Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise to Ile Aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch

The real appeal here is the variety packed into one easy six-hour catamaran cruise. You move from the Grand River South East Waterfall to a swimming stop, then on to Île aux Cerfs for white sand, lagoon water, and free time. I like the generous food and drinks, and I like that the day combines scenery with time to relax rather than turning into a string of rushed photo stops. The main caution is that the waterfall and snorkeling stops can feel short when several boats arrive together.

The crew is a major part of the experience. Names praised in connection with the operation include Yona and Cedric, while Shafiq has been noted as a friendly pickup driver. Parking and beach boarding can be chaotic, so arrive early if you are driving, or choose hotel pickup if it is available for your booking.

Key points at a glance

• Grand River South East Waterfall: Take a short river trip toward Cascade Diamamouve, with a chance to spot monkeys along the banks.
• Lunch at sea: Eat a three-course BBQ meal with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices. All food is halal.
• Drinks included: Soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum are provided on board.
• Two kinds of water time: Snorkel and swim from the catamaran, then swim again in the lagoon at Île aux Cerfs.
• Free time on the island: Walk the beach, visit the arts and crafts market, or book optional water activities.
• A social boat ride: Mauritian Sega music and an outgoing crew give the return journey a festive feel.

Why this cruise works as a Mauritius day out

At $64 per person, this trip is built for people who want a lot in one booking. You get a catamaran ride from Trou d’Eau Douce, a river waterfall visit, a snorkeling and swimming stop, lunch, drinks, island time, and return entertainment. That is a strong package for the price, especially if hotel transportation is included in your selected option.

I like the balance between organized activity and unstructured time. The waterfall gives the morning a clear purpose, while the beach stop lets you slow down. You are not expected to spend six hours on a boat without a break, and you are not pushed into paying for an activity at every stop.

The tone is generally social rather than quiet. Music plays, drinks are served through the day, and the crew works to keep the mood lively. If you want a peaceful private sailing trip with only a few people, this is probably not the right fit. If you enjoy meeting people, eating on board, and having a cheerful group atmosphere, it makes more sense.

The overall rating of 4.3 from 925 bookings suggests a well-liked experience with a few recurring weak points. The strongest praise centers on the crew, the amount of food and drink, the value, and the relaxed fun of the boat. The most common complaints concern crowded boarding, limited snorkeling time, busy waterfall access, and occasional disappointment with the snorkeling site.

Starting at Trou d’Eau Douce

The meeting point is opposite Green Island Restaurant on the beach at Trou d’Eau Douce. This is a useful detail because the departure is not simply a large marina check-in. You will be joining other people on the beach and transferring to the catamaran, so the first few minutes may feel less organized than the rest of the day.

Several practical issues matter here. The small nearby car park can fill up, and finding the correct queue may take patience when several catamarans are leaving. If you drive, arrive early and allow time to walk from a farther parking spot. A taxi or hotel pickup removes much of this worry.

Pickup and drop-off can be arranged from a range of districts, including Flacq, Rivière Noire, Moka, Rivière du Rempart, Plaines Wilhems, Grand Port, Savanne, Pamplemousses, and Port Louis. The option must be selected when booking. One late pickup caused serious stress for a passenger, so if you choose transportation, have your confirmation and pickup details ready and avoid scheduling anything immediately after the cruise.

Boarding may require a short shuttle-boat transfer from the beach. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but wheelchair users need to stand briefly to get on and off the shuttle boat. The crew assists with this transfer.

Grand River South East Waterfall and Cascade Diamamouve

The first major stop takes you upriver toward the Grand River South East Waterfall, also called Cascade Diamamouve. This gives the cruise a change of scene before you reach the open coast. Instead of heading straight to the island, you pass riverbanks where monkeys may be visible in the trees and approach the falls for photographs.

