Exclusive Private Catamaran to Ile Aux Cerfs with Lunch

The best part of this private cruise is the mix of open-water sailing and easy island time. You move from Pointe Jerome through the clear southeastern lagoon, stop to snorkel, look up the Grand River Sud Est, eat lunch on deck, then land on the famous white sands of Ile aux Cerfs.

I like the private group setup, especially for a family or a group of friends that wants one boat and no strangers at the table. I also like the generous food and drink plan: a light breakfast, BBQ lunch, beer, rum, cocktails, and soft drinks are included.

The main caution is the level of polish. A recent booking assessment found the boat interior less than clean, with no coffee or tea and no simple dessert after lunch. The crew is described as welcoming but not especially energetic, so this suits you best if the sea, scenery, and private space matter more than slick service.

Key things to know before booking

• The boat is a private 42-foot catamaran: Your group can include up to 10 people, giving you more room and privacy than a standard shared cruise.
• The day begins at Pointe Jerome at 9:00: Plan to reach the southeastern embarkation jetty on time, since hotel pickup and drop-off cost extra.
• Snorkeling takes place around 11:00: Equipment is included, and the stop is inside Mauritius’s largest lagoon.
• The Grand River Sud Est stop is mainly scenic: You cruise toward the river mouth to see the waterfall from afar, along with monkeys and a giant bat colony.
• Ile aux Cerfs is the main beach stop: You get time on its white sand bank after lunch and the cruise through the canal near Anahita.
• The price works best for a full group: At $1,001 per group, the cost is about $100 per person with 10 people, but much higher for a smaller party.

Setting out from Pointe Jerome at 9:00

Your day starts at Pointe Jerome Embarkation Jetty in southeastern Mauritius. A representative meets you there in uniform with a One Island Cruiser badge, so you should be able to identify the correct person without much fuss.

The scheduled cruise lasts seven hours. Departure is at 9:00, with an expected return to your hotel around 16:15, depending on tide and wind. That timing gives you a full morning and afternoon on the water, but you should not book a tight evening plan. The sea decides the clock here.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You can arrange them for an extra charge, or make your own way to the jetty. Since the meeting point is specific, check your transport plan before booking rather than assuming the cruise price covers the whole outing.

Once aboard, you receive a light breakfast. It is a useful start, but do not expect a full hotel-style meal. The open bar is available from the start, with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks served during the day.

Sailing the southeastern lagoon

The first stretch is about the water itself. Mauritius is at its best from a boat, when you can see the shifting shades of the lagoon and the coast without traffic or buildings in front of you.

The catamaran has comfortable trampolines for sunbathing and resting. These are the forward nets stretched above the water, and they are likely to be the favorite seats for anyone who wants a breeze and a clear view. Bring sunscreen and sunglasses, since there is little reason to stay indoors on a sunny day.

This is a private cruise, but private does not mean silent or formal. The crew may share local tales and jokes, and Mauritian sega music is part of the atmosphere. That local music adds more character than a generic playlist, though the quality of the day will depend partly on how engaged the crew feels.

A useful expectation check: this is not presented as a serious sailing lesson. The appeal is the ride, the swimming, the food, and the stops. If you want technical sailing instruction, this is not the right product.

Snorkeling around 11:00

At about 11:00, the catamaran stops for snorkeling inside the island’s largest lagoon. Equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask or fins.

The stop gives you a chance to swim among corals and brightly colored tropical fish. It is one of the stronger parts of the schedule because it breaks up the sailing and lets you see the lagoon from below, not just from the deck.

Conditions in the water can change with wind, tide, and weather. The operator does not promise a specific number of fish or a certain visibility level, so think of this as a pleasant marine-life stop rather than a specialist snorkeling expedition.

You should bring a towel, a change of clothes, and spare clothing. These are not minor packing suggestions. After snorkeling, you will continue sailing and eat lunch onboard, so dry clothes can make the second half of the day far more comfortable.

Grand River Sud Est and the waterfall view

After snorkeling, the catamaran follows the east coast toward the mouth of Grande Riviere Sud Est. The route includes views of the waterfall from a distance, plus the chance to see monkeys along the riverbank and a giant bat colony.

This section is scenic rather than an active shore visit. You are not promised a walk to the waterfall or a close approach, so keep your expectations in the right place. The value is seeing a different side of the coast and river mouth while staying aboard the catamaran.

The monkeys and bats add a bit of wildlife interest to the cruise. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the route gives you a reason to keep your camera ready. Bring a camera or phone in a waterproof pouch if possible, since you will be near spray and wet swimmers.

The river stop also adds useful variety. Without it, the day would be mostly open water, snorkeling, lunch, and beach. Here, the scenery shifts from lagoon to coast to river, which helps the seven-hour schedule feel less repetitive.

BBQ lunch with beer, rum, and cocktails

Lunch is served onboard after the river section. The crew prepares a BBQ, and the included drinks cover beer, rum, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options.

For a private day charter, having lunch and drinks included is a real convenience. You do not need to leave the boat looking for food, and the meal is part of the social rhythm of the day. The crew prepares the BBQ, which gives the meal a more personal feel than a packed lunch handed over in a box.

Vegetarian food is available, but you must advise the operator when booking. The same applies to food allergies or illness. Do not wait until lunch, since the chef needs notice to cater properly.

There are limits to the meal offering. Lobster lunch costs extra, and dessert is not included. One recent assessment specifically noted the absence of coffee, tea, and a basic dessert such as fruit or ice cream. If those small finishing touches matter to you, bring your own preferred snack if allowed, or ask about the arrangements before departure.

