Full-day Catamaran Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs with Lunch

Grand River South East Waterfall is the early highlight here. A small speedboat carries you up the river from Trou d’Eau Douce, where falling water, fruit bats, and monkeys provide a fine change from the open sea. I also like the fresh BBQ lunch and the easygoing catamaran setting, with drinks included and plenty of time to sit, swim, or sunbathe.

The day offers good value at $65 per person, especially if you enjoy a full schedule on the water. Still, set your expectations carefully: snorkeling time may feel short, and Ile aux Cerfs can be crowded and more commercial than its postcard beaches suggest.

Key points to know before booking

• The day starts with a speedboat trip to GRSE Waterfall, not directly on the catamaran.
• Snorkeling gear and swim jackets are provided, though bringing your own mask may help if fit matters to you.
• Lunch includes BBQ chicken, fish, sausages, salads, fries, fruit, and dessert, with vegetarian choices available.
• Drinks are included throughout the cruise, including water, soft drinks, beer, and local rum.
• Pickup and drop-off cost extra, while self-drivers receive directions to the departure point.
• The island stop is scenic but busy, so this suits people who want activity and convenience more than solitude.

Setting out from Trou d’Eau Douce

This full-day outing explores the east coast from Trou d’Eau Douce, one of the main launch points for trips toward Ile aux Cerfs. You can choose a start around 7:00 with pickup, or around 9:00 without pickup, and the day runs until about 16:00.

That choice matters. The early option is easier if you want hotel transport arranged, but it also means a very early start. The later option may suit independent drivers better, though you must reach the launch point yourself. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not part of the $65 base price, so check the added charge before you commit.

The experience uses a spacious, full-serviced 42-foot catamaran. You get more room to move than on a small boat, plus shaded areas, open seating, and a steady platform for eating and relaxing. The boat is designed for a social day rather than a quiet private charter, so expect music and a friendly group atmosphere.

I would bring a towel, sunscreen, swimwear, and a dry change of clothes if you have room. The sun can feel strong on open water, and the combination of swimming, wind, and salt spray can leave you wanting something dry by the afternoon.

The speedboat ride to Grand River South East Waterfall

The first major stop is Grand River South East Waterfall, often shortened to GRSE Waterfall. From Trou d’Eau Douce, a speedboat takes you upriver. This part of the morning feels more intimate than the later island stop because the boat follows a quieter stretch of water toward a waterfall reached by boat alone.

The river changes the pace of the day. Instead of immediately heading into open coastal water, you pass through a calmer setting and approach the falling water from below. You might also spot local fruit bats and monkeys in the surrounding area, though wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

The waterfall itself is not a long hike or a full nature excursion. You see it from the water, take photographs, and enjoy the setting before returning by speedboat to Trou d’Eau Douce. That makes it a good stop for anyone who likes a little sightseeing built into a beach day, but it will not satisfy someone seeking a long walk or a quiet wilderness visit.

Crowds can affect the mood here. This is a popular boat stop, and the area may feel busy rather than remote. Go early in the day with the right expectation: you are seeing a memorable river feature by boat, not spending hours alone beside an undiscovered cascade.

Sailing the east coast by catamaran

After the waterfall visit, you return to Trou d’Eau Douce and board the catamaran. The sailing portion is the heart of the outing. The boat follows Mauritius’ east coast toward Ile aux Cerfs, with the crew stopping at several points for swimming and snorkeling.

I like this format because the day does not force you to remain active. You can swim when the boat stops, sit with a drink, listen to music, or watch the coast pass by. The spacious catamaran gives you room to change the pace, which is useful on a long day in direct sun.

The atmosphere is social. Music and free-flowing drinks help create a party-boat feel, especially after lunch. That is a plus if you want an upbeat outing with other people. If you are hoping for a silent sailing trip, a private boat, or a small group with personal attention, this may not be the right match.

The crew is generally described as warm and attentive, and that matters on a day with several moving parts. A good crew keeps boarding, meals, swimming stops, and drinks running smoothly. The trip has received an overall rating of 3.8 from 10 ratings, which reflects a generally positive experience with some clear weak spots.

Snorkeling in the warm coastal water

Snorkeling stops are planned along the route, with coral and tropical fish as the main attraction. The water is described as warm and emerald-blue, and the operator supplies snorkeling gear and swim jackets. You may bring your own equipment, which I would consider if you care about a well-fitting mask or have your own fins.

This part of the day needs realistic expectations. Some people find the snorkeling enjoyable, while others find the stops disappointing, with algae and only a few fish visible. Conditions can change, and the exact quality of the water depends on the chosen location, weather, and how many boats are in the area.

The most useful tip is simple: bring your own mask if you have one. A poorly fitting rental mask can spoil a short swim, and several passengers felt that the snorkeling portion needed more time. The stops are included, but they are not the main purpose of the entire six to nine-hour outing.

You should also be comfortable getting into the sea from a boat. Swim jackets are available, which helps less confident swimmers, but the activity still depends on being willing and able to enter the water. If swimming is not your thing, you can remain aboard and enjoy the catamaran.

