Three islands, one relaxed day, and clear water. This North Mauritius catamaran starts in Grand Baie and sails close to Coin de Mire, with time on Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel.

I especially love the easy rhythm, you get beach time with options to swim, snorkel, or just chill on soft sand. I also love the BBQ lunch on Ile Plate, with grilled fish, chicken, sausages, pasta, rice, bread, and green salad, plus drinks while cruising.

One thing to weigh: there’s no landing at Coin de Mire, so you admire it from the boat instead of stepping onto the island.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Catamaran cruising from Grand Baie, with a fun on-board mood and music later in the day
• Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel beach time, usually around an hour to swim, snorkel, or stroll
• Snorkeling in very clear water, with good odds of seeing coral fish, and sometimes turtles or an octopus
• A proper island BBQ lunch on Ile Plate, with grilled mains plus pasta, rice, bread, and salad
• Sailing close to Coin de Mire, the mountain-in-the-sea view, without a shore stop
• Unlimited drinks during the trip, including juice, water, and cocktails served with lunch and cruising

Why this North Islands cruise feels like a full-day reset

This is the kind of Mauritius day that works because it keeps moving, but not in a stressful way. You start with a catamaran sail, then you get real time on small islands with soft sand and swim options, then you come back with saltwater hair and good food in your belly.

I like that it feels truly “islands first.” You are not just passing viewpoints, you are dropping anchor near beaches where the water color really shifts as you get shallower.

The main watch-out is also simple. You will see Coin de Mire from close range, but you will not set foot on it. If your dream is an island walk and photos from a beach, this part may feel a little different than what you imagined.

Getting to the boat in Grand Baie, and how the day flows

The action starts right on the beach in Grand Baie. You’ll see a gentleman holding a list, easy to spot, with other people on standby too. This is one of those tours where the start is straightforward, and you move to the boat transfer without drama.

From there, you head to the catamaran anchored out at sea. Expect a mix of boat segments, including transfers via taxi boats to Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel once you reach the anchorage.

Timing-wise, plan for a full day. One clear pattern is that you’re out there for around seven hours total, and it can take roughly 90 minutes to reach the islands, depending on conditions and the day’s pace. Once you’re underway, the trip turns into a steady flow of sail, swim, lunch, and sail again.

Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel: virgin-feeling beaches and real swim time

These are the stars of the day in practical terms. You get to land at Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel, and you’re not rushed through a scripted program. The schedule gives you about one hour of free time on the islands to soak up sun, swim, snorkel, or simply stroll the beach.

What I think you’ll appreciate most is the feel of the water and shore. The sand is described as soft and powdery, and the island beaches are set up for relaxing rather than crowded attractions. You should expect a calm, laid-back vibe, the kind where you can choose between active time in the water or a slower beach siesta.

And yes, the snorkeling has a real chance to be memorable. Clear water reports come up again and again, with sightings like coral fish, and sometimes a surprise like a turtle or an octopus. You don’t get a guarantee on wildlife, but this is exactly the type of place where good conditions pay off.

A small practical note. This is your free time, not a guided island visit. That means you can’t count on a tour guide steering you to a specific snorkeling spot or explaining each corner. If you like to move independently, that’s a plus.

The BBQ lunch on Ile Plate is the tasty centerpiece

Lunch is not an afterthought here, it’s built as a main event. On Ile Plate, the BBQ setup includes grilled fish, chicken, sausages, pasta, rice, bread, and a green salad. It’s the kind of spread that actually works after swimming and sun time, because it covers both protein and carbs.

Drinks are part of the lunch, and you’ll also have drinks served while you’re cruising. The overall message is that you’re meant to stay refreshed without constantly buying things. You can expect juice, water, and cocktails served during the day.

One detail I’d plan around: the tour notes that you should bring your own bottled water to be used when walking on the islands or when waiting to be picked up. That doesn’t replace what is served on board, it’s more about keeping your island time comfortable. If you forget, you may still manage, but you’ll feel it.

What about pacing? After lunch, you get time to unwind, like a beach siesta before the catamaran heads to the next and final major scenic stop. That little pause matters, because it keeps the day from feeling like nonstop activity.

Coin de Mire: close sailing views, with no island stop

Coin de Mire is described as a curious mountain in the middle of the sea, and that description is spot on for what you get here. The key point is that catamarans do not stop for you to set foot on the island. Instead, you sail closest possible to it and admire the view from the water.

