Luxury All-Inclusive Catamaran Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs and GRSE Waterfall

The best part of this six-hour catamaran cruise is the mix of easygoing sea time and two very different stops. You’ll see the GRSE Waterfall meet the Indian Ocean, then spend about two hours at Ile aux Cerfs, where white sand, turquoise water, snorkeling, and optional watersports set the pace.

I like the all-inclusive food and drinks, especially the BBQ lunch, Mauritian beer, rum, coconut water, soft drinks, tea, and coffee. I also like the small maximum group of 25, which should feel more personal than a large boat outing. The main drawback is that the cruise does not include private transportation, and only a short 10 minutes is set aside for the waterfall.

Key points at a glance

• GRSE Waterfall by catamaran: See the Grande Riviere Sud Est waterfall where it reaches the Indian Ocean.
• Two hours at Ile aux Cerfs: Use the time for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, or optional watersports.
• Open bar and BBQ lunch: Mauritian beer, rum, coconut water, bottled water, snacks, and soft drinks are included.
• Snorkeling equipment provided: You do not need to arrange or rent basic snorkeling gear separately.
• Maximum of 25 people: The group size should make the boat feel less crowded than a mass-market cruise.
• Simple same-place departure and return: Meet at Debarcadere in Trou d’Eau Douce at 9:00 a.m.

A relaxed route from Trou d’Eau Douce

This cruise begins and ends at the Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs point at Debarcadere, Trou d’Eau Douce. That makes the day fairly simple: get yourself to the meeting point, board at 9:00 a.m., and return to the same place after roughly six hours.

You handle your own transportation to the harbor. Private transportation is not included, so check the travel time from your hotel before booking. The meeting point is specific enough to enter into Google Maps, but I would still allow a little extra time for finding the exact boarding area.

The group limit of 25 matters here. A catamaran outing is at its best when you can find a comfortable place to sit, move around without bumping into everyone, and reach the open bar or snorkeling equipment without a long wait. This is not a private cruise, but the limit keeps it from feeling like a large excursion boat.

The day has a loose holiday rhythm rather than a packed schedule. You’ll cruise across the lagoon, stop at the waterfall, continue to Ile aux Cerfs, eat lunch, and spend time in or beside the water. The plan is arranged for you, so you do not need to coordinate boats, meals, or snorkeling equipment separately.

The GRSE Waterfall stop takes 10 minutes

The first stop is Grande Riviere Sud Est, commonly called GRSE, where a waterfall meets the Indian Ocean. It is a quick scenic pause, with about 10 minutes set aside.

That short timing is worth keeping in mind. You are coming for a memorable view from the water, not a long walk, swim, or waterfall visit. The stop gives you a chance to take photographs and see one of the area’s best-known natural sights before the cruise continues.

I like the contrast between this stop and Ile aux Cerfs. The waterfall adds a touch of scenery and movement to a day that could otherwise be only beach and drinks. Still, if waterfalls are your main reason for booking, this cruise may feel too brief. The real centerpiece is the island stop.

Two hours to choose your own pace at Ile aux Cerfs

You get about two hours at Ile aux Cerfs, enough time to build your own beach break. You can swim, sunbathe, enjoy coconut water, use the included snorkeling equipment, or simply find a comfortable place to relax.

The island is known for its white sand and turquoise water, so this is the part of the day made for slowing down. If you want a quiet outing, you can keep things simple: sit in the sun, take a swim, and return to the catamaran when it is time.

If you prefer more action, parasailing and tube riding are available options. The information for this experience does not state that those activities are included in the price, so confirm the cost and booking process before you count on them. The same applies to reserving a transat, mentioned as an option for those who want a dedicated place to relax.

Two hours can pass quickly if you want to swim, snorkel, eat, and try a watersport. I would choose your priority before arriving. If you want photographs and a calm beach break, skip the extra activities. If you want parasailing or a tube ride, ask about availability early rather than leaving it until the last few minutes.

The snorkeling equipment is included, which is a useful saving and one less item to pack. The details do not specify a particular reef, marine life, or snorkeling site, so you should think of the gear as an added option rather than a promise of a major snorkeling excursion.

What the all-inclusive package really covers

The price is $111.02 per person. That is not the cheapest way to reach Ile aux Cerfs, but it covers much more than boat transport.

Your package includes:

• BBQ lunch
• Alcoholic drinks
• Mauritian beer and rum
• Coconut water
• Bottled water
• Soda and other soft drinks
• Coffee and tea
• Snacks
• Snorkeling equipment

That range of food and drink is valuable because beach and boat days can become expensive once you add lunch, bottled water, and several drinks. Here, you can settle in without keeping track of each soda or cup of coffee.

The open bar is particularly suited to a social, carefree day. Mauritian beer, rum, and coconut water give the outing a local touch, while soft drinks and water make it workable for people who do not drink alcohol. I would still pace yourself. A sunny boat ride, swimming, and rum are a poor combination if you treat the open bar like a contest.

