Ilot Gabriel: Catamaran Cruise & BBQ Lunch

The best part of this day is the change of pace: you leave Grand Baie behind, cross open water, and reach Ilot Gabriel’s pale beaches by boat. I like the long sea crossing for its broad views, and I like that lunch is cooked and served onboard rather than packed in a box. The crew keeps the mood friendly, with music and drinks on the return.

The main thing to weigh is the open-water ride. It can be choppy, and the catamaran may feel crowded when several groups are aboard. You also need to bring your own snorkeling equipment, and snorkeling near Coin de Mire is only possible when weather and sea conditions allow it.

Key points before you book

• Two hours across the sea: The trip to Ilot Gabriel is a proper sailing outing, not a quick transfer.
• A dinghy starts the day: You walk from the middle of Grand Baie beach to a small boat, then ride about 150 metres out to the catamaran.
• Beach time comes before lunch: You visit the island, swim, and snorkel before returning to the catamaran for the BBQ.
• Coin de Mire is a highlight on the way back: The mountain-like island makes a striking photo stop, but extra snorkeling there is not guaranteed.
• Bring your own mask and fins: Snorkeling equipment is not included, and there is no guide stationed on Ilot Gabriel.
• The $69 price covers the essentials: The seven-hour outing includes the catamaran, dinghy transfers, lunch, drinks, and an onboard guide.

From Grand Baie beach to the catamaran

Your morning begins on Grand Baie beach, where you should wait around the middle of the beach. A representative is meant to meet you there and direct you to the correct dinghy. Use the company name, Vacances Oh! Soleil, when asking for help, and contact the operator within 24 hours of departure because the meeting point can change in bad weather or other unusual conditions.

The dinghy ride is short, but it is worth understanding the setup. The catamaran is anchored about 150 metres offshore, so this is not a walk-straight-on-from-the-pier departure. You may need to step into the dinghy from the beach, so wear practical swimwear and keep your towel and sunscreen easy to reach.

I would eat a light breakfast before setting out. The first part of the day includes the transfer, boarding, and a long crossing before lunch. The operator specifically advises a light breakfast, which makes sense if you are prone to seasickness or simply do not want to wait hungry for the BBQ.

Two hours across Mauritius’s north coast waters

Once aboard, you have room to move around the catamaran, although the available space depends on the number of people booked that day. The boat heads toward Ilot Gabriel across changing shades of sea, with Grand Baie gradually shrinking behind you.

This crossing is part of the experience, not dead time. You get a full view of the ocean and a sense of how far the outer islands sit from Mauritius. The ride can be smooth, but wind and weather may make it bouncy. One reported outing carried about 40 people despite an expectation of closer to 20, so I would not assume a small, quiet sailing party.

That said, the crew helps shape the mood. The staff handle the sailing, drinks, and food, and the atmosphere can become lively rather than formal. On some departures, music and dancing pick up during the final part of the return ride, which suits people who want a social day on the water. If you are hoping for silent sailing and lots of personal space, this may feel more like a shared boat party.

Keep an eye on the horizon during the crossing. Dolphins and sea turtles are possible, but sightings are rare. A dolphin sighting is a lucky extra, not part of what you should pay for.

Ilot Gabriel’s beaches and swimming time

Ilot Gabriel is a natural reserve with nesting paille en queue birds, the white-tailed tropicbirds found around Mauritius. The island’s appeal is simple: sandy beaches, clear water, and a pause from the built-up parts of the main island.

When you reach the island, a dinghy takes you ashore. You are free to explore the beach area, swim, and snorkel. There is no guide on the island, so you should treat this as independent beach time rather than a guided nature walk. That suits me because you can set your own pace, but it also means you will not receive a detailed explanation of the island’s birds or ecology.

Plan on roughly an hour or a little more in the water and on the sand, depending on the day’s timing. One useful detail from the experience is that the best snorkeling may be around the catamaran rather than right beside the beach. You may need to swim farther from shore to see more fish, and strong currents can occur, so follow the crew’s instructions and do not swim off alone.

The island can also be busy. Several catamarans may arrive at the same time, with one report noting about 10 boats in the area. The beaches provide room, but you are not booking a private island. If you want untouched solitude, this is the wrong expectation. If you want a beautiful beach reached by boat, with time to swim and lie in the sun, Ilot Gabriel delivers.

Snorkeling without supplied equipment

Snorkeling gear is not included. Bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins, especially if fit matters to you. The operator gives the practical reason clearly: you know your own size better than anyone on a shared boat.

This is more important than it sounds. A poorly fitting mask can turn the water time into a struggle, and there may not be a reliable way to replace equipment once the boat leaves Grand Baie. Pack your gear with your swimwear, towel, and sunscreen rather than assuming it will be waiting onboard.

The water is one of the strongest parts of the day. Fish can be seen around the boat, and the island area offers attractive swimming. Still, sea conditions control what you get. Wind, waves, currents, and visibility can change the quality of the snorkeling. The activity is best for confident swimmers who understand that an ocean snorkel is not the same as a calm pool session.

BBQ lunch, drinks, and the return ride

After your island time, the dinghy brings you back to the catamaran. This is when lunch is ready. The meal includes a BBQ, salad, drinks, and dessert, all served onboard.

The food is a real value point at this price. You are paying $69 for seven hours, boat transport, the island visit, a meal, drinks, and a guide. You do not need to budget for a separate beach restaurant or carry a full lunch with you. The crew cooks and serves while you settle back into the boat.