If you love scenery from the sea, you will likely find this section a highlight. There’s something special about seeing that landmark loom up while the boat keeps moving. You also tend to get changing angles as you pass, so it doesn’t feel like one single photo and done.

If you were hoping for a shore break, a hike, or a beach walk, this tour won’t give you that. Still, the trade-off is that you keep the day flowing, and you avoid turning the trip into a complicated island logistics day.

Drinks, music, and the feel-good catamaran atmosphere

This tour leans into a relaxed vacation mood. People note friendly entertainers on board, along with music and an upbeat atmosphere. By the later part of the day, it can even feel like a party vibe while you’re sailing back, which is a great way to cap the day after beach time.

That matters because the best island day is half the place, half the pacing and energy. When the cruise portion feels light and fun, you’re less likely to get impatient while waiting for the next stop.

You’re also moving through different shades of ocean. The highlights mention swimming in different colors of the water, and you can see how that happens when you go from deeper sail zones to shallower island edges. It’s one of those things that’s hard to explain until you see it, and the day is built to show you that contrast.

Price and value at about $76, plus what you must bring

At around $76 per person, you’re paying for a lot that adds up fast if you price it separately. You get the boat transfer from the beach to the catamaran anchored at sea, the whole trip, transfers by taxi boats to Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel, lunch on Ile Plate with drinks, and the close pass near Coin de Mire.

Hotel transfers are not included, so if you’re staying away from the beach area, you’ll want to plan your own ride to Grand Baie. That’s the main extra cost to think about.

What you should bring is simple and practical:

• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Beachwear

And based on the tour note, I’d also bring a small bottle of water for island waiting and walking. It’s not complicated, but it helps you stay comfortable without interrupting your rhythm.

One more practical consideration: bad weather can shift plans. Safety comes first, and if conditions are too rough, the trip may be rescheduled after consultation. If they cannot reschedule, you should expect a full refund by the site after approval. In other words, don’t assume every day will run perfectly on schedule.

Who this cruise suits best (and who should pick something else)

This is a great match for you if you want a North Mauritius day that combines scenery, swim time, and a real lunch without heavy planning. It’s also ideal if you prefer flexibility on the islands, because your time is not a strict guided tour. You can snorkel, stroll, or just lie down and enjoy the calm.

It can also suit families or groups because the pace is built for comfort: short sail blocks, clear anchored stops, and an easy return. People also highlight the feeling of security on board, which matters when you’re out on open water.

You might choose a different tour if you strongly want to land on Coin de Mire. This one keeps that part as a close sail-by only. Also, if you need a highly narrated island guide experience, you’ll likely find this more self-directed once you’re on the beach.

Should you book this North Islands catamaran?

I’d book it if your goal is simple, beautiful, and stress-light: catamaran sailing from Grand Baie, time on Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel, snorkeling in clear water, and a BBQ lunch that actually feels like a meal.

It’s also a good value bet at about $76 because the package bundles the big costs together: ferry-style transfers, lunch, and drinks. The only likely reason to hesitate is the no-landing reality at Coin de Mire, so check that expectation before you commit.

If you want an easy, beachy day with sea views and a fun on-board vibe, this one fits that bill well.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The day runs as a full outing, and it commonly returns after about seven hours. You should also expect roughly 90 minutes of travel time to reach the islands, depending on the day.

Which islands does the cruise include?

You’ll visit Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel, and you’ll sail closest possible to Coin de Mire.

Do you get to step on Coin de Mire?

No. The catamaran does not stop for passengers to land on Coin de Mire. You admire it from the boat while cruising close by.

How much time do I have on the islands?

You have about one hour of free time on the islands, with options to swim, snorkel, or stroll on the virgin beach areas.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch on Ile Plate is included, and it is a BBQ with grilled fish, chicken, sausages, pasta, rice, bread, and green salad.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks are served during cruising and with lunch, and you can expect unlimited drinks such as juice, water, and cocktails.

Should I bring my own water?

The tour notes that you are expected to bring your own bottled water for use when walking on the islands or when waiting to be picked up.

What should I bring with me?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear.

What if the weather is bad?

If conditions are unsafe, the trip may be rescheduled after consultation with you. If it can’t be rescheduled, you should be entitled to a full refund by the site after approval.

Where do I meet the group in Grand Baie?

You meet on the beach. Look for a gentleman with a list, with other people also standing by, and the activity returns you to the same meeting point.