Ilot Gabriel: Catamaran Cruise & BBQ Lunch

The best part of this day is the change of pace: you leave Grand Baie by dinghy, settle onto a catamaran, and spend nearly the whole day moving between open sea, a small island, and bright shallow water. Ilot Gabriel gives you a beautiful beach and easy swimming, while the return route passes close to Coin de Mire, a dramatic rocky mountain rising from the sea.

I like the friendly crew and the fact that lunch, drinks, and the boat ride are included in the $69 price. I also like the mix of activity and idleness: you can snorkel, swim, listen to music, or simply sit in the sun. The main drawback is that the catamaran can feel crowded, and the sea may be choppy on the way out.

Key points to know before you go

• The day begins with a dinghy ride from Grand Baie beach: You do not walk straight onto the catamaran. A small boat takes you roughly 150 metres from shore to the anchored vessel.
• Ilot Gabriel is the main beach stop: You get time to swim and snorkel around a natural reserve known for nesting paille-en-queue seabirds.
• The BBQ lunch is served on the boat: Food includes barbecue items, salad, drinks, and dessert. If the route changes to Ile Plate, lunch is served on the island instead.
• Bring your own snorkeling gear: Equipment is not included, and currents can be strong away from the beach.
• Coin de Mire is a highlight on the return: Snorkeling near the rock may be possible if weather and sea conditions allow, but it is not guaranteed.
• The atmosphere is social: The crew may play music and keep drinks flowing, making this better for people who enjoy a lively boat day than for anyone seeking a quiet private cruise.

Leaving Grand Baie by dinghy

Your morning starts in the middle of Grand Baie beach. Look for the representative connected with Vacances Oh! Soleil and give your name and the company name when you arrive. The operator asks you to make contact within the 24 hours before departure because the exact meeting arrangement can change, especially in rain or other unusual conditions.

Do not expect to board the catamaran directly from the sand. A dinghy carries you around 150 metres out to the boat, which is anchored offshore. This is a short transfer, but you should be ready to step into a small boat from the beach. Keep your phone, camera, and other valuables secure.

Once aboard, you have room to move around the catamaran, though the available space depends on the number of people booked. One account described a group of about 40 rather than the expected 20, so capacity can feel fuller than you might anticipate. That matters if you prefer a calm, spacious sailing trip.

The crew generally sets a cheerful tone. Music, drinks, and easy conversation are part of the atmosphere. The named captain on one departure was Jerry, and the boat was called Dawn, though the captain and vessel may vary. The staff handle sailing, food, and drinks, so the day feels more like a hosted outing than a simple boat transfer.

Have a light breakfast first. The trip lasts about seven hours, and lunch comes later after your island stop. A small meal before boarding also helps if you are sensitive to movement on the sea.

The two-hour sail toward Ilot Gabriel

The outward journey takes about two hours. That sounds long if you are thinking only about the destination, but the sailing is a major part of the experience. The color of the water changes as you move away from Grand Baie, and the open sea gives you wide views that you cannot get from the shore.

The water may be smooth, but the route can also be bouncy when the wind picks up. Several people found the motion mild or manageable, while others noted rougher conditions. Sit where you feel most comfortable, keep a hand free when moving around, and avoid treating the catamaran like a motionless platform.

This is not a fast sightseeing boat. The slow pace lets you enjoy the breeze and the changing sea, but it also means the trip is best for people who are happy to spend time on the water. If you want to reach the beach quickly and spend most of the day ashore, a shorter transfer would suit you better.

The crew helps make the crossing feel shorter. Drinks are available onboard, and the music can become more lively as the day progresses. On some departures, the return included a final burst of music and dancing after lunch, a useful detail if you are hoping for a quiet, reflective sail. The mood is friendly and informal rather than polished or formal.