The word luxury needs a little context. This is luxury in the sense of an organized catamaran day with food, drinks, equipment, and a low planning burden. It is not described as a private yacht charter, and the group can include up to 25 people. If you want personal service and complete privacy, you need a different kind of cruise.

Lunch, drinks, and the value of not planning

A BBQ lunch gives the cruise a proper middle-of-the-day meal rather than leaving you to find food on Ile aux Cerfs. Snacks are also included, which helps if you are hungry between swimming and the main meal.

I like this setup for families, couples, and small groups who want the day to feel easy. You can spend your attention on the coast instead of looking for a restaurant, arranging a return boat, or deciding where to rent snorkeling equipment.

At $111.02, the value depends on how much you will use. It is a good fit if you expect to eat lunch on board, have several drinks, use the snorkeling gear, and enjoy the convenience of a planned route. It is less compelling if you only want a short boat transfer and plan to skip lunch, drinks, and activities.

Because the cruise lasts about six hours, the cost also buys you time. You are not paying only for a quick ride to the island. You are paying for a half-day on the water, a waterfall stop, an island visit, lunch, drinks, and equipment.

A useful balance of activity and downtime

This experience can work for mixed groups because it does not force everyone into the same activity. One person can snorkel, another can try a watersport, and someone else can sit with coconut water and enjoy the sun.

That flexibility is one of the strongest reasons to choose it. Some boat tours are built around one activity, while this one leaves the day open after the main stops. You have a framework, but not a rigid schedule.

The trade-off is that the schedule is not designed for deep exploration. The waterfall visit is only 10 minutes, and the island time is about two hours. You will see the highlights, but you will not have a full day for Ile aux Cerfs or a long visit at the waterfall.

I would book this for a first visit to the area when you want a broad taste of the coast. If you already know Ile aux Cerfs well and want a long, quiet beach day, the limited island time may be frustrating.

What the small group size means on the water

With a maximum of 25 people, this cruise sits between a private charter and a large public excursion. You still share the catamaran, but the group should be manageable.

The size is helpful during the practical parts of the day. Getting lunch, collecting snorkeling equipment, and moving between the boat and shore are generally easier with fewer people than on a packed vessel. It also gives you a better chance of finding an enjoyable place to sit.

Do not mistake the group limit for a guarantee of solitude. Ile aux Cerfs is a popular destination, and the island itself may have other people. The 25-person limit applies to this activity, not to the whole beach or lagoon.

The crew is described as kind and helpful, which matters on an outing built around hospitality and shared space. There are no guide names provided, so you should not expect a named personal guide experience. The operator is Island Cove Mauritius.

Timing, weather, and practical planning

The cruise starts at 9:00 a.m. and returns to the same Trou d’Eau Douce meeting point after approximately six hours. That makes it easier to plan around than a tour with a different drop-off location.

Bring whatever you normally need for a day around water, but remember that the included items are limited to those listed. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, while private transportation is not. The description does not specify towels, changing facilities, lockers, or hotel pickup, so do not assume those services are available.

Good weather is required. If poor weather causes a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. That policy is reassuring for a sea-based activity, but it also means you should keep some flexibility in your schedule.

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 uses local time.

Who should book this catamaran cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A planned half-day on the water
• Lunch and drinks included in one price
• A chance to see both GRSE Waterfall and Ile aux Cerfs
• A choice between snorkeling, swimming, beach time, and optional watersports
• A smaller shared group rather than a very large boat
• A straightforward start and finish in Trou d’Eau Douce

It is especially suitable for couples, families, and groups with different ideas about a good beach day. The all-inclusive setup also helps if you prefer to know most of your costs before setting out.

You may want another option if you need hotel pickup, want a private boat, hope to spend most of the day on the island, or are visiting mainly to see the waterfall. The 10-minute waterfall stop is scenic but brief, and the two-hour island stay is enough for a taste rather than a full day.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want an easy, social way to combine Mauritius lagoon scenery, Ile aux Cerfs, a BBQ, and an open bar without planning each piece yourself. The 4.8 rating from five submitted ratings and the strong praise for the friendly, helpful experience support its appeal, though the sample is small.

At $111.02, the package makes the most sense when you use the included lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear. Just arrange your own transport to Trou d’Eau Douce, remember that optional watersports may cost extra, and keep your expectations realistic about the short waterfall stop. For a relaxed day with several choices built in, this is a solid pick.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start and finish?

It starts and ends at Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs at Debarcadere in Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius.

What time does the cruise depart?

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

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately six hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch and snacks are included.

Are drinks and snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The package includes alcoholic drinks, Mauritian beer, rum, coconut water, bottled water, soft drinks, coffee, tea, and snorkeling equipment.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. If poor weather causes the experience to be canceled, you will be offered another date or a full refund.