Ile Aux Cerfs: Catamaran Cruise, island, waterfalls, Lunch

The best part of this six-hour catamaran cruise is the mix of sea time and shore stops. You sail along east Mauritius, visit the Grand River South East Waterfalls, eat a barbecue lunch onboard, then spend time on Ile aux Cerfs. It gives you several classic Mauritius sights in one outing.

I like the friendly crew and generous lunch, two details that matter on a boat trip. I also like that drinks are included and that you get time to swim and snorkel rather than simply taking photographs from the deck. The main drawback is that Ile aux Cerfs can feel busy and may not seem worth a special detour if you prefer quieter beaches.

Key points to know

• Waterfalls first or later: The order of stops can change with tides and water depth.
• A proper boat day: You spend much of the six hours sailing, swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on the catamaran.
• Lunch is included: A barbecue meal and drinks are served onboard.
• Ile aux Cerfs is the beach stop: You disembark there for swimming, snorkeling, and free time.
• Meet in Trou d’Eau Douce: Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
• Weather can change the plan: Rough seas may lead to a new date or a full refund.

Starting from Trou d’Eau Douce

Your day begins at the Debarcadère in Trou d’Eau Douce, a useful detail to plan around because hotel pickup is not included. You’ll need to make your own way to the meeting point, so check the exact start time when booking and allow enough time to arrive without rushing.

Trou d’Eau Douce is the natural launch point for exploring the east coast by boat. Once aboard, you leave the shore behind and begin sailing past ocean views and mountain scenery. The catamaran gives you more room to move than a small speedboat, so you can choose between sitting in the sun, finding shade, or watching the coast from the side of the boat.

I like this start because the cruise is not just a transfer to Ile aux Cerfs. The sailing itself forms a large part of the experience. You get time to settle into the pace of the day, take in the coast, and enjoy the open water before the first major stop.

The trip includes a live guide in Arabic, French, and English. No individual guide names are provided, so you should not expect to select a particular crew member when booking. The crew is included as part of the outing, and the available feedback points to attentive service, with particular praise for the team and the care shown to passengers.

Sailing along Mauritius’s east coast

The east coast provides the setting for the cruise, with views of the sea and mountains as you move toward the river mouth and offshore islands. You will want sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel. A hat may also be useful, though it is not listed as required equipment.

This is a good outing for someone who wants a relaxed ocean day without arranging separate boat trips, beach time, a waterfall visit, and lunch. The route brings those pieces together, but the trade-off is that you do not control how long you spend at each one.

The sea conditions matter. The trip can be rescheduled if the sea is rough or if weather conditions are considered unsuitable. A little rain alone does not automatically cancel the outing, which is useful to know in a tropical climate. If the boat cannot operate safely, an alternative date is offered. If no suitable date can be arranged for everyone, a full refund is available.

Tides also affect the plan. The order of the waterfall visit and Ile aux Cerfs may change according to water depth and the day’s conditions. I would treat the schedule as a flexible outline rather than a minute-by-minute program.

Grand River South East Waterfalls by boat

The cruise includes a visit to the Grand River South East Waterfalls, one of the most distinctive sights on this side of Mauritius. You approach the falls by water, which makes the setting feel different from a standard roadside viewpoint. The river, surrounding greenery, and falling water create a pleasant break from the open sea.

The waterfall stop is valuable because it adds variety to the trip. You are not spending all six hours on beaches and ocean. Instead, the route moves between coastal water and a river setting, giving the day a better sense of place.

Do keep your expectations sensible. The supplied information does not specify how long the catamaran remains at the falls, whether you disembark, or how close the boat gets. The order can change with tides, too. Think of this as a scenic boat visit rather than a long hike or a private waterfall excursion.

If the falls are the main reason you want to book, ask for the current timing before departure. For most people, the stop works best as one part of a wider day rather than the sole purpose of the cruise.

Barbecue lunch and drinks onboard

Lunch is served on the catamaran, with barbecue food and drinks included. That arrangement keeps the day moving and avoids the need to find a restaurant during a six-hour water trip.

I consider the onboard meal one of the stronger parts of the value. You are paying $64 per person for the catamaran, the crew, the waterfall visit, access to Ile aux Cerfs, lunch, and drinks. A separate boat ride plus meals and drinks could cost more once you add transport and planning. Here, the main components are bundled together.

The available feedback gives the lunch especially strong marks, along with the crew’s attention to passengers. That matters because meals at sea can be a weak point on some excursions. In this case, the food is repeatedly singled out as a reason the day works well.

Still, the information does not list the barbecue menu or dietary options. If you have food allergies, follow a specific diet, or need a vegetarian meal, contact the provider before booking. Do not assume that drinks means every type of beverage is available, since the exact selection is not stated.

Lunch takes place onboard, so you can continue enjoying the water and views while eating. Bring your appetite, but also remember to protect your belongings from spray and keep valuables secure.

