Mauritius: Catamaran Day Cruise to lle aux Cerfs with Lunch

The best part of this outing is the generous stretch of time spent on the water. You sail from Trou d’Eau Douce across the East Coast lagoon, stopping for the GRSE waterfalls, snorkeling, lunch, and two hours at Ile aux Cerfs. It is less a rushed sightseeing trip than a floating beach day with several scenic breaks.

I like the friendly crew, who keep an eye on comfort and make the day feel easy. I also like the included food and drinks: fish, chicken skewers, salads, garlic bread, pasta, rice, fresh pineapple, beer, wine, soft drinks, and water give this cruise strong value at $65.

The main drawback is the mood. Music can be loud, and alcohol is served from the morning, so this is not the right boat if you want a quiet sailing trip. The waterfall stop can also feel short, and the snorkeling depends heavily on the current and sea conditions.

Key points to know before booking

• Six hours from Trou d’Eau Douce: The trip includes sailing, swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and free time at Ile aux Cerfs.
• GRSE waterfalls by boat: You see Grand River South East from the water, with a chance of spotting monkeys nearby.
• Barbecue lunch included: Fish, chicken skewers, salads, rice, pasta, garlic bread, pineapple, and drinks are served onboard.
• A social catamaran atmosphere: Music, beer, wine, and friendly crew make this suitable for people who enjoy a lively boat day.
• Snorkeling is part of the plan: Equipment is supplied, but the current can affect both comfort and visibility.
• No hotel pickup: You must reach the Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs meeting point at the jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce.

Setting out from Trou d’Eau Douce

You meet at the Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce, on Mauritius’s East Coast. The exact meeting point is next to the flag of Mauritius, a useful detail because the village waterfront can have several boats and operators.

Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own way to the jetty. Build in enough time to find the correct boat without starting the day in a rush. The activity lasts about six hours, although the supplied schedule describes a full set of stops that fills most of the day.

Once aboard, you have room to sit, sunbathe, and watch the coast slide past. The catamaran is broad enough for people to spread out rather than remain packed into one narrow seating area. That makes a real difference on a boat trip, especially once lunch is served.

The atmosphere is part of the package. The crew plays music, serves drinks, and encourages a sociable mood. I would describe it as a relaxed party boat rather than a silent sailing excursion. Some departures may feel gentle and easygoing, while others may have more energy, depending on the group and the music.

Sailing past Ile aux Cerfs

The first major stretch is a scenic sail toward Ile aux Cerfs, lasting about an hour. You pass the island before returning later for several hours of free time. This opening section gives you a chance to settle into the day without being hurried from one activity to another.

The water around Mauritius is the star here. From the catamaran deck, you can watch the lagoon change color as the boat moves through shallow coastal water. Take a towel or sit where you can enjoy the breeze, but remember that sunscreen needs regular attention. The open deck offers little escape from the sun.

This is also the part of the trip that suits people who simply want to relax. You do not need to treat every stop as a mission. Put your phone away for a while, order a drink, and enjoy the view. Several people have found that the sailing itself is more satisfying than the short shore and waterfall stops.

Grand River South East waterfall stop

The catamaran heads toward the GRSE waterfalls, also known as Grand River South East waterfalls. The stop is mainly for viewing and photographs from the water, and the scheduled visit is about 20 minutes.

The setting is attractive, but keep your expectations sensible. This is not a long walk to a waterfall or a private visit. Several boats can gather in the same area, and the stop may feel brief. The appeal lies in seeing the falls as part of a wider lagoon trip, not in spending a whole morning there.

You may also spot monkeys near the waterfall. That possibility adds a bit of interest, though wildlife is never guaranteed. If the waterfall is your main reason for booking, you may find the time too short. If it is one pleasant stop among several, it works well.

Snorkeling with a changing current

After the waterfall, the catamaran stops at a snorkeling area for about 40 minutes. Equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask or fins. You can swim among tropical fish and see marine life in the clear water, though conditions vary.

The current is an important consideration. One departure found the water less comfortable because of a strong current, while another had a good snorkeling experience but felt other sites around Ile aux Cerfs offered more fish and color. That is normal for a lagoon outing: the crew must choose a safe and workable spot for the day, and the best location can change with tide and weather.

You should be reasonably comfortable in open water to get the most from this stop. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and it is listed as unsuitable for pregnant women. If you prefer to stay aboard, you can use the time to sit on deck and enjoy the boat.

Bring your own towel and swimwear. Sunscreen is essential, but apply it with care around the water and follow any crew instructions. A waterproof pouch for small valuables may also be useful, although this item is not supplied as part of the excursion.

Barbecue lunch on the catamaran

Lunch is served onboard during the cruise toward Ile aux Cerfs. The menu includes fish, chicken skewers, salads, garlic bread, pasta, rice, and fresh pineapple. Drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and wine.

