Ile Aux Cerfs Catamaran Cruise & Waterfalls- Lunch & Drinks

Mauritius saves one of its best day trips for the east coast: a slow catamaran ride through clear lagoon water, a speedboat trip to the Grand River South East waterfall, and several hours around Ile aux Cerfs. I like the mix of scenery and easygoing fun, especially the chance to snorkel, eat a fresh BBQ, and let the crew keep drinks coming without extra charges.

I also like the crew’s friendly touch. They play Mauritian music, share local stories, and may pause for wildlife such as dolphins, rays, squid, monkeys, or fruit bats. The main caution is group size: the trip is advertised for 15 people, but some departures have carried more than 15, with one report describing 25 aboard.

Key points to know

• Grand River South East comes first: Reach the waterfall by speedboat, about 500 metres upstream from the catamaran route.
• Lunch is a proper BBQ: Expect fish, chicken, hotdogs, salads, saffron rice, and vegetarian or vegan food.
• Drinks are included all day: Water, soft drinks, juice, beer, wine, and local rum are available.
• Snorkeling is part of the route: You stop in the lagoon for swimming and a look at coral and tropical fish.
• Ile aux Cerfs is the beach finale: Use your free time for swimming, a walk, or optional activities such as parasailing and tube riding.
• Check the group size before booking: The advertised limit is 15, but that limit has not always held.

Setting out from Trou d’Eau Douce at 8:30

Your day begins at the docking station in Trou d’Eau Douce on Mauritius’s east coast. The stated arrival time is 8:30 a.m., with departure planned for 9 a.m. This is worth noting if you have evening plans, since the advertised return is around 4 p.m., and one departure reportedly left closer to 9:30.

You board a large catamaran rather than a small fishing boat. That gives you room to move around, find shade, and watch the shoreline as the boat heads into the lagoon. The trip is described as lasting nine hours, though the listed sailing period runs from about 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The crew sets the tone early with local Mauritian music, jokes, and stories. English, French, German, and Italian are offered, so you should be able to get basic instructions and explanations in one of those languages. This is a social boat trip, not a silent nature cruise. If you want lively music and a holiday atmosphere, that works in your favor. If you want a quiet day at sea, the mood may feel too loud at times.

One important detail is the group limit. The experience is presented as a small group of up to 15 people, but reports from different departures describe more than 15 aboard, including one boat with 25 people. The catamaran may still have enough room, but you should not assume the advertised small-group feel will always be there.

Grand River South East and its short speedboat ride

The first major stop is Grand River South East, one of the better-known natural sights on this side of Mauritius. The catamaran does not simply pull up beside the falls. Instead, you transfer to a speedboat and travel roughly 500 metres upstream to reach the waterfall.

That change of boats makes the stop more interesting than a quick photo from offshore. You move into the river, pass old trees along the banks, and get a closer view of the falling water. The route may also bring you near fruit bats perched high in the trees. Monkeys sometimes appear in the branches, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

I would keep your camera ready but protect it from spray. The stop is fairly short, so this is more about seeing the river and waterfall than taking a long walk or spending hours in the area. You return to the catamaran after the visit and continue through the lagoon.

The speedboat transfer also adds a small burst of excitement to an otherwise relaxed cruise. It breaks up the morning and lets you see a different side of the coast. If you dislike quick transfers or have mobility concerns, ask the operator for current boarding details before booking, even though the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Snorkeling in the lagoon

After the waterfall, the catamaran heads into clear lagoon water for a swimming and snorkeling stop. The plan is to see coral reefs and tropical fish beneath the boat, with life jackets provided as part of the tour.

This stop gives the day a useful balance. You are not only looking at Mauritius from the deck or sitting on a beach. You also get time in the water. Conditions can vary, and the snorkeling stop may not produce every animal you hope to see. One account wished for about 15 more minutes in the water and did not see turtles or dolphins.

That is a fair expectation to set. This is a short included snorkeling break, not a specialist reef expedition. You might see fish and coral, and you might catch a glimpse of rays or other sea life, but the sea decides what appears.

The crew may make small changes when animals show up. One especially good outing included a detour for dolphins, two rays, and a school of squid. That sort of unscheduled stop can make the cruise memorable, although it depends entirely on what is in the water that day.

Bring sunscreen and a camera, as requested, but keep both secure around the boat. Bottled water and life jackets are included. The clear water and bright sun can make the conditions look gentle, yet you still need to follow the crew’s instructions when swimming.

BBQ lunch and the open bar

Food is one of the strongest parts of this outing. Lunch includes fresh BBQ fish, BBQ chicken, grilled hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice. Vegetarian and vegan food is also available, so tell the operator about your needs before the day if you require a specific meal.

The meal may be served on the beach or on the catamaran. That flexibility matters because the timing and conditions can change. Eating after snorkeling also makes practical sense: you can dry off, sit down, and enjoy a filling meal before the final island stop.

