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

The best part of this day is that you do not simply look at Mauritius from a boat. You land on Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, eat lunch beside the beach, and see Coin de Mire from the water. The catamaran ride is a major part of the fun, with bright water, open sea, island views, music, and plenty of time to sit back.

I like the island BBQ lunch, which is included rather than sold as an extra, and I like the cheerful crew who help with the dinghy transfers and keep drinks moving. The return sailing often turns into a relaxed party, with music, dancing, and rum-based drinks. The main drawback is the sea crossing: rough water, crowded boarding, and limited snorkeling in some areas can take the shine off the day.

Key points to know before booking

• Lunch is served on Ile Plate, not just on the catamaran, giving the middle of the day a pleasant beach setting.
• Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate are the landing stops, while Coin de Mire is viewed from the boat because nobody goes ashore there.
• The ride can be choppy, especially from June through September, so this is not ideal if you get seasick.
• Drinks and BBQ food are included, but snorkeling equipment is not, and some drinks may be warm.
• The front of the catamaran gets wet, but it also gives you the best sense of speed and open water.
• The trip suits active adults and families with good mobility, but it is not recommended for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments.

Sailing north from Grand Baie

This seven-hour outing begins on Grand Baie beach, about halfway along the beach opposite the red Express bus for Port Louis and the shop called Highlights. The operator sends a written description, video, and Google location through WhatsApp, so give a valid WhatsApp number when you book. That matters because the beach meeting point can feel vague at first, especially with several boats using the same shore.

You first take a dinghy from the beach to the catamaran. This short transfer is part of the experience, but it can also create a wait while people board. One practical point is easy to miss: shoes are not worn on the catamaran to protect the deck. Bring water shoes in a small bag for the beach, rocks, and shallow water, then leave ordinary shoes on shore or with the boat arrangements.

Once underway, the catamaran ride is not filler between activities. You get a broad view of the northern coast and the changing colors of the sea. Some passengers prefer the front deck, where the ride feels faster and spray can soak you. Others choose a more sheltered spot because the crossing can be rough.

Keep your phone, towel, and extra clothes in a protected bag if you sit forward. One lucky group saw dolphins on the way out, while other trips have included humpback whale sightings on the return. These sightings are not promised, but the open-water route gives you a chance that a land-based outing does not.

The boat has been described as a decent size, though some departures carry more than 40 people. That can slow the process of getting on and off the catamaran. The atmosphere is usually social, but this is not a private sailing trip and you should expect company.

Ilot Gabriel, your first taste of the outer islands

The catamaran anchors as close to the islands as water depth allows. From there, a dinghy takes you to Ilot Gabriel, with about 45 to 60 minutes suggested for the visit. The short landing is worth the effort because it lets you walk on the island rather than only photograph it from offshore.

Ilot Gabriel is known here for its pale beach, clear water, and open views. You can swim, sit on the sand, and take in the color of the sea without having to rush straight back to the catamaran. The time is not generous, however. If you want photographs, a short walk, and a swim, keep an eye on the meeting time.

The operator may alter the order of the two island stops. On some departures, lunch is served soon after reaching Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel follows for swimming and rest. The exact order is less important than the overall rhythm: land, eat, swim, then return to the boat for the third island and the sail home.

The dinghy transfer requires care. Crew members help people move between the small boat and the catamaran, and clear instructions are given, but the step can be awkward in moving water. This is one reason the activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Ile Plate and a BBQ beside the beach

Ile Plate, also called Flat Island, is where the outing becomes more than a scenic cruise. Lunch is served on the island, with BBQ food, juice, beer, and other drinks included in the price. The setting is simple rather than polished: you eat in a natural beach environment with the sea close by and the island around you.

The meal is generally one of the strongest parts of the day. Expect a generous serving, and on some departures seconds are available. The food has been described as fresh, tasty, and hearty, with vegan choices available on at least some trips. It is not a restaurant meal, but it does what you need after a sea crossing: it is filling, relaxed, and part of the place.

A small caution concerns drinks. Beer and other refreshments are included, but drinks have occasionally been warm. Bottled water is not clearly listed among the included items, and one departure left people wishing they had brought more water. Carry your own refillable water bottle if possible, and do not rely only on juice, beer, or rum drinks in the sun.

The island lunch also has a timing advantage. You are not eating while the boat pitches on the water, and you do not have to return to Grand Baie before getting a proper meal. If you are prone to seasickness, eating lightly before departure may help. One practical suggestion from the day is to avoid a heavy breakfast, though you should still bring water and any medication you normally use.

Snorkeling, swimming, and time in the water

After lunch, you get time to swim and snorkel around the islands. The activity is self-guided, not a formal group snorkeling lesson. You choose how far to go according to your ability, and you can also stay in the shallow water near the beach.

This works well if you want freedom. You can swim for a few minutes, sit on the sand, or take a quiet rest under the sun. It is less suitable if you want a guide pointing out fish and coral or keeping the whole group together.

The water can be excellent, with fish visible in shallow areas and occasional sightings of turtles and stingrays. A separate turtle encounter has been available for an extra fee on some departures. If that option is offered, listen carefully to the instructions about giving turtles space and not touching or chasing them.

Conditions vary. Currents can be strong in places, the bottom may be stony, and fins would help. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins if you have them. The operator specifically suggests bringing snorkeling gear, while the basic package covers the transfers and access to the islands.

Do not book this expecting a perfect coral garden every time. Parts of the snorkeling area have been affected by heavy use, and some people find the underwater sights only average. The beaches and water views are more reliable than the marine life.

