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The 3 northern islands

Grand Bay

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Catamaran Excursions 3 iles du nord - Mauritius

Embark on an unforgettable experience aboard a catamaran, and let yourself be seduced by the turquoise waters and breathtaking scenery of three emblematic islands in the north of Mauritius: Ile Plate, Gabriel Islet and Coin de Mire. This adventure promises moments of relaxation, discovery and communion with nature.

Le Coin de Mire: A Majestic Icon

Le Coin de Mire, a wild, rocky island that stands proudly off the north coast of Mauritius. It's not possible to disembark there to preserve its ecosystem, so the catamaran will approach to let you admire its impressive cliffs and majestic allure. It's a sanctuary for seabirds.

Plate Island: A Tropical Paradise

Ile Plate is a real postcard, with its pristine beaches and turquoise lagoon. It's the ideal place to swim, snorkel among the colorful coral reefs, or simply bask in the sun. The island is also home to a historic lighthouse, bearing witness to its maritime past and offering exceptional panoramic views over the Indian Ocean.

L'Îlot Gabriel

Gabriel Islet is a true natural sanctuary, known for its secluded beaches and shallow waters. It's the perfect place to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. Here you can snorkel and admire the magnificent coral gardens. Gabriel Islet is also an important nesting ground for many species of seabirds, offering a unique experience for birdwatchers.

An Unforgettable Day Off Mauritius

The day generally begins early in the morning, with boarding of a modern, comfortable catamaran (there is also the option of taking the excursion by speedboat (but at a much higher price)).
Many departures are from Grand Bay, where it's easy to find an operator offering this excursion to the 3 northern islands (beware of prices, so don't hesitate to compare and check what's included, normally you should be able to find a rate between 30 and 40€ / person).
Throughout the cruise, you'll be able to admire the incredible scenery, culminating in a passage right next to the Coin de mire (and its "trou madame"!). (see photos below)).
By mid-morning, the catamaran will arrive at Ilot Gabriel (or sometimes, just opposite, at Ile Plate), where you'll disembark to enjoy the paradise beach until lunchtime.
A Mauritian lunch is served on board the catamarans, often accompanied by local drinks, to fill your day with pleasure.
Finally, the catamaran will take you (weather permitting!) back to your starting point, where you may be lucky enough (like us) to come across some whales...

A day's catamaran cruise to the three northern islands is much more than just a trip: it's a total immersion in the wild, unspoilt beauty of Mauritius. An experience to be enjoyed at least once in your life!

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Tested by writing

All in all, we had a great day out, and it's one of the must-dos in Mauritius.
To get the most out of this excursion to the 3 northern islands, be careful with the weather, as you'll need to do it on a day with good weather and, if possible, fairly calm seas, especially for those who get seasick... the passage through the high seas can be quite "sporty", but it's worth it...

Take time to compare prices: there are many, many operators and other travel agencies offering this excursion. As far as we were concerned, we had paid for a 3* catamaran, which was supposed to be more upmarket than the catamarans used by most operators, but in the end we didn't understand where the so-called luxury lay ... in our opinion, avoid it, as the "classic" catamarans we saw around us seemed to offer the same thing.
Finally, don't forget to pack beach shoes in your rucksack. The shoes you'll have on your feet when you get to the boat will remain on the quayside, so no shoes on board...

(tested in 2024)

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