Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise to Ile Aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch

The best part of this six-hour cruise is the mix of waterfall, open sea, and white-sand island in one outing. You begin at Trou d’Eau Douce, cruise up the Grand River South East to Cascade Diamamouve, then head out for swimming, snorkeling, a BBQ lunch, and time on Ile aux Cerfs.

I like the warm, attentive crew and the fact that lunch and a wide selection of drinks are included. I also like the price: at $64 per person, it covers a full boat day, food, drinks, the waterfall visit, snorkeling stop, and island time. The main drawback is that the snorkeling and waterfall stops can feel short, and the catamaran may be crowded on busy days.

Key points to know before you book

• Cascade Diamamouve comes early: The boat travels upriver to Grand River South East Waterfall for photos and possible monkey sightings.
• Lunch is served onboard: Expect a three-course BBQ meal with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices. All food is halal.
• Drinks are included: Soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum are available during the cruise.
• Ile aux Cerfs gives you the longest shore break: You’ll have about two and a half hours for swimming, beach time, and the craft market.
• The atmosphere is social: Local Sega music, dancing, and a lively crew make this more than a quiet sailing trip.
• Parking can be awkward: If you drive to Trou d’Eau Douce, arrive early or choose hotel pickup if available.

What this Mauritius catamaran cruise is really like

This is a social day on the water rather than a private sailing trip. You share the catamaran with other people, follow a fixed route, and spend much of the time eating, swimming, listening to music, and taking photos.

That format works well if you want to see several east-coast highlights without arranging separate transport. It is also a good choice for families and mixed groups, since one person can swim while another stays onboard, and you get beach time without giving up the waterfall or meal.

The trip starts from Trou d’Eau Douce, on Mauritius’s east coast. You may meet the group at the beach opposite Green Island Restaurant, or choose an option with hotel pickup and drop-off. Pickup is available from a wide range of districts, but you need to select the correct option when booking.

The meeting area can be confusing when several boats are loading at once. A few people have found the beach queue disorganized, so arrive early and confirm the name of your boat or crew before boarding. If you drive, the small nearby parking area fills quickly. This is one of those times when a taxi or included pickup can save stress.

Up the Grand River South East to Cascade Diamamouve

The first scenic stop takes you upriver to Grand River South East Waterfall, also known as Cascade Diamamouve. A smaller shuttle boat carries you close to the falls, where you get time for photos and a look at the wooded riverbanks.

The setting is attractive and different from the open coast. Look into the trees for monkeys, which can sometimes be seen along the river. The ride upriver also gives you a calmer start before the catamaran heads into open water.

The stop is not a long walk or a hike. It is mainly a short boat visit and photo opportunity, listed at about 30 minutes. That is enough to see the falls, but not enough for a slow, unhurried look if the area is busy.

This is the least predictable part of the day. Strong currents can prevent the boat from reaching the waterfall, and crowded conditions may leave you only a brief moment for pictures. On one outing, the waterfall could not be visited because of the current. If this sight is your main reason for booking, keep that weather and water condition in mind.

Swimming and snorkeling along the east coast

After the waterfall, the catamaran heads toward the coastline for a swimming and snorkeling break. The water is generally clear and shallow enough in places for families to help younger children, though you should still follow the crew’s instructions and bring your own confidence in open water.

The stop offers a chance to cool off and see fish beneath the surface. One outing included sightings of turtles and sea snakes, but wildlife is never guaranteed. Conditions, visibility, and the exact anchorage make a real difference.

This is also where expectations matter. Some people find the snorkeling spot pleasant and see colorful fish. Others feel the stop is too short or that the reef close to the port is damaged and has little marine life. A few outings used bread to attract small fish, which is not the same as exploring a lively reef.

I would treat the snorkeling as a refreshing swim with a chance to see fish, not as a serious reef excursion. If snorkeling is your top priority, this cruise may not give you enough time or variety. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them, since the advice specifically recommends bringing snorkeling gear.

A generous BBQ lunch served at sea

Lunch is one of the strongest parts of the experience. After the water stop, the crew serves a BBQ meal on the catamaran, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices. All food is halal, which is useful for anyone who needs that assurance before booking.

The meal is described as a three-course BBQ lunch, with portions that are generally considered generous. Food may include grilled items and fresh options, and dorado has been singled out as especially tasty when available. The quality is not perfectly consistent, though. One person found the food average, while most feedback points to a satisfying meal and good value.

Drinks are included throughout the boat portion of the day. You can expect water, juice, soft drinks, beer, wine, and local rum. This makes the $64 price easier to justify, especially because you do not need to keep buying refreshments as the day goes on.

There is also an optional lobster addition available for an extra charge. Some people considered it worth trying, while another found the additional 3,000 Mauritian rupees too high for what was served. I would only add it if lobster is important to you. The standard BBQ already forms a solid part of the package.

The crew handles the meal onboard, so you do not lose beach time searching for a restaurant. It also keeps the day relaxed: you eat with the sea around you, then return to swimming, music, or views from the deck.

Two and a half hours on Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the main shore stop. You get about two and a half hours to walk along the white beach, swim in the lagoon, take pictures, and visit the local craft market.

The island has the classic Mauritius look: palm trees, pale sand, and clear turquoise water. It is an easy place to enjoy without a plan. You can settle on the beach, wade in the lagoon, or browse souvenirs and local crafts.

