Ilot Gabriel: Catamaran Cruise & BBQ Lunch

Seven hours of sea, sand, and grilled lunch. The Ilot Gabriel catamaran cruise combines a scenic sail from Grand Baie with clear-water snorkeling and a generous BBQ served aboard the boat. I like the easy mix of island time and open-water sailing, and I like that drinks, lunch, dessert, and the dinghy transfers are included. The main catch is that the catamaran can feel crowded, and the sea may get bumpy in windy weather.

This is not a quiet private cruise. Music, friendly crew, and a party mood are part of the package, especially on the return sail. You should also know that snorkeling gear is not supplied, time on the island can feel short, and bad weather may change the route or replace Ilot Gabriel with Ile Plate.

Key points at a glance

• Grand Baie departure: A dinghy carries you about 150 metres from the beach to the catamaran.
• Two-hour outward sail: The trip to Ilot Gabriel gives you broad sea views and a look at Coin de Mire on the return.
• Natural island setting: Ilot Gabriel has sandy beaches, swimming, snorkeling, and nesting seabirds including the paille-en-queue.
• Lunch included aboard: Expect BBQ food, salad, drinks, and dessert after your island visit.
• A social boat atmosphere: Music, dancing, jokes, and attentive service suit people who enjoy a lively day at sea.
• Weather matters: Strong wind, rougher water, or other conditions can change timings, snorkeling stops, or the island visited.

The Grand Baie start and the first boat transfer

The day begins on the beach at Grand Baie, where you should wait near the middle of the beach. A representative will meet you and direct you to the dinghy. Make sure you have the company name, Vacances Oh! Soleil, ready, since the meeting point can shift in poor weather or other unusual conditions.

The dinghy ride is short, but it is a useful detail to understand before you arrive. The catamaran anchors roughly 150 metres offshore, so you do not simply walk from the sand onto the main boat. You will step into a smaller boat, then transfer aboard the catamaran. Wear swimwear or clothing that can handle a little spray, and keep phones and cameras protected.

The operator advises you to make contact within 24 hours before departure. That is practical advice, not empty paperwork. Rain, wind, or other conditions can affect the starting place and schedule, so confirm the details rather than assuming the beach arrangements will be identical every day.

A light breakfast is also sensible. The outward journey takes about two hours, and lunch comes later, after your time on the island. You will want enough energy for swimming and snorkeling without starting the day hungry.

Two hours across the open sea

Once aboard, you have room to move around the catamaran, though the amount of space depends on the group. Some departures have felt much fuller than expected, with around 40 people aboard rather than 20. That does not cancel out the fun, but it changes the experience from a calm sailing trip into a shared social outing.

The open-water section is one of the main reasons to book. The sea shifts through different shades as the boat moves away from Grand Baie, and the views widen in every direction. You are not simply being transported to a beach. The sailing itself takes up a large part of the day, giving you time to sit in the sun, feel the wind, listen to music, and watch the water.

The sea can be choppy, especially when the wind picks up. Most accounts describe the motion as manageable, but you should be prepared for a bouncy ride. If you are prone to seasickness, choose a place with fresh air and a clear view of the horizon. Pregnant women should not join this activity.

The crew is a major part of the experience. Service includes keeping drinks topped up, cooking lunch, and maintaining the mood onboard. Some crews turn the final part of the return trip into a small party, with music and dancing. That will be a welcome lift after a sleepy meal for some people, while others may prefer a quieter boat. This cruise leans toward fun and sociability rather than silence.

Ilot Gabriel, sandy beaches and seabirds

Ilot Gabriel is a natural reserve with broad sandy beaches and nesting paille-en-queue seabirds among other wildlife. The island is the scenic heart of the trip, with pale sand, warm water, and views back toward the surrounding islands.

You are taken from the catamaran to the island by dinghy. There is no island guide included, so you explore at your own pace rather than joining a formal walking tour. That makes the stop pleasantly simple. You can swim, stroll along the beach, look across the water, or find a quiet patch of sand.

The tradeoff is time. The full activity lasts seven hours, but roughly four hours are used by the outward and return sails. That leaves a more limited window for the island and snorkeling. One hour or a little more in the water is possible, but the exact timing depends on conditions and the group.

Ilot Gabriel is not presented as a place full of facilities or organized attractions. Its appeal is the beach, the water, and the feeling of being away from Mauritius for a few hours. Bring the basics you need, since food and drinks on the island are not included and no island guide is provided.

The island can also be busy. Several catamarans may arrive at the same time, sometimes around ten boats. There is still space for everyone, but you should not expect a deserted beach. The best way to enjoy it is to accept that this is a popular day cruise and focus on the water and scenery rather than searching for complete solitude.

Snorkeling in changing water colors

Snorkeling is included as part of the day, but equipment is not. Bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins, especially if you know that a poor-fitting mask can ruin an otherwise good swim. A towel, swimsuit, and strong sunscreen belong in your day bag too.

The water around the island can be excellent for seeing fish, particularly if you swim farther from the beach. One useful caution is that currents can be strong in places. Stay within your comfort level, listen to the crew, and do not treat calm-looking water as proof that the current is weak.

The best snorkeling location can change. Some people find the water around the catamaran particularly good, while others enjoy the area near Ilot Gabriel. Conditions, visibility, and the position of the boat matter more than a fixed promise of one perfect reef.

The return route passes close to Coin de Mire, the striking mountain-like island rising from the sea. If weather and sea conditions allow, the crew may stop for snorkeling near it, and on some occasions there may even be a chance to enter the water close to the island. This is not guaranteed and is not always part of the programme. If snorkeling near Coin de Mire is your main goal, choose an activity that specifically promises that stop instead.

