Mauritius: Ile Aux Cerfs catamaran cruise Lunch with BBQ

The best part of this seven-hour catamaran cruise is the variety packed into one easy day. You’ll see Grand River South East waterfall, stop for swimming and snorkeling, eat a BBQ lunch at sea, and spend time on Ile aux Cerfs, all for $59 per person.

I like the generous drinks service, which includes water, juice, soft drinks, beer, wine, and local rum. I also like the friendly crew and the return trip with Mauritian Sega music, singing, and dancing. The main drawback is the early boarding process, which can be slow, and the music may feel too loud if you prefer a quiet boat ride.

Key points to know before booking

• The cruise leaves at about 9:10 a.m. from Trou D’Eau Douce, so arrive at the jetty by 9:00.
• Grand River South East waterfall comes first, followed by a swimming and snorkeling stop.
• The BBQ lunch is served on board, with vegetarian food available if requested and halal food provided.
• Ile aux Cerfs gives you white sand and clear lagoon water, plus a local craft market.
• Drinks are included, including beer, wine, and local rum, not just water and juice.
• The return includes Sega entertainment, but the sound level may not suit anyone seeking a peaceful sail.

A full day from Trou D’Eau Douce to Ile aux Cerfs

This cruise begins at the fishing port and jetty at Trou D’Eau Douce on Mauritius’ east coast. You should arrive around 9:00 a.m., since the catamaran is scheduled to leave at about 9:10 or 9:15.

That narrow margin matters. The cruise cannot wait long for late arrivals, and the early boarding process has not always been perfectly organized. One useful bit of advice is to get to the port early and ask staff where your boat is, especially if the people handling boarding have not yet reached the jetty.

Once under way, you’ll spend much of the morning on a large catamaran. The route takes you across clear coastal water with mountain views in the distance. This is not a short transfer to an island. The sailing itself is a major part of the day, so bring sunglasses, swimwear, beachwear, and a camera.

You’ll want a little patience at the start. Boarding has sometimes taken close to an hour, with boats waiting while everyone gets on. That is the clearest weakness in the day’s schedule, since every minute spent at the jetty reduces time available for snorkeling or relaxing on the island.

Grand River South East waterfall by boat

The first main stop is Grand River South East waterfall. The waterfall is reached by boat, making it a natural fit for this cruise rather than an extra land excursion.

You can expect a scenic stop around the river and falling water before the catamaran heads back toward the coast. The exact amount of time here is not specified, so you should think of it as one part of a wider day rather than a long waterfall walk or dedicated hiking visit.

This stop works well for anyone who wants to see several sides of Mauritius in one outing. You get a river setting, coastal views, open water, and an island beach later in the day. If you want a full morning focused only on nature photography, the schedule may feel brisk, but the mix keeps the day moving.

Snorkeling and swimming in the lagoon

After the waterfall, the catamaran heads toward the coastline for a swimming and snorkeling break. This is your chance to get into the clear water rather than simply look at it from the deck.

Bring your own swimwear and camera, and protect your sunglasses from being lost at sea. The supplied information does not specify whether snorkeling equipment is included, so check the current arrangements before booking if you do not have your own mask and snorkel.

The stop is best suited to confident swimmers who enjoy a relaxed water break. It is not presented as a guided marine-life tour, and no particular fish, coral, or underwater site is promised. You’ll get time to swim and snorkel in the lagoon, but conditions and visibility can change with the weather.

This is also where the timing issue matters most. A long boarding delay can cut into the time available for water activities. If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, arrive early and confirm the departure point without delay.

BBQ lunch and unlimited drinks on the catamaran

Lunch is served on board after the snorkeling stop. The meal is a BBQ, with snacks and a selection of drinks available throughout the cruise.

The included drinks are unusually broad for this price. You can expect:

• Water
• Juice
• Soft drinks
• Beer
• Wine
• Local rum

That makes the $59 price easier to justify, particularly if you would otherwise pay separately for lunch, drinks, and a boat trip. The value is strongest for adults who plan to enjoy the included beverages and want a complete day rather than a basic island transfer.

The food is halal, and vegetarian options are available upon request. You should make that request ahead of time rather than wait until you board. The meal is a practical part of the cruise, not a formal restaurant service, so keep your expectations focused on a casual lunch with a sea view.

Food has been one of the most praised parts of the experience, with particular approval for the BBQ and the vegetarian meal. That is useful if your group has mixed dietary needs. Still, the exact menu is not listed, so you should not book expecting a specific dish.

Eating on the catamaran also adds to the social feel of the day. You remain with the group, rather than losing time going ashore to find a restaurant. The tradeoff is that lunch takes place in a moving, open-air setting, which may not suit anyone prone to seasickness.

Ile aux Cerfs and the postcard beach

The main destination is Ile aux Cerfs, an island known for white sand, palm trees, and clear turquoise lagoon water. Here you’ll have time to leave the boat, swim, and relax on the beach.

This stop is the strongest reason to choose this excursion over a cruise that only visits the waterfall. Ile aux Cerfs gives you the classic Mauritius beach scene in a simple package. You can walk on the sand, cool off in the lagoon, and enjoy a few hours away from the mainland.

The beach visit is also flexible. You do not need to fill every minute with activity. If the morning has been busy with boating and snorkeling, you can simply find a place to sit and enjoy the water.

A local craft market is available if you want a souvenir of Mauritius. It adds a small shopping element to the day, though the tour information does not specify the number of stalls, prices, or products. Bring only what you need for the beach and keep valuables secure while swimming.

