Mauritius: Ile Aux Cerfs Catamaran Cruise with Lunch

The best part of this seven-hour catamaran cruise is the mix of open-sea sailing, a waterfall visit, beach time, and lunch served on board. You get a broad taste of Mauritius’s east coast in one day, with the boat ride itself providing fine views of the sea and mountains.

I like the included three-course BBQ lunch, which covers chicken, fish, sausage, salad, dessert, water, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks. I also like the route from Trou d’Eau Douce to Ile aux Cerfs, since it gives you both a scenic cruise and time on one of Mauritius’s best-known islands.

The main caution is that the day depends heavily on tides and sea conditions. Snorkeling may not be possible, the swim stop can become rough, and some outings may spend less time at the waterfall or Ile aux Cerfs than you expect.

Key points to know before booking

• Seven hours from Trou d’Eau Douce: You spend most of the day on the water, with the east coast, waterfall, and island all included.
• Lunch and drinks are included: The barbecue covers chicken, fish, sausage, salad, dessert, water, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks.
• Snorkeling equipment is not included: Bring your own gear or plan for a swim without snorkeling.
• The waterfall stop can be brief: The timing changes with tides and water depth, and one outing allowed only about three minutes there.
• Ile aux Cerfs is busy and developed: It remains attractive, but do not expect an untouched beach paradise.
• Hotel transfers cost extra: You make your own way to Trou d’Eau Douce unless a separate transfer is arranged.

Setting out from Trou d’Eau Douce

The day begins at Trou d’Eau Douce, a village on Mauritius’s east coast. From there, you board the catamaran and head along the coast toward Ile aux Cerfs.

This is a scenic part of the island. From the boat, you can look back toward the mountains and out across the open sea. The steady breeze makes the ride pleasant, though it also means you should protect yourself from the sun even when the air feels cool.

The catamaran is more than transport between stops. It is the main setting for much of the day, so your enjoyment depends partly on how much you like sitting outdoors, sharing space, and moving with the sea. One useful detail from the available feedback is that the boat may not provide enough shade for everyone. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a light cover-up rather than assuming you can stay under shelter all day.

English and French service is available. No individual guide names are provided, but the crew handles the sailing, meal service, and stop arrangements.

The Grand River South East Waterfall stop

The Grand River South East Waterfall is one of the day’s most photogenic stops. Water drops into the river below, framed by the green surroundings and the rocky sides of the inlet.

The waterfall is best understood as a quick scenic visit rather than a long shore excursion. The catamaran may approach the falls, allowing you to take photographs and enjoy the setting from the water. The order of the stops can change with the tide and water depth.

That flexibility matters. If you have come mainly for the waterfall, keep your expectations modest. One account of the outing described only a very short stop, around three minutes. Conditions and timing vary, but this is not a separate waterfall hike with a long period for exploring.

I would treat the falls as a bonus within a full day at sea, not the central reason to book. You get a pleasant change of scenery and a memorable photograph, but Ile aux Cerfs and the boat ride receive more of your time.

Swimming and snorkeling near Ile aux Cerfs

The cruise includes time for swimming and snorkeling in the waters around Ile aux Cerfs. The sea can be clear and inviting, and this is the part of the day when you can leave the catamaran behind and cool off.

Bring a towel, beachwear, dry clothes, and sunscreen. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so pack your own mask and snorkel if seeing underwater life is important to you.

The biggest issue here is weather. One outing could not provide snorkeling, and the designated swimming area was described as too windy and unsafe. That does not mean every departure will lose its swim stop, but it does mean the activity is not guaranteed in the way a museum visit or a fixed sightseeing stop would be.

The crew may adjust the sequence of stops according to the tide, water depth, and sea state. If the water is rough, safety takes priority over the planned schedule. Book this excursion for a day on the coast with swimming as a possibility, not as a guaranteed snorkeling trip.

Time on Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the headline stop for many people. The island has sandy beaches, clear water, and the classic tropical setting that makes it popular for a day trip.

You can walk on the beach, swim, relax in the sun, and take photographs. The island is a good place to stretch your legs after time on the catamaran, though the shore visit may be shorter than you expect. One outing provided about an hour and a half on the island.

That is enough for a swim, a short walk, and some time in the sand. It is not enough for a slow island day with long, quiet exploration. The available feedback also warns that Ile aux Cerfs no longer feels as untouched as its promotional images may suggest.

I would describe the island as scenic and popular rather than remote. If you want a convenient tropical stop added to a boat trip, it fits well. If your main goal is to spend most of the day on a peaceful, undeveloped beach, you may find the schedule and setting disappointing.

The barbecue lunch on board

Lunch is one of the stronger practical features of the trip. You receive a three-course meal on the catamaran, with BBQ chicken, fish, and sausage, followed by green salad and dessert.

