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

The best part of this outing is that the catamaran ride is a major part of the day, not just transport between stops. You get wide views of Mauritius, bright changes in the sea, and a lively return ride with music and drinks. I especially like the chance to eat a BBQ lunch right on Ile Plate and to visit both Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel.

I also like that the crew handles the island transfers by dinghy, so you are not limited to viewing the islands from offshore. The main drawback is the sea: the crossing can be choppy, the boat may feel crowded, and snorkeling conditions can vary from calm and fish-filled to current-prone and stony.

Key points at a glance

• Three northern islands in one day: Visit Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, then pass close to Coin de Mire without landing.
• BBQ lunch on Ile Plate: Food is served on the island, with drinks such as juice and beer included.
• A proper sea day: Expect roughly seven hours on the water, with swimming, snorkeling, music, and island time.
• Dinghy transfers included: You travel between the beach, catamaran, and islands by small boat where needed.
• Snorkeling is self-guided: Bring your own mask, fins, and other gear, since equipment is not supplied.
• Weather matters: Rough seas, especially from June through September, can change the route or cancel the outing.

Why the catamaran ride is worth your time

Many boat trips use the cruise simply to get you somewhere. Here, the sailing is part of the attraction. From Grand Baie, you move out across water that shifts through several shades of blue and green, with views of the northern islands long before you reach the beach.

The catamaran offers more room than a typical speedboat, and the return journey often becomes the social high point. Music, rum, dancing, and a cheerful crew create a party feel as the boat heads back to Mauritius. If you want a quiet nature trip from start to finish, this may be more lively than expected.

I would choose a seat with a view, but think about spray before settling at the front. The bow can be the most exciting place to sit, and it may also be the wettest. Keep cameras, towels, and spare clothes in a protected bag. Several people have found the front especially fun, while others preferred a deck position for comfort and less nausea.

The ride to the islands can take about an hour and a half, with conditions changing quickly. A smooth crossing is possible, but choppy water is also part of the deal. If you are prone to seasickness, eat lightly, sit where you can see the horizon, and consider whether a speedboat or shorter boat trip would suit you better.

Reaching Ilot Gabriel by dinghy

The catamaran anchors as close to the islands as water depth allows. From there, you transfer by dinghy to Ilot Gabriel, with the island visit lasting about 45 to 60 minutes according to the planned schedule.

That transfer is useful because the catamaran cannot simply pull up on every beach. It also adds a small adventure to the day. You will need to step between the dinghy and the beach, so this is not a good match for anyone with mobility limitations. Pregnant women are also advised not to take this activity.

Ilot Gabriel is the kind of stop where the setting does most of the talking. Expect bright water, open sand, and a more natural feel than a developed beach resort. Your time here is not endless, so use it well. Walk a little, take in the view, and save enough energy for swimming or snorkeling later.

Do not expect a guided nature walk or a long, structured talk at every stop. The English and French support is useful, but explanations can be brief, and a strong French accent may make some instructions harder to catch. Pay close attention to meeting times and head counts, especially when returning to the dinghy.

Ile Plate, where lunch becomes part of the setting

Ile Plate is the meal stop, and this is one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise over a standard catamaran outing. Instead of eating only on the boat, you sit on the island and have a BBQ lunch with the sea and sand nearby.

The meal is generally generous, and several people have been pleased to take second helpings. Food has included options suitable for different needs, including vegan choices on at least some departures. Drinks are included, with juice and beer listed as part of the package.

The food is best understood as a hearty beach BBQ rather than a polished restaurant meal. Some meals have been described as very good, while another assessment found the lunch plain but plentiful. That is a fair expectation: you are paying for a relaxed island meal in a beautiful setting, not fine dining.

One practical point deserves attention. Drinks are included, but accounts of the water supply have not been fully consistent. Do not assume that bottled drinking water will always be easy to find on the island. Ask the operator before departure about water, and bring sun protection because you may spend hours in direct sun and wind.

The order of the island stops can vary in practice. The planned description places Ilot Gabriel before Ile Plate, while some departures have served lunch on Ile Plate first and then allowed more time at Ilot Gabriel. The important detail is that you reach both islands, with the crew managing the timing according to conditions and the day’s operation.

Snorkeling, swimming, and the limits of the reef

The swimming stops are flexible rather than tightly programmed. You can snorkel according to your ability and comfort, or simply relax on the beach and enjoy the water. That freedom works well for mixed groups, since confident swimmers and people who prefer to stay shallow do not need to follow the same plan.

The shallow water can hold plenty of fish, and sea life may include turtles and stingrays. Some outings have even included extra turtle viewing, with instructions about keeping a respectful distance. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the area gives you a fair chance to see more than sand and water.

Bring your own snorkeling gear. It is specifically excluded from the price, and fins would be useful because parts of the bottom can be stony and currents may be noticeable. Water shoes are also a smart choice for walking across the beach and entering the water.

The snorkeling is not always the star attraction. Coral quality has been affected by the volume of boat traffic, and some people have found the underwater scenery only average. You may see fish and coral, but do not book this mainly for a pristine reef expedition. The strongest combination is the cruise, island setting, lunch, and a chance to swim.

