Private Catamaran Charter to Ile aux Cerfs

The best part of this outing is simple: you get a 45-foot catamaran for your own group instead of sharing a crowded boat. The day combines calm lagoon sailing, a swim stop, snorkeling, dolphin watching, and time on Ile aux Cerfs. I especially like the freedom of a private boat and the chance to set the tone for the day, from lively family outing to lazy sun session.

I also like the easygoing service. Crew members Pascal and Scott are associated with the trip, and the boat team has been praised for friendly, playful service and for looking after families with small children. The main catch is that food and drinks cost extra, despite the advertised BBQ option, so confirm the meal package before paying.

Key points to know before you book

• A private boat for up to 31 people: The $1,354 price is for the catamaran, not per person, making it most attractive for a large family or group.
• Seven hours on the water: You have time for several activities rather than a quick transfer to Ile aux Cerfs.
• Snorkeling gear is included: You can swim and look for colorful reef fish without bringing your own equipment.
• Dolphins are a possibility, not a promise: The crew will watch for them, but sightings depend on luck and conditions.
• BBQ lunch and drinks are optional extras: Ask exactly what is included in your chosen food package.
• Pointe Jerome is the starting point: A private vehicle transfer can be arranged separately, with a maximum of four passengers per vehicle.

Why a private catamaran changes the day

Ile aux Cerfs is one of Mauritius’s best-known island outings, and many boat trips head there. A private charter gives you something a standard shared cruise cannot: control over the mood and pace of your group.

You are renting the catamaran with a captain for the day. That means the boat is yours for up to 31 people, with no unrelated party sharing your lunch table, swim time, or music choices. For a small group, the total price may feel high. For a large family reunion or group of friends, the cost can work out well when divided among everyone.

The boat is a 45-foot catamaran, large enough to offer room for sitting, sunbathing, and moving around while underway. A catamaran also tends to feel more stable than a narrow single-hull boat, though anyone prone to motion sickness should still prepare carefully.

You should think of this as a full boat day, not simply transportation to a beach. The value comes from having a captain, snorkeling stop, time at sea, island time, and the privacy of your own group.

Starting at Pointe Jerome

The day begins at the Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point, where you meet the crew and board the catamaran. A safety briefing comes first. It is a small but important part of the morning, especially if children or inexperienced swimmers are in your group.

From Pointe Jerome, the boat heads out toward the waters around Mahébourg. The early sailing gives you a chance to settle in, take in the coast, and decide how you want to use the day. You might sit in the shade, stretch out in the sun, or stay near the edge to watch the water.

The charter is private, but it is not a personal yacht with a large onboard hotel-style crew. You have a captain and a friendly boat team, plus the catamaran itself. Keep your expectations focused on relaxed sea time, good company, and simple outdoor comforts.

The departure point matters for planning. If you are not staying nearby, a private transfer can be added for an extra charge. The transfer option allows a maximum of four passengers per vehicle, so a larger group may need more than one vehicle.

Sailing the inner lagoon near Mahébourg

The trip includes sailing on turquoise inner-lagoon waters. This is one of the quieter pleasures of the day. You are not rushing from one scheduled photo stop to the next. The boat ride itself is part of the outing.

The lagoon setting usually means calmer water than the open sea, though conditions can vary. That makes this section appealing for families and anyone who prefers a gentler cruise. It also gives you a good chance to enjoy the scenery without needing to do anything at all.

I would bring a secure day bag rather than loose belongings. Large bags and oversize luggage are not allowed, and there is no reason to bring much beyond a towel, water-safe personal items, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

The boat’s open-air setting means sun protection is not optional. Even if you plan to spend much of the morning sitting in shade, reflected light from the water can catch you quickly. Reapply sunscreen and keep your hat secured.

Snorkeling with reef fish

A snorkeling stop is built into the route. The crew provides snorkeling equipment, which keeps packing simple and makes the activity accessible to people who do not own masks or fins.