The food is plentiful and practical rather than formal. The fish receives especially strong praise, and the meal gives you enough choice if you do not want meat. Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available when requested in advance, so mention dietary needs at booking rather than waiting until the boat departs.

The seating arrangement matters here. The catamaran offers enough deck space to sit and eat without everyone being pressed together. Lunch is one of the strongest value points because the $65 price also covers snorkeling equipment and drinks, not just the boat ride.

Do not expect a restaurant tasting menu. This is a casual barbecue prepared for a day at sea. That is exactly the right level for the setting: food you can eat comfortably in swimwear, followed by fruit and perhaps another drink before the beach stop.

Two hours on Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the main shore stop, with about two hours for free time. You can walk along the beach, find a place to relax, swim, or look into optional water activities. The island’s white sand and shallow tropical water make it the most beach-focused part of the day.

Two hours is enough for a taste, but not enough to explore every beach or settle into a long, unhurried afternoon. If you want a quieter patch of sand, walk farther along the beach. A short walk of about 20 minutes can take you toward smaller coves and less central stretches.

Bring some extra cash if you plan to pay for activities on or near the island. Parasailing is available in connection with the outing, but it costs extra. One practical warning: the parasailing option offered away from the island may cost more and provide a shorter ride than options directly on Ile aux Cerfs. Compare the details before paying.

The island can also feel busy, since many catamarans visit the same popular area. That does not spoil the scenery, but it does mean you should not picture a deserted beach. The boat trip gives you the best chance to relax away from the crowds, while the island gives you a short taste of Mauritius’s beach life.

The sail back to Trou d’Eau Douce

After Ile aux Cerfs, you return to the catamaran for the final hour. The crew may raise the sails on the way back, and music often continues as people settle into the last part of the trip.

This return journey is a good time to think about what you wanted from the day. If your priority was sailing, sun, drinks, and company, the final hour adds to the experience. If your priority was snorkeling or waterfalls, you may wish those stops had been longer.

The crew receives the most consistent praise for being attentive, welcoming, and willing to help. Aldo is specifically noted for making sure people were comfortable and enjoying themselves. The wider crew is also described as organized and hospitable, which matters when a trip includes swimming, food service, drinks, and several boat movements.

Is $65 good value?

At $65 per person, this is a strong package if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, lunch, drinks, and snorkeling equipment. The price includes the catamaran cruise, professional crew, GRSE waterfalls, Ile aux Cerfs, snorkeling gear, barbecue lunch, and drinks.

The value is best for people who want a full social day rather than a private or highly specialized excursion. You get several experiences in one booking, but you give up control over how long you spend at each place. The waterfall visit is short, the snorkeling site is chosen according to conditions, and Ile aux Cerfs receives roughly two hours.

The price does not include transport to Trou d’Eau Douce or optional activities such as parasailing. Those costs should be part of your budget. Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available on request, which adds useful flexibility without changing the basic nature of the trip.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available start time when booking because the tour runs for six hours.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

You should consider this trip if you want:

• A friendly catamaran with music and a social mood
• A simple way to combine sailing, snorkeling, lunch, waterfalls, and a beach visit
• Plenty of included food and drinks
• Time to sunbathe and swim without organizing several separate activities
• A family or group outing where different people can choose different levels of activity

You may prefer another option if you want a quiet boat, a long snorkeling session, a private beach, or a detailed waterfall visit. The atmosphere can be too loud for anyone seeking peace, and the alcohol service begins in the morning.

The boat is also not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments. If you need special assistance, the available information does not promise that the catamaran can provide it.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise?

Book it if your ideal Mauritius day includes sun, music, swimming, a casual barbecue, and a friendly crew. The food is generous, drinks are included, the deck gives you room to relax, and $65 covers a lot for six hours.

Skip it if your main goal is serious snorkeling, a quiet sailing experience, or an extended stay on Ile aux Cerfs. The best way to approach this outing is as a sociable lagoon day with several highlights, not as a private nature tour. Arrive at Trou d’Eau Douce prepared for sun, bring swimwear and a towel, and request vegetarian or gluten-free food ahead of time.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The meeting point is the Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce, next to the Mauritius flag.

How long does the activity last?

The cruise lasts six hours. Check availability for the specific starting time.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You must arrange your own transport to the Trou d’Eau Douce meeting point.

What food is included?

The barbecue includes fish, chicken skewers, salads, garlic bread, pasta, rice, and fresh pineapple.

Are vegetarian or gluten-free meals available?

Yes. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available when requested in advance.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Water, soft drinks, beer, and wine are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the itinerary provides about 40 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.

What languages does the crew speak?

The live tour is offered in English and French.