GBaie: 3 North Islands Cruise, Lunch & CoindeMire Snorkeling

Three islands, one catamaran, plenty of sea time. This seven-hour Mauritius outing pairs Coin de Mire snorkeling with beach stops at Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel, plus a barbecue lunch served on the boat or, in rare cases, on an island. I like the clear variety: you get open-water sailing, swimming, beach time, and a close view of Coin de Mire rather than spending the whole day in one place.

I also like the family-and-friends feel, along with the friendly crew praised by several guests. The main caution is comfort and organization: some departures have been crowded, drinks have not always been available as promised, and the snorkeling stop depends on weather and sea conditions.

Five things to know before you book

• Coin de Mire is viewed from the water, not visited on foot: The catamaran sails close to this dramatic mountain-like island, but you do not land there.
• Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel offer different kinds of beach time: Expect clear lagoon water, swimming, sun, and limited shade, especially on Flat Island.
• The snorkeling is weather-dependent: Bring your own equipment, and understand that the captain can cancel this part for safety.
• Lunch is a social barbecue break: BBQ food, salad, and drinks are included, though drink service has received mixed comments.
• The $70 price covers a full seven hours: It can be good value for a full day on the water, especially for families, but the value drops if you need generous shade, quiet space, or polished service.

Setting out for the North Islands

From the beach meeting point, you will connect with your guide 24 hours before the activity. The trip lasts about seven hours, so plan for a full morning-to-afternoon outing rather than a quick boat ride.

The catamaran is the main attraction here. You are not simply being ferried from one beach to another. The route gives you long stretches on the water, with changing shades of blue, views back toward Mauritius, and the thrill of sailing across more open sea. That open-water portion is part of the appeal, but it can also bring more sun, wind, and motion than a sheltered lagoon cruise.

The boat is described as well maintained, which matters on a long day at sea. Still, space can be an issue. One guest found the catamaran too crowded, with too few places to sit when everyone became hot and tired. I would keep that in mind if you want a quiet, roomy boat day. Families and groups who enjoy a lively shared outing may be more comfortable with the atmosphere.

The crew is often described as friendly and entertaining, and that personal touch can make a big difference. Service quality seems less consistent, though. A late start and limited commentary have been reported, so you should not book this mainly for a detailed talk about the islands.

Ile Plate: clear water and a simple beach stop

Ile Plate, also known as Flat Island, is one of the main stops. The draw is straightforward: a beautiful beach, a clear lagoon, and time to swim. You will have a chance to get off the catamaran, stretch your legs, and enjoy the water at a slower pace.

This stop works well if you want a break from sitting on the boat. The water is described as crystal clear, and swimming is a central part of the day. Bring your swimsuit under your clothes, because you will likely want to get in soon after arriving.

The beach is not presented as a fully serviced resort area. Shade is limited, and one guest found the heat difficult after spending close to an hour on the island without water. That is a practical warning, not a minor detail. Bring your own filled bottle, even though drinks are listed as included. The tour information says drinks are provided, but some departures have offered only a limited selection, no ice, or no further service while people were on the islands.

A hat, sunscreen, and a towel are essential. If you burn easily or dislike sitting in direct sun, your enjoyment will depend on finding shade and pacing yourself. Take regular swims, but do not treat the beach stop as a place with dependable food and drink service.

Ilot Gabriel and the island pause

The route also includes Ilot Gabriel, described as a natural reserve where you may see nests of the paille-en-queue, or white-tailed tropic bird. The island adds a quieter nature element to a day that otherwise focuses on swimming and sailing.

You can spend time on the beach and in the water before returning to the catamaran by dinghy. The timing of this transfer is part of the day’s rhythm: you go ashore, enjoy the island, then return when lunch is ready. In some rare cases, lunch may instead be served on the island.

This stop is best approached as unstructured beach time. You may have a pleasant hour or two to swim, sit, and take in the sea, but the information provided does not promise guided nature walks, facilities, or a formal island tour. If you need constant activity, the pause may feel long. If you enjoy doing very little beside a clear lagoon, it may be exactly right.

The lack of drinks during the island stops is the biggest practical concern. Even when the crew is friendly and the beach is lovely, heat changes the experience quickly. I would carry water in a reusable bottle and avoid assuming that the included drinks will be available every minute of the trip.

Snorkeling near Coin de Mire

Coin de Mire is the visual centerpiece of the return route. From the sea, it looks like a large mountain rising out of the water. The boat sails as close as possible, giving you a strong view of its steep profile and rocky sides.

You do not set foot on Coin de Mire. That distinction matters because the island is viewed from the catamaran, and the snorkeling stop nearby is not guaranteed. If weather and sea conditions allow, you may snorkel close to it. The tour describes this area as one of the best snorkeling spots in Mauritius, but the captain has the final say.

You need to bring your own snorkeling equipment. The supplied information does not say that masks, snorkels, or fins are provided, so do not arrive expecting rental gear on board. Pack your own set if you have one, and make sure it fits before the boat leaves.

Snorkeling can also be arranged near the other islands, again on your own. The water quality and visibility will depend on conditions on the day. In poor weather, rough seas, or unsafe conditions, the snorkeling portion may be removed. The captain can reschedule a trip when bad weather is known in advance, and the route, start time, or duration can change under force majeure conditions.

That weather policy is sensible. A missed swim is disappointing, but safety comes first on open water. I would book this trip for the islands and sailing as well as snorkeling, not for snorkeling alone.

Lunch on the catamaran

The barbecue lunch gives the day a welcome social center. BBQ food, salad, and drinks are included, and lunch is normally served back on the catamaran after the island stop. In rare cases, it may be served on an island instead.

The meal has earned praise for its taste, but the serving can feel rushed. One guest called the food very good, while another found the lunch acceptable rather than special. That sounds about right for a boat barbecue: you are paying for a convenient meal in a memorable setting, not a restaurant experience.

Drink service needs realistic expectations. The package includes drinks, but accounts describe cold drinks being served only on the way to the island, no ice, and just one later round before the bar closed. This may not happen on every departure, but it is enough reason to bring extra water. Do not rely on the boat bar for unlimited refreshment.

The atmosphere varies, too. Some crews are lively and entertaining, while one departure was criticized for having little atmosphere and relying on music from nearby boats. With several catamarans sometimes operating in the same area, the setting may feel more shared and commercial than secluded.

Still, eating outdoors on a catamaran, surrounded by sea, is a real part of the value. If you keep your expectations simple, lunch should feel like a pleasant break rather than the main reason to book.

What the $70 price buys you

At $70 per person, the outing offers a substantial amount of time for the money. You receive a catamaran trip, guide services, beach stops at two islands, snorkeling opportunities, a barbecue lunch, and drinks. For a seven-hour day, that is a useful bundle, especially if you are traveling with family or friends and want one organized day on the water.

The value depends on how much use you make of the full route. If you swim, snorkel, enjoy the island beaches, and like several hours of sailing, the price is reasonable. If you mainly want a short snorkeling session with a small group and personal attention, this may feel less satisfying.

The rating is 4.1 from 18 ratings, which suggests a generally positive but mixed experience. The strongest praise goes to the friendly crew, the food, the views, and the fun of taking children out for a full day. The main complaints concern crowding, weak drink service, limited shade, a lack of island history, and uneven organization.

That pattern helps you make a clear choice. You are buying access to a full sea day, not a luxury cruise. The boat may be busy, the schedule may shift, and the meal may be basic. In exchange, you get several settings in one outing without arranging separate boat trips yourself.

Guides, languages, and the level of commentary

Guide service is included, with English, French, Hindi, Urdu, Spanish, and Arabic listed as available languages. That is useful for mixed-language groups, though the actual guide assigned to your departure may not speak every listed language.

Do not expect a detailed lecture about the history of the three islands. One guest specifically found that there was little explanation of the islands, so I would treat the guide service as practical help and boat supervision rather than a full cultural tour.

The crew’s manner may shape your day more than the commentary. Friendly staff have helped make the trip enjoyable, especially for families with children. At the same time, one account described tense communication between the captain and crew in front of passengers. That appears to be a service issue on one departure, but it is worth noting if polished hospitality is important to you.

Who will enjoy this boat day most

I would recommend this experience for families, couples, and groups of friends who want a relaxed mix of activities. Children who enjoy swimming, beaches, music, and boat rides should find plenty to do, though adults need to keep an eye on sun exposure and hydration.

It also suits you if you prefer a complete day package. You do not need to arrange a separate boat, lunch, and island visits. The route keeps changing, so the day does not depend on one single stop being perfect.

I would be more cautious if you dislike crowds, need reliable shade, use a wheelchair, or want a quiet premium sailing experience. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, and the reports of crowded seating may matter if standing or moving around is difficult.

You should also reconsider it if snorkeling is your top priority. Coin de Mire snorkeling can be a highlight, but rough weather can cancel it, and you must bring your own equipment. Choose this for the complete combination of sailing, beaches, swimming, and food, with snorkeling as a valuable extra.

Practical packing advice for seven hours

Pack more than the short list suggests. You are told to bring a towel, sunscreen, and swimwear, but I would add a hat, sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, and your own snorkeling kit.

Wear swimwear from the start if you want easy access to the water. Keep sunscreen handy because the boat and islands offer little protection from the sun. A light cover-up can help during the sailing portions when the wind picks up.

If you bring a phone or camera, protect it from spray and wet hands. The clear water and Coin de Mire views are the moments you will most want to remember, but the boat day is not the place for delicate equipment left unprotected.

Contact your guide 24 hours before the activity to confirm the beach meeting point and any timing changes. Bad weather can lead to rescheduling, and the captain may change the initial plan when sea conditions make part of the route unsafe.

Should you book the North Islands cruise?

Book it if you want a good-value, full-day sea outing with two island stops, a barbecue, and the chance to snorkel near Coin de Mire. The friendly crew, tasty food, family appeal, and changing scenery are the strongest reasons to go.

Think twice if you expect a small boat, constant drinks, detailed island commentary, or a guaranteed snorkeling session. Bring water and your own equipment, accept that the catamaran may be crowded, and judge the day as a flexible island cruise rather than a polished luxury excursion.

For $70, I see it as a worthwhile choice for people who value variety and shared fun. The best day will be one with calm seas, a comfortable passenger load, and a captain able to include the Coin de Mire swim.

FAQ

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts seven hours, although the timing and duration may change if weather or other force majeure conditions affect the route.

What islands does the tour visit?

The itinerary includes Ile Plate, also called Flat Island, and Ilot Gabriel. The catamaran also sails close to Coin de Mire, but you do not land on that island.

Can I get off the catamaran at Coin de Mire?

No. The boat sails as close as possible to Coin de Mire, but the tour does not include setting foot on the island.

Is snorkeling guaranteed?

No. Snorkeling near Coin de Mire depends on weather and sea conditions. The captain may cancel it for safety.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

Yes. You should bring your own snorkeling equipment because the activity information asks you to provide it yourself.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch with salad and drinks is included. Lunch is normally served on the catamaran, although it may be served on an island in rare cases.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and swimwear. A personal water bottle and your own snorkeling equipment are also sensible additions because drink availability during island stops may be limited.

What languages are available?

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

Is the activity suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users.