Ilot Gabriel: Catamaran Cruise & BBQ Lunch

Ilot Gabriel is the star here, but the real pleasure is the full day on the water. You sail from Grand Baie across changing shades of blue, stop for beach and snorkeling time, then return aboard a catamaran with a fresh BBQ lunch and drinks. The open-water sailing gives the outing its sense of escape.

I like the easy mix of island time and boat time, and I like that lunch, soft drinks, and the dinghy transfers are included. The crew often adds music and a cheerful party mood, especially late in the return sail. The main caution is comfort: the sea can turn choppy, the catamaran may carry around 40 people, and time on Ilot Gabriel can feel short.

Key points to know before booking

• Ilot Gabriel takes about two hours to reach, so the day includes a substantial stretch of sailing rather than a quick island transfer.
• A dinghy carries you from Grand Baie beach to the catamaran, which anchors about 150 metres offshore.
• Your own snorkeling gear is required, and strong currents can affect where and how you swim.
• The BBQ lunch includes drinks and dessert, served after your island visit, usually aboard the catamaran.
• Coin de Mire is a major sight on the return, with possible snorkeling nearby only if weather and sea conditions allow.
• Ile Plate may replace Ilot Gabriel, with advance notice. The beaches are described as similar, but lunch is then served on Ile Plate instead of the catamaran.

Setting out from Grand Baie by dinghy

Your day begins on the middle section of Grand Baie beach. A representative from Vacances Oh! Soleil should meet you there and direct you to the right dinghy. Keep the company name and contact details handy, and contact the operator within 24 hours before departure because the meeting point can change in rain or other unusual conditions.

The catamaran waits about 150 metres from shore. You will wade or board the small transfer boat from the beach, so wear footwear you can remove easily and keep your phone protected from splashes. The short dinghy ride is part of the outing, but it is not a private transfer. Several people may be moving between beach and boat at the same time.

Once aboard, settle in quickly and choose a spot that suits you. The boat is the base for much of the day, so you will want a place where you can sit comfortably, watch the sea, and get up without blocking others. A full catamaran can feel lively and social, but it offers less quiet space than a small private boat.

The operator describes the trip as seven hours. Starting times vary, and bad weather can bring changes to the schedule or route. I would plan this as a flexible day rather than one built around a tight evening reservation.

Two hours across the changing sea

The outward sail takes about two hours. That is a long time if you only want to reach a beach, but it is also what makes this outing different from a simple speedboat transfer. You spend the morning crossing open water, seeing Grand Baie recede, and watching the ocean change colour around the boat.

The sea may look calm near shore and become bouncy farther out. One account describes the open-water ride as mildly choppy, while another notes that wind and weather made the catamaran quite bouncy. The captain handles these conditions, but sensitive passengers should take the motion seriously.

A light breakfast is advised before you board. This is sensible because lunch comes later, after your time on the island. If you are prone to seasickness, choose a stable place on the catamaran, keep your eyes on the horizon, and avoid arriving hungry. Those practical steps matter more here than on a short harbour cruise.

The ride is also your first chance to enjoy the crew. The atmosphere can be relaxed or quite lively, depending on the group and the staff. The crew members cook, serve drinks, answer questions, and keep people entertained. Captain Jerry is named in one account, and the catamaran Dawn is also mentioned as a boat with a particularly entertaining crew. Staff assignments can change, so do not expect those exact names on every departure.

Ilot Gabriel: sand, sea, and a natural reserve

Ilot Gabriel is a protected island with sandy beaches and nesting seabirds, including the white-tailed tropicbird, known locally as the paille-en-queue. The appeal is simple: pale sand, clear water, open views, and a strong sense of being away from Mauritius for a few hours.

The island visit gives you time to swim, snorkel, walk along the beach, or sit in the sun. The beaches around Ilot Gabriel are the main attraction, not a formal guided sightseeing route. There is no guide included for the island, so you explore at your own pace and look after your own belongings.

