Ilot Gabriel: Catamaran Cruise & BBQ Lunch

The best part of this seven-hour cruise is the change of pace. You leave Grand Baie by dinghy, settle onto a catamaran, and spend the day moving between open sea, a small island reserve, and a beach that feels far removed from Mauritius’s resort coast. The approach to Ilot Gabriel brings broad ocean views, clear water, and a close look at Coin de Mire, the steep island often described as a mountain in the sea.

I like two things in particular. First, the crew does more than steer the boat. They cook, serve drinks, keep the mood lively, and help the day run smoothly. Second, the trip gives you both active time in the water and genuine time to do nothing at all. The main consideration is comfort: the sea can be choppy, the catamaran may feel crowded, and snorkeling equipment is not supplied.

Key points to know before booking

• The day begins with a dinghy transfer: You wait near the middle of Grand Baie beach, then ride about 150 metres out to the catamaran.
• Ilot Gabriel is the main beach stop: You have time to swim, snorkel, walk along the sand, and relax before returning to the boat.
• The return route passes Coin de Mire: Snorkeling near the island may happen if conditions allow, but it is not guaranteed.
• Lunch is cooked and served onboard: Expect a BBQ, salad, drinks, and dessert after your island time.
• Bring your own snorkeling gear: The operator advises this because you know your own fit and size best.
• Weather controls the schedule: The trip can be moved, shortened, or adjusted, and Ile Plate may replace Ilot Gabriel.

Leaving Grand Baie by dinghy

The meeting point is not a ticket booth or a fixed pier. Wait around the middle of Grand Baie beach, where a representative will find you using the contact details attached to your booking. Tell the representative your name and Vacances Oh! Soleil, the operating company.

That first transfer is short, but it matters. The catamaran is anchored about 150 metres offshore, so you board a small dinghy from the beach. Wear footwear that can handle getting wet, or be ready to remove your shoes before boarding. Keep your towel, sunscreen, and phone secure during the transfer.

Contact the company within 24 hours before departure. The meeting spot can change because of rain or other unexpected conditions, and it is better to confirm than to search the beach while the boat is waiting.

A light breakfast is a smart idea. The full meal comes later, and the first part of the morning is spent sailing rather than eating. If you are prone to motion sickness, remember that the open sea can feel much rougher than the sheltered water near shore.

Two hours across the changing blue sea

The trip from Grand Baie to Ilot Gabriel takes about two hours. That is a sizable part of a seven-hour outing, but it is not dead time. You are on the boat, not in a coach, and the views change as Mauritius recedes behind you.

The water shifts through different shades as the catamaran moves farther out. On a calm day, the sailing feels easy and spacious. With wind or a swell, the ride becomes more active. One account describes the open-water section as choppy but manageable, while another notes that the captain handled rougher conditions well. The practical point is simple: bring sunscreen, hold onto loose items, and do not expect a perfectly still platform.

The catamaran gives you room to move around, though capacity can vary. A group that expected roughly 20 people found about 40 onboard, making the boat feel full. That does not mean you will be uncomfortable, but you should not book this as a private cruise. If space and quiet are your top priorities, a smaller boat would be a better match.

The crew is a major part of the experience. Captain Jerry is mentioned by name, and the crew of the Dawn received particular praise for staying friendly, funny, and helpful throughout the day. The team handles sailing, food, drinks, and the general atmosphere. Later in the return journey, music and a livelier mood may replace the sleepy post-lunch calm.

Ilot Gabriel, sand, birds, and clear water

Ilot Gabriel is a natural reserve with nesting Paille en Queue, or white-tailed tropical birds. The attraction is not a long sightseeing checklist. It is the combination of open beach, pale sand, sea views, and time outside with very little to organize.

You reach the island by dinghy from the catamaran. Once ashore, you can swim, snorkel, walk around the beach, or simply find a place to sit. The water near the shore is inviting, but the best snorkeling may be farther from the beach and around the boat. One useful warning concerns currents: conditions can be stronger away from land, so stay within your comfort level and follow the crew’s advice.

Allow yourself enough time to enjoy the island before thinking about lunch. The exact island time can change, and some people feel it passes too quickly. That is the tradeoff of a full-day cruise with a long outward sail and a meal service. You get a broad experience rather than several unhurried hours on one beach.

Ilot Gabriel can be replaced by Ile Plate if conditions or operations require it. The beaches around the two islands are described as similar. The main difference is the lunch location: on Ilot Gabriel, lunch is served on the catamaran, while on Ile Plate it is served on the island. You should be notified in advance if this change is made.

Snorkeling without supplied equipment

Snorkeling is one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise, but you need to plan for it. A mask, snorkel, and other gear are not included. Bring your own set, as the operator specifically recommends using equipment that fits you properly.

The water around Ilot Gabriel can offer a good look at fish and changing shades of sea life. One especially useful tip is to swim beyond the immediate beach area, where the snorkeling may be better. Another account found the best fish around the catamaran itself. These details are not contradictory. Conditions, current, visibility, and the boat’s anchorage all affect what you see.

You may have an hour or more in the water, but the schedule is not fixed to that level. The island stop also includes swimming and relaxing, so you can make the day as active or lazy as you like. Bring a towel and strong sunscreen. Mauritius sun can feel mild when you are cooled by wind, then catch you quickly once you are in the water.

The return route may offer another snorkeling stop close to Coin de Mire. This is not part of every departure. It depends on weather and sea conditions, and the company makes clear that you should not book this trip solely for that stop. If snorkeling near Coin de Mire is essential to your plan, choose an outing that guarantees it.

