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North islet · cliff, usually viewed not landed
Coin de Mire (Gunner’s Quoin)
Coin de Mire is the dramatic basalt island you see from the north coast — a gunner’s quoin on the horizon. Northern catamaran days often include a sail past it with snorkel stops in the channel, sometimes with Gabriel Island and Île Plate (Flat Island). Treat it as a seascape, not a hike you booked on a whim. Wildlife and cliff nesting mean access is controlled. The value is the boat, the water, and the silhouette from Cap Malheureux at last light — which you can have without a ticket if you stay on the mainland.
History
Why this place exists
Gunner's Quoin: the sharp basalt island north of Cap Malheureux. A seamark. Wildlife and cliffs mean access is controlled.
First visit
To do
- Sunset from the mainland chapel view is the honest first-timer move.
- If you sail: sea state north of the island cancels.
Tickets
Cheaper here
You photograph it from Cap Malheureux for free. A north catamaran is a different product — pay for the boat, not a fake landing.
Landing is not a casual picnic. Licensed north-coast day sail if you want the water.
Location
On the island
OpenStreetMap, live. Pins are the place, not a sponsored hotel.
-19.9410° S · 57.6210° E
Do not attempt unofficial landings. Sea state north of the island changes fast. Follow the skipper.
Crowd: moderate