Luxury All-Inclusive Catamaran Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs and GRSE Waterfall

Ile aux Cerfs is the main event here: a white-sand island reached by catamaran, with turquoise water, a BBQ lunch, an open bar, and about two hours to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or try parasailing and a tube ride. The short stop at GRSE Waterfall adds a scenic river-to-sea moment before the beach time begins.

I like the easy all-inclusive setup, especially the fact that drinks, lunch, snacks, and snorkeling equipment are covered in the price. I also like the small maximum group of 25, which should feel more relaxed than a packed boat excursion.

The main trade-off is time. Six hours sounds generous, but the waterfall stop lasts only 10 minutes and the island visit about two hours, so this is a carefully timed outing rather than a slow, unstructured day at sea.

Key points to know before you book

• Two contrasting stops: See GRSE Waterfall where the river meets the Indian Ocean, then spend about two hours at Ile aux Cerfs.
• Food and drinks included: Expect BBQ lunch, snacks, bottled water, soft drinks, tea, coffee, and alcoholic beverages.
• Snorkeling gear provided: You do not need to arrange or pay extra for the included snorkeling equipment.
• Optional watersports: Parasailing and tube riding are available if you want more action than swimming and sunbathing.
• Simple start and finish: Meet at Debarcadere in Trou d’Eau Douce at 9:00 a.m. and return to the same place.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund, and free cancellation is available until 24 hours before departure.

Setting sail from Trou d’Eau Douce

Your day begins at Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs in Trou d’Eau Douce, on Mauritius’s east coast. The meeting point is also the return point, which keeps the day simple. You meet the local agent at Debarcadere for boarding, then set off at 9:00 a.m.

That fixed meeting point is useful if you are arranging your own taxi or staying nearby. Private transportation is not included, so you need to reach Trou d’Eau Douce on your own. Check the meeting details carefully before leaving, since the experience does not collect you from your hotel.

The boat carries no more than 25 people. That is a useful middle ground: large enough to give the cruise some energy, but smaller than the crowded party boats that can make boarding, eating, and finding a comfortable place to sit more awkward.

The word luxury here is best understood as convenience and comfort rather than a private yacht experience. You get a catamaran, organized stops, an open bar, lunch, and equipment without having to keep track of separate payments during the day.

GRSE Waterfall in a 10-minute stop

The first stop is Grande Riviere Sud Est, usually called GRSE Waterfall. The waterfall meets the Indian Ocean, giving you a quick view of freshwater flowing toward the coast.

This is a scenic introduction to the cruise, but keep your expectations in proportion. You have about 10 minutes here, so there is time to look, take photographs, and enjoy the setting from the boat, not time for a long walk or a relaxed visit.

I see this stop as a bonus rather than the reason to book. The real value comes from combining two very different sights in one outing. The waterfall gives you a short nature stop, while Ile aux Cerfs supplies the long beach break and water activities.

Because the stop is brief, have your camera ready and avoid treating it like a separate excursion. If you prefer a quiet morning focused only on swimming and the beach, the waterfall visit slightly reduces that time. If you enjoy variety, it makes the cruise feel more complete.

Ile aux Cerfs and two hours of beach time

After the waterfall, the catamaran continues to Ile aux Cerfs. You have about two hours on the island, enough for a swim, sunbathing, snorkeling, a coconut drink, or one of the optional watersports.

The island’s appeal is straightforward. You get pale sand, clear turquoise water, and a choice between doing very little and adding a little speed to the day. I like that the schedule does not force one type of holiday on you. You can settle into a quiet corner, swim, or book parasailing and a tube ride if you want an adrenaline rush.

The two-hour limit is the point to watch. It is long enough to relax, but you will not have unlimited time for every activity. If you plan to try parasailing or the tube ride, that will reduce your swimming and lounging time. Ask about the timing of optional activities early so you can use the island stop well.

The supplied information says you can book a transat, or sun lounger, on the island. That may suit you if comfort matters and you want a settled place for your belongings and coconut drink. Since the booking details for that lounger are not specified, ask locally about its cost and availability.

Snorkeling equipment is included, which is one of the better practical features of the outing. You do not need to pack or rent your own equipment for the included activity. Still, the length and exact setting of the snorkeling session are not specified, so think of the gear as an added option rather than a promise of a long guided snorkeling tour.

BBQ lunch, rum, beer, and coconut water

Food and drinks are built into the experience. The package includes lunch, snacks, bottled water, soda, tea, coffee, and alcoholic beverages. The cruise specifically highlights Mauritian beer, rum, and coconut water, giving the day a local flavor beyond standard soft drinks.

The BBQ lunch matters because it removes one of the usual stresses of a beach excursion. You do not need to leave the island to find food or carry a separate lunch budget. You can spend the short island stop on the water and sand rather than on meal planning.

The open bar is also part of the value, but use it sensibly. A catamaran, hot sun, swimming, and rum can make a poor combination if you forget to drink water. Bottled water and coconut water are included, so I would alternate alcoholic drinks with nonalcoholic options.

