Catamaran cruise to Ile aux Cerfs from Pointe Jerome

The best part of this Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise is the mix of sea time and island time. You sail from Pointe Jerome through clear southeast lagoons, pause for snorkeling, cruise toward Grand River South East Waterfall, then settle in for a BBQ lunch and beach time on one of Mauritius’ most famous islands.

I like the open bar and onboard lunch, which make the $60 price feel fair, and I like the 42-foot catamaran’s shaded cockpit, toilet, shower, and wide front trampolines. The main caution is reliability: several recent bookings report that nobody appeared at the meeting point, so confirm the departure carefully before setting out.

Key details to know before booking

• A full seven-hour outing: The catamaran leaves Pointe Jerome at 9:00 and is expected back around 16:30, depending on wind and tide.
• Three distinct water stops: You get lagoon snorkeling, a cruise up the mouth of Grand River South East, and time on the white sands of Ile aux Cerfs.
• Lunch and drinks are included: The onboard BBQ comes with beer, rum, cocktails, soft drinks, juice, tea, and coffee.
• A comfortable 42-foot boat: Expect a shaded cockpit, seating, sunbathing trampolines, a toilet, and a shower.
• Snorkeling gear is supplied: Bring your own towel, sunscreen, hat, camera, and a change of clothes.
• Check the operator before departure: The booking record includes multiple no-show complaints, a serious issue that deserves attention.

Setting out from Pointe Jerome at 9:00

Your day begins at Pointe Jerome on the southeast coast of Mauritius. At the embarkation point, look for a representative in a blue-teal shirt with a Mauritius Taxi Service badge. That person is meant to guide you to the catamaran.

The meeting point matters because hotel pickup is not part of the standard fare. Pickup and drop-off can be arranged as an optional extra, but if you are making your own way to Pointe Jerome, leave enough time to find the representative and boat before the 9:00 departure.

Once aboard, the 42-foot catamaran gives you several ways to spend the morning. You can sit in the shaded cockpit, stretch out on the front trampolines, or move around to follow the changing coastal views. A toilet and shower are useful extras on a seven-hour sea trip, particularly after swimming.

The boat is designed for day charters rather than overnight sailing, so the appeal is simple: open air, warm weather, music, food, and time on the water. The crew plays Mauritian sega music, shares local tales and jokes, and serves drinks through much of the day. That gives the cruise a social, easygoing feel rather than the quiet mood of a private sailing trip.

Snorkeling in the largest lagoon

At about 11:00, the boat stops inside the island’s largest lagoon for swimming and snorkeling. This is the most active part of the morning, and the supplied mask and snorkel mean you do not need to rent basic equipment separately.

You can expect a look at coral and brightly colored tropical fish in relatively calm lagoon water. The exact visibility depends on sea conditions, sunlight, tide, and the number of boats in the area, so keep expectations sensible. This is a short recreational snorkeling stop, not a specialist marine excursion with an extended guided session.

Bring a towel and a dry change of clothes. You will be happier later in the day if you are not sitting in wet swimwear during lunch or the return sail. Sunscreen and a hat are just as important on the boat as on the beach, since the reflection from the water adds to the heat.

The snorkeling stop also gives you a chance to cool off before the longer sightseeing and lunch portion of the cruise. If you prefer not to enter the water, you can remain aboard and enjoy the scenery, although the supplied equipment makes this a good opportunity for first-time snorkelers.

Grand River South East Waterfall by boat

After snorkeling, the catamaran continues along Mauritius’ east coast toward Grand River South East. The boat travels toward the river mouth to see the waterfall from afar, along with monkeys on the riverbank and a large colony of bats.

This is a scenic viewing stop rather than a hike to the base of the falls. That distinction is important. You will see the waterfall from the water, and the changing river setting gives the cruise a welcome break from open lagoon views, but you should not expect a long walk or close-up waterfall visit.

The river section can involve a change of boat for the waterfall viewing, depending on the day’s operation. One account describes a short transfer before seeing the falls, so be prepared for the crew to adjust the plan around water levels and access.

The tide affects this part of the journey. At times, the catamaran’s hull may rub the bottom in shallow water. That can sound alarming, but it is also a reminder that this is a tidal river mouth, not a deep-water channel. If you are sensitive to boat noises or want a perfectly smooth ride, this is worth knowing in advance.

BBQ lunch with rum, beer, and cocktails

Lunch is served onboard after the river visit. The crew prepares a BBQ, and the meal is part of the standard $60 package. Alcoholic options include beer, rum, and cocktails. Non-alcoholic choices include soft drinks, juice, and cocktails, with tea, coffee, and cake served later on the return trip.

The lunch adds real value because a seven-hour boat outing can become expensive if you must buy every meal and drink separately. Here, the food and drinks are built into the day, and the crew handles the cooking while you remain on the water.

Vegetarians should advise the operator before the trip so the chef can prepare a suitable meal. Do not wait until you board. The information provided only confirms vegetarian catering when requested ahead of time, so advance notice is the practical move.

The open bar remains available after lunch, but sensible pacing is wise. The combination of strong sun, movement on the water, and alcohol can catch up with you quickly. Drink water, use sunscreen, and save enough energy for the beach stop and return sail.

Ile aux Cerfs and its famous sandbank

After lunch, the catamaran cruises through the channel between Ile aux Cerfs and the Anahita sanctuary before taking you to the island’s well-known white sandbank. This is the part of the day built for a slower pace.

Ile aux Cerfs has white beaches, turquoise lagoon water, palm trees, and casuarinas. You can walk along the sand, swim, snorkel, or simply sit near the water. The island also has facilities and optional water sports, including parasailing, tube riding, and an undersea walk.

Those activities cost extra, so budget for them separately if they are important to you. The cruise price includes the island visit, but not the paid water sports or an optional lobster lunch.

