Mauritius Catamaran Cruise to Ile Aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch

The best part of this Mauritius day out is the mix: a river waterfall, open-water sailing, a generous BBQ lunch with drinks, and several hours on the white sands of Ile Aux Cerfs. You get a broad sample of the east coast without arranging separate boats, meals, and transfers.

I like the waterfall stop for its short, scenic change of pace, and I like that the crew serves food and local drinks on board rather than sending you off to find lunch. The main caution is space and timing. The catamaran can feel crowded, snorkeling may be canceled in poor weather, and some people wish they had longer in the water.

At a glance

• Grand River South East Waterfall: Sail upriver for a photo stop at Cascade Diamamouve, with a chance to spot monkeys along the banks.
• Onboard Halal BBQ: Expect a three-course meal with water, juice, soft drinks, beer, wine, and local rum.
• Three hours at Ile Aux Cerfs: Swim, relax on the sand, browse the craft market, or pay extra for selected watersports.
• A social catamaran ride: The group limit is 35, though the boat may still feel snug when everyone is seated or moving around.
• Optional hotel pickup: Pickup and drop-off are available if you choose that option, but confirm any added cost before booking.
• Mauritian Sega on the return: Local music gives the final sailing stretch a distinctly Mauritian finish.

Why this east-coast cruise works

At $59 per person, this is a strong value if you want a full day on the water with lunch and drinks included. You are not paying only for a boat ride. The price covers the waterfall visit, snorkeling and swimming stop, time at Ile Aux Cerfs, a meal, and a selection of beverages.

I would compare it with the cost of arranging a taxi to Trou d’Eau Douce, hiring a boat, buying lunch, and organizing a separate island visit. On that basis, the package makes sense, especially for families and first-time visitors to Mauritius.

The trade-off is that this is a shared outing, not a private sailing. The advertised maximum is 35 people, and several parts of the day involve moving between boats or gathering at busy stops. If you want quiet sailing, personal service, or a flexible schedule, a private charter may suit you better.

The overall rating is 3.6 from 14 published ratings, which reflects that split experience. The strongest praise centers on the friendly crew, the food and drinks, the atmosphere, and the beauty of Ile Aux Cerfs. The sharpest complaints concern late pickup, confusion at the start, boat size, and uneven communication.

Starting at Trou d’Eau Douce at 9:30

The outing begins at Green Island Beach Restaurant on B59 Coastal Road in La Pelouse, Trou d’Eau Douce. The listed start time is 9:30 a.m., and the activity returns to this same meeting point.

If you choose hotel pickup, build in patience. One person reported a pickup an hour late, while another warned that the pickup fee seemed high compared with the cost of a taxi to the port. I would ask for the exact pickup charge before confirming and allow extra time in the morning.

The opening can involve a short transfer from shore to the catamaran, and arrangements may not always be explained clearly at first. Take a moment to check where your group is going and which boat you are boarding. This simple step can save confusion if several small boats and catamarans are operating nearby.

Transportation between attractions totals about an hour and a half. That matters because the advertised six to seven hours includes sailing and transfers, not six to seven hours of swimming or beach time.

Grand River South East Waterfall and Cascade Diamamouve

The first major stop is Grand River South East Waterfall, also known as Cascade Diamamouve. The catamaran travels upriver, where the freshwater setting feels quite different from the open lagoon.

This is mainly a sightseeing and photo stop. You may spot monkeys in the trees along the riverbanks, which adds a bit of wildlife interest, but sightings are not guaranteed. The waterfall itself is attractive rather than enormous, so think of this as a scenic opening stop, not a full waterfall hike.

The scheduled time is about one hour. That is enough for photos and a look around, but not enough for an extended exploration. You may be transferred to a smaller boat in this area, so wear footwear that you can manage easily and keep your phone secure near the water.

I like this first stop because it gives the day some variety. You are not simply taken straight to a beach and left there. The river, tree-lined banks, and waterfall offer a quick look at a different side of Mauritius before the cruise turns toward the lagoon.

Snorkeling and swimming in the lagoon

After the river visit, the boat stops for swimming and snorkeling in clear water. This is the part of the day most dependent on conditions. If the weather turns rough, the crew may cancel snorkeling for safety, as happened on one outing.

When conditions cooperate, this stop gives you a chance to see marine life without booking a separate snorkeling trip. Bring a swimsuit under your clothes, since the schedule moves from sightseeing to the water fairly quickly.

The snorkeling period may feel short to anyone who wants a long swim. One person enjoyed the trip but wished there had been more time in the water. That is a useful warning: the cruise offers a taste of snorkeling, not a full marine excursion with repeated reef stops.

You should also keep your expectations sensible. The supplied details promise clear water and marine life, but they do not specify a particular reef, species list, or professional snorkeling guide. Weather and sea conditions will shape the experience.

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

Lunch is served on the catamaran and includes a Halal BBQ meal described as three courses. The selection of drinks includes water, juice, soft drinks, beer, wine, and local rum.

Food and drink are among the most consistent strengths of this outing. I like that refreshments are part of the main price, since a day on the water can become expensive when every bottle or beer costs extra. The meal also keeps you from losing beach time to a separate restaurant stop.

The crew has been praised for friendly hospitality, generous servings, and a good atmosphere. One family traveling with a 12-year-old found the food and refreshments especially worthwhile, and the driver, Avish, received specific praise for his service.

Still, do not assume every drink will appear instantly. One person said beer had to be requested even though it was included. A polite reminder to the crew should solve that, but it is worth knowing what is covered before you sit down.

