Three islands, one smooth catamaran ride. This Mauritius north-coast outing combines catamaran time with actual island beach stops, plus BBQ lunch and drinks. You get the ocean colors and sea views you just cannot get from shore, along with chances to snorkel near protected waters.

I especially like the mix of real beach time and hands-on nature moments, from swimming at Ilot Gabriel to more preserved-feeling scenery at Ile Plate. Another standout is the BBQ lunch on the outing, paired with drinks, so the day feels like a proper excursion instead of a rushed checklist.

One thing to weigh: the whole plan depends on weather and sea conditions, and the captain decides whether snorkeling happens at the third island. If you are hoping for a guaranteed snorkel at Gunners Quoin, keep flexibility in your schedule.

Key things to know before you go

• Ilot Gabriel landing includes swimming and snorkeling right at a beach on a small, quieter island.
• Paille en Queue bird sightings are possible near Ilot Gabriel, including nests close enough to notice if conditions allow.
• Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel are only about 10 km off Mauritius, linked by a turquoise lagoon, with white sand and clear views.
• Coin de Mire (Gunners Quoin) is a volcanic cone of basaltic rocks, with an excellent nearby snorkeling reputation when seas cooperate.
• Lunch is built in as a BBQ plus salad and drinks, so you are not hunting food between stops.
• Group size is capped at 48, which usually keeps things from feeling like chaos on board.

A North Islands catamaran day, minus the fluff

This is a classic Mauritius “get out on the water” half-day that stretches into a full outing, about 7 hours total. The departure is from Grand Baie Public Beach at 8:30 am, and you return to the same meeting point.

What makes it worth your time is the rhythm. You are not just cruising past islands at a distance. You spend time on land at the first two islands, you eat while you are out there, and you get a chance to snorkel around the islands while the catamaran moves you along.

The vibe can be lively. Think music on board and a party-feel for some of the day. If you want quiet nature listening, bring patience or consider that you are still on a shared day tour.

Price and value: what $58.08 really buys

At $58.08 per person, this is positioned as a value-packed day: catamaran ride, three island stops, plus lunch BBQ, salad, and drinks. You also get a mobile ticket, and the group size stays under 48.

The key value point is what is included. The BBQ and drinks are not an add-on. And because the stops are spread across three different island areas, you get variety: one beach with a chance to spot endemic birds, another with postcard-style lagoon scenery, and the third island area where snorkeling is often the big draw.

The only major omission is private transportation. So if you are not already near Grand Baie, you may want to factor in the cost and timing of getting to the meeting point.

The sailing setup: 7 hours, shared boat, real transfer time

The catamaran route is set up for the North Islands, so you should expect sea time from Grand Baie to the first island to be about an hour and a half. From there, you are moving to island stops that run on a schedule, with time on the water and time on the beach.

One practical detail: getting to the island can involve transfers by smaller boat depending on conditions and operations on the day. That can add waiting or a bit of bobbing time, especially when lots of people are going at once. It is normal for island-hopping, but it is worth mentally preparing for it.

Also, snorkeling opportunities are not “guaranteed.” The operator makes the call based on sea conditions for the day, with the captain having final say for safety.

Stop 1: Ilot Gabriel Beach, swimming and possible bird-life

Your first land stop is Ilot Gabriel Beach, where you actually step onto the island. This is one of the biggest reasons I like this tour concept: you get the beach experience, not just a photo from the catamaran.

The island atmosphere is described as very nice for swimming and snorkeling, with a feeling of seeing something less disturbed. There is also a strong nature angle here. If you pay attention on the island, you have a chance to see the endemic bird Paille en Queue, including sightings close to their nests.

What that means for you:

• If you enjoy wildlife spotting, you will feel more connected here than on a stop that is purely scenery.
• If you mainly want water time, plan to move between snorkeling and the beach, because the island time is not huge.

Do bring sunscreen and plan for shade to be limited. Island beaches can be beautiful, but you will feel the sun.

Stop 2: Ile Plate Beach, white sand and lagoon color

Next up is Ile Plate Beach, often paired with Ilot Gabriel because these small islands sit about 10 km north of Mauritius. The highlight is the preserved look of the place: white sand and a turquoise lagoon, linked so you can see how the water changes color close to shore.

Time on this stop runs longer than the first in the outline, around 2 hours 30 minutes, which helps. That extra half-hour matters if you want a proper swim session, not just a quick splash.

Practical tip: if the water is clear, spend a little time first scanning from the shallows. You can often find the better snorkeling spots by watching where fish gather and where the water has the most visibility.

This is also the part of the day where the tour’s “island rhythm” makes sense. You are out there for long enough that lunch on the outing and a short rest on the beach does not feel rushed.

Lunch and drinks: BBQ with a beach-day feel

Lunch is included as BBQ, salad, and drinks. The BBQ part is a big deal for value, and it changes the feel of the day. Instead of eating on the boat between stops, you can take your time and treat it like a proper island day.

