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

The best part of this Grand Baie catamaran cruise is that the boat ride is not just transport. You get a long, scenic run across changing shades of blue water, beach landings at Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, and a BBQ lunch served in an island setting. Coin de Mire completes the picture, though you only pass close to it because nobody goes ashore there.

I like two things in particular: lunch on the island, rather than a rushed meal on the boat, and the easygoing crew who keep the return trip lively with music, dancing, and drinks. The main catch is the sea. The crossing can be rough, the snorkeling is self-guided, and busy days may put more than 40 people on the catamaran.

Key points to know before booking

• Three northern islands in one day: Visit Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, then cruise close to Coin de Mire without landing.
• BBQ lunch on Ile Plate: Food, juice, beer, and other drinks are included, with enough food for seconds on some departures.
• A proper catamaran outing: The cruise itself is a major part of the experience, with open-water views in every direction.
• Snorkeling is informal: Bring your own mask and fins if possible, since equipment is not supplied and there is no tightly managed snorkeling session.
• Expect wet, windy conditions: The front of the boat can get sprayed, while the crossing may feel choppy between June and September.
• Good value at $70: Seven hours, island transfers, lunch, drinks, and the three-island route make this a strong full-day option if the weather cooperates.

Sailing north from Grand Baie

The day begins from the beach at Grand Baie, roughly halfway along the shoreline, opposite the red Express bus for Port Louis and the shop called Highlights. You first take a dinghy from the beach to the catamaran, so do not arrive expecting to walk straight onto the main boat from a pier.

That first transfer can feel a little vague if you do not know where to look. The meeting point is on a public beach, and some people have found the boarding process slow or unclear. The operator sends a written description, video, and Google location through WhatsApp, so provide a valid number when booking and check the instructions before setting out.

Once aboard, the day opens up quickly. The catamaran gives you a much better view of the northern coast than you get from land. You see the water shift from pale turquoise near the islands to deeper blue offshore, with the islands appearing ahead long before you reach their beaches.

The front of the catamaran is the most exciting place to sit, but it is also where you are most likely to get wet. If you choose the front, leave valuables in the lower storage area and keep your phone protected. The deck can also help if you feel queasy, although the boat may still move noticeably in rough water.

The crew usually sets a cheerful tone, with music and regular interaction. English and French are used, though some English-speaking passengers have found strong French accents difficult to follow. The captain gives safety instructions, and those rules matter during the dinghy transfers and swimming stops.

Ilot Gabriel and the first island landing

Ilot Gabriel is one of the main reasons to choose this trip. The island has bright sand, clear shallow water, and a simple, exposed setting that feels far removed from Grand Baie. The catamaran anchors as close as water depth allows, then a dinghy takes you to shore.

Plan on roughly 45 to 60 minutes on Ilot Gabriel, although the exact timing can change. This is enough for a walk, a swim, and some photographs, but it is not a long island exploration. The island is valued more for its beach and water than for sights or facilities, so bring what you need with you.

The transfer from the catamaran to the dinghy is handled by the crew. You may need to step into shallow water or move carefully between boats, which is one reason this outing is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Pregnant women are also advised not to take the tour.

The water around the islands is often calm enough for an easy swim, but conditions vary. Some areas have stones underfoot and currents can be stronger than they look. Water shoes are a smart choice, especially since shoes are removed before boarding the catamaran to protect its deck.

Ile Plate and lunch by the beach

Ile Plate, also called Flat Island, is where the food and the relaxed part of the day take shape. The exact order can vary, but the outing includes time on both Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel, with lunch served on an island rather than eaten while sailing.

The BBQ is one of the strongest parts of the package. It is described as generous, and the menu includes food suited to a shared outdoor meal. Some departures offer vegan choices, and several people found there was enough to take seconds. Do not expect a restaurant meal or polished dining room. The value is in eating outdoors, near the beach, with the sea close by.

Drinks are included, including juice and beer. Other drinks may also be served, and the crew is known for keeping glasses topped up. Bring extra water if you need bottled water specifically. One departure left people wishing more drinking water had been made clear in advance, and warm drinks have also been reported.

After lunch, you have time to swim and snorkel. This is not a structured lesson with a guide leading a group over a marked reef. You choose how far to go, based on your ability and the conditions. That freedom suits confident swimmers, but less experienced swimmers should stay in shallow water and pay attention to currents.

Fish can be seen close to shore, and some people have encountered turtles and stingrays. If you are lucky, marine life may make the stop special. A separate turtle encounter has sometimes been offered for an extra charge, with instructions to keep a respectful distance and avoid disturbing the animals.

The islands are beautiful, but do not expect solitude. Several boats may gather in the same area, and busy days can make the beach feel crowded. Even so, the open setting spreads people out, and the main appeal remains the water, sand, and chance to slow down for a few hours.

Snorkeling without a fixed lesson

Snorkeling is included in the sense that you have time and access to the water, but snorkeling equipment is not included. Bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins, or arrange them before the trip. The tour information specifically lists snorkeling gear among the things to bring.

The snorkeling quality is mixed. You may see fish and some coral in shallow water, and the clear sea makes even a short swim worthwhile. But strong currents, rocky patches, and heavy boating activity can limit what you see. Some areas of coral have suffered from the pressure of tourism, so set your expectations at pleasant coastal snorkeling rather than a pristine reef expedition.

