Coin de Mire makes this day special. I love the catamaran pace and the snorkeling near Coin de Mire that turns a normal island outing into a real sea adventure. One thing to keep in mind is that the day can get busy and snorkeling depends on weather, so the plan can shift.

This is a simple, social trip built around a family-friendly rhythm. You hop from the boat to the islands by dinghy, hang out in the lagoon, then come back for BBQ on board. It runs about 7 hours, with a live guide in multiple languages, and it is ideal when you want zero-stress time with people you actually like.

Key highlights worth planning for

• Coin de Mire view, even without landing: you pass very close to the big ocean “mountain,” and you might snorkel nearby if conditions allow.
• Island breaks built for swimming: Ile Plate beach and lagoon time, plus time at the natural reserve ilot Gabriel.
• BBQ lunch while you relax: BBQ, salad, and drinks are part of the plan, and lunch may even be served on an island in rare cases.
• Weather can change the snorkeling: the captain may adjust the program when sea conditions are rough.
• Bring your own snorkeling gear: especially if you want to be ready for near-Coin de Mire snorkeling when weather permits.
• Expect a full day vibe: between multiple boats and warm, sunny island stops, shade and space can be tight.

North Islands by catamaran: why this is good value

For $70 per person and about 7 hours, you are buying three things that usually cost extra when booked separately: boat time, guide-led logistics, and food plus drinks. The big payoff is that the trip is designed around water time, not just sightseeing from shore.

The catamaran format also helps. You are not stuck on a narrow speedboat with cramped seating the whole day. You get that rolling, relaxed rhythm of a sailing day, with time to rest between island swims.

That said, this is not a private charter. If you hate crowds, you might find the day feels a bit packed, especially around boarding, island downtime, and lunch. For most people, the trade-off is worth it because the scenery and water access are the whole point.

The 7-hour flow: what your day really looks like

The day starts with you meeting on the beach, and you are advised to get in touch with your guide 24 hours before to confirm timing. This matters more than it sounds, since there is no “collect everyone at a big indoor terminal” vibe. Showing up ready to board is half the calm.

Once you are out on the catamaran, the North Islands route focuses on a mix of:

• beach time and lagoon swimming
• nature reserve time
• snorkeling near Coin de Mire

Your stops follow the same pattern. You go from boat to island on a dinghy, you get a chunk of time to swim and relax, then you return. When you are back on the catamaran, lunch is ready, typically BBQ onboard, though there are rare cases where lunch is served on the island.

Ile Plate: lagoon swimming and beach time with quick logistics

Ile Plate is the kind of stop you book for the water. Expect a fantastic beach and crystal-clear lagoon time. This is where the day shifts from sailing views to proper swimming, and it is usually the easiest island to enjoy because it is all about getting in the water and staying there.

The practical reality is that island breaks can feel short on an overly hot day. You may find shade limited depending on where you are, so I suggest planning like this is your main beach window, not just a photo break.

If you are the type who likes to snorkel, this stop is your opportunity to do it without fighting sea conditions. If you are not a confident swimmer, stay close to the easiest shoreline edges and take it slow.

Ilot Gabriel: nature reserve stop and bird life you can notice

Ilot Gabriel is the natural reserve stop, and it comes with a different feeling than Ile Plate. This is where you get a chance to slow down, look around, and notice the living side of the islands, including bird nesting such as Paille en Queue.

What I like about this kind of stop is the contrast. One hour you are thinking about fins and goggles. The next, you are watching birds and coastlines and letting your eyes rest between ocean swims.

Time here can be a little more “walk, look, and chill” than a pure beach party. If you want the day to be mostly swimming, balance your expectations. You will get water time, but this island stop has more of a nature vibe.

Coin de Mire: the big ocean mountain and the snorkeling question

Coin de Mire is the star name on the day, and it shows why. Even when you do not set foot on the island, you still get a fantastic view of it because the boat sails very close on the way back.

Here is the key detail: you do not land on Coin de Mire. The tour is built around passing closest possible, then, if the weather allows, snorkeling can happen very near that third island. The important part for you is that you should bring your own snorkeling equipment, because this is not the moment to discover you forgot your gear.

Also, snorkeling is not guaranteed. When conditions are rough, the captain can change the plan, including sometimes skipping the snorkeling portion. That is not a company excuse. It is just how safety works when the sea is uncomfortable.

If you are a strong swimmer, you will probably love the near-coast snorkeling setup because it tends to feel like a natural shoreline reef moment. If you are less comfortable, focus on staying calm, using your snorkel kit properly, and keeping your expectations flexible.

