Mauritius: Catamaran Day Cruise to lle aux Cerfs with Lunch

The best part of this Mauritius catamaran trip is the balance between time on the water and time ashore. You sail across the east coast lagoon, stop near the Grand River South East waterfalls, swim and snorkel, then spend about two hours at Ile aux Cerfs. The boat is roomy enough for sunbathing, lunch, and a little dancing.

I like the friendly, attentive crew and the fact that drinks, snorkeling gear, and a filling BBQ are included in the $65 price. I also like the easygoing mix of sailing, swimming, music, and beach time. The tradeoff is clear: this is not a quiet sailing trip. Music can be loud, alcohol is served from the morning, and the waterfall and snorkeling stops can feel brief or crowded.

Key points to know before you book

• Six hours from Trou d’Eau Douce: You meet at the Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs jetty, beside the Mauritius flag.
• A generous onboard lunch: Expect grilled fish, chicken skewers, salads, garlic bread, pasta, rice, and fresh pineapple, with vegetarian and gluten-free meals available if requested.
• The crew is a major strength: Aldo is named as an especially attentive guide on one departure, while other groups praised the staff for warmth, organization, and hospitality.
• The mood leans social: Music, beer, wine, and soft drinks make this a lively catamaran outing rather than a silent nature cruise.
• Ile aux Cerfs is the main event: You get roughly two hours to enjoy the beach, though some departures have allowed closer to 90 minutes.
• Bring cash for extras: Water sports and activities on or near the island can cost more, and parasailing is not included.

Setting sail from Trou d’Eau Douce

Your day starts at the Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce on Mauritius’ east coast. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the village and arrive at the stated meeting point, next to the Mauritius flag.

Once aboard, you have a broad catamaran deck with room to sit, stretch out, and take in the lagoon. This matters more than it might sound. A cramped boat can turn six hours on the sea into a long afternoon, but the space here lets you move between sun and shade, find a place for lunch, and watch the coast pass by.

The crew speaks English and French. Their role is more than serving drinks. They help guests get settled, organize the swim stop, prepare lunch, and keep the day moving. Aldo is specifically praised for taking care of people and checking that everyone was comfortable, while other departures received similar praise for a warm and helpful crew.

The atmosphere depends partly on the group aboard. Music is a regular part of the trip, and the mood can become quite social as the day goes on. If you want a quiet boat ride with only the sound of wind and water, this may not be your best pick. If you like a relaxed party atmosphere without giving up the scenery, the setup should suit you well.

The east coast lagoon and Ile aux Cerfs views

The catamaran first heads through the clear waters around Mauritius’ east coast, passing toward Ile aux Cerfs. You get scenic views during about an hour of sailing, with the boat itself providing much of the entertainment.

This is a good time to settle into the pace of the day. You can sunbathe, sip a drink, listen to music, and watch the changing color of the water. The trip is not built around constant commentary or a long list of formal stops. Instead, it gives you a pleasant stretch of open time on the catamaran.

The east coast is known for shallow lagoons and bright tropical water, and the catamaran lets you see that setting from a comfortable position rather than from a crowded beach. The view is at its best when you are away from the jetty and moving across open water.

You should keep your expectations sensible. This is a popular route, and other boats use the same well-known stops. You are booking a polished day out on Mauritius’ coast, not a private expedition to an untouched island.

Grand River South East waterfall stop

The first scheduled stop is Grand River South East, often shortened to GRSE. The catamaran passes toward the waterfall for about 20 minutes, allowing time for photographs and a look at the falls from the water.

The setting is attractive, with river water meeting the sea and forested slopes around the falls. You might also see monkeys near the route, an unusual bonus that has made this short section memorable for some groups.

Still, this is the briefest part of the day. The waterfall stop can feel rushed, especially when several boats gather in the same area. If waterfalls are your main reason for booking, you may find the visit underwhelming. The value of this stop is best understood as one scenic piece of a broader cruise, not as a full waterfall excursion.

The timing can also depend on the tide. The order of the stops may change, so do not expect the day to unfold in exactly the same sequence every time. That flexibility helps the crew work with local conditions, but it means you should focus on the experience as a whole rather than counting down to one fixed moment.

Swimming and snorkeling in the lagoon

After the waterfall visit, the boat stops at a swimming and snorkeling site for about 40 minutes. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins.

This is a useful part of the day because it breaks up the sailing with a chance to get into the water. The lagoon is warm enough for many people even during the Mauritius winter, and you may see tropical fish and other sea life.

The quality of the snorkeling depends on the exact stop and the sea conditions. Some people have found plenty to see, while others felt the site near Ile aux Cerfs offered more colorful fish. A strong current has also affected the experience on some departures, making the water less comfortable than a sheltered cove.

I would treat this as a pleasant swim with some reef viewing, not as a specialist snorkeling trip. If you want the richest coral and fish experience in Mauritius, you may want a dedicated snorkeling excursion instead. For a mixed group where some people want to swim, some want to sunbathe, and others want a quick look underwater, the stop works well.

Take care with your belongings before getting in. The supplied information does not describe storage arrangements, so bring only what you need onto the boat deck and follow the crew’s instructions.

BBQ lunch, drinks, and the social side

Lunch is served on board, usually while the catamaran continues toward Ile aux Cerfs. The meal includes grilled fish, chicken skewers, salads, garlic bread, pasta, rice, and fresh pineapple. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available on request, which is worth arranging before the day rather than waiting until you are hungry.

