A day on the water around Mauritius feels instantly different. This Grand Baie catamaran cruise strings together three north-island viewpoints, with real time to land at Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate for swimming and an on-island BBQ lunch with drinks. It’s one of those trips where the ocean colors change as you move, so you keep looking up even after you’ve settled in.

I also like that the day is built around simple, practical flow: dinghy transfers where you can actually enjoy the approach, lunch served where you’ll feel the island setting, and then snorkeling at your own pace. The main drawback to plan for is the reality of the sea and timing, especially if conditions are rough or if you’re expecting long island time, because you may not get equal time at every stop.

Key things to know before you go

• Full island lunch on Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate: BBQ on the island, not just a meal on the boat.
• You can swim and snorkel freely after lunch, based on your comfort level.
• Coin de Mire is a pass-by only: the boat goes close, but you do not step ashore.
• Snorkeling gear is not included: bring your own or plan to go without fins.
• Weather can change the plan: the captain may cancel or adjust stops for safety.
• Long beach-to-boat day, not a quick hop: bring a towel, sunscreen, and comfy clothes.

Grand Baie boarding: where the day starts, and what to expect

Your cruise starts on the Grand Baie beach, meeting halfway along the shore, opposite the red Express bus for Port Louis, and across from the shop called HIGHLIGHTS. It’s a straightforward beach setup, but it helps to arrive with enough time to get checked in and find your group before the boarding rush.

Once you’re booked, you’ll be asked to share a valid WhatsApp number so the operator can send you a written description, a video, and a Google location. That’s useful in Mauritius, where beach entrances can look similar and signage can be hit-or-miss once you’re right on the sand.

From there, you’ll move from beach to catamaran by dinghy, and that first transfer sets the tone. Several people note that the sea can get choppy on the way out, so if you’re sensitive to motion, think about how you’ll manage that before you pick a seat.

Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate: landing, BBQ lunch, and real water time

The heart of this trip is not just seeing islands, it’s getting onto two of them. The boat anchors near Ilot Gabriel (as far as depth allows), then you ride a dinghy to the island for roughly 45 to 60 minutes.

Ilot Gabriel is your first landing. What makes this stop work well is that it’s not all structured, classroom-style. You get island time, then you get food, then you get swimming and snorkeling in the same day without feeling like you’re rushing from one rigid activity to the next. And because you’re already on the island, you can step right into the shallow water and ease into snorkeling instead of fighting sea conditions all at once.

After Ilot Gabriel, you’re brought to Ile Plate, where the operator looks after you and serves the lunch. The BBQ lunch is a big reason this cruise is such good value. Multiple reviews mention that the food is plentiful and actually tastes fresh, with people even describing it as enough for seconds.

A few details help you plan your own day:

• You’ll be eating on the island, so bring the right stuff for sun and sand.
• You’ll get time that feels like a break, not just a stopover.
• After lunch, snorkeling is generally self-guided, so it helps to know your comfort level in open water.

One more practical point. Several guests recommend water shoes, and some mention that shoes may not be allowed on the catamaran to keep the deck clean. That means you’ll want something that works both for walking and for getting in and out of the water without hurting your feet on rocky spots.

Snorkeling reality check: you’ll see fish, but currents and footing matter

This is snorkeling time you control, not a tightly choreographed reef tour. That’s a good thing if you like freedom, but it also means you should go in with realistic expectations.

On the plus side, people consistently describe the snorkeling as enjoyable, with plenty of fish close to shore. You’re on the islands in waters that are bright and clear enough to make snorkeling feel worth it, and because you’re landing at Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, you’re usually not trapped waiting for a single deep-water moment.

On the caution side, some reviews flag strongish currents and stony underfoot in places. If you plan to snorkel longer, fins can help, and keeping your footing in mind will make the experience smoother. Also, snorkeling can feel less coral-heavy than you might hope, with one comment specifically pointing to how tourism pressure can affect reef life.

If you want the best session:

• Swim close to shore first, not straight out to sea.
• Don’t assume every patch of water feels the same.
• If you get tired, switch to a relaxed float and still enjoy the scenery.

And remember, snorkeling equipment is not included. You’ll want to bring your own snorkel, mask, and ideally fins if you use them.

Coin de Mire: close pass, no landing, still worth the ride

Coin de Mire is the third island in the plan, and it comes with a clear rule: nobody sets foot on it. The catamaran sails nearby as close as possible, so you get big-picture views from the water, but you do not transition to an on-island swim session there.

Why that still works. Some islands are protected by rules and logistics that limit landing, and the cruise format handles that with a “see it from the sea” approach. In practice, this stop is about the scenery and the sailing experience, not about adding another island landing.

If you’re the kind of traveler who wants to set foot everywhere, this is the one moment that might feel like a tradeoff. But if you like being on the water and want time for swimming where you can land, the first two stops usually do the heavy lifting.

The BBQ lunch and drinks: good food on an island, not just fuel

For many people, the on-island BBQ lunch is the best part of the day. It’s built into the rhythm of the cruise, meaning you arrive hungry, you eat in an island setting, and then you still have hours to enjoy the water after.

The basics are included: BBQ lunch plus drinks, with items like juice and beer mentioned as part of the included service. Several reviews say the food is tasty and served in a way that keeps you fed without long delays.

