Full-day Catamaran Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs with Lunch

The best part of this day is the mix of experiences: a speedboat ride to Grand River South East Waterfall, a slow sail along Mauritius’ east coast, warm-water snorkeling, and several hours on Ile aux Cerfs. You get more than a beach transfer, but the popular island can feel crowded.

I like the fresh BBQ lunch with beer, soft drinks, water, and local rum included, and I like that the crew provides snorkeling equipment and swim jackets. The main caution is that snorkeling time may feel brief, and conditions can be less impressive than the promise of colourful coral and abundant fish.

Key points to know before booking

• Grand River South East by speedboat: Reach the waterfall by boat, with a chance to spot fruit bats and monkeys near the river.
• A full day on the water: The outing runs from roughly 7:00 with pickup or 9:00 without pickup until about 16:00.
• Lunch is part of the deal: Expect BBQ chicken, fish, sausages, salads, fries, fruit, dessert, and free-flowing drinks.
• Snorkeling is included: Masks, snorkels, and swim jackets are supplied, though your own equipment may give you a better fit.
• Ile aux Cerfs is beautiful but busy: White sand and clear water are the draw, while crowds and commercial activity can reduce the sense of escape.
• Good value at $65: The price covers the catamaran, speedboat waterfall visit, food, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and island time.

A busy day with a good mix of sea and shore

This Ile aux Cerfs cruise works because it does not ask you to choose between a boat trip and a beach day. You get both, plus a short waterfall visit and a cooked lunch. I see it as a broad introduction to Mauritius’ southeast coast rather than a quiet private sailing trip.

The advertised schedule gives you two choices. With pickup, the day begins around 7:00. Without pickup, you start around 9:00 at the launch point in Trou d’Eau Douce and return around 16:00. Hotel pickup and drop-off can be arranged for an extra fee, so the $65 headline price is not necessarily your final cost if you need transport.

The boat is a spacious 42-foot catamaran with room to sit, eat, listen to music, and watch the coast slide past. This is a social outing, not a silent sailing lesson. The atmosphere may suit you if you like music and a friendly group setting. If you want a small, hushed boat with only a few people, this is probably the wrong fit.

No guide names are provided, but the crew handles the sailing, food, drinks, and water activities. The strongest part of the service is the crew’s reported warmth and attention once you are aboard. The weak point can be the start of the day, especially if the pier check-in is not well organized.

Trou d’Eau Douce is the launch point

The day starts at Trou d’Eau Douce, an important practical detail if you are arranging your own transport. You may be given directions to the meeting point, while pickup from your accommodation costs extra. Confirm the exact meeting time carefully, since the published information gives a 7:00 pickup schedule and a 9:00 self-arrival schedule, while one account referred to a catamaran departure around 9:15.

That small difference matters. Arrive early, bring your booking details, and allow time to find the right person at the pier. One poor start involved confusion over the passenger list and a wait of about 25 minutes in the shade of a tree. The boat crew later made up for it with good service, but a disorganized check-in can make the first part of the day needlessly tense.

The transfer to the waterfall is by speedboat rather than catamaran. That makes sense: the narrow river route is better suited to a smaller craft, and you get a more direct approach to the falls.

Grand River South East Waterfall by speedboat

Grand River South East Waterfall, often shortened to GRSE, is reached through a quieter river setting. The speedboat carries you close to the cascading water, which drops into a green and secluded-looking section of the river. It is one of the more distinctive parts of the itinerary because the waterfall is accessed from the water rather than by a standard road stop.

You may see fruit bats and monkeys near the river. Treat that as a possibility, not a promise. The visit is short, and the area can attract many boats, so do not expect a private wilderness scene. The waterfall is still a worthwhile opening act, especially if you enjoy seeing a side of the island that is different from its beaches.

After the waterfall, the speedboat returns to Trou d’Eau Douce. You then board the larger catamaran for the main coastal trip. That change of boat adds a little handling and waiting to the day, but it also lets each vessel do the job it suits best.

Sailing the east coast on a 42-foot catamaran

Once aboard the catamaran, the pace slows. This is when you can settle into a seat, feel the sea breeze, and watch the coast from the water. The boat is described as spacious and fully serviced, with drinks available throughout the trip.

The crew’s friendly approach is a major part of the experience. A good crew keeps drinks moving, helps with the snorkeling gear, prepares lunch, and maintains a relaxed mood on board. The atmosphere has also been described as warm and musical, which should appeal to families and groups who want an easygoing day rather than a formal cruise.

I would not book this expecting luxury in the private-yacht sense. The catamaran may be comfortable, but the mood is communal. Music, alcohol, and a full day on a popular route can make it lively. That is enjoyable for some people and tiring for others, especially if you prefer quiet time on the water.

Snorkeling in warm turquoise water

The catamaran stops at several snorkeling locations on the way to Ile aux Cerfs. The crew supplies masks, snorkels, and swim jackets, and you may bring your own equipment. I would seriously consider bringing your own mask if you have one. A familiar fit can make it easier to see clearly and spend your limited water time swimming rather than adjusting straps.

