Ile Aux Cerfs Catamaran Cruise & Waterfalls- Lunch & Drinks

The best part of this Mauritius day trip is the mix of scenery and easygoing fun. You sail from Trou d’Eau Douce through clear lagoon water, take a short speedboat ride to the Grand River South East waterfall, then head to Ile aux Cerfs for beaches, swimming, and optional water sports. I especially like the fresh BBQ lunch and the chance to spot monkeys, fruit bats, fish, rays, or even dolphins along the way.

I also like the friendly, attentive crew and the generous drinks service, which includes beer, wine, local rum, soft drinks, juice, and water. The main caution is group size: the trip is advertised for no more than 15 people, but some departures have carried around 25. That can make the catamaran feel crowded, particularly when everyone is inside or trying to settle in for lunch.

Key points to know before booking

• Grand River South East comes first: You reach the waterfall by speedboat, about 500 meters upstream from the river mouth.
• The food is a real strength: Expect BBQ fish, chicken, hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice, with vegetarian and vegan choices available.
• Drinks are included all day: Beer, wine, local rum, water, juice, and soft drinks are part of the package.
• Ile aux Cerfs is the beach finale: You get time for a swim, a walk, sunbathing, or optional activities such as parasailing and tube riding.
• The snorkeling stop is worthwhile but brief: One past departure found the break a little short, so treat it as a pleasant sample rather than a full reef excursion.
• Check the group size before paying: The advertised small-group limit has not always been followed.

Setting off from Trou d’Eau Douce at 8:30

Your morning begins at the docking station at 8:30 a.m. The catamaran is due to leave at 9, although one departure did not get underway until after 9:30. If you are arranging your own transport, allow extra time and expect that the start may not run like a Swiss train.

The cruise runs from Trou d’Eau Douce on Mauritius’s east coast. This is a good departure point for Ile aux Cerfs because you are already close to the island and the Grand River South East. Once aboard, the crew plays Mauritian music and keeps the mood light with jokes and local stories.

I would arrive prepared for a social day rather than a quiet sailing retreat. The boat may have music, conversation, and plenty of drinking, especially when local groups join the departure. That atmosphere suits you if you want a cheerful day on the water. If you prefer peaceful sailing and long stretches of silence, bring realistic expectations.

The catamaran trip is listed as running from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the full activity described as nine hours. In practical terms, you should plan on most of the day being occupied, including boarding, the return sail, and the time spent moving between stops.

The Grand River South East waterfall by speedboat

The first main stop is Grand River South East waterfall. Rather than taking the catamaran all the way upriver, you transfer to a speedboat for the short run upstream. The waterfall is about 500 meters from the river mouth, so the transfer adds a little excitement and lets the larger boat remain in the wider water.

The river banks are part of the appeal. Keep your camera ready for monkeys moving through the old trees and fruit bats perched high above the river. Sightings are not guaranteed, but this is more than a quick photo stop at a rock and a trickle of water. You get a look at a different side of Mauritius, away from the open beach and resort setting.

The visit is relatively short, so do not expect a long walk or a quiet forest outing. You view the falls from the water before returning to the catamaran. Still, it makes a useful opening stop because it breaks up the sailing and gives the day a touch of wildlife and river scenery before the beach time begins.

The speedboat ride also helps the morning feel varied. You are not simply sitting on one boat for hours. One captain even made an extra turn to follow wildlife spotted during the cruise, including dolphins, two rays, and a school of squid. That kind of flexibility depends on conditions and the crew, but it shows how a good captain can make the most of what appears on the water.

Snorkeling in the lagoon

After the waterfall, the catamaran sails through the lagoon to a snorkeling and swimming stop. The water is described as clear, with coral reefs and tropical fish visible below. Life jackets are supplied, and bottled water is included.

This is the right point in the day to get wet, before lunch and the longer pause at Ile aux Cerfs. You can swim, use the provided safety gear, and look for fish around the reef. The stop gives you a chance to see the lagoon from below rather than only admiring it from the deck.

Keep your expectations measured. The snorkeling break is one part of a broad day, not a dedicated marine excursion. One departure found that an extra 15 minutes would have been welcome, and turtles and dolphins were not spotted. You might see more, but wildlife is never promised. If snorkeling is your main reason for coming to Mauritius, you may want a specialist trip with more time in the water.

For most people, the stop works well as a refreshing interlude. I would pack sunscreen and a camera, as advised, and keep your phone protected from spray. The sun can feel strong on an open catamaran, even when the breeze makes the air seem mild.

BBQ lunch, saffron rice, and unlimited drinks

Lunch is served after snorkeling, either on the beach or on the catamaran. The spread includes fresh BBQ fish, BBQ chicken, grilled hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice. Vegetarian and vegan food is also available, which makes the meal more practical for mixed groups.

The food has received some of the warmest praise connected with this experience. The BBQ is not an afterthought or a basic packed lunch. It is prepared as part of the day’s social center, with the crew setting out food while you settle down after swimming.

I like that the menu covers several tastes without pretending to be a formal restaurant meal. Fish and chicken suit a Mauritius day by the sea, while hotdogs give less adventurous eaters an easy choice. Salads and rice round it out. If you have dietary needs, make sure the operator knows in advance, even though vegetarian and vegan choices are stated as available.

The drinks service is another major part of the value. You receive unlimited beer, wine, local rum, soft drinks, juice, and water. This means you do not need to keep buying refreshments during the day, and you can alternate alcoholic drinks with water or juice in the heat.

