Full-Day Northern Catamaran Cruise: Coin de Mire and Ile Plate Island

Mauritius looks best from the water. This full-day catamaran trip pairs swimming and snorkeling with a lazy sail along the northwest coast, then adds a barbecue lunch, drinks, and hotel transfers. I like the easy all-inclusive setup, and I especially like the chance to see Cap Malheureux, Pereybere, Grand Bay, Île Plate, and Coin de Mire in one day.

The crew can make the day feel festive, with music, dancing, and plenty of time to stretch out on deck. Staff members praised in the feedback include Kevin, Rudi, Bruno, and Olivier. My main concern is group-size confusion: the current information says a maximum of 20 people, but some past departures were far more crowded than expected.

Four things to know before you book

• Île Plate is the day’s main beach stop: You get time for lunch, swimming, and relaxing on the island rather than only viewing it from the boat.
• Coin de Mire adds a second water stop: The cruise includes swimming and snorkeling near the island, though snorkeling gear is not provided.
• Transfers save you a morning hassle: Pickup begins one to two hours before the 9:00 a.m. activity start, depending on your hotel’s location.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Expect fish and chicken with bread, salad, dessert, beer, wine, local rum, water, and cola.
• The boat size matters: The advertised limit is 20 people, but you should confirm this before paying if personal space is important to you.
• This is an adult outing: Everyone must be at least 18, and bookings require at least two people.

Starting early from Grand Bay

The day begins well before the catamaran leaves Grand Bay. Hotel pickup is included, but the vehicle may arrive one to two hours before the 9:00 a.m. start, depending on where you are staying. That early pickup is useful, though you should not plan a slow breakfast or a last-minute dash to the lobby.

The cruise departs from the Grand Bay area, with the meeting point connected to Grand Bay Store and Grand Bay Public Beach. Your morning is simpler if you have your confirmation ready and know where your hotel pickup will take place. Since the transfer timing varies by location, ask for the exact pickup time rather than relying only on the broad one-to-two-hour estimate.

The vehicle returns you to your accommodation after the boat comes back. That makes this easier than arranging a taxi at both ends, especially after seven hours in the sun. One past departure had trouble at the end when the taxi did not arrive, leaving the passengers waiting for about half an hour, so I would keep the operator’s contact details handy and confirm the return transfer before leaving the boat.

Sailing past Mauritius’s northwest coast

Once aboard, you can find a place on the deck and settle in. The point of this trip is not speed. It is a full day of sea views, warm weather, swimming, food, and conversation, with the catamaran doing the work while you watch the coast slip past.

Keep your camera ready as you sail by Cap Malheureux, Pereybere, and Grand Bay. These coastal views give the outing a sense of place before the island stops begin. You are not simply being taken to a beach; you are seeing how Mauritius’s northern shore looks from offshore.

The catamaran offers room to stretch out, but comfort depends heavily on the number of people aboard. Some departures have been described as pleasantly relaxed, while others felt overbooked, with reports of 30 or even 46 people aboard. The current stated maximum is 20, which would be a much more reasonable number for a seven-hour boat day. Still, I would confirm the expected group size before booking if you dislike crowded boats.

Weather also affects the feel of the cruise. One departure faced relatively rough conditions, but the captain and crew handled them well. Calm water makes the swimming stops more appealing, while wind and swell can turn the ride into a more active day at sea. The operator requires suitable weather and offers another date or a full refund if poor conditions force cancellation.

Swimming and snorkeling near Coin de Mire

The cruise includes a stop in a clear, calm lagoon on the north side of Mauritius, with swimming and snorkeling along the route. Coin de Mire is one of the key natural sights of the day, and viewing it from a catamaran gives you a better sense of its offshore setting than a quick photo from land.

The water stop is likely to be one of the most memorable parts of the trip if conditions are good. You can get in for a swim, look beneath the surface, or stay aboard and enjoy the view. The excursion is not only for strong swimmers, since the itinerary also allows you to relax on deck, though the information provided does not describe flotation equipment or specific supervision arrangements.

Bring your own snorkeling mask and fins. Equipment is specifically not included, and one person expected gear to be supplied but found that it was not. That is a small detail with a big effect: without your own equipment, a planned snorkeling stop may become only a swim and a boat-side view.

You should also pack sun protection, a hat, and a dry change of clothing. These are practical additions for any full day on the water, and the supplied information makes clear that much of the experience takes place outdoors. A phone or camera in a waterproof pouch would also be sensible for the coast and island stops.

Île Plate, barbecue lunch, and beach time

Midway through the cruise, the catamaran stops at Île Plate for lunch and free time. This is where the schedule shifts from sightseeing to a proper island break. You can eat, walk around, swim, or simply find a quiet place to sit near the beach.

The barbecue includes fish and chicken, along with bread, salad, and dessert. Vegetarian food is available, but you must request it when booking. Do not wait until the morning of the cruise, since the operator needs advance notice.

Drinks are included with the meal and during the outing. The selection listed includes beer, wine, local rum, water, and cola. That helps explain the price, since you are not paying separately for lunch and several drinks once on board. Alcohol can make a sunny boat day catch up with you quickly, so I would alternate it with water and take the heat seriously.