I would treat the snorkeling as one part of a broader day, not the sole reason to book. If you mainly want reef life and a carefully guided water session, a specialist snorkeling trip may suit you better. If you want a swim after lunch and the freedom to float around at your own pace, this arrangement works well.

Use sunscreen generously and reapply it. You are exposed to sun and wind for much of the day, and the breeze can hide how quickly you are burning. A towel, swimwear, comfortable clothing, and a waterproof bag are useful. Keep only the items you need during the island stops.

Passing Coin de Mire from the water

The final island is Coin de Mire, a dramatic northern landmark that you see from the catamaran rather than visit on foot. The boat passes as close as possible while respecting water depth and local conditions. Nobody sets foot on Coin de Mire during this excursion.

That distinction matters when comparing tours. The wording three islands can sound like three beach landings, but this is really two island visits plus a close sailing pass. Coin de Mire still adds value because you see its shape from the sea, and the approach gives you photographs that are impossible from Grand Baie.

The return journey is often when the catamaran becomes most social. Music comes on, drinks are served, and the crew may encourage dancing. If you prefer a quiet cruise, sit away from the liveliest area or enjoy the views from the deck. If you like a party finish, this is a welcome change from a quiet beach day.

The sea can also reward patience on the way back. Whales have been spotted on some trips, and one crew even altered the route so people could watch humpback whales. That is luck, not a promised part of the program, but keep your eyes on the water.

Sea conditions, crowds, and comfort

This is a seven-hour outdoor outing, not a gentle harbor cruise. The crossing to the islands can take about an hour and a half, and the sea may be choppy. The roughest conditions are more common during the southern winter period from June through September, though weather can change at any time.

The captain can cancel or reschedule if conditions are unsafe. In poor weather, the crew may also be unable to reach all three islands. That is frustrating if you have planned the day around the full route, but the decision is sensible. A catamaran trip should not push into unsafe water simply to follow a printed schedule.

Boat capacity is not presented as a fixed figure. Some departures feel comfortable, while others have carried more than 40 people and felt packed. Crowding is most noticeable when boarding the dinghy, getting off the catamaran, and moving between the boat and shore. Once people spread out on the island, the day may feel less cramped.

Wear clothes that can handle spray and wind. The front deck is fun but wet, and the catamaran may sway. If you are prone to seasickness, eat lightly, use whatever usual remedy works for you, and choose a position with a clear view of the horizon. One practical tip is not to skip breakfast entirely, though a heavy meal right before a rough crossing is probably unwise.

What the $70 price really covers

At $70 per person, the price is strong for a full seven-hour day. You receive the catamaran cruise, dinghy transfers, access to both island stops, a BBQ lunch, and drinks. You also avoid arranging separate transport between three northern islands.

The value is best if you want variety. A beach-only day may be cheaper, and a speedboat can get you to the islands faster, but neither necessarily gives you the same long sailing experience and social atmosphere. This tour combines transport, food, swimming, and sightseeing in one package.

There are a few extra costs or omissions to keep in mind. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and you need to reach the Grand Baie meeting point yourself. Snorkeling equipment is also excluded. If you already own your gear, the value improves.

The tour is especially suited to couples, families with older children who swim confidently, solo visitors who enjoy meeting people, and anyone who wants a lively day at sea. It is less suitable if you need quiet, precise timing, a private boat, first-rate reef snorkeling, or an easy step-free boarding process.

The overall rating of 4.2 from 918 ratings suggests a consistently good experience with some practical limits. The repeated strengths are the friendly crew, good food, attractive islands, music, and sense of fun. The repeated weaknesses are rough seas, unclear initial boarding, crowds on some boats, and snorkeling that can be ordinary.

Booking details worth knowing

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Starting times depend on availability, so check the selected date rather than assuming every day follows the same departure hour.

The operator is Vacances Oh Soleil. English and French are available, but the spoken explanations may feel more comfortable for French speakers on some departures. Provide your WhatsApp number when booking so you can receive the meeting description, video, and map location.

Bring comfortable shoes for the beach and island, though shoes are generally removed before boarding the catamaran. Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and snorkeling gear. A waterproof pouch for your phone and cash is sensible, even though those items are not specifically required.

Should you book this Grand Baie cruise?

I would book this tour if you want a social, good-value day on the water with two beach landings, a substantial BBQ lunch, and a fun return sail. The catamaran ride is a real part of the attraction, not just a transfer, and the crew’s music and friendly approach give the day energy.

I would think twice if you get badly seasick, need guaranteed calm water, or are booking mainly for advanced snorkeling. In that case, a faster boat or specialist snorkeling trip may be a better match. For most people who can handle a bumpy crossing and do not mind a busy boat, the combination of scenery, food, swimming, and island time makes $70 a sensible use of a Mauritius holiday day.

FAQ

How long is the Grand Baie catamaran cruise?

The activity lasts about seven hours. Check the available starting time for your chosen date.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The route includes Ilot Gabriel, Ile Plate, and Coin de Mire. You set foot on Ilot Gabriel and Ile Plate, while the catamaran passes close to Coin de Mire without landing.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is included and is served on one of the islands. Drinks such as juice and beer are also included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You meet the group on the beach at Grand Baie, opposite the red Express bus for Port Louis and the Highlights shop.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The captain can cancel or reschedule the activity when conditions are unsafe. Rough seas may also prevent the boat from reaching all three islands.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments or pregnant women?

No. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments because it involves boat and dinghy transfers and island landings.