North Coast Catamaran Cruise
Gabriel Island & Coin de Mire — Full Day with BBQ Lunch, Open Bar & Cake & Coffee
A Gabriel Island catamaran cruise is widely regarded as one of the finest day trips in Mauritius, and our full-day excursion from Grand Bay captures everything that makes the northern islands so special. Departing Sunset Boulevard at 08:45, you will sail across the calm, impossibly clear lagoon toward Gabriel Island — a pristine, uninhabited sandbank ringed by a shallow turquoise lagoon that is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Along the way the catamaran glides past Coin de Mire, the dramatic volcanic rock formation also known as Gunner's Quoin, which rises sharply from the ocean and is now a protected nature reserve and seabird sanctuary. On board you will be served an open lunch buffet of BBQ fish, chicken, and sausages alongside fresh salads, all washed down by an unlimited open bar of local punch, rum, beer, and wine. The afternoon brings a second stop near Coin de Mire for more swimming, where cake and coffee are served on deck as you soak in the views. As a north coast catamaran cruise departing Grand Bay, this relaxed, family-friendly trip is an excellent alternative to the busier east coast routes, offering small groups, a comfortable vessel, and some of the island's most photogenic scenery — perfect for couples, families, and anyone who wants a true island-hopping experience in Mauritius.
About This Tour
Spend a full day aboard a comfortable catamaran departing from Sunset Boulevard, Grand Bay. Operated by Coral Belle / Centre Sport Nautique, this classic north coast itinerary takes you to Gabriel Island — one of Mauritius's most pristine uninhabited islands — with a scenic sail past the volcanic silhouette of Coin de Mire (Gunner's Quoin).
A freshly prepared open lunch buffet is served on deck alongside an unlimited open bar with local punch, rum, beer, and wine. In the afternoon, enjoy a second snorkeling stop at Coin de Mire where cake and coffee are served. Please note that snorkeling equipment is not provided on board — bring your own or rent locally in Grand Baie.
Full Day Itinerary
Embark at Sunset Boulevard Grand Bay
Board the catamaran at the jetty of Sunset Boulevard, Grand Bay. Welcome by the skipper and crew members. Safety briefing and settle in for the day.
Departure via Coin de Mire towards Gabriel Island
Catamaran departs and sails by Coin De Mire (Gunner's Quoin) towards Gabriel Island — the most pristine uninhabited island of Mauritius.
Arrive at Gabriel Island — Swim & Snorkel
Passengers are disembarked on the beach for swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear lagoon. Note: snorkeling equipment are not provided on board.
Open Lunch Buffet on Board
Freshly prepared BBQ lunch served on deck with unlimited open bar. Menu includes BBQ fish, BBQ chicken, chicken sausages, rice salad, potato salad, pasta salad, crudités, and bread.
Catamaran Leaves Gabriel Island
Set sail from Gabriel Island heading back south towards Coin de Mire for the afternoon snorkeling stop.
Snorkeling Stop at Coin de Mire + Cake & Coffee
Stop at Coin de Mire for more snorkeling depending on weather conditions. Enjoy cake and coffee served on board while taking in the scenic views.
Arrival Back at the Jetty
Return to Sunset Boulevard Grand Bay jetty. A full day of island adventure concludes with unforgettable memories.
Lunch Menu & Open Bar
Open Lunch Buffet
- BBQ fish (catch of the day)
- BBQ chicken
- Chicken sausages
- Rice salad
- Potato salad
- Pasta salad
- Crudités
- Fresh bread
Dessert
Fresh pineapple or any seasonal fruit
Afternoon Treat
Cake & coffee served during the Coin de Mire stop
Open Bar — Unlimited
- Water
- Wine
- Beer
- Local punch
- Rum
- Soft drinks
On reservation, please advise if any guests are vegetarian.
Photo Highlights
What to Bring
- Swimwear— wear under your clothes
- Towel— not provided on board
- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Sun hat & sunglasses
- Your own snorkel gear— not provided on board — rent in Grand Baie
- Waterproof phone case or camera
- Cash— for optional extras
Meeting Point & Directions
The catamaran departs from the jetty at Sunset Boulevard, Royal Road, Grand Bay. Please arrive 15 minutes early to check in with the skipper and crew. Boarding begins at 08:45.
Important Notes
- Snorkeling equipment is not provided — bring your own or rent locally.
