Ilot Gabriel: Catamaran Cruise & BBQ Lunch

Ilot Gabriel by catamaran is interesting because you get an island break plus open-water sailing in one go, not just a beach stop. I love the mix of snorkel time and serious scenery (that Coin de Mire mountain view is a standout), and I also like how the crew keeps the vibe relaxed with drinks and service on board. One consideration: the boat can feel busy and a bit choppy at times, so it is not the best pick if you hate rough water or crowds.

The day runs on a simple rhythm: transfer to the catamaran, cruise out for about two hours, enjoy Ilot Gabriel’s sandy swimming and snorkeling, then eat a BBQ lunch back on the boat before sailing home. There is even a natural reserve angle, with the area known for nesting seabirds like the Paille en Queue, so you are not just there for photos.

One more heads up that can change your plan: Ilot Gabriel may be replaced by Ile Plate if conditions require it. The beaches are said to be similar, but lunch timing and where it is served can differ, so it helps to stay flexible.

Key things I’d focus on before you book

• Grand Bay to Ilot Gabriel by catamaran plus dinghy transfers so you are not stuck in long, slow transport
• Snorkeling in multiple shades of water with plenty of time once you reach the island
• Coin de Mire views on the way out and back as you pass near the famous ocean mountain
• BBQ lunch and drinks onboard served after island time, so you eat without scrambling around
• Weather can shift the plan and Ilot Gabriel can be swapped for Ile Plate
• A lively crew experience with service focused on keeping drinks coming and guests comfortable

Grand Bay start: the dinghy transfer to a catamaran anchored offshore

Your day begins in Grand Bay on Mauritius, with a representative meeting you around the middle of the beach. The catamaran is not right on the sand. It is anchored about 150 meters off shore, so you start with a dinghy ride between the beach and the boat.

That detail matters more than it sounds. A short dinghy hop is quick, but it also means you should show up ready to move, not after another long stop for coffee. It is also a good reason to pack in a simple way: swimwear on, towel and sunscreen ready, and your snorkeling gear easy to reach.

The trip is led with a guide onboard (French and English are listed). There is no guide on the island, so think of the island time as self-paced beach and sea time rather than a guided walk.

The two-hour cruise: sailing out through shifting sea colors

Once you are aboard, the sailing portion is about two hours to reach Ilot Gabriel. This is the part where you feel the open ocean, not just the shoreline. You will pass through waters that look like different layers of blue and green, and that changing color is part of what makes the cruise fun even before you snorkel.

Coin de Mire enters the picture as a visual marker. It is described as a mountain in the ocean, and you get a fantastic view as you sail close enough to make it feel right there on your horizon.

Now the real-world note: sea conditions can vary. Some people report choppiness on the open-water ride out, and at least one reviewer mentioned the day became bouncy due to wind and weather. The catamaran trip is described as safe, but if you are sensitive to motion, you will want to take that seriously.

Ilot Gabriel and its protected-feeling beaches

Ilot Gabriel is a natural reserve, and the information provided highlights nesting birds like the Paille en Queue. That means you are visiting a protected area, not just an empty patch of sand. You might notice the rules or the way the island feels cared for, even if the day is mostly about relaxing and swimming.

You typically reach the island after the cruise. Then you spend the time that matters: a mix of swimming and snorkeling with beaches around the island. The snorkeling is often where people feel the day pays off, because the water near the island is clear enough to spot fish and see different colors.

Here is what to watch for. Snorkeling gear is not included, and one review also hinted that strong current can be a factor, especially if you go too far from the most comfortable areas. My practical advice: stay calm, start near the easiest shoreline points, and give yourself time to get used to the water before you move farther out.

You will also get a sense of “this is a small planet” on that little island loop. Beaches that look separate from shore turn out to be connected by short swims and easy steps around the sand, so you are not limited to one exact spot.

Lunch timing: when the BBQ actually arrives and why it’s a smart setup

The best part of this setup is the timing. You do island time first, then a dinghy returns you to the catamaran when lunch is ready. That sequence is nice because you do not have to rush to eat while you are still in beach mode.

The onboard meal is described as a BBQ with salad, drinks, and dessert. Lunch and drinks are included, and the menu is straightforward, beach-day food that is meant to taste good even when you are sun-warmed and a bit tired from swimming.

A few people called out the crew’s energy during the onboard food and drink portion. There is a pattern of service that feels hands-on, like they keep checking your cup and getting food moving without turning lunch into a waiting game. One review even mentioned a party atmosphere during the last part of the boat ride, which makes the full experience feel less like a bus tour with a snorkel stop.

Coin de Mire on the return: extra water time if conditions allow

On the way back, you sail very close to Coin de Mire again. That means you get a second viewing chance of the ocean mountain, and the sea often looks different on the return leg after you have warmed up and relaxed.

There is an important condition here. If the weather allows it, the program says you might snorkel near Coin de Mire or possibly do additional underwater time. It also states this is not always included in the standard program.

So if you care deeply about snorkeling specifically near Coin de Mire, treat it as a “maybe” and plan accordingly. The information you have also suggests choosing another activity if that specific snorkel requirement is non-negotiable.

