pack your own snorkeling gear, and accept that weather and group size shape the day.

Who will enjoy this Mauritius boat trip?

I would recommend it most to:

• Families wanting swimming, beach time, and a full day activity.
• Friends who enjoy a social catamaran with music and a BBQ.
• Anyone who wants to see Coin de Mire from the water.
• People comfortable with free time rather than a constant guided program.
• Budget-conscious visitors who want several sea experiences in one booking.

I would think twice if you need wheelchair access, as the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. I would also reconsider if you dislike heat, limited shade, open-water swimming, or shared boats.

The trip can suit children, but the island stops may be tiring without enough water and shade. Keep sunscreen close, and do not wait until you feel thirsty before drinking. The best family day here is one where everyone stays cool and hydrated.

Booking details worth knowing

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Mauritius plans are still shifting.

The captain may reschedule the cruise when bad weather is known in advance. Starting times, trip length, and the original program can also change in force majeure conditions such as rough weather. That flexibility is normal for a sea excursion, but it means you should avoid building a tight same-day connection around this cruise.

The guide service is available in English, French, Hindi, Urdu, Spanish, and Arabic. Contact the guide 24 hours before departure, since the meeting point is on the beach and the exact starting arrangements should be confirmed.

Should you book this North Islands cruise?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced, full-day sea outing with beaches, swimming, a BBQ, and a chance to snorkel near Coin de Mire. The route has real appeal, and the strongest moments are likely to come from the water itself: the view of Coin de Mire, the clear lagoon, and an open-water swim when conditions are right.

Do not book it expecting a private yacht, detailed island commentary, unlimited drinks, or guaranteed snorkeling. Bring water, your own snorkeling gear, sun protection, and a flexible attitude. With those expectations, this is a lively and worthwhile Mauritius day for families and friends.

FAQ

How long does the North Islands catamaran trip last?

The activity lasts about seven hours. Starting times are subject to availability.

What islands does the cruise visit?

The cruise visits Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel, and it sails close to Coin de Mire. You do not set foot on Coin de Mire.

Can I snorkel near Coin de Mire?

Snorkeling near Coin de Mire is included if sea conditions allow it. The captain may cancel snorkeling for safety reasons.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

Yes. You should bring your own snorkeling equipment because snorkeling is described as being on your own.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch with salad and drinks is included. In rare cases, lunch may be served on an island instead of the catamaran.

Are drinks provided all day?

Drinks are included, but the supply may not be available continuously during the island stops. Bringing extra drinking water is a sensible precaution.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, swimwear, and your own snorkeling equipment. Extra water is also practical because shade and refreshments may be limited on the islands.

Is the trip suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.