Exclusive Private Catamaran to Ile Aux Cerfs with Lunch

Ile aux Cerfs is the star here, but the day is really about the route: clear lagoon water, a snorkeling stop, the mouth of Grande Riviere Sud Est, and a private catamaran that gives your group room to spread out. I like the small private-group setup and the fact that lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear are included. I also like the mix of sea time and beach time, rather than spending the whole day on one crowded sandbank.

The main drawback is value. At $1,001 per group of up to 10, this can make sense for a full group, but it is a steep bill for a smaller party. You should also set modest expectations for service and onboard extras: there is no coffee or tea listed, dessert is not included, and one recent booking described the boat interior as needing better cleaning.

Key points to know

• A 42-foot private catamaran: Your group has the boat to itself, with trampolines for sunbathing and relaxing.
• A full seven-hour outing: The boat leaves Pointe Jerome at 9:00 and is expected back around 16:15, depending on tide and wind.
• Snorkeling around 11:00: Equipment is supplied, and the stop takes place inside Mauritius’s largest lagoon.
• Two very different scenery stops: You see the Grande Riviere Sud Est waterfall from the river mouth, then spend time on Ile aux Cerfs.
• Food and drinks are built in: A light breakfast, BBQ lunch, beer, rum, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks are included.
• Extra costs matter: Hotel transfers, lobster lunch, parasailing, and tube riding are not part of the base price.

Setting out from Pointe Jerome at 9:00

Your morning begins at Pointe Jerome Embarkation Jetty in the southeast of Mauritius. The meeting point is straightforward: a representative in uniform with a One Island Cruiser badge meets you there. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available for an additional charge, so confirm your transport plan before booking.

The schedule gives you about seven hours on the water. Departure is set for 9:00, with an expected return to your hotel around 16:15. That arrival time can shift with the tide and wind, which is worth remembering if you have an evening reservation or a flight connection. I would keep the rest of your day loose.

The first part of the cruise is gentle. A light breakfast is served after you board, and the open bar is available from the start. The catamaran is 42 feet long and has comfortable trampolines where you can lie down, catch the breeze, and watch the coast pass by.

This private arrangement is the strongest practical reason to consider the trip. You do not have to negotiate every swim stop or seat choice with a large mixed group. If you are booking for a family or a group of friends, the cost becomes easier to understand when divided among up to 10 people.

Still, private does not automatically mean luxury. The available feedback points to a boat interior that was not as clean as it should have been. That does not ruin a day spent mostly outside, but it is a fair warning if you expect polished yacht service.

Snorkeling in the largest lagoon

Around 11:00, the catamaran stops for snorkeling inside the island’s largest lagoon. Equipment is included, so you do not need to arrange a separate rental. You can swim among corals and brightly colored tropical fish, then return to the boat for more sun and open-water views.

This stop adds useful variety to the day. Ile aux Cerfs is famous for sand and shallow water, but snorkeling gives you a reason to look below the surface too. The exact marine conditions can change with wind, tide, and visibility, so do not treat the coral and fish as a guaranteed underwater spectacle on every departure.

Bring your own towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, camera, and a change of clothes. The spare clothes are especially useful because the outing includes swimming, snorkeling, and beach time. You should also protect your phone and camera from spray, since much of the day takes place on an open boat.

If you are not a confident swimmer, ask the crew about the conditions before entering the water. The supplied information confirms the snorkeling stop and equipment, but it does not promise flotation aids or a particular water depth. Keep your expectations practical and follow the crew’s instructions.

Up the Grande Riviere Sud Est

After snorkeling, the catamaran follows the east coast toward the mouth of Grande Riviere Sud Est. This section changes the mood from open lagoon to river scenery. The route includes views of a waterfall from a distance, along with a giant bat colony and monkeys living along the riverbank.

The waterfall visit is therefore a viewing stop, not a hike to the base. You see it from afar as the boat travels up the river mouth. That distinction matters. If you are hoping to stand under a waterfall or walk through the forest, this cruise will not deliver that kind of outing.

The river section is valuable because it gives the day a little more local character. You are not simply moving from resort beach to resort beach. The bats, monkeys, riverbank, and waterfall offer a glimpse of the natural setting around the southeast coast, even if the views are brief and weather dependent.

The route also helps break up the time on the beach. I like that the cruise does not rush straight to Ile aux Cerfs. You get a morning on the water, a snorkeling stop, and a river visit before lunch and sandbank time.

BBQ lunch and an open bar onboard

Lunch is served on the catamaran after the river visit. The meal is a BBQ prepared by the crew, with alcoholic drinks including beer, rum, and cocktails, plus non-alcoholic options. The food is part of the base price, not an add-on, which helps when you are comparing this with cheaper boat trips that charge separately for meals and drinks.

Vegetarian meals are available, but you need to request one at the time of booking. You should also report food allergies or illness in advance. The standard meal is described as a BBQ, so anyone with dietary restrictions should not wait until the morning of the trip to ask for changes.

There are limits to the included menu. A lobster lunch costs extra, and the package does not include dessert. One recent booking specifically noted the lack of coffee, tea, and a simple dessert such as fruit or ice cream. If those small comforts matter to you, bring a snack or ask what can be arranged before departure.

The open bar can be a pleasant part of a relaxed day, but pace yourself. You still have swimming, snorkeling, and a return cruise ahead. Non-alcoholic drinks are included, giving you a sensible option between swims and in the midday heat.

Ile aux Cerfs and the famous white sandbank

After lunch, the catamaran cruises through the canal between Ile aux Cerfs and the Anahita sanctuary. The boat then drops you at the famous white sandbank on Ile aux Cerfs.

