Catamaran trip to Ile Aux Cerfs With Two Way Transportation

The main draw here is simple: you get a full day on the water without having to arrange transport, meals, or boat tickets separately. I especially like the hotel pickup across Mauritius and the combination of Île aux Cerfs, a barbecue, swimming, and a waterfall visit in one outing.

The package can be good value at $116 per person, but you should know what sort of boat day you are buying. The catamaran can carry up to 40 passengers, and one booking account described expecting a much smaller group. The driving also deserves attention, since one passenger reported unsafe speeding and phone use by the chauffeur.

Key points to know before booking

• Up to 40 passengers: This is a shared catamaran trip, not a private sailing charter.
• Hotel pickup is included: A chauffeur collects you from your hotel reception and returns you afterward.
• Île aux Cerfs is the main prize: You get time for swimming and a day around one of Mauritius’s best-known island stops.
• Food and drinks are part of the fare: Breakfast, barbecue lunch, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks are listed as included.
• A waterfall visit adds variety: The day is not only about sitting on the beach or boat.
• Check the transport arrangement carefully: Most transport comments were positive, but one account raised serious concerns about driving safety.

A full day built around Île aux Cerfs

This is the sort of excursion that makes sense when you want one easy Mauritius day with many of the island’s classic holiday ingredients. You are collected at your hotel, driven to the harbor, taken out on a catamaran, fed during the trip, and returned after roughly eight hours.

That convenience matters. Mauritius is spread out, and arranging a taxi, harbor transfer, boat ticket, lunch, and island time on your own can take more effort than expected. Here, the chauffeur comes to the reception, and the main pieces are bundled together.

The tradeoff is control. You are following a set day plan, and the exact amount of time on Île aux Cerfs is not clearly specified. One passenger specifically wanted to stay longer on the island. If beach time is your only reason for booking, a more focused island transfer might suit you better.

For most people, the appeal is the mix. You get moving scenery from the catamaran, food and music on board, a waterfall stop, and time for swimming. It is less about solitude and more about fitting several easygoing activities into one day.

The hotel pickup: convenient, but ask sensible questions

Pickup is offered from any hotel in Mauritius, with collection at the reception by an air-conditioned vehicle. That is a strong feature, especially if you are staying far from the harbor or do not want to find a meeting point before breakfast.

The drive can be long. One passenger staying in Grand Baie described about one and a half hours each way. That is three hours of road travel inside an eight-hour outing, so your exact hotel location matters. You could spend a large part of the day in the vehicle if you are staying on the opposite side of the island from the departure harbor.

Most transport feedback was favorable. Several people described the chauffeur as punctual, friendly, and professional. One account praised the transfer as a major help with planning, and another said the taxi driver was on time and pleasant.

Still, I would not brush aside the negative transport report. One passenger described fast driving, dangerous overtaking, and phone use behind the wheel. That is a serious complaint. It may not reflect every driver, but you are right to speak up if the driving feels unsafe. Ask for a slower pace and avoid treating the pickup as a minor detail.

The practical point is to confirm your pickup time and hotel details before the morning of the trip. Keep your phone available, and arrive at the reception a little early. Since the chauffeur is collecting people across the island, timing can be affected by distance and traffic.

Boarding the catamaran and setting the mood

The boat carries a maximum of 40 passengers. That gives you a clear picture of the atmosphere: social, shared, and potentially lively. It is not the setting for quiet reading or a private conversation all day.

Several highly positive accounts praised the catamaran crew, good music, friendly service, and pleasant atmosphere. One French-language account described the crew as excellent, while a German-language account highlighted the generous drinks and enjoyable onboard mood. Those details help explain why the trip can feel like a floating lunch party rather than a simple transfer.

The group size is worth checking because expectations appear to matter. The published capacity is up to 40, while one unhappy passenger said the outing had been presented as a six-person experience and turned out to include around 30 people. That mismatch created much of the disappointment.

I would ask one direct question before paying: How many people are expected on the catamaran on my date? The stated maximum is 40, but the actual number may vary. If you want a small-group cruise, do not assume this package provides one.

The mood may also depend on the group. The strongest positive comments describe music, drinks, and friendly people. One very negative account described loud, intoxicated passengers and poor crew control. That is not a guaranteed feature of the trip, but it is a reminder that a shared boat experience can be shaped by the people on board.

Breakfast, barbecue, and what is really included

The food package is one of the main reasons the $116 price can make sense. Breakfast and lunch are listed as included, along with a barbecue and drinks. The barbecue selection includes fish, chicken, sausages, and salads, with soft drinks and alcoholic beverages available.

Several positive accounts specifically praised the meal. One person called the food excellent, and another said the meal was plentiful enough that food was not a concern. If you prefer an excursion where you can leave your wallet in your bag for most of the day, this arrangement is useful.

The word unlimited appears in the description for food and drinks, but I would keep your expectations sensible. The meal is served in a shared boat setting, not a restaurant. One negative account described breakfast as missing and lunch as limited and awkwardly organized, with people holding plates, cutlery, and glasses in their hands.

That criticism points to a practical issue: service flow. A barbecue on a moving or crowded catamaran may be informal. You might find the meal relaxed and generous, or you might find the serving area congested if many people eat at once.

I would bring a small day bag with water-resistant storage, tissues, and any personal snacks you need. Food is included, but personal preferences and timing are not. The tour also lists alcoholic drinks, so the mood can become louder as the day continues.

If you do not drink alcohol, you should still have soft drinks available according to the package details. If you have strict dietary needs, ask before booking. The listed choices are fish, chicken, sausages, and salads, but no special-diet arrangements are stated.

