Catamaran Cruise: Isle aux Cerfs, Including BBQ Lunch, in Mauritius

The best part of this Mauritius day cruise is the range of scenery packed into one boat trip. You may watch dolphins in the wake, pass the Grand River South East waterfalls, spot monkeys and giant bats near the river mouth, then swim and relax at Isle aux Cerfs.

I like the friendly onboard crew and the simple all-inclusive setup: snorkeling gear, BBQ lunch, snacks, and an open bar are included. The main drawback is that the day depends on sea and tide conditions, and the meal may feel ordinary if you expect a polished restaurant lunch.

Key points to know before you book

• The route covers three distinct sights: Grand River South East, Ile du Phare, and Isle aux Cerfs.
• Dolphin sightings are possible, not promised: They can be the day’s most memorable bonus.
• Snorkeling gear is included: You can swim from the boat without arranging equipment separately.
• Lunch is served onboard: Expect a BBQ meal, snacks, and unlimited drinks rather than a long shore-side meal.
• The starting point is Preskil Island Resort: Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
• The group is limited to 30 people: That keeps the catamaran from becoming an enormous party boat.

A full day from Preskil Island Resort to Isle aux Cerfs

This cruise begins at Preskil Island Resort near Pointe Jerome, in the Mahebourg area. The meeting point matters because transport is not included, so you need to make your own way there unless you book an option with hotel transfers.

The advertised duration is about seven hours. That gives you a proper day on the water, not a quick harbor trip with a short island stop. The catamaran route combines moving scenery with time to swim, eat, and sit in the sun.

The boat carries a maximum of 30 people. That is still a social setting, but it is more manageable than the large excursion boats used for some island cruises. You should expect a shared day, not a private sailing experience.

At the start, the crew explains the program and the planned stops. One useful detail from the operating experience is that low tide can delay departure for safety. This is not necessarily a problem, but it means you should avoid arranging a tight connection after the cruise.

Grand River South East brings the best sightseeing

The first named stop is Grand River South East, often shortened to GRSE. The river reaches the coast through a gorge, ending in a waterfall that makes a fine early photo stop.

The listed stop lasts only about 10 minutes, so keep your camera ready and do not expect a long walk or a broad land visit. You see the waterfall from the boat and take in the gorge before continuing along the coast.

The river mouth is also the place to watch for wildlife. The route can bring you near monkeys and a large colony of fruit bats. These sightings depend on the day and your position on the boat, but they add more interest than a simple point-to-point cruise.

The falls themselves are attractive, but the short timing tells you how to treat this part of the trip. Think of it as a scenic pause, not the main event. The cruise is designed to show you several places in one day, so no single sight receives a long, careful visit.

Ile du Phare adds a passing island view

Ile du Phare is on the route toward Isle aux Cerfs. It is a passing sight rather than a full stop with a detailed visit.

That distinction is useful when setting expectations. You will see another piece of Mauritius from the water, but the day does not offer a long exploration of the island or lighthouse. The appeal is the changing view from the catamaran, with the coastline and smaller islands providing a break from open water.

If you prefer a tour built around long walks and historic sites, this cruise may feel light on land-based sightseeing. If you like seeing several coastal points without packing and unpacking or changing vehicles, the route works well.

Isle aux Cerfs is the main destination

Isle aux Cerfs receives the most attention. The island is known for its clear swimming areas and easygoing beach time, and this cruise gives you about an hour for relaxing and swimming.

The schedule also lists about an hour for lunch at Isle aux Cerfs, with the BBQ prepared and served onboard. The arrangement keeps the group together and avoids spending valuable time searching for a restaurant.

You can expect a practical barbecue rather than a gourmet meal. The food has been described as plentiful and well cooked, while some people have found the flavors and variety only average. I would book this cruise for the sea day, scenery, and swimming, with lunch viewed as a convenient included benefit.

Unlimited drinks are provided through an open bar, along with snacks. That is useful in the sun, especially since the trip runs for most of the day. Drink service also helps make the $82 price easier to judge, since you are not paying separately for every refreshment.

The island time is pleasant but not especially long. About one hour for swimming and relaxing can pass quickly, especially if you want to take photos, walk around, and get into the water. If your top priority is spending half a day on Isle aux Cerfs itself, check the timing carefully before booking.

Snorkeling is simple and built into the day

Snorkeling gear is included, and the crew provides guidance for the snorkeling stop. That makes the activity easy for you if you do not want to bring equipment or arrange a separate boat trip.

The exact snorkeling conditions can change with weather, tide, and water visibility. The cruise offers the chance to snorkel, not a guaranteed marine-life show. It is best approached as a pleasant swim with the possibility of seeing underwater life rather than a specialist snorkeling expedition.

