Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs, snorkeling + GRSE Waterfall, BBQ & Bar

The best part of this Mauritius day is the mix of scenery and easy fun. You cruise past the Grande Riviere Sud Est Waterfall, stop for time on Ile aux Cerfs, then eat a barbecue lunch with drinks included. I like that snorkeling gear, bottled water, soda, coffee, tea, and alcohol are covered in the price. I also like the small-group limit of 25 people, at least as advertised.

The main caution is that the actual group size may feel less controlled. One booking account described more than 30 people aboard, so I would confirm the expected number before paying if space matters to you. The boat is also not wheelchair accessible, and private transportation to Trou d’Eau Douce is not included.

Key points to know before booking

• Grande Riviere Sud Est Waterfall: A short stop where freshwater meets the Indian Ocean.
• Ile aux Cerfs island time: Relax, swim, sunbathe, snorkel, or pay separately for parasailing and tubing.
• Barbecue lunch with drinks: Food, snacks, soda, bottled water, wine, rum cocktails, coffee, and tea are included.
• Seven-hour shared cruise: The tour begins at 9:00 a.m. and returns to Debarcadere in Trou d’Eau Douce.
• Friendly crew: Tommy, Sunny, Maria, and Kenan have been named as attentive crew members on this cruise.
• Practical limits: There is no private transport, the boat is not wheelchair accessible, and the weather can cancel the trip.

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

This is a classic east-coast Mauritius outing: one boat, two scenic stops, an open-air lunch, and several ways to spend your time. At $82.46 per person, it is priced as a full-day activity rather than a simple boat transfer.

You meet the operator at Debarcadere in Trou d’Eau Douce at 9:00 a.m. The boat returns to the same place after roughly seven hours. That makes the tour fairly simple to plan if you already have a car or are staying nearby.

Private transportation is not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the departure point. Your ride should also wait for you at the same Debarcadere after the cruise. I would allow extra time before the 9:00 a.m. start, since the meeting point is specific and the boat will not be waiting for late arrivals.

The cruise is shared, with a stated maximum of 25 people. That should give the boat a social but manageable feel. Still, one account reported more than 30 passengers and described the catamaran as overcrowded. That may have been an unusual departure, but it is worth asking about the group size before booking if you dislike crowded boats.

The Grande Riviere Sud Est Waterfall stop

The first stop is Grande Riviere Sud Est, where a waterfall runs toward the Indian Ocean. You spend about 10 minutes here, so think of it as a quick photo and viewing stop rather than a long nature visit.

The setting is one of the tour’s most distinctive features. You are not simply looking at a waterfall inland. You see water moving toward the sea, with the river and ocean meeting in the same broad coastal setting.

Ten minutes is enough to see the main point and take pictures, but not enough for a walk or a slower visit. If you want a detailed waterfall experience, this cruise will feel brief. If you prefer a day built around the sea and island time, the short stop keeps the schedule moving.

The boat transfer itself is part of the appeal. You get a change of view as the cruise moves between river, coast, and open water. Bring a phone or camera, but keep it secure. One serious complaint involved a phone being taken after belongings were left on the boat during a transfer to a smaller boat. The operator said it would investigate, but I would not leave valuables unattended. Use a dry bag or keep essential items with you.

Ile aux Cerfs, with time to choose your own pace

Ile aux Cerfs is the main stop, and the schedule gives you roughly two to three hours there. The published details differ slightly, so treat the timing as flexible rather than exact.

This is where you decide how active you want the day to be. You can swim, sunbathe, relax with coconut water, or use snorkeling equipment supplied by the operator. You can also arrange activities such as parasailing and a tube ride, though these are not listed among the included services.

That distinction matters. The cruise price covers the boat, lunch, snorkeling equipment, and a long list of drinks. It does not say that parasailing, tubing, or a beach transat is included. Plan to pay extra for those choices unless the crew confirms otherwise.

I like the free time here because it gives the tour a little breathing room. You are not pushed from one short photo stop to another. You have time to swim and sit in the sun, which is often what people want from a Mauritius beach day.

The drawback is that the island can feel less relaxed if many people arrive at once. A catamaran outing is designed for a shared experience, not a private beach escape. If you want a quiet, completely independent afternoon, this may not be the right format.

Snorkeling is also weather and water dependent. Equipment is included, but the supplied information does not promise a particular reef, marine-life sighting, or length of time in the water. I would see snorkeling as a pleasant option, not the sole reason to book.

Barbecue lunch and an open bar feel

Food is one of the strongest parts of this package. A barbecue lunch is included, along with snacks, soda, bottled water, coffee, tea, alcoholic beverages, wine, rum cocktails, and coconut water.

That list adds real value. A seven-hour boat tour can become expensive when you start buying lunch and drinks separately. Here, the main meal and refreshments are built into the price, which makes budgeting easier.