The open bar can add value, but it also changes the feel of the day. You can enjoy a cocktail or rum while sailing, yet you should pace yourself because snorkeling, sun, and alcohol are a poor combination. Water and non-alcoholic drinks are included, so use them.

Arriving at Ile aux Cerfs

After lunch, the catamaran cruises through the canal between Ile aux Cerfs and the Anahita sanctuary. You are then dropped at the famous white sand bank of Ile aux Cerfs.

This is the visual centerpiece of the outing. The beach has the postcard look people associate with Mauritius: pale sand, clear water, and open sky. You get time to leave the boat, stretch your legs, swim, and relax on the beach before returning to the catamaran.

Ile aux Cerfs is also the point where a private cruise can feel especially worthwhile. You are not confined to the boat all day, and you have a proper beach stop rather than a quick photo pause. Still, the supplied details do not specify exactly how long you remain ashore, so the beach time may shift with tide and wind.

Parasailing and tube riding are available at an additional charge. These activities are not included in the $1,001 rate. If your group wants them, budget separately rather than treating them as part of the cruise package.

The sand bank is beautiful, but it is not a secret corner of Mauritius. Its fame is part of the appeal and part of the trade-off. You come for the classic beach view, not for a remote-island feeling.

The return sail and crew atmosphere

After time on Ile aux Cerfs, you reboard and sail back to the jetty. The expected return to your hotel is around 16:15, but wind and tide can change the arrival time.

The crew may keep the ride lively with Mauritian sega music, jokes, and local stories. This is where the private format can work well. Your own group can settle into its preferred mood, from quiet sunbathing to music and conversation.

Service is the less certain part of the experience. One recent assessment described the staff as only moderately welcoming and not especially motivated to make the day feel special. I would not book this cruise mainly for polished hospitality or a highly directed tour. Book it for the route and the private boat, then treat the crew entertainment as a bonus.

The boat’s condition also deserves attention. The same assessment found the interior not very clean. Most of the day is likely to take place outside, but this detail matters if you care about spotless fittings and spend time below deck.

What $1,001 is really buying

The price is $1,001 per group of up to 10 people. With a full group, that comes to about $100 per person. For a seven-hour private catamaran with breakfast, snorkeling equipment, BBQ lunch, drinks, beach time, and the river route, that can be fair value.

The calculation changes quickly with a small group. Four people would pay about $250 each, while two people would pay about $500 each. The private format is therefore the central value proposition. If you can fill most of the 10 available places, the price looks much more attractive.

You are also paying for flexibility and privacy. Your group does not have to share the boat with a large crowd, and you have access to the trampolines, open deck, snorkeling stop, and beach visit as part of one planned day.

Several extras sit outside the main price:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Lobster lunch
• Parasailing
• Tube riding

That does not make the base package poor value, but it means you should add up the real cost before booking. A full group that wants a standard lunch and a relaxed beach day may find the package sensible. A couple wanting luxury service, lobster, and water sports could spend considerably more.

What to pack for a smoother day

Pack lightly, but do not forget the basics. You should bring:

• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Towel
• Camera
• Change of clothes
• Spare dry clothing

The operator specifically asks you to bring your own towels. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, but your personal towel and dry clothes are not.

Tell the operator about vegetarian needs, food allergies, or illness at the time of booking. This is especially important because lunch is cooked onboard and the chef needs advance notice.

The cancellation terms are fairly flexible. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold the booking without paying immediately. If a cyclone or torrential rainfall alert makes the operator cancel, a full refund is provided.

English and French are supported. That makes the cruise practical for both English-speaking and French-speaking groups, although no individual guide names are provided.

Who will enjoy this private catamaran most

I would recommend this cruise to a group of friends, a family, or a small celebration party that can share the cost. It suits people who want a full day combining sailing, swimming, food, music, and a famous beach without arranging each piece separately.

It is also a good fit if you prefer a private boat to a crowded shared excursion. The maximum group size of 10 gives you room to spread out, and the onboard lunch saves you from having to organize a restaurant stop.

Families should note the mix of activities. There is snorkeling, swimming, beach time, and optional paid water sports, but the schedule is still a long seven-hour day under the sun. Bring dry clothes, sunscreen, and plenty of non-alcoholic drinks from the included selection.

I would be more cautious about booking it for a luxury-minded couple or anyone expecting hotel-level service. The boat interior has received a cleanliness complaint, and the service may feel functional rather than warm and polished. The price is also hard to justify for only two people unless privacy is your top priority.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran?

Book it if you can fill much of the 10-person group and your priorities are private space, clear water, snorkeling, and a classic Mauritius beach. The route gives you a satisfying amount of variety, and the included BBQ and drinks keep the day simple.

Think twice if you want immaculate facilities, a dessert and coffee service, or a highly animated crew. Ask about food arrangements, pickup, and any paid water sports before you commit.

My practical verdict: this is a scenic private boat day with solid inclusions, but not a luxury charter. The value is strongest for a full group that wants to enjoy Mauritius from the water and is willing to overlook a few rough edges in service and presentation.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart?

It departs from Pointe Jerome Embarkation Jetty at Pointe Jerome in the southeast of Mauritius.

What time does the cruise start?

The scheduled departure time is 9:00.

When should I expect to return?

The expected arrival back at your hotel is around 16:15, although tide and wind can affect the timing.

How many people can join the private catamaran?

The private group can include up to 10 people.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The cruise includes a snorkeling stop and snorkeling equipment.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is included, along with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Lobster lunch costs extra.

Are vegetarian meals available?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available, but you must advise the operator when booking. You should also report food allergies or illness in advance.

Are hotel transfers and water sports included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off cost extra. Parasailing and tube riding are also additional-cost activities.