Arriving at Ile aux Cerfs

The catamaran eventually reaches Ile aux Cerfs, where you disembark for beach time. The island is known here for its clear water, swimming, snorkeling, and sandy shores. You can relax, take a swim, or look for marine life in the water around the island.

This is the most appealing stop for people who want a classic Mauritius beach experience without spending the whole day in one resort area. You get a change from the boat deck and a chance to stretch your legs.

The practical caution is that the island is not guaranteed to feel peaceful or personal. One piece of direct feedback found the island less impressive than expected and not worth a special detour. That is a useful warning, especially if you have already seen many tropical beaches or prefer quiet, low-key places.

I would book this cruise for the complete combination rather than for Ile aux Cerfs alone. The island may be the weakest part of the day for someone seeking solitude, but it still provides the planned setting for swimming and snorkeling. Your enjoyment will depend on how much you value clear water and a convenient beach stop compared with a more secluded shore.

The water conditions and tide can affect the schedule, so the time spent at the island may not be exactly the same on every departure. Bring your towel and swimwear in an easy-to-reach bag rather than burying them under dry clothing.

Swimming and snorkeling around the island

Swimming and snorkeling are included as opportunities, not as formal lessons. The activity information does not promise snorkeling equipment, so check what is supplied before you go. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you want to be certain you can use the water as soon as conditions allow.

You should also bring sunscreen and reapply it during the day. Six hours on a boat and beach can expose you to more sun than expected, even when a breeze makes the air feel mild.

The snorkeling is best viewed as a simple part of the cruise rather than a specialist marine tour. You get the chance to see local sea life around Ile aux Cerfs, but there is no stated focus on reefs, rare species, or guided underwater instruction. That makes the outing suitable for casual swimmers and first-time snorkelers, provided they are comfortable in the sea.

If you do not swim, you can still enjoy the sailing, lunch, waterfalls, and beach setting. However, much of the appeal comes from being able to get into the water, so strong swimmers and families with confident older children may get the most from it. The supplied information does not state age limits, child prices, or lifeguard arrangements, so ask before booking for a young child.

Is $64 a fair price?

At $64 per person, this cruise offers solid value if you want several experiences in one booking. The price includes the catamaran, crew, lunch, drinks, Grand River South East Waterfalls, and landing at Ile aux Cerfs. It also saves you from arranging separate transport between a meeting point, the river, and the island.

The value is strongest for visitors who want an easygoing sea day. You pay for convenience as much as for the individual sights. There is no need to search for lunch on the island or book a second boat for the waterfall visit.

The price is less convincing if your only goal is a quiet beach. Since Ile aux Cerfs may feel too developed or too ordinary for some people, you should not book this simply because of the island’s name. The overall package is the reason to go: sailing, food, drinks, waterfalls, swimming, and a beach stop.

Hotel transfers are not included. That extra planning cost varies depending on where you stay, and it may change the final value for you. Before booking, compare the price of reaching Trou d’Eau Douce with the cost of a cruise that collects you from your accommodation.

Who should book this catamaran day?

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a straightforward introduction to east Mauritius by water. It suits people who enjoy a relaxed pace, included food, swimming, and several scenic stops without needing to organize every detail themselves.

It is also a good fit for couples, families with comfortable swimmers, and groups who want a social boat day. The crew’s attentive service is a plus, and the availability of Arabic, French, and English support makes the outing easier for a wider range of passengers.

You may want a different plan if you prefer long, quiet beach time, a small private boat, or a focused snorkeling trip. The itinerary covers several attractions, so each stop receives a portion of the day rather than all your attention.

Book with flexibility if possible. The route order may change because of tide and water depth, and rough sea conditions can lead to rescheduling. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and the reserve-now, pay-later option can help if your Mauritius plans are still shifting.

My verdict on this six-hour east coast cruise

I would book this experience if I wanted an uncomplicated day on the water with good food and several classic east coast sights. The strongest points are the pleasant sailing, attentive crew, included barbecue lunch, drinks, and the chance to combine the waterfalls with swimming and snorkeling.

I would not book it solely for Ile aux Cerfs. The island may feel less special than its reputation suggests, especially if your priority is peace and quiet. Choose this cruise for the whole package, and you will have a fairer idea of what the $64 covers.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart from?

The meeting point is the Debarcadère in Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How long does the experience last?

The catamaran trip lasts six hours.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the catamaran trip, crew, lunch, drinks, a visit to Grand River South East Waterfalls, and landing at Ile aux Cerfs.

Can I swim and snorkel during the cruise?

Yes. The itinerary includes opportunities to swim and snorkel in the waters around Ile aux Cerfs.

Is lunch served during the cruise?

Yes. A barbecue lunch is served onboard the catamaran, and drinks are included.

Which languages are available?

The live guide service is available in Arabic, French, and English.

What happens if the weather is unsuitable?

The trip may be rescheduled if conditions are adverse or the sea is rough. An alternative date will be offered. If a suitable date cannot be arranged for all parties, a full refund will be provided.