Mauritius: Ile Aux Cerfs Catamaran Cruise with Lunch

The best part of this seven-hour catamaran cruise is the mix of open-water sailing, a barbecue lunch, and stops along Mauritius’s east coast. You’ll visit Grand River South-East Waterfalls, then spend time at Ile aux Cerfs, with swimming and snorkeling built into the day.

I like the simple all-in-one plan: lunch and drinks are included, and the crew speaks English and French. I also like the chance to see the waterfall from the water, since it adds more variety than a beach-only outing. The main concern is that the schedule can change with tides and sea conditions, and snorkeling may not always take place.

Key points to know before booking

• The day starts at Trou d’Eau Douce, a useful departure point for exploring the east coast by boat.
• Grand River South-East Waterfalls is a short but scenic stop, and the visit may last only a few minutes.
• Ile aux Cerfs is the main beach stop, with roughly enough time for swimming and relaxing, though the exact timing can change.
• The three-course meal includes BBQ chicken, fish, sausage, salad, dessert, water, and alcoholic and soft drinks.
• Snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own gear if you want to be ready.
• Rough seas can change the plan, including the swimming and snorkeling locations.

Setting out from Trou d’Eau Douce

Your day begins in Trou d’Eau Douce, a village on Mauritius’s east coast. This is the departure point for a catamaran ride toward Ile aux Cerfs, one of the island’s best-known beach stops.

The seven-hour duration gives you more than a quick boat transfer. You’ll spend much of the day on the water, with time to watch the coast, feel the sea breeze, and move between several stops. The route offers views of the ocean and nearby mountains, so the sailing itself is part of the experience rather than just a way to reach the island.

The activity does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. You’ll need to arrange your own way to Trou d’Eau Douce, or pay extra if transport can be arranged separately. That matters when you calculate the true cost, especially if you are staying far from the departure point.

There is no stated group size, so you should not assume a small private cruise. The boat is shared, and available seating and shade may vary. One poor experience described limited room for everyone to stay out of the sun, so bring sunscreen, a hat if you use one, and a light cover-up.

Sailing the east coast by catamaran

The east coast is a good side of Mauritius for a boat day. From the catamaran, you get a broad view of the shoreline rather than the closer, more confined view you would have from a road.

The route is designed for relaxed sightseeing. You can sit back during the crossing, take photos, and enjoy the changing views before the swimming stops. Since the cruise lasts seven hours, you should be comfortable spending a large portion of the day outdoors and on a moving boat.

Conditions can affect the mood of the trip. In calm weather, the catamaran offers a pleasant place to spread out and enjoy the ride. In rougher seas, the same open-water setting can feel less comfortable, and the operator may change the plan. The trip can be rescheduled in adverse weather, except for ordinary rain. If no suitable alternative date is available, a full refund is offered.

That flexibility is useful, but it also tells you something important: the exact order of stops is not fixed. Tide levels and water depth can change the sequence, so you should think of this as a flexible day on the coast rather than a tightly timed sightseeing tour.

Grand River South-East Waterfalls

The Grand River South-East Waterfalls visit adds a natural highlight before or around the island stop. Water drops into the river near the coast, creating a striking scene best viewed from the boat.

This is a scenic stop, not a long waterfall hike. You may get time to look, take pictures, and enjoy the surroundings, but do not book this cruise expecting a lengthy waterfall visit. One account described the stop as lasting about three minutes, so the operator may keep this part brief.

That short visit is not necessarily a flaw. The waterfall works well as one piece of a larger day that also includes sailing, lunch, swimming, and Ile aux Cerfs. Still, if the falls are your main reason for booking, you may find the stop too quick.

The sequence may change according to tide and water depth. You might reach the waterfall before lunch, after a swim, or at another point in the route. Keep your camera ready, since the boat may not linger for long.

Swimming and snorkeling near Ile aux Cerfs

The cruise includes time for swimming and snorkeling in the waters around Ile aux Cerfs. The island’s clear coastal water is the main reason many people choose this outing, and the combination of beach time and water activity gives the day a welcome break from sailing.

Snorkeling equipment is not included. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them, or confirm separately whether rental gear is available. Without equipment, you can still swim, but you will miss the chance to look below the surface.

You should also keep your expectations practical. Sea conditions decide where swimming is safe. One poor experience reported no snorkeling and a swimming area that felt too windy and unsafe. The operator may cancel or move the water activity when conditions are not suitable, which is the right safety call, but it can change the value of the day if snorkeling is your top priority.

I would book this as a boat-and-beach outing with a chance to snorkel, not as a guaranteed snorkeling excursion. That distinction matters. If you mainly want a reliable snorkeling session, look for a tour built around sheltered water and dedicated equipment. If you want a broad day with several activities, the flexibility may be acceptable.

Reaching Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the longest and most relaxing stop on the route. The island has sandy beaches and clear water, giving you time to leave the boat, stretch your legs, swim, or sit in the sun.

The schedule may allow about an hour and a half on the island, though the exact timing is not guaranteed. That is enough for a short beach break, but not enough to explore every corner or settle into a slow afternoon. You will need to keep an eye on the group and return to the boat when asked.

The island is popular and should not be treated as an untouched beach. One French-language assessment described it as less idyllic than expected. That is fair advice. Ile aux Cerfs can still be attractive, but its appeal comes from the setting and easy access during a boat day, not from complete quiet or solitude.

