Ilot Gabriel nature reserve – Visit an uninhabited protected islet around 20 km off northern Mauritius
Leave from northern Mauritius – Grand Baie and Pereybere are established starting areas for boat trips to Ilot Gabriel.
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Ilot Gabriel Speed Boat
Leave the road behind and explore by water.
North EastAdventureDiscoverFamily FriendlyFull daySeaSecludedSnorkelingSpeedboatSpeedboat Tours
★ 4.8 / 5 Tripadvisor1,235 reviewsTravellers' Choice 2026Booking completed on partner site
DurationFull day
Best TimeYear-round, calm sea days
DifficultyEasy
LocationNorth, off Grand Bay
Pricing—
Activity overview
Discover North East Mauritius beyond the beach.
Ilot Gabriel is an uninhabited nature reserve around 20 km off northern Mauritius, reached by boat from Grand Baie or Pereybere. A speedboat trip suits travellers wanting a faster island day with white sand, swimming and snorkelling; expect an offshore crossing and plan most of the day.
A speedboat trip to Ilot Gabriel takes you beyond the sheltered coastline of northern Mauritius to one of the island's most distinctive offshore landscapes. Around 20 km from the north coast, this small uninhabited nature reserve is known for white sand, clear shallow water and the sense of being well away from the mainland.
The speedboat journey is an important part of the experience. Trips generally leave from the Grand Baie area or other northern departure points, crossing open water towards the northern islands. Compared with a catamaran, a speedboat gets you there more quickly and suits travellers who prefer a more active boat ride and want to maximise their time around the islands.
Once at Ilot Gabriel, the pace changes. The main reasons to visit are simple: walk along the sand, swim when conditions allow, enjoy the island landscape and snorkel in suitable areas. This is a nature-focused island stop rather than a resort experience.
Ilot Gabriel also sits close to Île Plate, or Flat Island, so northern-island excursions often connect the two. Depending on the chosen route, Coin de Mire may also form part of the scenery or snorkelling itinerary. Exact stops and inclusions vary by operator and sea conditions.
Treat the experience as a full-day offshore outing, rather than a quick transfer from Grand Baie. It particularly suits couples, groups, photographers, snorkellers and travellers staying in north Mauritius who want a more energetic alternative to a slow sailing cruise.
A speedboat may be less appealing if your priority is space onboard, a slow sailing experience or maximum comfort during the crossing. In that case, a catamaran offers a different way to experience the same northern-island environment.
Fast crossing from the north – A speedboat reaches the northern islands more directly than a catamaran
Treat it as an island day, not just a boat ride – Leave enough time for swimming, walking and enjoying the island.
White sand and clear water – Spend island time walking, swimming and relaxing beside the water
Choose speedboat for pace – It is better suited to travellers who value a faster crossing over the slower catamaran experience.
Snorkelling opportunity – Explore the surrounding water when conditions and the chosen itinerary allow
Expect an offshore journey – Ilot Gabriel lies about 20 km from Mauritius, so the crossing is different from a short sheltered-lagoon trip.
Northern Islands experience – Combine Ilot Gabriel with nearby Île Plate and views around Coin de Mire
Combine Ilot Gabriel and Île Plate – They sit close together and naturally belong in the same northern-islands itinerary.
Check Availability →Reservations are completed on partner sites.
Highlights
What Makes Ilot Gabriel Speed Boat Stand Out
- ✓Ilot Gabriel nature reserve – Visit an uninhabited protected islet around 20 km off northern Mauritius.
- ✓Fast crossing from the north – A speedboat reaches the northern islands more directly than a catamaran.
- ✓White sand and clear water – Spend island time walking, swimming and relaxing beside the water.
- ✓Snorkelling opportunity – Explore the surrounding water when conditions and the chosen itinerary allow.
- ✓Northern Islands experience – Combine Ilot Gabriel with nearby Île Plate and views around Coin de Mire.
What's Included
These inclusions are listed for this activity.
- Boat or catamaran experience
- Coastal or lagoon route
- On-water scenery
Not confirmed as included
These items are excluded, recommended to bring, or not confirmed as included.
- Transfer details are not confirmed as included
- Equipment and personal items should be confirmed before booking
Confirm transfer, equipment, dietary and accessibility requirements with the activity operator before booking.
Book This Activity →Photo Gallery
See the Experience Before You Go
Book This Activity →Experience Flow
Experience Flow
- 1
Meet at the departure point
Board at the departure point and settle in as the boat prepares to leave the coast behind.
- 2
Board and leave the coast
Cruise into the lagoon or open water while the shoreline begins to look different from offshore.
