Ilot Gabriel: Catamaran Cruise & BBQ Lunch

Grand Baie fades behind you as the catamaran heads into open water, and the sea changes color from blue to turquoise around Ilot Gabriel. The island brings soft sandy beaches, clear swimming water, and good snorkeling, while Coin de Mire rises offshore like a giant stone peak.

I like the easy mix of sailing and beach time, and I like that lunch, drinks, the dinghy transfers, and a guide are included in the $69 price. The crew adds music, humor, and a party mood, with staff such as Jerry keeping the boat lively. The main drawback is a full catamaran and sometimes choppy seas, especially when several boats arrive at the islands.

Key points to know

• Two hours to Ilot Gabriel: The outward sail is a major part of the experience, not just transport.
• Dinghy transfer included: You go from the middle of Grand Baie beach to a catamaran anchored about 150 metres offshore.
• Snorkeling gear is not provided: Bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins, along with strong sunscreen.
• BBQ lunch comes after island time: Return to the catamaran for grilled food, salad, drinks, and dessert.
• Coin de Mire depends on weather: The boat may pass close to it, with snorkeling nearby sometimes possible, but this is not guaranteed.
• Ilot Gabriel can be replaced by Ile Plate: The beaches are similar, but lunch is served on Ile Plate in that case.

Sailing from Grand Baie into open water

The day begins on Grand Baie beach, where you wait around the middle of the beach for the local representative. The guide has your contact details and should meet you there, then direct you to the catamaran.

That transfer is by dinghy, since the main boat sits about 150 metres from shore. You will get wet during this short ride, so wear your swimwear from the start and keep anything important in a waterproof bag if possible. Contact Vacances Oh! Soleil within 24 hours before departure, since the meeting point can change due to rain or other conditions.

Once aboard, the catamaran gives you room to move around, find a spot in the sun, or settle into the shade. The outward trip takes about two hours. That is a long sail, but it is also the heart of the outing. You are not being rushed from one stop to the next. You have time to watch Grand Baie shrink behind you, feel the wind, and take in the changing colors of the ocean.

The sea can be a little rough. One family found the boat too full at about 40 people, while another group described the water as bouncy but manageable. If you are prone to seasickness, eat the advised light breakfast rather than a heavy meal, stay where you can see the horizon, and ask the crew for help early.

The boat’s mood tends to be social. Music may play, drinks are served, and the crew keeps people involved. On the return journey, the atmosphere can become especially lively during the final half hour, after lunch and sun have made everyone sleepy. This suits you if you enjoy a friendly boat day rather than a quiet private charter.

Ilot Gabriel and its long sandy beaches

Ilot Gabriel is a natural reserve with nesting paille-en-queue birds and broad beaches around the island. The appeal is simple: sand, warm water, open views, and a break from the mainland.

After reaching the island, you leave the catamaran by dinghy and have time to swim, snorkel, walk along the beach, or lie back and do very little. The exact time on the island can vary, and one sensible criticism is that the beach stop may feel short for anyone who wants a full day on land.

The water near the beach is inviting, but the best snorkeling may be farther out from shore and near the boat. You might see a range of fish in clear water, though conditions depend on wind, visibility, and current. One important practical point: the current can be strong, so stay within your comfort level and do not swim farther than you can safely manage.

Snorkeling equipment is not included. The operator advises bringing your own because you know your fit and size best. Pack a properly fitting mask, snorkel, and fins if you have them. At the very least, bring a mask and snorkel, since this is one of the day’s main activities.

The island itself is not a guided sightseeing stop. A guide travels on the catamaran, but no guide is provided on Ilot Gabriel. That is fine if your ideal island visit means swimming and beach time. It is less suitable if you want a structured nature walk or detailed explanation of the reserve.

BBQ lunch on the catamaran

After your island time, a dinghy brings you back to the catamaran. Lunch is then served aboard the boat, with BBQ food, salad, drinks, and dessert included.

The meal is one of the strongest parts of the value. You do not need to buy food on the island, and the crew handles the cooking and serving while you enjoy the boat. The food has been described as good in both taste and variety, with the young crew moving from the grill to drink service without losing the friendly mood.

Drinks are included onboard, but food and drinks on the island are not. In practical terms, you should treat the catamaran as your food and drink base. Bring a reusable water bottle if you like, but do not count on the island for supplies.

Lunch after snorkeling also makes sense. You can swim first, rinse off, and then eat without carrying a picnic onto the beach. The tradeoff is that the meal takes place after the island visit, so you may be hungry by the time you return to the boat. A light breakfast before departure is a good idea.

The boat can feel crowded during lunch, particularly on a busy day. Capacity is not always as intimate as you might expect from a catamaran, so do not book this trip expecting a private or small-group feel. The atmosphere is more like a sociable shared excursion.

Coin de Mire on the return route

The return sail passes close to Coin de Mire, a steep mountain rising from the sea. It is a striking change from the low beaches of Ilot Gabriel and gives the trip a strong visual finish.

If the weather allows, the crew may stop near Coin de Mire for snorkeling. At times, the boat may even offer a swim in that area. This is not always part of the program, so do not book this particular trip solely for snorkeling beside the rock.

The open-water return can be thrilling, though wind and waves may make it uncomfortable for some people. Dolphins or sea turtles are possible but rare. You might see dolphins swimming beside the boat for a few seconds, but marine life sightings should be treated as a bonus, not a promise.

The crew helps make this part of the day enjoyable. Staff are described as friendly, witty, helpful, and keen to keep everyone comfortable. Some guides bring a party feel, while others focus more on the practical running of the boat. The French and English service makes the trip accessible to both language groups.

How the $69 price works for you

At $69 per person, this is a strong-value full-day outing if you want several elements in one booking. The price covers the catamaran trip, the dinghy transfers, onboard guide, BBQ lunch, drinks, salad, and dessert.

You are paying for roughly seven hours, with about four hours of that day spent sailing to and from the islands. That matters. If you want maximum time on the beach, a faster boat trip may suit you better. If you enjoy the journey, sea views, music, and a relaxed boat setting, the long sailing time adds value.

The included meal is another reason the price works. A separate boat trip, island transfer, lunch, and drinks could easily cost more once arranged independently. Here, the day has a clear rhythm and you do not need to keep checking your wallet.

The value is weaker for anyone who dislikes shared excursions, loud music, or open-water movement. The catamaran can be quite full, and one account described around 40 people onboard rather than the expected 20. Ask about the expected group size if personal space matters to you.

Weather, comfort, and what to pack

Mauritius can deliver strong sun even when the breeze makes the air feel mild. Bring high-factor sunscreen and apply it often, especially on your shoulders, legs, and the backs of your feet. The reflection from the sea catches people who think they are protected because the wind feels cool.

Pack:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Your own snorkeling gear
• A waterproof pouch for valuables

Wear swimwear beneath your clothes for the beach departure and dinghy ride. Keep your packing light, since you will move between beach, dinghy, and catamaran.

Bad weather can change the starting time, trip length, route, or date. The operator may also replace Ilot Gabriel with Ile Plate. The beaches around both islands are described as similar, but lunch changes location: on Ilot Gabriel, it is served on the catamaran; on Ile Plate, it is served on the island.

Pregnant women should not book this activity. The open sea, dinghy transfers, movement on deck, and possible chop make that restriction important.

Who will enjoy this Mauritius catamaran cruise

I would choose this for couples, groups of friends, and families with older children who enjoy swimming and a social atmosphere. Children aged 6, 9, and 11 have had fun on the trip, but the boat’s movement and the open water may not suit very young children.

It is also a good choice for anyone who wants to combine several Mauritius highlights in one day: a catamaran sail from Grand Baie, a sandy island, snorkeling, Coin de Mire views, and a BBQ lunch.

I would be more cautious if you need quiet, privacy, or a carefully timed itinerary. The sea may be choppy, the boat may be full, and the program can change with conditions. You also need to be comfortable swimming without a dedicated island guide and bring your own snorkeling equipment.

The best match is someone who sees the boat ride as part of the holiday, not as dead time. You will spend many hours onboard, so choose a seat where you can enjoy the breeze and horizon, then move around as the sun and wind change.

Should you book the Ilot Gabriel cruise?

Book it if you want a sociable, good-value day on the water with food and drinks included. The crew, BBQ, clear swimming areas, beaches, and views of Coin de Mire give the outing plenty of variety for $69.

Skip it if your top priority is guaranteed snorkeling near Coin de Mire, a small boat, or a long private stretch of beach. Weather can alter the plan, Ilot Gabriel may be replaced by Ile Plate, and the catamaran can feel crowded.

For most visitors who want a straightforward day from Grand Baie, this is a sensible choice. Bring your own snorkeling gear, protect yourself from the sun, contact the operator before departure, and expect the sea to be part of the adventure.

FAQ

How long does the Ilot Gabriel catamaran cruise last?

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

Where do I meet the tour representative?

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

How do I reach the catamaran from the beach?

A dinghy takes you from the beach to the catamaran, which is anchored about 150 metres offshore. The dinghy transfer back to the beach is also included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch, salad, drinks, and dessert are provided onboard the catamaran. Food and drinks on the island are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. You should bring your own snorkeling gear, including equipment that fits you properly. Snorkeling conditions can include a strong current.

Is snorkeling near Coin de Mire guaranteed?

No. The boat may snorkel near Coin de Mire if the weather allows, but this is not always included in the program.

Can Ilot Gabriel be replaced by another island?

Yes. Ilot Gabriel may be replaced by Ile Plate. The beaches around both islands are described as similar, but lunch is served on Ile Plate rather than on the catamaran.