The waterfall stop gives the day a useful change of pace

The complimentary waterfall visit is a welcome addition. It breaks up the boat and beach routine and gives you a chance to see a different side of Mauritius during the same outing.

The available information does not name the waterfall or explain how long you stop there. That means you should treat it as a short included visit, not plan your entire day around a particular waterfall experience.

Its value is mainly variety. Île aux Cerfs provides the island and swimming element, while the waterfall adds a land-based stop. For a first visit to Mauritius, that combination lets you sample more than one setting without booking two separate tours.

Because the stop is included at no extra charge, it adds value to the package. Just remember that time is shared across the waterfall, catamaran, meals, swimming, and island visit. If you prefer lingering at one place, the schedule may feel a little rushed.

Île aux Cerfs and the swimming time

Île aux Cerfs is the central attraction, and swimming is included in the plan. The island is where you get the classic tropical break from the boat, with time to step ashore, cool off, and enjoy the setting at your own pace within the tour schedule.

The information does not give a precise island timetable. That is important because the amount of time available can shape your experience. One person specifically wished for a longer stay on the island, so beach lovers should not assume this is an all-day island stay.

Bring swimwear. It is not included, and the package specifically lists swimwear among the things you need to provide yourself. A towel is not listed either, so you should confirm whether your hotel or operator supplies one before leaving.

Swimming is included as an activity, but no details are provided about equipment, lifeguards, changing facilities, or water conditions. Keep your plans simple: wear or carry suitable swimwear, protect valuables, and follow the crew’s instructions.

Shopping expenses on the island are also excluded. You can buy things if you wish, but those purchases are extra and should not be confused with the prepaid food and boat package.

How the $116 price stacks up

At $116 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Île aux Cerfs. But price comparisons should include the return hotel transfer, catamaran ticket, breakfast, lunch, barbecue, drinks, waterfall stop, and swimming.

If you used separate taxis, bought a boat ticket, paid for meals, and arranged a return trip, the total could become complicated quickly. The real value here is not luxury. It is the convenience of one booking covering most of the day.

The price makes the most sense for you if:

• You are staying far from the harbor.
• You want food and drinks included.
• You prefer a guided day over independent planning.
• You enjoy music and a social boat atmosphere.
• You want to combine an island stop with a waterfall visit.

It makes less sense if you want a private boat, a small group, a long uninterrupted stay on Île aux Cerfs, or complete control over meal timing. In that case, paying more for a private or smaller charter may be a better use of your money.

The current score is 3.7 from 16 ratings, which suggests a mixed but workable experience rather than a sure thing. The strongest praise centers on the crew, onboard mood, food, and punctual transport. The sharpest complaints concern group size, meal organization, crowd behavior, and one driver’s conduct.

Who will enjoy this Mauritius day out?

I would recommend this trip to couples, families, and first-time visitors who want a simple package with plenty included. You do not need to plan each transfer or search for lunch on the island. The combination of boat time, food, swimming, and a waterfall stop gives you a broad sample of the area.

It can also suit solo visitors who like meeting people and do not mind a shared group setting. The social side is part of the appeal, especially when the crew, music, and other passengers create a friendly mood.

I would be more cautious if you are looking for peace and quiet. A boat carrying up to 40 people can feel crowded, and alcohol is included. You should also think twice if you dislike fixed schedules or want to spend most of your day on the beach.

Families should consider the general boat atmosphere and ask about the expected group size. The available details do not provide age rules or child-specific facilities, so those questions should be settled before booking.

Booking details that matter

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The reserve-now-and-pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately, which is useful while you are still arranging your Mauritius plans.

The tour lasts about eight hours, although the exact starting time depends on availability. English and French support is offered, and a live guide is part of the experience.

Bring swimwear and money for shopping or other extras. Transportation, catamaran tickets, breakfast, lunch, drinks, barbecue food, the waterfall visit, and swimming are included. Swimwear, shopping, and extras are not.

I would also confirm three points before booking: the expected number of passengers, the estimated pickup time from your hotel, and the amount of time planned at Île aux Cerfs. Those answers will tell you more about the actual fit than the headline description.

Should you book this catamaran trip?

Book it if you want a convenient, social day with hotel pickup, a catamaran, included meals and drinks, swimming, Île aux Cerfs, and a waterfall visit. The friendly crew and well-run transport described by several people can make this a very enjoyable Mauritius outing.

Skip it if you need a quiet cruise, a guaranteed small group, or a long beach stay. The capacity can reach 40 people, the meal service may be informal, and the overall mood depends heavily on the group and crew.

My advice is to book only after confirming group size and pickup details. At $116, the package offers solid convenience and plenty of inclusions, but it rewards flexible people more than perfectionists. If you can handle a lively shared boat and a set schedule, it is a practical way to see several Mauritius highlights in one day.

FAQ

What is included in the catamaran trip?

Transportation, catamaran tickets, breakfast, lunch, drinks, barbecue food, a waterfall visit, and swimming are included.

How long does the excursion last?

The stated duration is eight hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. A chauffeur collects you from your hotel reception and provides return transportation.

How many people can be on the catamaran?

The catamaran has a maximum capacity of 40 passengers.

Which languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in English and French.

Is food included?

Yes. Breakfast and lunch are included, with a barbecue offering fish, chicken, sausages, and salads.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are included.

Is swimming included?

Yes. Swimming is listed as part of the activity. You need to bring your own swimwear.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now-and-pay-later option is also available.