Do not confuse this stop with an all-day island stay. The cruise itinerary includes the island as one part of a wider seven-hour trip, and one recent account describes roughly 1.5 hours there. That is enough for a stroll, swim, and photographs, but not enough for a leisurely resort-style beach day with several activities.

For me, the island works best as the relaxing finale after the more structured morning. You get a change of scene from the catamaran, space to walk, and a chance to enjoy the water without being rushed between several formal attractions. At the same time, the famous sandbank can feel busy when many boats arrive, so its beauty comes with a popular-destination tradeoff.

The return sail to Pointe Jerome

After the island stop, you return to the catamaran and sail back to Pointe Jerome. Tea, coffee, cake, and the open bar are available on the way back, while the crew continues with sega music and light conversation.

The advertised return to the hotel is around 16:30, but the timing depends on tides and winds. Since hotel transportation is not automatically included, allow flexibility if you have an evening reservation, airport transfer, or another fixed plan.

The return leg is also when the boat’s layout pays off. You can sit under cover if the sun has become tiring, or stretch out on the front trampolines for the final views. The broad seating area and onboard facilities make the trip more comfortable than a small open speedboat, though a catamaran still moves with the sea.

Is $60 good value?

At $60 per person, this cruise offers a lot in one package: a full day on the water, a snorkeling stop, snorkeling equipment, a waterfall visit, Ile aux Cerfs, BBQ lunch, and an open bar. If you plan to buy lunch, drinks, and a separate boat trip, the price compares well.

The value is strongest for you if you want variety. You are not paying only for beach access. You get a boat ride, coastal scenery, wildlife views, swimming, food, music, and an island stop in one day.

The price is less attractive if your main goal is to spend many quiet hours alone on Ile aux Cerfs. The island visit is limited, and the boat may carry a mixed group with different interests. You also pay extra for parasailing, tube riding, the undersea walk, and a lobster lunch.

The open bar is useful even if you do not drink alcohol, since soft drinks and juice are included. Tea, coffee, and cake on the way home are small details, but they help make the long return trip more pleasant.

The important reliability warning

This experience has a published rating of 4.2 from 14 ratings, with many strong scores praising the crew, boat, waterfall, snorkeling, and value. French-language feedback repeatedly highlights the friendly service, drinks, BBQ, and overall day, while one account specifically praises the crew for taking good care of everyone.

But there is a serious concern. Three separate bookings from 2024 and 2025 report that the activity did not take place because no representative arrived at Pointe Jerome. The accounts describe waiting at the meeting point, unanswered calls, and claims that the profile was being used fraudulently.

That pattern is too specific to ignore. The positive experiences show that the cruise can operate well, but the no-show reports create a real booking risk. Before you travel to Pointe Jerome, confirm the meeting details, make sure the operator has acknowledged your reservation, and keep the activity provider’s contact information available.

If you are staying far from the southeast coast, this check matters even more. A failed departure can cost you transport time and a valuable holiday morning, even if the booking is later refunded.

Who will enjoy this catamaran cruise?

This is a good fit if you want a social, all-in-one day at sea rather than a private charter. Couples, families, and small groups can combine swimming, sightseeing, lunch, and beach time without arranging several separate activities.

It also suits people who like a little structure. The day has a clear rhythm: leave at 9:00, snorkel around 11:00, visit the river mouth, eat lunch, visit Ile aux Cerfs, and sail home. You still get time to relax, but you are not left wondering what happens next.

First-time snorkelers should find the format approachable because equipment is included and the stop is in a lagoon. Strong swimmers and water-sports fans may find the snorkeling period too short, especially if they want detailed marine guidance.

This is not the best match for you if you need guaranteed punctuality, a private atmosphere, or a long uninterrupted beach stay. It is also not ideal for anyone who dislikes changing plans around tide and wind.

What to bring

Pack a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sun hat, camera, comfortable shoes, and a complete change of clothes. Comfortable shoes help around the jetty and on the island, while dry clothes make the return journey more pleasant.

Tell the operator about vegetarian food needs before departure. If you want parasailing, tube riding, an undersea walk, or lobster, remember that these are optional extras and are not covered by the advertised price.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise leave from?

The cruise leaves from Pointe Jerome Embarkation on the southeast coast of Mauritius. A representative in a blue-teal shirt with a Mauritius Taxi Service badge is meant to guide you to the catamaran.

What time does the cruise depart?

Departure is scheduled for 9:00. The expected return to the hotel is around 16:30, although wind and tide can affect the timing.

How long is the experience?

The catamaran cruise lasts about seven hours.

Is Ile aux Cerfs included?

Yes. The trip includes a visit to Ile aux Cerfs, with time to walk on the white sand, swim, snorkel, or use the island’s facilities.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with a swimming and snorkeling stop in the island’s largest lagoon.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is served onboard. Vegetarian meals can be arranged if you advise the operator in advance.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The open bar includes alcoholic drinks such as beer, rum, and cocktails, plus soft drinks, juice, and non-alcoholic cocktails. Tea, coffee, and cake are served on the return trip.

Are hotel pickup and water sports included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are optional extras. Parasailing, tube riding, the undersea walk, and a lobster lunch are also not included in the standard price.

Should you book it?

I would consider this cruise if you want a good-value southeast Mauritius day with plenty packed into one outing. The BBQ, open bar, snorkeling gear, comfortable catamaran, waterfall views, and Ile aux Cerfs stop give you more than a simple beach transfer.

I would not book it casually without confirming the operator first. The strong service reports and the serious no-show complaints point in opposite directions. Verify your departure before leaving for Pointe Jerome, keep your schedule flexible, and choose this trip if you value variety more than a long, quiet stretch on the island.