Private Catamaran Charter to Ile aux Cerfs

The best part of this outing is the freedom of having a 45-foot catamaran reserved for your own group. You can spread out, swim when conditions suit, and enjoy the trip at a calmer pace than a large shared cruise. The route links Pointe Jerome, Mahébourg, Grand River South East, and Ile aux Cerfs, with plenty of time on the water.

I like the chance to snorkel in a calm inner lagoon, and I like that the captain and crew handle the sailing while you focus on the views. The optional BBQ can turn the trip into a full day on the sea, though food and drinks are not part of the base price, so confirm the meal arrangement before you book.

The main drawback is that this is not a good fit for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. Dolphin sightings are also a lucky extra, not a promise, and Ile aux Cerfs can feel less appealing if your main goal is quiet isolation rather than a popular beach stop.

What makes this private cruise worth considering

• A full seven hours on a private boat: The catamaran is hired for your group, with a captain included.
• A route built around swimming: You can stop for snorkeling and swim in calm lagoon water rather than simply viewing the coast from the deck.
• A real chance to spot dolphins: The route includes dolphin watching, although sightings depend on nature and timing.
• Ile aux Cerfs gives you time ashore: You are not confined to the boat all day. You can walk on the beach before sailing back.
• Optional food and drinks: A BBQ lunch can be arranged at an extra charge, which lets you choose between a catered day and bringing provisions.
• Good capacity for large groups: The price is $1,354 for up to 31 people, making the cost more sensible when divided among a sizable party.

Setting out from Pointe Jerome

Your day starts at the Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point with a safety briefing. That first talk matters on a private charter because the captain needs to explain the boat, swimming arrangements, and basic rules to the whole group before leaving shore.

The boat is a 45-foot catamaran, a useful size for a private party. It offers more room to sit and move around than a small motorboat, while still giving you a close feel for the water. With a private booking, you do not have to share the schedule with strangers, so your group can settle into the day without worrying about keeping pace with a large crowd.

The host service is available in English and French. Crew members named Pascal and Scott have been associated with especially warm service, and the crew is repeatedly praised for being friendly, helpful, and good fun. Exact staffing can vary, so treat those names as useful context rather than a guarantee that both will be aboard.

Bring only what you need. Large bags and oversize luggage are not allowed, and pets are not permitted. Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, a towel, and sunscreen belong in your small day bag.

Sailing past Mahébourg and across the lagoon

After the briefing, the catamaran sails from Pointe Jerome toward the waters around Mahébourg. This part is less about a formal sightseeing stop and more about settling into the rhythm of the boat.

The inner lagoon is the visual heart of the outing. The water is described as turquoise and calm, making it well suited to a leisurely swim when the captain chooses a safe anchorage. I like this style of route because it gives you more than a quick photo stop. You have several hours to enjoy the sea, talk with your group, and move between sitting in the sun and getting into the water.

A private charter also makes the day more flexible in a practical way. You can ask questions, request a quieter pace, or let the crew know when your group is ready to leave a stop. That does not mean the schedule is unlimited. Weather, sea conditions, and the captain’s judgment still guide the route.

If you are prone to sunburn, take the warning seriously. A day on open water exposes you to strong sun even when a breeze makes the air feel mild. Apply sunscreen before boarding and bring it in your small bag for later use.

Snorkeling in calm water

The snorkeling stop is one of the strongest reasons to choose this charter. Snorkeling gear is included, so you do not need to arrange your own mask and equipment before the day begins.

You can expect to swim among colorful reef fish in the lagoon. The experience is best understood as a relaxed marine stop rather than a technical reef expedition. The supplied information does not promise a particular reef, water depth, or visibility, and those details can change with weather and sea conditions.

The calm water should appeal to families and casual swimmers, but you still need to be comfortable entering the sea from a boat. There is no stated accessibility arrangement for the catamaran, and the activity is specifically not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

I would pack a towel, dry clothes, and a simple waterproof pouch for small valuables. Avoid bringing large luggage. The boat is a place to enjoy the water, not a convenient storage room for suitcases.

Looking for dolphins near Mauritius

Dolphin watching is included in the planned route, and several parties have had memorable sightings. One group even reported seeing a large number of dolphins, while another described dolphins and snorkeling as highlights of the day.

Still, you should keep your expectations sensible. Wild dolphins choose the distance, direction, and timing. The crew can look for them, but nobody can guarantee a sighting. If you do see them, the encounter may be brief, so keep your camera ready without letting it take over the moment.

This is a good example of the difference between a wildlife outing and a fixed attraction. The uncertainty is part of the experience, but it also means you should not book this charter solely for dolphins. The swimming, sailing, lunch option, and Ile aux Cerfs visit give the day enough structure even if the search comes up empty.

Lunch near Grand River South East

The route includes lunch around Grand River South East. A BBQ lunch is available at a supplementary rate, and drinks can also be arranged. The exact meal package is important to confirm because the base booking includes the catamaran, captain, and snorkeling gear, but not food or drinks.

This setup gives you useful choice. If you want an easy all-day outing, adding the BBQ means the crew handles the meal while you remain on the boat. If you prefer to control the menu or keep costs down, ask in advance about bringing your own food and drinks. At least one group was able to bring provisions that the crew kept cool, but you should confirm that arrangement directly before relying on it.

The food receives particularly strong praise. BBQ meals are described as delicious, generous, and well served, while drinks are also described as good and plentiful. Those comments make the meal worth considering, especially for a large family or group that does not want to organize lunch separately.

