Exclusive Private Catamaran Adventure: Ile aux Cerf (Full Day Cruise incl Lunch)

The best part of this outing is the mix of private sailing and island time. You get a full day on Mauritius’s east coast, with a waterfall trip, lagoon snorkeling, barbecue lunch, open bar, and several hours to enjoy Ile aux Cerfs rather than rushing through one short boat stop.

I like the included hotel pickup and the fact that the group is limited to your own party. I also like the practical touches: vegetarian and Halal food can be arranged, snorkeling equipment is supplied, and locally made drinks are included. The main caution is value. At $993.32 per group of up to four, it works best with four people. Some visitors have found the boat older than expected and the meal only average for the price.

Key points to know before booking

• Private group of up to four: You share the vehicle and catamaran only with your own party.
• Grand River South East first: The day begins with a short speedboat ride to the waterfall, with possible views of monkeys and fruit bats.
• Three hours around Ile aux Cerfs: You have time for snorkeling, swimming, beach time, and optional paid water sports.
• Lunch and drinks included: The menu includes a three-course barbecue meal, soft drinks, water, beer, wine, and rum.
• Pickup times vary: The stated start time is 8:30 a.m., with arrival at Trou d’Eau Douce around 9:15 a.m. and departure at 9:30.
• Weather matters: Cyclone or torrential rain can cancel the trip, but the operator offers a new date or full refund in that situation.

What the private catamaran day really includes

This is a full east-coast day rather than a short cruise. Your driver collects you from any accommodation in Mauritius in an air-conditioned vehicle, then takes you to Trou d’Eau Douce, a fishing village on the island’s east coast.

The advertised pickup time is 8:30 a.m., though the exact time depends on where you stay. You should expect the drive to be part of the morning plan, not a quick transfer to the dock. The supplied schedule places you at Trou d’Eau Douce by about 9:15 a.m., ready to board the catamaran at 9:30.

Because the outing is private, you do not have to fit into a large shared group. That matters most if you are traveling with family or friends and want a more relaxed day. You can spend your time together instead of negotiating space with strangers, although the word private does not mean that every part of the day is individually designed around your wishes.

The crew provides local music, jokes, and stories during the cruise. A certified guide and driver handle the land portions, while the boat crew looks after the sailing day. No guide names are supplied, so you should not book this expecting a particular named host.

Trou d’Eau Douce and the morning departure

Trou d’Eau Douce is the launch point for the main water portion of the day. The catamaran heads from the village toward the lagoon and Ile aux Cerfs, with the crew supplying drinks and helping you settle into the morning.

The schedule allows about 30 minutes for this first portion. It is less a sightseeing stop than a smooth handoff from your vehicle to the boat. Wear clothes that can handle spray and bring a light layer if you are sensitive to wind. You are asked to bring your own towel and a spare set of clothes for snorkeling, which is useful advice even if you plan to stay mostly dry.

The boat is described as comfortable and suited to a relaxed day on the water, but one assessment found it older than expected. That is worth keeping in mind if you are picturing a polished, high-end yacht. The experience offers a private catamaran, not necessarily a brand-new luxury vessel.

Grand River South East waterfall by speedboat

The first proper stop is Grand River South East waterfall. After reaching the river, you transfer to speedboats for the short run upstream, about 500 meters, to the falls.

This change of boat adds some energy to the morning. The catamaran is built for a gentle cruise, while the speedboat gets you farther up the river into the area around the waterfall. The trip takes roughly 30 minutes according to the schedule.

Keep your eyes on the riverbanks. You might see monkeys moving through the older trees, and Mauritian fruit bats can sometimes be seen resting high above the water. These sightings are not guaranteed, but they are part of what makes the river stop more than a simple photo break.

The waterfall visit is fairly brief. You will not be spending half the day hiking or exploring the river. Think of it as a compact nature stop that breaks up the boat ride before the main island portion.

Afterward, you return to the catamaran and continue toward Ile aux Cerfs. If you are prone to motion sickness, the combination of catamaran travel and a faster small boat is worth considering. The itinerary includes both, and the sea conditions can affect how comfortable the ride feels.

