Mauritius: Ile aux Cerfs Boat Tour with BBQ Lunch and Drinks

The best part of this Mauritius boat tour is the change of pace. You leave Trou D’eau Douce by speedboat, pass into the Grand River South East, then trade river scenery for a beach BBQ and the clear lagoon around Ile aux Cerfs. The waterfall and island combination gives you more than a simple beach transfer.

I like the small group limit of 14 and the fact that lunch includes soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum. I also like that the tour gives you real time on Ile aux Cerfs, not just a quick photo stop. The main concern is organization: some departures have involved confusion over speedboat and catamaran arrangements, plus delays at pickup and return.

Key points at a glance

• Grand River South East Waterfall: Cruise into the river valley for a close view of Cascade Diamamouve, with a chance to spot monkeys along the banks.
• Ilot Margenie BBQ: Eat a three-course halal BBQ lunch on a small island, with vegetarian food available if requested in advance.
• Ile aux Cerfs lagoon: Spend about two and a half hours swimming, browsing local crafts, or resting on white sand.
• Small-group format: The boat is limited to 14 people, though one departure was still described as crowded.
• Optional hotel transport: Pickup and drop-off are available in many parts of Mauritius if you select that option.
• Extra water sports cost more: Parasailing and tube rides at Ile aux Cerfs are not included in the tour price.

From Trou D’eau Douce to the Grand River waterfall

Your morning begins across from Green Island Restaurant on the beach at Trou D’eau Douce, unless you have chosen hotel pickup. This village on Mauritius’s east coast is the main launching point for trips to Ile aux Cerfs, so the setting feels practical rather than polished: beach, boats, river, and a busy start to the day.

The speedboat is the reason to choose this trip over a slower boat outing. You feel the wind, cover water quickly, and get a lively ride along the coast. Bring sunglasses and secure your hat, because the combination of sun and boat speed is no joke. A waterproof phone pouch is also sensible, though a camera is specifically recommended.

The group size is capped at 14 people. That is a useful number for a boat trip, since you should have a better chance of seeing the guide’s sights without being lost in a large crowd. Still, do not assume the boat will feel spacious. One recent departure found the boat too full, and the waterfall visit was described as rushed and crowded.

That distinction matters. A small group on paper does not always mean a quiet private trip. The boat may be shared with other departures or arranged differently on the day. Confirm that you are taking the speedboat you selected before leaving the beach.

Cascade Diamamouve and the monkey-lined riverbanks

The first main stop is Grand River South East Waterfall, also known as Cascade Diamamouve. The boat moves through the river valleys, bringing you close to the falling water for a photo stop and about 30 minutes of sightseeing.

The waterfall is not only about the water itself. The ride through the river gives you changing views of wooded banks and steep valley sides, and you may spot monkeys in the trees near the shore. Keep your camera ready, but do not expect a long wildlife session. Monkey sightings are possible, not guaranteed, and the stop is fairly short.

I like this opening because it breaks up the beach day. You get a look at the eastern side of Mauritius from the water before spending the later part of the trip on the coast. It also gives the day a bit more variety than a direct boat ride to Ile aux Cerfs.

The drawback is crowd control. If several boats arrive together, the waterfall can feel like a brief stop in a line of boats rather than a quiet river outing. Set your expectations accordingly. You are getting a scenic introduction and a good photo opportunity, not a private nature cruise.

A beach BBQ on Ilot Margenie

After the waterfall, the boat heads to Ilot Margenie, a small island used for the lunch stop. The meal is a three-course BBQ served on the beach, and it is one of the strongest parts of the experience. The setting does much of the work: sand underfoot, water nearby, and a meal served outdoors rather than in a resort dining room.

The drinks package is generous for the price. You receive water, juice, soft drinks, beer, wine, and local rum. That makes the $56 cost easier to justify, especially if you would otherwise spend extra on lunch and drinks during a full day at the beach.

Food is halal, and vegetarian choices are available when requested ahead of time. If you need a vegetarian meal, make that request before the tour rather than hoping it can be arranged at the beach. The available information does not specify the exact BBQ menu, so do not book expecting a particular meat, side dish, or dessert.

The setting is attractive, but lunch timing has been a weak point on at least one departure. A pickup scheduled for noon arrived about 40 minutes late, which created frustration and reduced time for the rest of the day. This is a good reason to keep your schedule flexible after the tour. Do not place an important evening booking too close to the expected return.

There is also a naming detail worth checking. The lunch is described as taking place on Ilot Margenie, while the schedule groups the lunch entry with Ile aux Cerfs. Ask the crew to confirm the lunch island when you board, especially if you are trying to meet someone or want to know exactly where you will eat.

Two and a half hours on Ile aux Cerfs

The final major stop is Ile aux Cerfs, Mauritius’s well-known beach island in the eastern lagoon. As you approach, you see palm trees, bright white sand, and clear turquoise water. The appeal is simple: this is the part of the trip built for swimming and doing very little.

You have about two and a half hours here. That is enough time to swim, dry off, walk along the beach, visit the arts and crafts market, and consider extra water activities. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a change of clothes, and water. Comfortable shoes help if you plan to move around beyond the immediate beach.

The lagoon is the main attraction. The water is described as crystal clear, and the beach is broad enough to support both active and lazy plans. I would use the first few minutes to get your bearings, since the island visit is longer than the waterfall stop and you do not want to spend half of it deciding what to do.

Parasailing and tube riding are available for an extra charge. They are not part of the $56 package, so budget separately if you want them. If you prefer a quieter day, you can simply swim and sit on the sand without paying for an activity.