Drinks are included rather than sold one at a time. The selection covers bottled water, soft drinks, juice, beer, wine, and local rum. The word unlimited is used for both alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, which can make a large difference to the value of a full-day boat trip.

I would still pace yourself. The cruise runs for most of the day, and some people may start drinking from the moment the boat leaves. That can create a party mood with loud music. One account found that atmosphere disruptive, while others appreciated the drinks and the cheerful energy. The experience suits you best if you are comfortable with a festive shared-boat setting.

The strongest praise goes to the crew’s care and preparation. They are described as attentive, friendly, and quick to help, with the meal and drinks arranged well. That personal service matters here because the boat, food, music, and water stops all share the same space.

Time on Ile aux Cerfs

The final main stop is Ile aux Cerfs, a small island near Mauritius’s east coast. The approach is the classic tropical postcard: palm trees, white sand, and bright lagoon water. After a morning of sailing, snorkeling, and lunch, this is your chance to slow down.

You can swim in the sea, walk along the beach, or sit in the sand. The island also offers optional paid activities such as parasailing, tube riding, and an undersea walk. These are not included in the $70 price, so budget separately if you want more than beach time.

The island’s facilities make it easy to spend a few relaxed hours without planning every minute. Families and mixed-age groups can split up, with some people resting while others choose an activity. Couples may prefer a quiet walk, while more active visitors can try one of the water attractions.

Still, Ile aux Cerfs is not a deserted island experience. Its popularity and facilities are part of the appeal, but they also mean you should not expect complete solitude. The value here comes from having a polished beach stop built into a day that already includes transport, food, drinks, snorkeling, and the waterfall.

What the $70 price really covers

At $70 per person, this is a strong-value package if you plan to use the included food and drinks. You are paying for the catamaran, the Grand River South East visit, the Ile aux Cerfs stop, snorkeling, a BBQ lunch, unlimited alcoholic and soft drinks, bottled water, and life jackets.

The drinks alone can add up quickly on a long day in the sun. Add the meal and boat transport, and the price compares well with arranging separate visits to the waterfall and island. You also avoid having to organize several transfers during the day.

The value is less clear if you do not drink, dislike group entertainment, or mainly want quiet time on the beach. You may still enjoy the scenery, but the party atmosphere and shared boat are part of the package. Optional island activities cost extra, and hotel or Airbnb pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle is not included.

There is also a practical value question around capacity. A true 15-person group would feel more personal and spacious. If your departure carries more people, the price may still be fair, but the small-group promise becomes less meaningful. I would confirm the expected group size before paying if personal space matters to you.

Who will enjoy this Mauritius cruise most

I would recommend this day to someone who wants several east-coast highlights in one outing. You get river scenery, a waterfall, reef time, a full meal, drinks, music, and a famous beach without having to arrange each part yourself.

It suits couples, families, and friends who enjoy an easy social day on the water. It is also a good fit if you want to sample snorkeling but do not want to book a dedicated marine tour.

You should think twice if your ideal boat trip means calm conversation, strict timing, and plenty of empty deck space. The music can be loud, some departures may exceed the stated group size, and the start may run late. The snorkeling stop is useful but not especially long, and wildlife sightings depend on luck.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the day includes a speedboat transfer to the waterfall and water-based boarding. Ask for the current accessibility arrangements if you need step-free assistance or have difficulty transferring between boats.

You may cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. Those policies are helpful when weather or holiday plans remain uncertain.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran day?

Book it if you want a full, social day with strong inclusions. The attentive crew, BBQ lunch, generous drinks, waterfall stop, snorkeling, and beach time give you plenty for the price. The chance of seeing dolphins, rays, squid, monkeys, or fruit bats adds a welcome element of luck.

Before booking, confirm two things: the expected number of people aboard and the actual departure time. If you are happy with music, shared space, and a possible delay, this is an efficient way to see several east-coast sights in one day.

If quiet sailing and a small group are your top priorities, choose with care. The core experience is appealing, but the group-size reports show that the advertised limit is not guaranteed every time.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Trou d’Eau Douce on the east coast of Mauritius.

What time does the activity start and finish?

You are expected at the docking station at 8:30 a.m. The catamaran is scheduled to leave at 9 a.m., and the sailing period is listed as ending around 4 p.m.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes BBQ fish, BBQ chicken, grilled hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice. Vegetarian and vegan food is also available.

Are drinks included in the price?

Yes. Unlimited drinks include water, soft drinks, juice, beer, wine, and local rum.

Does the cruise visit a waterfall?

Yes. You visit the Grand River South East waterfall by speedboat, about 500 metres upstream from the river area.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. The catamaran stops in the lagoon for snorkeling and swimming. Coral reefs, tropical fish, and other sea life may be visible.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Optional hotel or Airbnb pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle are not included in the stated price.