You should also remember that the cruise includes several activities in one schedule. Snorkeling, the river sights, lunch, and island time all compete for the same seven hours. You get variety, but not unlimited time at any single stop.

Dolphins can turn an ordinary crossing into a highlight

Dolphins are one of the most appealing possibilities on this route. They may appear near the catamaran or play in its wake, creating the kind of unscripted moment that no fixed itinerary can promise.

If dolphins appear, they may become the strongest memory of your day. If they do not, the cruise still has the waterfall, wildlife viewing, snorkeling, and Isle aux Cerfs, but the open-water stretches may feel less exciting.

This is an important point when comparing boat trips in Mauritius. Do not buy this excursion solely for dolphins. Treat them as a lucky extra, just as you would treat a monkey or bat sighting as part of the river visit.

The BBQ lunch is useful, with fair expectations

Having lunch onboard is one of the practical strengths of this trip. You do not need to leave the water, find a table, or pay for a meal at the island. The food is part of the package, and the open bar means the basic cost is easier to control.

The meal has received mixed impressions. Some diners found the barbecue plentiful and well prepared, while others wanted more variety and stronger flavors. My advice is simple: enjoy it as a fresh-air boat lunch, not as a culinary centerpiece.

Snacks are also included. Since this is a long outing, that extra food matters. Still, the provided details do not specify the exact menu, so anyone with strict dietary needs should confirm arrangements before booking.

What the $82 price really covers

At $82 per person, the value depends on how much of the package you would otherwise arrange yourself. The fare includes the catamaran cruise, snorkeling equipment, BBQ lunch, snacks, and unlimited drinks. It also covers a full day of movement between coastal sights and Isle aux Cerfs.

That is a reasonable structure for someone who wants one organized outing. You are paying for transport by sea, crew service, food, beverages, and a set route. The price is less attractive if you mainly want a short swim at the island or plan to skip the lunch and drinks.

Hotel transfers are not included in the standard details. This can add cost and planning time, especially if your accommodation is far from Pointe Jerome. An upgrade with hotel transfers is available, so compare the final price rather than assuming the $82 figure includes door-to-door service.

The group limit of 30 helps the price feel more balanced. You are not booking a private boat, but the experience should be smaller than a high-capacity day excursion. That matters during boarding, lunch, and snorkeling, when large groups can slow everything down.

Timing, weather, and the practical details

The meeting point is Preskil Island Resort, Pointe Jerome, Mahebourg, Mauritius. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, so plan for your own return journey if you do not arrange a transfer.

The listed operating schedule shows Monday through Wednesday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for the stated booking period. Because schedules can change, confirm the exact date and departure details when you reserve.

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and most people can take part. The tour requires good weather, so poor conditions may lead to a different date or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund. Those cutoffs use local Mauritius time.

Bring sun protection, a swimsuit, and a towel, but do not assume hotel pickup is part of the deal. A waterproof phone case would also be useful for the waterfall, wildlife, and boat views, though the supplied details do not state that any such equipment is provided.

Who will enjoy this catamaran cruise most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a one-day introduction to Mauritius by water. It works particularly well for people who like a mix of scenery, swimming, wildlife spotting, and casual food without having to plan several separate activities.

Families can consider it, provided children stay with an adult. The included food and drinks simplify the day, and the capped group size may feel easier than a very large boat excursion.

It also suits couples and friends who value a relaxed day with plenty of time outside. The crew has been praised for being friendly, professional, and helpful with the snorkeling stop. That service can make a real difference when the schedule includes several moving parts.

You may want a different experience if you prefer quiet sailing, detailed cultural commentary, or a long stay on one beach. This is an active shared outing with a broad route. It favors variety over depth.

Should you book this Isle aux Cerfs cruise?

Book it if you want one organized day that combines the GRSE waterfall, possible monkeys and bats, snorkeling, dolphin-watching, a BBQ, open-bar drinks, and time at Isle aux Cerfs. The crew and the wide mix of stops are the strongest reasons to go.

Think twice if your main goal is a long island stay, a refined meal, or guaranteed dolphins. The excursion offers possibilities rather than promises, and low tide or poor weather can affect the schedule.

For most people, the $82 price is fair when you use the included lunch, drinks, gear, and full boat route. Just budget for getting to Preskil Island Resort, and consider the hotel-transfer upgrade if local transport would be difficult.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

The cruise starts at Preskil Island Resort at Pointe Jerome, Mahebourg, Mauritius.

Where does the cruise end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point at Preskil Island Resort.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts about seven hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the standard experience. An upgrade with hotel transfers is available.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is included and is prepared for the cruise.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The package includes beverages, snacks, and unlimited drinks through an open bar.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included.

Will I definitely see dolphins?

No. Dolphins may be seen playing near the catamaran, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Are children allowed?

Yes. Children can participate, but they must be accompanied by an adult.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.