The beach experience can vary. At busy times, the island may feel crowded, and one person found litter and poor toilet conditions in some areas. Another point to note is that the catamaran crew may drop you off without giving a detailed route or clear directions for exploring. You may need to make your own plan once ashore.

Optional water sports are not included. That means activities such as parasailing or other rides may cost extra, so keep some money available if you want more than swimming, walking, and shopping.

I like the length of this stop because it gives you more than a quick photo break. Still, two and a half hours can pass quickly if you want to swim, walk, shop, and try an optional activity. Decide your priority before you leave the boat.

Music, rum, and the return sail

The ride back to Trou d’Eau Douce includes local Mauritian Sega music. The crew often keeps the mood light with dancing, jokes, and regular drink service.

This is not a silent, polished yacht cruise. It feels more like a friendly island outing where people from different countries share a boat and celebrate birthdays or special occasions. If you want a quiet afternoon at sea, the music and social energy may be more than you expected.

For birthdays, the setting works particularly well. The crew has helped make celebrations feel special, and the combination of music, drinks, and open water gives the return journey a party feel without requiring a separate evening event.

The boat itself is generally described as comfortable and clean, although capacity matters. On busy departures, the deck can feel cramped, especially if rain pushes everyone under cover. There is only one toilet, so that is worth remembering before you book a very full sailing.

Is $64 good value?

For Mauritius, $64 is a strong price for the amount included. You receive the catamaran cruise, waterfall visit, snorkeling and swimming stop, BBQ lunch, drinks, Ile aux Cerfs, and local music. Hotel transport can also be included if you choose the pickup option.

The price is especially useful for families or groups that would otherwise need to arrange transport, meals, and separate boat trips. You also avoid the uncertainty of buying every drink and meal separately.

The value is less clear if you mainly want high-quality snorkeling or a quiet, uncrowded sailing experience. The cruise is built around variety and atmosphere, not long time at one reef or a private beach. Optional activities at Ile aux Cerfs cost extra, and lobster is not part of the standard price.

In practical terms, you are paying for a full package and an easy day. You are not paying for a private boat, specialist marine guiding, or guaranteed wildlife sightings.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want a simple way to combine several east-coast sights. It suits families, couples, birthday groups, and anyone who likes a social boat outing with food and drinks already arranged.

It is also a good fit if you want halal meal options, since all food is halal and vegetarian choices are available. The crew speaks English and French, and their attentive approach has been one of the strongest parts of the day.

Families can manage the outing, but remember that boarding may involve stepping between the shuttle boat and catamaran. Wheelchair users need to stand briefly for this transfer, with crew assistance available.

I would be more cautious if you dislike crowds, need a long snorkeling session, or want a quiet, carefully guided visit to Ile aux Cerfs. The boat can feel full, the waterfall stop may be rushed, and the snorkeling site may not impress experienced snorkelers.

What to bring for a more comfortable day

Wear swimwear under comfortable clothes and pack a change of clothes. You will want a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, since much of the day is spent in strong sun and reflected light.

Bring comfortable shoes for the beach and island walk. A camera is useful for the waterfall and Ile aux Cerfs, but protect it from spray when boarding the smaller shuttle boat.

If you own good snorkeling gear, bring it. The included stop is suitable for a quick swim and basic snorkeling, but your own mask may fit better and save time.

If you are self-driving, allow extra time for parking at Trou d’Eau Douce. The area can become crowded, and walking from a distant parking spot may be inconvenient with beach gear.

The tour requires decent weather. If poor conditions cancel the cruise, you can move to another date or receive a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later.

My verdict: a very good-value day on the water

I would book this cruise if I wanted a lively, affordable introduction to Mauritius’s east coast. The combination of Cascade Diamamouve, swimming, a generous onboard BBQ, open bar-style drinks, Ile aux Cerfs, and Sega music gives you a lot for $64.

Go in with realistic expectations. The waterfall may be busy or inaccessible, the snorkeling may be brief, and the catamaran may feel crowded. But if you value variety, friendly service, included food and drinks, and an easy island day, this is a smart choice.

FAQ

How long is the Mauritius catamaran cruise?

The experience lasts six hours, including the waterfall visit, snorkeling and swimming stop, lunch onboard, time on Ile aux Cerfs, and the return sail.

Where does the catamaran cruise depart?

The meeting point is opposite Green Island Restaurant on the beach at Trou d’Eau Douce. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available when you choose an applicable option.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only with the pickup option. Otherwise, you meet the driver or guide at the stated beach meeting point.

What food is served on the boat?

The cruise includes a three-course BBQ lunch with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices. All food is halal.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Included drinks are soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

You are advised to bring snorkeling gear. The cruise includes a snorkeling and swimming stop, but the supplied information does not confirm that equipment is provided.

How long do you spend on Ile aux Cerfs?

You have about two and a half hours on Ile aux Cerfs for swimming, beach time, sightseeing, and visiting the arts and crafts market.

Are water sports included?

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

Can children join the cruise?

Yes. Infants aged 1 to 4 go free of charge. The outing is also suitable for families, though children should be comfortable around boats and open water.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

The cruise is listed as wheelchair accessible. You need to stand briefly when boarding and leaving the shuttle boat, and the crew can assist with that transfer.