Full-Day Catamaran Cruise to Île aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch

The best part of this day is the journey itself. You sail through the warm waters off Mauritius, stop to swim and snorkel, watch for dolphins, eat lunch on board, and finish with music on the way back. The catamaran ride is the main event, while Île aux Cerfs is the sunny finale.

I like the friendly, attentive crew, with Rudi, Rowan, Scott, and Miguel all singled out for helpful service. I also like the simple value: BBQ lunch, snacks, tea and coffee, snorkeling gear, and unlimited beer, wine, rum, and soft drinks are included. The main caution is that the island stop can feel crowded and basic, and the snorkeling may not deliver colorful fish every day.

Key things to know before booking

• The cruise begins at 9:00 am from Pointe Jerome, not from Chamarel, so check your route carefully.
• Snorkeling comes before Île aux Cerfs, with time to swim, sunbathe, and look for dolphins.
• About two hours are set aside for the island, including beach time and optional paid activities such as parasailing.
• Lunch and drinks are included, with a BBQ buffet, pineapple, tea, coffee, local beer, wine, Mauritian rum, and soft drinks.
• The group is limited to 31 people, giving the outing a more personal feel than a large sightseeing boat.
• You must return on time from the island, since tide conditions can affect when the catamaran leaves.

The real appeal is the seven-hour sailing day

This is not a quick ferry ride to Île aux Cerfs. It is a full day built around being on the water.

The catamaran leaves Pointe Jerome at 9:00 am, giving you several hours to enjoy the coast, lagoon, food, music, and swimming. The pace is relaxed rather than packed with nonstop stops. You can sit in the sun, listen to Mauritian sega music, chat with the crew, or simply watch Mauritius slide by.

That makes this a good choice if you want a pleasant day at sea without organizing each detail yourself. You do not need to arrange a separate lunch, rent snorkeling gear, or search for a bar every time you want a drink.

The boat carries a maximum of 31 people. That is still a social group, but it is a more manageable size than a large party boat. The crew can keep an eye on the group, help with swimming, and keep drinks moving without the outing feeling like a mass excursion.

The atmosphere can be lively. Music plays during the cruise, and the return journey includes Mauritian sega, a local style of music closely tied to island life. This is not a silent nature cruise. If you want a quiet boat with no music and very little social energy, choose carefully.

Leaving from Pointe Jerome at 9:00 am

The meeting point is HPGF+496 Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point at Pointe d’Esny. The cruise ends back at the same place.

This detail matters because the experience is listed under Chamarel, but the actual departure point is on the southeast coast. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. If you are staying elsewhere on Mauritius, you need to arrange your own transport and allow enough time to reach the dock.

Free parking is available at the embarkation point if you are driving. The location is also near public transportation, although you should still plan the final part of your journey carefully. A late arrival can create real problems because the boat leaves at a fixed time.

One useful detail from the supplied experiences is that arriving early can be pleasant. One passenger reached the dock before the crew and watched the sunrise. That is not part of the formal tour schedule, but it shows why leaving extra time is sensible, especially if you are coming from another part of the island.

Bring your mobile ticket and keep the meeting instructions handy. Confirmation is provided at booking.

Snorkeling in the lagoon before the island

The swimming and snorkeling stop comes before Île aux Cerfs. You can use the provided snorkeling equipment, enter the water, or stay on board and sunbathe.

The lagoon is one of the strongest parts of the day. You get clear views across the shallow water, a chance to cool off, and a break from sitting on the boat. Several people found the snorkeling time especially enjoyable, and the stop is described as beautiful when conditions are good.

Still, keep your expectations sensible. Marine life changes with weather, water conditions, and the exact anchoring spot. One unhappy account found few colorful fish. That does not make the stop worthless, but it means you should not book this as a specialist reef excursion.

Think of it as a pleasant island swim with snorkeling added. You may see fish and enjoy good visibility, but the experience is not promising a dramatic underwater show.

The crew can assist with swimming, and the equipment is included. You should still be comfortable following instructions and getting in and out of the water from a boat. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Watching for dolphins on the open water

Dolphin spotting is another appealing part of the day, but it is never guaranteed. The captain may adjust the route or turn the catamaran when dolphins are seen, and several people described this as a thrilling surprise.

I would treat dolphins as a bonus rather than the reason to pay for the cruise. You are buying a day on the water, not a wildlife guarantee. Keep your eyes on the sea during the open-water sections, especially if the crew points out activity nearby.

The possibility adds a little excitement to an otherwise easygoing cruise. You might be sitting with a drink, listening to music, when the boat changes direction and everyone starts looking toward the water.

BBQ lunch, pineapple, and a well-stocked drinks table

Lunch is served as a BBQ buffet on board. The included food also covers pineapple for dessert, along with morning tea, coffee, and snacks.

Food received some of the strongest praise. The BBQ was described as delicious, and vegetarian food was handled well in the supplied feedback. If you need a vegetarian meal or have a dietary restriction, tell the operator when booking rather than waiting until lunch.

The meal is valuable because a seven-hour outing can become expensive if food and drinks are separate. Here, local beer, wine, Mauritian rum, and soft drinks are included throughout the cruise. Several accounts specifically praise the crew for keeping drinks topped up.