Ilot Gabriel’s beach and shallow water

Ilot Gabriel is the main reason to choose this trip. The island is a natural reserve with beaches around its shore and nesting paille-en-queue birds. The appeal is simple: pale sand, clear water, and a chance to swim away from the main island of Mauritius.

You are transferred from the catamaran to the island by dinghy. There is no island guide included, so you should expect to explore independently. That suits you if you like setting your own pace. You can walk along the beach, swim, find a place to rest, or spend time in the water without following a fixed commentary.

Snorkeling is one of the strongest parts of the day. The water near the island offers colorful fish and good visibility, especially when you move farther from the beach. One useful caution is that currents can become stronger away from shore. Stay alert, do not drift farther out simply to find better fish, and use your own judgment about conditions.

Snorkeling gear is not included. Bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins, as well as a towel and strong sunscreen. The operator specifically suggests bringing gear that fits you properly. That is practical advice, since an ill-fitting mask can spoil the best water stop.

Plan on roughly an hour or more for swimming and snorkeling if conditions and timing allow, but do not assume the entire island stop will be devoted to the water. The amount of time on the island can vary, and some people would prefer a longer beach visit. You may find the stop passes quickly once you begin swimming and walking.

Crowds are another consideration. Several catamarans may reach the islands at the same time, and one account described around ten boats in the area. There is still space on the beaches, but you should not picture a completely private island. The setting remains attractive, yet the shared nature of the stop is part of the deal.

BBQ lunch, drinks, and the return aboard

After your island time, the dinghy brings you back to the catamaran. Lunch is then served onboard, usually with barbecue food, salad, drinks, and dessert. The meal is included in the price, so you do not need to buy food during the cruise.

The BBQ is a real advantage for the value. You are not paying $69 for transport alone, then adding a separate restaurant bill and drinks. The crew cooks and serves while you settle back into the boat, which makes the midday stop easy and social.

Food quality can vary with the departure, but the meal has been a frequent highlight. The offering is not presented as a gourmet lunch, and you should not expect a full restaurant menu. Think of it as a generous, relaxed boat barbecue that fits the setting.

The timing also works well. You spend the first part of the day sailing and using the island, then return to the boat for food. After lunch, you may feel sleepy in the heat. The crew sometimes lifts the mood with music during the final part of the trip, which can be welcome after several hours in the sun.

Drinks are included onboard, but food and drinks on Ilot Gabriel itself are not. Bring what you need for the island stop if you want something beyond the provided boat service. The safest plan is to carry water in a reusable bottle and keep sun protection close at hand.

Coin de Mire and the open-water route home

The return route passes close to Coin de Mire, a striking rocky formation that looks like a mountain rising from the ocean. It gives the ride a clear visual focus after the beach and lunch. Have your camera ready, but also take a moment to watch the rock from the deck without trying to record every second.

The crew may offer snorkeling near Coin de Mire if the sea is suitable. This is not a fixed part of every departure, and it may be skipped because of wind, swell, or safety concerns. If this particular snorkeling stop is the main reason you are booking, choose an activity that guarantees it instead.

Wildlife sightings are possible but uncommon. Dolphins and sea turtles have been seen, and one departure even produced a whale sighting, but no one should book this trip expecting a wildlife tour. Treat these encounters as luck, not a promised part of the schedule.

The open-water sailing can feel thrilling, especially when the sea becomes slightly rough. It is also the part most likely to test anyone prone to seasickness. The activity is described as safe, but safety does not mean perfectly calm conditions. If you know you are sensitive to boat motion, consider taking your usual precautions and eating lightly before departure.

What the $69 price really buys you

At $69 per person, this is a strong value if you want a full day on the water. The price includes the dinghy transfers, catamaran cruise, onboard guide, BBQ lunch, drinks, and dessert. You also get access to two island and coastal settings, rather than spending the whole day on one beach.

The inclusions matter because boat outings can become expensive once you add meals, refreshments, and transport. Here, the main extras are personal: snorkeling equipment, sunscreen, towels, and anything you want while ashore. You may also want to budget for nothing at all if you bring your own supplies.