Île Plate is valuable because you get time on land rather than a series of quick photo stops. At the same time, the exact amount of beach and island time is not stated, so you should not assume you will have hours to explore. The day still needs to include the water stops and the return sail to Grand Bay.

The lunch itself is meant to be casual and social, not a restaurant meal. That suits the setting. You are eating outdoors, with the sea nearby, rather than pausing the cruise for a formal dining experience. Reports of good food, drinks, music, and dancing suggest that the meal can become one of the liveliest parts of the day when the crew and group are in good spirits.

The return sail to Grand Bay

After lunch and island time, the catamaran heads back toward Grand Bay. The return leg gives you a chance to dry off, take more photos, and enjoy the last stretch of open water. If you have spent the morning swimming, this is also when the ability to lie back on deck becomes especially welcome.

The atmosphere can vary. Some departures have had an energetic crew and a party feel, while others have been affected by crowded conditions or poor weather. Music and dancing are part of the possible mood, but this is not a quiet nature cruise from start to finish.

The seven-hour duration is long enough to make the northern islands feel like a full outing rather than a short boat ride. It also means you should choose carefully. If you want a quick swim and a few scenic photographs, this may feel too long. If you enjoy a full day built around the sea, lunch, and relaxed social time, the length works in its favor.

Once back in Grand Bay, your return vehicle should take you to your accommodation. Confirm the arrangement before disembarking, particularly if you have dinner reservations or another evening plan.

How much value does the $111.54 price offer?

At $111.54 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day in Mauritius. You are paying for a seven-hour catamaran cruise, round-trip hotel transportation, lunch, and alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. When those costs are added separately, the package can be reasonable.

The value is strongest if you want convenience. You do not need to arrange transport to Grand Bay, find a separate lunch, or buy drinks throughout the day. You also get several experiences in one booking: coastal sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, an island stop, and a barbecue.

The value is weaker if the boat is overcrowded. A full day on the water feels very different with 20 people than with 30 or more. If the group-size promise is important to you, contact Eco Holidays Mauritius and ask for the expected number on your departure date. This is especially worth doing because the feedback includes serious complaints about boats being filled beyond the expected capacity.

The tour is often booked about 16 days ahead, which gives you a useful planning guide. You do not necessarily need to reserve months out, but I would not leave it until the final day if you have fixed holiday dates. Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the start time, with a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend this outing to adults who want a social, easygoing day at sea rather than a tightly scheduled sightseeing tour. Couples and friends are a natural fit, since the booking requires at least two people and the atmosphere may include music, drinks, and dancing.

It also suits anyone who wants several northern Mauritius highlights without organizing separate transport. The hotel pickup is a real benefit, particularly if you are staying away from Grand Bay. You can get a broad taste of the coast and offshore islands in one day.

This is less suitable for anyone seeking a quiet, small-group sailing experience unless the 20-person limit is confirmed. It may also disappoint you if snorkeling is the main reason for booking and you do not own equipment. The trip includes snorkeling opportunities, but the gear is not included.

Because the minimum age is 18, families with younger children will need another cruise. The supplied information says most people can participate, but it does not give detailed accessibility information, so anyone with mobility concerns should ask the operator about boarding and movement on the boat before reserving.

Practical tips for a better day

A few small choices can improve the experience:

• Bring your own snorkeling equipment, since it is not included.
• Confirm your hotel pickup time, which may be as early as one to two hours before 9:00 a.m.
• Ask about the expected group size before booking.
• Request the vegetarian meal when you reserve.
• Carry sun protection and a waterproof pouch for valuables.
• Keep your confirmation and the operator’s contact details available for the return transfer.
• Leave room in your evening schedule, since this is a full seven-hour activity plus transport.

You will also want to keep your expectations clear. This is an all-inclusive day with a friendly, sometimes festive feel. It is not a private charter, a specialist marine excursion, or a guaranteed small-group cruise.

Should you book the Île Plate and Coin de Mire cruise?

Book it if you want a convenient full day that combines Mauritius’s northern coast, offshore islands, swimming, a barbecue, drinks, and hotel transfers. The strongest features are the relaxed schedule, the island lunch stop, and the crew members who have helped create a fun atmosphere on good-weather departures.

I would pause before booking if you are sensitive to crowds or expect snorkeling equipment to be supplied. Ask Eco Holidays Mauritius to confirm the maximum number for your date, and bring your own mask and fins. If the group is held to 20 and the sea is calm, the $111.54 price offers a fair amount for a full day. If the boat is packed, the same itinerary can feel far less comfortable.

FAQ

What time does the cruise start?

The activity start time is 9:00 a.m. Hotel pickup usually takes place one to two hours earlier, depending on your pickup location.

Where does the catamaran depart?

The catamaran departs from Grand Bay. The stated meeting area includes Grand Bay Store and Grand Bay Public Beach.

Is hotel transportation included?

Yes. Round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The barbecue lunch includes fish and chicken, bread, salad, and dessert. A vegetarian option is available if requested when booking.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Included drinks are listed as beer, wine, local rum, water, and cola.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so you should bring your own if you want to use it.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Poor-weather cancellations offer another date or a full refund.