Bring your own mask and snorkel. Gear is not included, and the operator specifically advises you to bring equipment that fits you properly. The water can be especially good once you move farther from the beach, but currents may be strong. Stay within your comfort level and pay attention to local instructions rather than swimming out simply to find more fish.

The snorkeling can be the highlight of the day. You may see colourful fish in clear water, and conditions can make the reef seem far more interesting than the beach shallows. Still, snorkeling quality depends on wind, visibility, current, and the exact place where the group stops. This is not a guaranteed wildlife encounter or a specialist reef excursion.

Time on the island is one area where the schedule may feel tight. The full day sounds generous, but two hours of sailing each way leaves a limited window for the beach stop, lunch, and any additional swim. If you want a slow, quiet island day with long walks, this trip may feel busy. If you want a taste of Ilot Gabriel paired with a social boat ride, the balance works well.

BBQ lunch after your swim

After the island visit, a dinghy brings you back to the catamaran. Lunch is then ready. The meal includes a BBQ, salad, drinks, and dessert, served aboard the boat according to the main programme.

This arrangement works well because you can swim and relax on the island without carrying a picnic or arranging your own meal. The food is also a useful part of the value. At $69 per person, you are paying for the boat, transfers, staff, lunch, drinks, and a full day on the water rather than only transport to a beach.

The meal is informal. Do not expect a restaurant setting or a long, leisurely service. The boat may be full, and the crew is preparing and serving food while managing the return trip. Accounts of the BBQ describe it as tasty, with a good range of food, but your experience will depend on the day’s menu and the number of people aboard.

Drinks are included onboard, but not on the island. You should not expect a separate island snack service. If you need something specific, such as a special diet item, the supplied details do not confirm that it is available, so ask the operator before booking.

After lunch, many people settle into a sun-soaked lull. The return trip can become livelier near the end, with music and dancing helping to wake the group after food and swimming. I like that this gives the ride a social finish, though anyone hoping for a quiet sail should know the mood may be more party-like during the final 30 minutes.

Coin de Mire on the way home

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 and gives you a striking sense of how small the catamaran is against the open water.

The boat may stop for snorkeling near Coin de Mire if weather and sea conditions permit. This is not a fixed part of every departure. If snorkeling there is the main reason you are booking, choose an activity specifically built around that stop rather than treating it as a promise.

Wildlife sightings are possible but rare. Dolphins and sea turtles have been seen, and one outing even produced a whale sighting, but you should regard these as lucky extras. The trip is worthwhile without them.

The water near the island can be exposed to wind and current. The captain decides what is safe, and the programme may be adjusted. That flexibility is important in Mauritius, where a sunny beach does not always mean calm conditions offshore.

Group size, comfort, and the social mood

The catamaran can feel crowded. One account expected around 20 people but found about 40 aboard. Other departures may be smaller, but the available information does not guarantee a fixed group size.

That difference matters. With fewer people, you can move around more easily, find a comfortable sun or shade position, and board the dinghy with less waiting. With a fuller boat, the atmosphere may be more energetic, but seating, serving food, and access to the water can feel less relaxed.

Families with older children can enjoy the day, especially if the children like swimming, music, and a long boat ride. One family with children aged 6, 9, and 11 had a good time, but the same account did not recommend the outing for very young children. The rougher sea, open water, sun, and transfer by dinghy all require supervision.

This activity is not suitable for pregnant women. It is also a poor match for anyone who dislikes boat motion, strong sun, crowded group activities, or an itinerary that can change with the weather.

On the other hand, you will likely enjoy it if you want a social day with a friendly crew. The staff are a major part of the experience. They cook, serve, make jokes, play music, and keep an eye on the group. The tone is more cheerful day out than quiet nature cruise.

What to pack for a smoother day

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and your own snorkeling gear. The sun can be strong, even when the breeze makes the air feel comfortable. Reapply sunscreen often, especially after swimming.

