Île aux Cerfs: Private Catamaran Cruise with Gourmet Lunch

The best part of this private catamaran cruise is the mix of open-water sailing and easygoing stops. You cross Trou d’Eau Douce Bay, swim inside the reef, watch for marine life, and finish with lunch at anchor behind Île aux Cerfs. It feels more like a relaxed day on the water than a rushed sightseeing circuit.

I like the privacy for a group of up to six, and I like the generous food and drink arrangement. A BBQ lunch is served aboard, with unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and past menus have included lobster and fish. The main thing to consider is the price: at $1,325 per group, it makes much more sense when six people share it than when only two or three book.

• Private boat for up to six: You get your own catamaran rather than joining a large public group.
• Several water stops: Snorkel and swim near Île aux Fouquets, Île aux Aigrettes, and the reef.
• A waterfall viewing stop: The Grand River South East Waterfall adds a change of scene before the reef time.
• Lunch behind Île aux Cerfs: Eat aboard at anchor, then take time for the island and its beach.
• Unlimited drinks: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included, with alcohol served only after snorkeling.
• Flexible booking: You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund and reserve without paying immediately.

A Private Day Across Trou d’Eau Douce Bay

This six-hour cruise begins at Pointe Maurice Jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce. You board the catamaran and head out across the eastern lagoon, where the reef protects broad stretches of calm water.

I like the private format because it lets your group settle into its own pace. You are not sharing the boat with a crowd of strangers, and the day has room for swimming, lunch, photos, and time ashore without feeling like every minute is measured.

The catamaran is scheduled to return to Pointe Maurice Jetty around 4 pm. That timing gives you a full morning and afternoon on the water, but you should still allow time before departure to find the jetty and get ready.

Bring swimwear, a towel, high-SPF sunscreen, a hat or cap, and a camera. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so pack a small day bag rather than arriving with your full beach luggage.

The Grand River South East Waterfall Comes First

The first listed stop is the Grand River South East Waterfall. This is mainly a photo and wildlife-viewing stop, so do not expect a long hike or a land-based waterfall visit.

The change from open bay to a waterfall setting gives the cruise some variety. You can take photographs, watch the surrounding wildlife, and get a sense of Mauritius beyond the beach and lagoon.

This stop also works well early in the day. You are still fresh, the camera is handy, and the boat has not yet settled into the longer swim and lunch rhythm.

Reef Stops at Île aux Fouquets and Île aux Aigrettes

The cruise then moves toward Île aux Fouquets Lighthouse, where you have time for an aperitif, swimming, and snorkeling. This is one of the key parts of the day if you want to see marine life rather than simply admire the water from the deck.

Snorkeling takes place inside the protected lagoon and near the reef. Conditions can vary, so visibility and marine life will depend on the day, but the setting gives you a good chance to see underwater life without needing a full scuba excursion.

The timing of the drinks matters. Alcoholic drinks are served after snorkeling, and the management can cancel snorkeling if alcohol is consumed beforehand. That is a sensible safety rule, so save the beer or wine until you are finished in the water.

Île aux Aigrettes is another photo and swimming stop. The catamaran passes by and gives you another chance to look below the surface. The itinerary describes marine-life viewing here, so bring goggles or a camera if you have them, although the included equipment is not specified.

You should think of these stops as short water-based visits rather than formal guided tours of each island. The value lies in the easy access to swimming and snorkeling, not in a long cultural presentation or a detailed island walk.

Îlot Flamants and the Open-Water Rhythm

The catamaran also passes Îlot Flamants, with free time and a chance to pass by the islet. This is a quieter section of the route and helps break up the more active swim stops.

A private cruise works best when you enjoy this kind of unhurried movement. You can sit on deck, take photographs, talk with your group, and watch the coast slide past. If you need nonstop activities, the slower sailing portions may feel long, but most people booking a catamaran day want some quiet time too.

The route is not just a direct run to Île aux Cerfs. The extra islands and reef stops give you several different views of the eastern coast and make the six-hour duration feel justified.

Île aux Cerfs: Lunch, Beach Time, and Crowds

The main stop is Île aux Cerfs, one of Mauritius’s best-known island outings. Lunch is served on the catamaran while anchored behind the island, rather than sending you off to find your own restaurant.

The included meal is a BBQ lunch with unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Several past menus have been described as including lobster, fish, and other seafood, but you should confirm the exact menu before booking if lobster is important to you.

Eating aboard has two advantages. You avoid losing time searching for a table, and your group keeps its private base on the water. You can return to the catamaran for a drink, shade, or another swim whenever you like.

After lunch, you can visit the island for sunbathing and a walk. Desserts are enjoyed on the private beach of Île aux Cerfs, which gives the afternoon a simple, pleasant finish.

There is one useful warning here. Île aux Cerfs can become crowded, and one past account found the main island less appealing when busy, choosing a sandbank and snorkeling instead. That is where a private boat can offer a real advantage: ask the crew about the day’s conditions and whether a quieter sandbank or alternative swim stop makes more sense.

Do not expect the island to feel completely remote. Its popularity is part of the appeal, but it also means the atmosphere can change with the number of other boats and day visitors.

