Catamaran Trip to Ile au Cerfs with Lunch and GRSE waterfall

The best part of this day is the mix: you get Grand River South East Waterfall, a snorkeling stop, a beach visit at Ile aux Cerfs, lunch, drinks, and music without arranging each piece yourself. It is a cheerful, easygoing way to see Mauritius from the water.

I like the tasty BBQ lunch and the open bar, which make the long sailing time feel generous at $69. I also like the chance to see the east coast from a catamaran rather than from a road, with time to swim and look for tropical fish. One point to check before booking is the boat itself, since one recent outing used a speedboat for part of the trip instead of only a catamaran.

Key points to know

• Grand River South East comes early: The waterfall visit may involve a short speedboat ride about 500 meters upstream.
• Snorkeling is part of the plan: You get a swimming and snorkeling stop in the lagoon, with coral and tropical fish possible.
• Lunch is served onboard: Expect BBQ chicken, fish, sausages, rice, pasta, salads, and potato salad based on the meal provided on one recent trip.
• Drinks flow throughout the day: Beer, wine, soft drinks, and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic choices are included.
• Ile aux Cerfs is the main beach stop: You’ll have time for swimming, relaxing, snorkeling, and optional water activities.
• Allow a full half-day: The outing lasts about 6 to 7 hours, with optional hotel pickup and drop-off.

A full day on Mauritius’ east coast

This is the sort of excursion that works well when you want a lot in one day. You are not simply riding a boat to Ile aux Cerfs, taking a few photos, and returning. The plan brings together a river waterfall, lagoon swimming, a meal, drinks, music, and beach time.

At $69 per person, the price is fair if you use most of what is included. A separate boat trip, restaurant lunch, drinks, and taxi transfers could quickly cost more. The value is strongest for you if you want a relaxed group outing rather than a private or highly tailored cruise.

The day lasts 6 to 7 hours, so it occupies a solid portion of your holiday. That is useful because the east coast is best appreciated slowly, with time on the water. It also means you should not squeeze another major activity into the same part of the day.

Meeting at Trou d’Eau Douce

The meeting point is in the Trou d’Eau Douce area, where a representative briefs you before boarding. Arrive on time. The instructions specifically warn that late arrivals can miss the excursion, and boat departures are not as forgiving as a delayed museum visit.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are optional. If you choose it, give your accommodation details when booking. The driver comes to the reception, which is especially handy if you are staying away from Trou d’Eau Douce. One pickup from the Grand Baie area was handled by Yash from Mauritius Taxi Service, who contacted the party ahead of time and provided a friendly transfer.

The drive to the east coast is not included in the base price, so compare the optional transfer cost with a taxi from your hotel. If you arrange your own ride, leave enough time for traffic and finding the dock. Your priority is arriving early, not cutting it close.

Grand River South East Waterfall by short boat ride

The waterfall at Grand River South East is a pleasant first stop because it gives the day some variety before the longer open-water sailing. The falls are found about 500 meters upstream from the river mouth, so the visit may include a short transfer by speedboat.

This part is more about the setting and the boat approach than about a long walk or a strenuous outing. You can expect a look at the falling water, the river surroundings, and possibly monkeys in the nearby area. The waterfall itself is not a full-day attraction, but it is a worthwhile stop when paired with the rest of the excursion.

The timing can vary. One outing allowed about two hours for lunch before heading to the waterfall, and that felt longer than necessary to the person on board. That tells you something useful: the order and length of stops may not be perfectly fixed. If the schedule shifts, enjoy the slower pace, but do not expect every group to follow the same minute-by-minute plan.

A speedboat transfer can also feel brisk. One account found the boat ride too fast, while another described being moved from a speedboat onto the catamaran at the dock. If you are sensitive to fast boat rides, ask the operator what vessel will be used for each section.

Sailing the lagoon and the snorkeling stop

After the river visit, the boat heads into the clear lagoon. This is when the excursion becomes less about checking off sights and more about enjoying Mauritius from the water. You can sit back, watch the coast, listen to local music, and take in the changing shades of the sea.

The snorkeling break lasts about 20 minutes on one reported trip. That is enough time for a quick look at coral and tropical fish, but it is not a long guided snorkeling session. You should think of it as a refreshing stop within a sailing day, not as a specialist marine excursion.

Bring your own towel and sunscreen. Comfortable clothing and shoes are also listed as useful. You may want to keep your camera protected from splashes, since the activity moves between boat, water, and beach.

The snorkeling conditions depend on the weather and sea. One outing took place under cloudy, rainy conditions but still had strikingly clear water and a good time onboard. In better weather, the colors should be more apparent, but the excursion can still be enjoyable if the sky turns gray. Water visibility and comfort are naturally less predictable than the boat schedule.

BBQ lunch with drinks onboard

Lunch is one of the stronger reasons to consider this excursion. Instead of stopping at a restaurant and losing more time to a land transfer, you eat on the catamaran while the day continues around you.

The meal served on one recent trip included chicken skewers, fish, chicken sausage, rice, pasta, salad, and potato salad. That is a generous spread for a boat lunch, with enough choice to suit different appetites. The food was described as tasty, and the combination of hot BBQ items and cold side dishes fits a warm day on the water.

Vegetarian food is available, but you must request it when booking. You should also report food allergies or illness in advance. Do not assume the crew can adjust the meal at the last minute on a moving boat.

The open bar includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Beer, wine, and soft drinks were available on one trip, with drinks offered throughout the day. This adds real value to the $69 cost, but it is wise to pace yourself. You still have a boat ride, a swimming stop, and an island visit ahead.

