Coin de Mire Gunner's Quoin
A striking, uninhabited rocky islet off Mauritius's north coast, famed for its dramatic cliffs and vibrant coral reefs, a prime spot for snorkeling an...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best visibility for snorkeling
Coin de Mire Gunner's Quoin
Best Time
Best visibility for snorkeling
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A striking, uninhabited rocky islet off Mauritius's north coast, famed for its dramatic cliffs and vibrant coral reefs, a prime spot for snorkeling and diving.
"The coral reef next to it is amazing, very popular spot for divers and snorkeling. "
Boat Trip Essential
Book a boat trip for the best experience; many tours include snorkeling stops.
Snorkel Gear Ready
Bring your own snorkel gear or ensure your tour provides good quality equipment.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Confetti Bay
North coast of Gunner's Quoin
Calm, crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling and diving, with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.
Impressive Cliff Views
Outer shores of Gunner's Quoin
Witness the dramatic, grass-topped rocky isle rising from the sea, offering a unique and striking natural landscape.
Marine Life Observation
Surrounding waters
Observe abundant wildlife, including sharks, in the rich coral reef ecosystem, a popular spot for diving schools.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Access & Observation
Snorkeling & Diving Hotspot
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Boat Trip Essential
Book a boat trip for the best experience; many tours include snorkeling stops.
Snorkel Gear Ready
Bring your own snorkel gear or ensure your tour provides good quality equipment.
What cruise would your recommend to coin de mire, île plate and îlot Gabriel ?
I’m on soon visiting Mauritius. What’s the must see/must do thing when I am here?
Respect Nature
This is a nature preserve; observe wildlife from a distance and do not disturb the environment.
Sun Protection
The sun is strong at sea; wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
what are best beaches for snorkeling?
Tips
from all over the internet
Boat Trip Essential
Book a boat trip for the best experience; many tours include snorkeling stops.
Snorkel Gear Ready
Bring your own snorkel gear or ensure your tour provides good quality equipment.
Respect Nature
This is a nature preserve; observe wildlife from a distance and do not disturb the environment.
Sun Protection
The sun is strong at sea; wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning natural beauty of Gunner's Quoin, particularly its impressive cliff views and the vibrant coral reefs surrounding it, making it a top spot for snorkeling and diving. While direct island access is prohibited, the surrounding waters offer an unforgettable marine experience, especially in the calm Confetti Bay.
"One cannot enter the island but it is great to observe the wild life.
The coral reef next to it is amazing, very popular spot for divers and snorkeling.
Many boats come there, many from the diving Schools. Especially to the confetti bay where water is very still and safe and have the perfect Depths of 8-188 m under water. Lot's of sand space and jice coral reef to observe
The cliff view is impressive"
Pamela
"Nice landmass with a unique shape. Good place to snorkel if you take a private boat."
Murtaza Biggy
"Epic dive spot. Confetti is perfect for training new divers"
Ian Haggerty
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gunner's Quoin is an uninhabited islet and public access is restricted. The best way to experience it is by taking a boat trip from the north coast of Mauritius, often departing from Grand Baie. Many catamaran and private boat tours include stops for snorkeling around the island.
No, direct public access to the island is not permitted as it is a nature preserve. Visitors can admire its unique shape and wildlife from the surrounding waters.
Boat tours to Gunner's Quoin typically depart from popular coastal areas in northern Mauritius, such as Grand Baie.
There are no public ferries to Gunner's Quoin. Access is exclusively via organized boat tours.
The islet is located approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) north of the mainland coast of Mauritius.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You do not need separate tickets to visit Gunner's Quoin itself, as it's an uninhabited nature preserve. However, you will need to book a boat tour, which will have its own cost.
There are no specific entry fees for the waters around Gunner's Quoin. The cost is typically included in your boat tour package.
You can book boat trips through local tour operators in Grand Baie or online in advance. Many hotels can also assist with bookings.
As access to the island is restricted, there are no specific visiting hours. Boat tours operate during daylight hours.
No, public access to the island itself is not allowed, so picnics on the island are not possible.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
The primary activities are snorkeling and diving in the rich coral reefs surrounding the islet, particularly in Confetti Bay. You can also enjoy the scenic views of the unique rocky formation from your boat.
Yes, the coral reef around Gunner's Quoin is renowned for its excellent snorkeling. Confetti Bay offers calm, shallow waters ideal for observing marine life.
Confetti Bay is known for its still and safe waters, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling, even for beginners. Always follow your tour guide's instructions.
You can expect to see a variety of colorful fish, coral formations, and potentially even sharks in the waters around Gunner's Quoin.
No, Gunner's Quoin is an uninhabited islet and has no facilities. All amenities are on the boat.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the dramatic silhouette of the rocky islet against the blue sky and sea. The underwater world offers fantastic opportunities for vibrant photos of coral and fish while snorkeling or diving.
Morning light often provides softer, more even lighting for landscape shots of the islet. Midday sun can be harsh but offers great clarity for underwater photography.
A waterproof camera or a waterproof phone case is highly recommended for capturing the underwater beauty of the coral reefs.
Drone usage regulations can vary, and it's best to check local advisories. Given it's a nature preserve, drone use might be restricted.
The iconic view is the distinctive, grass-topped rocky peak rising from the ocean. Photos from the boat looking towards the islet are very popular.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Choose tours that are family-friendly and emphasize safety. Ensure your boat has shaded areas for protection from the sun. The visual spectacle of the unique rocky island from the boat is also captivating for younger visitors. Pack plenty of sun protection, snacks, and a sense of adventure!
🐠 Dive Enthusiasts
Many dive centers in the north of Mauritius organize regular trips to Gunner's Quoin. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season. Be prepared for the possibility of encountering sharks, which are part of the natural ecosystem here. The dramatic underwater topography and the health of the reef are consistently praised in reviews.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Geology of Gunner's Quoin
Despite its rugged appearance, the surrounding waters teem with life. The islet's proximity to deeper ocean currents and its protective reef system create a rich marine environment. While you can't set foot on the island itself, its presence is a significant part of the northern Mauritius seascape and a focal point for marine excursions.
Underwater Wonders: Snorkeling and Diving
Divers and snorkelers can expect to encounter a diverse array of marine life, from colorful reef fish to intricate coral formations. The presence of sharks in the area, while sometimes a concern for some, is a testament to the thriving ecosystem. Many diving schools frequent this location, highlighting its importance as a dive site.
When planning your visit, ensure you book a boat tour that specifically includes snorkeling or diving stops at Gunner's Quoin. Bringing your own gear can sometimes be more comfortable, but most tours provide equipment. Remember to practice responsible tourism by not touching the coral or disturbing the marine life.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit