Ilot Gabriel: Catamaran Cruise & BBQ Lunch

Blue water, open sky, and a barbecue at sea. This seven-hour cruise from Grand Baie to Ilot Gabriel combines a scenic catamaran ride, island beaches, snorkeling, and lunch onboard. I like the friendly crew and the easy mix of relaxation and activity. I also like that the price includes the boat, dinghy transfers, BBQ lunch, drinks, and a guide.

The main tradeoff is comfort. The sea can be choppy, the catamaran may feel crowded, and several boats can arrive at the island at once. You should also bring your own snorkeling gear, and the plan can change with the weather.

Key points to know before booking

• Two hours across open water: The outward trip is part of the experience, not just transport. Expect wide sea views and some movement if the wind picks up.
• Ilot Gabriel is the main beach stop: You get time to swim, snorkel, walk along the sand, and relax before returning to the boat.
• BBQ lunch is served onboard: Food, drinks, salad, and dessert are included after the island visit.
• Coin de Mire appears on the return: The striking sea mountain is a major view, and snorkeling nearby may happen if conditions allow, but it is not guaranteed.
• The crew sets the mood: Service is a strong part of the day, with friendly staff, music, drinks, and a light party atmosphere on some departures.
• The plan is weather dependent: Ilot Gabriel may be replaced by Ile Plate, and departure times or the route may change in rough conditions.

Leaving Grand Baie by dinghy

Your morning begins on the beach at Grand Baie, where you wait around the middle of the beach. A representative is meant to meet you there and guide you to the boat. You then ride a dinghy roughly 150 metres from shore to the catamaran.

This transfer is short, but it matters. You do not simply walk onto the catamaran from a pier. Keep your towel, phone, and other items secure during the ride, and expect to get at least a little wet. Contact Vacances Oh! Soleil within the 24 hours before departure because the exact meeting point can change, particularly in bad weather.

Look for the representative connected with Vacances Oh! Soleil and have your name ready. The meeting process has generally been straightforward, though it can feel confusing if the representative is not at the beach right away. Give yourself time rather than arriving at the last minute.

A light breakfast is a good idea. The trip lasts about seven hours, and lunch comes later in the day after your island stop.

The two-hour sail toward Ilot Gabriel

Once aboard, the catamaran heads away from Mauritius toward the northern islands. The trip to Ilot Gabriel takes about two hours, so this is not a quick transfer followed by a long beach stay. You spend a large part of the day on the water.

I like this pacing because the sea journey gives the outing its character. You can move around the catamaran, take in the changing shades of the ocean, and settle into the breeze. The view becomes the entertainment. You may also see Coin de Mire from the water, though the island is more prominent on the return.

The open sea can be mildly rough. One account described the ride as bouncy but manageable, while another noted that conditions became choppy with wind and weather. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit where the movement feels gentlest, look toward the horizon, and avoid arriving on an empty stomach.

The atmosphere depends on the crew and the group. Some departures feel calm and easygoing. Others include music, dancing, jokes, and a livelier final stretch. The crew has received especially strong praise for staying friendly while cooking, serving drinks, and keeping the mood pleasant.

Jerry has been named as a captain on one departure, and the boat Dawn has also been mentioned by name. Staff and vessels can vary, so treat those details as examples rather than a guarantee.

Ilot Gabriel, sand, swimming, and snorkeling

Ilot Gabriel is a natural reserve with sandy beaches and nesting seabirds, including the white-tailed tropicbird, known locally as the Paille en Queue. The island is small enough to feel simple and exposed. There are no major sights to tick off. The point is the beach, the water, and time outside.

After anchoring, a dinghy takes you from the catamaran to the island. You can walk around the surrounding beaches, swim, or find a place to sit and enjoy the views back toward the sea. The water is described as clear and colorful, and snorkeling is one of the strongest parts of the outing.

Bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins. Gear is not included, and the operator specifically advises bringing equipment that fits you properly. This is more than a minor detail. Ill-fitting gear can turn a good swim into a frustrating one, especially if you want to spend a full hour in the water.

You may find the best fish close to the boat or farther from the beach, depending on conditions. One account found the snorkeling especially good away from shore, while another said the area around the catamaran offered the best views of fish. Currents can be strong, so stay within your comfort level and follow the crew’s instructions.

The island stop can feel a little short if you want a long, quiet beach day. The total outing is seven hours, but that time includes the outward and return sails, lunch, and transfers. You should expect a substantial island visit, not an entire afternoon on shore.

There can also be several catamarans at Ilot Gabriel at once. One departure had about ten boats in the area. The island has room for people to spread out, but it will not always feel private. For many visitors, the scenery easily outweighs the crowds. If solitude is your main goal, this is not the right type of boat trip.

BBQ lunch after the beach stop

After your time on Ilot Gabriel, the dinghy brings you back to the catamaran, where lunch is ready. The meal includes BBQ food, salad, drinks, and dessert. Lunch is served onboard rather than at a beach restaurant, giving you a chance to eat with the water around you.

Food is one of the better-value parts of the price. You are not paying $69 only for transport and a swim. The package also covers the midday meal, drinks during the boat portion, the guide, and both dinghy transfers. That makes the cost reasonable for a full-day marine outing, especially when you consider that independent boat arrangements would require separate planning.

The food has been described as good, tasty, and varied, with the BBQ earning particular praise. The crew may be cooking and serving at the same time, which adds a friendly, informal feel. Do not expect a formal restaurant meal. Think of it as a relaxed boat lunch after swimming in the sea.

Drinks are provided onboard, but food and drinks on Ilot Gabriel are not included. In practice, you should plan to eat and drink from the boat’s supply and avoid assuming that refreshments will be available on the island.

The post-lunch return can be sleepy. Sun, salt water, and a full meal have predictable effects. Some crews add music and dancing during the final part of the journey, which can be welcome if you need help staying awake.

Passing Coin de Mire on the way home

The return route brings you close to Coin de Mire, a steep rock formation rising from the ocean like a mountain at sea. It is one of the most memorable sights on this route because it gives scale to the surrounding water. From a catamaran, you see the island as a dramatic landmark rather than as a place to explore on foot.

If the weather is suitable, the crew may offer snorkeling close to Coin de Mire. This is not a fixed part of every departure, so do not book this trip solely for that possibility. If snorkeling by Coin de Mire is essential to your plans, choose an activity that specifically guarantees it.

Wildlife sightings are possible but uncommon. Dolphins and sea turtles have been seen, and a whale was also reported on one departure. Treat these as lucky extras, not promised features. The reliable attractions are the sailing, Ilot Gabriel, snorkeling, lunch, and the views.

The sea may still be moving on the way back. The catamaran is described as safe, but safe does not mean perfectly smooth. People who dislike open-water motion may find the return tiring, especially after a full day in the sun.

How crowded and social is the catamaran?

The atmosphere is one of the biggest variables. Some departures have a relaxed, chilled feel. Others are more social, with music, dancing, and staff encouraging people to enjoy themselves.

Capacity can also vary. One account expected about 20 people but found roughly 40 onboard, making the catamaran feel quite full. That is worth considering if you value space, quiet, or an easy place to stretch out. The boat can still be enjoyable at higher capacity, but you should not assume a small-group cruise.

Families can enjoy the trip, but it is not ideal for every young child. Older children who are comfortable with boats, swimming, and a long day outside may have fun. One family with children aged 6, 9, and 11 enjoyed the experience, while the conditions were considered less suitable for younger children.

Pregnant women should not book this activity. The combination of dinghy transfers, open water, and possible choppy conditions makes the restriction important.

What to bring for a better day

Pack lightly, but pack the right things:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Strong sunscreen
• Your own snorkeling equipment
• Secure protection for your phone and valuables
• A light breakfast before departure

The sun can be intense, even when the breeze makes the air feel comfortable. Reapply sunscreen after swimming, and do not forget the backs of your legs and shoulders. The sea breeze can hide how much sun you are getting.

