Catamaran cruise to Ile aux cerfs with bbq lunch

The best part of this outing is the variety packed into one day. You sail from Trou d’Eau Douce to the GRSE waterfalls, stop for snorkeling in clear lagoon water, eat a barbecue lunch with drinks, and finish on the white beaches of Ile aux Cerfs. It is a good way to see several east-coast sights without arranging separate boats and taxis.

I like the easygoing crew service and the lunch atmosphere, especially when the guitarist and singer are playing. I also like that snorkeling equipment, soft drinks, bottled water, and alcoholic drinks are included, so the $63.35 price covers more than just the boat ride. The main concern is timing: departures have sometimes run late, leaving less time than expected on Ile aux Cerfs.

Key points at a glance

• GRSE waterfalls by boat: Start with green coastal scenery and a chance to spot monkeys near the falls.
• Snorkeling in the lagoon: Equipment is included, and the stop gives you time to swim or look for marine life.
• BBQ lunch with drinks: Food, bottled water, soda, and alcoholic beverages are part of the fare.
• Music on board: Lunch may come with live guitar and singing, adding a relaxed, social feel.
• Ile aux Cerfs finale: You get beach time on Mauritius’s famous island, though the exact amount can vary.
• Smallish group size: The boat is limited to 30 people, a useful detail for anyone comparing larger cruises.

Leaving Trou d’Eau Douce for the east coast

The trip begins at Tino Boats, near Chez Tino on the B59 in Trou d’Eau Douce. The listed cruise time is about 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the activity ending back at the same meeting point. The ticket information gives opening hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., so I would arrive early and confirm where the boat is boarding.

This is a meeting-point tour, not a standard hotel pickup package. Private transportation and hotel transfers are not included in the base price. Some customers arranged a taxi or paid for a transfer through the company, and that can be useful if you are staying away from Trou d’Eau Douce. One person described being collected by speedboat, but you should not assume that service is included unless you have booked it separately.

The cruise is limited to a maximum of 30 people. That is not a private sailing, but it is more manageable than a large excursion boat. You should still expect a social day, shared seating, music, and a crew serving several people at once.

A practical warning: the schedule may not run like a Swiss train. One account describes a one-hour delay, with late arrivals or extra passengers affecting departure. Another says the boat began around 10 a.m. despite a 9 a.m. ticket time. If your return plans are tight, leave some room after the stated 4 p.m. finish.

The GRSE waterfalls are a scenic opening

The first stop takes you toward the GRSE waterfalls, close to the mouth of the Grand River South East. From the water, you see green coastal scenery that is difficult to appreciate from the road. The approach by boat is part of the appeal, since the river and shoreline provide a changing view as the catamaran moves in.

You may see monkeys near the waterfall area. Bats have also been spotted during the stop. Wildlife is never guaranteed, but this is one reason the opening section feels more varied than a straight run to the beach.

The falls are a short sightseeing stop rather than the main event. Do not book this expecting a long walk, a strenuous outing, or a waterfall swim. You will mainly take in the scenery from the boat and watch for wildlife before continuing across the lagoon.

That short stop works well for a half-day cruise because it gives the morning a clear sense of place. It also breaks up the ride before the snorkeling and lunch. If you prefer to spend every minute on a beach, though, you may see the waterfall visit as time taken away from Ile aux Cerfs.

Snorkeling in clear lagoon water

After the waterfall, the catamaran heads to a snorkeling area. The boat stops in the lagoon, and you can swim, use the supplied equipment, or remain on deck and enjoy the views. Snorkel equipment is included, which saves you from renting gear separately.

The water is described as clear and strikingly blue, and the stop is promoted as a good place to look for marine life. Keep your expectations sensible. This is a casual group snorkeling session, not a specialist marine tour, and the amount of wildlife will depend on conditions and luck.

You can make this stop as active or relaxed as you like. Confident swimmers can get into the water and look around, while less confident swimmers may prefer the deck. The tour description allows time for swimming, snorkeling, or simply enjoying the lagoon, which makes it easier for mixed groups to share the day.

I would bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a way to protect your phone. The supplied list confirms snorkeling equipment, but it does not promise lockers, changing rooms, or personal dry bags. Those details are worth checking before you leave your hotel.

BBQ lunch, drinks, and music on deck

Lunch follows the snorkeling stop. The meal is a barbecue, with food described in the feedback as including grilled meat and fish. The exact menu is not specified, so anyone with dietary restrictions should ask the operator before booking rather than assume alternatives are available.

Drinks are one of the stronger parts of the package. Bottled water, soda, and alcoholic beverages are included. That matters on a warm day, since you do not need to keep buying drinks every time you return to the boat. It also helps explain why the price offers reasonable value compared with a bare boat transfer.

The mood is informal and social. Music is played on board, and a singer and guitarist have accompanied lunch. Crew members named Tomi, Lori, and Adrienne received special thanks for friendly service, though the exact crew may change from one sailing to another.

