Off the northern tip of Mauritius, a scatter of volcanic islets rises from deep blue water beyond the reef. The wedge-shaped Gunner’s Quoin, or Coin de Mire, has sheer cliffs alive with seabirds; Flat Island, with its old lighthouse, and tiny Ilot Gabriel share a clear lagoon fringed with white sand. Reaching them means leaving the calm inner lagoons for the open sea, which is exactly what makes this trip feel like an adventure. This page links to the Catamaran Full-Day 3 Island Northern Isles Cruise from Grand Baie with Passion Océane on the Wind Dancer, rated 4.7 from about 100 reviews. You meet on Grand Baie public beach at 7:45 and a dinghy takes you out to the catamaran. The boat sails north past Gunner’s Quoin, where reviewers rate the snorkelling highly, then anchors in the lagoon between Flat Island and Ilot Gabriel for swimming, snorkelling and time on the beach. Lunch is a barbecue of fish, chicken and sausages with salads, and a vegetarian curry is available on request; all food is halal. Coffee, tea, soft drinks, beer and other alcoholic drinks are included through the day. Dolphins are sometimes spotted on the crossing, and the views back to the mountains of the north are superb.
How it works: the cruise lasts about eight hours from an 8:00 departure, with guests gathering on Grand Baie public beach at 7:45 to be ferried to the boat. Lunch, snacks, drinks and snorkel gear are included, and the boat takes up to about 35 guests. Free cancellation is possible until 24 hours before. Transfers can be arranged, but the trip is easiest for guests staying around Grand Baie and the north coast.
What you see: Gunner’s Quoin’s cliffs and seabirds, the blue water of the open channel, and the lagoon and beaches of Flat Island and Ilot Gabriel, both uninhabited nature reserves. Snorkelling is best around Gunner’s Quoin and Flat Island; some stops have more coral rubble than living reef.
Making the most of it: the crossing beyond the reef can be rough, especially in the windy winter months, so take seasickness tablets if you need them and sit towards the back of the boat. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and a towel, and respect the islands by taking all rubbish back to the boat.
What to expect
The experience
A shared full-day catamaran sail from Grand Baie across open water to Gunner’s Quoin, Flat Island and Ilot Gabriel, with snorkelling, beach time and a barbecue lunch.
Best time
The calmer summer months from October to April usually bring easier crossings; winter trade winds can make the sea rough.
How long
About eight hours from the 7:45 meeting on Grand Baie beach.
Tips
Take seasickness tablets if you are prone, bring reef-safe sunscreen and a towel, and keep a dry bag for your phone.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers based in the north who want a wilder sail than the east-coast lagoon trips.
- Families
- Good for older children who swim well; the open-sea crossing can be rough for little ones.
- Couples
- A full day of sailing, swimming and lunch at anchor off an uninhabited island.
- Pair with
- The Pamplemousses day tour or L’Aventure du Sucre, both near Grand Baie.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
Where does the northern islands catamaran leave from?+
It leaves from Grand Baie public beach, where guests meet at 7:45 and a dinghy takes them to the boat. The cruise departs at 8:00.
Which islands does the cruise visit?+
It visits Gunner’s Quoin, also called Coin de Mire, Flat Island and Ilot Gabriel. The longest stop is in the lagoon between Flat Island and Ilot Gabriel.
Is lunch included?+
Yes, a barbecue lunch with fish, chicken, sausages and salads is served on board, with a vegetarian option on request. Drinks, including alcohol, are included.
Is the sea rough on this trip?+
It can be, because the islands lie beyond the reef in open water. Take seasickness tablets if you are prone, especially in the windier winter months.
Can I cancel the cruise?+
Yes, cancellation is free until 24 hours before the start. After that the booking cannot be refunded.