Coin de Mire, seen from the catamaran

Coin de Mire is the third island on the route, but you do not set foot on it. The catamaran passes as close as water depth and conditions allow, giving you a view of its rocky profile from the sea.

This stop is brief compared with the two beach visits, so think of it as a scenic passage rather than a landing. It adds a different shape to the day. Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate give you sand and shallow water, while Coin de Mire is best appreciated from a distance.

The captain may adjust the route if sea conditions change. During winter, usually June through September, rough water can make it impossible to reach all three islands. The final decision belongs to the captain, and safety comes first. You may therefore receive a shortened route or miss one island if conditions are poor.

That weather policy is worth taking seriously. Several people enjoyed a rough crossing as part of the adventure, but others found the waves tiring. If you are especially sensitive to motion, a speedboat may be more comfortable than a catamaran, though this particular experience is built around the slower, more social boat ride.

The return trip is part of the entertainment

After the island time, you return to the catamaran and sail toward Grand Baie. This is often when the mood changes. Music comes on, drinks are served, and passengers may dance on deck. Birthday celebrations have been folded into the day, and the crew encourages a friendly party atmosphere.

You can join in or simply watch from the side. Solo visitors can meet people easily here, while couples and families can keep to a quieter corner if they prefer. The crew is frequently praised for being cheerful, helpful, and attentive during transfers and on the boat.

The language mix can be a minor issue. The activity is offered in English and French, but some English explanations may be difficult to follow if the speaker has a strong French accent. If an instruction is unclear, ask again before leaving the boat or heading into the water.

The return crossing can be smoother than the morning, but there is no guarantee. In good conditions, the catamaran provides a comfortable platform for taking in the sea. In rough conditions, you may be wet, tired, and ready for land by the time Grand Baie comes into view.

Is $70 a fair price?

At $70 per person, the value is strong if you want a full day on the water rather than a short boat transfer. The price covers the catamaran cruise, dinghy transfers, access to the three-island route, BBQ lunch, and drinks. It also saves you from arranging separate transport, food, and boat trips.

The value is especially good because lunch takes place on Ile Plate. Many boat excursions serve food aboard, so eating on the beach gives this outing a more memorable setting without adding a separate restaurant bill.

You should factor in the extras. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, snorkeling equipment is not included, and you may want to bring bottled water, water shoes, sunscreen, and a dry bag. The meeting point is on Grand Baie beach, so allow extra time to find the right section and identify the dinghy.

The price is less attractive if you want a small, quiet group or expert-led snorkeling. Boats can carry more than 40 people, boarding can be slow, and the snorkeling is independent. In that case, a private or smaller boat may suit you better, but it will usually cost more.

What to bring for a better day

Pack lightly, since you will move between beach, dinghy, and catamaran. The most useful items are:

• Swimwear and a towel
• High-factor sunscreen, with extra for the boat ride
• Water shoes for the beach and stony shallows
• Your own snorkeling mask, snorkel, and fins
• Comfortable clothes and a waterproof bag
• A refillable water bottle
• Motion-sickness medicine if you normally need it

You will spend much of the day in sun and wind, even when the air feels comfortable. The front deck is fun but wet, so protect cameras and phones. No special clothing is needed, but comfortable clothes make the transfers and beach time easier.

The activity is not recommended for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments. The dinghy transfers, moving deck, uneven shore, and possible rough sea are the reasons to take that restriction seriously.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this for someone who wants the classic Mauritius sea day: bright water, small islands, a beach lunch, swimming, and a lively boat ride home. It works particularly well for couples, groups of friends, and solo visitors who enjoy meeting people.

Families with older children may also enjoy it, provided everyone is comfortable in the sea and able to manage the transfers. The crew helps with boarding, but this is not a fully assisted activity.

I would hesitate if you dislike choppy water, need a quiet boat, want guaranteed turtle or dolphin sightings, or expect a guided snorkeling program. I would also avoid booking it as your only plan if the forecast looks poor, since the captain may need to change the route.

Should you book the Grand Baie 3 Islands cruise?

Yes, if you want a well-priced full day that combines a genuine catamaran ride with two island landings and lunch by the sea. The strongest features are the friendly crew, generous BBQ, included drinks, beautiful beaches, and the chance to move beyond a simple coastal cruise.

Go prepared for rough water, crowds, self-guided snorkeling, warm drinks on occasion, and a little confusion during beach boarding. Bring water shoes, sunscreen, snorkeling gear, and a dry bag, then let the day unfold. For $70, this is a sensible pick for an active Mauritius itinerary, especially if the main thing you want is a fun day on the water rather than a carefully controlled sightseeing program.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The activity lasts about seven hours, including the catamaran ride, dinghy transfers, island visits, lunch, swimming, snorkeling, and the return trip to Grand Baie.

Which islands can I visit?

You land on Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate. The catamaran also passes near Coin de Mire, but you do not go ashore there.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is included, along with drinks such as juice and beer. Vegan choices may be available, depending on the departure.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins if you want them.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You must make your own way to the meeting point on Grand Baie beach. The operator can send a written description, video, and Google location through WhatsApp after booking.

Can the trip be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The captain can cancel, reschedule, or change the route when sea or weather conditions are unsafe. In rough winter conditions, usually from June through September, all three islands may not be possible.

Is the activity suitable for people with limited mobility?

No. It is not recommended for people with mobility impairments or pregnant women because of the dinghy transfers, moving catamaran, uneven beaches, and possible rough sea.