North: Cruise to the flat island & Gabriel island.bbq lunch

This is a classic North Mauritius day out: a comfortable catamaran cruise, two island beach breaks, and a slow sail past Coin de Mire that keeps the drama on the water. You get that mix of easy relaxation plus real scenery, including clear water where you can see fish.

I especially like the all-inclusive feel of the day: drinks during the cruise and lunch, plus a proper BBQ spread on the island. I also love that the plan gives you free time to swim, snorkel, or just hang on powdery sand instead of rushing through a scripted “tour.”

One thing to consider: this is not a guided island walk. You won’t set foot on Coin de Mire, and even the other islands are more about your own time than structured sightseeing.

North Mauritius Catamaran: The Key Highlights That Matter

• Two island stops with real beach time, including Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel
• BBQ lunch on the island, with grilled fish, chicken, sausages, pasta, rice, bread, and green salad
• Unlimited drinks while onboard, including juice, water, and cocktails during the cruise and lunch
• Snorkeling where visibility can be stunning, with chances to spot turtles, coral fish, and octopus
• Close passing sail by Coin de Mire, without landing, for mountain-like views from the sea
• Catamaran atmosphere with music, which turns the return trip into a bit of a party

Setting Off From Grand Baie: What the Morning Feels Like

Your day starts in Grand Baie at the beach meeting point, where a staff member will be easy to spot with a list and the rest of the crew is on standby. You’ll head from the beach to the catamaran anchored offshore, with a transfer by boat.

From the start, the tone is relaxed. You’re not cramming stops back-to-back, and you’re not being herded around for photos every five minutes. Instead, you’re getting onto the water quickly, with plenty of time for sea views and the slow build of the trip.

Most days, you should expect the run time to the islands to feel like a short, scenic cruise, with around 90 minutes being a common pace. Bring sunscreen early, because once you’re out in open water, the sun can hit hard even when the breeze feels nice.

Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel: Virgin Beaches, Dinghies, and Swim Time

The main island portion focuses on Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel. The boat anchors, then you transfer to the islands by dinghy, and once you’re there you get about one hour of free time.

This is the part you’ll remember most because it’s simple and physical in the best way. You step off onto sand that feels soft and powdery, and you can decide what kind of break you want: swim, snorkel, or take a slow stroll around the greenery and shoreline.

Why this matters: island time gives you the best return on your money. Many cruise days in Mauritius are mostly “on the boat,” but here you’re actually getting beach time at two islands. That doubles your odds of finding great water for snorkeling, and it gives you options if one side is busier or choppier.

Snorkeling odds in these waters

If you love seeing wildlife underwater, this is the sweet spot. You might find clear water with coral fish, bigger reef fish, and in a few cases, visitors report seeing an octopus and turtles. Even if you don’t go looking hard, the shallow water near shorelines is where you can start to spot movement fast.

Practical note: you can snorkel during your hour, but you’ll want to manage your time. Once the group is back on schedule, you need to be ready for pickup back to the dinghy.

The BBQ Lunch on Ile Plate: Food That Actually Fills You Up

Lunch is served on Ile Plate, and it’s not a sad roll-and-fruit situation. You’ll get a BBQ spread that includes grilled fish, chicken, sausages, pasta, rice, bread, and green salad.

This matters because it keeps you from paying extra later or hunting for a meal that fits your schedule. A $76 per person day can easily feel like a “cheap ticket” if the food is basic. Here, the lunch is substantial enough that you can plan to go light for dinner.

You’ll also have drinks served for lunch and during cruising. The day includes juice, water, and cocktails. The one practical twist is that you’re expected to bring your own bottled water to use when you’re walking on the islands or waiting for pickup.

I treat that as a simple comfort tip. On warm islands, you’ll want water close by, especially if you end up taking extra minutes on the beach.

What to expect from the island lunch setup

There’s a good chance you’ll feel the island warmth at lunch time, because you’re outdoors and the sun bounces off the sand. If you’re someone who burns easily, keep sunscreen handy even during the meal.

Also, plan to eat without rushing. The best part of island lunch is that it feels like a pause in the day. People tend to slow down after the swim, and then you’re ready to get back to the catamaran.

Coin de Mire: The Close Sail Without Landing

After lunch and some downtime, you’re back onboard for the sail toward Coin de Mire. This island is described as a curious mountain in the middle of the sea, and the payoff is the view while sailing close.

Important detail: no catamaran stops to make clients set foot on Coin de Mire. You won’t walk the island. You’ll admire it from the water, and the whole point is the approach and the sightlines.

Why I like this approach: landing is often where time gets tight and logistics get complicated. A close pass lets you keep the day smooth and still get the drama of an isolated island rising straight out of the sea.

From the boat, you can often appreciate the shape and scale better than you could from a distant harbor viewpoint. It’s also a good moment to switch into “camera and clouds” mode, because you’ll have changing light as you glide near the landmark.

