Mauritius: Ile Aux Cerfs Catamaran Tour with Lunch and Drinks

The best part of this nine-hour catamaran day is the mix of scenery and easygoing fun. You sail from Trou d’Eau Douce to Grand River South East, stop near a waterfall, swim and snorkel in the lagoon, eat barbecue lunch, then spend time on the pale sands of Ile aux Cerfs.

I like the small maximum group of 20, which should feel less cramped than the packed boats you may see nearby. I also like the generous food and drink setup: barbecue lunch plus unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, with Mauritian music, jokes, and local stories from the crew.

The main drawback is the long day and the fixed pace. The weather can also affect the trip, and one part of the experience may be less polished than the rest if the morning starts slowly or the conditions are poor.

Key points to know before you book

• Grand River South East comes first: The morning includes a short waterfall visit, with monkeys in the trees and fruit bats overhead.
• Lunch and drinks are built in: You get barbecue food and an open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
• The boat holds no more than 20 people: That gives the cruise a more personal feel than a crowded outing.
• Snorkeling is part of the day: Several stops are planned in the lagoon, with coral, tropical fish, and the chance of seeing turtles.
• Ile aux Cerfs is not only a beach stop: Depending on your package, parasailing, undersea walking, and tube riding may be available.
• The trip runs from about 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Pickup is offered, but the stated meeting point is Trou d’Eau Douce.

Setting out from Trou d’Eau Douce at 8:30

Your morning starts at Trou d’Eau Douce on the east coast of Mauritius. The catamaran leaves at about 9 a.m., so you should be ready at the meeting point by 8:30. Pickup is offered, which can simplify the morning, but confirm the exact pickup details when booking since the stated start point is still Trou d’Eau Douce.

The opening stretch is calm and scenic. You move across the east coast lagoon with views of the island’s mountains and open water. This is not a rushed transfer. The crew uses the sailing time to get the mood going with Mauritian music, local stories, jokes, and drinks.

That social style is a major part of the outing. You are not signing up for a quiet private sail with a naturalist giving a formal talk. You are signing up for a friendly boat day where the crew keeps people involved and the music helps carry the trip along.

The group limit of 20 matters here. A catamaran can feel relaxed or crowded depending on how many people are aboard. With a maximum of 20, you should have a better chance of finding a comfortable place to sit, moving around the deck, and getting the crew’s attention when you need something.

Grand River South East waterfall and river wildlife

The first sightseeing stop is Grand River South East, where the boat heads roughly 500 meters upstream toward the waterfall. The visit lasts about 30 minutes, so think of it as a short look rather than a long river expedition.

The river setting gives the morning a change of pace. After the open lagoon, you are among tall old trees and freshwater scenery. Monkeys may be seen moving through the branches, and the tour information says you may feed them. Fruit bats can also be resting high in the trees near the waterfall.

I would treat the animal encounters as possible sightings, not a guarantee. Wildlife has its own schedule, and the short stop leaves limited time to wait around. Still, this is a worthwhile addition because it gives you something beyond the familiar beach-and-boat routine.

The waterfall itself is part of the appeal, but do not expect the stop to fill half the day. You will have about 30 minutes before returning to the catamaran and continuing toward Ile aux Cerfs. Bring a camera that can handle spray and keep valuables secure around the water.

Snorkeling in the east coast lagoon

After the river stop, the catamaran moves into clearer lagoon water for swimming and snorkeling. Several scheduled snorkeling stops are planned, and the underwater sights include coral reefs and tropical fish.

The chance to see sea turtles is one of the most appealing details, though no wildlife sighting can be promised. You may also see large numbers of brightly colored fish. The value of this part of the tour is that swimming is not left as an afterthought. The day gives you a proper water break before lunch and island time.

You should bring or wear suitable swim clothing from the start. The schedule includes both swimming and snorkeling, and you will not want to lose time changing between every activity. It is also sensible to protect your phone and other valuables from spray, since a catamaran deck is exposed to wind and water.

The snorkeling stop may not satisfy someone seeking a dedicated marine excursion. The day has several different purposes: waterfall, swimming, lunch, music, beach time, and optional activities. You get variety rather than hours focused on one reef.

That balance works well for couples, families, and groups with mixed interests. Strong swimmers can spend more time in the water, while others can remain on the boat and enjoy the views. The supplied information does not specify whether snorkeling equipment is provided, so check before departure if you need gear.

Barbecue lunch and the open bar

Food and drink are included in the price, which makes the $70 cost easier to assess. After snorkeling, you get a barbecue lunch either on the beach or on the catamaran. The exact menu is not stated, so you should not book this expecting a particular dish or a restaurant-style meal.

The setup is casual and suited to a boat day. You eat in the middle of the outing rather than waiting until the end, and the meal breaks up the swimming and sightseeing. Unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are also included, giving the day a party-boat feel without constant extra charges.

I like this arrangement because drinks can quickly add to the cost of a full-day water excursion. Here, the price covers the main meal and open bar, so you can plan your spending with fewer surprises. The value is strongest if you expect to eat lunch aboard and enjoy several drinks.

The open bar also changes the atmosphere. Music, jokes, and drinks make this more social than a simple transport trip to Ile aux Cerfs. If you want peace and quiet, you may find the music and group energy a little much. If you want an easy day with a friendly crew, it is likely to suit you.

Drink responsibly, especially if you plan to swim or take part in an optional water activity later. The tour lasts until about 4 p.m., so the day can feel long if you start drinking heavily in the morning.

