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

The clearest water is north of Mauritius. This catamaran day from Grand Baie brings you to Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel, then sails close to the dramatic Coin de Mire. I like the mix of open-sea cruising and unhurried beach time, and I like that the $76 price includes island boat transfers, lunch, and drinks. The main catch is simple: this is a relaxed cruise, not a guided island tour, and hotel transfers are not included.

You get about seven hours on the water, with roughly 90 minutes of sailing to the northern islands. The ride can be lively, and the crew adds music and a party mood, so this suits you if you want a social day as much as a quiet beach escape. Bring your own bottled water for time spent walking or waiting on the islands, since the included drinks are mainly served aboard and with lunch.

Key points to know before you book

• Three northern islands in one day: Visit Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel, then sail close to Coin de Mire, where catamarans do not land.
• Two different kinds of water time: Swim, snorkel, stroll, or sunbathe from the beaches, then enjoy the open-sea ride between stops.
• BBQ lunch on Ile Plate: Expect grilled fish, chicken, sausages, pasta, rice, bread, and green salad.
• Drinks are included: Juice, water, cocktails, and drinks with lunch are part of the package, but carry bottled water for island time.
• A lively catamaran atmosphere: Music and friendly entertainers can turn the return sailing into a small party.
• A weather-sensitive day: Rough conditions can lead to a rescheduled cruise, with a full refund if the trip cannot be moved.

Starting from Grand Baie and finding the boat

The day begins on the beach at Grand Baie. Look for the person holding a list, with other staff nearby. The meeting point is designed to be easy to spot, but you should still allow time to find the right people before departure.

You first take a small boat from the beach to the catamaran anchored offshore. This short transfer matters because you do not simply walk from the sand onto the main vessel. Keep your towel and beachwear handy, and protect phones or cameras from spray during the transfer.

The catamaran is described as comfortable, fast, and secure by the operating team and by people who have taken the trip. The crossing to the northern islands takes about 90 minutes. That is a sizeable part of the day, but it is not wasted time if you enjoy the sea. You get wide views of the water and changing views back toward the mountains of Mauritius.

This is not a small, silent sailing trip. Music and entertainment are part of the mood, particularly on the way back. I would choose it for a cheerful day with friends, family, or a partner who enjoys a bit of noise. If you want a private, quiet sail with no music, this probably is not the right boat.

The 90-minute cruise toward Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel

The first crossing gives you time to settle into the catamaran. Drinks are served while you cruise, including juice, water, and cocktails. The sea can be calm or lively depending on conditions, so sit where you feel most comfortable and use sunscreen early. The sun reflects strongly from the water, even when the breeze makes the air feel mild.

The northern islands are the real prize. Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel are known here for soft sand, clear water, and a less developed feel than the main island. You do not receive a formal guided walk or a detailed talk about the islands. Instead, you get free time to use as you wish.

That freedom is useful. You can swim, snorkel, stroll along the beach, or simply sit in the shade and let the day slow down. You are not being moved from one point to another every few minutes. About an hour is allocated for free time at each island, so plan your priorities rather than trying to do everything.

The trip uses a smaller taxi boat to take you from the catamaran to the islands. Keep this in mind if you have bags, cameras, or anything you do not want splashed. You should pack lightly and place valuables in a waterproof bag.

Ile Plate: beach time followed by lunch

Ile Plate provides the main lunch stop and a good chance to enjoy the island without rushing. The beach has the powdery sand and clear water you hope for from a northern Mauritius cruise. The surrounding greenery adds some relief from the bright open beach.

Your free time can be as active or lazy as you like. A swim gives you a quick look at the different shades of the sea, while snorkeling may bring coral fish and other marine life into view. One account of the trip included an octopus and many fish, and another described the water as exceptionally clear. Those sightings are never guaranteed, but the conditions can be excellent.

After beach time comes the BBQ. The meal includes grilled fish, chicken, sausages, pasta, rice, bread, and green salad. That is a generous spread for a boat-and-island day, especially at a price of $76. It also gives you several choices if you do not want fish or prefer a simple plate of rice and salad.

Drinks are served with lunch. You can also take a break after eating, with time for a short rest before returning to the catamaran. I like this part of the schedule because it keeps the day from becoming an exhausting checklist of beaches and boats.

The limitation is that lunch is practical rather than a restaurant meal. Food is prepared for a group, and the setting is more important than fine presentation. You are eating outdoors on an island, with sand, sun, and a line of people collecting food. That is part of the charm, but you should set your expectations accordingly.

Ilot Gabriel and the color changes in the sea

Ilot Gabriel gives you another chance to get off the boat and enjoy the coast. The two islands are close enough to combine in one outing, yet each offers a fresh stretch of beach and a different view across the water.

I suggest using one island for swimming and snorkeling and the other for walking and photos. The water can shift from pale tones near the sand to darker blue farther out. Even if you are not a strong swimmer, you can appreciate the view from shore, but you should follow the crew’s instructions about where it is safe to enter.

The free time is not a guided nature program. You will not be escorted around the island with a set commentary. That works well if you value personal space and want to choose your own pace. It is less suitable if you are hoping to learn about local plants, geology, wildlife, or the history of Mauritius.

Carry your own bottled water for this section of the day. The package includes drinks while cruising and at lunch, but the practical instructions specifically ask you to bring bottled water for walks and periods waiting to be collected from the islands. A towel, sunscreen, and beachwear are also essential.

Coin de Mire: the island you see from the sea

Coin de Mire is the third northern island on the route, but you do not step ashore. The catamaran sails as close as possible, allowing you to see its steep, curious shape rising from the sea.

This stop is about the view rather than beach time. Coin de Mire looks like a mountain placed in open water, and the approach gives you a different sense of Mauritius than the low, sandy islands. From the catamaran, you can photograph the rock, the surrounding sea, and the distant mountains of the main island.

It is important to understand this before booking. No catamaran on this activity stops so you can land on Coin de Mire. Sailing close to it is the experience. If you need to set foot on all three islands, this cruise will not meet that particular goal.

Still, the pass is worthwhile because it breaks up the beach stops. You move from soft sand and shallow water to a dramatic rocky island viewed from the deck. Have your camera ready, but do not forget to look away from the screen. The wide view is the point.

Snorkeling, swimming, and what to expect underwater

The water is one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise. The northern islands offer several places to swim and snorkel, and clear conditions can make fish easy to see. Some people have seen coral fish, larger fish, and an octopus. Turtles have also been spotted on snorkeling trips in this area, though no wildlife sighting can be promised.

You should bring your own snorkeling gear unless the operator confirms equipment is supplied. The provided information specifically lists a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear, but it does not promise masks, fins, or flotation equipment. That makes it sensible to ask before departure or bring your own if you have room.

The schedule gives you enough time to sample the water without making the whole day about snorkeling. This is helpful for mixed groups. One person can swim, another can walk the beach, and someone else can simply rest under the sun.

Use care with the sun. A long day on reflective water, combined with beach time, can leave you burned before you realize it. Reapply sunscreen after swimming, and bring a hat if you have one. These are ordinary precautions, but they make a major difference during a full day outside.

Lunch, drinks, and the real value of $76

At $76 per person, the price is reasonable if you intend to use the full package. You are paying for the catamaran ride, the beach-to-catamaran transfer, taxi boats to both islands, island time, BBQ lunch, and drinks while cruising and eating.

The value is strongest for people who want everything arranged in one day. You do not need to find separate transport to the islands, locate a lunch stop, or arrange a boat to Coin de Mire. The package brings together the northern highlights in a single outing.

The price is less attractive if you do not drink, do not care about lunch, or prefer to spend a quiet day on one beach. You are also responsible for reaching Grand Baie because hotel pickup is not included. Add the cost and time of getting to the beach meeting point when comparing this with other activities.

The food list is broad enough to satisfy most people, with meat, fish, starches, bread, and salad. Drinks add value, especially on a hot day. Still, bring bottled water for the islands, since included beverages are not meant to replace every bottle you may want during walks or waiting periods.

The return ride and the mood on board

After Coin de Mire, the catamaran returns to Grand Baie. The full day lasts about seven hours, so the final sailing is a chance to sit back rather than race toward another stop.

Music creates a party atmosphere on the return trip. The entertainers are described as friendly, and the mood can be social and upbeat. You might find people singing, chatting, or simply watching the sea from the deck.

That atmosphere is a major part of the appeal, but it is also the clearest style warning. This is not a silent nature cruise. If music and a group setting sound like fun, the return ride may be one of your favorite parts. If you prefer stillness, bring patience and choose a quieter corner of the boat if available.

The day ends back at the original meeting point in Grand Baie. There is no separate hotel drop-off, so plan your return from there.

Who should book this northern Mauritius cruise?

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a full day with several highlights in one package. It suits couples, families, and groups who like swimming, casual snorkeling, island beaches, BBQ food, drinks, and music.

It is also a good choice if this is your main chance to see the northern islands. Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel give you beach time, while Coin de Mire adds a memorable view from the sea. The route offers more variety than a simple beach transfer.

You should think twice if you need a private boat, a quiet sailing experience, or a guided explanation of each island. The islands are yours to enjoy independently, and the group atmosphere can be lively. Also reconsider it if you cannot comfortably manage a beach-to-catamaran transfer and a second boat ride to shore.

Bad weather can change the plan. The operator may reschedule for safety, and if the trip cannot be rescheduled, a full refund is available after approval. That policy is reassuring for a sea trip, but you should keep some flexibility in your holiday schedule.

Final decision: a strong value for a social sea day

I would book this for the combination of clear northern water, two island landings, a proper BBQ, and the close pass by Coin de Mire. The 4.5 rating from 36 ratings reflects a consistently positive experience, and the most praised features are the friendly crew, lively music, tasty food, fast boat, and excellent snorkeling conditions.

The decision comes down to your preferred pace. You get free time rather than a guided program, and you get a social catamaran rather than a private sail. For $76, that is a strong deal if you want a convenient, cheerful day that covers the best-known northern island views in one outing.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

It starts on the beach at Grand Baie. Look for the person holding a list, with other staff members nearby.

Does the price include hotel transfers?

No. Hotel transfers are not included, so you need to make your own way to the Grand Baie meeting point.

Which islands can I visit?

You can visit Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel, with transfers between the catamaran and both islands by taxi boat. The catamaran also sails close to Coin de Mire.

Can I get off the boat at Coin de Mire?

No. The boat passes as close as possible to Coin de Mire, but the activity does not allow you to set foot on that island.

What food is served at lunch?

The BBQ includes grilled fish, chicken, sausages, pasta, rice, bread, and green salad.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks, juice, water, and cocktails are served while cruising and with lunch. You should also bring your own bottled water for island walks and waiting periods.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. You should also consider bringing bottled water and protecting cameras or phones during the boat transfers.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The trip may be rescheduled after consultation. If bad weather prevents rescheduling, you are entitled to a full refund after approval by the operator and booking site.