Catamaran cruise to Ile aux cerfs with bbq lunch

The best part of this Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise is the changing scenery. You glide from Trou d’Eau Douce past the GRSE waterfalls, stop to snorkel in clear lagoon water, eat a barbecue lunch aboard, then reach the famous island by boat. I like the mix of swimming, scenery, food, and unhurried deck time. I also like that drinks and snorkeling equipment are included, which keeps the $63.35 price easy to understand.

The main thing to watch is the schedule. The advertised departure is 9:30 AM and the return is around 4 PM, but a late start or an optional paid activity can shorten your time on Ile aux Cerfs. If the island is your main goal, confirm the morning departure and ask how long the beach stop will last.

Key points at a glance

• GRSE waterfalls first: Begin with green river scenery near the Grand River South East falls, where monkeys and bats may be seen.
• Snorkeling gear included: Stop in a clear-water lagoon spot before lunch, with equipment supplied.
• BBQ and drinks aboard: Lunch includes grilled food, while alcoholic drinks, soda, and bottled water are part of the package.
• Music sets the mood: A singer and guitarist have accompanied lunch, adding a lively touch to the middle of the day.
• Small-group feel: The boat carries no more than 30 people, though the exact atmosphere depends on the day.
• No hotel transport: You need to reach the Tino Boats meeting point in Trou d’Eau Douce unless you arrange a separate transfer.

A full day on the water from Trou d’Eau Douce

This is a six-hour outing built around the east coast of Mauritius. You meet at Tino Boats, on Route Royale in Trou d’Eau Douce, and the boat returns to the same point at the end of the afternoon.

I like this departure point because the cruise gets you onto the water quickly. There is no long road transfer included, and that means more of your paid time goes toward the boat trip itself. It also means you must plan your own way to the harbor. The meeting point and ticket redemption point are listed as Chez Tino, B59, Trou d’Eau Douce, so check your booking details carefully before setting off.

The stated departure is 9:30 AM, with a return around 4 PM. In practice, timing may not be perfectly rigid. One day began about an hour late, apparently because additional people joined after the planned departure time. That matters here because the cruise has several stops. A delayed start can reduce beach time, so arrive early and ask the crew about the running order.

The group limit is 30 people. That is small enough to keep the boat from feeling like a large party vessel, but it is not a private cruise. You should expect to share the deck, snorkeling area, lunch service, and beach schedule with other people.

The GRSE waterfalls make a scenic opening

The first stop is near the GRSE waterfalls, the falls of the Grand River South East. The catamaran takes you toward the mouth of the river, where the setting changes from open lagoon to green river surroundings.

The appeal here is the view from the water. You get a look at scenery that is difficult to appreciate from a road, and the boat gives you a comfortable way to reach the falls. The surrounding greenery is the main attraction rather than a long walking visit. If you are lucky, monkeys may appear near the river. Bats have also been seen in this area.

This is a good early stop because it gives the day some variety. You are not simply sailing straight to a beach. You start with river views, keep an eye out for wildlife, and then head back into the lagoon for swimming.

Do not expect a long wildlife encounter or a formal nature walk. Animal sightings are possible, not promised. Keep your camera ready, but enjoy the setting even if the monkeys stay out of sight.

Clear lagoon water and a relaxed snorkeling stop

After the waterfall visit, the catamaran heads to a snorkeling spot. The water is described as clear and rich with marine life, and snorkeling equipment is included in the price.

This is one of the strongest practical features of the trip. You do not need to pack your own mask and snorkel, and you can choose how active you want to be. You can swim and look for marine life, stay on the boat, or simply enjoy the lagoon views from the deck.

I would bring your own towel, sun protection, and any personal swimming gear you prefer. The supplied equipment is useful, but comfort and fit can vary when gear is shared. The details do not specify the exact snorkeling location or the species you might see, so treat this as a pleasant lagoon stop rather than a specialist marine excursion.

The water is a major part of the day’s appeal. Several parts of the outing let you appreciate Mauritius from sea level, and the catamaran gives you room to sit in the sun or shade while others swim. That flexibility works well for mixed groups, especially when some people want to snorkel and others would rather stay dry.

BBQ lunch, drinks, and music on the catamaran

Lunch follows the snorkeling stop. It is served aboard the catamaran and is described as a barbecue, with grilled meat and fish noted as part of the meal. The exact menu is not specified, so anyone with dietary restrictions should ask Tino Boats before booking.

The food has received particularly strong praise, and the quantity appears generous. Alcoholic drinks, soda, and bottled water are included as well. This is important when judging the price. At $63.35 per person, you are not paying only for transport to Ile aux Cerfs. You are also covering lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and a full day on the water.

A singer and guitarist have accompanied lunch, and music is a regular part of the atmosphere. The mood sounds more social and upbeat than quiet and formal. That is a plus if you enjoy a lively boat ride, though anyone hoping for a silent, private sail should set expectations differently.

The crew’s service is another strong point. They have been described as friendly, attentive, and quick to keep drinks flowing. Names given for crew members include Tomi, Lori, and Adrienne, though spellings may vary. This personal service helps the lunch period feel like the center of the day rather than a quick meal between stops.

