Mauritius: Ile Aux Cerfs Catamaran Tour with Lunch and Drinks

The best part of this day is the mix of easygoing sailing and active stops. You cruise from Trou d’Eau Douce to Grand River South East Waterfalls, swim and snorkel in the lagoon, then spend time on the white beaches of Ile Aux Cerfs with a barbecue lunch and open bar.

I like the small stated group size of 20 and the crew’s role in keeping the boat lively with Mauritian music, local tales, jokes, and drinks. I also like the simple value: at $70 per person, the price covers a full nine-hour outing, lunch, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

The main consideration is the long day. You start at 8:30 a.m. and return around 4 p.m., with several stops packed into one outing. Weather can also change the plan, and optional activities such as parasailing may depend on the package you book.

Key points to know before booking

• The day begins at Trou d’Eau Douce: Arrive by 8:30 a.m. for a 9 a.m. departure from Mauritius’s east coast.
• Grand River South East comes first: The waterfall stop includes river scenery, ancient trees, monkeys, and fruit bats.
• Snorkeling is part of the central lagoon stop: You may see coral, colorful fish, and possibly sea turtles, with swimming breaks built into the day.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Expect a barbecue meal plus a full open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.
• Ile Aux Cerfs gives you free time: Walk, swim, snorkel, or relax on the sand after the boat activities.
• The group is capped at 20 people: That should feel more personal than the larger catamarans seen around the coast, though the exact boat atmosphere can still vary.

Setting out from Trou d’Eau Douce at 9 a.m.

Your morning starts at Trou d’Eau Douce, a departure point on the east coast of Mauritius. The meeting time is 8:30 a.m., and the catamaran leaves at 9 a.m., so you should allow enough time to reach the harbor, get organized, and board without rushing.

Pickup is offered, but the supplied details still identify Trou d’Eau Douce as the start point. Check the pickup arrangement carefully when booking, especially if you are staying away from the east coast. The activity ends back at the same meeting point around 4 p.m.

The catamaran cruise is meant to feel social rather than formal. The crew plays local Mauritian music, tells local stories, and keeps the mood light with jokes. That can make a real difference on a nine-hour boat day. You are not simply being carried from one stop to another, you are spending most of the day in the company of the crew and the other people aboard.

The maximum group size is 20. That is a useful detail for anyone who dislikes packed boats. It does not guarantee a quiet trip, since music and an open bar create a lively setting, but it should provide more room and easier access to the crew than a very large excursion.

Grand River South East Waterfalls before the beach

The first major stop is Grand River South East Waterfalls, about 500 meters upstream from the river entrance. The boat heads into the river, where tall old trees line the banks and the scenery feels different from the open lagoon.

You might see monkeys moving through the trees and Mauritian fruit bats resting high above the water. The description also says you may feed the monkeys. If you take part, follow the crew’s instructions and keep your distance. Wildlife encounters can be interesting, but they are not guaranteed, and the animals should not become the entire point of the stop.

The waterfall visit lasts about 30 minutes. That is enough time to see the setting and take photographs, but it is not a long nature walk or a full forest excursion. I see this as a good early stop because it breaks up the sailing before the main beach portion of the day.

The scenery here is more about the river, trees, and falls than swimming. If waterfalls are your main reason for booking, keep your expectations measured. The attraction is a short boat visit rather than a dedicated waterfall tour.

Snorkeling and swimming in the east coast lagoon

After the waterfall, the catamaran heads through clear lagoon water toward Ile Aux Cerfs. The itinerary includes several snorkeling stops and swimming breaks, with coral reefs and tropical fish as the main draw.

The marine life described for the lagoon includes brightly colored fish and the possibility of seeing sea turtles. You may also find coral formations beneath the boat. Conditions in the water can change with weather and visibility, so the underwater experience is naturally less predictable than the schedule itself.

This is one of the most useful parts of the trip for anyone who wants more than a beach day. You can cool off in the water, look below the surface, then return to the boat for food and drinks. The format is casual, so you do not need to commit to an all-day snorkeling program.

At the same time, the supplied information does not specify equipment details. It is sensible to confirm what snorkeling gear is provided before departure. The same applies to changing facilities and the exact location of each stop, since those details are not stated.

The central water section lasts roughly four hours in the schedule, although that time includes the broader Ile Aux Cerfs portion and lunch. That makes this the heart of the excursion. If you prefer a tightly timed sightseeing trip with constant commentary, the relaxed rhythm may feel slow. If you like mixing swimming, food, music, and scenery, it is a strong fit.

Barbecue lunch and a full open bar

Lunch is a barbecue served either on the beach or on the catamaran. The meal is included in the $70 price, along with a full open bar offering alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

That inclusion gives the tour much of its value. A nine-hour outing can become expensive once you add lunch, drinks, transport, and separate boat activities. Here, the core day is bundled together, so you can spend less time managing costs once you are aboard.

The word unlimited appears in the tour details for the food and alcoholic drinks, while the later description confirms full open bar service for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Since the exact menu is not provided, do not book this expecting a particular dish or a specialized meal. You should ask the provider about dietary needs if that matters to you.

The social side of lunch is important, too. Food is served during a day built around music and conversation, not in a restaurant with a fixed table setting. Some people will love that informal feel. Others may prefer a quieter meal, especially if they are traveling with young children or do not drink.

The open bar does not mean you need to drink. Non-alcoholic options are included, and the real value is having refreshments available throughout a hot day on the water. Pace yourself, use sun protection, and keep drinking water in mind even when other drinks are flowing.

