Mauritius Catamaran Cruise to Ile Aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch

Mauritius saves one of its prettiest day trips for the east coast. From Trou d’Eau Douce, you’ll cruise past the Grand River South East Waterfall, eat a BBQ lunch on board, and spend the afternoon on Ile aux Cerfs, where white sand meets a clear lagoon. The crew serves soft drinks, beer, wine, and local rum, so this is as much a social boat day as a sightseeing trip.

I especially like the mix of river, sea, and island time, plus the fact that lunch and drinks are included rather than added one by one. The waterfall stop gives the morning some variety, and local Sega music on the return adds a genuine Mauritian touch. The main caution is space: the catamaran can feel crowded, and pickup arrangements have caused problems for some people, so confirm the details before setting out.

Key points to know before booking

• Grand River South East Waterfall: A one-hour sightseeing stop with photo opportunities and possible monkey sightings along the riverbanks.
• BBQ lunch and drinks: A halal meal is served on the catamaran, with water, juice, soft drinks, beer, wine, and local rum included.
• Ile aux Cerfs time: You get about three hours for swimming, beach time, the craft market, and optional paid water sports.
• Small-group limit: The advertised maximum is 35 people, though the boat may still feel busy depending on the vessel and crew size.
• Pickup needs checking: Hotel pickup is available if selected, but one-hour delays and unexpectedly high transfer costs have been reported.
• Weather matters: Snorkeling may be canceled in poor conditions, and the operator offers another date or a full refund if the whole trip is canceled.

From Trou d’Eau Douce to the Grand River South East Waterfall

The day begins at 9:30 am at Green Island Beach Restaurant on B59 Coastal Road in Trou d’Eau Douce. If you arrange hotel pickup, leave room for delays. The transport time between the various points adds up to about 90 minutes, and pickup has not always been punctual.

The first section takes you upriver toward Grand River South East Waterfall, also called Cascade Diamamouve. This is not a roaring Niagara-style drop. It is a scenic river setting where water runs through a green gorge toward the coast, with the boat bringing you close enough for photos.

You’ll have about an hour for the waterfall visit. Monkeys may be visible in the trees along the riverbanks, though wildlife is never guaranteed. I like this opening stop because it breaks up the long beach portion of the day and shows you a different side of Mauritius before the catamaran reaches the open water.

There is one practical point to understand. The route can involve transfers between boats, and the changeover may feel unclear if staff do not explain it well. One part of the trip has been described as clambering into a smaller boat before reaching the catamaran. Wear shoes that are easy to remove and keep your phone secure during transfers.

Snorkeling in the lagoon, when the weather cooperates

After the river visit, the boat heads toward a snorkeling and swimming area. The water is described as crystal clear, and the stop is intended for seeing marine life and cooling off before lunch.

This is a pleasant feature for anyone who wants more than a ride and a beach. You can swim from the boat and use the stop to enjoy the water without giving up much of your island time. Still, the snorkeling should not be treated as guaranteed. Rough weather has caused this part of the schedule to be canceled, and that is a sensible decision when sea conditions are poor.

Bring your own towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, and waterproof pouch for valuables. The supplied information does not specify whether snorkeling equipment is provided, so ask before booking if you do not plan to bring your own. The same applies to changing space and shower facilities.

Some people wished they had more time to swim. That is worth noting because the schedule includes a waterfall, a snorkeling stop, lunch, and several hours on Ile aux Cerfs. If swimming is your main goal, you may feel the day moves quickly, particularly if transfers run late.

A halal BBQ lunch with drinks on board

Lunch is one of the strongest parts of the package. The crew serves a three-course BBQ meal on the catamaran, and the food is halal. Drinks include water, juice, soft drinks, beer, wine, and local rum.

This arrangement saves you from hunting for lunch on Ile aux Cerfs, where facilities and seating can vary. Eating on board also keeps the day moving. You can remain with the group, enjoy the view, and have a drink while the boat is anchored or sailing.

The meal is not a fine-dining event. Think of it as a generous outdoor lunch made for a boat group. Feedback has been especially positive about the amount of food and refreshments, with enough choice for children and adults. The crew has also been praised for friendly hospitality and a good atmosphere.

Service can be inconsistent. One account describes having to ask for beer even though it was included. If you want a particular drink, ask the crew directly rather than assuming it will appear at your seat. It is also sensible to bring a small amount of cash for personal purchases and optional activities.

Three hours on Ile aux Cerfs

The main event is Ile aux Cerfs, a popular island on the east coast of Mauritius. You’ll have around three hours here, which gives you time to choose between a slow beach afternoon and a more active stop.

The island is known for its white sand, palm trees, and clear turquoise lagoon. You can swim, sit on the beach, walk around, or visit the local arts and crafts market. The market offers a chance to look for Mauritius souvenirs, though the data provided does not specify which stalls or products will be operating on your date.

The island’s beauty is real, but it is not a quiet desert island. It is a well-known day-trip destination, and the mood depends on how busy it is when you arrive. The catamaran itself may also feel crowded for its size. One person found the boat a little tight but still manageable, while another described a much more troubling capacity issue. That makes it important to confirm the boat arrangement if personal space matters to you.

Optional activities include double parasailing at about Rs 2,500, or roughly Rs 1,000 per person as listed, and an underwater walk at about Rs 2,000. Tube riding is also available at an extra charge. These costs are not included in the $59 tour price, so budget separately if you want motorized or organized water activities.

