Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise to Ile Aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch

The best part of this six-hour catamaran cruise is the mix of river, sea, beach, food, and music in one easy day. You begin at Trou d’Eau Douce, travel toward Grand River South East Waterfall, then head into open water for swimming and snorkeling before reaching Ile aux Cerfs.

I like the generous onboard meal and the friendly crew, often singled out for attentive service. I also like the practical mix of free time and guided stops. The main drawback is that the boat and popular sights can feel crowded, while the waterfall and snorkeling stops may be shorter than expected.

Key points at a glance

• Grand River South East Waterfall: Sail upriver to the Cascade Diamamouve area for a close view, photos, and possible monkey sightings.
• A full meal at sea: Expect a three-course BBQ lunch with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices, all halal.
• Drinks included: Soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum are provided during the cruise.
• Two kinds of water time: You can swim and snorkel from the catamaran, then enjoy the lagoon and beach at Ile aux Cerfs.
• A lively Mauritian finish: Local Sega music helps turn the return sail into a relaxed island party.
• Good value at $64: The price covers the boat, food, drinks, major stops, and optional hotel transport if you select that package.

Setting out from Trou d’Eau Douce

Your day begins on the beach opposite Green Island Restaurant in Trou d’Eau Douce, on Mauritius’s east coast. If you book hotel pickup, the driver collects you from your accommodation or its reception area. If you make your own way there, arrive early: the small nearby car park can fill quickly, and finding the right queue on the beach may take patience.

The beach can serve several boats at once, so the first few minutes may feel less polished than the cruise itself. Look for the crew and confirm the correct catamaran before settling in. This is one of those moments when arriving early saves stress, especially if you have children, snorkeling gear, or a birthday outfit to protect.

The catamaran is the main stage for most of the day. You can sit in the open air for the best views, though shade and indoor space become important if rain arrives. One practical limitation is that larger departures may feel cramped, with only one toilet reported on some boats. That matters on a six-hour outing, so use facilities before leaving shore.

Sailing upriver to Cascade Diamamouve

The first scenic section takes you from the coast into Grand River South East. The river narrows as the boat approaches the waterfall known as Cascade Diamamouve. The setting gives you a different view of Mauritius from the usual beach scene, with wooded riverbanks and the chance to spot monkeys in the trees.

The waterfall stop is attractive, but keep your camera ready. Boats may gather near the falls, particularly in busy periods, and strong currents can make a close approach unsafe. On some departures, the stop lasts about 30 minutes. Some people have found the actual photo opportunity very brief, closer to a quick look than a leisurely visit.

That is worth understanding before you book. The waterfall is an important part of the day, but it is not a private river expedition. If water conditions are poor, the crew may skip the stop entirely. This happened on one outing because of strong currents, and a clear explanation would have made the change easier to accept. Safety must come first, but you should treat the waterfall visit as weather-dependent.

When conditions cooperate, sailing close to the falling water is a memorable opening act. You get a short burst of river scenery before returning toward the coast and the main sea portion of the trip.

Snorkeling in the coastal water

After the river, the catamaran stops along the coast for swimming and snorkeling. The exact quality of this stop can vary. Some people have found clear water with colorful fish, turtles, and even sea snakes. Others felt the reef was damaged, saw few fish, or thought the boat stopped too close to the port.

The snorkeling period can also feel brief, especially if you expected a long session. In some cases, the water is shallow enough to stand, which is helpful for a four-year-old or anyone who is not fully confident in open water. It is less satisfying if you are an experienced snorkeler hoping for a broad reef or lots of marine life.

Bring your own mask and fins if you have them. Snorkeling gear is listed among the things to bring, and personal equipment usually gives you a better fit. You should also pack a towel, dry clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. The sun can feel strong even when the boat’s breeze makes the air seem mild.

I see this stop as a pleasant swim with a chance of good marine life, not as a specialist snorkeling trip. If your main goal is coral, fish variety, or a long time in the water, you may want a dedicated snorkeling outing instead. If you simply want to cool off and see some fish between scenic stops, it fits the day well.

BBQ lunch with Mauritian drinks

Lunch is one of the strongest parts of the experience. The crew serves a BBQ meal on board, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices. All food is halal, which makes the cruise easier to plan for many families and groups. The portions are generally described as generous, though one person found the food only average, so expectations should remain sensible rather than restaurant-high.

The food may include freshly grilled fish when available. Dorado received particular praise, and an optional lobster addition has also been offered for an extra charge. One person cited a price of 3,000 Mauritian rupees for the lobster, but check the current amount before agreeing, since add-on prices can change. The same feedback found the lobster tasty but not clearly worth the extra cost.

Drinks include water, juice, soft drinks, beer, wine, and local rum. The crew is known for keeping refreshments moving, and repeated comments describe the supply as plentiful or effectively unlimited during the sailing. Drink responsibly, of course, especially if you plan to swim afterward or are traveling with children.

Lunch is served while you are still surrounded by sea views, which gives it more character than a quick meal on land. It also saves you from buying food at Ile aux Cerfs. For $64, the combination of a boat trip, meal, and drinks gives this excursion strong value, particularly if you would otherwise pay separately for transport, lunch, and a beach transfer.

Ile aux Cerfs and the lagoon

Ile aux Cerfs is the postcard portion of the day: white sand, palm trees, and bright turquoise water. The catamaran usually gives you around two and a half hours on the island, after the earlier meal and scenic sailing. You can swim in the lagoon, walk along the beach, take photos, or visit the local arts and crafts market.

The island is beautiful, but it is not an untouched private beach. It is a popular stop, and several boats can arrive at once. Some parts may be crowded or untidy, with litter reported around the beach and bush areas. That can be disappointing beside such clear water, and you should not expect every stretch of sand to look like a carefully maintained resort beach.