The waterfall is attractive because it combines water, forest, and a short boat ride in one stop. It also gives you a glimpse of the eastern side of Mauritius beyond the beach postcard. The approach itself can be enjoyable, particularly when the small boat gets close enough for you to feel the spray and hear the water.

Keep your expectations realistic. The official stop is about 30 minutes, and the actual time near the waterfall may be much shorter if currents are strong or several boats are waiting. Some departures have been unable to reach the falls because of river conditions. On busy days, you may wait for access and then have only a brief moment for photographs.

That makes this the least predictable part of the excursion. If the waterfall is especially important to you, ask the crew about conditions as soon as you board. Do not assume you will have a long, quiet viewing period. The crew should explain any change clearly, since this is one of the main reasons people book the trip.

Snorkeling and swimming in coastal water

After the river visit, the catamaran heads toward the coast for a swimming and snorkeling stop. This is your chance to get into the water before lunch, and for many people it is the most refreshing part of the morning.

The stop can be suitable for families because the water may be shallow enough for an adult to help a young child. One family with a four-year-old found the conditions manageable, while another passenger reported seeing turtles and sea snakes. Those sightings are possible, not guaranteed, and wildlife should never be the basis for booking the cruise.

The snorkeling is also the most mixed part of the day. Some departures have had clear water and colorful fish. Others stopped near a damaged reef with little to see, or used a spot close to the port where bread attracted small fish. Several people felt that the swimming time was too short, and some waited on board while other water activities took place.

Bring your own snorkeling gear if you have it, since snorkeling gear is listed among the things to bring rather than as a clearly included item. Pack a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a change of clothes. A waterproof phone case is sensible if you want photographs in the water, although a regular camera is also listed as useful.

I would treat the snorkeling as a pleasant bonus rather than a serious reef excursion. The cruise delivers better scenery from the boat than marine life beneath it on some days. Conditions, crowds, and the exact location chosen by the crew make a big difference.

BBQ lunch, drinks, and the social side of the boat

Lunch is served on board after the swimming stop. The meal is described as a three-course BBQ, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices, and all food is halal. The selection of drinks includes soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum.

Food and drinks receive the most consistent praise. Portions are described as generous, and the crew keeps refreshments moving throughout the day. The quality is not perfectly uniform, however. Most people find the BBQ tasty and fresh, while one person found the meal average. Think of it as good excursion food served in a memorable setting, not a restaurant meal.

You may be offered a lobster addition for an extra charge. Some people considered it worthwhile, while another found the additional 3,000 Mauritian rupees too high for what was provided. I would only add it if you particularly want lobster. The standard BBQ already gives you a satisfying lunch, and the extra is not necessary to enjoy the outing.

The crew helps shape the meal. Staff members have been praised for being attentive, friendly, and quick to refill drinks. Yona and Cedric are names associated with particularly warm service, though the exact crew may change. If you are celebrating a birthday, tell the crew early. The social atmosphere makes this a good setting for a small celebration, and the music helps keep lunch from becoming a simple buffet stop.

The tradeoff is space. Some departures feel comfortable, while others become cramped when rain pushes everyone under cover. One toilet for a crowded catamaran can also be a limitation. If you prefer personal space, choose a seat early and be prepared for a group outing rather than a private cruise.

Time on Île aux Cerfs

The cruise then reaches Île aux Cerfs, where you get around two and a half hours to explore. This is the longest stop and the part that gives the day its beach-holiday feel.

The island is known for white sand, palm trees, and bright lagoon water. You can swim, walk along the shore, take photographs, or visit the local arts and crafts market. Optional activities are available, but they are not included in the cruise price, so ask about the cost before agreeing to anything.

The island is beautiful, but it is not always tranquil. At busy times, the beach can have litter, and some areas need better care. You may also find limited guidance after being dropped off, leaving you to work out where to go on your own. That freedom suits independent visitors, but anyone expecting a guided island tour may find the handoff vague.