Catamaran Time and Sea Views: Where the Day Really Shines

Between island stops and the Coin de Mire sail, the catamaran cruising is a big part of the experience. Multiple reviews highlight that the boat feels secure, and the mood onboard tends to get lively as you move through the day.

There’s also the simple luxury of having multiple colors of the ocean. With Mauritius, you can get light changes and shifts in water clarity that make the sea look different every few minutes. If you sit near the right side of the deck when the light hits, you’ll see it more clearly.

Music is part of the vibe, especially on the return trip. If you like travel days that don’t feel stiff, the onboard atmosphere is a plus.

A quick reality check on comfort

The ride is on open water, so if you’re sensitive to sun or glare, plan your positioning. I like to carry sunglasses that filter well and a hat if you have one. If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking your usual prevention, since open-water sailing can be a factor.

Included vs Not Included: What You Actually Pay For

This day is priced at $76 per person, which is the main value question. I think it’s fair because the included list covers the expensive parts: catamaran day structure, island transfers, and a full lunch with drinks.

Here’s what’s included:

• Boat transfer from the beach to the catamaran
• The whole trip on the water
• Taxi boat transfers to Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel
• Lunch on Ile Plate, with drinks
• Sailing closest possible to Coin de Mire
• Drinks served while cruising and during lunch

What’s not included:

• Hotel transfers

If you’re staying around Grand Baie, you’ll likely be fine because the start and end are back at the meeting point on the beach. If your hotel is elsewhere, plan transport time so you don’t feel rushed.

What to Bring: Simple Packing That Makes the Day Easier

The basics are towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. I’d also add a few “comfort add-ons” based on how island days work in warm weather:

• Sunglasses with good coverage
• A hat or cap if you burn easily
• A small dry bag or sealed pouch for phone and keys
• Your own bottled water, since you’ll be expected to use it on the islands and while waiting for pickup

If you have snorkeling gear, bring it. If you don’t, you can still enjoy the swim time, but good reef viewing often depends on having comfortable gear.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Want Something Else)

This is a great match if you want:

• A relaxing North Mauritius day with beach time
• A mix of swimming and scenic sailing
• A BBQ lunch with drinks without hunting for restaurants
• A day that feels social but still leaves you freedom

You might want to look at a different type of excursion if you’re expecting a guided, history-led island tour. This day is more about your time on the sand and the open-water views than walking through sites with explanations.

It also suits families who like water play, as long as everyone can handle the transfer steps and the schedule.

Rating It on Value: Is $76 a Good Deal?

At $76 per person, you’re paying for a half-day feeling that stretches into a full experience. You’re getting two island beach breaks plus a major “wow” sight from Coin de Mire, and you’re not paying extra for lunch or drinks.

The money is used where it counts:

• island transfers are included,
• lunch is real BBQ,
• drinks are included during cruise and lunch,
• and the sailing close to Coin de Mire adds a landmark moment without requiring a landing.

If you would otherwise spend on a boat trip, pay for a beach lunch, and then still need drinks, this package becomes easier to justify. It’s not a luxury private charter, but it delivers the core ingredients for a memorable North Mauritius day.

Should You Book This North Islands Catamaran Day?

Yes, I’d book it if your idea of a good vacation day is simple: clear water, sandy time, snorkeling chances, and a solid island BBQ while you sail between highlights. The biggest reason is that the day is structured to give you actual island time at Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel, then a close pass at Coin de Mire for the dramatic backdrop.

If you hate open-water sailing, or you need a lot of guided structure on land, you might prefer a different style of tour. But for most people, this hits the sweet spot of value and relaxation in North Mauritius.

FAQ

What islands does this cruise visit?

The cruise visits Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel, and it sails closest possible to Coin de Mire. Coin de Mire is viewed from the sea, not landed on.

How long do we have on Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel?

You get about 1 hour of free time on the islands (Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel) during the stop.

Is snorkeling included?

Snorkeling is part of what you can do during your free time on the islands. The tour is not described as a guided snorkeling program, but you can swim and snorkel during the island time.

What is included in the BBQ lunch?

Lunch on Ile Plate includes grilled fish, chicken, sausages, pasta, rice, bread, and green salad. Drinks are also served.

What drinks are available during the trip?

Drinks during the cruise and lunch include juice, water, and cocktails, with drinks served for lunch and while cruising.

Do I need to bring bottled water?

The tour notes that valued guests are expected to bring their own bottled water to be used when walking on the islands or when waiting to be picked up.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts at the beach in Grand Baie, where staff are recognizable by a list. It ends back at the same meeting point.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If weather is bad, the trip may be rescheduled after consultation with you. If it cannot be rescheduled, guests are entitled to a full refund by the site after approval, with security being the priority.