The meal is not a private dining experience. Food service can take time when the boat is full, and the atmosphere is casual. Still, the combination works well: swim first, eat afterward, then let the boat carry you home. Several departures have included a particularly friendly crew who kept drinks topped up and maintained a good mood while cooking.

You should not plan on buying food or drinks on Ilot Gabriel. Those are not included there, and the activity specifically provides lunch and drinks onboard instead. Bring only what you need for the beach, plus water if you prefer to have a personal bottle.

Coin de Mire on the way back

The return route passes close to Coin de Mire, a steep island that looks like a large mountain rising from the sea. This is one of the most memorable views of the day because it gives the open-water crossing a clear focal point.

If the weather allows, the crew may stop for snorkeling near Coin de Mire, and on some occasions there may even be a chance to go below the surface. Do not treat this as a guaranteed part of the program. The operator is clear that this extra stop is not always included, so anyone choosing the day mainly for snorkeling at Coin de Mire should select an activity that specifically guarantees it.

This distinction matters. Ilot Gabriel is the dependable centerpiece. Coin de Mire is an excellent bonus when the sea is calm and the schedule allows. You can enjoy the view even when no swimming stop is possible.

The final part of the ride may be more animated than the morning. Music, conversation, and dancing can wake you up after lunch and sun. Some people will enjoy the social finish; others may prefer a quiet sail. The crew’s easygoing attitude is a big part of the experience, with Jerry named as captain on one outing and the crew of the Dawn praised for being witty, helpful, and keen to please.

How the $69 price holds up

At $69 per person, this is a strong package for a full day on the water. The price includes the dinghy transfers from Grand Baie beach, the catamaran trip, lunch, drinks, and an onboard guide in English or French. It also covers access to two different settings, the open sea and Ilot Gabriel’s beach.

The value is best if you plan to use the whole package. You get more than a short boat ride, and the BBQ means you do not have to arrange lunch separately. The day also includes the visual appeal of Coin de Mire, even when the extra snorkeling stop cannot happen.

There are a few limits behind the attractive price. Snorkeling gear costs extra if you do not own it. There is no island guide, and group size can be larger than expected. Weather may also shorten, reschedule, or alter the trip. Ilot Gabriel may be replaced by Ile Plate, whose beaches are described as similar, but lunch would then be served on Ile Plate rather than onboard.

For a seven-hour outing with food and drinks included, I consider the price fair. It is less compelling if you dislike shared boats, get seasick easily, or need guaranteed snorkeling at one exact location.

Weather, comfort, and who should skip it

Mauritius weather can change the plan. Trips may be rescheduled in bad weather, and start times or duration can shift because of conditions beyond the operator’s control. If Ilot Gabriel is replaced by Ile Plate, you should be notified in advance.

The catamaran is suitable for people who enjoy being outside for most of a day. Pack swimwear, a towel, strong sunscreen, and your own snorkeling kit. The sun can be intense, even when a breeze makes the air feel mild. Use shade when available and reapply sunscreen after swimming.

The sea can be rough enough to make the crossing uncomfortable. Families have managed the trip with children aged six, nine, and eleven, but the boat was considered less suitable for very young children. Pregnant women should not book this activity.

I would choose this for couples, friends, families with older children, and anyone who wants a social boat day with a beautiful beach stop. I would hesitate if your main goal is a quiet nature experience, a private charter, or a guaranteed encounter with dolphins, turtles, or Coin de Mire’s underwater life.

Should you book Ilot Gabriel?

Book it if you want a full seven-hour outing that combines sailing, beach time, snorkeling, a BBQ, and a friendly crew. The strongest reasons are the island’s beaches, the changing sea views, the included meal and drinks, and the chance to see Coin de Mire on the return.

Go in with realistic expectations. This is a shared catamaran, not a private yacht. The sea may be choppy, the island may be busy, and snorkeling near Coin de Mire may not happen. Bring your own equipment, confirm the meeting point the day before, and treat dolphin sightings as luck.

For $69, I would choose this trip when the forecast looks good and I wanted an easy day on the water from Grand Baie. I would skip it only if guaranteed snorkeling, solitude, or a calm crossing mattered more than the overall mix of activities.

FAQ

How long is the Ilot Gabriel catamaran trip?

The activity lasts about seven hours. The journey from Grand Baie to Ilot Gabriel takes about two hours, followed by island time, lunch, and the return sail.

Where do I meet the group?

Wait around the middle of Grand Baie beach. A representative should meet you and direct you to the dinghy. Contact Vacances Oh! Soleil within 24 hours before the activity because the meeting point can change.

How do I get from the beach to the catamaran?

A dinghy collects you from the beach and takes you about 150 metres to the catamaran anchored offshore.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ, salad, drinks, and dessert are provided onboard the catamaran.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. You need to bring your own snorkeling gear, including equipment that fits you properly.

Is there a guide on Ilot Gabriel?

No. The guide is onboard the catamaran, but there is no guide stationed on the island.

Can I snorkel near Coin de Mire?

Possibly, if weather and sea conditions allow. This stop is not always included, so it should not be your only reason for booking.

Could Ilot Gabriel be replaced by another island?

Yes. Ilot Gabriel may be replaced by Ile Plate. The beaches are described as similar, but lunch would be served on Ile Plate instead of on the catamaran.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and your own snorkeling gear. A light breakfast before the activity is also advised.

Can the trip be cancelled or rescheduled because of weather?

Yes. Trips may be rescheduled in bad weather, and the duration or starting time may change because of unforeseen conditions. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.