Ilot Gabriel: Catamaran Cruise & BBQ Lunch

Mauritius sounds better on a catamaran. On this Ilot Gabriel day trip, I like how Jerry the captain and the crew keep the vibe friendly and moving from Grand Baie to the open water.

You’ll be drinking in the sea views while the staff quietly handle the busy parts, like dinghy transfers and getting food ready on schedule.

Next comes the mix that makes this trip worth your time: snorkelling plus a BBQ lunch onboard. You get a long stretch of water time in different colours, then chow down without worrying about finding a lunch stop on land.

One catch: the day can feel a bit crowded and the ride may get bouncy if the sea is stirred up. If you’re prone to motion sickness or you prefer quiet, this won’t be your style.

Key things I’d center in your planning

• Grand Baie to Ilot Gabriel by catamaran, with a real offshore sail (about 2 hours each way to the island area)
• Dinghy transfer from shore to the catamaran anchored about 150 metres out
• Ilot Gabriel nature reserve with nests of paille en queue (you’re visiting a protected spot, not just a beach bar)
• Snorkelling with variety, but you’ll want to be mindful of current and swim-smart distances
• BBQ lunch and drinks onboard, served so you don’t lose your momentum
• Return pass near Coin de Mire, with extra water activity only if conditions allow

Grand Baie to Ilot Gabriel: getting the day’s rhythm right

Most of your time is spent on the water, which is exactly what you want from a catamaran trip in Mauritius. Starting from Grand Baie, you’ll head out toward the Ilot Gabriel area, with the sail giving you that big-open-sea feeling while staying close enough to still feel like a day trip.

The meeting point is set on the beach: wait around the middle (centre) of the sand. A representative from Vacances Oh Soleil should find you and guide you to the catamaran, and the key practical move is to be in contact within the 24 hours beforehand in case the meeting point shifts due to rain or force majeure.

Once you’re directed to the water, the trip quickly becomes about small moments: sun on your shoulders, the breeze when you move around on deck, and that switch from shore sounds to sea sounds. Even if the day feels busy with other boats around, the energy stays upbeat rather than stressful.

Dinghy transfer and the catamaran anchorage you’ll actually notice

You’re not just stepping off and on once. There’s a dinghy pickup and drop-off from the beach to the catamaran, because the catamaran anchors about 150 metres from shore. This means you’ll feel the trip as a sequence: land contact, then a short ride in the dinghy, then back to the larger catamaran experience.

Why that matters: it helps you understand where your time goes. You’ll spend a bit of effort getting yourself positioned for the snorkel and beach blocks, but in return, you get a more scenic offshore catamaran day rather than staying tight to the harbour.

Also plan your gear flow. The trip is set up so you bring your essentials, get into the water, and then transition back to lunch and drinks. If you show up with everything ready (swimwear on, towel and sunscreen packed), the day moves faster and feels more relaxed.

Ilot Gabriel: beaches, birds, and protected shoreline time

Ilot Gabriel is described as a natural reserve, including nests of paille en queue. That alone changes the tone of the visit. This isn’t a random stop where the island feels disposable; it’s a place you visit respectfully, with the expectation that you’ll take your time and enjoy the beaches around the island.

You’ll get to explore surrounding beaches with views back toward the island. The big value here is that the island time isn’t just one quick photo stop—it’s real beach wandering and “find your spot” relaxation. The trip is paced so lunch is timed for your return, which keeps the schedule from feeling like you’re constantly rushing.

One planning note: the experience can sometimes swap islands. If the program changes, Ilot Gabriel may be replaced by Ile Plate, and the beaches are described as identical. If that happens, lunch shifts to Ile Plate instead of the catamaran. It’s the same general idea, but it’s good to remember that your day might land on a different shoreline.

Snorkelling smart on Ilot Gabriel: ocean colours and a current check

Snorkelling is a headline part of this trip, and you should expect the water to look different as you move around. The sea colours are part of the fun: you’ll see lighter shallow patches and deeper blue water shades as you sail and get into the swim areas.

The practical reality: you’re on a shared island day with many snorkel moments, and water conditions matter. One important caution you should take seriously is that the snorkelling can require you to go a bit farther than the immediate beach edge, and strong currents can show up. That doesn’t mean you should avoid the water, but it does mean you should swim with common sense:

• Keep an eye on your distance from where you entered
• Stay aware of where the crew is working
• Don’t try to “win” the current

Also, snorkelling gear is not included, so you’ll want your own mask and snorkel if you have them. The logic is simple: you’ll know your fit, and you won’t lose time adjusting shared equipment.

If you want the most success, think like this: your goal isn’t just seeing fish, it’s staying calm long enough to notice them. When you’re comfortable and not fighting water flow, the snorkel becomes the relaxing part of the day—not a workout you resent.

BBQ lunch and onboard drinks: why the timing matters

The food setup is one of the reasons this trip scores so well. Lunch happens onboard with BBQ, salad, and drinks, plus dessert. You’re not stuck waiting on land for a lunch service, and you’re not scrambling for a meal after a long swim.

The schedule works because the island time pairs with a predictable return. After your beach and snorkel window, a dinghy brings you back to the catamaran, and lunch is ready. That timing keeps energy steady: you go out, you play in the water, then you refuel without the “where do we eat now?” headache.