A waterproof bag is useful for your phone and valuables during the dinghy transfer and beach stop. The supplied information does not list secure storage, so bring only what you need and keep small items together.

Eat a light breakfast before arriving. Lunch comes later, and the two-hour outward ride can feel long on an empty stomach. Since food and drinks are provided onboard, you do not need to pack a full picnic.

Check the weather and contact the operator within 24 hours of the activity. Bad weather can lead to a later start, rescheduling, or a change from Ilot Gabriel to Ile Plate. The beaches are described as similar, but lunch arrangements change if Ile Plate is used.

Is $69 a fair price?

At $69 per person, this is a solid value if you want a complete full-day outing rather than a bare boat transfer. The price covers the dinghy rides, catamaran cruise, guide onboard, lunch, drinks, and dessert. Those inclusions reduce the extra spending you would face on a self-arranged day.

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise pay separately for transport, food, and a boat trip. You also get the scenery around Coin de Mire and the chance to snorkel at Ilot Gabriel.

The price looks less attractive if you mainly want an uncrowded beach. A full catamaran, shared dinghy transfers, and a limited island stay mean you are buying the whole social experience. It is not a private charter, a quiet sailing lesson, or a specialist snorkeling expedition.

The activity has a rating of 4.5 from 139 ratings, which fits the overall picture: strong satisfaction with the crew, food, scenery, and fun, balanced by occasional crowding, choppy water, and less island time than some people would prefer.

Booking details that matter

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. The tour runs in French and English, with a live guide onboard.

The meeting instructions are worth reading carefully. Wait near the centre of Grand Baie beach, look for the representative, and state both your name and Vacances Oh! Soleil. Contact the operator in the preceding 24 hours because the exact meeting point may change.

The catamaran activity has a skip-the-ticket-line arrangement, but you still need to arrive in time for the beach transfer. Starting times depend on availability and may change because of weather or other unforeseen conditions.

Who should book this catamaran day?

I would choose this trip if you want a practical introduction to Mauritius’s northern islands, like being on the water, and enjoy a friendly group setting. It suits couples, groups of friends, and families with children who can manage a long boat day.

I would also choose it if food and drinks included in the price matter to you. The BBQ removes the need to organize lunch, and the crew adds warmth that can make a shared excursion feel more personal.

I would look elsewhere if you need guaranteed snorkeling at Coin de Mire, a small group, a fixed timetable, or several quiet hours on the beach. I would also be cautious if you get seasick or dislike strong sun and changing sea conditions.

For the best chance of a comfortable day, bring your own well-fitting snorkeling gear, eat breakfast, pack sun protection, and keep your schedule flexible. Those small choices make a real difference on this outing.

FAQ

How long is the Ilot Gabriel catamaran trip?

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

Where do I meet the group?

Wait near the middle of Grand Baie beach. A representative from Vacances Oh! Soleil should meet you and direct you to the dinghy. Contact the operator within 24 hours because the meeting point can change.

How do I get from the beach to the catamaran?

A dinghy transfers you from Grand Baie beach to the catamaran, which is anchored about 150 metres offshore. The same type of transfer brings you back to the beach at the end.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

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

What food and drinks are included?

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

Could Ilot Gabriel be replaced by another island?

Yes. The activity may be changed to Ile Plate, usually because of conditions or other circumstances. The beaches are described as similar, but lunch is then served on Ile Plate rather than on the catamaran.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later. Trips may be rescheduled if the weather is poor.

Should you book it?

Book this catamaran day if you want clear water, a beautiful island, a BBQ, and a lively crew in one reasonably priced outing. The strongest reasons are the scenery, the friendly service, and the simple all-in-one format.

Skip it if you need a quiet, uncrowded boat or guaranteed snorkeling near Coin de Mire. For most people who enjoy open water and can handle a little motion, Ilot Gabriel offers a memorable day with enough practical value to justify the $69 price.