Catamaran Trip to Ile au Cerfs with Lunch and GRSE waterfall

The best part of this outing is the mix: a waterfall visit, a snorkeling stop, a full barbecue lunch, and beach time at Ile aux Cerfs, all packed into one east-coast day. You get scenery without having to arrange several separate trips.

I like the open bar, which includes alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, and I like the friendly, lively mood created by local music and onboard entertainment. The barbecue is also more substantial than a token boat lunch, with chicken, fish, sausage, rice, salads, pasta, and potato salad reported on one departure.

The main consideration is pace and consistency. The day can involve transfers by speedboat, and one booking received a speedboat instead of the advertised catamaran. The snorkeling stop may also feel short, and the island visit shares time with the waterfall and meal.

Key points at a glance

• A full east-coast route: Visit Grand River South East waterfall, stop to snorkel, then reach Ile aux Cerfs.
• A proper barbecue onboard: Expect grilled food with several side dishes, plus drinks served through the day.
• A 45-foot catamaran setting: The boat provides open-air views, music, and a social atmosphere on the return sail.
• A short snorkeling break: You can swim and look for tropical fish and coral, but this is not a dedicated reef expedition.
• Optional hotel pickup: Pickup can be arranged if you provide your accommodation location when booking.
• Good cancellation flexibility: You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later.

Setting out from Trou D’Eau Douce

The trip begins in the Trou D’Eau Douce area on Mauritius’ east coast. At the meeting point, a representative briefs you before boarding. If you arrange pickup, the driver comes to your accommodation reception, and one booking from the Grand Baie area described Yash from Mauritius Taxi Service as friendly and clear about timing.

That detail matters because the east coast is not always a quick hop from the north or west. Pickup adds convenience, but it also means an earlier start and a longer transport day. Give your hotel or accommodation location when you book so the operator can plan the collection.

The advertised boat is a 45-foot catamaran. That gives you a broad platform for sitting in the sun, watching the coast, and moving around more easily than you could on a small vessel. Still, do not assume every departure will look identical. One booking used a speedboat to transfer onto the catamaran, and another received a speedboat instead of a catamaran and found the ride too fast.

If you are sensitive to speed or sea motion, ask about the boat arrangement before departure. The experience is designed as a relaxed sailing day, but the transport between vessels or a change in boat can alter that feel.

Grand River South East waterfall comes first

The first major stop is Grand River South East, often shortened to GRSE. The waterfall sits about 500 meters upstream, so you do not simply view it from the open sea. The excursion uses a smaller boat transfer for the trip upriver, with one account describing roughly 10 to 15 minutes on a speedboat before reaching the falls.

This short river ride adds another layer to the outing. You move from open lagoon views into a narrower river setting, where the scenery changes and monkeys may be visible. The waterfall itself is a pleasant nature stop, but keep your expectations sensible. This is a brief visit within a multi-stop cruise, not a long hike or a day spent exploring the river.

Timing can be an issue. One booking found that two hours were allowed for eating before continuing to the waterfall, and felt that one to one and a half hours would have been enough. That suggests the schedule may not always feel perfectly balanced. If you prefer constant movement, a long lunch window could drag. If you like a slower day, it gives you time to eat without rushing.

The waterfall is worth including because it breaks up the boat ride and shows a different side of Mauritius. Just remember that the trip’s appeal comes from the combination of stops, not from spending a great deal of time at any one site.

Snorkeling in the clear lagoon

After the river and waterfall visit, the boat heads into the lagoon for a swimming and snorkeling stop. The water is described as clear, with coral reefs and tropical fish visible during the break. One booking also reported seeing dolphins, though that is a lucky sighting rather than a promised part of the route.

I would treat the snorkeling as a pleasant sampler. You get a chance to cool off, look for fish, and enjoy the sea without giving up the rest of the day. But the stop is listed at about 20 minutes in one account, so it may feel brief if you want serious time in the water.

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and a camera, along with comfortable clothes and shoes. You should also notify the operator about food allergies or illness before the outing. The supplied information does not specify whether snorkeling gear is included, so ask when booking if you do not plan to bring your own equipment.

The snorkeling stop works best for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can make the most of the water, while anyone who would rather remain onboard can enjoy the views and drinks. It is less suitable if your main goal is a long, specialist snorkeling session.

Barbecue lunch with drinks on deck

Lunch is served onboard after the snorkeling stop. The meal is barbecue-style, with chicken skewers, fish, and chicken sausage reported alongside rice, pasta, salad, and potato salad. A vegetarian option is available, but you need to request it at booking time.

That is useful value at $69 per person. You are not paying only for transport to an island. The fare also covers a guided outing, the waterfall visit, the boat ride, lunch, drinks, music, and entertainment. Separate costs can add up quickly on an island day, so an all-in food and drink package makes the price easier to justify.

The open bar includes alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. Beer, wine, and soft drinks were available on one departure, and drinks flowed throughout the trip. The word open bar should not lead you to expect a specialist cocktail program. It means a selection of drinks is available onboard, which is a practical benefit in the heat.

Lunch also shapes the mood of the trip. This is a social boat outing, not a quiet private cruise. Music plays, crew members share local tales and jokes, and the boat keeps the atmosphere light. If you want a calm meal in silence, this may feel lively. If you enjoy meeting people and having a drink while looking across the lagoon, it fits well.