BBQ lunch on board: what’s included, and what to plan for

Lunch is one of the best parts of this cruise because it turns a long day into something more comfortable. You will typically get a BBQ lunch with salad and drinks after the island time, and it is served in a way that keeps you from waiting around.

Food quality seems to hold up well. The BBQ experience is generally remembered as good, and the crew vibe often makes the meal feel like part of the trip, not just a chore.

Still, be realistic about drinks. On hot days, limited drinks or lack of ice can make the day feel less smooth. If you want to stay fully hydrated, I strongly recommend you pack extra water or your own drinks. It is not listed as included beyond the drinks on board, and the day can be warm.

The good news is that the lunch timing usually lines up well with when you want a break. You return to the catamaran, dinghy rides finish for a bit, and you can eat without rushing.

Crew and safety: friendly energy with real-world limits

The crew is part of the reason this trip works for families and groups. The energy can be lively, with guides who keep things moving and help you settle into the day. The live guide also offers multiple languages, including English, French, Hindi, Urdu, Spanish, and Arabic.

Safety is taken seriously, especially around sea conditions and snorkeling. That also explains why weather can change the snorkeling portion. The goal is not to force it when it is not comfortable for the group.

One more practical point: if the catamaran is crowded, it can affect your comfort during the hottest parts of the day. Some people find it harder to get relaxed seating, especially later on. If you know you will feel uncomfortable in tight spaces, arrive early, choose your spot quickly, and take breaks on open deck areas when you can.

Getting comfortable in the sun: what to bring

This trip is simple, but the sun is not. Bring the basics and you will enjoy the day more:

• Towel
• Swimwear
• Sunscreen

For snorkeling, add one more item even if it sounds obvious. Bring your own snorkeling equipment, especially for the Coin de Mire near-snorkel window if conditions allow. That one choice can turn an iffy moment into a good one.

Also think about dehydration. Island stops can add up to a lot of sun exposure. Pack extra water if you can, and keep your sunscreen topped up, even if the boat shade feels forgiving at first.

Who this tour fits best (and who should rethink it)

This cruise is a strong pick for:

• families traveling together
• groups of friends who want an easy shared day
• people who want snorkeling near Coin de Mire plus lagoon time at Ile Plate
• anyone who prefers a guided, structured day over planning beach hopping

It is not suitable for wheelchair users, based on the accessibility note.

If you are a solo traveler, it can work too, since you are out on a shared catamaran and you get built-in downtime between stops. Just know the day may feel busy, so it is best if you do not mind other people enjoying the same water.

Price and logistics: the real value check

At $70, this feels like good value if you want a whole-day water plan with food included. You are not just buying a boat ride. You are getting:

• catamaran travel
• guide services
• BBQ lunch and drinks
• snorkeling stops built into the route
• the big view moment of Coin de Mire

The “value risk” is not the price. It is time and conditions. If the sea is rough and snorkeling gets reduced, you still have island swimming and beach time, but the Coin de Mire highlight can soften.

So the decision comes down to your priority list. If your top goal is water access and island relaxation, you will likely be happy. If your top goal is guaranteed snorkeling near Coin de Mire, you should book with flexibility in mind.

Should you book this North Islands cruise?

Book it if you want a fun, guided sea day with real swimming time, a BBQ lunch, and the chance to snorkel near Coin de Mire when weather cooperates. The combination of island beaches, lagoon water, and that close-pass view of Coin de Mire is exactly the kind of Mauritius day that pays off.

Hold back if you are sensitive to crowds, limited seating, or you hate the idea of a plan changing due to sea conditions. In that case, either bring extra supplies for comfort and hydration, or look for a more private or more flexible snorkeling option.

If you do book, go in smart: bring your own snorkeling gear, protect yourself from the sun, and pack some extra drinks. Do that, and this cruise turns into a solid day on the water, with plenty to enjoy even when the sea decides to be moody.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The duration is listed as 7 hours.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is on the beach. You should contact your guide 24 hours before the activity to coordinate.

What is included in the price?

It includes the catamaran trip, snorkeling near the islands on your own, snorkeling near Coin de Mire, guide services, BBQ lunch, and drinks.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

You are encouraged to bring your own equipment, especially for snorkeling near Coin de Mire if weather allows.

What should I bring with me?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and swimwear.

Are there drink options throughout the day?

Drinks are included, and they are listed as part of the BBQ lunch package on the cruise. The exact availability can vary with the day’s flow.

What languages are the guides available in?

The tour guide is available in English, French, Hindi, Urdu, Spanish, and Arabic.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users.