Coin de Mire and the return sail

Coin de Mire is one of the most memorable sights on the route. From the water, it rises like a large rocky mountain, giving you a strong sense of how isolated these northern islands are. The catamaran passes close to it on the way back to Mauritius.

If the sea is suitable, the crew may offer snorkeling nearby, and on some occasions swimming close to the island or a more advanced water activity can be possible. Do not treat that as a promise. It is an optional, weather-dependent part of the day.

The return sail can be relaxing after the island stop and meal. It can also feel long if the sea is rough or you are tired from the sun. Dolphin sightings and sea turtles are possible, but rare, so consider them a lucky bonus rather than part of the value calculation. One short dolphin sighting has been reported, along with an even rarer whale sighting, but marine life is never guaranteed.

BBQ lunch, drinks, and the pace onboard

Lunch is served after you return from Ilot Gabriel. The meal includes a BBQ, salad, drinks, and dessert. Food and drinks are provided onboard, so you do not need to pack a picnic for the main meal.

The crew appears to take the catering seriously. You can expect the team to cook and serve while also keeping drinks topped up. The meal is a useful break after swimming, and the boat setting gives it a relaxed, informal feel. It is not a restaurant meal with a choice of courses. It is a shared BBQ lunch designed for a day at sea.

There is no food or drink service on Ilot Gabriel itself. If you want something between breakfast and lunch, plan ahead. A small personal snack may be sensible, though the supplied information only confirms the onboard lunch and drinks. Keep anything you bring protected from sun and sea spray.

The atmosphere can become lively. Music, dancing, and jokes may appear on the final part of the journey, with the crew helping to wake everyone up after lunch and sun. That will suit you if you want a social boat day. If you prefer silence, reading, or a calm private setting, the music and full boat may be a drawback.

Is $69 good value?

At $69 per person, the price covers the main pieces of a full-day outing: the catamaran ride, dinghy transfers, a guide onboard, lunch, drinks, and access to the island stop. You are paying for transport to a remote beach as well as the food and boat time, so the fare is reasonable if you want several activities in one booking.

The value is strongest when you use the whole day. Swim at Ilot Gabriel, bring snorkeling gear, pay attention to the scenery, and enjoy the return route near Coin de Mire if conditions permit. If you only want a short boat ride or a guaranteed snorkeling session, the seven-hour format may feel less efficient.

You should also factor in what is not included. Snorkeling gear is extra, and there is no guide on the island. The onboard guide can explain the trip and help with the sailing portion, but this is not a structured walking tour of Ilot Gabriel.

Group size is another part of the value question. A fuller catamaran can mean less personal space, even though there is usually enough room for people to spread out. The price suits you best if you see the boat as a friendly shared outing rather than a quiet charter.

Who will enjoy this catamaran day?

I would choose this for couples, friends, families with older children, and anyone who wants a simple day on the water without arranging each part separately. Children aged six to eleven have enjoyed the trip, though rough water and the open boat may be tiring for younger children. Pregnant women should not take part.

This is a good fit if you want:

• A full day combining sailing, beach time, swimming, and lunch
• A social crew with music and a friendly mood
• Access to Ilot Gabriel without arranging separate boats
• A chance to see Coin de Mire from the water
• A flexible day where you can snorkel or simply relax

I would hesitate if you dislike choppy water, crowded boats, or weather-based changes. You should also reconsider if you need guaranteed snorkeling near Coin de Mire, a private atmosphere, or a detailed island walking tour.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Confirm the meeting point within 24 hours of departure. Wait near the centre of Grand Baie beach and look for the company representative rather than heading straight to a marina.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and your own snorkeling gear. A waterproof bag or phone pouch is sensible for the dinghy transfer and wet boat deck, though it is not listed as a required item.

Eat a light breakfast before you go. Lunch comes after the island stop, and the first two hours are spent sailing. Apply sunscreen before boarding and keep reapplying, especially after swimming.

Expect the schedule to change if the weather turns bad. Trips can be rescheduled, and the route or island may be amended. Ilot Gabriel may be replaced by Ile Plate, with lunch then served on the island instead of the catamaran.

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times should be checked for your chosen date because weather and operating conditions can affect them.

Should you book the Ilot Gabriel cruise?

Book it if you want a sociable, good-value day that combines open-water sailing, a beautiful island, snorkeling, and a BBQ without much planning on your part. The crew, food, scenery, and chance to spend time in the water are the strongest reasons to go.

Skip it if you need a quiet or private boat, guaranteed conditions, or a fixed snorkeling stop at Coin de Mire. For most people who enjoy the sea and can accept a little chop and some crowding, $69 buys a satisfying full day from Grand Baie, especially if you bring your own gear and make good use of the island time.

FAQ

How long is the Ilot Gabriel catamaran cruise?

The activity lasts about seven hours. The sailing from Grand Baie to Ilot Gabriel takes roughly two hours, with time for the island stop, lunch, and the return journey.

Where do I meet the tour representative?

Wait around the middle of Grand Baie beach. A representative will use your contact details to find you and direct you to the catamaran. Confirm the meeting point within 24 hours because it may change due to rain or other unexpected conditions.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. You need to bring your own snorkeling gear. Swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen are also recommended.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch includes a BBQ, salad, drinks, and dessert, served onboard the catamaran. Food and drinks are not provided on Ilot Gabriel.

Is snorkeling near Coin de Mire guaranteed?

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

Can Ilot Gabriel be replaced by another island?

Yes. Ilot Gabriel may be replaced by Ile Plate. The beaches are described as similar, but lunch will be served on Ile Plate rather than on the catamaran. You should be informed about the change in advance.