Watersports at Ile aux Cerfs are not included. If you want additional activities beyond swimming and snorkeling, you’ll need to arrange and pay for them separately. That is important for families or active groups who may assume every island activity is part of the $59 price.

Sega music on the ride home

After the island visit, you’ll sail back to Trou D’Eau Douce. The final part of the trip includes local music, singing, and Sega dancing.

Mauritian Sega is a lively cultural tradition, and it gives the return journey a distinctly local touch. The crew’s friendliness and energy have earned repeated praise, especially during the singing and dancing at the end. If you enjoy a festive boat ride, this can be the most memorable part of the afternoon.

The atmosphere is not quiet. Music may begin early in the morning and can sometimes be loud. I would choose a seat away from the speakers if possible, particularly if you want to talk, read, or enjoy the scenery without constant sound.

This is a good example of the tour’s overall character. It is not a silent sailing trip with a small group and a guide giving long explanations. It is a social day with food, drinks, swimming, music, and group entertainment. Choose it for that atmosphere, not in spite of it.

What the $59 price really covers

At $59 per person, the cruise offers solid value for a full seven-hour outing. You receive the catamaran trip, waterfall visit, swimming and snorkeling stop, BBQ lunch, drinks, island visit, and entertainment.

The included alcohol makes a noticeable difference to the total cost. Beer, wine, and local rum are included along with water, juice, and soft drinks, so you are not constantly reaching for your wallet during the day.

The price does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. You’ll need to make your own way to Trou D’Eau Douce fishing port, or arrange transport separately. This can add to the real cost, especially if you are staying far from the east coast.

Watersports at Ile aux Cerfs also cost extra. The included snorkeling and swimming stop is enough for a simple water break, but anyone wanting organized watersports should budget separately.

For a seven-hour cruise with lunch, drinks, and several stops, I consider the price fair. The value drops slightly if you do not drink, dislike group entertainment, or mainly want a quiet beach day. In that case, part of what you pay for will not matter much to you.

Crew, atmosphere, and organization

The crew is one of the strongest parts of this outing. They are described as friendly, attentive, fun, and willing to help. That matters on a day when the group spends hours together on one boat.

The service has been praised during lunch, and the crew’s singing and dancing receive special attention. The overall mood is social rather than formal. Couples, friends, and groups who enjoy meeting other people will likely fit the atmosphere well.

Organization at the beginning is less dependable. Some passengers have waited for boarding to finish, and on one occasion staff arrived at the port shortly after 9:00, leaving people unsure where to go. You can reduce that frustration by arriving early, allowing time to ask questions, and keeping your schedule flexible.

The tour is offered in English and French. No guide names are provided, so you should not expect a particular named guide when booking. The crew handles the experience on board, with the emphasis on hospitality, food, music, and getting everyone to the main stops.

Weather, comfort, and who should skip it

Weather matters on the east coast. November and December can bring rain and poor conditions, and the cruise may be canceled if weather makes the outing unsafe or impractical. In that case, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

Check the forecast before booking, especially if your Mauritius schedule is short. A cloudy day does not automatically ruin a boat trip, but rough water can affect the cruise, swimming stop, and beach time.

The experience is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people over 70. The information does not provide a detailed explanation for each restriction, so you should contact the operator directly if someone in your group has a medical or mobility concern.

You should bring:

• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Beachwear
• Camera

Pets and fireworks are not allowed. The practical packing rule is simple: wear something comfortable for a full day around water and keep your belongings easy to carry between boat and beach.

Booking advice and cancellation flexibility

Booking at least two days before the cruise is advised. You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if you are still arranging your Mauritius schedule.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. That is useful during the wetter months, although you should still check the forecast before committing to the date.

The cruise runs from roughly 9:10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Availability and starting times should be checked when booking. Since hotel pickup is not included, plan the journey to Trou D’Eau Douce carefully and aim to be at the port by 9:00.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs cruise?

Book this cruise if you want a full, social day on the water with a beach stop, BBQ, drinks, and music. It is especially good for couples and friends who like an easy mix of scenery, swimming, food, and entertainment without arranging several separate excursions.

The friendly crew, halal BBQ, vegetarian option, and wide drink selection add real value. Ile aux Cerfs supplies the white beach and lagoon setting, while Grand River South East waterfall gives the morning more variety.

Think twice if your priority is peace and quiet, precise scheduling, or serious snorkeling. The first boarding period may be slow, the music can be loud, and additional watersports cost extra. Also check the weather carefully in November and December.

For most visitors who want a relaxed Mauritius day trip with plenty included, the $59 price is reasonable. Arrive early, request a vegetarian meal in advance if needed, and treat the cruise as a cheerful group outing rather than a quiet sailing charter.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart?

The cruise departs from the Trou D’Eau Douce fishing port and jetty on the east coast of Mauritius.

What time should I arrive?

You should arrive at about 9:00 a.m. The catamaran is scheduled to leave around 9:10 to 9:15 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts about seven hours, running approximately from 9:10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is served on board the catamaran.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Included drinks consist of soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum.

Is the food halal?

Yes. The provided food is halal.

Are vegetarian options available?

Yes. Vegetarian options are available upon request. Arrange this before the cruise.

Does the cruise visit a waterfall?

Yes. The itinerary includes a visit to Grand River South East waterfall.

Are watersports at Ile aux Cerfs included?

No. Watersports at Ile aux Cerfs are not included in the cruise price.

Is hotel transportation included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, though they may be arranged separately.

What languages are available?

The experience is offered in English and French.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.