Water, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks are also included. That makes the $64 price easier to assess, since you are not paying separately for a full meal and drinks during a seven-hour outing.

The meal also keeps the day simple. You do not need to leave the route in search of food or carry a packed lunch. You can eat while still surrounded by the sea, with the crew handling preparation and service.

The atmosphere matters as much as the menu. The strongest praise for this experience centers on the friendly crew, good mood on board, and satisfying lunch. If you enjoy a social boat day with music, conversation, food, and drinks, this setup should suit you.

Alcohol is available, but it should not distract from the practical limits of the day. Rough water, strong sun, and swimming do not mix well with heavy drinking. Pace yourself, drink water, and keep enough energy for the return trip.

What the $64 price really covers

At $64 per person, this is a good-value package if you want several east-coast highlights in one outing. The cost includes the catamaran trip, Grand River South East Waterfall, Ile aux Cerfs, swimming, snorkeling when conditions permit, lunch, and drinks.

It is especially useful for visitors who would otherwise need to arrange separate transport, a boat outing, a meal, and island time. The cruise gives you a full day of coastal sightseeing with one booking.

The value is less convincing if you are paying mainly for guaranteed snorkeling or a long visit to Ile aux Cerfs. The equipment is not included, the waterfall may be a short stop, and the island visit can be around 90 minutes. In other words, you are buying variety and convenience, not unlimited time at one site.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to reach Trou d’Eau Douce yourself or arrange a transfer for an additional charge. Add that expense before comparing this cruise with tours that include transport.

A realistic timetable for the day

The exact order changes, but the day generally follows this pattern:

• You meet at Trou d’Eau Douce and board the catamaran.
• You sail along the east coast, with views of the mountains and open sea.
• You stop near Grand River South East Waterfall.
• You have time for swimming and snorkeling if sea conditions allow.
• You eat the BBQ lunch, salad, dessert, and included drinks on board.
• You spend time at Ile aux Cerfs.
• You return to the original starting point after about seven hours.

Do not treat this as a minute-by-minute schedule. Tides and water depth can change the order of stops, and rough seas may shorten or remove water activities.

One practical issue deserves attention: an available account described a long pause connected with optional activities such as parasailing and a towable tube. Those activities are not part of the listed inclusions, so ask the crew early about the planned schedule if you do not want extra activities or sales time to take up part of your day.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend it to you if you want a social, all-in-one day on the water. It suits couples, families with older children, and groups who like swimming, a casual meal, scenery, and a lively boat atmosphere.

It is also a sensible choice if you have limited time in Mauritius and want to see more than one east-coast attraction without arranging each part yourself. The included lunch and drinks add real convenience.

You may want a different plan if your top priority is snorkeling. Conditions can cancel that part, and equipment is not supplied. You should also look elsewhere if you need a quiet, spacious boat with guaranteed shade or a long, unhurried stay on Ile aux Cerfs.

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users. You should also be comfortable boarding and spending much of the day on a catamaran.

What to bring for a better day

Pack more than just a swimsuit. I would bring:

• A towel
• Beachwear
• A full change of clothes
• Sunscreen
• A hat or other sun protection
• Your own snorkeling equipment if you want to snorkel

Keep valuables to a minimum. The supplied information does not specify storage arrangements on board, so a small waterproof bag is sensible for a phone, money, and identification.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. If rough seas or serious adverse weather make the trip unsafe, it may be moved to another date. If no suitable date can be arranged, a full refund is offered.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a convenient day combining the east coast, a waterfall, island time, swimming, and a BBQ lunch for one price. The friendly crew, relaxed boat atmosphere, and included food and drinks are the strongest reasons to choose it.

Go in with realistic expectations. Ile aux Cerfs may feel busy, the waterfall visit may be brief, shade may be limited, and snorkeling depends on the sea. I would choose this cruise for variety and value, not for a long beach stay or guaranteed underwater sightseeing.

If that trade-off works for you, $64 is a fair price for a full day of coastal experiences. If you want more control, more time ashore, or a quieter beach, arrange a smaller or more focused outing instead.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise begin?

The cruise begins at Trou d’Eau Douce in Mauritius.

How long does the activity last?

The activity lasts about seven hours.

What places does the cruise visit?

The route includes the east coast of Mauritius, Grand River South East Waterfall, and Ile aux Cerfs.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes BBQ chicken, fish, sausage, green salad, and dessert.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Water, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks are included with the meal.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own if you want to snorkel.

Is snorkeling guaranteed?

No. Swimming and snorkeling depend on sea conditions, tides, and water depth. Rough or unsafe conditions can change or cancel the water activities.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, but they may be arranged separately for an additional cost.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, or pregnant women.