You may also receive limited direction after being dropped off. The crew may tell you where to go, but one person found the island layout unclear and had to wander. Ask the crew to point out the meeting place and return time before leaving the boat. A little planning helps you enjoy the free time without watching the clock.

Optional activities are not included in the $64 price. The provided details do not specify which activities are available or their current costs, so ask on the day before paying for anything. You can enjoy the island without adding an extra activity, and the beach and lagoon already provide the core appeal.

For families, the shallow water can make this the easiest part of the day. For couples, it offers time away from the group. For photographers, the palm-lined shore and lagoon are the strongest picture stop, though the actual view may differ from promotional images.

Crew, music, and the feel on board

The crew receives the most consistent praise. Names that appear in feedback include Yona and Cedric, while Shafiq is mentioned as a friendly and prompt driver on a hotel pickup. You may not have these exact people on your departure, but the pattern is clear: the staff aim to keep the day social, well fed, and easygoing.

The mood is lively rather than quiet. Music plays during the cruise, and Mauritian Sega accompanies the return sail. There may be singing, dancing, birthday recognition, and plenty of joking between the crew and passengers. That makes the cruise a good choice if you want an island day with personality, not a silent sightseeing boat.

If you prefer calm and space, choose your seat carefully and accept that the atmosphere can become busy. Boats may carry a large group, and indoor areas can feel tight when rain pushes everyone inside. On the other hand, the social setup makes it easy to meet people from different countries and can turn a birthday or family outing into a shared occasion.

What the $64 price really buys you

At $64 per person, this is a package rather than simply a boat transfer. The price includes the catamaran cruise, waterfall visit, snorkeling and swimming break, BBQ lunch, a broad selection of drinks, and time at Ile aux Cerfs. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only when you choose the applicable option.

The value is strongest if you want variety. You get river scenery, a waterfall, open sea, food, swimming, an island visit, and music without arranging separate transport. It is also useful for families and mixed groups, since not everyone needs to snorkel or pay for an optional water activity.

The value is weaker if you want a small boat, a quiet setting, a long snorkeling session, or a detailed guided tour of Ile aux Cerfs. The schedule is fairly full, and some stops can feel rushed. Think of it as a social all-day outing with several highlights, not a private custom cruise.

The overall rating is 4.3 from 925 reviews, which fits the experience well. The strongest points are the crew, food, drinks, scenery, and price. The repeated cautions concern crowding, parking, short snorkeling time, hurried waterfall visits, and occasional confusion at the beach departure point.

Transport, timing, and useful preparation

The stated duration is six hours, though hotel transfers add time to your day. Pickup coverage can include districts across Mauritius, including Flacq, Rivière Noire, Moka, Rivière du Rempart, Plaines Wilhems, Grand Port, Savanne, Pamplemousses, and Port Louis. Green Island Beach Restaurant is also listed among the drop-off locations.

If you drive, plan parking before departure. The small car park beside the beach may be full, and you could need to park farther away and walk. A taxi can remove that worry, but confirm your return plan.

Wear comfortable shoes for the beach and island walk. Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a camera, snorkeling gear, and a full change of clothes. A light waterproof bag is a sensible way to protect phones and wallets, though the provided information does not promise storage onboard.

The activity runs only in suitable weather. If poor conditions cancel the cruise, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and the reserve-now-pay-later option can help if your plans are still shifting.

The cruise is wheelchair accessible, but there is an important condition. You need to stand briefly while boarding and leaving the shuttle boat, with crew assistance, to reach the catamaran. Contact the provider before booking if this transfer may be difficult.

Who will enjoy this Mauritius cruise

I would choose this outing for a first visit to Mauritius when you want one simple day covering several classic east-coast sights. It suits couples, families, birthday groups, and anyone who likes a friendly boat atmosphere with food and drinks included.

Children can enjoy the shallow swimming areas, though you should supervise them closely around the boat and open water. The vegetarian and halal meal choices are useful for groups with different dietary needs.

I would be more cautious about booking it for a serious snorkeler, someone who dislikes crowds, or anyone who wants a quiet nature experience. The snorkeling spot may be ordinary, the waterfall can be rushed, and Ile aux Cerfs is a popular public stop rather than a secluded beach.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want strong value, a sociable crew, a filling onboard BBQ, plentiful drinks, and a full day with several kinds of scenery. The crew and the food are the safest reasons to choose it, while the waterfall and snorkeling are worthwhile extras when conditions and timing cooperate.

Before paying, decide how much you care about space and snorkeling quality. Arrive early at Trou d’Eau Douce, confirm the boat and meeting time, bring your own mask if you have one, and ask about any lobster or water-sport surcharge. With those expectations in place, this is a fun, practical way to reach Ile aux Cerfs without organizing the day piece by piece.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise leave from?

The meeting point is on the beach opposite Green Island Restaurant in Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts about six hours. Hotel pickup and drop-off can add transport time.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included only if you choose an option that specifically includes transportation. You may meet the driver or guide at your hotel reception or outside your accommodation.

What food is served?

A BBQ lunch is served onboard, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices. All food is halal.

What drinks are included?

Included drinks are soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling gear is listed among the recommended items to bring, so you should bring your own equipment if you have it.

Can I swim during the cruise?

Yes. The experience includes a swimming and snorkeling break along the coast, as well as time to swim in the lagoon at Ile aux Cerfs.

Are activities at Ile aux Cerfs included?

Optional activities at Ile aux Cerfs are not included in the main price.

Can the waterfall visit be canceled?

Yes. Strong currents or poor weather can prevent the boat from visiting the waterfall. If poor weather cancels the whole experience, you can receive a full refund or choose another date.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, but wheelchair users need to stand briefly to board and leave the shuttle boat. The crew assists with this transfer to the catamaran.