I would not book this trip solely for the optional sports. Their availability and pricing can change, and the included package already fills much of the day. Book it for the catamaran, island, lunch, and scenery, then treat parasailing or the underwater walk as extras.

What the catamaran atmosphere is really like

The boat ride is designed for people who enjoy a shared day out. Music, drinks, swimming, food, and conversation are central to the experience. On the way back to Trou d’Eau Douce, the crew provides local Mauritian Sega music, a lively style closely tied to island culture.

That atmosphere is a major advantage if you enjoy a relaxed party-boat feel. Several parts of the day are praised for friendly staff, good communication, food, and hospitality. A driver named Avish received specific praise for being helpful, and the crew has been described as attentive and welcoming.

It is less suitable if you want quiet sailing, a detailed guided commentary, or a private charter. The information does not promise a dedicated guide explaining every sight. In fact, one complaint involved a lack of explanation during a speedboat transfer. You may need to ask questions instead of waiting for a formal talk.

The advertised group maximum is 35 people. That is smaller than a large sightseeing vessel, but it does not guarantee a spacious boat. Some departures may use a smaller catamaran, and crew members count toward the vessel’s capacity. If your group is large, ask how many people will actually be on your boat.

Is the $59 price good value?

At $59 per person, the price covers a lot: a full-day catamaran cruise, the waterfall, a swimming and snorkeling stop, BBQ lunch, a broad range of drinks, Ile aux Cerfs, and the return sail with Sega music.

For me, the value is strongest if you plan to spend a full day on the water and would otherwise pay separately for transport, lunch, and an island visit. The included drinks are a real benefit. Beer, wine, and local rum can add up quickly on a day out, while water and soft drinks make the package easier for families.

The calculation changes if you need hotel pickup. Pickup is offered only when that option is selected, and a complaint about high pickup fees makes it wise to compare the transfer cost with a normal taxi fare from your hotel. Ask for the exact amount before paying, especially if your accommodation is far from Trou d’Eau Douce.

The price does not include parasailing, the underwater walk, or tube riding. It also does not protect you from losing the snorkeling stop to bad weather. Even so, the core package remains fairly broad for the cost, provided you are comfortable with a shared boat and a fairly full schedule.

Timing, comfort, and small practical details

The listed duration is six to seven hours, beginning at 9:30 am and ending back at the meeting point. The schedule includes roughly one hour at the waterfall, two hours for snorkeling and lunch, and three hours on Ile aux Cerfs.

Those blocks are useful, but they are not exact guarantees. Boat transfers, boarding, weather, and pickup can shift the timing. If you have an evening flight or a fixed dinner reservation, allow extra time after the stated end.

Food is halal, which makes the lunch useful for Muslim visitors who need a clear dietary option. The available information does not list vegetarian, vegan, allergy, or gluten-free arrangements, so ask the operator directly if you have a special requirement.

Most people can participate, and the activity is not described as requiring a special fitness level. Still, getting between shore, small boats, and the catamaran may involve stepping up or down. Anyone with mobility concerns should confirm the transfer setup before booking.

A mobile ticket is accepted, and confirmation is provided at booking. Keep the meeting point address handy: Green Island Beach Restaurant, B59 Coastal Road, La Pelouse, Trou d’Eau Douce. Since the activity ends there, arrange your return transport in advance if you are not using the included pickup option.

Who should book this Mauritius cruise?

I would recommend it to families, couples, and first-time visitors who want several east-coast highlights in one day. The combination of waterfall, sea time, lunch, drinks, beach, market, and music gives you a broad taste of Mauritius without arranging each piece separately.

It also suits anyone who enjoys a friendly group setting. The crew’s hospitality and the generous food and drink service are central strengths. Children can swim, eat, and enjoy the island, while adults have the option of beer, wine, and local rum.

I would be more cautious if your priority is peace and space. The catamaran may feel crowded, the schedule can be busy, and transfer instructions may not always be clear. People who want serious snorkeling, long uninterrupted swimming, or a private boat should consider a smaller specialist excursion instead.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want good-value variety and like the idea of a social catamaran day. The waterfall, BBQ lunch, included drinks, Ile aux Cerfs, and Sega music create a satisfying outline, and the staff are often praised for warmth and hospitality.

Before paying, confirm the pickup price, the expected boat capacity, and whether snorkeling equipment is included. If the weather forecast looks poor, remember that swimming or snorkeling may be limited. With those points checked, this is a sensible choice for seeing several east-coast highlights in one outing, as long as you accept a busy boat rather than a private escape.

FAQ

Where does the Mauritius catamaran cruise start?

The cruise starts at Green Island Beach Restaurant, B59 Coastal Road, La Pelouse, Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour begin?

The listed start time is 9:30 am. The total experience lasts about six to seven hours.

Is hotel pickup available?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available if you choose that option. Confirm the exact pickup cost before booking, as extra charges may apply.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A three-course halal BBQ lunch is served on board the catamaran.

Which drinks are included?

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

Are parasailing and the underwater walk included?

No. Parasailing, the underwater walk, and tube riding cost extra. The listed approximate prices are Rs 2,500 for double parasailing, about Rs 1,000 per person as stated, and about Rs 2,000 for the underwater walk.

What happens if bad weather cancels the activity?

If poor weather causes the whole activity to be canceled, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. Snorkeling may also be skipped if conditions are unsuitable.