Ilot Gabriel: Catamaran Cruise & BBQ Lunch

The sea is the main event. This seven-hour catamaran cruise from Grand Bay combines a long sail, snorkeling, time on Ilot Gabriel, and a BBQ lunch with drinks. I like the easy mix of movement and downtime, and I especially like that you get both a beautiful island stop and a close look at Coin de Mire on the return.

The crew earns strong praise for friendly service, music, cooking, and keeping drinks topped up. I also like the price: at $69 per person, lunch, drinks, the boat trip, guide, and dinghy transfers are included. The main caution is comfort. The sea can be choppy, boats may feel crowded, and island time can seem short if you want a full beach day.

Five Things To Know Before You Go

• The boat waits about 150 metres offshore: A dinghy carries you from the middle of Grand Bay beach to the catamaran.
• The outward sail takes roughly two hours: You spend a good part of the day on open water, not just at the island.
• Ilot Gabriel is a protected island: Its sandy beaches and nesting Paille en Queue seabirds are the main natural attractions.
• Bring your own snorkeling equipment: Gear is not included, and the supplied advice is sensible: your own mask and snorkel are more likely to fit well.
• The return route passes Coin de Mire: Snorkeling near it may happen if conditions allow, but it is not guaranteed or part of every departure.

Setting Out From Grand Bay Beach

Your day begins on the beach at Grand Bay, where you should wait near the middle of the beach. A representative will look for you using the contact details provided at booking, then direct you to the dinghy.

This meeting arrangement is worth taking seriously. Contact Vacances Oh! Soleil within 24 hours of the trip, since the exact point can change because of rain or other unexpected conditions. Have your name and the company name, Vacances Oh! Soleil, ready to give the representative. That small bit of preparation can save you from wandering along the sand looking for the right boat.

The dinghy ride is short, but it is not a step straight from beach to catamaran. The main boat sits about 150 metres offshore, so wear swimwear or clothing that can handle a splash. Once aboard, you can settle into a relaxed day at sea.

A light breakfast is a good idea. The trip lasts seven hours, and lunch comes later after your time on the island. If you are prone to seasickness, the first two hours are the section to take seriously, since the boat heads across open water before reaching Ilot Gabriel.

Two Hours Across Mauritius’s Northern Sea

The outward cruise is not merely transport. It is a large part of the experience, with changing shades of ocean, broad views, and the sensation of leaving Grand Bay far behind.

That also means this is not the best choice if you want the fastest possible route to a beach. You may spend around two hours sailing to Ilot Gabriel, and the return takes up another substantial part of the seven-hour schedule. I see that as a fair trade if you enjoy being on a catamaran, but less appealing if your priority is maximum time on land.

The water may be calm, or it may be bouncy. One account describes the open-water ride as a little choppy but mild, while another found the boat quite full and the sea rougher because of wind and weather. The captain was praised for handling those conditions well. Still, you should expect some motion rather than a perfectly flat ride.

The crew helps shape the mood. The boat has music, drinks, and a social feel, with staff moving between cooking, serving, and keeping the atmosphere lively. On some trips, the final part of the return becomes more energetic, which can be fun after a quiet afternoon in the sun. If you prefer silence, bring that expectation down a notch.

Ilot Gabriel’s Beaches and Protected Shore

Ilot Gabriel is a natural reserve, known in the activity description for Paille en Queue nesting sites. These white-tailed tropical seabirds add a genuine sense of place to the stop, though the focus is still the beach, warm water, and open views.

The island’s beaches are the reason most people book this trip. You can walk along the sand, swim, snorkel, and spend time looking back toward the island from the water. The setting is simple rather than built-up, so pack for sun, salt, and sand. There is no included food or drink service on the island, which makes the boat lunch especially important.

Your island visit is not fully guided. A guide remains onboard, but a guide on Ilot Gabriel is not included. You are free to explore the beach and swim at your own pace, but you should not expect a structured island walk or a detailed nature talk.

Island time can feel limited. One person who enjoyed the trip still wished for a little longer on the islands. That is a useful warning for anyone who wants hours of unhurried beach time. The schedule has to fit the long sailing legs, lunch, and the return route, so think of Ilot Gabriel as one part of a full-day boat outing, not as a dedicated island stay.

I would also set realistic expectations about crowds. One account found around ten catamarans at the island at the same time. There was still room for everyone, but the beach may not feel private or empty. The reserve is beautiful, yet you are sharing it with other boat groups.

Snorkeling Near Ilot Gabriel

Snorkeling is one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise. The water around the island can be clear and full of fish, especially when you swim farther out from the beach. One account found the best snorkeling around the boat, while another described more than an hour in the sea with impressive fish.

Bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins if you use them. Equipment is not included, and the operator specifically advises bringing gear that fits your size. That is practical advice, not a minor detail. A poorly fitting mask can turn a promising swim into a battle with leaks.

Pay attention to currents. The water may look gentle near shore, but one account specifically warned about a strong current farther out. Stay within your comfort level, listen to the crew, and do not treat a calm-looking sea as risk-free. If you are not a confident swimmer, enjoy the shallow water and beach instead of forcing a long snorkel.

The optional snorkeling area near Coin de Mire is less certain. If weather and sea conditions permit, the boat may stop near this dramatic rock island for snorkeling, and at times a swim may be possible. But this is not always included in the programme. If snorkeling beside Coin de Mire is your main goal, you should choose an activity specifically built around that stop rather than count on this cruise to deliver it.