- 3
Cruise towards the main destination
Follow the planned route towards the main coastal, lagoon or island highlights of the trip.
- 4
Enjoy the lagoon or island stop
Stop where conditions and the itinerary allow for swimming, snorkelling, sightseeing or time on the water.
- 5
Relax with the changing coastal views
Pause where the landscape opens up and take in the wider view before moving on.
- 6
Sail back to the departure area
Cruise back towards the departure area with one last view of the coast from the water.
Before you get on the water
Before you get on the water
- 1Leave from northern Mauritius – Grand Baie and Pereybere are established starting areas for boat trips to Ilot Gabriel.
- 2Treat it as an island day, not just a boat ride – Leave enough time for swimming, walking and enjoying the island.
- 3Choose speedboat for pace – It is better suited to travellers who value a faster crossing over the slower catamaran experience.
- 4Expect an offshore journey – Ilot Gabriel lies about 20 km from Mauritius, so the crossing is different from a short sheltered-lagoon trip.
- 5Combine Ilot Gabriel and Île Plate – They sit close together and naturally belong in the same northern-islands itinerary.
- 6Check sea and weather conditions before the activity
- 7Use sun protection and secure loose belongings
- 8Bring a waterproof option for your phone or camera
- 9Follow the guide or crew instructions throughout
- 10Confirm inclusions and personal requirements before booking
Traveller reviews
Strong independent social proof.
Current Tripadvisor data is shown here because Mauritius Explored does not publish review content.
4.8 / 51,235 Tripadvisor reviews
★★★★★
Tripadvisor currently ranks Ilot Gabriel Speed Boat highly among local attractions. View source →
★★★★★
A recent couple praised the knowledgeable guides, conservation insight, wildlife sightings and the overall experience.
AndyBInWiltshireTripadvisor review summary · February 2026★★★★★
Another couple described the experience as memorable, highlighting guide interaction, frequent stops and a well-organised outing.
Mary STripadvisor review summary · August 2025★★★★★
A hiking review highlighted the guided trail, endemic trees and fauna, deer sightings and scenic stops.
IgnacenendazskiTripadvisor review summary · September 2025Check Availability →Popular guided experiences are best checked before your travel date.
Ilot Gabriel Speed Boat: quick answers
Ilot Gabriel Speed Boat: quick answers
Is an Ilot Gabriel speedboat trip worth doing?+
Yes if you want an offshore island experience rather than another mainland attraction. The combination of the speedboat crossing, white sand, swimming, snorkelling and remote northern-island scenery makes it particularly appealing to active travellers, couples and photographers. A catamaran may suit you better if the journey itself needs to be slower and more spacious.
Where is Ilot Gabriel in Mauritius?+
Ilot Gabriel lies approximately 20 km off the north coast of Mauritius. Boat excursions commonly leave from Grand Baie, Pereybere or nearby northern departure points. It sits beside Île Plate, making the two islands a natural combination during northern-island boat trips.
How long should I allow for an Ilot Gabriel speedboat trip?+
MauritiusExplored currently lists the experience as a full-day activity. Although the speedboat reduces travel time compared with a catamaran, the attraction is the complete island day rather than simply reaching Ilot Gabriel as quickly as possible.
Is Ilot Gabriel the same as Île Plate?+
No. Ilot Gabriel and Île Plate, also called Flat Island, are separate islands located very close to one another. Many northern-island boat excursions visit or pass both, which is why the names often appear together in tour descriptions.
Can you snorkel at Ilot Gabriel?+
Snorkelling is commonly associated with northern-island excursions and can be part of an Ilot Gabriel speedboat trip when conditions permit. The exact snorkelling location depends on the day's route, weather, sea conditions and operator, so follow the crew's guidance rather than assuming every part of the island is a snorkelling area.
Speedboat or catamaran to Ilot Gabriel: which should I choose?+
Choose a speedboat if you want a quicker transfer, a more energetic ride and potentially more time around the islands. Choose a catamaran if you value space, slower sailing and spending more of the day relaxing onboard. Both reach the same wider Northern Islands environment but create very different days.
What is Ilot Gabriel Speed Boat?+
Ilot Gabriel Speed Boat is a boat and lagoon experience in north-east Mauritius.
Who is Ilot Gabriel Speed Boat best for?+
It suits couples, families and travellers who want a relaxed sea-based experience.
What should I confirm before booking Ilot Gabriel Speed Boat?+
Confirm the departure point, route, inclusions, weather policy and any swimming or mobility requirements.
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