You might also see dolphins, sea turtles, or even a whale, but these sightings are rare and should be treated as luck rather than part of the schedule. The dependable reward is the sea journey and the island, not wildlife spotting.

BBQ lunch on the catamaran

After your island time, the dinghy brings you back to the catamaran, where lunch is ready. The meal includes BBQ food, salad, drinks, and dessert. This setup works well because you do not need to carry a packed lunch ashore or search for a restaurant on an uninhabited island setting.

The food has received strong praise, with particular approval for the BBQ, variety, and taste. The crew cooks and serves while keeping the boat moving through the day. Drinks are also included onboard, so the $69 price covers more than transport and a seat on the boat.

Lunch is served after the island stop, not before it. That timing makes sense, since you can swim first and eat once you are back aboard. Still, it is another reason to take the breakfast advice seriously. Pack water for the morning only if you want it, but remember that drinks are provided during the cruise.

The meal is part of the social character of the outing. You are eating with the group, not enjoying a private table with a view. If you like casual food, friendly service, and a little music after lunch, this is a good fit. If you want a quiet gourmet meal, the setting may feel too informal.

Coin de Mire on the return journey

The route back toward Mauritius brings the catamaran close to Coin de Mire. From the water, it appears as a large rocky mountain rising offshore, giving the return trip a strong visual landmark.

This section is also a good time to sit back and watch the sea. After swimming, sun, and lunch, you may feel ready for a rest. The crew often adds music and a livelier mood during the final 30 minutes, which helps wake up anyone drifting into a post-meal nap.

Do not book this excursion solely for the Coin de Mire stop. The boat may pass near it without stopping, and the possible snorkeling session depends on weather and sea conditions. Think of it as a worthwhile extra when conditions cooperate.

The high-sea sailing can feel thrilling, but the trip is described as safe under normal operating conditions. Rough water is still possible, so keep your expectations realistic. You are booking a full day on the ocean, not a glassy-water transfer.

Is $69 good value?

At $69 per person, the price is fair for a seven-hour outing that includes the catamaran, both dinghy transfers, a guide onboard, lunch, drinks, and dessert. Comparable days can become expensive when you add boat transport, a meal, and refreshments separately. Here, the main costs are bundled together.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the whole day. You get a long sail, island access, time for swimming, snorkeling opportunities, and a cooked meal. It is less compelling if you dislike group boats, rarely swim, or mainly want a quick visit to Ilot Gabriel.

You should also budget for the items not supplied. Snorkeling gear is excluded, and there is no food or drink service on the island. Sunscreen, a towel, and swimwear are essential. A waterproof bag is sensible, though it is not specifically listed as required.

The free cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours ahead, and you can reserve now while paying later. Bad weather can lead to a rescheduled trip, so keep some flexibility in your Mauritius plans.

Ilot Gabriel or Ile Plate?

The itinerary can be changed so that Ile Plate replaces Ilot Gabriel. The beaches around the two islands are described as similar, so the basic beach and swimming experience remains close.

The notable difference is lunch. When Ile Plate is used, lunch is served on the island rather than on the catamaran. You should be told about the change in advance, giving you a chance to decide if the revised plan suits you.

This flexibility is useful in a sea-based activity. Wind and weather can affect where a boat can go safely. A change of island may be disappointing if you have your heart set on Ilot Gabriel, but it is better than forcing a route in poor conditions.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it most strongly to you if you enjoy being on the water for several hours, like meeting people, and want a simple day with food and drinks included. Couples, groups of friends, and families with older children can all have a good time if they are comfortable with a bouncy sea and a busy boat.

Children aged 6, 9, and 11 have enjoyed the outing, but younger children may find the boat motion, heat, or long sailing time tiring. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women.

You should think twice if you want a private sailing experience, a guaranteed quiet beach, or a guaranteed snorkeling stop at Coin de Mire. The group can be larger than expected, and several boats may share the island.

Final verdict: book it for the full day

Book the Ilot Gabriel catamaran cruise if you want a good-value day that blends sailing, swimming, beach time, and a BBQ. The crew service, friendly atmosphere, and generous inclusions are its strongest points.

Skip it if your priority is solitude or a carefully timed snorkeling expedition. For everyone else, this is a practical way to see Mauritius from the water, with enough scenery and sea time to make the $69 fare worthwhile. Bring your own snorkeling gear, confirm the meeting point the day before, eat breakfast, and let the weather decide the finer details.

FAQ

How long does the Ilot Gabriel catamaran cruise last?

The activity lasts about seven hours. The outward sail to Ilot Gabriel takes around two hours, followed by island time, lunch, and the return trip.

Where do I meet the tour?

Wait near the middle of Grand Baie beach. A Vacances Oh! Soleil representative will meet you and direct you to the dinghy.

How do I get from the beach to the catamaran?

A dinghy carries you from Grand Baie beach to the catamaran, which anchors about 150 metres offshore. The same arrangement is used when returning to the beach.

Is lunch included?

Yes. BBQ food, salad, drinks, and dessert are included onboard. Food and drinks on the island are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. You should bring your own snorkeling gear, along with swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is snorkeling near Coin de Mire guaranteed?

No. The catamaran may sail close to Coin de Mire, but snorkeling there depends on the weather and is not always included in the programme.

Can the trip be changed because of bad weather?

Yes. The trip may be rescheduled, and Ilot Gabriel may be replaced by Ile Plate. You should be notified about an island change in advance.