The price is less attractive if your priority is space and privacy. A busy catamaran can feel full, and the island may have several boats nearby. You are paying for a shared social experience, not a private charter.

The language support is useful for international visitors. The guide service is available in French and English. Communication at the meeting point matters, so keep your phone available and confirm the details with the operator before the day.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity, and you can reserve while paying later. Bad weather can lead to a rescheduled trip or changes to the schedule. This flexibility is helpful in Mauritius, where sea conditions can affect both sailing time and island access.

Ilot Gabriel or Ile Plate?

The planned destination is Ilot Gabriel, but the operator may replace it with Ile Plate if conditions or other circumstances require a change. You should be told about the change in advance.

The two islands have similar beaches, so the main beach experience remains broadly comparable. The important difference is lunch: on Ile Plate, lunch is served on the island rather than on the catamaran.

This possibility should not put you off if your main aim is sand, swimming, and a day at sea. It does matter if you have chosen the trip specifically for Ilot Gabriel or for a particular lunch arrangement. Check the update before departure and keep your expectations flexible.

Who will enjoy this catamaran day?

I would choose this trip for anyone who likes a social boat outing with a clear mix of sailing, swimming, beach time, and food. It works well for couples, friends, and families with older children who can manage a boat transfer and a day in the sun.

Children aged six, nine, and eleven have enjoyed the trip, but younger children may find the boat movement, dinghy transfers, and open-water setting harder. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women.

You should also choose it if you enjoy a lively crew. The staff may joke, play music, encourage dancing, and keep drinks moving. That energy is part of the fun, but it may not suit you if you want silence, private service, or a small group.

The trip is less suitable for anyone who dislikes choppy water, long sailing periods, or shared beaches. It is also not the best match if you need guaranteed snorkeling at Coin de Mire. For a relaxed day with some adventure and a good meal, though, the balance works.

Practical packing advice

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and your own snorkeling gear. The sun can be strong, even when the breeze makes the temperature feel comfortable.

Wear something easy to manage during the dinghy transfer. Keep electronics protected from spray, and carry only what you need onto the island. A light breakfast before leaving is sensible, especially since lunch comes after the island stop.

Contact Vacances Oh! Soleil within 24 hours of the activity to confirm the meeting place. On the day, wait near the middle of Grand Baie beach and identify yourself to the representative. The meeting point can change in rain or unusual conditions.

Should you book the Ilot Gabriel cruise?

Book it if you want good all-day value, a friendly crew, a proper boat BBQ, and time to swim at a beautiful island. The included food and drinks make the $69 price easy to justify, and Coin de Mire gives the return journey a memorable finish.

Skip it if you need a quiet, uncrowded boat, guaranteed weather, or a fixed snorkeling stop near Coin de Mire. For most people who enjoy open water and a social atmosphere, this is a satisfying Mauritius day out. Pack your own gear, expect some movement on the sea, and treat the island time as shared rather than private.

FAQ

How long does the Ilot Gabriel catamaran trip last?

The activity lasts about seven hours. Starting times can change, so check availability and confirm the details with the operator before departure.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet around the middle of Grand Baie beach. A Vacances Oh! Soleil representative will come to meet you and direct you to the catamaran.

How do I get from the beach to the catamaran?

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

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served onboard and includes a BBQ, salad, drinks, and dessert. If the trip changes to Ile Plate, lunch is served on the island instead.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. You should bring your own snorkeling gear, along with swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Can I snorkel near Coin de Mire?

Possibly, if weather and sea conditions allow. Snorkeling near Coin de Mire is not guaranteed and is not always part of the programme.

Can the trip be cancelled or changed because of weather?

Yes. The trip may be rescheduled in bad weather, and the duration or starting time can change because of unforeseen conditions. Ilot Gabriel may also be replaced by Ile Plate, with advance notice.