Food and Drinks Are a Major Part of the Value

For a six-hour cruise, the included food matters. You are not paying only for transport between beaches. You are also getting a BBQ meal, dessert, and unlimited drinks while the crew handles the service.

The strongest praise attached to this cruise centers on the crew, the food, and the snorkeling. Sonia is specifically associated with excellent customer service, while Dario and Marie-Lou are names connected with warm, attentive care. Crew assignments can change, but the practical point is clear: service is an important part of what you are buying.

The seafood reports are especially appealing. Lobster, fish, and other food have appeared in descriptions of the onboard BBQ, but menus can change. If you have allergies or dietary needs, ask in advance rather than assuming the meal will suit you.

Unlimited drinks can add value, especially for a group that plans to spend most of the day aboard. Just remember that alcohol is not available before snorkeling if you want to keep the water activities on the schedule.

What the $1,325 Private Rate Really Means

The full price is $1,325 for a private group of up to six. Split six ways, that works out to about $221 per person. For four people, it is roughly $331 each, and for two, about $663 each.

That is not a budget boat trip. It becomes easier to justify when your group values privacy, wants a dedicated boat, and plans to use the included lunch and drinks. A public cruise may cost less, but it will not give your group the same control over the day.

The price also covers a route with several stops, rather than a short transfer to Île aux Cerfs. You get the waterfall viewing stop, reef snorkeling, swimming, the smaller islets, lunch, dessert, and beach time.

I would book this for a family group, two or three couples, or a group of friends who can share the cost. I would think twice if only two people are going and the main goal is simply to reach Île aux Cerfs. In that case, the private rate may be more comfort than you need.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must reach Pointe Maurice Jetty yourself, so factor in your own transport costs and time when comparing the total price with other boat trips.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most

You will likely get the most from this outing if you want several things in one day:

• A private boat for your own group
• Easy swimming and snorkeling
• A substantial lunch without leaving the catamaran
• Time for both an island visit and a quiet ride
• A flexible route that may allow an alternative sandbank stop

It suits confident swimmers and people who enjoy being on the water for several hours. It is also a good match for groups celebrating a special day, since the private setting, aperitif, lunch, and island stop create a more personal feel than a standard shared excursion.

Families should consider the swimming ability of everyone in the group. The water activities are central to the day, and the operator says the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, despite the general activity information also describing it as wheelchair accessible. If accessibility matters, confirm the actual boarding and boat arrangements before paying.

You should choose something else if you want a structured historical tour, a long guided visit on land, or guaranteed solitude at Île aux Cerfs. This is a sea-and-sun outing, not a cultural tour.

Practical Tips for a Better Day

Arrive ready to board at Pointe Maurice Jetty. Since hotel transfers are not included, plan your route carefully and avoid bringing large luggage.

Keep your towel, sunscreen, hat, and camera in a small bag. Apply sunscreen before boarding and reapply during the day, especially after swimming.

If snorkeling is a priority, do it before enjoying the alcoholic drinks. The operator reserves the right to cancel snorkeling if alcohol is consumed beforehand, so do not risk losing the activity for the sake of an early toast.

Ask about the lunch menu if you have your heart set on lobster. Seafood has featured in past meals, but the exact food is not guaranteed in the information provided.

Use the private format to ask sensible questions. If the main beach at Île aux Cerfs is very busy, the crew may be able to suggest a sandbank or another swimming area, as happened on one previous outing.

The host or greeter speaks English and French. That makes the cruise accessible to visitors who are comfortable in either language.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is useful if your Mauritius plans are still shifting.

Should You Book the Île aux Cerfs Catamaran Cruise?

Book it if you are a group of up to six and want a polished private day rather than the cheapest route to an island. The combination of reef snorkeling, the Grand River South East Waterfall, a BBQ lunch, unlimited drinks, and time at Île aux Cerfs gives you plenty to do without constant rushing.

The most important decision is the group size. Six people sharing $1,325 can make the price reasonable for a private catamaran with food and drinks. Two people paying the same total should compare carefully with smaller shared cruises.

I would also book with realistic expectations about Île aux Cerfs. It can be beautiful, but it may be crowded. The real strength of this outing is the full day on the water, the friendly crew service associated with names such as Dario, Sonia, and Marie-Lou, and the freedom to enjoy quieter swimming spots when conditions allow.

FAQ

How long is the private catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts six hours and is scheduled to return to Pointe Maurice Jetty around 4 pm.

Where does the cruise begin and end?

It begins and ends at Pointe Maurice Jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius.

How many people can join the private cruise?

The private catamaran is available for a group of up to six people.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is included and is served aboard the catamaran while anchored behind Île aux Cerfs. Dessert is enjoyed on the island’s private beach.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included. Alcohol is served after snorkeling.

Can I snorkel during the cruise?

Yes. Snorkeling and swimming are planned at stops including Île aux Fouquets and Île aux Aigrettes. The operator may cancel snorkeling if alcohol is consumed beforehand.

Is hotel transportation included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must make your own way to Pointe Maurice Jetty.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport or ID card, swimwear, a towel, high-SPF sunscreen, a hat or cap, and a camera. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.