BBQ lunch with drinks aboard the boat

Lunch is served on the catamaran near Ile aux Cerfs. The meal includes BBQ chicken, fish, and sausages, along with fries, pasta salad, other salads, fruit, dessert, and vegetarian choices. Water, juice, soda, beer, and local rum are included.

This is one of the strongest parts of the package. You do not need to leave the beach or search for a restaurant during your limited island time. The meal is practical, filling, and suited to a day when you have been swimming and sitting in the sun.

The food also adds value to the $65 price. A separate boat trip, lunch, drinks, and access to a well-known island could easily cost more if arranged piece by piece. The meal is not a fine-dining experience, and you should not expect a menu built around several courses, but the BBQ format fits the relaxed setting.

Drinks are available throughout the day, including local rum and beer. Drink responsibly, especially in the heat. Alcohol can affect you faster after swimming and sun exposure, and the boat still has transfers and wet steps to manage.

Vegetarians have options in the salads and other side dishes, but the information does not promise a separate vegetarian main course. If you need a strict or substantial vegetarian meal, confirm the details before booking.

Free time on Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the longest stop and the place most people picture when they think of this trip. You get several hours to wander along white sand, relax near the water, try available activities, or follow nature trails.

The island is beautiful, but it is not a private retreat. One passenger described the beach as overrated and crowded, while another found Ile aux Cerfs beautiful. Both impressions can be true. The sand and turquoise water are photogenic, but the island is a major day-trip destination, so privacy is not its strongest feature.

I would use this stop according to your mood. If you want a swim and a little sun, head for the beach. If you prefer movement, look into the available water activities or walk the nature paths. If you have already had enough sun, find a quieter place to sit and let the afternoon pass.

Do not count on the island alone to provide a secluded experience. The earlier river section offers more of a sense of distance from the crowds. Ile aux Cerfs is better understood as a scenic leisure stop with several ways to spend a few hours.

What the $65 price really covers

At $65 per person, this is a solid package for an active day. You receive the catamaran cruise, a speedboat trip to GRSE Waterfall, snorkeling equipment, swim jackets, a BBQ buffet, drinks, and time on Ile aux Cerfs. That combination gives the price real weight.

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise pay separately for transport, a boat trip, lunch, and drinks. It also helps families and first-time visitors who want a simple way to see several east-coast attractions in one day.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want quiet sailing or excellent snorkeling. The island can feel overcrowded, the snorkeling may be brief, and pickup costs extra. Add transport charges before comparing this with other Mauritius excursions.

You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The tour operates in Dutch, English, and French, which is useful for mixed-language groups.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this outing to families, couples, and first-time visitors who want a broad taste of the southeast coast without arranging several separate activities. It also suits people who like a social boat atmosphere, music, swimming, and an included lunch.

The trip works well for families because the day has several different pieces. An 11-year-old, for example, can enjoy the speedboat, waterfall, beach, food, and swimming without needing to spend every hour snorkeling. Swim jackets add some comfort for children and less confident swimmers.

You may want another type of excursion if your priority is serious snorkeling, a quiet sail, or a deserted beach. The schedule is full, and the public nature of the major stops means you will share the experience with other groups.

Small details that can make the day better

Arrive prepared to swim, but do not forget sun protection for the hours spent on deck. Sunscreen, a towel, and your own mask are the most useful items to pack.

If you are driving, allow enough time to find the departure point and check in. One poor start involved confusion at the pier and a wait beneath a tree before boarding, so have your booking information ready and give yourself a buffer before departure.

If you use the pickup option, confirm the added fee and pickup time. The listed schedule allows for either an early pickup day or a later self-drive start, but the transport arrangement affects the whole morning.

Finally, keep the snorkeling and island portions in perspective. The best reason to choose this trip is the combination of river waterfall, catamaran sailing, BBQ lunch, drinks, swimming, and Ile aux Cerfs. It is not a dedicated marine-life tour.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a convenient, good-value day that combines several Mauritius highlights. The BBQ lunch, included drinks, spacious catamaran, GRSE Waterfall visit, and island time create a well-rounded outing for $65, before any optional pickup charge.

Skip it if you need peace and quiet, a private setting, or top-quality snorkeling. Bring your own mask, expect crowds at Ile aux Cerfs, and treat the waterfall as a short boat visit rather than a full nature trek. With those expectations, this is a practical and enjoyable way to spend a day on Mauritius’ east coast.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran cruise last?

The full-day activity runs until about 16:00. The schedule begins at approximately 07:00 with pickup or 09:00 without pickup.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off can be arranged for an extra fee after booking. If you drive yourself, directions to the starting point are provided.

Where does the boat leave from?

The speedboat and catamaran portions start from Trou d’Eau Douce on Mauritius’ east coast.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes BBQ chicken, fish, sausages, fries, pasta salad, other salads, vegetarian options, fruit, and dessert.

Which drinks are included?

The included drinks are water, juice, soft drinks, beer, and local rum.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and swim jackets are provided. You may also bring your own equipment.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel and sunscreen. Swimwear is also practical because the itinerary includes snorkeling and time in the water.

Can I cancel the booking for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reservation option also allows you to book and pay later.