This is not a quiet, private yacht meal. If you want a calm picnic with no music or group atmosphere, the live entertainment may feel like a distraction. If you enjoy a lively lunch with drinks and conversation, it is a useful touch.

The crew’s service is a repeated strength. The day is described as organized, with food and drinks kept moving and activities generally handled on schedule. That said, the departure delay noted above shows that good onboard service does not always mean perfect timekeeping.

Ile aux Cerfs and the question of beach time

After lunch, the catamaran heads to Ile aux Cerfs, the island that gives the outing its main selling point. The island is known for bright beaches and shallow-looking lagoon water, and it is the place to swim, sunbathe, stroll, or simply sit by the shore.

The island is a good final stop because you have already done the more structured parts of the day. By this point, you can choose your own pace. You might walk along the beach, swim, or find a spot to sit and watch the boats pass.

Do not assume you will receive a long, empty-island stay. Ile aux Cerfs is a popular destination, and the cruise description does not promise a private beach or a quiet setting. One account found the island less impressive than expected, while other descriptions praise its beaches. Your reaction will depend on how much you value postcard scenery compared with peace and exploration.

Time is the bigger issue. The planned program appears to allow a substantial island visit, but one delayed outing left only about an hour there. Since the waterfall and snorkeling stops come first, late departures can reduce the final beach period. If Ile aux Cerfs is your main reason for booking, ask about the current timing before you pay, and keep your schedule flexible.

What the $63.35 price really covers

At $63.35 per person, this is a fair-value package if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat ride, snorkeling equipment, lunch, and drinks. The combination of transport by water, several stops, a BBQ, entertainment, and an island visit gives you a full six-hour outing rather than a simple ferry transfer.

The value is strongest for people who want convenience. You do not need to find a restaurant at Ile aux Cerfs, arrange snorkeling gear, or decide which coastal sights fit together. The catamaran handles the route, while the crew takes care of food and drinks.

The price is less attractive if you want a private boat, a quiet sailing, or a long stretch of undisturbed beach time. You are paying for a shared day with a set route. The maximum group size of 30 keeps it from feeling enormous, but this is still a group excursion.

Private transport is extra. If your accommodation is not close to Trou d’Eau Douce, include the cost of a taxi or transfer when comparing this tour with hotel-based options. Some people found arranged transfers cheaper than a normal taxi, but the tour price itself does not include pickup and drop-off.

Who will enjoy this catamaran day

I would recommend this outing to couples, families, and groups of friends who want a relaxed mix of sightseeing and swimming. It suits people who like having choices: you can snorkel, swim, sit on the deck, enjoy a drink, or walk on the beach without needing to follow a demanding schedule.

It is also a good fit if you are staying in or near the east coast and want to see the waterfalls and Ile aux Cerfs in one organized trip. Most people can participate, and the activity is near public transportation.

You should think twice if you need exact departure times or have an important evening booking. The reported delays are not a reason to reject the tour, but they are a reason to avoid tight connections. I would also look elsewhere if your main goal is serious snorkeling, since the marine stop is one part of a broad sightseeing day rather than the entire focus.

The cruise has a cheerful, all-inclusive feel. Expect music, shared space, food, and drinks rather than a silent nature trip. That atmosphere can be a major plus, especially when the crew is attentive, but it will not suit everyone.

Booking details worth knowing

Confirmation is provided at booking. The meeting point is Tino Boats, Route Royale, Le Maho, Trou d’Eau Douce, with ticket redemption at Chez Tino on the B59. The activity returns to the original meeting point.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. The cruise depends on good weather, and a weather cancellation should result in a different date or a full refund.

The tour is listed as operating from June 26, 2019 through June 18, 2026, Monday through Sunday. Check the current departure instructions after booking, especially if the ticket and local meeting information show different times.

Should you book it?

Book this catamaran cruise if you want a well-filled east-coast day with waterfalls, snorkeling, a BBQ, drinks, music, and Ile aux Cerfs in one package. The crew service, food, and relaxed atmosphere are the strongest reasons to choose it, and 91 percent recommendation with a 4.7 rating suggests it performs well for most people.

I would not book it solely for a guaranteed long stay on Ile aux Cerfs. Delays can cut the island visit, and the beach may feel too commercial or underwhelming if you expect a deserted tropical escape. Arrive early, allow for schedule changes, arrange your own transport carefully, and treat the island as the final part of a varied boat day rather than the entire purpose.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran cruise last?

The cruise lasts about six hours. The planned day runs from the morning departure in Trou d’Eau Douce until approximately 4 p.m.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at Tino Boats in Trou d’Eau Douce, with ticket redemption at Chez Tino on the B59. The activity ends back at the original meeting point.

Are lunch and drinks included?

Yes. BBQ lunch, alcoholic beverages, soda, and bottled water are included in the tour price.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Private transportation and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the base tour. You need to reach the Trou d’Eau Douce meeting point yourself or arrange a separate transfer.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

The tour requires good weather. If poor weather causes a cancellation, you should be offered another date or a full refund. Free cancellation for your own plans is available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.