You can expect a swim in calm water and the chance to see colorful reef fish. This is a good stop for a mixed group because stronger swimmers can spend more time in the water while others remain on the catamaran or take a shorter swim.

The snorkeling is not presented as a technical reef expedition. It is a pleasant chance to get in the water during a day of sailing. If underwater wildlife is your main reason for booking, keep your expectations sensible. Visibility, fish activity, and sea conditions can change.

Comfortable shoes are recommended, although you may want to remove them before swimming. Bring a towel, and consider packing a dry change of clothes if you dislike sitting in damp swimwear for the rest of the cruise.

People with mobility impairments or wheelchair users may find this trip unsuitable. Boarding a catamaran, moving around the deck, and entering the water all require a level of physical mobility.

Watching for dolphins along the route

Dolphin watching is another possible highlight. The boat may encounter dolphins in their natural surroundings while sailing, but there is no guaranteed sighting or fixed viewing point.

That uncertainty is worth understanding before you book. This is not a dolphin park and not a scheduled animal encounter. You are watching for wild animals, so the result depends on luck, timing, and sea conditions.

The possibility adds excitement to the crossing, especially for children. Keep your camera ready, but do not let the search take over the entire day. If dolphins appear, it could become a memorable surprise. If they do not, the charter still includes snorkeling, lunch, sailing, and Ile aux Cerfs.

The captain and crew can help keep an eye out, but they cannot control where wildlife appears. This is one reason the private format works well: you can enjoy the search without feeling pressured to follow a rigid group schedule.

BBQ lunch, drinks, and the important extra cost

A BBQ lunch can be prepared by the crew before you reach Ile aux Cerfs, and the meal has been praised for being plentiful and tasty. Drinks are also available, depending on the option you select.

Here is the point to watch closely: the basic inclusions list covers the private catamaran, captain, and snorkeling gear. Food and drinks are not included by default. The BBQ is an optional addition at a supplementary rate.

When you book, check whether your selected package includes the BBQ, drinks, or both. Do not assume that the phrase BBQ lunch means the meal is part of the $1,354 base price.

There is some useful flexibility for groups. One party brought its own food and drinks, and the crew kept them cool. The supplied details also say that food and drinks are available at an extra cost. If you prefer to bring provisions, confirm the current rules with the operator before the day of departure, since large bags are not allowed and storage space may be limited.

For a big group, paying for the onboard meal may be worthwhile. It avoids organizing food for 10, 15, or 20 people and lets everyone stay with the boat schedule. For a smaller group, bringing approved provisions may offer better value if the operator permits it.

Arriving at Ile aux Cerfs

The boat reaches Ile aux Cerfs after the water activities and lunch portion of the outing. The island gives you a change of scene: step off the catamaran, walk along the beach, and enjoy time on land.

The appeal here is the contrast. After hours of sailing, swimming, and sitting in the sun, a beach walk can feel like a welcome reset. You do not need to fill every minute with an activity. A slow stroll, a swim near shore, or simple time on the sand may be enough.

Ile aux Cerfs is the destination many people picture when they think of a Mauritius boat day, with pale sand and clear water. It can also be the busiest-feeling part of the outing, depending on conditions and how many other boats are visiting. The private charter gives you privacy on your own boat, but it does not make the public island exclusive.

That distinction is important. Book this trip for the full mix of catamaran time and island time, not because you expect to have the entire island to yourself.

The return to Pointe Jerome

After your visit, you sail back to Pointe Jerome. The return crossing is a chance to slow down with a chilled drink, assuming you have arranged drinks through the food option or brought permitted refreshments.

A seven-hour duration gives the day a generous pace. You are not squeezing snorkeling, dolphin watching, lunch, and Ile aux Cerfs into a short morning. At the same time, seven hours on a boat can feel long if someone in your group dislikes sun, sea motion, or unstructured time.