Ile aux Cerfs and the final beach stop

Ile aux Cerfs is the day’s main destination. The island is near Mauritius’ east coast and is known for white sand, clear water, and postcard-style beach views. Here you have time to stroll, swim, snorkel, relax in the sun, or use some of the island’s facilities and water sports.

The island stop gives the trip its classic Mauritius image, but it is also the most popular kind of stop on this route. Do not expect a private beach experience. The appeal is simple: you get time beside warm-looking water and pale sand without having to organize your own boat transfer.

The length of the stop is important. The whole outing lasts six to seven hours, and that time includes the waterfall, snorkeling, lunch, sailing, and island visit. You may have enough time for a swim and a walk, but not enough for every available activity. Choose what matters most before you arrive. If your priority is the beach, limit time at the facilities. If water sports matter more, ask the crew how much time remains.

The views are one of the strongest parts of the day. After the food and activity stops, Ile aux Cerfs gives you a chance to slow down. I like that the route does not treat the island as the only attraction. The waterfall and lagoon make the day feel more varied, while the island provides the long, easy pause.

Sailing back with music and local stories

The return to Trou D’Eau Douce is part of the experience rather than a silent transfer. The crew plays local Mauritian music and keeps people engaged with jokes and stories. The return sail can be the most relaxed stretch of the day, especially after swimming and lunch.

Crew attitude matters on a group boat. One booking described the team as friendly and able to speak several languages. English and French are listed as the main languages for the host or greeter, so basic support is available in both.

Weather can change the mood. One departure remained enjoyable despite cloudy, rainy conditions, but sunshine clearly makes the beach, boat, and water more appealing. The operator says an extreme weather event can lead to cancellation, rescheduling, or a full refund. Bring sun protection even if the morning looks dull, and keep a light rain layer in mind.

The crew’s energy also means the trip is not purely scenic. Music and jokes are part of the package. I see that as a plus for a festive holiday day, but a possible drawback for anyone hoping for a hushed, private sail.

Is $69 a fair price?

At $69, this is a strong package if you want several east-coast highlights in one booking. The cost includes the catamaran outing, Grand River South East waterfall visit, snorkeling stop, barbecue lunch, open bar, guide service, Ile aux Cerfs, music, and entertainment.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are optional rather than included in the base price. That means your final cost depends on where you are staying and which pickup arrangement you choose. For a north-coast base such as Grand Baie, pickup can save effort, but it also adds road time before and after the boat trip.

The value is strongest for couples, families, and groups who want convenience. You do not need to find lunch, book a separate river ride, or arrange a second boat to Ile aux Cerfs. The value is weaker if you want a small private boat, a long snorkeling session, or complete control over how long you spend at each stop.

The 4.1 rating from 25 bookings suggests a generally good but not flawless experience. The most praised elements are the food, friendly crew, waterfall, snorkeling, and relaxing island stop. The clearest cautions are the occasional boat change, fast speedboat rides, and uneven timing.

Who should book this outing?

I would choose this trip if you want a sociable day with plenty included. It suits you if you enjoy swimming, casual snorkeling, beach time, music, drinks, and a cooked lunch without fussing over the details.

It also works well for first-time visitors who want a broad taste of the east coast. In six to seven hours, you see a river waterfall, open lagoon, coral and fish, and Ile aux Cerfs. That is a lot of variety for one day.

Families should note that the program combines boat transfers, sun, swimming, and a social onboard setting. Comfortable clothes, shoes, towels, and sunscreen are essential. Anyone with food allergies or a medical concern should notify the operator in advance.

I would hesitate if you dislike group activities or want a slow, private cruise. The schedule may feel compressed, and the short snorkeling break will not satisfy serious underwater explorers. I would also ask about the planned boat before paying if the catamaran itself is central to your decision.

Booking details that matter

The trip lasts six to seven hours, but starting times vary, so check availability for your date. Arrive sharply at the meeting point. The instructions are clear that late arrival can mean missing the excursion.

English and French support are available. Pickup is optional, and you should provide your hotel or accommodation location when booking if you want the driver to collect you at reception.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is useful when your Mauritius plans are still shifting.

Should you book this catamaran trip?

Book it if you want a full east-coast day rather than a single beach transfer. The combination of GRSE waterfall, snorkeling, barbecue lunch, open bar, music, and Ile aux Cerfs gives you good variety at $69.

Go in with realistic expectations. The snorkeling is short, the schedule may leave more time for lunch than you need, and a speedboat transfer or boat substitution is possible based on the operating day. If those limits suit you, this is an easy, good-value way to see several of Mauritius’ popular east-coast sights in one outing.

FAQ

How long does the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran trip last?

The outing lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours. Check the available starting times for your chosen date.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the Grand River South East waterfall visit, barbecue lunch onboard, alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, a qualified guide, the Ile aux Cerfs visit, music, and entertainment.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are optional. If you want pickup, provide your hotel or accommodation location when booking. The driver will come to the reception area.

Where does the trip meet?

You meet the operator’s representative at the stated meeting location. The representative briefs you before you board the catamaran.

What languages are available?

The host or greeter can assist in English and French.

Is snorkeling part of the activity?

Yes. The boat stops in the lagoon for swimming and snorkeling, where you may see tropical fish and coral reefs.

Is lunch suitable for vegetarians?

A vegetarian option is available. Notify the operator when booking.

What should you bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, a towel, a camera, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing.

What happens in extreme bad weather?

If extreme bad weather makes the outing unsafe or impractical, it can be canceled and rescheduled for a convenient date, or you can receive a full refund.