Snorkeling in the lagoon before lunch

The catamaran sails into the lagoon for a snorkeling and swimming stop. This is one of the more active parts of the day, and equipment is provided, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins.

The lagoon is described as having coral reefs and brightly colored tropical fish. You may see a range of small reef fish in clear, shallow water, though underwater visibility depends on weather and sea conditions. Snorkeling is offered as a chance to look at local marine life, not as a guaranteed wildlife encounter.

You can swim instead of snorkeling, or simply remain on the boat. That flexibility helps if some members of your group are keen swimmers and others prefer to watch from above. Bring your towel and spare clothing, as requested, since the water stop comes before the meal.

The snorkeling break and lunch sit within a three-hour block near Ile aux Cerfs. That is a generous amount of time by excursion standards, but the exact division between swimming, eating, and moving around depends on the day. You should not expect a private guide to provide a detailed marine biology lesson. The focus is easygoing recreation.

A three-course barbecue with an open bar

Lunch is served either on the beach or on the catamaran. The meal includes a three-course menu, vegetable and rice or pasta salads, grilled garlic bread, and grilled main dishes. Chicken and sausages are listed, with vegetarian and Halal options available if requested in advance.

This is a useful inclusion because you do not have to search for a restaurant once you are on the island. You can eat as part of the cruise rather than losing more time to transport or finding a table. If you have food allergies or an illness that affects your diet, tell the operator before the trip.

The open bar includes locally available wine, beer, soft drinks, water, and rum. That can add real value to a long private boat day, especially for a group that plans to spend several hours relaxing on deck. It is also one reason the price may make more sense when four people share it.

Still, keep expectations in check. The meal is a catered barbecue rather than a fine-dining experience. One assessment found the food only so-so, so I would choose this tour for its time on the water and the island, not because lunch is likely to be the culinary highlight of your Mauritius visit. Lobster is available for an extra charge, but the price is not provided.

Three hours on Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the main event. As you approach, you see white sand, palm trees, and clear turquoise water. The island is set up for a classic beach day, with room for swimming, walking, sunbathing, and sitting near the shore.

The schedule gives this area about three hours. That is enough time to do more than take a quick photograph, though it will not let you experience every possible activity at a slow pace. You can stroll along the beach, swim, or find a quiet place to sit while other people in your group choose something more active.

Optional activities include parasailing, tube riding, and undersea walking. These are not included in the tour price, and you will pay extra if you choose them. The same applies to the additional lobster lunch. If you want a low-cost day, stick with the included snorkeling, swimming, beach time, meal, and drinks.

I like that the island portion is not treated as a rushed stop. Many boat outings give you a short window on the beach before returning to the dock. Here, the three-hour block gives you time to let the day slow down after the morning transfer and waterfall visit.

The drawback is that Ile aux Cerfs is a popular beach destination, and this is not a remote private island experience. The scenery is the attraction, but you should not assume that every stretch of sand will feel secluded. The tour gives you a private group, not exclusive use of the island.

Sailing back to Trou d’Eau Douce

The return sail is scheduled for about an hour, with arrival at Trou d’Eau Douce around 4 p.m. The trip then ends with a private vehicle transfer back to your hotel.

This final boat ride gives you a quieter finish after the snorkeling, meal, and island activities. You can use the time to enjoy the coast from the water or simply rest. Since the day begins early and includes several transfers, the ride back to your accommodation is a welcome part of the package.

The full experience lasts about seven to eight hours, depending on pickup location and the pace of the day. You should keep your evening plans flexible. The stated return time is 4 p.m. at Trou d’Eau Douce, not necessarily 4 p.m. at your hotel.

Is $993.32 good value?

The price is $993.32 for a private group of up to four. Split four ways, that works out to about $248 per person. For two people, the cost is nearly $497 per person, which makes the value much harder to defend.

The package includes a private air-conditioned vehicle, hotel pickup and drop-off, the catamaran, a guide and driver, the waterfall visit, snorkeling gear, lunch, and unlimited selected local drinks. Those inclusions add up, especially if you would otherwise arrange separate transport and meals.