Your own snorkeling gear is the most important item. The operator does not provide it, and using familiar equipment can make the difference between a quick look underwater and a proper snorkeling session.

The weather can change the schedule. Trips may be rescheduled in poor conditions, and the duration or starting time can shift because of circumstances beyond the operator’s control. Ilot Gabriel may also be replaced by Ile Plate. The beaches are described as similar, but lunch will then be served on Ile Plate rather than on the catamaran.

That substitution does not necessarily ruin the day. The main ingredients remain the same: boat time, beach, swimming, snorkeling, and a BBQ meal. You should simply understand that the named island is not an absolute guarantee.

Is $69 good value?

At $69 per person, this is a solid package if you want an organized full-day sea outing. The price includes the catamaran cruise, dinghy pickup and return, lunch, drinks onboard, and a live guide in English or French.

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise need to arrange transport, food, and a separate boat trip. You also get a full route rather than a short harbor cruise. The two-hour outward sail and the return near Coin de Mire make the boat itself a central part of the day.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want a quiet beach visit. You may spend a lot of time sharing the catamaran and island with other groups, and snorkeling equipment costs extra if you do not own it. The package is best viewed as a social sailing day with a beach stop, not as a private island escape.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the reserve-now, pay-later option add useful flexibility. Still, keep an eye on the weather forecast and confirm the meeting details before you go.

Who should book this catamaran trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want several experiences in one day:

• A proper catamaran ride from Grand Baie
• Time on a sandy island
• Swimming and snorkeling
• A BBQ lunch with drinks
• Scenic views of Coin de Mire
• A friendly, social crew

It suits couples, families with older children, and anyone who enjoys being on the open sea. It is also a good choice if you prefer a day with a clear plan rather than arranging each part yourself.

I would hesitate if you need guaranteed calm water, a small group, or a private beach. I would also choose another activity if snorkeling close to Coin de Mire is your main reason for booking, since that part depends on conditions and may not be offered.

Should you book the Ilot Gabriel catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a good-value day that mixes sailing, snorkeling, island scenery, and a generous lunch. The crew, food, beaches, and overall mood are the strongest reasons to go. At $69, the all-in structure makes sense for a seven-hour outing.

Bring your own snorkeling gear, prepare for possible chop, and confirm the beach meeting point the day before. If you accept that the boat and island may be busy, this is an enjoyable way to see Mauritius from the water without spending the day organizing details yourself.

FAQ

How long does the Ilot Gabriel catamaran cruise last?

The activity lasts about seven hours. The schedule includes the dinghy transfers, the catamaran ride to Ilot Gabriel, time on the island, lunch, and the return sail.

Where does the cruise meet?

You should wait around the middle of Grand Baie beach. A representative connected with Vacances Oh! Soleil will meet you and direct you to the catamaran.

How do I get from the beach to the catamaran?

A dinghy takes you from Grand Baie beach to the catamaran, which is anchored about 150 metres offshore. The same type of transfer is used when returning to the beach.

Is lunch included?

Yes. BBQ food, salad, drinks, and dessert are provided. Lunch is normally served onboard after the island visit, although it will be served on Ile Plate if that island replaces Ilot Gabriel.

Are drinks included?

Drinks are included onboard as part of the activity. Food and drinks on the island are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. You need to bring your own snorkeling gear. The operator recommends bringing equipment that fits you properly.

Can I snorkel near Coin de Mire?

Possibly, if the weather and sea conditions allow it. Snorkeling near Coin de Mire is not guaranteed and is not included on every departure.

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 will be served on Ile Plate instead of on the catamaran.

Can the trip be cancelled or rescheduled because of weather?

Yes. Bad weather can change the starting time, duration, route, or island visit. Trips may be rescheduled when conditions are unsuitable. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.