It’s also clear the crew treats service like part of the entertainment. Multiple comments describe staff staying on it—cooking, serving drinks, and keeping people comfortable. A nice extra is the mood shift near the end of the cruise: the final stretch can feel more party-like, with music and a playful atmosphere that wakes you up after sun-and-snorkel fatigue.

Coin de Mire on the way back: the view pass you might add to

On the return trip, the catamaran sails very close to Coin de Mire, a mountain-like presence rising from the ocean. Even if you don’t get into the water again near that point, the view is the value—an extra scene that turns the return into more than just “heading back.”

There’s also a conditional extra: if the weather allows it, they might offer snorkelling very near Coin de Mire or an optional deeper-water activity at times. This is specifically not guaranteed. So if you want Coin de Mire snorkelling as a must-do, treat that condition carefully and consider choosing an activity that promises it more directly.

Keep your expectations realistic on wildlife too. Dolphins and sea turtles can appear, but sightings are described as rare. The best approach is to watch with patience, not with stress. When animals do show up, it’s a bonus you’ll remember; when they don’t, you’ll still have had the island, snorkelling, and the big ocean sail.

Crew, vibe, and boat conditions: what to expect day-of

The crew experience is a major part of what makes this feel fun. You’ll likely hear English and French from the live guide onboard, and the staff running the day have a reputation for being friendly, helpful, and responsive.

Names that come through clearly include Jerry the captain, and there’s also mention of a boat called Dawn where the crew was especially praised for witty, upbeat service. Even without chasing names, what matters is the pattern: drinks stay topped up, food keeps moving, and people feel guided when it’s time to switch from island to snorkel to lunch.

Now the practical side. Some days are calmer, some days are not. You can expect the catamaran ride to be safe, but it can feel bouncy in choppy conditions. There’s also a chance the catamaran can run fuller than you might imagine, which affects deck space and island crowding.

What to do with that information:

• Bring a towel and wear sunscreen early so you’re not rushed later
• Keep your plan flexible if seas are stirred up
• If you prefer quiet, choose a calmer day when possible

What you’re really paying for: $69 for 7 hours of sea time

$69 per person for a 7-hour catamaran cruise with lunch and drinks onboard is usually strong value for Mauritius. The reason isn’t just the price tag—it’s what’s included.

You’re getting:

• Catamaran time and the offshore sail experience
• Dinghy transfers to access the island
• Lunch and drinks onboard (so you’re not budgeting for a separate meal)
• A guide onboard, plus the day’s structure
• Snorkelling time as part of the plan (even though gear isn’t provided)

The main costs you’ll still cover are personal essentials: snorkelling gear (not included), sunscreen, and basic personal items like a towel. That’s a fair trade, because bringing your own snorkel setup usually improves comfort and fit.

The island visit is also built into the ticket rather than treated as a separate purchase. Even if some of your time feels like it flies by—which can happen on any day trip—this kind of structured sea day is often exactly what people want when they’re short on time in Mauritius.

Who this suits best (and who should reconsider)

This tour fits best if you want a classic South-by-Southwest day in Mauritius: catamaran sailing, snorkelling in clear water, and a BBQ meal with minimal hassle. If you enjoy being outside, don’t mind sharing space on a popular route, and want an all-in-one day plan, you’ll likely be happy here.

It may be less ideal if you:

• Want a private, quiet boat experience
• Are sensitive to choppy water or motion (the ride can get bouncy)
• Are planning around a strict snorkel-at-Coin-de-Mire wish (it’s weather-dependent)
• Are pregnant (the trip is not suitable for pregnant women)

For families, the day can work because there’s a lot to watch and do. But because conditions can change and the schedule is active, you’ll want to consider how your group handles sun, sea time, and getting in and out of the dinghy.

Should you book Ilot Gabriel?

I’d book this if you want one solid day where most of your time is spent doing the fun stuff: sailing, snorkelling, beach wandering, then BBQ lunch and drinks onboard. The combination of friendly crew service, a lively mood on deck, and the fact that lunch plus drinks are included makes it feel like good value instead of a pricey add-on.

Skip or look closely at alternatives if you’re chasing a guaranteed Coin de Mire snorkel, you hate crowds, or you’re worried about bouncy seas. This is still described as safe, but it’s not meant to be a quiet spa day.

If your plan includes Mauritius and you want one memorable “out on the water” day without juggling logistics, Ilot Gabriel is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the Ilot Gabriel catamaran cruise with BBQ lunch?

The tour lasts 7 hours. Starting times can vary based on availability.

Where do I meet for the Grand Baie pickup?

Meet around the middle (centre) of the Grand Baie beach. A representative from Vacances Oh Soleil will meet you and direct you to the catamaran.

What’s included in the price?

Included are dinghy pickup and drop-off from the beach to the catamaran, the catamaran trip, lunch and drinks onboard, and an onboard guide.

What is not included?

Snorkelling gear is not included, and there is no guide on the island. Food and drinks on the island are also not included.

Do I need to bring snorkelling equipment?

Yes. You should bring your own snorkelling gear because it isn’t provided and you’ll know your size better.

What should I bring to the tour?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and your snorkeling gear.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Trips can be rescheduled due to bad weather. The duration and starting times may also change due to unforeseen circumstances.

What if Ilot Gabriel is replaced by another island?

The program may replace Ilot Gabriel with Ile Plate. The beaches are described as identical, but lunch would be served on Ile Plate instead of on the catamaran.