The arts and crafts market gives the stop a little more local color, but it also means Ile aux Cerfs is not an untouched island escape. You will find a developed beach setting with organized activities and other boats. That is useful for facilities and choice, but less appealing if your idea of paradise requires solitude.

How the price works out at $56

At $56 per person, this tour offers a good amount for one half-day-plus outing. You receive the speedboat trip, waterfall visit, BBQ lunch, a broad drink selection, and time on Ile aux Cerfs. Hotel pickup and drop-off can also be included, depending on the option you book.

The real value comes from combining several costs in one day. A separate boat ride, lunch, drinks, and transport could add up quickly in Mauritius. The included beer, wine, and local rum are especially useful for adults who plan to eat and relax on the island rather than return to town for supplies.

The package is less attractive if you mainly want a peaceful beach day. The waterfall stop takes time, and the speedboat ride can be lively and exposed to sun and wind. You are paying for variety, not just a chair on Ile aux Cerfs.

You should also factor in optional watersports. Parasailing and tube rides cost extra, and the tour price does not cover them. If you want those activities, the final bill will be higher than the advertised rate.

Transport, timing, and the practical weak spots

The stated duration is 330 minutes, or five and a half hours. The usual flow is morning pickup or beach meeting, waterfall sightseeing, lunch, about two and a half hours at Ile aux Cerfs, and an afternoon return to Trou D’eau Douce.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available as a selected option. Pickup areas cover districts across Mauritius, including Moka, Rivière Noire, Flacq, Grand Port, Rivière du Rempart, Plaines Wilhems, Port Louis, Savanne, and Pamplemousses. Green Island Beach Restaurant is also listed as a drop-off point.

That wide pickup area is convenient, but it may help explain why timing can vary. If you choose transport, your driver is due to meet you at your hotel reception or outside your accommodation. Be ready early, and keep your phone available in case the driver needs to find you.

The return transfer deserves particular attention. One departure waited about 40 minutes for the ride back after the boat tour. This does not mean every outing will have the same delay, but it does mean you should avoid booking a tight connection, dinner reservation, or airport transfer afterward.

The most important practical check is the boat type. The tour is sold as a speedboat trip, yet one departure involved confusion when the group was directed toward a catamaran. Confirm the vessel with the crew before boarding. If the boat offered is not the one you booked, raise the issue immediately rather than after leaving the beach.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a broad sample of Mauritius’s east coast in one outing. It suits people who like a fast ride, a short nature stop, a casual beach lunch, and time for swimming. Families with children aged 1 to 4 can bring them free of charge, although the tour is not suitable for pregnant women.

It also works well for visitors staying away from Trou D’eau Douce who want transport handled for them. The optional pickup can save you the effort of arranging a separate taxi, though you should allow room for delays.

This is not the best choice for you if you dislike crowded boats or need a tightly managed schedule. The waterfall stop may feel hurried, and the lunch or transfer timing may run late. It is also not ideal if you want a private charter, a quiet natural setting, or all watersports included.

The English and French-speaking guide service is useful for international groups. The group is limited to 14, but the day still has a shared-tour feel. You should expect a social outing with a fixed route, not a custom trip built around your own pace.

What to pack for the speedboat and beach

Pack lightly, but bring the things that keep you comfortable on open water and wet sand.

• Sun protection: Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen are essential.
• Water clothing: Wear swimwear and carry a towel plus dry clothes.
• Footwear: Comfortable shoes are recommended for the beach and island paths.
• Photo gear: Bring a camera, but protect it from spray and sand.
• Drinking water: Water is included with the meal, but carrying your own bottle is still sensible.
• Food requests: Ask ahead for a vegetarian meal if needed.

The boat ride exposes you to sun for much of the day, even when the air feels cool at speed. A hat with a secure fit is better than a loose one, and a change of clothes will make the return ride more pleasant after swimming.

The tour can be canceled for poor weather. In that case, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs boat tour?

Book it if you want a value-packed east coast day with a speedboat ride, waterfall scenery, a filling BBQ, included drinks, and a long swim stop. The lunch setting and drink package receive the strongest praise, and the mix of river, coast, and island makes good use of five and a half hours.

Think twice if dependable timing is your top priority. The reported confusion over speedboat versus catamaran, a late lunch pickup, and a delayed return transfer are real reasons to leave space in your schedule. Confirm the boat type, tell the crew about dietary needs in advance, and avoid a same-day connection.

At $56, this is a fair choice for an active, all-in-one outing. You are not buying solitude or perfect clockwork. You are buying an easy way to see Grand River South East, eat by the water, and spend a useful stretch of time on Ile aux Cerfs without arranging each piece yourself.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour begin?

The meeting point is on the beach across from Green Island Restaurant in Trou D’eau Douce. Hotel pickup is available if you select that option.

How long does the experience last?

The stated duration is 330 minutes, or five and a half hours. The tour begins in the morning and returns to Trou D’eau Douce in the afternoon.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included only if you select the transport option. The driver meets you at your hotel reception or outside your accommodation.

What languages are available?

The live guide service is available in English and French.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A three-course BBQ lunch is included and is served on Ilot Margenie. Food is halal, and vegetarian options are available upon request.

Which drinks are included?

The included choices are soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum.

Are watersports included at Ile aux Cerfs?

No. Parasailing and tube riding are available at Ile aux Cerfs but are not included in the tour price.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You are offered a different date or a full refund if the tour is canceled because of poor weather. Cancellation up to 24 hours in advance also qualifies for a full refund.