Ile aux Cerfs: beach time and optional activities

Ile aux Cerfs is the main destination. From the water, you see palm trees, white sand, and clear turquoise water. The island is set up for a comfortable beach escape, with room to stroll, swim, snorkel, or simply sit in the sun.

The scheduled island time is split across roughly four hours and two hours in the supplied timing, so you should expect a substantial portion of the day here. The exact flow may depend on how long the river and snorkeling stops take, but the island is not just a quick photo stop.

This is where the tour works best for people who want choices. You can relax on the beach while someone else swims. You can walk around while your group takes part in an activity. You can also return to the water for another swim or snorkel session.

Several optional activities may be available depending on your package:

• Parasailing: You rise above the coast for broad views of the sea and shoreline.
• Undersea walking: This offers a different way to see the marine environment without traditional snorkeling.
• Tube riding: This is a faster, more playful water option.

Do not assume every activity is included in the base price. The information says availability depends on your package, so check the booking terms before counting on parasailing, undersea walking, or tube riding.

I would also keep your expectations practical. Ile aux Cerfs is a popular beach destination with facilities and activities, not an untouched desert island. Its appeal is convenience: you get sand, water, optional fun, lunch, and a boat ride in one organized day.

The return sail to Trou d’Eau Douce

After the island visit, the catamaran sails back toward Trou d’Eau Douce, arriving around 4 p.m. The return gives you another stretch of open-water scenery, and the crew’s music and drinks can keep the mood going until the end.

A nine-hour excursion is a serious commitment. You leave in the morning and spend most of the daylight hours on the water, so this is not the right choice if you want a short outing before another afternoon plan. Give yourself space in the evening rather than scheduling something time-sensitive after the cruise.

The return can also feel longer if the sea is rough, the weather turns cloudy, or you are tired from swimming and sun. On a good day, it is a pleasant way to wind down. On a less comfortable day, the fixed schedule becomes more noticeable.

Weather is an important condition. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The sea and sky have a real effect on this experience, so keep your plans flexible.

How the crew shapes the day

The crew is central to the experience. Their role is not limited to steering the boat and serving lunch. They tell local stories, make jokes, play Mauritian music, and help keep the group involved.

The strongest praise has focused on the crew’s friendliness, attention, and effort to make the day enjoyable. The most useful comparison is with overcrowded catamarans nearby. A smaller group and an attentive team can make the difference between a pleasant boat day and a tiring one.

No individual guide names are provided, so I cannot point you toward a particular host. What you can expect is a team-led outing with a warm, informal tone rather than a formal guided tour.

The crew style may not appeal to everyone. Some people want a quiet sail, minimal announcements, and time alone with the view. This trip is better for you if you like music, conversation, shared meals, and a bit of boat-party energy.

Is $70 a fair price?

At $70 per person, the price is reasonable for a full-day package that includes a catamaran cruise, waterfall stop, snorkeling time, barbecue lunch, open bar, and access to Ile aux Cerfs. Pickup is offered as an added convenience.

The value becomes stronger if you use the included food and drinks and want several activities in one day. Booking separate transport, a boat trip, lunch, and island access could cost more and require extra planning.

The value is less clear if you do not drink, prefer a very quiet boat, or mainly want a short visit to the beach. You are paying for the full social program, not only the transfer to Ile aux Cerfs.

The small group limit also supports the price. It does not make the trip private, but a maximum of 20 people should help keep the boat from feeling packed. Since the published rating is based on only six reviews, I would treat the positive response as encouraging but not a guarantee of every departure.

Who should book this catamaran day?

I would recommend it to you if you want a full east coast day with several kinds of scenery and activity. It suits couples, families, and groups of friends who can agree on a flexible plan and enjoy being together on the water.

It is especially good for you if you value:

• A small group rather than a large boat
• A friendly crew with music and local stories
• Lunch and drinks included in the price
• A mix of snorkeling, wildlife, beach time, and optional activities
• Enough time at Ile aux Cerfs to relax instead of rushing ashore

I would hesitate if you want a quiet nature trip, a specialist snorkeling excursion, or a short and highly structured visit. I would also think twice if a fixed nine-hour schedule feels tiring.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside 24 hours, changes and refunds are not accepted. That cutoff uses local time, so check the clock carefully before making changes.

My booking recommendation

Book this tour if you want Mauritius in an easy, social package: river wildlife in the morning, clear lagoon water, barbecue lunch, open-bar drinks, Mauritian music, and a long afternoon at Ile aux Cerfs.

The strongest reasons to choose it are the maximum group of 20 and the amount included for $70. The biggest caution is that the experience depends on weather, group energy, and how much you enjoy spending a full day on a boat.

For a first visit to Mauritius, this gives you a broad taste of the east coast without having to arrange each piece separately. Just confirm pickup details, check which optional Ile aux Cerfs activities belong to your package, and keep the evening free after the return.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start and finish?

The tour starts at Trou d’Eau Douce on the east coast of Mauritius and ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the experience begin?

You should arrive at Trou d’Eau Douce at about 8:30 a.m. The catamaran departs at approximately 9 a.m.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A barbecue lunch is served on the beach or on the catamaran after the snorkeling portion of the day.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The tour includes unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks through an open bar service.

What activities are available at Ile aux Cerfs?

Depending on your package, activities may include parasailing, undersea walking, and tube riding. Swimming, snorkeling, walking, and relaxing on the beach are also part of the island visit.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You can choose another date or receive a full refund if poor weather causes the experience to be canceled. Free cancellation by you is available up to 24 hours before the start time.