A couple of small real-world notes from feedback are worth taking seriously:

• Drinks can be warm at times, which is why sunscreen and hydration matter. You might want extra water if you’re sensitive to heat.
• The party atmosphere on the return can include music and rum punch, so if you’re watching your alcohol, plan your pace.

If you have dietary needs, one review highlights that vegan options may be available. The safest approach is to ask before you go, but it’s good to know that the team has been able to offer alternatives at least for some groups.

The catamaran cruise itself: comfort, crowding, and the best seat

The cruise is a big part of the experience, not just the transport. Catamaran rides tend to give you those wide ocean angles you cannot get from land, and the trip is designed so you see the islands from the water early, even before landing.

Seat choice can matter. One guest specifically notes that if you sit at the front, you may get wet. That’s not a problem for everyone, but it can be an issue if you don’t want your clothes turned into saltwater souvenirs. If you’re bringing valuables, store them properly downstairs as suggested by one review.

Crowd level seems variable. Some people describe the boat as decent size and not too crowded, while another mentions more than 40 people and a packed feel. My advice: book because you want the island day, not because you expect luxury space.

What you can count on is a generally upbeat crew vibe. Many reviews describe friendly staff and fun music, especially on the return trip, where several people mention dancing and a high-energy atmosphere.

Seasickness and choppy water: when the captain calls the shots

Safety comes first, and that’s not just a slogan here. The captain reserves the right to cancel or reschedule if weather conditions warrant it. In winter months, typically between June and September, sea conditions can also affect whether all three islands can be done as described.

That means you should be flexible. If the sea gets too rough, you might not get the full “three islands” version of the day. The operator explicitly says they may skip or adjust stops for safety, and that decision is final.

If you get motion sickness easily:

• Consider taking something before you board, the way you normally do for boat rides.
• Choose your seat thoughtfully.
• Try to keep your eyes on the horizon when the boat pitches.

One review suggests that a speedboat might feel better for some people in rougher conditions. That’s very individual, but it’s a clue that boat motion is a real variable on this route.

Value check: is $70 per person a good deal for what you get?

At about $70 per person for a full 7-hour day, this cruise can be excellent value if you want multiple islands, transfers, and a real meal all included.

Here’s what you get for that price, based on the tour info:

• Round-trip experience with transfers and accesses to the north islands
• Dinghy transfers from the beach to the catamaran and to the islands
• BBQ lunch and drinks (juice, beer, and more listed as included)
• A live guide in English and French

Here’s what’s not included:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Snorkeling equipment

That last point matters for budgeting. If you don’t already have a mask and snorkel, you’ll either need to rent or bring your own. Still, even with that added cost, this trip compares well against “boat only” tours because you’re paying for the whole day structure, including food and island time.

If you’re traveling as a couple or solo, the $70 can feel especially fair because the day’s logistics are handled. You just show up, then the islands and the sea do the rest.

Who this cruise suits best (and who should skip it)

This trip is a strong match if you:

• Want a full-day north-island experience from Grand Baie
• Like snorkeling but do not want a strict guided-only format
• Enjoy a social boat atmosphere with music and crew energy
• Want a proper lunch on the island, not just a snack

It’s not suitable if you’re pregnant or have mobility impairments. That’s not about discomfort, it’s about the nature of transfers and dinghy movement, plus island terrain and timing.

If you’re a solo traveler, the reviews suggest it can be a friendly day. A few solo guests report meeting interesting people and enjoying the group vibe without feeling isolated.

The practical packing list that actually makes the day easier

This is one of those tours where packing light helps, but the right items make or break your comfort.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable shoes (and if you have them, water shoes)
• Comfortable clothes

And also plan around the fact that snorkeling gear is not included. If you want fins or your preferred mask, bring them.

If you sit on the front, expect salt spray. If you store your things downstairs on the catamaran, you’ll have a smoother start when it’s time to get into the dinghy.

Should you book the Grand Baie 3 Islands cruise?

I’d book this if your top priorities are island landing time, a real BBQ lunch with drinks, and a catamaran ride that gives you big sea views without complicated planning. At $70 for 7 hours, it offers solid value as long as you’re comfortable with the day being outdoors, sometimes choppy, and occasionally affected by weather.

Skip it if you need guaranteed landing time at every stop, or if you cannot handle boat movement and transfers. Also, if snorkeling gear is a pain point for you, plan ahead because it is not included.

If you want an easy win in Mauritius, this is one of the more straightforward, feel-good ways to spend a day on the north coast, with enough variety that you don’t feel stuck in one mode all day.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point in Grand Baie?

You meet halfway on the beach of Grand Baie, opposite the red Express bus for Port Louis, and opposite the shop called HIGHLIGHTS. You’ll also receive a detailed written description, a video, and a Google location via WhatsApp after booking.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is 7 hours.

Which islands are included, and do you land on Coin de Mire?

The tour covers Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate with full island access, plus a nearby sailing pass at Coin de Mire. The information provided states that nobody sets foot on Coin de Mire.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No, snorkeling equipment is not included.

What’s included in the lunch and drinks?

Lunch is a BBQ on the island with drinks included. Juice and beer are specifically mentioned as included.

Do I need hotel pickup?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and snorkeling gear.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments?

No. It is not suitable for pregnant women and it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

What happens if weather makes it unsafe?

The captain can cancel or reschedule if weather conditions warrant it. In rough conditions, it may not be possible to do all three islands as described, due to safety.