The catamaran is a shared social space. Music, drinks, and conversation are part of the appeal, but personal room is limited. One person described the boat as slightly crowded for its size, while another complained after being placed on a boat that felt too full. The stated maximum for the activity is 35 people, though a particular boat arrangement may affect how spacious it feels.

Three hours on Ile Aux Cerfs

Ile Aux Cerfs is the main reward of the day. The island has white sand, palm trees, and a clear turquoise lagoon. You have about three hours here, which gives you time to swim, sit on the beach, and walk around without rushing from one stop to the next.

This is not a quiet, untouched island experience. Ile Aux Cerfs is a popular day-trip destination, and the available craft market and paid activities add to its active holiday feel. Still, the setting is beautiful, and the long stop lets you enjoy it at your own pace more than a quick photo visit would.

You can browse the local arts and crafts market for souvenirs. The supplied details do not state which stalls or products will be available, so think of this as an optional shopping stop rather than a guaranteed specialist market.

The lagoon is the place to cool off. Families can split up naturally, with some people swimming while others stay on the sand or browse the market. If you want a slower day, you can simply use the three hours as beach time.

Optional parasailing and undersea walking

Ile Aux Cerfs also offers optional paid activities. Double parasailing costs about Rs 2,500, or roughly Rs 1,000 per person according to the supplied pricing, while undersea walking costs about Rs 2,000.

These activities are not included in the $59 tour price. Tube riding is also mentioned as an optional activity, but no price is provided.

Budget carefully before agreeing to anything on the island. The basic cruise already includes the waterfall, swimming stop, lunch, drinks, and beach visit, so you do not need to purchase an add-on to have a complete day. If parasailing is a priority, ask where and when payment is handled so the activity does not cut too deeply into your beach time.

The return sail and Mauritian Sega

The ride back to Trou d’Eau Douce includes Mauritian Sega music. Sega is a local musical tradition, and hearing it during the return gives the final part of the day a stronger connection to Mauritius than generic background music would.

This is also when the cruise atmosphere tends to matter most. If you enjoy a lively group setting, music and drinks can make the ride home feel like part of the event. If you prefer quiet, bring your expectations down. This is a shared entertainment cruise, not a silent sunset sail.

The boat returns to the original meeting point. The full experience lasts roughly six to seven hours, depending on weather and the day’s operating pace.

What the $59 price really buys you

For $59, the value is best when you use the whole package. You receive:

• A full-day catamaran cruise
• The Grand River South East Waterfall visit
• A snorkeling and swimming break
• Halal BBQ lunch
• Water, juice, soft drinks, beer, wine, and local rum
• Time at Ile Aux Cerfs
• Return to the starting point

Hotel transport is included only if you select that option, so check the final price carefully. The pickup issue is the clearest cost warning in the available information. A separate taxi may be cheaper, depending on your hotel and the quoted transfer fee.

I would book this for the bundled convenience, not for luxury. You get a lot of components for one price, but the day can feel busy and the boat may not offer much personal space. It is a good fit for people who want variety and social energy.

Who should book this outing

I would recommend it to you if you want to combine several classic east-coast sights in one day. It works particularly well for:

• Families who appreciate included food and drinks
• First-time visitors who want a broad introduction to the area
• Couples who enjoy a lively boat atmosphere
• People who want beach time without arranging their own boat
• Anyone interested in adding parasailing or undersea walking

I would be more cautious if your priority is serious snorkeling, a private boat, or a calm, carefully narrated tour. The experience does not promise a detailed guided commentary, and one person found the information from the guide lacking.

It also may not suit you if you dislike boat transfers, crowded seating, or changes caused by weather. Most people can participate, but the day includes boarding boats and spending time on the water, so think about your own comfort before booking.

Practical advice before you book

Wear a swimsuit beneath light clothing and bring sun protection. Keep valuables secure during boat changes and swimming stops.

Confirm four things before paying:

• The exact pickup fee, if you need hotel transport
• The meeting point and 9:30 a.m. start time
• Which watersports cost extra
• What happens if poor weather cancels snorkeling or the cruise

The activity requires good weather. If conditions force cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. If you cancel yourself, you need to do so at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted.

Should you book the Mauritius catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a well-packed, affordable day with waterfall scenery, a beach island, a BBQ meal, drinks, and a taste of snorkeling. The crew’s hospitality, the included refreshments, and the beauty of Ile Aux Cerfs are the strongest reasons to go.

Think twice if you want space, quiet, long snorkeling sessions, or polished guiding from start to finish. Confirm the pickup cost, expect a shared boat, and treat snorkeling as weather-dependent. With those limits understood, this is a practical way to see several east-coast highlights without paying for every part separately.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The meeting point is Green Island Beach Restaurant, B59 Coastal Road, La Pelouse, Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius. The listed start time is 9:30 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately six to seven hours. Travel between attractions accounts for about one hour and 30 minutes in total.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available if you choose that option. The supplied details do not give one fixed pickup price, so confirm the charge before booking.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A Halal BBQ lunch is served on board. The meal is described as a three-course lunch.

What drinks are included?

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

Is snorkeling guaranteed?

No. Snorkeling depends on weather and sea conditions. If poor weather affects the activity, the operator may cancel or offer a different date or a full refund.

How much do the optional watersports cost?

Double parasailing is listed at about Rs 2,500, or approximately Rs 1,000 per person. Undersea walking costs about Rs 2,000. Tube riding is also available at an additional cost, but no price is provided.