The food has received especially warm praise, with the barbecue described as excellent and plentiful. I would still keep expectations sensible. This is an outdoor meal served during a group cruise, not a restaurant lunch with a wide menu. The advantage is the setting and convenience.

The drinks also help shape the mood. Wine and rum cocktails make the cruise feel festive, while water and coconut water offer nonalcoholic choices. If you do not drink alcohol, you are not limited to soda. Coffee, tea, bottled water, and coconut water are also included.

Because alcohol is served, the atmosphere may be lively. That suits people looking for a social day with music, food, and conversation. It may not suit you if you want a quiet, early afternoon on the water.

Crew members named in a positive account include Tommy, Sunny, Maria, and Kenan. Their role appears to go beyond basic boat handling, with attention to food, drinks, and the general mood aboard. Crew can change from one departure to another, so treat these names as useful context rather than a guarantee.

What the $82.46 price really covers

At $82.46 per person, the value depends on how much of the package you use. The fare includes a full day of boating, the waterfall stop, Ile aux Cerfs, lunch, snorkeling equipment, snacks, and drinks. Those inclusions remove several common add-on costs.

I see the strongest value for someone who plans to eat lunch aboard, have several drinks, and spend time swimming or snorkeling. If you only want a short boat ride and a quiet beach, you may find the price less compelling.

The fare does not include private transportation. You also need to account for any paid water sports or a beach transat. Ask about those extras before committing, especially if parasailing or tubing is central to your plans.

The group size is important to the value calculation. A maximum of 25 sounds reasonable for a shared catamaran. If the boat carries more than that on your date, the same price buys a less comfortable experience. I would contact the provider through the booking channel and ask how many people are expected.

The overall rating is 4.4 out of 5 from nine ratings, which points to a generally positive experience but not a flawless one. The strongest themes are friendly service, good food, abundant drinks, and a happy atmosphere. The main concerns are crowding and the need to protect personal belongings.

Who will enjoy this Mauritius catamaran cruise

I would recommend this outing to couples, friends, and families who want a social day with plenty included. You get sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and drinks without having to organize each piece yourself.

It also works well for people who prefer a flexible beach stop. You can take part in water sports or simply sit with a coconut and swim. That range makes the trip easier for mixed groups, where one person wants activity and another wants sun and rest.

The cruise is less suitable if you need wheelchair access. The boat is specifically listed as not wheelchair accessible.

It may also disappoint you if you expect a private or luxury cruise. This is a shared group outing, and the advertised maximum is 25. A separate luxury Ile aux Cerfs cruise is available through the same general booking network, but this particular experience should be judged as a standard group package.

You should also think about alcohol and atmosphere. Wine and rum cocktails are included, and the crew is expected to keep the mood upbeat. That is a plus for a celebratory day, but not ideal if you want a calm, quiet cruise.

Smart ways to prepare for the seven-hour outing

Bring secure storage for your phone, wallet, and passport. A waterproof pouch or small dry bag is a better choice than leaving valuables in a loose bag on the boat.

Wear swim-friendly clothing and bring anything you need for time in the sun. The supplied information confirms swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing opportunities, but it does not list towels or personal sun protection among the inclusions.

If you plan to use parasailing or tubing, ask about the extra price before you board. These activities are available to book, but they are not included in the stated package.

Also check the meeting point carefully. The start and end are both at Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs at Debarcadere, Trou d’Eau Douce. Your transport should collect you from that same point after the cruise.

The tour requires good weather. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Otherwise, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book this Ile aux Cerfs tour?

I would book it if you want a well-stocked group day on the east coast of Mauritius. The combination of the GRSE Waterfall, Ile aux Cerfs, barbecue lunch, snorkeling gear, and included drinks gives you a lot for the price.

I would pause before booking if you are sensitive to crowds, need wheelchair access, or want a private boat. Confirm the expected passenger count, ask about extra charges for water sports, and plan a safe way to carry valuables.

For most able-bodied visitors who want a cheerful, convenient day on the water, this is a solid choice. Its best qualities are simple: good food, generous drinks, friendly service, and enough island time to do as much or as little as you like.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start?

The tour starts at Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs at Debarcadere, Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius.

What time does the tour begin?

The stated start time is 9:00 a.m.

Where does the tour end?

The cruise ends at Debarcadere in Trou d’Eau Douce, at the same general location where you meet the catamaran.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately seven hours.

Is transportation to Trou d’Eau Douce included?

No. Private transportation is not included, so you must arrange your own transport to and from the meeting point.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch, snacks, soda, bottled water, coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages are included. The package also mentions wine, rum cocktails, and coconut water.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included.

How many people can join the tour?

The stated maximum is 25 participants. One account reported more than 30 passengers, so you may wish to confirm the expected group size before booking.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No. The experience is not wheelchair accessible.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.