Full-day Catamaran Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs with Lunch

The best part of this day is the change of pace. You start with a speedboat ride up the Grand River South East to a waterfall reached only by water, then settle into a 42-foot catamaran for coastal views, snorkeling, lunch, and a long afternoon at Ile aux Cerfs. It packs several classic Mauritius sights into one affordable outing.

I like the friendly crew and generous lunch, especially for a $65 price that includes beer, soft drinks, water, and local rum. I also like having choices once you reach the island: swim, walk, try a water activity, or simply claim a patch of sand. The main caution is that the snorkeling may be brief or underwhelming, and Ile aux Cerfs can feel crowded rather than secluded.

Key points to know before you book

• The day begins at Trou d’Eau Douce: You take a speedboat to the GRSE Waterfall before boarding the catamaran.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Expect BBQ chicken, fish, sausages, salads, fries, fruit, dessert, beer, soda, juice, water, and local rum.
• Snorkeling is part of the route: Equipment and swim jackets are supplied, though your own mask and snorkel may give you a better fit.
• Ile aux Cerfs is the main afternoon stop: You get free time for the beach, swimming, walks, or water activities.
• Pickup costs extra: The listed $65 price does not include hotel transport, although pickup and drop-off can be arranged.
• The atmosphere can be lively: Music and a friendly crew suit social groups and families, but this is not a quiet sailing retreat.

A morning start at Trou d’Eau Douce

This full-day outing runs from either 7:00 in the morning with pickup or 9:00 without pickup, ending around 4:00 in the afternoon. The exact flow begins at Trou d’Eau Douce, a useful starting point for exploring Mauritius’ southeast coast by water.

If you arrange transportation, allow enough time to reach the pier. The price does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, though the operator can add it after booking. If you drive yourself, directions to the launch point are provided.

The pier arrangements deserve a little patience. One account describes a delayed check-in, confusion over who was handling the passenger list, and a wait of about 25 minutes under a tree. That does not seem to reflect the attitude of the boat crew, which was praised for being warm and attentive, but it does show why you should keep your morning flexible.

Once you are moving, the day becomes much easier. The early water journey gives you a sense of the coast before the catamaran portion begins. You can expect a mix of families, couples, and groups, with English, French, and Dutch available.

The GRSE Waterfall by speedboat

The first major stop is the Grand River South East Waterfall, often shortened to GRSE. A speedboat carries you from the launch at Trou d’Eau Douce up the river, rather than taking the catamaran into the narrower waterway.

That transfer is one of the more interesting parts of the outing. The river feels quieter than the open coast, and the waterfall appears at the end of a route accessible only by boat. You may spot fruit bats or monkeys in the surrounding area, though wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

The waterfall itself is not a long visit. You go close to the falling water, take in the setting, and return by speedboat to Trou d’Eau Douce. It is a scenic opening rather than a full nature walk, so set your expectations accordingly.

Crowds can affect the mood here. The stop may feel less remote than the wording suggests, particularly when several boats arrive at once. Still, the speedboat ride and the river setting give the morning a welcome change from a standard beach day.

Settling into the 42-foot catamaran

Back at Trou d’Eau Douce, you board a spacious, full-service catamaran for the east coast cruise. The boat is large enough for a proper day on the water, with room to sit, eat, talk, and move around without feeling confined.

The catamaran portion is less about sailing in silence and more about enjoying a social boat day. Music may play, drinks flow, and the crew keeps the mood easygoing. If you want a quiet, low-key sailing trip with no entertainment, this may not be your ideal match.

I would bring a towel, sunscreen, and a hat if you have one. The supplied information specifically recommends a towel and sunscreen, and you will have several chances to be in direct sun between the boat and the island.

The cruise follows Mauritius’ east coast toward Ile aux Cerfs. The water is warm and often a clear turquoise color, with views of the coast and smaller islands or coastal features along the way. The route itself is part of the appeal, since you spend much of the day outside rather than simply being driven to one beach.

Snorkeling in warm coastal water

The crew makes several stops for snorkeling. The aim is to show you coral and tropical fish in shallow coastal water, and snorkeling equipment and swim jackets are provided.

This is a good feature for families or anyone who does not want to pack much gear. You can step into the water with the basics already supplied, and the warm conditions make the activity approachable for beginners.

I would still bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them. One account found the snorkeling disappointing and specifically suggested using personal equipment. Another noted that more time in the water would have improved the day. Conditions can change, but you should not book this trip expecting a long reef session or a dedicated marine-life tour.

Some stops may have algae or limited fish activity. That does not make the water unpleasant for everyone, but it means the snorkeling is best treated as one part of a larger cruise. If you mainly want to see coral and fish, a specialist snorkeling excursion may offer more time and stronger sites.

The boat’s schedule also matters. With the waterfall, several snorkeling stops, lunch, and the island visit all included, time in the water is naturally divided. Bring realistic expectations and enjoy the chance to swim, rather than counting on a long session.

BBQ lunch with drinks on board

When you reach the Ile aux Cerfs area, the crew prepares a fresh BBQ lunch aboard the catamaran. The menu includes chicken, fish, sausages, fries, pasta salad, other salads, vegetarian choices, fruit, and dessert.

This is one of the strongest parts of the value. A full meal is included in the $65 price, and you do not need to search for a restaurant during your free time on the island. The food also suits a mixed group, since there are meat, fish, and vegetarian options.