The water is described as warm and turquoise, with coral and tropical fish. That does not mean every stop will deliver a superb reef scene. Conditions, visibility, and the exact anchorage affect what you see. Some people have found the snorkeling disappointing, with algae and few fish at the chosen spot. Another practical complaint was that more snorkeling time would have improved the day.

So set your expectations at a pleasant swim with a chance to see fish and coral, not a major reef expedition. If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, this may not be the strongest choice in Mauritius. If you see it as one part of a bigger day, it fits well.

You should bring your own towel and sunscreen. The tropical sun is strong, and the combination of open deck, pale sand, and reflective water can catch you quickly. A swim jacket is provided, but you should still be comfortable in the water and follow the crew’s instructions.

BBQ lunch aboard the catamaran

Lunch is prepared and served aboard the catamaran near Ile aux Cerfs. The buffet includes BBQ chicken, fish, sausages, French fries, pasta salad, other salads, fruit, dessert, and vegetarian choices. That is a useful spread for a long day, especially because you do not need to leave the boat to find food on the island.

Drinks are included: water, juice, soda, beer, and local rum. This adds real value to the $65 price, though you should pace yourself. Alcohol, heat, and time on the water are not a great combination if you forget to drink water and use sunscreen.

The food receives some of the clearest praise. The grill is a highlight, and the crew creates a cheerful lunch setting with music and service. It is not a restaurant meal, and the exact selection may vary, but the menu is more substantial than a basic sandwich or boxed picnic.

Vegetarians have options through the salads and other non-meat dishes. If you have a serious allergy or a strict diet, the supplied information does not explain how special meals are handled, so ask before booking.

Free time at Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the main reason many people choose this trip. The island offers white sandy beaches, clear water, nature paths, and various water activities. You can walk, swim, sunbathe, or simply find a place to sit and let the afternoon pass.

The island is genuinely attractive. The pale sand and shallow-looking blue-green water create the classic Mauritius beach scene, and several hours here give you time to enjoy it without rushing from one short photo stop to another.

But the island is not a secluded castaway beach. It is a major day-trip destination and can become crowded. One account found it overrated and overcrowded, while another described it as beautiful. Both impressions can be true. The beach may look superb, but your enjoyment depends on how much you value quiet and personal space.

You can make the most of the stop by treating it as flexible free time rather than a guided island tour. If you want action, look into the available water activities. If you want calm, walk away from the busiest section and find a quieter stretch. The information does not specify which activities cost extra, so check before committing.

The catamaran returns you to Trou d’Eau Douce after a few hours. That final sail gives you a chance to rest, dry off, and take in the coast again before the day ends around 16:00.

What the $65 price really includes

At $65 per person, this is a strong-value day if you use most of its inclusions. You are paying for a speedboat waterfall visit, catamaran sailing, snorkeling equipment, lunch, several drinks, and beach time at Ile aux Cerfs. A separate boat trip, meal, and island transfer could easily add up to more.

The value is best for someone who wants variety. You will see more and do more than on a simple beach transfer. The price is less compelling if you only want to sit on a quiet beach or if high-quality snorkeling is your priority.

Remember the extra pickup charge. If you can reach Trou d’Eau Douce yourself, the basic price looks better. If you need transport across Mauritius, ask for the total cost before paying. Reserve now and pay later is available, and cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.

Who should book this cruise

I would recommend this outing to families, first-time visitors to Mauritius, couples who enjoy a social boat day, and anyone who wants several coastal highlights in one booking. The activities are varied enough to keep an 11-year-old interested, and the crew’s friendly manner suits a relaxed family day.

It also works for people who like a little music, food, and conversation around their sightseeing. The unlimited soft drinks and included lunch remove much of the hassle of planning a full day at sea.

I would be more cautious if you want a quiet sailing trip, a remote beach, precise departure handling, or serious snorkeling. The waterfall can feel busy, the snorkeling may be ordinary, and Ile aux Cerfs can be crowded. Bring your own mask if snorkeling matters to you, arrive early at the pier, and treat the island as a popular beauty spot rather than a private retreat.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs cruise?

Book it if you want a well-priced sampler of Mauritius’ southeast coast, with a waterfall, a catamaran, lunch, drinks, snorkeling, and beach time all packed into one day. The warm crew, good BBQ, and easy family atmosphere are the biggest strengths.

Skip it if you are seeking solitude or a dedicated reef trip. The experience is at its best when you value variety and convenience more than privacy and perfect snorkeling conditions. At $65, it offers plenty for the money, but you should arrive with realistic expectations about crowds, music, and the quality of each snorkeling stop.

FAQ

How long does the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise last?

The activity runs until about 16:00. The schedule begins around 7:00 when pickup is included, or around 9:00 if you make your own way to the starting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the stated price, but they can be arranged for an additional fee after booking.

What food is served for lunch?

Lunch includes BBQ chicken, fish, sausages, French fries, pasta salad, other salads, vegetarian options, fruit, and dessert.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Included drinks are water, juice, soft drinks, beer, and local rum.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and swim jackets are provided. You may also bring your own gear.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel and sunscreen. You may also choose to bring your own snorkeling equipment, particularly if you prefer a familiar mask and snorkel.