Ile Aux Cerfs Catamaran Cruise & Waterfalls- Lunch & Drinks

This is a full Mauritian day on the water: a catamaran from Trou D’eau Douce, a speedboat run to Grand River South East Waterfalls, a snorkeling stop, and beach time at Ile aux Cerfs. I like the generous BBQ lunch and the fact that beer, wine, rum, juice, soft drinks, and water keep flowing without extra charges. I also like the friendly crew, who play local music and sometimes slow down for sea life.

The main caution is crowding. The experience is advertised as a small group of up to 15, but some departures have carried around 25 people. That may not matter if you want a sociable party boat, but it can matter a great deal if you picture a quiet sail or roomy snorkeling stop.

Key points to know before you book

• Grand River South East comes first: You reach the famous waterfall by speedboat, about 500 meters upstream from the river mouth.
• A full lunch is included: Expect grilled fish, chicken, hotdogs, salads, saffron rice, and vegetarian or vegan food.
• Drinks are available all day: Beer, wine, local rum, juice, soft drinks, and bottled water are included.
• The trip has a lively social mood: Music and alcohol are part of the day, and some departures can become quite loud.
• Ile aux Cerfs gives you beach time: You can swim, stroll, sunbathe, or pay separately for activities such as parasailing and tube riding.
• The advertised group size needs checking: The catamaran can be comfortable with more people, but it may not feel like a small-group outing.

Setting sail from Trou D’eau Douce at 9:00

You arrive at the docking station at 8:30 in the morning, then board the catamaran for the 9:00 departure. The route begins at Trou D’eau Douce on Mauritius’s east coast, where the water opens toward the lagoon and the distant mountains give the first stretch a fine backdrop.

The boat ride is part sightseeing, part social occasion. The crew plays Mauritian music, tells local stories, and keeps the mood easy. If you enjoy meeting people, sharing a drink, and spending most of the day outdoors, this format works well.

I would not book this expecting a silent sailing trip. The included alcohol and music naturally create a party atmosphere. One account described loud music and nonstop drinking from some people on board, which made it hard to enjoy a peaceful time at sea. The crew was praised repeatedly for being kind and attentive, but the mood can depend on the group around you.

The boat is listed as wheelchair accessible, though the information provided does not explain the exact boarding arrangements or how easy it is to move between the catamaran, speedboat, beach, and water. If that matters to you, confirm the details before paying.

The speedboat ride to Grand River South East Waterfalls

The first main stop is Grand River South East Waterfalls. Rather than taking the catamaran all the way upstream, you transfer to a speedboat and travel roughly 500 meters up the river to the falls.

This short ride gives you a different view of Mauritius. The riverbanks are lined with large old trees, and you might spot monkeys moving through the branches. Fruit bats may be perched high above the river, too. These details make the stop more than a quick photograph beside a waterfall. You get a brief look at the river environment and some of the island’s wildlife.

The waterfall itself is best treated as a scenic stop, not a long hike or extended nature walk. The supplied schedule places it near the beginning of the day, so you return to the catamaran after the speedboat visit and continue toward the lagoon.

The river transfer is also worth noting if you dislike changing boats. You will board the catamaran, move to a speedboat for the waterfall, then return to the catamaran. The life jackets are included, and the crew handles the boating arrangements.

Snorkeling in the lagoon

After the waterfall, the catamaran sails through clear lagoon water to a swimming and snorkeling stop. This is one of the better parts of the day for anyone who wants more than beach lounging. You can get into the water, look for tropical fish, and see coral reefs in the lagoon.

The snorkeling stop is not described as a private reef excursion with specialist equipment or a long guided session. Think of it as a pleasant break in clear water during a wider sightseeing cruise. Bring your own camera if you want pictures, and pack sunscreen. The activity information does not state that snorkeling equipment is included, so check before departure if you do not have your own mask and fins.

The length of the stop can affect how much you get from it. One account found that an extra 15 minutes would have helped. You may see fish and coral, but sightings of turtles and dolphins are not guaranteed. A later account described dolphins, two rays, and a school of squid during the cruise, with the captain making a short detour to follow the animals. That is a lovely bonus, but it is not something to book the trip for.

If you are a serious snorkeler, set your expectations carefully. The day gives you a chance to swim and observe marine life, but the main appeal is the combination of water, food, waterfalls, and Ile aux Cerfs.

BBQ lunch, saffron rice, and drinks on board

Lunch is a strong part of the value here. The menu includes fresh BBQ fish, BBQ chicken, grilled hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice. Vegetarian and vegan food is also available, which makes the outing easier for mixed groups.

The meal is served on the beach or on the catamaran, depending on the arrangements that day. Several people praised the food, with particular approval for the BBQ and the careful work of the crew. You should still think of it as an informal boat lunch, not a restaurant meal. The pleasure comes from eating outside, with the lagoon around you and the sea breeze doing part of the work.

Drinks are included throughout the day. The selection covers beer, wine, local rum, juice, soft drinks, water, and bottled water. This is important when comparing the $70 price with similar boat trips. You are not paying only for transport and scenery. You are also covering a substantial lunch and drinks that could add up quickly on another excursion.

The unlimited alcohol can be a plus or a drawback. If you want a relaxed social day, it helps keep the mood friendly. If you want quiet nature viewing, it can change the character of the boat. I would choose this outing for its open, festive feel rather than for solitude.