This is the classic postcard part of the outing. Expect white sand, clear water, and time to swim, sit, or walk along the beach. The attraction is simple, and that is the point. After a morning of movement, the sandbank gives you a chance to slow down.

Ile aux Cerfs is also the part most likely to feel busy or commercial compared with the quieter stretches of the cruise. The supplied information confirms that extra water sports such as parasailing and tube riding are available, but they are not included. If you want those activities, budget separately rather than assuming the private cruise covers them.

You spend some time on the island before returning to the catamaran. The exact length of the beach stop is not stated, so the tide, wind, and day’s timing can affect how long you remain ashore. If your priority is a long, unhurried beach session, ask the operator how much time is normally allowed.

The catamaran then sails back to the jetty. Local sega music, jokes, and stories from the crew are part of the return atmosphere. The guides speak English and French, so communication should be manageable for speakers of either language. No individual guide names are provided, so you should not book this expecting a particular crew member.

What the $1,001 price really buys

The price is $1,001 for a private group of up to 10. That works out to about $100 per person if you fill every place, before any transfer or optional activity charges. For a full group, the cost can be reasonable because it includes the catamaran, breakfast, snorkeling gear, lunch, drinks, beach stop, and river visit.

For two people, the same price is a very different proposition. You are paying for privacy and a dedicated boat, not simply for a seat on a shared excursion. If you mainly want to reach Ile aux Cerfs and spend the day on the beach, a shared cruise may offer better value.

The private format makes the most sense for groups that care about control and space. Families can keep their own rhythm. Friends can share the cost. Couples can enjoy privacy, but they should compare the total price with smaller shared sailing options before committing.

Hotel transfers are an additional charge, as are lobster lunch, parasailing, and tube riding. Ask for the full total before booking. The reserve-now-and-pay-later option gives you flexibility, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance. If the operator cancels because of a cyclone or torrential rainfall alert, a full refund is provided.

Food, comfort, and service expectations

The boat has sunbathing trampolines, which are useful during the long stretches between stops. You should still bring sunscreen and cover up when needed. The cruise description emphasizes open-air comfort, not air-conditioned interiors or formal yacht facilities.

The available service feedback is mixed. The crew is described as welcoming, but not especially proactive about making the day feel special. That matters because a private charter often creates expectations of attentive hosting. You may get a friendly crew, local music, jokes, and stories, but you should not assume highly personalized service.

Cleanliness is another point to keep in mind. The interior was described as not very clean, although most of the day takes place outside. If you are sensitive to boat interiors or plan to spend time below deck, ask about the vessel’s current condition before paying.

The lack of coffee, tea, and dessert is minor for some people and disappointing for others. The light breakfast and BBQ cover the main meals, while the bar provides drinks. I would treat the food package as practical rather than gourmet, and I would bring a small personal snack if you like something sweet after lunch.

Who will enjoy this private cruise most

I would recommend this outing most strongly to a group of friends or a family of up to 10 who want a full day with several different stops. The private boat, included meals, drinks, snorkeling, river scenery, and Ile aux Cerfs beach time create a well-rounded schedule.

It also suits people who want a relaxed day rather than a tightly packed sightseeing program. You spend long periods sailing, swimming, sunbathing, and listening to music. That is a good fit for a warm-weather holiday, but less appealing if you want constant activity or detailed cultural interpretation.

The cruise is less suitable if your main goal is a luxury service experience. The boat is designed for day charters, and the practical package is stronger than the polished details. You should also think twice if you dislike open-bar outings or have strict dietary needs that were not discussed before booking.

For mobility concerns, the supplied information does not describe step-free access, boarding assistance, or accessible toilets. Ask the operator directly before booking if those details matter to you. The experience includes boarding, swimming, a beach stop, and a catamaran return, so practical access needs should be confirmed in advance.

What to bring and how to prepare

Pack lightly, but bring the items that make a wet day comfortable:

• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• A towel
• A change of clothes
• Spare dry clothing
• A camera or waterproof phone protection

Tell the operator about vegetarian requirements, food allergies, or illness when you book. Do not rely on making dietary requests after boarding.

Plan your transport to Pointe Jerome carefully if you are not paying for pickup. The meeting point is the Pointe Jerome Embarkation Jetty, and the representative wears a uniform with a One Island Cruiser badge. Allow enough time to arrive before the 9:00 departure.

Keep your return evening open. The stated arrival time is around 16:15, but tide and wind can affect the schedule. Weather also matters. In the event of a cyclone or torrential rainfall alert, the operator provides a full refund if the operator cancels.

Should you book it?

Book this private catamaran if you can fill most of the 10 places and want a social, easygoing day with snorkeling, lunch, drinks, and Ile aux Cerfs in one package. The river visit and waterfall views give the outing more range than a simple beach transfer.

I would hesitate if you are a couple on a tight budget, if you expect spotless luxury, or if coffee, dessert, and polished service are important to you. The best value comes from sharing the fixed group price. For the right group, this is a convenient full-day charter. For a small party, compare the total cost with a shared cruise before making the call.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart?

The cruise departs from Pointe Jerome Embarkation Jetty at Pointe Jerome in the southeast of Mauritius.

What time does the cruise leave and return?

Departure is scheduled for 9:00. The expected arrival back at the hotel is around 16:15, although tide and wind can affect the return time.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. A snorkeling break is included, and snorkeling equipment is supplied.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is included, along with alcoholic drinks such as beer, rum, and cocktails and a selection of non-alcoholic beverages. Lobster lunch costs extra.

Can vegetarian meals be arranged?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available, but you need to advise the operator at the time of booking. You should also report food allergies or illness in advance.

Are hotel transfers and water sports included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off cost extra. Parasailing and tube riding also require an additional payment.