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.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

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 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 languages do the guides speak?

Guides aboard speak English, French, Arabic, Hindi and one additional language, so communication is available in multiple languages.

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.