Mauritius: Ile Aux Cerfs catamaran cruise Lunch with BBQ

Grand River South East waterfall, a swim in clear lagoon water, and a white-sand beach stop make this a busy but appealing day on Mauritius’ east coast. The highlight is the mix of boat time and island time, with scenery changing from river to open water to Ile aux Cerfs.

I like the friendly, lively crew and the fact that lunch, soft drinks, beer, wine, and local rum are included in the $59 price. I also like the local touch at the end, when Mauritian Sega music and dancing replace the quiet cruise back to shore.

The main caution is organization at the jetty. One recent departure involved a long wait while people boarded, and the music can be loud from early in the morning. Arrive before 9:00 a.m., since the boat is due to leave around 9:10.

Key points to know

• Grand River South East comes first: You visit the waterfall before heading out for swimming and snorkeling.
• Lunch is served on board: Expect a BBQ meal with vegetarian and halal options available by request.
• Ile aux Cerfs is the main beach stop: You have time for white sand, swimming, palm trees, and the local craft market.
• Drinks are included: Water, juice, soft drinks, beer, wine, and local rum are part of the cruise.
• The return trip has local character: Mauritian Sega music and dancing bring a festive finish.
• Plan around the boat and weather: Hotel transfers are not included, and rain can affect conditions, especially in November and December.

A Full Day From Trou d’Eau Douce to Ile aux Cerfs

This cruise gives you a broad taste of Mauritius in one outing. You begin at Trou d’Eau Douce on the east coast, travel along calm coastal waters, stop near Grand River South East, swim and snorkel, eat lunch on the catamaran, and finish at Ile aux Cerfs.

The advertised duration is seven hours, with the boat operating roughly from 9:10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. That is enough time to fit in several stops without turning the day into a rushed sprint from one attraction to the next. Still, the schedule depends on boarding, weather, and how long the boat spends at each stop.

I see this as a good choice if you want a simple, social day on the water rather than a private sailing trip. You get scenery, food, drinks, swimming, and music in one package. You do not get much quiet or solitude, especially if the boat is full and the crew keeps the party mood going.

Getting to the Jetty Before 9:10

You meet at the Trou d’Eau Douce Debarcader fishing port. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the port unless a separate transfer is organized.

The practical rule is simple: arrive by 9:00 a.m. The boat is scheduled to leave at about 9:10, and late arrivals risk missing the departure. One morning, the local organization at the port was less clear than it should have been, with the responsible staff arriving shortly after 9:00 and some people unsure where to go. Give yourself extra time and ask for the catamaran cruise if you need help finding the right boarding point.

A boarding delay has also occurred when the boat waited for everyone to come aboard. That can cost you useful time for swimming or snorkeling, so arriving early is worth the effort. The cruise provider is Sunset Getaway Tours Ltd, and service is offered in English and French.

Cruising Along the East Coast

Once the catamaran leaves Trou d’Eau Douce, the boat becomes the main attraction. You can settle into the open-air setting, watch the mountainous scenery from the water, and enjoy the change from river surroundings to the broad Indian Ocean coastline.

A large catamaran gives you room to move around, although the exact seating arrangement and crowd level can vary. You should expect a shared excursion rather than a small, private sailing experience. The tone is social, with music playing and the crew keeping people involved.

This is where the cruise works best for couples, friends, and families with older children who enjoy a little energy. It is less suited to someone hoping for a silent morning at sea. Music may begin early, and it can be loud at times. Bring sunglasses, swimwear, beachwear, and a camera, but keep anything you do not want splashed safely stored.

Grand River South East Waterfall

The first major stop is Grand River South East waterfall, one of the better-known natural sights on Mauritius. The river reaches the coast here, with water dropping over rock into a forested setting before meeting the sea.

You see the falls from the water, which gives the stop a different feel from a land-based viewpoint. It is a scenic pause and a useful introduction to the island’s east coast before the cruise moves toward open water.

The waterfall stop is not the entire point of the excursion, so do not book this trip expecting a long visit on land. The day is designed around several short experiences, and the falls are one part of that sequence. If you enjoy seeing several settings in one day, this works well. If you prefer to spend a long time at one natural site, the schedule may feel quick.

Snorkeling and Swimming in Clear Water

After the waterfall, the catamaran heads toward the coastline for a swimming and snorkeling break. This is one of the most valuable parts of the trip because it gets you off the boat and into the lagoon.

The water is described as crystal clear, and the stop gives you a chance to cool off before lunch. Bring your swimwear under your clothes if you want to get into the water quickly. Sunglasses, a camera, and beachwear are also listed as useful items.

The information provided does not specify the snorkeling equipment, so ask what is supplied before you board. It also does not promise particular marine life or coral conditions. Think of this as a pleasant swim and snorkeling break in a clear lagoon, not a specialist marine excursion.

Timing matters here. A boarding delay can reduce time for water activities, and poor weather can change the plan. Check the forecast before booking, with extra care in November and December, when rain and rougher conditions are more likely.

BBQ Lunch and Drinks on the Catamaran

Lunch is served aboard the catamaran after the snorkeling stop. The meal includes a BBQ, with snacks and a selection of drinks. Water, juice, soft drinks, beer, wine, and local rum are included.

That makes the $59 price easier to assess. You are not paying only for transport to Ile aux Cerfs. You are also covering the cruise, waterfall visit, swimming and snorkeling stop, island visit, lunch, and a generous drinks selection. If you would otherwise buy lunch and drinks separately during a beach day, the package offers solid value.

The meal is halal, and vegetarian food is available on request. You should make the request in advance rather than waiting until lunch service begins. The available details do not specify the exact BBQ menu, so do not assume a particular meat, side dish, or dessert.