The timing also matters. A seven-hour charter gives you enough room for sailing, swimming, lunch, dolphin watching, and the island visit, but a long lunch can reduce time ashore. If Ile aux Cerfs is your main goal, tell the crew early so your group has a clear sense of the day’s pace.

Reaching Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the main land stop. Once there, you can walk along the beach, enjoy the scenery, and take a break from the moving boat.

This stop gives the outing a useful change of pace. Seven hours entirely at sea may feel too long for some people, especially children who want room to walk. Ile aux Cerfs lets you stretch your legs and enjoy the beach before returning to the catamaran.

The island is also the part of the experience most likely to feel popular rather than remote. If you want a private experience, the boat itself provides that privacy. Once ashore, the beach setting is shared with other island visitors. That is not a fault, but it is worth knowing if you picture a deserted beach.

You should also remember that the water activities and beach walk are weather dependent. The captain decides when and where it is suitable to stop, and the day may not follow the same order every time.

Returning to Pointe Jerome

After the visit, you sail back to Pointe Jerome with time to relax on board and enjoy a chilled drink if you have arranged refreshments. The return leg is a pleasant chance to dry off, talk through the day, and take in the lagoon from a different angle.

A private charter can also be arranged with an optional private transfer at an extra cost per vehicle, with a maximum of four passengers per vehicle. This is separate from the boat booking, so select the transfer option during checkout if you need it.

Some groups have received a hotel return by boat arrangement, but this should not be treated as standard. The stated meeting point is Pointe Jerome, so confirm any hotel pickup or drop-off before paying for additional transport.

Is $1,354 good value for your group?

The listed price is $1,354 per group of up to 31 people. That sounds high if you are a couple or a small family, but the calculation changes sharply for a large party.

At the full capacity, the boat works out to about $44 per person for seven hours, before food, drinks, and any transfer. A group of 10 would pay about $135 per person, while a group of four would pay about $339 each. These figures show why this product is aimed at families, wedding groups, reunions, and large friend groups rather than solo visitors.

The value comes from privacy and time. You are not paying only for a seat on a boat. You are reserving the catamaran, captain, and a full seven-hour route with snorkeling, a possible dolphin search, lunch time, and an Ile aux Cerfs stop.

You should budget separately for the BBQ and drinks. Since these are not included, the advertised price is not the final cost if you want a catered day. Ask what the food package includes before booking, especially if your group has children, dietary restrictions, or strong preferences about drinks.

The five-star rating from 19 verified bookings supports the strongest parts of the experience: friendly service, a pleasant boat, good food, and a relaxed family atmosphere. That is a useful signal, but the small number of ratings means I would still judge the outing by your group size and priorities.

Who will enjoy this charter most?

I would recommend it most strongly for:

• Large families who want a private boat and flexible pace
• Groups celebrating a special occasion
• Friends who want swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and beach time in one day
• Families with children who prefer a private setting
• English-speaking and French-speaking groups
• Visitors who value attentive crew service more than a fixed sightseeing script

It is less suitable for people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or anyone who needs fully accessible boarding. It is also a poor choice if you dislike sun exposure, boat travel, or uncertainty around wildlife sightings.

For a small group, compare the total cost with a shared catamaran outing before booking. The private format is the point, but you may pay a premium for space that your party does not need.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Pack light and keep everything in a small soft bag. Large luggage is not allowed, and you will spend much of the day moving between the boat, the water, and the beach.

Wear comfortable shoes for the embarkation point and the island walk. Bring a towel, sunglasses, a sun hat, and plenty of sunscreen. The official information specifically calls for all of these items, and the open water offers little relief from the sun.

Decide on food before the morning of the cruise. If you want the BBQ, arrange it as a paid extra. If you plan to bring your own food or drinks, confirm storage and drink rules in advance.

Leave room for the unexpected. Dolphin watching may be excellent or may produce no sighting, and the order of swimming, lunch, and the island visit can depend on sea conditions. The day works best when you treat the route as a flexible sea outing rather than a tightly timed bus tour.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Mauritius plans are still shifting.

Should you book it?

Book this charter if you have a medium or large group and want a private day that combines snorkeling, dolphin watching, BBQ lunch, and Ile aux Cerfs without sharing the boat with strangers. The crew service, spacious catamaran, and seven-hour schedule make the price easier to justify when divided among many people.

Think twice if you are a small party, need accessible boarding, or want guaranteed dolphin sightings and a quiet, empty beach. Before you commit, confirm the BBQ cost, drink arrangements, transfer needs, and the exact meeting instructions. For the right group, this is a flexible and sociable way to enjoy Mauritius from the water.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The cruise starts at the Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point.

How long does the activity last?

The charter lasts seven hours.

Is the catamaran private?

Yes. You are booking a private catamaran charter for your group, with a captain included.

How many people can join the private charter?

The listed price covers a group of up to 31 people.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included with the private charter.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the base price. A BBQ lunch and drinks are available at a supplementary rate.

Can I see dolphins?

Dolphin watching is part of the planned route, but sightings depend on luck and cannot be guaranteed.

Is Ile aux Cerfs included in the route?

Yes. The itinerary includes a visit to Ile aux Cerfs, where you can walk along the beach before returning to Pointe Jerome.

What languages are available?

The host or greeter service is available in English and French.

Is the activity suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.