GBaie: 3 North Islands Cruise, Lunch & CoindeMire Snorkeling

The best part is the changing sea below you. This seven-hour cruise from Grand Baie combines a catamaran sail with Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel, a barbecue lunch, and a possible snorkeling stop near Coin de Mire. I like the easy mix of beach time and open-water sailing, and I like that English, French, Hindi, Urdu, Spanish, and Arabic guide support is available. The main catch is that the boat can feel crowded, and the snorkeling depends on weather and the captain’s safety call.

I also like the price: at $70 per person, you get the boat trip, guide services, lunch, and drinks in one package. The food receives some of the strongest praise, and families often find the relaxed island stops easy to enjoy. Still, you should bring extra water and your own snorkeling gear, since the island stops may offer little shade or refreshment.

The cruise earns a 4.1 rating from 18 bookings, which fits the overall picture: a scenic, good-value day with friendly staff and some uneven organization. Go for the sea, beaches, and family time, not for a detailed island lecture or a polished luxury sailing service.

Key points at a glance

• Ile Plate beach stop: Swim in a clear lagoon and enjoy one of the main beach breaks, but expect limited shade and no guaranteed drinks while ashore.
• Ilot Gabriel nature reserve: Spend time near a protected island known for its Paille en Queue, or white-tailed tropicbird, nests and bright sea colors.
• Coin de Mire views: Sail close to this striking mountain-like island, with snorkeling nearby only when sea conditions allow.
• BBQ lunch onboard: Expect barbecue food, salad, and drinks, usually served after the island time, though the meal can occasionally be served on an island.
• Seven hours on the water: This is a full-day outing, with plenty of sun, wind, swimming, and open sea rather than a quick sightseeing trip.
• Bring your own gear: Pack a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, drinking water, and snorkeling equipment if you want the best chance to use the snorkeling stops.

Setting out from Grand Baie for the North Islands

The meeting point is on the beach, and you should contact the guide 24 hours before the activity to confirm the exact arrangements. The day begins aboard a catamaran, with the boat heading away from Grand Baie toward Mauritius’s North Islands.

The sailing itself is part of the appeal. The sea changes color as the boat moves between shallow lagoon water and deeper ocean. You get broad views of the coast, open water, and the islands ahead. If you enjoy being on a boat, this is more than transport between stops. The crossing gives the day its sense of freedom.

The catamaran is described as well maintained, but the amount of available seating can vary in practice. One especially busy departure left people short of room, particularly late in the day when the sun had taken its toll. If you want a comfortable seat, move around early and do not assume every part of the deck will remain open.

The trip is designed for families and groups of friends. There is no pressure to keep moving from one attraction to another. You can swim, sit in the sun, listen to the crew, and spend time together. That relaxed pace is a real strength, though anyone looking for a quiet, highly polished sailing trip may find the atmosphere less controlled.

Ile Plate: a beach break with clear water

Ile Plate, also called Flat Island, is one of the main stops. The attraction is simple: beach, lagoon, swimming, and time to slow down. The water around the island is described as crystal clear, making this a good place to cool off after the first part of the sail.

You should treat this as a natural beach stop rather than a guided historical visit. The available information does not promise a formal tour of the island, and the focus is on swimming and enjoying the setting. That works well if you prefer free time to a schedule packed with commentary.

The drawback is practical. Flat Island has very little shade, and the island stops may not include access to water or other drinks. Two hours in strong sun can feel much longer if you arrive without a filled bottle, sunscreen, or a hat. Bring your own drinking water even though drinks are included in the overall package.

The beach is also where the day’s timing matters. You may spend close to an hour or more at each island, depending on the program and sea conditions. That gives you time to swim, but it also means more exposure to heat. Apply sunscreen before leaving the boat and reapply after swimming.

Ilot Gabriel and its birdlife

The cruise also visits Ilot Gabriel, a natural reserve with nesting Paille en Queue birds. The island adds a nature element to what could otherwise be a straightforward beach-and-barbecue outing.

The white-tailed tropicbird is one of the more interesting details of the trip. You are not simply stopping at another patch of sand. You are visiting an island associated with bird nesting and protected natural space. Keep your expectations sensible, though. The main point is enjoying the island and its surroundings, not taking part in a formal wildlife program.

The sea around Ilot Gabriel provides the setting for swimming and possible snorkeling. The tour includes snorkeling near the islands on your own, so you should not expect a long, closely supervised lesson. If you are comfortable in the water, this independence is convenient. If you are not a confident swimmer, stay within your comfort level and follow the crew’s instructions.

Shade and refreshments remain the main concerns here. The island stops can leave you away from the catamaran for a substantial period, and drinks are not guaranteed to be available on shore. Pack water in a reusable bottle if possible, along with a towel and dry clothing.

Snorkeling near Coin de Mire

Coin de Mire is the visual centerpiece of the return journey. From the water, it looks like a large mountain rising from the ocean. The catamaran sails as close as possible, but you do not land on the island.

This distinction matters. The cruise gives you a close view from the boat, not a visit to Coin de Mire itself. If you are choosing the trip because you want to walk on every island, this may disappoint you. If you want dramatic sea views and a possible swim near a famous offshore formation, it fits well.

When the sea is calm enough, the crew may stop for snorkeling near Coin de Mire. The area is described as one of the best snorkeling spots on the island, but this is not guaranteed. Weather, wind, currents, and safety conditions control the decision.

Bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins. The activity information specifically asks you to bring your own equipment, so do not assume rental gear will be available. The tour includes the chance to snorkel, not a guaranteed equipment service.