I like the fact that the schedule gives you real time here. You are not simply stepping ashore for ten minutes to take a picture. You can swim again after lunch, browse the market, and find a quieter patch of sand. The island stop is also where you can choose your own pace after the organized morning.

Do not confuse this with a private beach escape. Several boats may be using the same area, and the popular sections can feel crowded. Still, the combination of lagoon swimming and free time is valuable, particularly for families and mixed groups where not everyone wants to snorkel or book water sports.

Sailing back with Mauritian Sega music

The return trip to Trou d’Eau Douce includes local Mauritian Sega music. This gives the last stretch a clear sense of place and makes the boat ride feel more connected to Mauritius than a generic beach transfer.

The crew often keeps the mood lively with music, dancing, and conversation. It is a good time to sit back, finish a drink, and watch the coast from the water. The ride can be especially enjoyable after the island stop, when you have already had time to swim and eat.

Departure and return are generally reasonably punctual, but the day can feel rushed when the waterfall access or boarding process takes longer than expected. Keep your evening flexible. Hotel drop-off may take time if the vehicle is serving several districts.

What the $64 price really gets you

At $64, the value is strong if you want a full activity day without arranging separate transport, lunch, and boat trips. The price covers the catamaran, waterfall visit, swimming and snorkeling stop, BBQ lunch, listed drinks, and Île aux Cerfs. Hotel pickup and drop-off depend on the option you choose.

The drinks add real value. Water, juice, soft drinks, beer, wine, and local rum are available, and the supply is described as generous. A meal with drinks on a six-hour water outing can quickly add up if purchased separately.

The price is less compelling if your main goal is excellent snorkeling. The snorkeling stop may be short, and the reef quality is not guaranteed. It is also not ideal if you dislike crowded boats, busy beaches, or a lively group atmosphere.

For most people, I would judge the price by the whole day rather than any single stop. You are paying for a simple way to connect several eastern Mauritius highlights, with food and transportation handled for you. That is where the value lies.

Who should book this catamaran cruise?

I would recommend it to families, couples, first-time visitors to Mauritius, and anyone who wants a social day on the water. It works well for groups with mixed interests because one person can swim, another can browse the market, and another can simply enjoy the boat and lunch.

It also suits people who want halal food and a choice of vegetarian or non-vegetarian meals without having to arrange a special lunch. Infants aged one to four go free, which may help families compare the total cost.

I would hesitate if you want a small, quiet sailing experience, serious snorkeling, or a carefully guided visit to every corner of Île aux Cerfs. I would also think twice if you have limited mobility and cannot stand briefly during the shuttle-boat transfer.

Weather matters. The cruise requires good conditions, and poor weather can lead to a changed date or a full refund. The ability to cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, along with reserve-now-pay-later booking, makes it easier to fit into a weather-sensitive Mauritius schedule.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want good value, plentiful food and drinks, and several eastern-coast highlights in one day. The crew and the social atmosphere are the safest reasons to choose it, while Île aux Cerfs gives you enough free time to make the outing feel like more than a boat transfer.

Go in expecting a popular group excursion, not a private charter. The waterfall may be brief, snorkeling may disappoint, and beach boarding can be untidy. Arrive early, consider hotel pickup, bring your own snorkeling gear, and treat the island time and BBQ as the main rewards. With those expectations, this is an enjoyable and practical way to spend six hours around Mauritius.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The experience lasts six hours, including the waterfall visit, snorkeling and swimming stop, lunch, time on Île aux Cerfs, and the return cruise.

Where does the cruise depart?

The meeting point is opposite Green Island Restaurant on the beach at Trou d’Eau Douce. Hotel pickup is available only if you select an option that includes it.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is served on board, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices. All food is halal.

What drinks are included?

The included selection consists of soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling and swimming are part of the cruise, but snorkeling gear is listed among the items you should bring. Pack your own gear if you have it.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

The experience is wheelchair accessible, but wheelchair users need to stand briefly to board and leave the shuttle boat. The crew assists with this transfer.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.