Mauritius: Boat trip to Ile aux Cerfs with Lunch/waterslide

The star of this Mauritius boat trip is the built-in waterslide, which sends you straight from the catamaran into warm lagoon water. Between rides, you’ll snorkel, eat a BBQ lunch, and sail toward Île aux Cerfs, one of the island’s best-known beach stops.

I like the mix of active fun and easy relaxation, especially the unlimited drinks and onboard lunch. I also like the local music and Sega dancing, which give the trip more character than a simple beach transfer. The main drawback is that people with mobility impairments may find the boat and water activities unsuitable.

Key points at a glance

• A waterslide built into the boat: Kids and adults can take repeated slides into the lagoon during the swimming stop.
• A full meal at sea: The BBQ includes grilled meats, salads, fruit, vegetarian food on request, and unlimited beer, rum, soft drinks, and water.
• A scenic east-coast route: You sail from Trou d’Eau Douce toward Grand River South East and Île aux Cerfs.
• A proper snorkeling stop: Gear is provided, and the crew helps you get started in clear lagoon water.
• Local music on the return: Sega dancing and traditional Mauritian music add a welcome cultural touch.
• Six hours with room to relax: You get swimming, food, island time, and open-water sailing without packing several separate outings into one day.

The big appeal: a boat with its own waterslide

Many Mauritius boat trips offer snorkeling and lunch. This one adds a giant waterslide fixed to the catamaran, turning the vessel into part boat, part floating playground.

You can climb up, sit down, and slide directly into the turquoise water. It is a simple idea, but it changes the mood of the trip. You are not just sitting on deck waiting for the next stop. You can swim, climb back aboard, and go again.

The slide suits families especially well, though adults are clearly welcome to use it too. If you prefer a quiet day at sea, the activity may feel a little lively at times. The boat also includes music and crew entertainment, so this is not designed as a silent, small-group sailing trip.

The tour is operated by Societe fernand lacour & fils. No individual guide names are supplied, but the crew provides support in English and French. That matters during the snorkeling stop, when a little help with gear and water entry can make the difference between a relaxed swim and a frustrating one.

Leaving Trou d’Eau Douce for the east coast

Your meeting point is at the end of the jetty beside the Mauritian flag. The exact starting option can vary, so check your booking details carefully and allow time to reach the jetty before departure.

The first part of the outing is a roughly one-hour cruise. You’ll have scenic views along Mauritius’ east coast, with local snacks and time to settle into the boat. This opening stretch is useful because it lets you see the coast from the water rather than rushing straight to the main activities.

I recommend using the first few minutes to organize your things. Keep your towel, sunscreen, sandals, and swimwear close by. Bring biodegradable sunscreen, since you’ll be swimming in a lagoon and snorkeling near coral.

A six-hour trip can feel long if you spend the entire time in direct sun. Find a comfortable place on the boat, drink water regularly, and switch between active time and shaded rest when possible. The unlimited drinks include water, but you still need to look after your own sun protection.

Swimming and snorkeling near Grand River South East

The route includes a swimming stop of about 40 minutes at Grand River South East. This is the main water-play section, with snorkeling gear supplied and the waterslide available from the boat.

The clear lagoon water gives you a chance to see coral and marine life without arranging a separate snorkeling excursion. The crew is on hand to help, which is useful if you are not confident with the equipment or are snorkeling for the first time.

This stop is best suited to swimmers who are comfortable entering the water from a boat. The supplied information does not describe a shallow, beach-style entry, so you should expect to climb down from the catamaran or use the boat’s access point.

The waterslide adds plenty of fun, but it also means this stop is more active than a standard snorkeling break. If you want to spend the whole 40 minutes quietly looking below the surface, you may need to choose a calmer part of the boat and ignore the commotion around the slide.

After the swimming stop, the group spends about 20 minutes on a river boat. This provides a change of pace and lets you continue through the waterways before reaching the island and lunch area.

BBQ lunch, drinks, and time on the boat

Lunch is freshly prepared as a BBQ and includes grilled meats, salads, and fruit. Vegetarian options are available if requested, so mention this when booking or as early as possible to the crew.

The meal is served onboard, which is one of the practical strengths of this outing. You do not lose time looking for a restaurant on Île aux Cerfs, and you can enjoy the view while eating. It also keeps the day simple for families and groups with different appetites.

Unlimited drinks include beer, rum, soft drinks, and water. The open bar makes the price more attractive than it first appears, particularly if you expect to have several drinks during six hours on the water.

Still, use some judgment in the heat. Alcohol and strong sun are a poor combination, especially after swimming. I would alternate alcoholic drinks with water and keep lunch at a sensible pace so you can enjoy the island stop rather than feeling worn out.

The boat also provides onboard music and crew entertainment. The strongest part of the entertainment is the Sega dancing and traditional Mauritian music, especially on the return sail. This is a pleasant touch because it connects the outing with local culture rather than making it only about food and water sports.

Île aux Cerfs: beach time with a choice of pace

Île aux Cerfs is the main destination, known for white sand beaches and shallow lagoons. The stop gives you free time to relax, swim, walk, or look around the island.

