Mauritius: Ile aux cerfs, waterfalls and bbq Boat Day

Ile aux Cerfs is the main draw here, but this trip gives you more than a beach stop. You get a speedboat ride, time to walk toward Margenie Island, a visit to GRSE waterfall, and a grilled lunch on the beach. I especially like the easy mix of sea time and inland scenery, plus the fact that beer, wine, soft drinks, juice, water, and rhum are included. The main thing to consider is the brisk schedule: you leave the island around 12:30, so this is not an all-day stay at Ile aux Cerfs.

I also like the straightforward price of $64 per person. With return boat transport, the waterfall visit, BBQ lunch, and drinks covered, it offers good value for a full day out. You should know, though, that snorkeling and equipment are not included, towels are not supplied, and the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Key points at a glance

• 9:30 am speedboat departure: Start from Trou D’eau Douce and travel directly toward Ile aux Cerfs.
• Walk toward Margenie Island: Use your free time for a shore walk instead of staying in one place.
• GRSE waterfall and monkeys: The waterfall stop adds a wildlife moment to the usual beach day.
• Beach BBQ lunch: Expect grilled fish, chicken, potatoes, salad, bread with garlic butter, pineapple, and drinks.
• Return around 3:00 to 3:30 pm: The day is full but compact, with a second chance to relax after lunch.
• Good value at $64: Transport, food, and a broad drinks selection are included, while snorkeling costs extra.

Starting from Trou D’eau Douce at 9:30 am

Your day begins at Trou D’eau Douce, with departure scheduled for 9:30 am. The transport is by speedboat, both on the way out and on the return, so the journey itself is part of the experience rather than a simple transfer.

I like this setup because it keeps the day moving. You are not tied to a slow ferry schedule, and a speedboat gives you a more direct way to reach the islands and return to the coast. At the same time, the boat format means you should dress for sun and spray. Bring a towel, since one is not provided, and keep anything that should stay dry protected.

The listed provider is Saeta speedboat ile aux cerfs. No individual skipper name is provided, so you should expect to meet the boat crew at the departure point rather than plan around a named guide.

Free time on Ile aux Cerfs until 12:30

Ile aux Cerfs supplies the classic Mauritius setting: sea, sun, and sand, with time to relax before the rest of the program begins. You can settle into a slow beach morning or use the hours for a walk toward Margenie Island.

That walking option is important. A short beach stop can feel limited if you simply sit in one spot, but the chance to move along the shore gives you a better sense of the island. You can split the time as you like, using part of it to swim or relax and part of it to explore on foot.

The schedule calls for pickup at the same place where the skipper drops you off. Pay attention to that meeting point. The boat leaves at about 12:30, and missing the return pickup would be a serious problem on an organized day trip. If you want a long, unhurried beach stay, this trip may feel too structured. If you prefer several highlights in one day, the timing works well.

Snorkeling is not part of the price, and snorkeling equipment is not included. The information provided does not specify rental arrangements, so do not assume gear will be waiting for you. Bring only what you know you can use, and ask about any optional water activities before setting off.

GRSE waterfall and its monkey stop

After Ile aux Cerfs, the speedboat takes you to GRSE waterfall. This changes the mood of the day. Instead of more sand and open water, you get a short nature stop with moving water and monkeys nearby.

The monkeys are fed during the visit, which makes this a memorable part of the itinerary, especially if you want a little wildlife interest in addition to a beach outing. You can admire them around the waterfall, but it is wise to keep your belongings secure and follow the skipper’s instructions about food and distance.

This is not presented as a long hike or a difficult walk. It is a visit to the waterfall before lunch, making it suitable for people who want variety without committing a whole day to a demanding outdoor activity. Since exact walking conditions are not provided, wear practical footwear rather than relying only on beach sandals.

The waterfall stop also helps justify the trip’s full-day format. Ile aux Cerfs alone would give you a pleasant island break, but the waterfall and monkeys make the outing feel more varied. You see two different sides of the area in a single schedule.

A beach BBQ with fish, chicken, and local-style extras

After the waterfall visit, you go to lunch on the beach. The meal is grilled and includes fish, chicken, potatoes, salad, bread with garlic butter, and pineapple. That is a useful spread for a day in the sun, with enough variety for different tastes.

The drinks list is unusually broad for a $64 excursion. You are served soft drinks, juice, water, beers, wine, and rhum. Super alcoholic drinks are not included, so the included rhum is the standard offering rather than an open bar with premium choices.

