3 Northern Islets on Speedboat: Coin de Mire, Gabriel & Flat Island

Mauritius' 3 most famous islands, Gabriel Island, Ile aux Cerfs and Benitiers Island are awaiting to be visited with our 3 Days - Sea Activities Tours Package.

The Private Northern Islands Trip includes:

• Full-day (approx. 7 hours) at sea with a private skipper
• Private speedboat trip to 3 Northern islands (Îlot Gabriel, Flat Island & Coin de Mire)
• Snorkelling at Îlot Gabriel & Coin de Mire
• Visit and exploration of Îlot Gabriel and Flat Island
• Discovery of the endemic fauna and flora of the islands
• BBQ lunch prepared and served on Flat Island
• Drinks included (water, soft drinks and wine)
• Scenic cruise along Coin de Mire
• Discover Trou Madame, a sea-carved cavity at Coin de Mire

• 07:45 - Guests to arrive for boarding formalities and briefing
• 08:00 - Departure for a speedboat cruise towards the northern islands
• Cruise to Îlot Gabriel (approx. 30 minutes)
• Snorkelling session and beach time at Îlot Gabriel (approx. 1.5 - 2 hours)
• Short cruise to Flat Island (approx. 10 -15 minutes)
• Free time on Flat Island for relaxation and exploration
• BBQ lunch served on Flat Island (timing may vary depending on the day’s flow)
• 13:45 - Departure from Flat Island
• Scenic cruise along Coin de Mire and visit to Trou Madame (approx. 30 - 45 minutes)
• 15:00 - Return from the excursion

A Different Way to Experience the Popular Northern Islands

If the idea of spending a day on quiet islands, far from the usual spots, sounds like your kind of plan, this trip might be for you.

Visiting Îlot Gabriel, Flat Island and Coin de Mire in one day is quite rare, especially considering how remote these islands are and how limited access can be.

It’s a great choice for couples, small groups or travellers with a limited schedule who still want a meaningful day at sea. It’s a great choice for couples, small groups or travellers with a limited schedule who still want a meaningful day at sea. Whether you’re with friends or loved ones, the experience feels more personal and easy, with time to enjoy each moment together. Just a small note, if the sea is in a playful mood, the ride can get a little lively too.

Leaving the Mainland Behind

The day begins in the morning as you set off from the north coast. As you leave the mainland behind, the coastline slowly fades, and the lagoon opens up into deeper shades of blue. After around 30 minutes at sea, Îlot Gabriel appears almost quietly, low, wild and surrounded by clear water that makes you want to jump in straight away.

And most people do.

Good to know: Îlot Gabriel is a protected natural reserve located just 750 metres from Flat Island. Covering only 42 hectares, it remains smaller and more untouched, which adds to its unique character.

Snorkelling in the Northern Lagoons

Late morning is often spent in the water around Îlot Gabriel, where the lagoon is calm and shallow. It’s known as one of the best snorkelling spots in Mauritius, with colourful fish moving through coral patches and, if you’re lucky, rays or turtles passing by.

On the way out, the boat passes by Coin de Mire, where the seabed drops into deeper waters and rocky formations surround the islet. While you don’t stop here, it offers a different perspective of the marine environment, adding contrast to the lagoon snorkelling experienced earlier.

Free time at Flat Island

Towards midday, the boat heads to Flat Island, where everything feels more open and untouched. The beaches are wider, the surroundings quieter, and the atmosphere naturally slower. As you explore, one detail gradually reveals itself: the old lighthouse standing in the distance.

Did you know? The lighthouse on Flat Island has been standing since 1855, making it one of the oldest in Mauritius.

A BBQ Lunch by the Sea

By the time you reach Flat Island, the rhythm of the day naturally slows down. This stop is less about moving around and more about enjoying the moment, with time to swim, relax on the beach or simply stretch out under the sun.

Barbecue Lunch is prepared directly on the island rather than on board, and served in a relaxed, open setting just steps from the water. You can take your time, go for another swim, or just sit back with a drink in hand.

There’s no rush here, and that’s exactly what makes this part of the day stand out.

Coin de Mire and Trou Madame

In the early afternoon, the journey continues past Coin de Mire, its cliffs rising sharply from the sea. This iconic islet is a nature reserve, known for its dramatic landscape and rich marine surroundings.

Not far from it, Trou Madame offers a final change of scenery, more rugged, shaped by the sea over time, before the boat begins its return towards the mainland.

If you look up, you may spot the elegant Paille-En-Queue birds gliding along the cliffs or nesting in the rocks, a familiar and striking sight in this part of Mauritius.

By mid-afternoon, around 15:00, you return to the mainland, with the day unfolding in a way that feels easy, balanced and complete.

About the Speedboat

The speedboat used for this excursion is designed for both comfort and performance, ideal for small groups looking to explore the northern islands flexibly and efficiently.

Onboard facilities include:

• Comfortable seating areas
• Sun-protected shaded space
• Cabin space for storage and shelter
• Safety equipment including life jackets
• First aid kit and communication equipment

The boat allows easy access to shallow lagoons and remote beaches, making it perfectly suited for island hopping and snorkelling experiences

• Beach towel

• Hat or cap

• Light clothing

• Swimwear (recommended to wear before boarding)

• Sunscreen

• Underwater camera (optional)

• Fins (optional - not provided)

Full Day Northern Islands Speedboat Trip - Food & Beverages

• Maximum number of participants: 10 pax
• Island stops depend on tides, sea and wind conditions and cannot be guaranteed.
• An alternative itinerary will be proposed if a stop is not accessible.
• The ride can be splashy; passengers at the back may get wet.
• Valuables should be stored securely, as the ride can occasionally be bumpy
• Pregnant women should take extra caution due to the movement and sea conditions.
• Life jackets are available on board and must be worn when instructed by the skipper.
• Snorkelling masks are provided; fins must be brought by guests.
• Guests may bring their own food; however, heavy meals are not advised before snorkelling.
• Young children must remain seated while the boat is moving.
• The activity is weather-dependent and subject to availability.

Transport is available for an extra fee, with pick-up and drop-off from any accommodation in Mauritius.

How is the Transportation Fare calculated?

For transportation not included as part of the tour, the fare is calculated based on the set activity duration, the distance between your accommodation and the activity location (round trip).

Transport Payment

The payment for transportation is divided into two parts:

"Deposit": Payable at the time of booking, alongside your activity reservation. This deposit covers a portion of the total transportation fare.

"Amount Due to Driver": The remaining balance is payable in cash directly to the driver on the day of the activity. This final amount is calculated by subtracting the deposit from the total transportation cost.