I like the way the island stop balances the boat ride. After hours around the water, you can step onto sand and choose your own pace for a while. Just do not make the mistake of booking this trip solely to spend a full day on the island. The boat ride, waterfall, meal, and water stops are equally important parts of the plan.

A BBQ lunch with drinks on board

Lunch is one of the stronger practical features of this excursion. The catamaran serves a three-course meal with BBQ chicken, fish, sausage, green salad, dessert, and drinks.

Water and soft drinks are included, along with alcoholic drinks. That means you do not need to pack a full meal or pay separately every time you want something to drink. For a seven-hour outing, this can make the $64 price feel reasonable, especially if you value an easy day with fewer extra costs.

The food is served on the catamaran, so lunch becomes part of the sailing experience. You can eat while surrounded by the sea rather than losing time at a separate restaurant. One highly positive assessment specifically praised the lunch and the friendly atmosphere on board.

Keep in mind that an included barbecue is not the same as a private dining experience. Seating, shade, and comfort may depend on the boat and how busy it is. If you need a quiet meal or have strict dietary needs, check what can be accommodated before booking. The provided details do not list vegetarian, vegan, allergy, or other special meal options.

The crew and languages

The tour is guided in English and French. That makes it a practical choice for visitors who want basic explanations and help during the day in either language.

The crew is described as attentive and friendly, and several ratings gave the day top marks for its atmosphere and service. That is important on a seven-hour shared cruise. A good crew can make the difference between a pleasant social day and a tiring ride.

The experience also has a party element because alcoholic drinks are included. Some people will enjoy that relaxed, sociable mood. If you prefer a quiet boat with little drinking and no sales stops, ask about the tone of the trip before you pay.

A major point to clarify is the amount of time spent on optional activities. One account described a very long stop connected with parasailing and a towable-tube sales partner. Those activities are not listed as included, and the account felt that this reduced time available for the main attractions. I would ask at the meeting point whether such a stop is planned and how long it will last.

What the $64 price really covers

At $64 per person, the cruise offers solid value if you want several elements in one booking. The price includes the catamaran trip, the waterfall visit, Ile aux Cerfs, swimming, snorkeling as an activity, a three-course lunch, and drinks.

The value is strongest for someone who would otherwise pay separately for a boat ride, lunch, and access to a beach stop. The included food and drinks also make it easier to manage your budget during a full day out.

The value is weaker if your priority is one specific activity. Snorkeling gear costs extra or must be brought separately. Hotel transport is not included. The time at the waterfall may be brief, the island stop may be limited, and rough conditions can prevent snorkeling.

I would compare the $64 price with the total cost of getting to Trou d’Eau Douce and back. If you are already nearby, it is easier to see the cruise as a good-value day. If you need costly transfers, the final price rises.

Who should book this cruise

This cruise suits you if you want a relaxed mix of sailing, beach time, food, and scenery without arranging each part yourself. It works well for couples, friends, and families who are comfortable on a shared boat and want a social day on the east coast.

It is also a good fit if you enjoy having an itinerary with some flexibility. The order of the stops can change, and water activities depend on conditions. You will need to accept that the day may not unfold exactly as pictured.

I would be cautious if you have limited mobility. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments, and it is not suitable for pregnant women. A towel, beachwear, sunscreen, and a change of clothes are specifically recommended.

The cruise may not suit you if you want a quiet, private, carefully timed trip. The boat can feel crowded, shade may be limited, and optional activity sales may take up time. In that case, a smaller boat or a dedicated island excursion could be a better match.

Practical preparation for a smoother day

Pack a towel, beachwear, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. You will want dry clothing after swimming, and strong sun is a real concern during a long boat day.

Bring your own snorkeling equipment if seeing marine life is important to you. The activity includes snorkeling but not the gear, and conditions may still prevent it.

Plan your route to Trou d’Eau Douce in advance. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not part of the standard price, although extra-cost arrangements may be possible. Also check the starting time when you book, since availability controls the departure schedule.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Mauritius plans are still moving around. If rough seas or other serious weather conditions affect the trip, the operator may offer another date or a full refund when no suitable date can be arranged.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a well-filled day with sailing, a waterfall stop, a beach visit, a barbecue lunch, and drinks for $64. The friendly crew, good food, and relaxed atmosphere are the strongest reasons to choose it.

Do not book it as a guaranteed snorkeling tour or as a full-day Ile aux Cerfs beach stay. The island time may be limited, the waterfall stop can be very short, and sea conditions may cancel swimming or snorkeling. Ask about the route and any optional activity sales before boarding.

For the right kind of visitor, this is a convenient and fairly priced introduction to Mauritius’s east coast. Go for the complete day on the water, not one perfect stop.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise begin?

The cruise begins in Trou d’Eau Douce on the east coast of Mauritius.

How long does the activity last?

The catamaran cruise lasts seven hours.

What places does the cruise visit?

The route includes Grand River South-East Waterfalls and Ile aux Cerfs.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is a three-course BBQ meal with chicken, fish, sausage, green salad, dessert, water, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so you should bring your own if you want to snorkel.

Is hotel transportation included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the standard price, though they may be arranged separately for an additional cost.

What languages are available during the activity?

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

What happens if the weather or sea conditions are bad?

In adverse weather conditions other than ordinary rain, or when the sea is rough, the trip may be rescheduled. An alternative date is offered, and if no suitable date can be arranged, a full refund is available.