The food is generous and practical rather than fine dining. Fish receives especially strong praise, and the menu gives you enough choice to build a proper plate. The fresh pineapple is a welcome finish after time in the sun.

Drinks are included too. Water, soft drinks, beer, and wine are available, and several departures have had plenty to go around. Some groups also received samosas later in the afternoon. The combination makes the price easier to justify, particularly when you compare it with paying separately for lunch, equipment, and drinks during a day on the coast.

Alcohol is part of the atmosphere from the morning onward. That is fine if you want a cheerful social cruise, but it can feel too lively if you are hoping for a calm, family-style meal in peace. Music is often loud enough to shape the whole mood, so consider this before booking if you are sensitive to noise.

The catamaran’s broad seating area helps at lunchtime. You are not forced into a tiny table, and there is enough room to sit and eat without feeling packed in. The boat does not feel overcrowded on every departure, although the popular route can attract many other boats once you reach the main sights.

Two hours at Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the centerpiece of the excursion. The catamaran gives you roughly two hours on the island, although the actual free time can be closer to 90 minutes on some departures.

That is enough for a beach walk, a swim, photographs, and a little time under the sun. The island has bright sand and clear water, with several stretches of beach to explore. One useful tip is to walk about 20 minutes farther along the beach. You may find smaller coves and a quieter place to sit away from the first busy section.

You should not expect the island to be empty. Ile aux Cerfs is one of Mauritius’ best-known day stops, and other boats arrive throughout the day. The first beach you reach may not be the most peaceful part of the island, so use your limited time carefully.

The short stay is the main weakness for anyone who wants a slow beach day. You have to balance walking, swimming, relaxing, and any paid activities within the time available. If you want to spend half a day on the island alone, a direct boat transfer may suit you better.

Water sports may be available around Ile aux Cerfs, but they are not included in this $65 package. Bring extra cash if you want to consider them. One departure found parasailing away from the island more expensive and shorter than expected, so compare the cost and duration before committing. The island itself can also be pricey for extras.

The return sail to Trou d’Eau Douce

After the island visit, you return to the catamaran for the trip back to the jetty. The final hour is a good chance to dry off, take more photographs, and enjoy the open water without needing to hurry between stops.

The crew may raise the sails on the way back, adding a proper sailing feel to the final stretch. Music often continues, and this is where the boat’s social character becomes most obvious. Some people will want to lie back with a drink, while others will enjoy the chance to meet people and follow the rhythm of the boat.

The day ends where it began, at the Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce. Since your own transport is required, plan your return before boarding. One past departure had trouble with arranged transportation, but the boat operator helped sort out the return journey. That is encouraging, though you should not rely on last-minute transport help.

Is $65 good value?

At $65 per person, this is strong value for a six-hour day if you want several experiences bundled together. The price includes the catamaran cruise, drinks, snorkeling equipment, a full BBQ lunch, crew service, the GRSE waterfall stop, and time at Ile aux Cerfs.

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise pay separately for lunch, drinks, a boat ride, and a swim stop. You also avoid the effort of arranging several parts of the day yourself. The spacious boat and friendly crew add to the comfort.

The value is less clear if you care mainly about one feature. A dedicated snorkeling trip may give you better underwater viewing. A direct Ile aux Cerfs boat may give you more beach time. A quieter private charter may suit you better if you want silence and personal space.

Paid activities are separate, and transport to the jetty is not included. Add those costs before comparing this with other Mauritius excursions. Even with those limits, the included meal and drinks make the base price competitive.

Who will enjoy this catamaran day

I would recommend this cruise to couples, families with older children, and groups of friends who want a full day on the water without a formal sightseeing schedule. It works especially well if you like moving between activities rather than spending all day in one place.

You will probably enjoy it if you want:

• A spacious boat with room to sit, sunbathe, and eat
• A friendly English or French-speaking crew
• A social atmosphere with music and drinks
• A simple snorkeling stop
• A BBQ lunch without arranging food yourself
• A good look at Ile aux Cerfs in one organized outing

I would be more cautious if you want a quiet cruise, serious snorkeling, a long waterfall visit, or a full beach day. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments, according to the supplied activity information.

Pack swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. You should also bring a cover-up, though it is not listed as required, and protect yourself carefully during the long periods on deck. Request a vegetarian or gluten-free meal in advance.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available starting time when booking, since the exact departure time is not fixed in the supplied details.

Should you book this Mauritius cruise?

Book it if you want an easy, good-value day that combines sailing, swimming, lunch, drinks, music, and Ile aux Cerfs. The crew’s hospitality is the strongest reason to choose it, and the included food and drinks make the $65 price particularly fair.

Skip it if you want quiet waters, a long waterfall visit, or top-level snorkeling. The most honest description is a lively, well-organized catamaran day with pleasant swimming and beach stops, not a secluded nature tour. For the right mood, it gives you a lot of Mauritius in six hours.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise leave from?

The meeting point is the Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius. Look for the jetty next to the Mauritius flag.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts six hours. Check the available departure times when booking.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to make your own way to the meeting point in Trou d’Eau Douce.

What food is served at lunch?

The BBQ includes fish, chicken skewers, salads, garlic bread, pasta, rice, and fresh pineapple. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available on request.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and wine. The information also states that drinks are included during the cruise.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with a swimming and snorkeling stop lasting about 40 minutes.

Can I cancel the booking?

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