Ilot Gabriel: Catamaran Cruise & BBQ Lunch

Ilot Gabriel is the star of this day on the water: a low, sandy island with clear shallows, good snorkeling, and wide views across northern Mauritius. You spend about two hours sailing from Grand Baie, then get island time before returning aboard for a BBQ lunch.

I like the friendly onboard crew and the fact that lunch, drinks, the catamaran, and the dinghy transfers are included. I also like the chance to see Coin de Mire close up, a huge rocky peak rising from the sea. The main catch is that the catamaran can feel crowded, and the sea may be choppy.

Allow around seven hours, bring your own snorkeling gear, and eat a light breakfast first. The sun is strong, the boat can hold more people than expected, and time on the island may feel short if you want a long swim.

Key points to know before you book

• The day begins with a dinghy ride: Meet near the middle of Grand Baie beach, then take a short transfer to the catamaran anchored about 150 metres offshore.
• Ilot Gabriel offers the best beach time: Swim, snorkel, and walk along the sandy shore of this protected island.
• The return route passes Coin de Mire: Weather permitting, you may stop to snorkel near this dramatic sea mountain.
• BBQ lunch is served onboard: Expect grilled food, salad, drinks, and dessert after the island stop.
• The crew sets a social mood: Music, dancing, jokes, cooking, and drink service are part of the experience.
• The plan can change: Bad weather may shift the trip to Ile Plate, and snorkeling near Coin de Mire is not guaranteed.

Sailing from Grand Baie to Ilot Gabriel

The morning starts on Grand Baie beach. Do not expect to walk straight onto the catamaran. You wait around the middle of the beach, where a representative should meet you and guide you to a dinghy.

That short boat transfer carries you roughly 150 metres offshore to the catamaran. Wear swimwear under your clothes and keep your phone, camera, and other items protected from spray. You are boarding from the water, not from a pier, so this is worth knowing in advance.

Once aboard, the first part of the trip is a long open-water sail. The crossing to Ilot Gabriel takes about two hours. That gives you time to settle into the rhythm of the boat, find a place to sit, and watch the water shift in colour as you leave the bay.

The sea is not always smooth. One of the useful details about this trip is that the first stretch can feel bouncy when wind and weather pick up. Most descriptions suggest mild chop rather than anything alarming, but if you are prone to seasickness, take sensible precautions and choose a seat where you feel comfortable.

The boat is also not always as spacious as you might expect from the promotional description. One outing carried around 40 people, despite an expectation of about 20, and the catamaran felt full. That does not ruin the trip, but it affects how easily you can move around and how much quiet space you have.

Ilot Gabriel and its sandy island shores

Ilot Gabriel is a protected natural reserve known for its beaches and birdlife, including the white-tailed tropicbird, locally called the Paille en Queue. The appeal here is simple: pale sand, warm water, and open views back toward the surrounding islands.

After the catamaran reaches the area, a dinghy takes you to shore. You have time to swim, snorkel, walk, and relax before returning to the main boat. There is no island guide included, so this is free time rather than a guided nature walk.

I would treat the island stop as the heart of the day. The beaches are the reason to come, and the water is generally the best place to cool off. You may find the clearest snorkeling farther from the beach, where the water is less shallow, but currents can be strong. Stay alert and do not swim farther out simply to chase better fish sightings.

The amount of island time can vary. One person felt it was slightly too short, while another had more than an hour in the water. That difference may depend on sea conditions, loading times, and the day’s schedule. If your top priority is spending hours on a beach, a dedicated island stay may suit you better. If you want a full day that combines sailing, snorkeling, food, and scenery, the balance works well.

Ilot Gabriel can also be busy. Several catamarans may arrive at the same time, with around 10 boats reported in one visit. There is still room along the beach, but do not picture a completely empty Robinson Crusoe setting.

Snorkeling in northern Mauritius

Snorkeling is included as an activity, but snorkeling equipment is not provided. Bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins, especially if you know your fit and comfort matter. This is not a minor detail. A poorly fitting mask can turn a beautiful swim into a frustrating one.

The water around Ilot Gabriel can be rewarding, with colourful fish and clear views beneath the surface. Some people found the best snorkeling close to the boat rather than right beside the beach. Strong currents are possible, so keep within your ability and follow any instructions from the crew.

The return route may offer another water stop near Coin de Mire. This is weather dependent and not a fixed part of every departure. The operator specifically warns that snorkeling near Coin de Mire is not guaranteed, so do not book this trip solely for that stop.

If Coin de Mire is a must-see snorkeling site for you, choose an activity designed around it instead. On this trip, the island, open-water sailing, and BBQ lunch are the reliable elements. The extra stop is a welcome bonus when conditions allow.

You might also spot dolphins or sea turtles during the crossing. These sightings are rare, so consider them luck rather than part of the itinerary. One outing even produced a brief dolphin sighting and another reported a whale, but wildlife in open water never follows a timetable.

Coin de Mire, the mountain in the sea

On the way back to Mauritius, the catamaran sails close to Coin de Mire. This steep island looks like a large mountain rising straight from the ocean, and it gives the return journey a strong visual moment after the flatter beaches of Ilot Gabriel.

The route is valuable even if no snorkeling stop happens. You get a close view of one of northern Mauritius’s most distinctive natural features, and the changing angle from the boat makes it more interesting than a quick glance from shore.

If the weather is calm and the captain chooses to stop, you may enter the water near the rock. Again, keep expectations practical. This is not guaranteed, and the captain has to judge wind, current, and sea conditions on the day.

