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

A day like this is interesting because it mixes a proper Grand Baie catamaran cruise with real island time. You start at the beach, sail out over the bright northern waters, then transfer by dinghy to places you can actually set foot on. I especially like the dinghy part, since you get that step-by-step shift from open sea to sand and shallow water.

I also like the BBQ lunch on Ile Plate with drinks included, because you eat where the water views stay in the background. The main consideration is weather and sea conditions, since the captain can cancel or reschedule, and in rougher conditions they may not be able to do all three stops exactly as described.

Key Highlights That Make This Tour Worth a Look

• Two island landings, one close pass: You step onto Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, while Coin de Mire is viewed from near the boat.
• Island BBQ plus drinks: Lunch is served on the island, not just on board, and it comes with included drinks.
• Dinghy transfers built in: You anchor first, then switch boats (dinghy) for the island approach.
• Snorkeling is self-guided: You get free time to swim and snorkel based on your comfort level.
• Boat day energy with a safety-first crew: The vibe can be party-like on the return, while safety rules are taken seriously.

Getting to Grand Baie Without the Usual Hassle (Meeting Point Reality)

This tour starts in Grand Baie, and you do need to get yourself to the meeting area. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off included, so plan your morning around reaching the beach.

The meeting point is on the beach in Grand Baie, about halfway along, opposite the red express bus for Port Louis. It’s also opposite the shop called HIGHLIGHTS. When you book, you’ll be asked for a valid WhatsApp number so the operator can send a written description, a video, and the Google location. That helps a lot, because busy beach areas can be confusing if you arrive without a clear landmark.

If you are taking taxis, I’d ask the driver to drop you directly at the beach spot near HIGHLIGHTS. If you are walking from nearby hotels, look for the red express bus reference and then match up with the HIGHLIGHTS storefront.

The Catamaran Ride Out: Watching the Sea Change Colors

Once you find the right spot, the day flows. You’re on a catamaran, so the open-water portion feels like the heart of the experience: sailing, looking out, and seeing how the water shifts from pale blue to deeper turquoise.

A few practical notes that matter once you’re aboard:

• The catamaran can get a bit bumpy on the way out when seas are choppy. If you get motion sick, take that seriously.
• If you sit near the front, you might get wet. One traveler noted getting soaked and being glad they left belongings in the boat’s storage area downstairs.
• The crew keeps things moving during boarding and transfers, but the exact pace can vary depending on conditions and how many people are on the boat that day.

This is also where you sometimes spot marine life. Dolphins were seen by at least one group on the sailing approach, so it’s not a guarantee, but it is the right time to look around. On some returns, people have reported humpback whales too.

Ilot Gabriel by Dinghy: Where You Actually Feel Like You Left the Mainland

For Ilot Gabriel, the boat does not just “park and go.” The catamaran anchors near the islands where it can safely reach based on water depth, then you transfer by dinghy to the island.

Expect the dinghy ride to take around 45 to 60 minutes in total time for the sequence. The transfer is part of the charm, because the scenery changes fast as you go from open sea to a low island shoreline.

What Ilot Gabriel feels like once you’re there

This is a true landing stop. The point is not speed sightseeing, it’s swimming time in a place that looks postcard-bright. Once you’re on the island, you’ll likely spend time in the shallows because that’s where it’s easiest to snorkel and see fish without fighting depth or strong current.

A few things I recommend based on what I’ve learned from people who did this:

• Bring water shoes if you have them. One traveler stressed how handy they are since walking areas can be rocky and fins help where footing isn’t smooth.
• There may be shoe rules on the catamaran itself. One guests said you can leave shoes on the beach before boarding, and that no shoes are allowed on board to help protect the catamaran.

If you want to snorkel, treat it as self-guided. You can move at your own pace, but you are the one judging comfort level and conditions in the water.

Ile Plate Lunch on the Island: The Best Reason to Stay for Full Day

Ile Plate is where the day turns into a beach meal day. After Ilot Gabriel, the catamaran picks you up and brings you to Ile Plate, and that’s where the BBQ lunch and drinks happen.

Timing and flow once you arrive

The lunch setup is part of why people rate this tour so highly. One traveler noted that they ate almost as soon as they arrived, then shifted into rest and snorkel time. That means you’re not stuck waiting around for hours before food.

What you’re actually eating

Lunch is BBQ, with included drinks like juice and beer. Most people describe the food as fresh and plentiful, with enough quantity that seconds are possible. There is also at least one mention of vegan options being available, so if you have dietary needs, it’s smart to communicate them in advance or ask when you get on board.

A balanced expectation check: a few people said the BBQ was good but not gourmet. Still, you’re paying for a full island day with meals and sea time, so “good and plentiful” is exactly what you should plan to find here.

Drinks and comfort

Drinks are served regularly, but one person specifically mentioned drinks being warm. That’s not shocking for a beach boat day, so if you are picky about ice-cold drinks, you might want to manage your expectations and focus on hydration with whatever else you bring.

Snorkeling Time: Great Views, Self-Guided Pace, and One Big Reality

Snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own snorkeling gear if you want fins and mask access without improvising. The tour gives you time to snorkel based on your wish and abilities.