No formal snorkeling lesson or tightly supervised group session is promised. This is self-guided time, so you need to judge the current, your swimming ability, and the comfort of the people in your group. If you are not a strong swimmer, stay in shallow water and follow crew instructions.

Coin de Mire is a view, not a landing

Coin de Mire is the third island, but the catamaran passes near it rather than putting you ashore. This distinction matters. You see the island from the water and take in its shape and position among the northern islands, but you do not walk on it.

The pass-by works as a scenic finish to the island section of the day. You remain on the catamaran, so there is no extra beach transfer or swimming stop at Coin de Mire. If setting foot on all three islands is important to you, this is not the right interpretation of the trip.

The journey then continues back toward Grand Baie. Depending on the group and crew, the mood may shift from quiet sightseeing to music and dancing. Some departures have included birthday celebrations and plenty of group interaction, which makes this a good choice if you enjoy meeting people during a shared activity.

Group size, boarding, and comfort

The boarding point is on Grand Baie beach, halfway along the beach, opposite the red Express bus for Port Louis and near the shop called Highlights. A short dinghy ride takes you from the beach to the catamaran.

Allow extra patience at the start. Finding the right boat and understanding when to board can feel unclear, particularly if several boats are operating from the beach. The operator asks for a valid WhatsApp number and can send a written description, a video, and a Google location once you are in Mauritius. That should help you get your bearings before the morning begins.

Boat size and crowding can vary. Some departures feel comfortable on a decent-sized catamaran, while others have had more than 40 people aboard and a slower flow when leaving the boat for the islands. The island transfers can therefore take time. I would not choose this trip if you want a private, fast, or quiet experience.

Shoes may not be allowed on the catamaran to protect the deck. Bring water shoes in a small bag for the beach and rocky shallows, and be ready to leave regular footwear on the sand if instructed. A towel, swimsuit, comfortable clothes, sunscreen, and a dry bag are all sensible additions.

Is $70 good value?

At $70 per person, this is a solid package if you plan to use the whole day. The price covers the catamaran cruise, dinghy transfers, access to the three-island route, BBQ lunch, and drinks. Paying separately for a long boat outing, island transport, and a beach meal could easily bring the total close to this amount.

The value depends on what you want most. If you want an easy way to see the northern islands without arranging several boats, the price works well. The island lunch also gives it an advantage over trips where the meal is cooked and served only on the catamaran.

The value is weaker if your priority is expert reef guiding, luxury service, or a small group. Snorkeling gear costs extra or must be brought, hotel pickup is not included, and the boat may be busy. You also need to get yourself to Grand Baie beach.

The seven-hour length is another plus. You are not rushing through a short cruise, although the actual time on each island is limited. On some departures, the day has finished a little later than planned, while the overall seven-hour schedule has remained close to target.

Weather and sea conditions

The captain can cancel or reschedule when weather makes the trip unsafe. That is the right call for an open-water outing, even if it is disappointing after you have planned your day.

Winter conditions from June through September can be rough enough to prevent access to all three islands. In that case, the crew may alter the route rather than force the catamaran into unsafe water. If your Mauritius schedule is tight, avoid placing this trip on the day before an important flight or connection.

Rain does not always ruin the day. Intermittent showers can pass quickly, and some people have found that changing weather added atmosphere to the cruise. Strong wind and choppy seas are different matters, particularly if you suffer from motion sickness.

Sun protection is essential even when the air feels comfortable. You are exposed to sun and wind on the catamaran, at the beach, and during the transfers. Reapply sunscreen, cover up during the hottest part of the day, and keep your phone protected from spray.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want a full sea day with scenery, swimming, island beaches, a filling lunch, and a social atmosphere. It suits couples, families with capable swimmers, solo visitors who enjoy meeting people, and anyone who wants several northern-island sights in one booking.

It is less suitable if you need step-free access, dislike rough water, or want long, quiet time on an empty beach. It is also not ideal for a serious snorkeler expecting a carefully guided reef session. The snorkeling is available, but it is only one part of a much broader day.

Book this tour if the phrase catamaran cruise with island lunch sounds more appealing than a strict sightseeing schedule. Skip it if Coin de Mire must be a landing, if you need guaranteed calm water, or if you want a private boat.

FAQ

How long does the Grand Baie three-island cruise last?

The activity lasts about seven hours, though the return can run slightly later depending on conditions and the day’s operation.

Which islands can I visit?

You can set foot on Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate. The catamaran passes near Coin de Mire, but you do not land on that island.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is included and is served on Ile Plate. Drinks, including juice and beer, are also included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. You need to bring your own snorkeling gear. Water shoes, a towel, swimwear, and sunscreen are also recommended.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You meet on Grand Baie beach, near the red Express bus for Port Louis and the shop called Highlights.

Can the trip be changed because of weather?

Yes. The captain may cancel, reschedule, or alter the route if sea conditions are unsafe. Rough conditions, particularly from June through September, can make it impossible to visit all three islands.