The return sail can feel sleepy after lunch and sun. The crew sometimes adds music and dancing during the final part of the trip, which gives the boat a livelier finish. You can join in or simply sit back and watch the coast draw closer.

BBQ lunch, drinks, and the onboard atmosphere

Lunch is served after you return from Ilot Gabriel. The meal includes BBQ food, salad, drinks, and dessert. The cooking and serving happen onboard, so you do not need to carry a separate picnic or buy food on the island.

The food received especially strong praise. Expect a straightforward boat BBQ rather than a formal restaurant meal, but the combination of grilled food, salad, and dessert suits a day in the sun. Drinks are also provided onboard, and the crew keeps the atmosphere relaxed and social.

The crew is one of the strongest parts of this outing. They cook, serve drinks, keep people informed, and often add music and jokes. The crew aboard the Dawn was singled out for being witty and helpful, while Jerry was named as a funny captain on another departure. Staff can change, but the general style is clearly friendly and hands-on.

This is not a silent sailing trip. You may get music, dancing, and a party mood, particularly late in the afternoon. That is a plus if you want a cheerful group day. It may be less appealing if you hoped for a quiet, private sail.

Is $69 good value for seven hours?

At $69 per person, this is a strong-value day if you plan to use the whole package. The price covers the catamaran trip, dinghy transfers, lunch, drinks, and a guide onboard. You also get access to Ilot Gabriel and the chance to snorkel without paying separate boat fares.

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise need to arrange transport, a boat trip, a beach visit, and lunch separately. The included food and drinks also make budgeting easier.

There are a few limits. Snorkeling gear costs extra if you do not already have your own. There is no guide on Ilot Gabriel, so nature interpretation and organized island sightseeing are not part of the price. The catamaran may feel crowded, and time on the beach is not unlimited.

For a seven-hour outing with lunch and drinks, I think the price is reasonable. I would not choose it for privacy, luxury, or a quiet sailing atmosphere. I would choose it for a social day that combines several northern Mauritius highlights without a complicated plan.

Meeting point, timing, and what to bring

Contact Vacances Oh! Soleil within 24 hours of departure. The meeting point can change because of rain or other serious conditions, and the company asks you to confirm the details rather than relying only on the original information.

At Grand Baie beach, wait near the centre and look for the representative who has your booking details. Tell the representative your name and the company name, Vacances Oh! Soleil.

Bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Strong sunscreen
• Your own snorkeling gear
• A secure bag for valuables
• Water protection for phones and cameras

A light breakfast is a good idea because the first meal comes later, after the island stop. Apply sunscreen before boarding and keep applying it during the day. The breeze can make the heat feel mild, but you are exposed on the boat and beach for hours.

The tour is offered in French and English. Trips can be rescheduled in bad weather, and the start time or total duration may change because of conditions at sea.

Ilot Gabriel or Ile Plate?

The operator may replace Ilot Gabriel with Ile Plate when conditions or other practical issues require it. You should be told about a change in advance.

The two islands have similar beaches, so the basic appeal remains a sandy shore, swimming, and time by the sea. The main difference is lunch. With the Ile Plate plan, lunch is served on the island rather than on the catamaran.

This flexibility is useful because sea conditions matter more than a fixed island name. A rough crossing or unsafe water stop would make the original plan less enjoyable. I would confirm the final destination before setting out, but I would not automatically reject the trip if Ile Plate replaces Ilot Gabriel.

Who will enjoy this catamaran day?

I recommend it most strongly to couples, groups of friends, and families with older children who like swimming, music, and a social boat setting. Children aged six, nine, and eleven enjoyed one outing, but the bouncy sea and open-water setting may not suit very young children.

It is a good match for you if you want:

• A full day on the water
• A beach and snorkeling stop
• Lunch and drinks included
• A friendly, lively crew
• Views of Coin de Mire
• A simple way to see northern island scenery

It may not suit you if you are pregnant, uncomfortable in choppy water, looking for a private charter, or hoping for a long, quiet stay on an empty beach. Pregnant women should not book this activity.

Should you book the Ilot Gabriel catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a well-priced day that mixes open-water sailing, island time, snorkeling, and a BBQ lunch. The strongest reasons are the good food, inclusive pricing, scenic route, and warm crew. The experience feels active without demanding a long hike or difficult excursion.

Think twice if you need plenty of space, guaranteed snorkeling near Coin de Mire, or a completely calm sea. Bring your own gear, confirm the meeting point, expect some crowding, and keep your schedule flexible for weather changes.

For most visitors staying in northern Mauritius, this is a practical way to see Ilot Gabriel and the nearby sea scenery in one day. Just book it for the full mix, not for one promised wildlife sighting or one guaranteed snorkeling stop.

FAQ

How long is the Ilot Gabriel catamaran cruise?

The activity lasts about seven hours, though the timing can change because of weather or other unforeseen conditions.

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet near the middle of Grand Baie beach. A representative should find you and direct you to the dinghy, which carries you to the catamaran anchored about 150 metres offshore.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. You should bring your own snorkeling gear because equipment is not included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served as a BBQ with salad, drinks, and dessert. If the trip changes to Ile Plate, lunch is served on the island instead of the catamaran.

Will the trip always visit Ilot Gabriel?

No. The activity may be changed to Ile Plate, whose beaches are described as similar. You should be notified of this change in advance.

Is snorkeling near Coin de Mire guaranteed?

No. The stop depends on the weather and is not always included. Dolphins and sea turtles are also possible but rare sightings.

Can pregnant women join the activity?

No. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women.