Mauritius: Catamaran Day Cruise to lle aux Cerfs with Lunch

The main pleasure here is the sailing itself. You spend the day stretched out on a broad catamaran, moving across Mauritius’ clear east coast water with the breeze, music, and changing views doing most of the work. The stops add variety, but the boat is the star.

I like the generous BBQ lunch and the friendly crew, with guides such as Aldo praised for keeping people comfortable. I also like the mix of swimming, snorkeling, waterfall views, and beach time. The tradeoff is simple: loud music and alcohol from the morning can make this feel more like a social party boat than a quiet sailing trip.

Key points to know before booking

• Ile aux Cerfs is the main beach stop: You get about two hours to relax, walk, and explore its sandy coves.
• GRSE waterfalls are a short visit: The setting is attractive, but the waterfall stop can feel rushed and crowded.
• Snorkeling depends on conditions: The water has fish, but currents can reduce visibility and comfort.
• Lunch is served on board: Expect fish, chicken skewers, salads, garlic bread, pasta, rice, and fresh pineapple.
• Drinks are included: Water, soft drinks, beer, and wine are available according to the details and past departures.
• The mood is lively: Music, drinks, and a sociable crew suit people who want fun rather than silence.

Setting out from Trou d’Eau Douce

Your day begins at the Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs meeting point in Trou d’Eau Douce, on Mauritius’ east coast. Look for the jetty beside the flag of Mauritius. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the village and allow enough time to reach the boat.

That small transport detail matters. One delayed taxi once left a group running late, and the operator helped sort out the return journey. I would not count on that kind of rescue, though. Plan your transfer carefully, especially if you are staying away from the east coast.

Once aboard, you have room to sit, stretch out, and find a sunny or shaded place. This is not a cramped speedboat ride. The broad catamaran gives you a better platform for a full day on the water, with space to eat without everyone balancing a plate on their knees.

The crew speaks English and French. Their role is part practical guide, part host, and part entertainer. The best feedback centers on their attention and hospitality, with Aldo singled out for making sure everyone was comfortable and included.

Sailing past Ile aux Cerfs

The boat first heads toward the waters around Ile aux Cerfs. You may pass the island before making the other stops, giving you an early look at the pale sand and shallow turquoise water that make this part of Mauritius so popular.

The trip across the lagoon is your chance to settle into the day. You can sunbathe, watch the coastline, listen to the music, or simply let the boat carry you along. If you want a calm sailing experience, choose a place away from the speakers if possible. The music is a major part of the mood and can be quite loud.

This is also where the trip’s social character becomes clear. Drinks are served, the crew keeps the atmosphere cheerful, and people are encouraged to enjoy themselves. That works well for couples, families with older children, and groups of friends who want a shared day out. It is less suited to anyone hoping for a quiet, naturalist-style cruise.

The GRSE waterfalls by boat

Grand River South East, usually shortened to GRSE, is reached by boat. The catamaran moves toward the waterfall area, and you get time for photographs and views from the water. On a lucky day, monkeys may be visible near the route.

The setting is attractive, but I would keep your expectations in check. The stop is listed as a photo stop and pass-by, with about 20 minutes allocated. Boats can gather in the same area, and the visit may feel brief. One useful way to think about it is as a scenic extra rather than the reason to book the cruise.

The tide affects the order of the stops. The waterfall may come first, or the schedule may shift before the boat reaches the snorkeling area. That flexibility helps the crew work with local conditions, but it means the day may not follow the exact sequence you imagined.

Snorkeling in the lagoon

After the waterfall, the boat stops for swimming and snorkeling for about 40 minutes. Equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask or fins. Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

The water is warm enough for snorkeling even during the island’s winter season, although comfort depends on the day. You may see tropical fish and other sea life, and some departures have found a good snorkeling area with plenty to look at.

This is not guaranteed to be the best snorkeling around Mauritius. Currents can be strong, and one stop was considered less comfortable because it was not in a more protected cove. Coral and fish life also vary by location. If snorkeling is your main goal, treat this as a pleasant part of the day rather than a specialist reef outing.

You should be comfortable getting into the water and climbing back aboard. The experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and it is not recommended for pregnant women.

BBQ lunch with drinks on board

Lunch is one of the strongest parts of the day because it is served while you are still on the catamaran. The spread includes fish, chicken skewers, salads, garlic bread, pasta, rice, and fresh pineapple. Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available if requested ahead of time.

The food is generous rather than fancy. The fish gets particular praise, and the portions are described as plentiful. A few departures have also included a samosa in the afternoon, though I would not treat that as a guaranteed part of the published meal.