Drinks are included throughout the outing. You can expect water, juice, soft drinks, beer, and local rum. That makes the cost easier to justify, especially for a full day lasting roughly seven hours. I would still check any dietary needs before booking, since the menu lists vegetarian food but gives no further detail on allergies or special diets.

The lunch is served in a relaxed boat setting rather than a formal dining room. Expect a casual buffet atmosphere, with the surrounding water doing much of the work. Several comments praise the food, especially the grilled items, and the crew’s effort to keep the meal enjoyable.

The free-flowing drinks also shape the mood. Families can stick to water and soda, while adults may choose beer or local rum. Since you still have sun, swimming, and a boat ride ahead, pace yourself.

Ile aux Cerfs and the afternoon trade-off

Ile aux Cerfs is the main destination and the reason many people book this trip. The island offers white sand, warm water, nature paths, and a range of water activities. You can spend the afternoon swimming, walking, trying an activity, or doing very little.

I like this flexible section of the itinerary. A group does not need to agree on one plan. One person can relax on the beach, another can walk, and children can play in the water. You have room to make the afternoon your own.

The trade-off is privacy. Ile aux Cerfs is beautiful, but it is also a major excursion stop. It may feel crowded, especially at popular beach areas and during busy periods. One account found the island overrated because of the crowds, while another simply found it beautiful. Both impressions can be true.

Think of the island as a polished day-use beach destination, not an untouched refuge. If you want easy access to sand, swimming, and activities, it works well. If you want solitude, this cruise may leave you wanting more.

The wording around a private leisure island can also be misleading. The experience includes time there, but you should not expect an isolated beach reserved only for your group. The boat, lunch, and open-water route are the more distinctive parts of the day.

Crew, music, and the feel on board

The crew receives some of the warmest praise in the feedback. They are described as attentive, accommodating, and welcoming, with a positive atmosphere on the boat. That matters on a long shared outing, since a disorganized or cold crew can spoil even beautiful scenery.

Music is part of the experience. Some people will enjoy the energy and social feel, especially with drinks and lunch. If you are hoping to hear only the sea and the wind, the sound level may be a drawback.

The outing also works well for families. It has been described as suitable for an 11-year-old, and the combination of a speedboat, swimming, lunch, and beach time gives children several things to look forward to. Swim jackets are provided, but parents should still pay close attention around the water.

This is not a private charter. You share the catamaran, the food service, and the schedule with other people. That keeps the cost down, but it also means less control over departure times, snorkeling length, music, and the pace of the day.

Is $65 good value?

At $65 per person, this is a strong value if you want several activities bundled into one day. The cost covers the catamaran, speedboat trip to the waterfall, snorkeling gear, BBQ lunch, soft drinks, beer, local rum, and time at Ile aux Cerfs.

You are also buying convenience. Instead of arranging separate transport to the waterfall, a reef stop, a beach, and lunch, you get one organized route. The value is especially clear if you plan to drink, eat a full lunch, and spend the whole day on the water.

The price is less compelling if you mainly want a quiet beach or high-quality snorkeling. You may find the island too busy, and the water stops may not satisfy experienced snorkelers. Hotel transportation costs extra, so add that to your budget before comparing this with other outings.

A fair way to view the price is as a broad introduction to the southeast coast. You get a taste of several experiences, rather than a deep focus on one. For first-time visitors with limited time, that variety can be useful.

What to bring and how to prepare

Pack a towel and plenty of sunscreen. You will be exposed to the sun on the speedboat, catamaran, and beach, and shade may not always be available when you want it.

Your own snorkeling equipment is worth bringing if you have it. The supplied gear is helpful, but personal equipment may fit better and improve your comfort in the water.

Keep your schedule open around the start. The advertised options are 7:00 with pickup or 9:00 without pickup, but one account describes the catamaran leaving later than expected. That may have been an isolated delay, but it is wise not to plan a tight appointment for late afternoon.

You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Those terms make it easier to hold a place while your Mauritius plans settle.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a full day with plenty of variety and a reasonable all-in price. It suits first-time visitors, families, couples, and social groups who like the idea of music, drinks, swimming, and a shared boat atmosphere.

It is also a good choice if you want to see the GRSE Waterfall without arranging separate transport. The speedboat transfer adds a little excitement and gives the day a more varied shape.

I would be more cautious if your main priorities are peace, privacy, or serious snorkeling. The island can be crowded, the snorkeling time may feel short, and some stops may have less marine life than expected.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want good value and a packed day: waterfall, catamaran, snorkeling, BBQ, drinks, and beach time for $65. The strongest reasons to go are the friendly crew, generous food service, and freedom to choose how you spend the afternoon.

Skip it if you want a quiet sailing trip or a focused reef experience. For everyone else, this is a practical way to sample Mauritius’ southeast coast, as long as you see Ile aux Cerfs as a popular beach stop rather than a deserted island.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran cruise last?

The full-day activity runs until about 4:00 in the afternoon. The advertised start is 7:00 with pickup or 9:00 without pickup.

Where does the excursion begin?

The speedboat and catamaran portion begins at Trou d’Eau Douce. Directions are provided if you drive yourself.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. The listed price does not include hotel pickup and drop-off, but transportation can be arranged for an extra fee after booking.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The BBQ buffet includes chicken, fish, sausages, fries, pasta salad, other salads, vegetarian options, fruit, and dessert.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Included drinks are water, juice, soft drinks, beer, and local rum.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and swim jackets are provided. You may also bring your own equipment.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel and sunscreen. Personal snorkeling equipment is also useful if you prefer your own mask and snorkel.