The open bar can shape the mood onboard. Some departures have turned into loud parties from the first part of the cruise until the end. The crew has been praised for being helpful and attentive, but the atmosphere is not fully under your control. If you want a calm day, ask about the expected group and departure style before booking.

Arriving at Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the main attraction for many people. As the catamaran approaches, you see white sand, palm trees, and clear turquoise water. The island offers the classic Mauritius beach scene, and it gives you time to stop moving and enjoy the setting at your own pace.

You can swim in the sea, stroll along the sand, or find a place to sit and enjoy the sun. This part of the trip is less structured than the waterfall and snorkeling stops. That freedom matters because a full day on the water can become tiring if every minute is directed by a guide.

Ile aux Cerfs also has optional activities such as parasailing, tube riding, and an undersea walk. These are not included in the $70 price, so budget separately if you want to add them. The included trip already gives you a full day, but the extra activities can make sense if you want more action than beach time.

The island is popular and facilities are available, so do not expect an untouched, empty beach. Its appeal is comfort and easy access. You can combine a boat ride, lunch, swimming, and optional activities without arranging several separate excursions.

What the $70 price really covers

At $70 per person, this is a strong value if you use most of what is included. You are paying for a full-day catamaran cruise, the waterfall visit, a speedboat transfer, snorkeling, lunch, unlimited drinks, life jackets, and bottled water. Transport from your hotel or Airbnb is not included, so you must arrange your own way to the departure point unless you add the optional transfer.

The food and drinks make a big difference to the calculation. A cheaper boat trip can look attractive at first, but lunch, water, and drinks quickly add up during a long day in the sun. Here, those costs are built into the fare.

The value is less convincing if you mainly want solitude. A small group of 15 sounds appealing, but the actual number has sometimes been higher. Around 25 people can still fit on a large catamaran, yet you may have less room inside and less personal space around the food and seating areas.

I would also factor in the delayed start reported on one departure. A 9:30 departure can shorten your time at the stops or push the day later than expected. This is not a reason to reject the trip, but it is a reason not to schedule an important evening activity too tightly afterward.

How the crew affects the day

The crew is repeatedly described as friendly, caring, and attentive. That matters on a boat trip because the staff handles the food, drinks, safety equipment, music, transfers, and timing. A warm crew can make a busy boat feel much easier to manage.

The strongest praise centers on the crew’s care with small details. Food is prepared and arranged well, drinks remain available, and the staff helps keep the day moving. The captain’s decision to follow marine life for a short detour also added a memorable moment to one trip.

The crew does not control every part of the experience. They cannot guarantee dolphins, turtles, or perfect snorkeling visibility. They also may not be able to prevent every group from becoming loud, particularly when unlimited alcohol is available.

That is the central balance here. You get a welcoming, social boat day with music and drinks, not a private charter. If you join with that in mind, the lively atmosphere can feel like part of the fun rather than an unpleasant surprise.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this trip to couples, families, and groups of friends who want several Mauritius highlights in one day. It suits you if you like a little sightseeing, a little snorkeling, a generous lunch, and plenty of unplanned time on a beach.

It is also a good choice for mixed groups. One person can swim while another sits in the shade. Someone interested in wildlife gets the waterfall and possible animal sightings, while someone else can focus on the beach and drinks. Optional activities at Ile aux Cerfs give active people another way to spend the afternoon.

You may want a different kind of outing if you dislike loud music, alcohol-focused social settings, or crowded boats. The small-group claim has not always matched the number onboard, and a larger group changes the feel of the trip.

The same applies if you want serious snorkeling. The lagoon stop is useful and scenic, but it is not the main purpose of the day. You are buying a broad Mauritius experience, not a specialist reef tour.

Practical details that make the day easier

Bring sunscreen and a camera. You should also be ready for sun, spray, and time in swimwear, although the supplied information does not specify changing facilities.

Life jackets are included, which is useful during the speedboat transfer and for anyone who is not a confident swimmer. Bottled water is also included, but you should still take sun protection seriously because the open deck offers limited escape from direct sunlight.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, and live support is available in English, French, German, and Italian. The provider is Mauritius Luxury Tours & Transfer. Hotel or Airbnb pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle is optional rather than part of the standard price.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Mauritius plans are still shifting. Check the departure details and group size at booking, since those are the two practical points most likely to affect your comfort.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise?

I would book this for the excellent all-day value, the friendly crew, the BBQ lunch, and the easy combination of waterfall, snorkeling, and beach time. At $70, the included food and drinks make it a sensible choice for a full day on Mauritius’s east coast.

I would not choose it if your priority is a quiet, private sailing trip or a long snorkeling session. Ask about the expected number of people before booking, and allow flexibility around the start time.

For most visitors who want a cheerful day at sea without arranging each part separately, this is a worthwhile choice. Just think of it as a social Mauritian boat party with nature stops, rather than a secluded escape.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart?

The cruise departs from Trou d’Eau Douce on the east coast of Mauritius.

What time does the activity start and finish?

You are asked to arrive at the docking station at 8:30 a.m. The catamaran is scheduled to leave at 9 a.m. and the cruise is listed as running until 4 p.m. The total activity duration is given as nine hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes BBQ fish, BBQ chicken, grilled hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice. Vegetarian and vegan food is also available.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks are included, including beer, wine, local rum, soft drinks, juice, and water.

Does the cruise visit a waterfall?

Yes. You visit the Grand River South East waterfall by speedboat. The falls are about 500 meters upstream from the river mouth.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. The catamaran stops in the lagoon for swimming and snorkeling. Life jackets are included, and the water may offer views of coral reefs and tropical fish.

Are hotel or Airbnb transfers included?

No. Pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle are optional and are not included in the standard activity.