The planned visit includes about an hour with beer and BBQ lunch, followed by additional free time for sightseeing and a walk. The exact rhythm may depend on the day’s sailing and how the crew manages the schedule, but you should have time to choose your own pace.

If you want to be active, optional water sports are available at an extra cost. Since those activities are not included, bring a little flexibility into your budget. The included waterslide and snorkeling are enough for a fun day, but you should not assume every water activity is covered by the ticket.

If you prefer a slower afternoon, the island works well as a change from the busy boat. Walk along the sand, swim in the shallow water, or simply sit back with a drink. The island is famous and can feel more developed and activity-focused than a remote beach, so it is best approached as a popular recreation stop rather than a deserted tropical escape.

Your free time is also a chance to take photographs of the white sand and bright water. Keep your expectations realistic, though. The tour combines several activities in one six-hour schedule, so this is not an all-day beach stay with hours of uninterrupted solitude.

The return sail and Sega music

The return trip to Trou d’Eau Douce takes roughly an hour. Instead of treating it as dead time, the crew uses the journey for music, entertainment, and Sega dancing.

Sega is a traditional Mauritian music and dance style. Seeing it included on the boat makes the ride back feel more connected to Mauritius, especially after a day that could otherwise resemble a similar excursion in many island destinations.

The mood is sociable and festive. The staff received especially strong praise for their entertainment and friendly service, with one recent rating calling the day memorable and fun. Other high ratings singled out the local singing, music, and overall atmosphere.

That positive feedback fits the design of the trip: the crew is not only transporting you to an island. They are managing food, drinks, music, water activities, and the return entertainment. If you like a cheerful group setting, this is a major advantage. If you want a private, hushed cruise, choose a smaller sailing instead.

What the $88 price means

At $88 per person, this is not simply a boat ride to Île aux Cerfs. The price includes the catamaran cruise, snorkeling gear, BBQ lunch, unlimited drinks, waterslide access, island time, and onboard entertainment.

That package can offer solid value because several expenses are combined. A separate boat trip, meal, drinks, and water activity could easily cost more, especially for a family. The unlimited beer, rum, soft drinks, and water are a meaningful part of the value for adults, while the waterslide and snorkeling add appeal for children.

The price is less attractive if you plan to skip the drinks, do not care about the waterslide, or want to spend most of the day quietly on the beach. In that case, a simple island transfer might suit you better.

Optional water sports cost extra, so include those in your budget only if you already know you want them. The included activities are enough to fill the day, but the extras can raise the final cost.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this outing to families, couples who like a lively day, and groups looking for several activities without arranging them separately.

It is particularly suitable for you if:

• You want snorkeling and swimming without booking separate outings.
• You enjoy music, dancing, and a social boat atmosphere.
• You value lunch and drinks being included.
• You want time on Île aux Cerfs but do not need a full day there.
• You like trying several activities rather than focusing on one quiet experience.

You may want another option if you have mobility impairments, since the activity is specifically not suitable for people with mobility impairments. The boat, swimming stop, waterslide, and island access require a level of physical movement.

It may also be a poor match if your priority is a small, quiet cruise, a long snorkeling session, or a private beach. This experience is built around variety and entertainment.

Practical preparation for six hours at sea

Wear swimwear under your clothes and pack a towel and sandals. Biodegradable sunscreen is requested and is the right choice for a lagoon and coral environment.

Bring only what you need. A towel, sunscreen, phone or camera, and dry clothing for the return are the useful basics. The supplied information does not promise dry storage, so protect electronics carefully.

Arrive at the end of the jetty beside the Mauritian flag. Drop-off is listed at the Debarcadère in Trou d’Eau Douce, with the Blue Alizé Catamaran Île aux Cerfs also identified in the return arrangements.

The tour lasts about six hours, though the exact start time depends on availability and the option selected. English and French are available, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available, which helps if your Mauritius plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Île aux Cerfs waterslide cruise?

Book it if you want a lively, all-in-one day with snorkeling, a BBQ, open drinks, local music, and repeated trips down a waterslide. The staff entertainment and Sega music are important strengths, and the package offers good value when you use several of the included features.

Skip it if you want a quiet sailing, a long and serious snorkeling session, or several peaceful hours alone on the beach. For most families and social groups, though, the combination of water fun, food, island time, and Mauritian music makes this a well-rounded choice at $88.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip depart?

The meeting point is at the end of the jetty next to the Mauritian flag in Trou d’Eau Douce.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts about six hours. Starting times depend on availability and the option selected.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is provided for the swimming and snorkeling stop.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The trip includes a BBQ lunch with grilled meats, salads, and fruit. Vegetarian options are available on request.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited drinks include beer, rum, soft drinks, and water.

Is the waterslide included in the price?

Yes. You can use the onboard waterslide during the trip at no extra cost.

Do I get free time on Île aux Cerfs?

Yes. You have free time to relax, swim, walk, and sightsee on the island.

Are water sports on Île aux Cerfs included?

No. Optional water sports are available at an extra cost.

What languages are available on the tour?

The live tour guide service is available in English and French.