The food has been a strong part of the experience for many people, including the vegetarian meal. I like that this is not treated as an afterthought. Lunch arrives at the natural point in the day, after swimming, when you are ready to eat and sit down.

Keep in mind that drinking is part of the atmosphere. Beer, wine, and local rum are available, along with nonalcoholic choices. If you want a quieter cruise, stay with water or juice and choose a seat away from the main music area if possible.

Ile aux Cerfs: Beach, Lagoon, and Free Time

Ile aux Cerfs is the visual centerpiece of the day. The island is known for white sandy beaches, palm trees, and bright turquoise lagoon water. After arriving, you have time to relax on the beach, swim, and enjoy the coastal setting at your own pace.

This stop gives you a welcome break from the structured parts of the cruise. The waterfall, snorkeling, and lunch follow a set order. On Ile aux Cerfs, you can choose whether to swim, sit on the sand, take photographs, or browse the local craft market.

The island is best for simple beach pleasures. You do not need a long list of activities to enjoy it. A swim in the clear lagoon and a walk along the sand may be all you want after the morning on the water.

Watersports at Ile aux Cerfs are not included. If you want to add an activity there, expect to arrange and pay for it separately. The excursion already provides a swimming and snorkeling stop, so many people may find the included options enough.

The craft market gives you a chance to buy Mauritius souvenirs. It is a small extra rather than the main reason to visit, but it is useful if you want something local without planning a separate shopping stop.

A Festive Sail Back With Mauritian Sega

The return journey includes local Mauritian Sega music. The crew may sing and dance, turning the final part of the trip into a lively send-off before the catamaran reaches Trou d’Eau Douce.

This is one of the most distinctive elements of the cruise. A beach excursion can blur into a familiar pattern of boat, sand, and lunch. Sega gives the return trip a stronger connection to Mauritius, even if the music is not to everyone’s taste.

The atmosphere is festive rather than formal. Several people have found the crew especially friendly, funny, and attentive, and the singing and dancing have been a favorite part of the day. At the same time, music can be loud from the morning onward. If you prefer a calm boat ride, this may be the part you enjoy least.

I would treat the Sega performance as a bonus with real local flavor, not as a polished stage show. Its appeal comes from the crew creating a shared moment on the boat.

How the $59 Price Holds Up

At $59 per person, this is a reasonably priced full-day outing if you want several inclusions. The package covers the catamaran cruise, Grand River South East waterfall, a water break, BBQ lunch, drinks, Ile aux Cerfs, and the return entertainment.

The value is strongest for people who would use the included drinks and lunch. You also avoid the trouble of arranging separate transport between several east-coast sights. The catamaran acts as your transport, restaurant, viewing platform, and social space for the day.

The price does not include hotel transfers or watersports at Ile aux Cerfs. Those extra costs can change the final budget. You should also allow for your own transport to Trou d’Eau Douce and any souvenirs from the craft market.

A private charter would offer more control, but it would also cost more. This excursion makes more sense if you are happy sharing the boat and following a planned route.

Who Should Book This Cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want an easy way to see several east-coast highlights in one day. It suits couples looking for a relaxed outing, friends who enjoy music and drinks, and families who want beach time with lunch already arranged.

It is also a good fit if you like variety. You are not stuck on the beach all day, and you are not stuck on the boat all day. The program keeps changing, from waterfall to lagoon to BBQ to island.

You may want another option if you need step-free access, have limited mobility, or are pregnant. The activity is listed as unsuitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, and people over 70. These limits may relate to boarding, the boat setting, or the water activities, so ask the provider if your situation is not clear.

I would also think twice if you dislike loud music, crowds, or fixed schedules. The boat may have delays at the start, and the Sega entertainment creates a party mood rather than a peaceful one.

Booking, Weather, and What to Pack

Book at least two days before the planned date. You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if you are still arranging your Mauritius schedule. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and if poor weather cancels the cruise, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Check the forecast before booking. November and December can bring rain and poor weather, and sea conditions may affect the route or comfort. A cloudy day does not automatically ruin a boat trip, but it can reduce the bright colors that make the east coast and Ile aux Cerfs so appealing.

Pack:

• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Beachwear
• Camera
• Sun protection suitable for a day on the water
• A small dry bag or waterproof pouch for valuables

Pets and fireworks are not allowed. The tour information does not give a detailed packing list for towels or snorkeling equipment, so confirm those points before departure.

Final Call: Is the Ile aux Cerfs Cruise Worth It?

For $59, this is a strong-value way to combine Mauritius’ east-coast scenery, a waterfall, lagoon swimming, a BBQ lunch, drinks, Ile aux Cerfs, and Sega music. The crew’s friendly attitude and the good food add real appeal.

I would book it if you want a sociable, all-in-one day and can handle an early start, possible boarding delays, and loud music. I would skip it if you want a private boat, a slow and quiet schedule, or a long specialist snorkeling session.

Arrive early, check the weather, request vegetarian food ahead of time if needed, and treat the day as a lively group outing rather than a luxury cruise. With those expectations, this catamaran trip gives you a lot of Mauritius in seven hours.

FAQ

Where does the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from the Trou d’Eau Douce Debarcader fishing port on the east coast of Mauritius.

What time should I arrive at the port?

You should arrive at 9:00 a.m. The catamaran is scheduled to leave the jetty at about 9:10 a.m.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity is listed as seven hours, with the cruise running approximately from 9:10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, though a separate arrangement may be possible.

What food and drinks are included?

The cruise includes snacks, a BBQ lunch, soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum.

Are vegetarian meals available?

Yes. Vegetarian options are available upon request. The food is halal.

Are watersports at Ile aux Cerfs included?

No. Watersports at Ile aux Cerfs are not included in the cruise price.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

You can be offered another date or a full refund if the cruise is cancelled because of poor weather.