Reaching Ile Aux Cerfs and finding your own pace

Ile Aux Cerfs is the main destination, with palm trees, white sand, and clear turquoise water. The island is set near Mauritius’s east coast and gives you room to choose how active you want the afternoon to be.

You can stroll along the beach, swim, snorkel, or simply sit on the sand. This flexibility is a major strength. A couple who wants a quiet afternoon can separate from the group for a while, while active participants can look into the optional water activities.

The island stop is scheduled for about two hours. That sounds generous, but it goes quickly if you want to swim, take photographs, eat, and try an extra activity. You should not expect to explore every corner of the island in that time.

The beach can also feel more developed than the river stop, since the description refers to facilities and a range of activities. That is helpful if you want comfort and choice, but less appealing if you are searching for an empty stretch of sand. The tour works best when you see Ile Aux Cerfs as a scenic recreation stop rather than a remote island escape.

Optional activities and what to clarify

Depending on the package, you may be entitled to parasailing, undersea walking, or tube riding at Ile Aux Cerfs. These activities are presented as optional, but the supplied information does not say which one is included in the $70 rate or whether any require an additional payment.

That point matters. If parasailing is your main goal, confirm the package details before you pay. The same advice applies to undersea walking and tube riding. The core tour includes sailing, the waterfall stop, snorkeling and swimming breaks, lunch, drinks, and time on Ile Aux Cerfs. The extras may vary.

Parasailing offers a higher view over the coast and lagoon. Undersea walking is aimed at seeing the underwater world without a conventional snorkeling session. Tube riding is the more playful choice. None of these options should be treated as guaranteed until the provider confirms your package.

You also need to fit any extra activity into the island schedule. Two hours is enough for some combination of beach time and one organized activity, but it may not be enough for everything. Decide in advance what matters most to you.

How the $70 price works in real terms

At $70 per person, this tour is priced as a full-day bundle rather than a simple boat transfer. You receive roughly nine hours of activity, a waterfall visit, snorkeling and swimming stops, a barbecue lunch, beach time, and open bar service.

I consider that good value for people who want a ready-made day on the east coast. The included lunch and drinks reduce the small expenses that can otherwise pile up. The stated limit of 20 people also adds value for anyone comparing this with a crowded catamaran.

The price is less compelling if you only want a short sail or several quiet hours on the beach. You are paying for the full program, and the day begins early. It also may not be the right choice if you do not care about group entertainment, organized stops, or the open bar.

The optional activities are the biggest price question. Because the package terms are not fully stated, confirm them before booking. That one check can prevent disappointment and help you compare this tour fairly with other Ile Aux Cerfs excursions.

Who will enjoy this catamaran day most

I would recommend this outing to couples, friends, and families who want a full day with several kinds of scenery. You get a river, waterfall, coral lagoon, beach, barbecue, music, and a return sail without arranging separate bookings.

It should also suit you if you like a friendly crew and a social boat. The atmosphere is not designed to be silent or luxurious. Music, stories, jokes, and drinks are part of the appeal.

You may want another option if you prefer a private charter, a small quiet boat, or a specialist snorkeling trip. The group cap is 20, but this remains a shared excursion. You should also think twice if a nine-hour schedule feels too long or if you want firm control over every minute.

Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. The tour is near public transportation, but the start point remains Trou d’Eau Douce, and pickup details should be confirmed for your accommodation.

Weather, timing, and cancellation advice

This is a weather-dependent boat trip. If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off follows local Mauritius time.

That policy is worth remembering because the day depends on sea conditions. If the forecast looks uncertain, make your decision before the 24-hour deadline. Waiting until the morning of the tour could leave you without a refund if the trip is still scheduled to run.

Should you book the Ile Aux Cerfs catamaran tour?

Book it if you want a social, all-day east coast outing with food, drinks, swimming, snorkeling, and beach time in one package. The crew-led atmosphere, 20-person limit, waterfall visit, and open bar make it a practical choice at $70.

Skip it if you want a private experience, a quiet boat, or a dedicated underwater tour. Before booking, ask exactly which optional activities are included, what snorkeling equipment is supplied, and how pickup from your accommodation works. If those details match your plans, this is a well-rounded way to see Ile Aux Cerfs without arranging the day piece by piece.

FAQ

Where does the Ile Aux Cerfs catamaran tour start?

The tour starts at Trou d’Eau Douce on the east coast of Mauritius. The meeting time is 8:30 a.m., and the catamaran departs at 9 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately nine hours. The return to Trou d’Eau Douce is scheduled for around 4 p.m.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is offered, but the stated meeting point is Trou d’Eau Douce. Confirm the pickup details for your accommodation when booking.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A barbecue lunch is included and may be served on the beach or on the catamaran.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The experience includes full open bar service with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Does the tour include snorkeling?

Yes. The day includes snorkeling and swimming stops in the lagoon. The tour details do not specify the snorkeling equipment arrangements.

What can you see at Grand River South East Waterfalls?

The stop includes the waterfall area about 500 meters upstream, tall old trees, monkeys, and Mauritian fruit bats. The visit lasts about 30 minutes.

Are parasailing and other water activities included?

Depending on your package, you may be entitled to parasailing, undersea walking, and tube riding. Confirm which activities are included before booking, since the package details are not fully specified.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes within 24 hours are not refunded, and poor-weather cancellations offer either a different date or a full refund.