I would describe this as a better fit for people who enjoy the journey as much as the destination. If you only want a few hours on Ile aux Cerfs, a shorter boat transfer may be more suitable. If your ideal day includes conversation, swimming, food, music, and long views across the water, the duration is a strength.

The return to the same Pointe Jerome meeting point also makes the day easy to understand. Your captain handles the route while you enjoy the final stretch of sea time.

What the price means for your group

The listed cost is $1,354 per group of up to 31 people. That is not an inexpensive individual excursion, but the arithmetic changes with group size.

For 10 people, the boat works out to about $135 per person before food, drinks, and any transfer. For 20 people, it is about $68 per person. With a near-capacity group, the private charter can offer strong value compared with booking many individual seats, especially if privacy matters.

For only two or four people, the same total price is much harder to justify. You would be paying for far more capacity than you need. The private format makes the most financial sense for extended families, wedding groups, birthday groups, or friends traveling together.

You also need to budget for the optional BBQ, drinks, and possible vehicle transfers. Ask for the complete total before confirming so the final price does not surprise you.

Who will enjoy this charter most

I would recommend this outing to a group that wants a relaxed, social day on the water. Families with children can benefit from the private setting, since you are not trying to keep up with strangers or follow someone else’s schedule. One family with small children found the crew especially attentive and willing to help make the day work for them.

It also suits groups who want choices. Some people can snorkel, others can sunbathe, and everyone can meet for lunch. The captain and crew provide the structure, but the private booking gives your party room to enjoy the day in its own way.

The trip is less suitable for solo visitors, couples, or very small groups unless the price is not a concern. It is also not a good choice for anyone who cannot comfortably board a boat, move around the deck, or manage a swim stop.

English and French are available from the host or greeter. That is useful for international groups, though you should make your language preference clear when arranging the trip.

Practical packing advice for seven hours

Bring the basics, but keep everything compact. Oversize luggage and large bags are not allowed.

Pack:

• Comfortable shoes
• Sunglasses
• A sun hat
• A towel
• Sunscreen
• Swimwear
• Small personal items in a secure bag

The supplied information specifically recommends comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, a towel, and sunscreen. Pets are not allowed.

You may also want a waterproof phone pouch, but the activity details do not promise lockers or dry storage, so protect electronics carefully. If you plan to bring food or drinks, ask how much can be carried and stored before departure.

Plan for direct sun, wet equipment, and salt water. A light cover-up can make the ride home more comfortable, especially after a long day outside.

Is the Island Hopper catamaran worth booking?

Book it if you have a sizeable group and want the boat to be part of the day, not just a way to reach Ile aux Cerfs. The private setting, 45-foot catamaran, included snorkeling gear, friendly crew, and seven-hour route create a flexible outing with plenty to do.

The strongest reasons to choose it are privacy and group value. The dolphin sightings are a welcome possibility, not a guarantee, and the island itself is not private. You should also confirm the price of the BBQ and drinks, since they are extras.

For a large group that enjoys swimming, sailing, and shared meals, I think this is a very good use of a Mauritius day. For a small party or anyone seeking a quiet, low-cost island visit, look at a simpler option instead. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later terms also make it easier to hold the date while you settle your plans.

FAQ

How long is the private catamaran charter?

The experience lasts seven hours. Check the available start times when booking.

Where does the catamaran depart?

The trip starts and ends at the Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point.

Is the catamaran private?

Yes. You rent the catamaran with a captain for your own private group, with capacity for up to 31 people.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included in the charter price.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the basic package. A BBQ lunch and drinks can be arranged at an additional cost.

Can I see dolphins?

You may see dolphins in their natural habitat, but sightings depend on luck and are not guaranteed.

Is a transfer to Pointe Jerome included?

No. A private transfer can be arranged for an additional cost. Each vehicle holds a maximum of four passengers.

What languages are available?

The host or greeter speaks English and French.

Can wheelchair users join the trip?

The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.