Ilot Gabriel: Catamaran Cruise & BBQ Lunch

Ilot Gabriel is the star here: a low, sandy island surrounded by clear water, reached by a full-day catamaran ride from Grand Baie. You get time to swim and snorkel, then return to the boat for a BBQ lunch with drinks and dessert. I especially like the views of Coin de Mire and the lively crew atmosphere. The main catch is that the boat can feel crowded, and the sea may be choppy.

I also like that the day combines open-water sailing with real beach time rather than keeping you aboard all day. Bring your own snorkeling gear, though, and allow extra patience at the start: a dinghy carries you from Grand Baie beach to the catamaran anchored offshore.

Key points to know before you book

• Two-hour outward sail: The route from Grand Baie to Ilot Gabriel gives you a proper day at sea, not a quick boat transfer.
• Ilot Gabriel beach time: Swim, snorkel, and walk around the natural reserve before returning to the boat.
• BBQ served onboard: Lunch includes BBQ food, salad, drinks, and dessert, with the meal prepared after you return from the island.
• Coin de Mire views: The return route passes close to this dramatic rocky island, with nearby snorkeling possible only when conditions allow.
• Bring your own mask and snorkel: Equipment is not included, and the operator specifically advises bringing gear that fits you well.
• Expect a social boat: Music, dancing, drinks, and friendly crew members are part of the mood, but the catamaran may carry more people than expected.

A full day from Grand Baie to Ilot Gabriel

This is a seven-hour outing built around the northern islands of Mauritius. The day begins at the middle of Grand Baie beach, where you meet the local representative and receive directions to the boat.

The catamaran waits about 150 metres offshore. You reach it by dinghy, both at the start and at the end of the day. That short ride is simple, but it is worth knowing in advance if you are carrying a large beach bag, camera equipment, or anything you do not want splashed.

Once aboard, the boat heads away from Grand Baie toward Ilot Gabriel. The outward trip takes about two hours, so the sailing itself is a major part of the experience. You can move around the catamaran, take in the changing shades of the sea, and settle into the pace of a day on open water.

The sea is not always glassy. Wind can make the crossing bouncy, especially as the boat leaves the bay. That is part of the appeal for some people, but if you are prone to seasickness, eat the suggested light breakfast and choose a place on the boat where you can keep your eyes on the horizon.

Why Ilot Gabriel is worth the long crossing

Ilot Gabriel is a natural reserve with sandy beaches and nesting seabirds, including the paille-en-queue, or white-tailed tropicbird. The island is not a sightseeing stop packed with buildings or formal attractions. Its value is the simple combination of sand, sea, and open views.

You have time to walk along the beach, swim, and snorkel before the dinghy returns you to the catamaran. Some people spend more than an hour in the water, and the area around the island can offer excellent fish sightings. The best snorkeling may require swimming farther from the beach, and one account warns of a strong current, so stay alert and follow the crew’s guidance.

There is no island guide included. That means you are free to explore at your own speed, but you should not expect a guided nature walk or detailed explanation of the reserve. If you want the most from the stop, bring your own mask and snorkel and use the beach time actively rather than treating it as only a photo stop.

The beach can be busy. Several catamarans may arrive at the same time, with around ten boats reported in the area on one occasion. There is still room for everyone, but the island will not feel like a private castaway beach.

The catamaran ride and the crew atmosphere

The crew is one of the strongest parts of this trip. Service includes the dinghy transfers, the sailing, the lunch, and onboard drinks, with a guide who speaks French and English.

The mood is friendly and social. Crew members may keep the music going, refill drinks, cook lunch, and encourage dancing on the return ride. That can be a pleasure after a quiet morning in the water, especially during the final half-hour when the boat turns the day into more of a party.

This is not the right choice if you want a silent, private sailing trip. The catamaran may be fairly full. One booking expected about 20 people but found closer to 40, leaving less room to stretch out. The boat was still considered enjoyable, but the difference matters if you are comparing this with a smaller charter.

The crew can also make a big difference to the day. Jerry was named as captain on one outing, while another group sailed aboard a catamaran called Dawn. Names and boats may change, but the useful point is clear: the crew handles several jobs at once, from steering to cooking, and the atmosphere depends heavily on their energy.

Lunch after the island stop

The meal comes after your time on Ilot Gabriel. A dinghy brings you back to the catamaran, where the BBQ is ready or being finished.

Lunch includes BBQ food, salad, drinks, and dessert. The food has been well received for taste and variety, and it is a practical arrangement because you do not need to carry a packed meal. Drinks are also provided onboard.

There is no food or drink service included on Ilot Gabriel itself. Plan to use the boat meal as your main lunch, and carry only what you need for the beach. The operator advises a light breakfast before departure, which makes sense given the early start, the boat motion, and the long wait until lunch.

After eating, the boat begins the return journey to Mauritius. The combination of sun, salt water, food, and a gently moving catamaran can make this the sleepiest part of the day. The crew may revive things with music and dancing during the last part of the sail.

Coin de Mire and the return route

The return route passes close to Coin de Mire, a steep rocky island that rises from the sea like a mountain. It is one of the most memorable views of the day because it gives the broad ocean a strong focal point.

