Snorkeling in Mauritius: Ilot Gabriel catamaran cruise with lunch

The snorkeling happens in a natural reserve where you're surrounded by nesting seabirds and the island itself is the beach.

A full-day catamaran cruise from Mauritius to Ilot Gabriel, a protected natural reserve, where you snorkel in the surrounding waters, swim off the beach and return by dinghy to the boat for a BBQ lunch. The trip takes about two hours each way, with a stop near Coin de Mire on the return if conditions allow. Snorkeling equipment is provided. Guides speak English, French, Arabic and Hindi.

The experience

The catamaran leaves in the morning and sails for roughly two hours to reach Ilot Gabriel, a natural reserve in the open ocean. You'll snorkel in the water around the island. The beaches are excellent and the water is calm enough for swimming. Spend your time in and out of the water, relaxing on the island until a dinghy ferries you back to the boat for lunch.

Lunch is a BBQ with salad and drinks, all included. On the return journey, the boat sails close to Coin de Mire, a large rocky formation that rises from the ocean. If the weather cooperates, you'll snorkel again near this formation or even dive. Dolphins and sea turtles occasionally appear on the sail back, though sightings are rare. The full day runs about six and a half hours from start to finish.

Snorkeling equipment is provided and included in the price. Guides aboard speak multiple languages (English, French, Arabic and Hindi among them), so communication is straightforward. The sail itself is described as thrilling but safe, and the ocean changes color noticeably as you move into deeper water.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• BBQ lunch with salad.
• drinks throughout the day.
• guide services in multiple languages.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Senior (100 and older) · Child (2 to 9 years) · Infant (under 2)

GroupUp to 45

Live guideEnglish, French, Arabic, Hindi and Urdu

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Vacances Oh Soleil

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full day combining sailing, snorkeling, and beach time on a shared boat with fixed departure times, rather than a private charter or shorter excursion.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French, Arabic, Hindi and Urdu.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 9 years); Infant (under 2).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Ilot Gabriel and why is it a good snorkeling spot?

Ilot Gabriel is a natural reserve surrounded by excellent beaches where snorkeling is the main activity. The island is protected and has nesting seabirds, including Paille en Queue birds. The water around it is calm enough for swimming and snorkeling, making it a reliable destination even when conditions vary.

How long is the boat ride to Ilot Gabriel?

The trip to the island takes about two hours each way. The full day, including time on the island and the return journey, runs approximately six and a half hours total.

What happens during the return journey?

On the way back, the catamaran sails close to Coin de Mire, a large rocky mountain-like formation in the ocean. If weather allows, you'll snorkel again near Coin de Mire or even dive. Dolphins and sea turtles are occasionally visible during the sail, though sightings are uncommon.

Is snorkeling equipment included, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkeling equipment is provided and included in the price. You don't need to bring your own or pay extra for it.

What's included in the lunch?

Lunch is a BBQ with salad and drinks, all included in the price. The meal is served on the boat after you return from the island.