GBaie: 3 North Islands Cruise, Lunch & CoindeMire Snorkeling

Coin de Mire is the star of this seven-hour sea trip. The rocky island rises like a mountain from the ocean, and the catamaran sails close to it on the return journey. If conditions are safe, you may snorkel nearby, though you do not land on Coin de Mire.

I like the chance to combine two island stops with a proper catamaran day rather than a short boat ride. I also like the simple holiday rhythm: swim, sit on the beach, eat barbecue, listen to music, and let the sea do most of the work.

The main caution is comfort. The boat can feel crowded, shade is limited on parts of the islands, and drinks may not be available during the shore stops. Bring extra water, sunscreen, and your own snorkeling equipment.

Key points before you book

• Seven hours on the water: This is a full-day outing, not a quick island transfer.
• Three North Island sights: You visit Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel, then sail close to Coin de Mire.
• Coin de Mire snorkeling depends on weather: The captain may cancel snorkeling for safety.
• Barbecue lunch is included: Expect barbecue food, salad, and drinks, usually served on the catamaran.
• Bring your own snorkel gear: Equipment is not supplied, and the best Coin de Mire swim may be weather dependent.
• Crowding can affect the day: Some departures have had limited seating and little shade at the islands.

What this North Islands day is really like

This is a relaxed sea outing with a little adventure built in. You meet the team on the beach, then board a catamaran for a route through the changing colors of the Indian Ocean. The exact starting time depends on availability, and you should contact your guide 24 hours before the activity to confirm the meeting details.

The language choice is unusually broad. Guide service is available in English, French, Hindi, Urdu, Spanish, and Arabic. No individual guide names are provided, so you should expect a multilingual crew rather than a named private guide.

The day is best understood as a mix of sailing and beach time. You are not spending seven hours with a guide giving constant historical commentary. One weakness noted in the feedback is that explanations about the history of the three islands may be limited. If you want a detailed cultural or natural history lesson, this may feel light.

If your ideal day means warm water, open views, a swim, and lunch with your group, the loose structure works well. If you need a tightly managed program with constant service, it may feel less polished.

Sailing north from the beach

The catamaran itself is described as well maintained, and the crossing gives you a broad view of Mauritius from the water. Sailing in the open sea can feel thrilling, particularly as the boat moves beyond the sheltered lagoon. The crew and captain are responsible for changing the plan if conditions become unsafe.

That safety point matters. The operator cannot control the weather, and the captain can reschedule or change the route when bad conditions are known in advance. Even on the day itself, the original program can be amended because of sea conditions.

You should not treat the advertised stops as an absolute timetable. The islands, snorkeling areas, and order of activities can change. This is normal for a sea excursion, but it is worth knowing before you book flights, dinner reservations, or another fixed activity for the same evening.

The catamaran may be busy. One departure had so little room that sitting became difficult, especially late in the day when people were hot and tired. If personal space matters to you, ask about the expected group size before booking. The supplied information does not promise a particular number of passengers.

Ile Plate: beach time and clear lagoon water

Ile Plate, also known as Flat Island, is one of the main stops. The appeal is straightforward: a beach, clear lagoon water, and time to swim or relax away from the main island.

You may spend close to an hour here, depending on the day’s schedule. It is a pleasant chance to get off the boat, stretch your legs, and enjoy the water from shore. For families, this break can be easier than keeping children on a moving catamaran all morning.

There is a practical catch. Shade on Flat Island is limited, and the shore stop may not include a regular supply of water or other drinks. Take a full bottle from the boat if possible, and keep it with you. Sunscreen, a hat, and a towel are basic equipment, not optional extras.

Snorkeling near the islands is listed as an included activity, but you need to bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins. The activity does not promise equipment rental. If you want to swim, pack your gear before leaving your hotel rather than assuming the catamaran will have spare sets.

Ilot Gabriel and the bird-filled reserve

The second island stop is Ilot Gabriel, described as a natural reserve with nests of the paille-en-queue, or tropic bird. This gives the day a little more interest than a simple beach cruise. You can enjoy the sand and water while keeping an eye out for the island’s birdlife.

The program allows about an hour or more at an island stop, but the exact timing can change. Bring your own water and do not count on a beach bar. One of the most useful lessons from the practical side of this excursion is that drinks may be available on the catamaran but not during the island visits.

This stop is also a good test of your expectations. Ilot Gabriel is not presented as a guided wildlife walk with a naturalist lecture. The value is in the setting, the bird nests, the beach, and the chance to swim. You will get more from it if you enjoy noticing your surroundings without needing a formal presentation.

The crew uses a dinghy to bring you back to the catamaran when lunch is ready. That transfer adds a small bit of boat handling to the day, but it also means you should follow crew instructions and keep your belongings secure.

Barbecue lunch on the catamaran

Lunch normally comes after the island time, when you return to the catamaran. The meal includes barbecue food, salad, and drinks. In rare cases, lunch may be served on the island instead, so the location is not guaranteed.

The food received mixed but useful feedback. It was considered good by some, while others found the service rushed and the meal fairly ordinary. I would treat lunch as a welcome part of the package, not as the main reason to book the cruise.

Drinks deserve special attention. The published description says drinks are provided, but the practical experience can vary. There may be soft drinks during the journey, yet limited ice, only one round, or no service while you are on the islands. You should bring extra drinking water if the operator allows it, especially on a hot day.