That open drinks service shapes the mood. Couples and families can enjoy a casual lunch without watching every small purchase. At the same time, the combination of alcohol, sunshine, and time on a moving boat calls for restraint. Drink water too, use sun protection, and remember that the boat still has to get you safely back to shore.

The food is a buffet rather than a formal restaurant meal. If you expect a highly polished dining experience, you may find it simple. If you want a hearty lunch in a beautiful setting, it fits the day well.

Île aux Cerfs and the famous sandbank

The island stop lasts about two hours. The catamaran drops you near the famous sandbank, and you reach the shore using the ladder at the front of the boat. Expect shallow water, sand, sun, and time to relax at your own pace.

You can sit on the beach, wade in knee-deep water, or simply dry off and enjoy the scenery. After several hours on the boat, that change of setting is welcome.

Parasailing and other water activities are available on the island at an additional cost. Parasailing can give you a different view of the lagoon and beaches, but it is not included in the cruise price. You should see the island stop as free time, not as a guided island tour.

This is also where the experience becomes more uneven. Île aux Cerfs is popular, and the area used for drop-off can feel crowded. One account found the island side near the boat disappointing but enjoyed the farther side more. Another described the destination as a little boring compared with the beautiful ride there.

You can improve your visit by moving away from the immediate landing area if time and access allow. Do not expect an untouched beach. The attraction is the easy combination of sandbank, shallow water, water sports, and a catamaran ride, not solitude.

Pay close attention to the return time given by the captain. The boat may need to leave because of tide conditions, and the crew cannot simply wait indefinitely for late arrivals. Keep your watch or phone with you, and return to the stated meeting place early. This is the most important practical point on the island stop.

Sega music and the return to Pointe Jerome

The return trip continues the relaxed party atmosphere, with Mauritian sega music and more time to enjoy the views.

This final stretch is part of what makes the outing feel like a full island day rather than transport between two points. You have already swum, eaten, and spent time on the beach, so the ride back becomes an easy wind-down.

Crew members have received repeated praise for their friendliness and willingness to help. Names that come up positively include Rudi, Rowan, Scott, and Miguel. Their work includes assisting with boarding, helping people in the water, preparing lunch, and responding to small problems such as lost hats or belongings.

There was also one serious complaint about a crew member’s conduct. The provider apologized and said the matter was being investigated. It appears to be an isolated but important concern, and anyone especially sensitive to staff behavior should keep it in mind when deciding.

The much larger pattern is of warm, energetic service, but a fair review should not ignore a serious negative account.

Is $81.10 a fair price?

At $81.10 per person, the value is strong if you plan to use the full package.

You are paying for roughly seven hours on the water, the catamaran, snorkeling equipment, a BBQ buffet, snacks, tea and coffee, unlimited drinks, the island stop, and the crew’s assistance. Buying those pieces separately would be difficult, and a long boat day with food and drinks can quickly cost more than the headline price.

The value is weaker if you mainly want to visit Île aux Cerfs and spend the day on a beach. The island stop is only about two hours, and the beach area can be crowded. You may find a shorter transfer or beach outing better suited to that goal.

The cruise makes the most sense for someone who values the ride, the social setting, the food, and the chance of dolphins. It is less suitable for someone seeking a quiet beach, serious snorkeling, or a carefully guided island tour.

The experience is often booked about 18 days ahead. That suggests you should not leave it until the last minute if your dates are fixed, especially during a busy period. Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations inside that window are not refunded.

The cruise depends on good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather or low numbers cancel the outing, you are offered another date, another experience, or a full refund.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to couples who want an easy day with scenery, swimming, food, and drinks already arranged. It also works well for families, provided children stay with an adult and are comfortable around water and boats.

It suits social visitors who like music and a friendly crew. The group size is large enough for conversation but capped at 31 people, which keeps it from becoming an enormous boat outing.

You should think twice if your priorities are empty beaches, advanced snorkeling, or a quiet nature trip. Île aux Cerfs can feel crowded, and the marine life may be modest. The boat ride is more dependable as a good experience than any single wildlife sighting.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart?

The cruise departs from HPGF+496 Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point at Pointe d’Esny, Mauritius.

What time does the cruise start?

The scheduled start time is 9:00 am.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Free parking is available at the Pointe Jerome departure point.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately seven hours and ends back at the meeting point.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the cruise stops at a lagoon where you can swim and snorkel.

What food and drinks are included?

The package includes a BBQ buffet lunch, pineapple dessert, snacks, coffee, tea, local beer, wine, Mauritian rum, and soft drinks.

Should you book the Île aux Cerfs catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a relaxed, all-day Mauritius outing where the catamaran ride matters as much as the island. The friendly crew, included lunch, open drinks service, snorkeling stop, dolphin possibility, and sega music give you plenty to do without a long list of extra charges.

Do not book it solely for an uncrowded beach or spectacular reef snorkeling. Île aux Cerfs is the weaker part for some people, and the water activities cost extra.

For most couples and families, $81.10 is a fair price for a full day on the water. Arrive early, confirm the Pointe Jerome meeting point, bring sun protection, watch the return time on the island, and treat dolphins and colorful fish as lucky extras. The sailing, food, and easygoing crew are the safest reasons to say yes.