Grand Baie: 3 Northern Isles Catamaran Cruise & BBQ Lunch

Summary

Sail early from grand baie to three islands with bbq lunch

You’ll set sail early from Grand Baie to reach Flat Island and Gabriel Island before other boats arrive—so there’s real quiet on those beaches. Snorkel in clear lagoons, share barbecue lunch onboard with drinks included, and float by Gunner’s Quoin’s cliffs before drifting back home. Expect salty skin, easy laughter with your guide, and time that doesn’t feel measured.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Catamaran cruise to three islands

• Depart early from Grand Baie
• Sail to Northern Isles
• View Gunner’s Quoin and Flat Island cliffs
• Arrive at Flat Island and Gabriel Island
• Snorkel or relax on sandbar
• Enjoy barbeque lunch onboard
• Stop at Gunner's Quoin natural aquarium
• Swim and snorkel among reef fish
• Return to Grand Baie

Top questions

How many islands does this Grand Baie catamaran cruise visit?

This cruise visits three islands: Flat Island, Gabriel Island, and Gunner's Quoin (Coin de Mire).

Is lunch included on the 3 island catamaran tour?

Yes, a barbecue lunch is served onboard with options like fish, chicken, sausages, salads, garlic bread—and veg curry on request.

Are drinks provided during the cruise?

Yes, both alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are included throughout the day.

Can you snorkel during this Northern Isles cruise?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is provided for swimming at Gabriel Island and near Gunner's Quoin.

What time does the catamaran leave from Grand Baie?

The boat leaves early in the morning to reach the islands before other tours arrive.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Yes; infants can ride in prams or strollers and all fitness levels are welcome.

Are vegetarian or halal food options available?

All food is halal; vegetarian curry can be prepared if requested in advance.

How long does the full-day Northern Isles cruise last?

The tour lasts a full day including sailing time between islands and stops for snorkeling and lunch.

What’s included

Your day includes an early morning departure from Grand Baie by catamaran with stops at Flat Island, Gabriel Island, and Gunner’s Quoin; use of snorkeling equipment; barbecue lunch onboard with both alcoholic drinks and soft drinks; plus coffee or tea served as you sail—the crew takes care of everything so you can just relax into island time.

What’s the experience like?

I woke up weirdly excited for this catamaran trip from Grand Baie—maybe it was the idea of seeing all three northern isles in one day, or just escaping the mainland noise for a while. The crew greeted us with sleepy smiles (it was early, but I liked that), and we set off before most other boats had even left the harbor. There was this hush over the water, except for the soft clink of mugs as someone poured coffee, and I remember thinking: this is already worth it.

Our guide, Ashvin, pointed out Gunner’s Quoin first—those cliffs really do look like they belong in a painting. I tried to spot the birds he mentioned (tropicbirds? I think that’s what he called them), but mostly I just watched the light shift on the rocks. After about an hour we reached Flat Island and Gabriel Island. The sandbar at Gabriel was emptier than I expected—Ashvin said it’s because we’re always first here. Snorkeling felt surreal; schools of fish darted around my feet and the water tasted a bit salty-sweet, which sounds odd but you’ll see what I mean.

Lunch was a proper barbecue on deck—fish, chicken, garlic bread that disappeared fast. Someone asked if there was veg curry and Ashvin nodded, saying his mum makes it best at home (he laughed when someone tried to say “merci” in Creole). Drinks kept coming; not fancy cocktails but cold beer and sodas. We drifted back toward Gunner’s Quoin for another swim—honestly, by then I’d lost track of time completely. There was this moment where everyone just floated quietly, sun-warm and salt-sticky, not really talking. It felt good.

On the way back to Grand Baie, people were quieter—maybe tired or just content. I still think about that view as we sailed in—the colors are hard to describe without sounding cheesy. If you want a day trip from Grand Baie that doesn’t feel rushed or crowded (and includes all three islands), this catamaran cruise is probably it.