The private format is the main reason to pay more. You are buying control over the group size and a door-to-door day, not just a seat on a boat. It is a sensible splurge for a family or group of friends who would value privacy and convenience.

The price looks less attractive if you mainly want a catamaran ride. The boat may feel older than the word luxury suggests, and the barbecue is practical rather than exceptional. Optional activities also cost extra, so parasailing, tube riding, undersea walking, and lobster will increase the final bill.

I would compare the price against your group size before booking. Four people who will use the open bar, lunch, snorkeling, private transport, and full island time can make a reasonable case for it. Two people seeking a simple beach excursion may find a shared cruise easier to justify.

Who will enjoy this day most?

This experience suits you if you want several east-coast highlights handled in one package. It is particularly useful for a group that values private transport, does not want to arrange meals, and likes a mix of gentle sightseeing and water activities.

Families may appreciate the choice between swimming, snorkeling, and dry beach time. Friends may make better use of the open bar and private boat setting. Couples can enjoy the privacy, but the cost per person is much higher unless you are comfortable treating the day as a special splurge.

You should think twice if you want a polished luxury yacht, a highly customized route, or a quiet natural setting away from popular beach activity. The experience follows a set route, and the published timing leaves limited room for major changes.

You also need to be comfortable with a full day outdoors. Sun, wind, boat movement, and water time are central to the outing. Bring a towel, spare clothes, and any personal items you need for a day around the sea.

Booking confirmation is provided at the time of purchase, and at least two people are required. Most people can participate, but the supplied information does not give detailed accessibility guidance, so ask the operator directly if you have specific mobility needs.

Weather, cancellation, and practical planning

The trip requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you are offered another date or a full refund. A cyclone or torrential rainfall alert is specifically covered by the same protection when the operator makes the cancellation.

Your own cancellation terms are strict: the experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason if you cancel or request an amendment. That makes weather insurance useful, but it does not protect you from changing your personal plans.

Tell the operator about vegetarian or Halal requirements when booking. Also provide details about food allergies or illness before the day, since lunch is part of the included service.

The open bar includes selected local drinks, not every drink you might find at a resort. If you have particular preferences, ask what will be available before you commit. Bring towels and spare clothes, and expect the pickup time to vary based on your accommodation.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran adventure?

Book it if you have four people, want a private day with transport included, and like the idea of combining waterfall, snorkeling, barbecue, beach time, and an open bar without planning each piece yourself. The three hours around Ile aux Cerfs and the private group format are the strongest parts.

Be cautious if you are booking for only two people or expecting a truly luxurious vessel and standout food. The boat may be older, lunch may feel ordinary, and the extra charges for popular water sports can push the cost higher.

My practical verdict: this is a convenient, activity-filled Mauritius day that earns its price mainly through privacy and inclusions. It is best treated as a comfortable private excursion, not a top-end yacht charter.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise begin?

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

What time does the experience start?

The stated start time is 8:30 a.m. for hotel pickup. The schedule places arrival at Trou d’Eau Douce around 9:15 a.m., with the catamaran departing at 9:30 a.m.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately seven to eight hours. The planned return to Trou d’Eau Douce is around 4 p.m., followed by hotel drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from any accommodation or hotel in Mauritius. The exact pickup time may vary by location.

How many people can join the private tour?

The price covers a private group of up to four people. A minimum of two people is required for booking.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A three-course lunch is included, with grilled food, salads, vegetables, rice or pasta, and grilled garlic bread. Vegetarian and Halal options are available when requested in advance.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The open bar includes selected locally available wine, beer, soft drinks, water, and rum.

Is snorkeling equipment supplied?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided. You should bring your own towel and spare clothes.

Are parasailing and other water sports included?

No. Parasailing, tube riding, and undersea walking are optional activities with additional charges.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. Cyclone or torrential rainfall alerts are also covered when the operator cancels.

Can I cancel for a refund?

No. The experience is non-refundable if you cancel or request a change for personal reasons.