Because it’s mostly self-guided, you get control. That’s good if you like autonomy. It can also mean you need to be honest about current and comfort. One traveler described stronger currents and stony underfoot in spots, and said fins would help.

Where you’ll likely have the easiest time

The general idea is shallow areas near the islands are where you’ll see the most fish. Several people said they stayed in shallower water and had great fish sightings. If you are not confident in open-water snorkeling, aim for calmer zones and keep your swim short and frequent.

Optional extras you might hear about

One traveler described paying extra to see turtles and getting clear instructions not to disturb them. The main takeaway for you is simple: if an extra activity is offered on the day, follow the guidance closely and keep respectful distance from wildlife.

Coin de Mire: The Close Pass Stop (No Landing, Still Worth It)

The third island is Coin de Mire. Here, you get the views, but you don’t get to set foot on the island. The catamaran passes nearby as close as possible.

That means your experience here is about the sea scenery and the photography. You’re not walking around, you’re not doing extended beach time, and that’s the trade-off.

Even without landing, this pass works well if you want variety in a single day: two island landings plus one iconic viewpoint stop.

Sea Conditions, Timing Changes, and How to Plan Like a Pro

This tour is weather dependent. The captain can cancel or reschedule if conditions warrant it, and safety is the priority. Also, due to bad conditions at sea, especially in winter months like June to September, it might not be possible to do all three islands as described.

Here’s how to use that info practically:

• If your trip includes the rougher season, expect that the schedule could tighten or swap out time at a stop.
• If you are sensitive to choppy water, plan for a more cautious day. Bring motion sickness remedies if you use them at home.
• Keep your mindset flexible. If the crew changes the plan, it’s because they want to keep everyone safe and satisfied with what they can do that day.

A few people noted choppy waves on the way out and said a speedboat alternative might be better for those who get seasick. You can’t switch transportation during the day, but you can prepare.

What’s Included, What’s Not, and What You Should Pack

The tour includes:

• Dinghy trip from beach to the catamaran (the island approach uses dinghies too)
• BBQ lunch and drinks, including juice and beer
• Full trips to the three islands of the north with access and transfers (with the key note that Coin de Mire is viewed without landing)
• Live tour guide in English and French

Not included:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Snorkeling equipment

What to bring (this matters):

• Comfortable shoes
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable clothes
• Snorkeling gear (if you want to snorkel comfortably)

One small but useful tip from experience: if shoe rules apply on board, pack your “walk on the island” footwear separately from anything you plan to keep for the boat.

Boat Comfort, Group Size, and the Human Side of the Day

This is a shared activity, and the boat can feel busy at times. Some people said the catamaran was decent size and not crowded. Others said it felt pretty packed, with more than 40 people at one point.

That’s why it helps to pick your strategy:

• If you want calmer vibes, go with a seat where you can enjoy the view without being pressed.
• If you want a social day, it can be that too. Several people described music and dancing on the return trip, with the crew encouraging the fun.

Language can also affect your experience. A few people mentioned a strong French accent in English, which created confusion at moments. The guide is live and speaks English and French, so it’s not a deal breaker, but it helps if you don’t expect perfect, slow, textbook English.

Price and Value: Is $70 Worth It for This Full Day?

At $70 per person for about 7 hours, the value mostly comes from what you get for that time block.

You’re paying for:

• A full catamaran day on Mauritius north waters
• Transfers to and from the islands, including dinghy time
• Two island landings where you can swim and snorkel
• BBQ lunch on the island with drinks

You are not paying for:

• Hotel pickup
• Snorkeling gear

So the math is pretty fair if you can reach the meeting point easily and you’re comfortable bringing or borrowing snorkeling equipment. If you need hotel transport, factor in that cost because it’s not part of the package.

Also keep in mind the time trade-off: you do not get a long stay on each island. You get enough time to enjoy the water and eat well, but it’s a “see, swim, snorkel, repeat” structure, not an all-day beach camp.

Who Should Book This Grand Baie 3-Islands Catamaran Day

I think this tour fits best if you want:

• A classic Mauritius water day with real island landings
• BBQ lunch included and served where you can actually enjoy the scenery
• Snorkeling time that’s self-paced
• A social atmosphere, especially on the return when music can turn the mood up

It is not suitable for:

• Pregnant women
• People with mobility impairments

And if you know you get seasick, you should prepare carefully, since the day is spent on open water and can get choppy.

Solo travelers should feel comfortable with the flow. One solo traveler described meeting interesting people and having a great final-day sendoff.

Couples and friends tend to like it too, because the day balances big views with enough time in the water to feel like you truly got your money’s worth.

Should You Book This Tour or Skip It?

Book it if you want a full-day catamaran + two island landings + island BBQ and you’re fine with self-guided snorkeling. It’s a strong deal when you value the whole package: transport, meals, and the island-water experience in one go.

I’d think twice if:

• You cannot handle choppy water or you expect to be miserable on a boat ride
• You need hotel pickup and don’t want to manage the meeting point
• You don’t have snorkeling gear and you really want a controlled snorkeling experience

If you’re flexible with weather and you pack smart, this is the kind of day that makes Mauritius feel close up, not just watched from a shore.