I like the practical nature of this lunch. You do not need to find a restaurant during a tightly timed day, and the meal comes after the waterfall visit, when you are likely ready for something filling. Eating on the beach also keeps the outing casual. Expect a simple grilled meal, not a formal dining experience.

You should still tell the provider about any dietary needs before booking if that matters to you. The supplied details list the food, but they do not confirm vegetarian, vegan, allergy-friendly, or religious meal options.

Relaxing after lunch before the boat returns

After lunch, you have another period to relax before the speedboat collects you. This second rest period gives the day a useful pause. You can let the meal settle, return to the beach, or simply enjoy the surroundings without another scheduled sightseeing stop.

The exact length of this break is not given, but the return journey is expected around 3:00 to 3:30 pm. The whole day therefore runs from the 9:30 am departure to mid-afternoon. It is a good fit if you want to return with part of the evening still free.

The schedule also makes this a reasonable choice for families and couples who like a planned outing. You get clear changes of scene, food, and transport without having to organize several separate bookings. The tradeoff is that you have less control over how long you stay at any one stop.

What the $64 price really covers

At $64 per person, the value comes from the combination rather than from one major attraction. You receive return speedboat transport to Ile aux Cerfs, time on the island, the waterfall and monkey visit, a BBQ meal, and a substantial selection of drinks.

If you paid separately for a boat ride, lunch, and another excursion to the waterfall, the costs could quickly add up. Here, the day is bundled into one plan, which makes budgeting easier. The price is particularly attractive if you intend to eat lunch and want beer, wine, or rhum included.

The value is weaker if your only goal is to spend many quiet hours on Ile aux Cerfs. The island portion ends at about 12:30, and the day continues to the waterfall and lunch. You are paying for a multi-stop outing, not a beach transfer with unlimited island time.

The activity also does not include snorkeling or gear. Those extras may affect your final budget if snorkeling is central to your plans. Towels are not included either, so bring your own.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would choose this excursion if you want a well-filled Mauritius day with transport, meals, and drinks arranged in advance. It suits people who like a mix of beach time, a short island walk, a waterfall, monkeys, and a social BBQ.

It is also a good choice if you are watching your spending. The food and drink inclusions make the price easier to justify, and the return speedboat keeps the schedule efficient.

You may want a different plan if you want total independence, long snorkeling sessions, or a quiet day with no fixed pickup. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, and the beach, boat, and waterfall format may be difficult for anyone who needs accessible paths or boarding.

Because no group size is provided, you should not assume this will be a private boat. If the size of the group matters to you, ask Saeta speedboat ile aux cerfs before booking.

Booking details worth knowing

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is useful if you want to hold a place while keeping your plans flexible.

Check the available starting time when booking, even though the stated departure is 9:30 am. The activity lasts one day, with the return planned for about 3:00 to 3:30 pm.

Plan to bring a towel and any personal sun protection you need. Snorkeling and snorkeling equipment are separate from the included package, and super alcoholic drinks are not covered.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs boat day?

Book it if you want a compact, good-value combination of island time, waterfall scenery, monkeys, and a BBQ lunch. The $64 price is strong because it includes return speedboat transport and a generous drinks selection, not just the beach visit.

Skip it if your ideal day means staying on Ile aux Cerfs from morning until late afternoon, or if you need a fully accessible activity. For everyone else, the schedule offers a sensible way to see more than one attraction without arranging separate transport and meals.

FAQ

Where does the activity depart from?

The speedboat departs from Trou D’eau Douce in Mauritius.

What time does the boat leave?

Departure is scheduled for 9:30 am each day.

How long do I stay on Ile aux Cerfs?

You have time on Ile aux Cerfs until about 12:30 pm. You can relax or walk toward Margenie Island during this period.

What happens after Ile aux Cerfs?

The boat takes you to GRSE waterfall, where you can admire the waterfall and see monkeys being fed.

What is included in the BBQ lunch?

Lunch includes grilled fish, chicken, potatoes, salad, bread with garlic butter, and pineapple.

Which drinks are included?

Soft drinks, juice, water, beers, wine, and rhum are included. Super alcoholic drinks are not included.

Are snorkeling, towels, and equipment included?

No. Snorkeling and snorkeling gear are not included, and you need to bring your own towel.