You might also see dolphins or sea turtles during the return. The wording makes it clear this is not guaranteed, but it is a lovely possibility if the sea cooperates.

How full it can feel: crowds, catamaran comfort, and motion

One of the most useful things you can plan for is crowd level and movement. The tour is popular, and at least one review reported the boat was quite full, with the number of people around 40. Another mentioned that multiple catamarans were out at the islands at the same time, around ten.

That does not automatically ruin the day, because Ilot Gabriel and surrounding beach areas can handle lots of people. Still, it affects how easy it feels to find a quiet corner to snorkel, dry off, or just sit without sharing space.

Also, if you are traveling with kids, consider how they handle motion. One review said the trip was not recommended for younger kids, mentioning age and the bounce from wind and conditions. If you have very young children or anyone who gets seasick easily, you might want to reconsider or at least prepare with motion-sickness basics.

On the positive side, crew energy seems consistent. Captains and crew members like Jerry have been singled out for humor and a good mood, and teams have been described as friendly and helpful, focusing on comfort and keeping drinks flowing.

What you get for $69: value that mostly comes from the included extras

At about $69 per person, the value is strongest if you actually use what is included. Here is what you are getting, based on the provided details:

• Dinghy pickup and drop-off between the beach and the catamaran
• Catamaran cruise to Ilot Gabriel and back
• Lunch and drinks onboard, plus dessert
• A guide onboard (French and English listed)

Add that up and you start to see why this can feel like a good deal. A day with boat transport, an island visit, and a proper meal onboard would usually cost more if you priced it separately. The included drinks also matter. On a hot, sun-heavy island day, a “free” drink helps you stay comfortable and not fight the spending urge.

The trade-off is also clear: snorkeling gear is not included, and you are responsible for your own gear size. If you forget it, you might need to improvise. So for value, bring your own snorkeling equipment or plan to buy or borrow one locally.

What to bring, and the small things that make the day easier

This is a beach-and-water day, so pack like you are going to swim more than once.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Snorkeling gear (not included)
• Light breakfast is advised before the activity

A practical routine that works: sunscreen early, not at the last second on the boat. Reapply after swimming. Also, keep your snorkeling gear in a spot you can grab fast when you are ready, since the boat-to-island flow is meant to keep things moving.

Also keep your expectations flexible on weather days. The information says trips can be rescheduled in bad weather, and starting times and duration can change.

Island swaps: when Ilot Gabriel becomes Ile Plate

This is one of the biggest “read this before you assume” points. The information provided notes that Ilot Gabriel may be replaced by Ile Plate if needed. It also says the beaches around both islands are identical, but lunch would then be served on Ile Plate rather than on the catamaran.

That can change the feeling of the day. If you love the idea of relaxing on the boat after snorkeling, a lunch on the island instead might feel like a minor downgrade. On the other hand, if the sea conditions require the change, it can be a perfectly fine consolation.

The best move: when your booking is confirmed, stay in contact with the operator within 24 hours of your activity so you are aware of any meeting point changes and possible adjustments. The info says the meeting point might shift in rain or force majeure situations.

Who should book this catamaran day trip

This tour fits best if you want:

• A single-day mix of sailing, snorkeling, and an onboard BBQ
• Coin de Mire views without needing a separate trip for that scenery
• A fun crew atmosphere, with service and a lively vibe on the boat

It is also a good match for people who value included meals. Lunch and drinks onboard mean you can focus on swimming instead of hunting food.

It is not a great choice if:

• You are pregnant, since it is listed as not suitable
• You get very seasick with choppy water
• You strongly prefer quiet, uncrowded water time, given that the boat can run full and multiple catamarans may be out at the same time

Should you book Ilot Gabriel: Catamaran Cruise and BBQ Lunch?

If you like snorkel-friendly beaches, want a proper BBQ with drinks included, and you can handle some chop on open water, I think this is a solid booking. The value really comes from bundling transport, lunch, and island time into one smooth day.

I would only pause if you need guaranteed snorkeling near Coin de Mire, because the extra underwater time is weather-dependent and not always part of the standard plan. Also, pack your snorkeling gear and plan for sun and water time, since that is the heart of the experience.

If that sounds like your kind of Mauritius day, book it, keep your schedule flexible, and enjoy the fact that you are not just standing on the beach, you are sailing out to a protected island and making the most of the ocean.

FAQ

How long is the Ilot Gabriel catamaran cruise?

The duration is listed as 7 hours.

What is included in the price?

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

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is not included, and you are advised to bring your own since you know your size best.

Is Ilot Gabriel guaranteed?

No. Ilot Gabriel may be replaced by Ile Plate. The beaches around both islands are said to be identical, but lunch would be served on Ile Plate instead of on the catamaran.

What languages does the onboard guide speak?

The live tour guide is listed as French and English.

Can I snorkel near Coin de Mire?

If the weather allows it, the program says there might be snorkeling very near Coin de Mire or additional underwater time, but this is not always included.

Is this activity suitable for pregnant women?

No. It is listed as not suitable for pregnant women.