BBQ Lunch Back on the Catamaran

After your island time, a dinghy returns you to the catamaran. That is when lunch is ready onboard, with BBQ food, salad, drinks, and dessert.

The food receives unusually consistent praise for a boat excursion. The BBQ is described as delicious, with good variety and taste, and several people singled out the crew’s cooking and drink service. This matters because a seven-hour sea trip can feel long if meals are an afterthought. Here, lunch is part of the attraction.

The meal is served after swimming and snorkeling, which gives the schedule a natural rhythm. You spend the first part sailing, get active on the island, then return to the boat hungry and ready for a proper meal. Drinks are included onboard, so you do not need to budget separately for refreshments during the main cruise.

You should not assume the same lunch arrangement in every weather-related version of the trip. The activity may be changed from Ilot Gabriel to Ile Plate, whose beaches are described as similar. In that case, lunch is served on Ile Plate rather than on the catamaran, and you should be told about the change in advance.

There is no food or drink included on the island itself. If you want anything before lunch, bring it along, though the operator advises a light breakfast rather than a heavy meal before sailing.

Coin de Mire on the Way Home

The return route passes close to Coin de Mire, a steep island rock described aptly as a mountain in the sea. This is one of the most memorable views of the day, especially when the catamaran gets close enough to show its scale.

The stop is weather-dependent. In good conditions, you might snorkel nearby, but it is not promised. You may also spot dolphins or sea turtles from the boat, though these sightings are rare and should be treated as luck rather than part of the package.

The return sail gives you time to rest after lunch. Some people enjoy a quiet post-meal spell in the sun, while the crew may raise the music and energy during the last 30 minutes. The social mood is a plus if you enjoy a lively boat, but it may not suit you if you want a calm, private ride back to Mauritius.

Crew, Boat Mood, and Group Size

The crew is the most praised part of this experience. Names are not consistently provided, although Jerry is identified as a captain on one departure, and the crew aboard the Dawn received particular praise for being witty, helpful, and eager to please.

You can expect staff to handle several jobs at once: steering, cooking, serving drinks, and keeping the group entertained. That hands-on service makes the day feel warm and informal rather than strictly scheduled.

The catamaran itself is described as clean and pleasant. Still, group size deserves attention. One account expected about 20 people but found roughly 40 onboard, making the boat feel quite full. This may not happen on every departure, but you should be prepared for a shared excursion rather than a quiet private charter.

Families can enjoy the trip, but age and sea conditions matter. Children aged 6, 9, and 11 were reported to have fun, while the same account advised against the experience for much younger children. Pregnant women should not book this activity.

Is $69 Good Value?

At $69 per person, this is a strong package if you want a full day on the water. The price includes the catamaran cruise, dinghy pickup and return, onboard guide, BBQ lunch, drinks, salad, and dessert. You are also paying for the chance to reach Ilot Gabriel and see Coin de Mire from the sea.

The value is best for people who would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, a beach transfer, lunch, and drinks. The crew’s cooking and friendly service add to that value.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want a long, quiet stay on Ilot Gabriel. You are paying for the whole sailing day, and the island stop is only one portion of it. You also need to bring snorkeling equipment, sunscreen, a towel, and swimwear.

The rating of 4.5 from 139 reviews fits the overall picture: a well-liked outing with excellent staff, good food, and beautiful water, balanced by possible crowding, choppy seas, and limited island time.

Practical Packing and Booking Advice

Bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Strong sunscreen
• Your own snorkeling gear
• A light breakfast before departure

Check in with the operator within 24 hours, especially if rain is forecast. Starting times and trip duration can change because of weather or other unforeseen conditions, and the itinerary may switch from Ilot Gabriel to Ile Plate.

French and English are available onboard. Free cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Mauritius plans are still moving around.

Who Should Book This Cruise?

I would choose this trip if you like open water, shared boat excursions, swimming, snorkeling, music, and a friendly crew. It suits couples, groups of friends, and families with older children who can manage a long day at sea.

I would hesitate if you get seasick, need a quiet boat, dislike crowds, or want a private beach with no other catamarans nearby. I would also choose another activity if snorkeling near Coin de Mire is essential, since that stop depends on conditions and is not always part of the programme.

For most people, the best reason to book is the complete package: a scenic cruise, a beautiful island, solid snorkeling, a generous lunch, and staff who clearly enjoy making the day work. Just bring your own gear, expect some motion, and treat the island as a rewarding stop within a seven-hour sea outing.

FAQ

How long does the Ilot Gabriel catamaran trip last?

The activity lasts about seven hours, though the exact duration and starting time can change because of weather or other unforeseen conditions.

Where do I meet the tour representative?

Wait near the middle of Grand Bay beach. A representative will use your contact details to find you and direct you to the catamaran.

How do I reach the catamaran from the beach?

A dinghy takes you from Grand Bay beach to the catamaran, which is anchored about 150 metres offshore. The same arrangement is used for the return.

Is lunch included?

Yes. BBQ food, salad, drinks, and dessert are included. Lunch is normally served onboard after your time at Ilot Gabriel.

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. Snorkeling near Coin de Mire depends on the weather and sea conditions and is not always included in the programme.

Can Ilot Gabriel be replaced by another island?

Yes. The trip may be changed to Ile Plate. The beaches are described as similar, but lunch is then served on Ile Plate rather than on the catamaran. You should be notified of the change in advance.