You should expect a relaxed setup rather than a fine-dining meal. The goal is fueling you for the next leg and keeping the group comfortable on warm water time.

A useful mindset: treat lunch like a recharge. Hydrate, eat something balanced, and then decide how long you want to snorkel again afterward.

Stop 3: Coin de Mire (Gunners Quoin), snorkeling when the sea allows

The third stop is Gunner’s Quoin, also called Coin de Mire. You will hear it described as an ancient volcanic cone of basaltic rocks. It is small, about 65 hectares, and about 8 km off the north coast.

Here is the key practical point: you do not set foot on the island. The catamaran passes nearby, and if the sea conditions are favorable, you can snorkel in the natural aquarium area close to the island.

This is often one of the best snorkeling areas in the north, described as crystal clear with good visibility year-round. But that depends on the day. The captain’s decision is final, and safety comes first.

How to get the best outcome for yourself:

• If you are a stronger swimmer, you might feel comfortable going out farther, but always follow staff guidance.
• If you are a beginner, focus on shallower entry and short sessions rather than pushing for long stretches.
• If seas are rough, be ready to shift your plan. You can still enjoy the passing views and sea color, even if snorkeling is limited.

Sea views you cannot get from shore

One of the best reasons to book this kind of cruise is the perspective. From Grand Baie, you see the coastline. From the catamaran, you see the island edges, the shallows, and that color shift where the sand affects the water.

This tour is built around that idea. Between stop 1, stop 2, and the pass near Coin de Mire, you are constantly switching angles. It is a visual payoff, especially when the sky is clear and you can see deeper water textures.

If you like photography, you will want to keep a dry layer handy. Morning sun can be strong, and boat wind can chill you when you cool off.

Vibe check: party music vs. nature day expectations

Some days on this cruise feel like a good-time outing. Loud music can run for long stretches, and the drink atmosphere can be part of the fun.

That is not necessarily a problem, but it is a consideration. If you are coming to relax, expect the sound level to shape your experience more than you might want. If you are noise-sensitive, bring ear protection.

Also remember that this is still a nature day tour, especially at Ilot Gabriel. You might get a quiet pocket on the beach, then bounce back into the shared energy on board.

Who this tour suits best

This fits best if you want a mix of:

• Island beach time on two stops
• Snorkeling when conditions allow
• A included lunch and drinks day that does not require extra planning
• Strong views and a “sea day” atmosphere without a multi-day commitment

You might especially like it if you are staying near Grand Baie and want a day that combines scenic water with a couple of real island moments.

If you are traveling with kids, it can work well because the stops are structured and there is a lot of time where kids can swim safely if they are comfortable in the water. Just remember snorkeling decisions depend on sea conditions.

If you are a serious diver, this is more of a snorkeling and scenery tour, and the third stop snorkeling depends on weather and captain discretion.

Smooth planning, smart expectations

Because the experience depends on weather and sea conditions, the best planning strategy is simple: keep your schedule flexible around this day. If storms or rough seas roll in, snorkeling can change, and in some cases the tour can be canceled.

Also, confirm what you need for day-of updates. The tour runs from Grand Baie at 8:30 am, so you want to know the status before you invest taxi time.

One more practical note: the day is organized around a fixed itinerary with set stopping times. That means you should be ready to swim, snorkel, and rest in sessions, not in your own open-ended order.

Should you book the 3 North Islands catamaran?

I would book this tour if your top goals are three island perspectives, included BBQ lunch with drinks, and a chance to snorkel near Coin de Mire when conditions are right. It is good value for an all-in day, especially if you want something more active than a simple boat ride.

I would think twice if you need guaranteed snorkeling at the third stop, or if loud music would ruin your relaxed pace. The captain decides what is possible that day, and the itinerary includes time on the water plus beach time.

If you can handle a little uncertainty with the sea, this is the kind of outing that gives you a full Mauritius day feel without extra logistics.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at Grand Baie Public Beach, Grand Baie, Mauritius at 8:30 am and ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the experience?

The cruise duration is about 7 hours.

How many islands are included?

There are 3 island stops: Ilot Gabriel Beach, Ile Plate Beach, and the Coin de Mire (Gunners Quoin) area.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included as a BBQ with salad, and drinks are included too.

Are drinks included or extra?

Drinks are included with the lunch as part of the package.

Can I snorkel on the tour?

Snorkeling is offered as per your wish and as per your abilities, near the islands. For Coin de Mire, snorkeling depends on favorable sea conditions.

Do you land on Coin de Mire?

No. You do not set foot on Coin de Mire. The catamaran passes nearby, and snorkeling may be possible if conditions allow.

How far are the islands from Mauritius?

Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate are about 10 km north of the Mauritius shores. Coin de Mire is about 8 km from the north coast.

What is the group size?

This activity has a maximum of 48 travelers.

What about cancellations due to weather?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.