If the weather and sea conditions are right, the crew may stop for snorkeling near Coin de Mire. This is not guaranteed and is not always part of the program. If snorkeling there is the single reason you want to book, choose an outing that guarantees that stop instead.

The route can also offer occasional wildlife sightings. Dolphins and sea turtles have been seen, and one group briefly saw dolphins alongside the boat. These sightings are rare, so treat them as a lucky extra rather than part of the promised schedule.

The open-water crossing can feel thrilling, but it is described as safe under normal operating conditions. Weather remains the key variable. Strong wind or rain may lead to a rescheduled trip, a changed timetable, or a replacement of Ilot Gabriel with Ile Plate.

Ilot Gabriel or Ile Plate

The operator may substitute Ile Plate for Ilot Gabriel when conditions or operations require it. You should be told about a change in advance.

The two islands have similar beaches, so the basic experience remains a sandy island stop with swimming and snorkeling. The practical difference is lunch: on the usual program, it is served on the catamaran after Ilot Gabriel, while with the alternative, lunch is served on Ile Plate.

This flexibility is useful in a region where weather can affect sailing plans. It also means you should book this outing for the overall island-and-catamaran day, not for one exact patch of sand.

Price and what the $69 covers

At $69 per person, the value is strong if you want a full day at sea rather than a short boat ride. The price covers the catamaran trip, dinghy transfers from Grand Baie beach, a guide onboard, BBQ lunch, salad, drinks, and dessert.

Those inclusions matter. A separate boat trip, island transfer, lunch, and drinks could quickly cost more if arranged independently. You also avoid the effort of planning several connections.

The price does not include snorkeling equipment, food or drinks on the island, or a guide on the island. Bring your own mask and snorkel, towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and any personal water bottle or small snack you prefer.

The main value question is space. A full catamaran may reduce comfort, especially during the long crossing. For many people, the friendly crew, included meal, and seven-hour schedule make up for that. If personal space is your priority, look for a smaller boat or private charter.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would choose this trip if you want a sociable boat day with several elements in one package: long sailing, a natural island, time in the water, lunch, drinks, and a little music.

It suits couples, groups of friends, and families with older children who can manage a long day on a boat. Children aged 6, 9, and 11 enjoyed one outing, though the boat was considered less suitable for very young children when the sea was rough.

You should be comfortable with sun, wind, salt water, and some movement underfoot. Pregnant women should not book this activity. Anyone with strong motion sensitivity should also think carefully about the two-hour crossing in each direction.

This is less suitable for someone seeking a quiet luxury cruise, a private beach, detailed island interpretation, or guaranteed snorkeling near Coin de Mire. It is a shared, active day with a relaxed party mood.

Practical tips for a smoother outing

Contact the operator within 24 hours before departure. The meeting point is normally around the middle of Grand Baie beach, but it can change because of rain or other unexpected conditions.

Look for the representative and give your name and the company name, Vacances Oh! Soleil. This helps avoid confusion at a busy beach. One person had trouble finding the team at first, so do not simply wait without checking for the representative.

Pack lightly:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Strong sunscreen
• Your own snorkeling mask and snorkel
• A secure bag for small items
• Motion-sickness supplies if you normally need them

Apply sunscreen before boarding and reapply often. The sun is strong, and the open water offers little shade. Keep valuables to a minimum, since you will move between beach, dinghy, and catamaran.

The activity can be cancelled up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve while paying later. Bad weather may lead to a rescheduled trip or a changed plan. Check the start time before setting out because departure times can change.

Should you book the Ilot Gabriel catamaran trip?

Book it if you want a good-value, full-day introduction to northern Mauritius by sea. The best parts are the sandy island, the chance to spend real time snorkeling, the Coin de Mire view, and a crew that works hard to keep the boat friendly and fun.

Go in with realistic expectations. This is not a private cruise, snorkeling gear is not supplied, and the island can be busy. The sea may also be choppy, and the Coin de Mire stop is weather dependent.

For most people who enjoy open water and do not mind a social boat, the $69 price covers a lot: transport, lunch, drinks, scenery, and a full day outdoors. Bring your own gear, confirm the meeting point, and book this for the complete sailing experience rather than one guaranteed snorkeling location.

FAQ

How long is the Ilot Gabriel catamaran trip?

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

Where do I meet the group?

Meet around the middle of Grand Baie beach. A representative will come to you and direct you to the catamaran, which is anchored about 150 metres offshore.

How do I reach the catamaran?

A dinghy carries you from the beach to the catamaran at the beginning of the trip and brings you back to the beach at the end.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. You should bring your own snorkeling gear. The operator advises using equipment that fits you properly.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch onboard includes BBQ food, salad, drinks, and dessert. Food and drinks on Ilot Gabriel are not included.

Is snorkeling near Coin de Mire guaranteed?

No. The boat may snorkel near Coin de Mire if weather and sea conditions allow, but this is not always part of the program.

Can Ilot Gabriel be replaced by another island?

Yes. Ilot Gabriel may be replaced by Ile Plate. The beaches are similar, but lunch will be served on Ile Plate rather than on the catamaran.