The meal may come before or after some of the sightseeing, depending on the day’s operation. One party felt that two hours set aside for eating was too much, with 60 to 90 minutes feeling more suitable. If you prefer a tightly timed itinerary, this is worth keeping in mind.

Ile aux Cerfs and its postcard beaches

Ile aux Cerfs is the main reward at the end of the sightseeing portion. This island near Mauritius’ east coast is known for white sand, clear water, and easy beach time. You can walk along the shore, swim, snorkel, or simply find a place to sit and enjoy the view.

The island is not presented as a quiet, untouched escape. It has facilities and a range of water sports, so the atmosphere can feel active depending on the day. That is good news if you want choices beyond sitting on the sand. It is less ideal if you want a private beach with no organized activities.

You should plan your expectations around the time available. The whole tour lasts 6 to 7 hours, and that includes the waterfall, sailing, snorkeling, lunch, and transfers. You will get a useful taste of Ile aux Cerfs, but this is not a dedicated full-day island stay.

The view from the boat as you approach is one of the nicest parts. The contrast between white beach and clear water gives you the classic east-coast Mauritius scene. Take your camera, but keep some time for swimming rather than spending the entire stop taking pictures.

Music, conversation, and the feel onboard

The crew provides music and entertainment during the trip, including local Mauritian music, jokes, and stories. The tone is social and informal. You can expect a group atmosphere rather than a silent sailing experience.

That makes this outing a good match for couples, families, and friends who like a shared day with a bit of energy. It may be less suitable if you are looking for a private romantic cruise or a quiet sailing lesson.

The crew speaks English and French. Several languages were used during one trip, which helped different people on board follow the instructions and chat with the team. A fully qualified guide is included, but no guide name is provided in the tour details. Yash is identified as the friendly taxi driver for one hotel pickup, not as the boat guide.

The boat is described as a 45-foot catamaran. Still, transport arrangements may change. One outing included a speedboat transfer to the catamaran, and another participant reported receiving a speedboat instead of a catamaran for the main trip. If the catamaran itself is the central reason you are booking, confirm the vessel before departure.

Is $69 good value?

For a 6 to 7 hour outing, $69 includes a useful bundle: the waterfall visit, snorkeling stop, BBQ lunch, open bar, guide, Ile aux Cerfs, music, and entertainment. You are paying for a full experience rather than a single ferry ride.

I think the value is good for you if you want convenience. The included meal and drinks remove several small costs, and the boat gives you a simple way to connect several east-coast sights.

The value is less clear if you want a private trip, a long snorkeling session, or complete control over the schedule. A group boat can mean flexible timing, shared space, and occasional changes to the planned vessel. Hotel pickup costs extra, so include that when comparing the total price.

The 4.1 rating from 25 reviews suggests a generally positive but not flawless experience. The best marks focus on the friendly crew, good food, snorkeling, waterfall, island, and drinks. The main reservations concern timing, boat substitutions, and the speed of some transfers.

Who should book this day?

I would recommend this tour if you want an easy introduction to Mauritius’ east coast and prefer several activities in one booking. It is especially practical for you if a BBQ lunch and open bar matter as much as sightseeing.

Families and mixed-age groups may appreciate the variety. Someone can swim, another person can stay on the boat, and everyone gets time on the beach. Couples can enjoy the scenery, but should know that the shared boat and onboard entertainment create a social setting.

You should think twice if you want a private, slow sailing experience. You may also prefer another option if your main goal is serious snorkeling, since the water stop is relatively short. And if you dislike speedboats, ask in advance about the day’s vessel arrangements.

Weather matters, but it does not automatically ruin the trip. A cloudy or rainy day can reduce the beach appeal, yet the waterfall, food, music, and time on the water still give the outing several strong parts. The operator says extreme bad weather can lead to cancellation, rescheduling, or a full refund.

Booking details worth knowing

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Reserve-now, pay-later booking is also available, which helps if your Mauritius plans are still changing.

Bring comfortable shoes, a towel, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and a camera. Tell the operator about vegetarian requirements, allergies, or illness at the time of booking.

The advertised languages are English and French. Check availability for the exact starting time, and give your hotel or accommodation details if you want pickup. Most importantly, arrive at the meeting point on time, since a boat cannot wait indefinitely.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran trip?

Book it if you want a well-priced, all-in-one east-coast day with a waterfall, snorkeling, BBQ lunch, open bar, music, and beach time. The food, friendly crew, clear water, and Ile aux Cerfs visit give it plenty of appeal.

Skip it if you need a private boat, a fixed schedule, or a long and serious snorkeling session. Before paying, confirm the pickup cost and ask whether the main vessel will be the 45-foot catamaran or a speedboat. For most people seeking a relaxed Mauritius day with lots included, $69 is a sensible buy.

FAQ

How long does the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran trip last?

The excursion lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours. Starting times vary, so you should check availability when booking.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are optional, not included in the base activity. If you request pickup, provide your hotel or accommodation location when booking, and the driver will come to the reception.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the Grand River South East Waterfall visit, BBQ lunch onboard, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, a qualified guide, the Ile aux Cerfs visit, music, and entertainment.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. The trip includes a snorkeling and swimming stop in the lagoon, where you can look for coral and tropical fish.

Is a vegetarian lunch available?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available, but you must notify the operator when booking. You should also report any food allergies or illness in advance.

What happens if the weather is extremely bad?

If extreme bad weather makes the excursion unsafe or impractical, the trip can be canceled and rescheduled for a convenient date, or you can receive a full refund.