Arriving at Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the day’s main beach stop. As you approach, you see palm trees, pale sand, and clear turquoise water. The island is designed for an easy holiday day: swim, take a walk, sit in the sun, or find a stretch of beach for a slower hour.

The beach is the place to make the trip your own. You can stay active with optional activities such as parasailing, tube riding, and an undersea walk. These are not included in the price, so budget for them separately if you want to add a thrill ride or a closer look beneath the surface.

I like that the island visit is not forced into one narrow program. After a morning of moving between boats and the waterfall, you can stop chasing sights and simply enjoy the water. If you are traveling with people who want different things, some can book an activity while others swim or sit on the sand.

The tradeoff is that Ile aux Cerfs is a popular destination with facilities and paid activities. It is not presented as an untouched island escape. You come here for the attractive beach, clear sea, and convenient choice of things to do. For a quieter beach experience, the catamaran itself may be more appealing than the busiest parts of the island.

What the group size means in practice

The experience is marketed as a small group limited to 15 people. That is an appealing promise, especially for a boat trip where deck space, seating, and access to the rail all matter.

The actual headcount has not always matched that figure. One departure had about 25 people, while another had more than 15 but still felt comfortable because the catamaran was large enough. These two details tell you what to expect: the boat may handle a bigger group without becoming unsafe or impossible, but the feeling will be less intimate.

A group of 15 can make the waterfall transfer and snorkeling stop feel more orderly. A larger group may mean more waiting, less room inside, and more competition for the best places to sit. If you dislike being packed together, ask the provider to confirm the expected group size before booking.

At the same time, the crew receives strong praise for being attentive, helpful, and cheerful. That matters more than a polished sales description. A capable crew can keep lunch moving, help with the water stops, and make a busy boat feel manageable.

Is $70 a good value?

At $70 per person, this is a solid package if you want several activities in one day. You get roughly nine hours, the catamaran journey, the waterfall visit, snorkeling and swimming, Ile aux Cerfs, breakfast snacks, a full BBQ lunch, and unlimited drinks.

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise pay separately for lunch, drinks, a boat trip, and a beach transfer. Vegetarian and vegan food is included, and bottled water and life jackets are supplied. You also get several different settings without needing to arrange transport between them.

The value is weaker if you do not drink alcohol, dislike group entertainment, or mainly want a quiet snorkeling trip. You are still getting food, soft drinks, and the full route, but part of the package is built around a sociable atmosphere with music and rum.

Hotel or Airbnb pickup and drop-off are not included in the price. You need to arrange your own way to the departure point unless you purchase optional transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle. Add that cost and the travel time to your calculation.

The trip has a 3.9 rating from 12 ratings, which fits the mixed picture. The best days feature friendly service, good food, plentiful drinks, and a well-run schedule. The weaker days center on delayed departure, more people than promised, and noise.

Timing, languages, and what to bring

The stated day runs from 8:30 in the morning until about 4:00 in the afternoon, with the catamaran leaving around 9:00. One departure reportedly left after 9:30, so do not plan a tight evening commitment immediately after the cruise.

The live guide service is available in English, French, German, and Italian. The crew’s role is as much social as informative, with local music, stories, and jokes included in the day.

Bring a camera and sunscreen. I would also bring swimwear, a towel, and anything you need for a full day in the sun, though only the camera and sunscreen are specifically listed. If you have preferred snorkeling equipment, ask if you should bring it because the included items do not list masks or fins.

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 schedule is still changing.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this trip if you want a single, easy day that combines scenery, swimming, food, drinks, and a famous beach. It suits couples, friends, and families who like being on the water and do not mind sharing the experience with a lively group.

It is also a good match for first-time visitors who want to see several east-coast sights without arranging separate excursions. The waterfalls add a short nature stop, the snorkeling breaks up the sailing, and Ile aux Cerfs gives you plenty of room to relax or pay for an optional activity.

I would hesitate if your top priorities are silence, strict timing, or a guaranteed small group. The difference between 15 people and 25 people is noticeable on a catamaran. I would also think twice if loud music and heavy drinking nearby would spoil your day.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a generous, all-day package with a friendly crew, a real lunch, drinks, snorkeling, a waterfall visit, and time on one of Mauritius’s best-known beaches. The food and service are the safest reasons to choose it, while the occasional wildlife sightings are a welcome extra.

Before paying, confirm the expected group size and pickup arrangements. If you can accept the possibility of a crowded, festive boat, $70 offers good coverage for a long day. If you want a calm, intimate sail, choose a smaller private or limited-capacity boat instead.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart?

The cruise departs from Trou D’eau Douce on the east coast of Mauritius.

What time should I arrive?

You should arrive at the docking station at 8:30 in the morning. The catamaran is scheduled to leave at about 9:00.

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts about nine hours, with the main cruise schedule running from approximately 8:30 until 4:00.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes BBQ fish, BBQ chicken, grilled hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice. Vegetarian and vegan food is also available.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited drinks include beer, wine, local rum, juice, soft drinks, and water. Bottled water is included as well.

Will I visit Grand River South East Waterfalls?

Yes. You first travel by catamaran, then use a speedboat to reach the waterfall, located about 500 meters upstream.

Are activities at Ile aux Cerfs included?

The island visit is included, but optional activities such as parasailing, tube riding, and the undersea walk are not included in the stated price.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel or Airbnb pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle are optional and not included in the main price.