- Itinerary may be rerouted or cancelled in bad weather; reschedule or full refund offered.
- Vegetarian options available — advise on reservation.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.
Transportation & Hotel Pickup
Return hotel pickup and drop-off is available from most locations across Mauritius for an additional fee. Air-conditioned vehicles pick you up from your accommodation and drop you back after the cruise.
Hotel pickup is available as an optional add-on. Provide your accommodation when booking and we'll confirm your pickup time.
Guest Reviews
“Gabriel Island is the most beautiful place we saw in all of Mauritius. The catamaran was comfortable, the crew were wonderful, and the BBQ lunch was delicious. Swimming in that crystal-clear lagoon was pure paradise.”
Sarah T.
United Kingdom · March 2026
“Sailing past Coin de Mire was breathtaking — the rock looks like something from another planet. The crew made everyone feel welcome and the open bar was generous. A perfect, relaxed day from Grand Bay.”
Pierre L.
France · February 2026
“We did the north coast instead of the crowded east coast and it was the right choice. Smaller group, calmer water, and Gabriel Island was almost empty. The cake and coffee in the afternoon was a lovely touch.”
Anja W.
Germany · January 2026
“Really enjoyable full day out. The BBQ fish was excellent and the crew were friendly and professional. Just remember to bring your own snorkeling gear as they mention — we rented in Grand Baie easily.”
Raj P.
India · December 2025
“One of the best days of our honeymoon. Gabriel Island beach felt completely untouched, the water was unreal shades of blue, and the crew even helped us spot fish while snorkeling. Highly recommend.”
Emma D.
Australia · March 2026
“Perfect family day. The kids loved swimming at Gabriel Island and the lunch buffet had something for everyone. Well organised from start to finish — would book again without hesitation.”
Lucas M.
Belgium · November 2025
“A wonderfully relaxed day away from the crowds. The catamaran was spotless, the crew attentive, and Gabriel Island felt like a private paradise. The BBQ fish was the best we had on the island.”
Thomas V.
Switzerland · October 2025
“Beautiful scenery and a friendly crew. The only reason for 4 stars is the snorkelling stop depends on the weather, but the crew communicated clearly throughout. Great value for a full day on the water.”
Nina K.
South Africa · September 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Is snorkeling equipment provided?
No — snorkeling equipment is not provided on board. Please bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins, or rent them from a local dive shop in Grand Baie before departure.
What is the exact departure location?
The catamaran departs from the jetty at Sunset Boulevard, Royal Road, Grand Bay. Please arrive 15 minutes early to check in with the skipper and crew.
What food is served for lunch?
The open lunch buffet includes BBQ fish, BBQ chicken, chicken sausages, rice salad, potato salad, pasta salad, crudités, and bread. Dessert is fresh pineapple or seasonal fruit.
What drinks are included?
The open bar includes unlimited water, wine, beer, local punch, and rum. Soft drinks and fresh juices are also available throughout the day.
Do you cater for vegetarians?
Yes — on reservation, please advise if any guests are vegetarian so we can prepare suitable options alongside the BBQ menu.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Safety is our priority. If bad weather prevails, the trip will be rerouted or cancelled. We will notify you as early as possible and offer rescheduling or a full refund.
Can I arrange hotel pickup?
Yes, hotel transfers are available for an additional fee. Let us know your hotel when booking and we will arrange pickup from your accommodation.
What's Included
- Catamaran fully equipped with safety gear
- Swimming at Gabriel Island beach
- Visit Coin de Mire (Gunner's Quoin) scenic viewpoint
- Open lunch buffet — BBQ fish, chicken, sausages & salads
- Unlimited open bar — water, wine, beer, local punch & rum
- Fresh pineapple or seasonal fruit dessert
- Cake & coffee served during afternoon snorkeling stop
- Experienced captain & friendly crew
- Life jackets for all passengers
- Departure & return from Sunset Boulevard Grand Bay
Not Included
- Snorkeling equipment not provided — bring your own or rent locally
- Hotel transfers (available as add-on)
- Personal travel insurance
- Underwater cameras (available for hire)
- Gratuities (optional)
Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. No questions asked.
Book Your North Coast Catamaran
Add an optional return hotel transfer and we'll confirm availability within 24 hours.
Ready to Sail the Northern Islands?
Gabriel Island · Coin de Mire — Book your spot today