There is one sensible caution with an all-inclusive drink package: pace yourself. You still have swimming, sun, and an afternoon on the island ahead. Bottled water is included, so make use of it.

Ile aux Cerfs, beautiful beaches with limited time

After lunch, the boat heads to Ile aux Cerfs. This is the main postcard stop, with bright water and broad sandy beaches. You can swim, walk along the shore, sit in the sun, or simply take in the view.

The island is easy to enjoy without a fixed activity. That freedom is useful after a morning of swimming and a social lunch. If you want a quiet break, find a place on the beach and slow down. If you want to stretch your legs, walk along the shore and explore at your own pace.

The drawback is that beach time can vary. The planned visit may be around two hours, but one reported schedule allowed only about an hour because of a late start and an optional paid activity. The boat may also reverse the order of stops to fit what people choose to do.

Ask two questions before leaving the harbor:

• How long will we have on Ile aux Cerfs today?
• Are any paid activities being added to the schedule?

That simple check helps you decide how to use your time. If you want photographs and a swim, an hour may be enough. If you hope to explore the island at length, a shorter stop may feel rushed.

It is also worth knowing what Ile aux Cerfs is, and what it is not. It is a scenic beach destination, not necessarily a place packed with cultural sights or major walking routes. I would book this cruise for the combination of sea, food, and beach rather than for a full island tour. If you need constant activity, the island itself may feel limited after the initial beauty wears off.

Why the catamaran format works well

A catamaran gives you several ways to spend the day. You can sit on the deck and watch the coast, move into the water at the snorkeling stop, eat without leaving the boat, and then finish on a beach.

That range is the reason I find this format good value for couples, families, and groups with different interests. You do not need to commit to snorkeling or a paid water activity to enjoy the cruise. The basic package already includes enough to fill the day.

The boat also reaches coastal views that you cannot get from land. You see the falls from the river mouth, cross the lagoon, and approach Ile aux Cerfs from the water. Those transitions make the trip feel like more than a simple ferry ride.

The group size of up to 30 people keeps it personal enough for crew interaction, but you should not expect a secluded sail. Music, shared lunch, and included drinks create a friendly social setting. For some people, that is exactly the point. For others, it may be busier than a private charter.

Price, transport, and practical planning

At $63.35 per person, the package offers solid value if you want a complete day rather than a bare boat transfer. Lunch, snorkeling equipment, alcoholic beverages, soda, and bottled water are included. Those extras can add up quickly if purchased separately.

Private transportation and hotel pickup are not included. You need to reach Trou d’Eau Douce yourself, or arrange a taxi or transfer. Some people have organized a separate pickup through the company, and this may be cheaper than arranging a taxi independently, but the transfer is an extra service rather than part of the listed tour.

The ticket information gives opening hours from 9 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Sunday. Since the boat is scheduled for a morning departure, I would arrive before 9:30 AM rather than cutting it close. Bring your booking confirmation, which is issued at the time of booking.

The cruise requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. The standard cancellation terms allow a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. A cancellation or change inside that 24-hour window is not accepted for a refund.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want several classic Mauritius experiences in one day: a catamaran ride, river falls, snorkeling, a barbecue, drinks, music, and Ile aux Cerfs beaches.

It suits people who like a flexible schedule. You can take part in the active stops or spend more time sitting on deck. It also works well for couples and families who want food and drinks handled in advance.

You may want another option if your top priority is a long, quiet visit to Ile aux Cerfs. Delays and schedule changes can cut the beach stop short. You may also prefer a private boat if you dislike shared lunches and onboard music.

Most people can participate, and the activity is near public transportation. The available details do not give specific information about wheelchair access, child pricing, or dietary menus, so ask the operator about those points before paying.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise?

Yes, if you value variety and included extras. The strongest reasons to book are the friendly crew, good barbecue, steady supply of drinks, snorkeling stop, and the chance to see the east coast from the water. The current rating of 4.7 from 121 ratings, with 91 percent recommending the experience, fits that picture.

Book with realistic expectations about the island. Ile aux Cerfs is beautiful, but the beach stop may be shorter than planned, and the island itself may not offer much beyond beaches and sea views. Confirm the start time, ask about the expected beach duration, and arrange transport to Trou d’Eau Douce.

For a reasonably priced, social day on the water, Tino Boats offers a well-rounded choice. If you want a private charter or several leisurely hours on the island, keep looking.

FAQ

How long does the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately six hours. It is scheduled to depart around 9:30 AM and return to the meeting point around 4 PM.

Where does the cruise depart?

The cruise departs from Tino Boats on Route Royale in Le Maho, Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius. The ticket redemption point is Chez Tino, B59, Trou d’Eau Douce.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Private transportation and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to make your own way to the meeting point or arrange a separate transfer.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is included, with grilled meat and fish noted as part of the food served. The exact menu is not specified.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The package includes alcoholic beverages, soda or pop, and bottled water.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The activity has a maximum group size of 30 people.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If poor weather causes the activity to be canceled, you will be offered 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 scheduled start time.