This is also where the price begins to make sense. At $70 per person, you are paying for a full catamaran day, two island visits, guide service, snorkeling access, lunch, and drinks. That is fair value if you use the boat, swim, and meal as one package. It is less appealing if you mainly want a quiet beach or a high-end food experience.

Coin de Mire, the mountain in the ocean

The return route brings you close to Coin de Mire, the third island in the program. You do not set foot on it. Instead, the catamaran sails as near as possible, giving you the dramatic view of a steep rock rising from the sea.

This is the most distinctive sight of the cruise. The island’s shape makes it easy to understand why it is described as a mountain in the ocean. You get a different perspective from the boat than you would from Mauritius’ beaches, and the approach itself is part of the fun.

If the weather allows, the crew may stop for snorkeling near Coin de Mire. The area is considered one of the better snorkeling spots around Mauritius, but conditions decide the matter. Sea safety comes first, and the captain may skip this section entirely.

That possibility should be clear before you pay. You are booking an opportunity to snorkel near Coin de Mire, not a guarantee. Bring your own equipment, and do not build the whole day around seeing underwater life at this one location.

One especially enjoyable possibility comes while the catamaran waits near Grand Baie on the return. The captain may allow a swim in clear, deeper water while the boat is waiting to go back. This is not a guaranteed part of the schedule, but it can be a memorable end to the day when conditions permit.

Music, crew style, and the atmosphere onboard

The mood depends heavily on the crew and the number of boats in the area. The staff have been described as friendly, lively, and entertaining, which is good news for families and groups of friends. A relaxed crew can turn a simple crossing into a social day.

The music is less predictable. One outing had little atmosphere from its own boat and instead picked up music from nearby catamarans. Another criticism involved very loud music on arrival, apparently to attract attention to the boat. If you want peace and quiet, bring patience. If you like a casual party mood, the sound may suit you.

There may also be many catamarans visiting the same island area at once. The scenery can still be beautiful, but do not expect complete solitude on every beach stop. The experience is more social excursion than private island escape.

I would choose a seat early and keep track of your towel, bag, and water bottle. The boat can feel hot and crowded later in the day, so small comforts matter.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

This outing suits families, couples, and groups of friends who want several activities in one day. Children who enjoy swimming, beaches, and boat rides should find plenty to do, although adults need to manage sun exposure and hydration.

It also suits people who prefer a package price. You receive transport by catamaran, guide service, island visits, snorkeling opportunities, lunch, and drinks without arranging each part separately.

You may want a different option if you need any of the following:

• A guaranteed snorkeling session near Coin de Mire
• A quiet, uncrowded boat
• Detailed commentary about island history
• Reliable drinks and shade during every shore stop
• Wheelchair access

The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. It also requires enough mobility to board the catamaran, transfer by dinghy if used, and move around the beach areas.

What to pack for a better day

The operator asks you to bring a towel, sunscreen, and swimwear. I would add a reusable water bottle, hat, sunglasses, and your own snorkeling equipment.

Your own mask and snorkel are particularly important. The description specifically asks you to bring equipment, and there is no promise that gear will be available onboard.

Keep your electronics protected from spray and carry only what you need onto the beach. Since the program can change with the weather, a light cover-up is useful even on a hot day.

Before departure, contact the guide 24 hours in advance. This is the best time to confirm the meeting point on the beach, starting time, and any weather-related changes.

Booking flexibility and weather rules

You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now while paying later. That flexibility helps because sea conditions can affect the program.

Bad weather known in advance may lead the captain to reschedule the trip. The duration, starting time, and original route can also change under force majeure conditions. Do not schedule something immovable immediately after the seven-hour outing.

The stated duration is seven hours, but that does not mean every activity will receive equal time. Some days may give you longer island stops, while others may shorten snorkeling or alter the order of the route.

Should you book the GBaie North Islands cruise?

Book it if you want a good-value full-day boat outing with swimming, two beach stops, barbecue lunch, and a chance to snorkel near Coin de Mire. The best parts are the open-water sailing, the view of Coin de Mire, the friendly crew when the mood is right, and the easy all-in-one format.

Skip it if crowding, uncertain drink service, or a lack of detailed guiding would spoil your day. Pack extra water, bring snorkeling gear, expect the weather to control the plan, and treat the barbecue as practical rather than special. With those expectations, the $70 price is reasonable for a family or group looking for a full day at sea.

FAQ

How long does the North Islands cruise last?

The activity lasts seven hours, although the captain may change the duration, starting time, or program because of bad weather or other force majeure conditions.

What islands does the catamaran visit?

The cruise visits Ile Plate and Ilot Gabriel. It also sails close to Coin de Mire, but you do not land on that third island.

Can I go ashore on Coin de Mire?

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

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling near the islands and near Coin de Mire is included when conditions allow. You must bring your own snorkeling equipment.

Is snorkeling near Coin de Mire guaranteed?

No. The captain may cancel this part if sea or weather conditions make it unsafe.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A barbecue lunch with salad and drinks is included. Lunch is usually served on the catamaran, but it may rarely be served on the island.

Are drinks available throughout the day?

Drinks are included, but availability during the island stops may be limited. Bring extra water, especially because some island areas have little shade.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, swimwear, drinking water if permitted, and your own snorkeling equipment.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is on the beach. Contact your guide 24 hours before the activity to confirm the exact details.

Which languages are available?

Guide service is available in English, French, Hindi, Urdu, Spanish, and Arabic.

Can wheelchair users take this tour?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.