Drinks are included. The information specifies drinks, and the usual selection described includes water, soft drinks, beer, and wine. This adds real value to the $65 price, especially because you are not paying separately every time you want a cold drink during a six-hour outing.

The meal also shows why the catamaran’s size matters. There is room to sit and eat properly, rather than rushing through lunch during a short beach stop. If you have dietary needs, make the request when booking rather than waiting until you board.

Two hours at Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the major destination and the point where you get the most freedom. The schedule allows about two hours on the island, giving you time to sit on the beach, walk along the shore, take photographs, or return to the water.

The island has more than one attractive stretch of sand. One useful tip is to walk farther along the beach instead of stopping at the first busy section. You may find quieter little coves and better places to settle down, but keep an eye on the time because the boat will not wait indefinitely.

The island also offers water sports, with parasailing available through local operators. Bring extra cash if you are considering paid activities, since prices can be high. The parasailing arranged away from the island has been described as shorter and more expensive than options on Ile aux Cerfs, so compare before committing.

Two hours is enough for a taste, not a full island day. If you want to swim, walk, eat, shop, and try a water sport, the time can pass quickly. Some people would prefer another hour here, while others enjoy the balance created by returning to the boat for the final sail.

The return sail to Trou d’Eau Douce

After the island, you return to the catamaran and spend about an hour sailing back to the jetty. This final stretch is often the most relaxing part of the schedule. The crew may raise the sails, and you can settle into the music, drink, and sea views.

The return gives you time to talk with other people on board or simply sit quietly. The atmosphere remains social, but it is not described as nonstop partying. Several departures have found a useful balance between lively music and relaxed sunbathing.

If you are sensitive to loud sound, the return can feel less peaceful than a silent sail. Still, the crew’s warmth and the amount of room on board make the boat comfortable for a full day. You arrive back at the same Blue Alizé jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce.

What the $65 price really includes

At $65 per person, this is strong value for a six-hour east coast outing. You are paying for the catamaran, crew, snorkeling equipment, lunch, drinks, the waterfall visit, and beach time at Ile aux Cerfs. Comparable days can become expensive once lunch, drinks, and water activities are added separately.

The value is greatest if you plan to use the boat as your main experience. You get a full day of movement between several sights without having to organize separate transport or meals. The catamaran also gives you more comfort than a small speedboat and more space to relax between stops.

The price does not cover hotel pickup or paid activities such as parasailing. You should also budget for your own transport to Trou d’Eau Douce and extra cash if you want water sports or purchases on Ile aux Cerfs.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available starting time when booking, since the exact departure schedule is not given in advance here.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this for anyone who wants a sociable day on the water rather than a tightly focused sightseeing tour. It works especially well for couples, families, and friends who value good food, drinks, music, and a helpful crew.

It is also a good choice if you want several Mauritius highlights in one outing. You get the east coast lagoon, GRSE waterfalls, snorkeling, and Ile aux Cerfs without arranging each part yourself.

I would choose something else if your priority is quiet sailing, serious snorkeling, or a long stay on the island. The waterfall visit is short, the snorkeling can be affected by current, and the sound level may be too high for people seeking peace.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran day cruise?

Book it if you want a well-priced, easygoing day with a friendly crew, a substantial lunch, included drinks, and plenty of time on a spacious boat. The strongest reasons are the overall hospitality, the food, and the balance between sailing and shore stops.

Skip it if you want a private boat, a quiet natural setting, or a specialist snorkeling trip. For most people who see Mauritius as a place to enjoy the sea, sun, and company, this is a sensible $65 choice. Just arrive prepared for music, bring sunscreen, and save part of your budget for optional activities on Ile aux Cerfs.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The meeting point is the Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce, next to the flag of Mauritius.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You need to make your own way to the meeting point in Trou d’Eau Douce.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts six hours, including sailing, snorkeling, lunch, the GRSE waterfalls, and free time at Ile aux Cerfs.

What languages are spoken by the crew?

The live tour guide service is available in English and French.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The onboard BBQ includes fish, chicken skewers, salads, garlic bread, pasta, rice, and fresh pineapple.

Are vegetarian or gluten-free meals available?

Yes. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available when requested in advance.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks are included. The available selection described for the cruise includes water, soft drinks, beer, and wine.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the boat stops for swimming and snorkeling for about 40 minutes.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. You should also bring extra cash if you plan to pay for water sports or other activities on Ile aux Cerfs.