Some departures have had the snorkeling added at the request of an individual passenger, while other schedules have treated it less consistently. That means you should ask the crew early about the planned stop. Keep your expectations flexible, since the captain can remove snorkeling from the schedule when conditions are unsafe.

BBQ lunch and the drink situation

Lunch is included and normally consists of a barbecue, salad, and drinks. The meal is usually served back on the catamaran after the island time, when the dinghy returns you to the boat. In rare cases, lunch may be served on an island instead.

The food is one of the better parts of the package. One family described it as very good, while another found it acceptable but not especially memorable. I would treat it as a filling picnic-style meal rather than a restaurant lunch. The setting, with the boat surrounded by sea, does much of the work.

Timing can make lunch feel rushed. If the crew is trying to serve everyone after a long island stop, the meal may be handled quickly. You may also find that drinks are more limited than the broad description suggests. Some departures had soft drinks early in the day but little ice, followed by only one round of drinks at lunch.

For that reason, carry extra water. This is the most useful practical tip for the entire outing. The package includes drinks, but the island stops may not. You do not want to spend the hottest part of the day waiting for the boat while thirsty.

Music and onboard mood also vary. The crew has been praised for being friendly, lively, and entertaining, especially on family outings. On another departure, the boat had little atmosphere of its own and relied on music from nearby catamarans. If you want a quiet day, this may not bother you. If you expect a lively party cruise, the mood may be uneven.

What the $70 price really covers

At $70 per person, the package offers solid value if you want a full day on the water. You get the catamaran ride, guide services, island stops, possible snorkeling near Coin de Mire, barbecue lunch, and drinks. Paying separately for a boat trip, lunch, and beach time could easily add up, so the all-in structure is convenient.

The value depends on your priorities. Families and groups of friends get several activities in one day without arranging separate transport. You can swim, visit two islands, see Coin de Mire, and eat onboard without having to plan the connections yourself.

The price is less attractive if you want a small boat, a quiet deck, or detailed information about the islands. One departure had around a dozen catamarans in the same area, which reduced the feeling of isolation. The service can also be more functional than refined.

I would call it a good mid-range day trip, not a luxury cruise. The strongest value comes from the combination of scenery, beach time, and lunch. The weakest value appears when the boat is full, drinks are scarce, or the schedule cuts the snorkeling.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

This outing suits families with children, groups of friends, and anyone who wants a simple day at sea with several stops. The gentle format lets you choose how much time to spend swimming, sitting on the beach, or enjoying the boat.

It also works for people who want a taste of Mauritius’s offshore islands without booking a private charter. The multilingual guide service is useful for mixed-language groups, with English, French, Hindi, Urdu, Spanish, and Arabic listed among the available languages.

You should think twice if you use a wheelchair, since the experience is not suitable for wheelchair users. You should also reconsider it if you dislike strong sun, open water, or a busy boat.

Snorkeling ability is not listed as a requirement, but you should be comfortable managing your own swim time. The stops are not presented as formal, instructor-led snorkeling sessions. Bring your own equipment and stay within your ability.

Weather can change the whole day

The captain can reschedule the trip when bad weather is known in advance. If weather changes at sea, the duration, starting time, and original program may be amended.

This is especially important for Coin de Mire. The boat may sail close to the island but skip the snorkeling for safety. The captain’s decision matters more than the advertised sequence of stops. No scenic view is worth taking unnecessary risks in open water.

Pack for strong sun and changing conditions: swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and drinking water. A light cover-up can also be useful, though only the first three items are specifically listed as required. Keep your belongings secure on the catamaran and avoid bringing anything you would not want exposed to spray or sand.

The trip offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now while paying later. These options are useful when the forecast is uncertain, but they do not remove the possibility of a same-day program change caused by the sea.

Final verdict: should you book it?

Book this North Islands cruise if you want a reasonably priced full day of sea views, beach time, swimming, and a BBQ lunch. It is especially suitable for families and friends who care more about being together outdoors than receiving a polished lecture about every island.

Go in with realistic expectations. The catamaran may be crowded, island shade is limited, drinks may not be available while you are ashore, and Coin de Mire snorkeling is weather dependent. Bring your own gear and extra water, and ask about the snorkeling plan at the start.

I would book it for the scenery, the relaxed island stops, and the chance to see Coin de Mire from close offshore. I would skip it if your priority is luxury, guaranteed snorkeling, strong historical guiding, or a small-group atmosphere.

FAQ

How long does the North Islands cruise last?

The activity lasts seven hours, although the captain may change the duration or program because of bad weather or other force majeure conditions.

Where does the cruise meet?

The meeting point is on the beach in Grand Baie. You should contact the guide 24 hours before the activity.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The trip visits Ile Plate, also called Flat Island, and Ilot Gabriel. It also sails close to Coin de Mire, but you do not land on Coin de Mire.

Can I snorkel near Coin de Mire?

You may snorkel near Coin de Mire if weather and sea conditions allow. The captain can cancel this part for safety reasons.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

The information asks you to bring your own snorkeling equipment. Bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins if you want to use the snorkeling stops.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch, salad, and drinks are included. Lunch is usually served on the catamaran, but it may occasionally be served on an island.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, swimwear, and your own snorkeling equipment. Extra drinking water is also a sensible choice because drinks may not be available during the island stops.

Is the trip suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Which languages are available?

Guide services are listed in English, French, Hindi, Urdu, Spanish, and Arabic.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers a reserve-now-and-pay-later option.