The term all-inclusive does not mean every possible island expense is covered. The listed inclusions cover food, drinks, and snorkeling equipment. Parasailing, tube riding, and a transat are mentioned as things you can book or use, but their prices are not provided, so budget for possible extras.

How the six-hour schedule feels

The entire cruise lasts about six hours. The published schedule gives 10 minutes at GRSE Waterfall and about two hours at Ile aux Cerfs, with the remaining time used for sailing, boarding, serving lunch, and moving between locations.

That structure suits you if you want a ready-made day with a clear start and finish. You can simply show up, enjoy the boat, eat, and choose your pace at the island. It is less suitable if you want to decide your route hour by hour or spend most of the day at one quiet beach.

A morning departure at 9:00 a.m. makes this a daytime activity rather than a sunset cruise. You will want to arrive ready for a full morning and afternoon on the water. The operator does not list private transportation, so allow enough time to reach Debarcadere in Trou d’Eau Douce without rushing.

The return to the same Trou d’Eau Douce meeting point is a real convenience. You are not left arranging a second pickup at another coastal location. It also makes the cruise easier to fit around a hotel stay or a rental car plan, provided you arrange your own transport to and from the port.

The value of $111.02 per person

At $111.02 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Ile aux Cerfs. The price needs to be judged as a package, not just as a boat ticket.

You are paying for a six-hour catamaran outing, the waterfall stop, island time, lunch, snacks, drinks, and snorkeling equipment. If you plan to eat lunch, have several drinks, and use the snorkeling gear, the all-inclusive format can offer solid value compared with paying separately for transport, food, and equipment.

The price is less compelling if you mainly want a short boat transfer to the island. You would be paying for the organized cruise and open bar even if you do not drink alcohol or use the included activities.

I see the strongest value for couples, families, and small groups who want a simple day with few decisions. The package also suits anyone who dislikes carrying cash for every drink or trying to arrange lunch at a busy beach stop.

Remember that private transport is not included. Add the cost of getting to Trou d’Eau Douce when comparing the total price with other Mauritius excursions.

Who will enjoy this catamaran most

This is a good fit if you want several Mauritius highlights in one half-day outing. You get a waterfall, a catamaran ride, an island beach, food, drinks, and optional watersports without planning each piece yourself.

Families and mixed-age groups may find the flexible pace useful. One person can swim, another can sunbathe, and someone else can consider parasailing or a tube ride. The maximum of 25 people also helps keep the experience from feeling too large, although the activity is still shared rather than private.

It also works well for first-time visitors who want a straightforward introduction to the east coast. You can sample the scenery and water without committing to a full-day sailing charter or a separate beach day.

I would be more cautious if you dislike fixed schedules, crowds at popular island stops, or short scenic visits. The waterfall stop is only 10 minutes, and the island time is limited. You should also think twice if your main goal is a long snorkeling session, since the outing does not state how much time is set aside for snorkeling itself.

Practical details that make the day easier

Confirmation is received at booking. The activity is open to most people, and the maximum group size is 25.

You should bring whatever personal beach items you normally need, since the supplied information confirms the included food, drinks, and snorkeling equipment but does not list towels, lockers, or personal transfers. The practical plan is to arrive at Debarcadere with your day organized and your valuables kept to a minimum.

Weather is an important part of the decision. This cruise requires good conditions, and poor weather can lead to a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, and the cutoff follows local Mauritius time.

The cruise is provided by Island Cove Mauritius. No guide names are supplied, so I would not book this expecting a named historian or specialist-led tour. The experience is centered on the boat, scenery, food, and free time rather than detailed commentary.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs cruise?

Book it if you want an easy, social half-day on the water with food and drinks already covered. The combination of GRSE Waterfall, Ile aux Cerfs, a BBQ lunch, snorkeling equipment, and optional parasailing gives you plenty to do without building the day yourself.

I would especially consider it at $111.02 if you value convenience and expect to use the included lunch, drinks, and equipment. The small group cap of 25 is another strong point, and the same-place start and finish keeps transport planning manageable.

Skip it if you want a private sailing experience, a long waterfall visit, or several uninterrupted hours on the beach. The schedule is brisk, optional watersports cost may be extra, and you must arrange your own way to Trou d’Eau Douce.

For the right kind of day, this is a well-organized Mauritius outing: scenic, sociable, and refreshingly simple. You show up at the port, choose your level of activity, eat well, and let the east-coast water do most of the work.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start and finish?

It starts and ends at Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs in Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius. The local agent meets you at Debarcadere for boarding.

What time does the cruise start?

The scheduled start time is 9:00 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately six hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. BBQ lunch and snacks are included.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The package includes alcoholic beverages, bottled water, coffee or tea, soda, and coconut water. Mauritian beer and rum are specifically provided.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The use of snorkeling equipment is included in the price.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Poor weather may also lead to a different date or a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted.