Mauritius: Ile Aux Cerfs Catamaran Cruise with Lunch

The best part of this seven-hour catamaran cruise is the mix of scenery and easygoing sea time. You sail from Trou d’Eau Douce along the east coast, stop at Grand River South-East Waterfalls, then spend time around Ile aux Cerfs with swimming, snorkeling, a barbecue lunch, and drinks included. I like the strong value of the $64 price and the fact that the crew handles both the meal and the day’s main stops. I also like that the trip gives you time away from the road, with open views of the sea and mountains.

The main caution is that the schedule can feel uneven. The waterfall stop may be brief, and some departures have included a long pause for optional water activities such as parasailing and towable rides. Snorkeling is not guaranteed in rough conditions, so book this for a pleasant day on the water, not for a carefully timed island tour.

Key points to know before you book

• Trou d’Eau Douce departure: You meet the catamaran in this east-coast village, with no hotel transportation included in the basic price.
• Grand River South-East Waterfalls: The boat visits this scenic cascade, though the stop can be short and the order may change with tides.
• Ile aux Cerfs beach time: You get time to swim, snorkel, and relax on the island, with one reported departure allowing about 90 minutes ashore.
• Three-course barbecue: Lunch includes chicken, fish, sausage, green salad, dessert, water, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks.
• Bring your own snorkeling gear: Swimming equipment is not provided, so pack a mask and fins if snorkeling matters to you.
• Seven hours for $64: The fare is strong if you value food, drinks, scenery, and a full day at sea in one package.

Setting sail from Trou d’Eau Douce

Your day begins in Trou d’Eau Douce, a village on Mauritius’s east coast and the launch point for the catamaran. The trip stays focused on the eastern side of the island, where the sea, offshore islands, and mountain views provide the main entertainment between stops.

I like this kind of departure because the boat ride is part of the experience, not just a transfer. You can settle into the catamaran, feel the sea air, and watch the coast change as you move away from the village. The panoramic views are one of the more dependable parts of the day, even when wind or tide changes the swimming plans.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to arrange your own way to Trou d’Eau Douce, or ask about a separate transfer at an additional cost. That matters when you are staying on the other side of Mauritius. The $64 price looks better if you are already near the departure point, while a paid transfer will raise the total.

The guides speak English and French. The crew also handles the food and drinks, so you are not left to organize lunch on your own while the boat is moving.

The catamaran ride along Mauritius’s east coast

The boat ride is the thread that connects the whole outing. You spend much of the seven-hour schedule on the water, with views toward the mountains and the open sea. This is not a fast sightseeing shuttle. It is a social, relaxed cruise where the boat itself forms a large part of the day.

That pace will suit you if you want sun, music or conversation, sea air, and time to sit back. It may frustrate you if you expect a tightly managed route with long, carefully timed visits at every stop. The sequence can change according to tide and water depth, so the order in the description is not a promise.

One practical issue is shade. A critical assessment of the trip described a boat with limited covered space for everyone. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and light clothing, and do not assume you will have a shaded seat for the full ride. The operator asks you to bring beachwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. That last item is useful after swimming, especially if you plan to continue sitting on the boat for lunch.

Grand River South-East Waterfalls

The visit to Grand River South-East Waterfalls adds a scenic stop before or after the island, depending on the day’s conditions. Water drops through a green coastal setting, and the boat gives you a chance to view the falls from the water.

This is a photo stop rather than a long walk or waterfall hike. One account described only a few minutes at the cascade, so keep your expectations sensible. You may have enough time to take photos and enjoy the view, but probably not enough for a slow exploration of the surrounding area.

The tide and water depth influence the route. That explains why the crew may alter the order of the waterfall, snorkeling, and island visits. If the waterfall is your main reason for booking, this cruise may feel too brief. If you see it as one pleasant piece of a larger sea day, it fits the trip well.

Swimming and snorkeling near Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the main beach stop. After the boat reaches the island, you can walk onto the sand, swim, sunbathe, or look for a snorkeling spot in the surrounding water. The island is known for clear water and pale beaches, but do not expect an empty, untouched beach. One recent assessment described the island as less idyllic than it once seemed.

That is useful advice. Ile aux Cerfs is attractive, but the appeal comes from the combination of sand, water, and a boat trip rather than from solitude. You will likely enjoy it most if you treat the stop as free time by the sea, not as a remote-island escape.

The snorkeling is a weak point to plan around. Equipment is not included, and rough or windy conditions can make the water uncomfortable or unsafe. One departure did not offer snorkeling and used a swimming area that felt too windy for a safe swim. The crew may cancel or limit water activities for good reason.

Pack your own mask and fins if you have them. Even then, regard snorkeling as weather dependent. You should be happy with the boat ride, lunch, and island visit even if you spend less time in the water than expected.

The time on Ile aux Cerfs may also be shorter than the phrase full day suggests. One account described about an hour and a half on the island, with a longer portion of the schedule spent elsewhere. That can be enough for a swim and a look around, but it is not a full afternoon at the beach.

A barbecue lunch with drinks on board

Lunch is one of the strongest reasons to consider this cruise. The included meal is a three-course barbecue with chicken, fish, sausage, green salad, dessert, water, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks. You eat on the catamaran rather than having to find and pay for a restaurant on Ile aux Cerfs.

I like the practical value here. A day on the water can become expensive once you add lunch, bottled drinks, and a few paid extras. This package folds those basics into one price. The meal also gives the day a clear pause after the morning’s sailing and water activities.

Food quality can depend on preparation and timing, so I would not book this as a gourmet meal. It is a generous, casual barbecue suited to a boat outing. The strongest praise for the experience centers on the lunch and the friendly, attentive crew. That combination matters more here than fancy presentation.

Alcoholic drinks are included, which can make the atmosphere lively. Keep your own comfort in mind, especially if you are sensitive to sun, wind, or motion. Drink water as well, and remember that the catamaran may have limited shade.

Optional water activities and the pace of the day

Some departures include a long stop connected with optional activities such as parasailing and a towable ride. These activities may appeal to you, but they can also take time away from the waterfall or island. If you do not plan to pay for extras, ask the crew early how much time the stop will take.

This is an important value question. A seven-hour tour sounds long, but the day includes sailing, lunch, the waterfall, island time, and possible activity stops. You are buying a broad package rather than seven hours of beach access. The trip works best when you enjoy the spaces between the headline stops.

The atmosphere appears to depend heavily on the crew. Positive comments focus on an attentive team and a pleasant onboard mood. That is encouraging, but the experience still depends on boat capacity, sea conditions, and the particular schedule on your date.

Is $64 a good price?

At $64 per person, this is a solid package if you are looking for an organized day at sea. The fare includes the catamaran, Grand River South-East Waterfalls, Ile aux Cerfs, lunch, and a useful range of drinks. You also get English or French guiding and the convenience of one coordinated outing.

The price is less compelling if you mainly want a long stay on Ile aux Cerfs or guaranteed snorkeling. You would have to accept the possibility of a short waterfall visit, limited island time, and weather-related changes. If hotel transport is needed, add that extra cost before comparing this with other options.

I see the best value for couples, families with older children, and groups who want a social boat day without arranging every part themselves. It is also a good fit if lunch and drinks matter to you. It is a weaker match for anyone seeking quiet, extensive snorkeling, a private boat, or a full day on the beach.

Weather, safety, and comfort

The operator can reschedule the trip when there are adverse conditions or rough seas, excluding ordinary rain. If no suitable alternative date can be arranged, you can receive a full refund. That policy is reassuring because sea conditions affect nearly every major part of the outing.

The sequence of stops may change with tide and water depth. This is normal for a coastal trip, but it means you should avoid making firm plans immediately before or after the cruise. Give yourself some breathing room.

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users. A catamaran, beach landing, wet surfaces, and changing sea conditions can make access difficult. Contact the operator before booking if you have any concern about boarding or moving around the boat.

For comfort, bring:

• A swimsuit and a change of clothes
• Towel and sunscreen
• Beachwear
• Your own snorkeling mask and fins
• A hat or other sun protection

You should also be ready for wind, spray, and direct sun. The boat may not have enough covered seating for everyone, so plan your clothing and sunscreen use accordingly.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a social, all-in-one sea day. You can see part of the east coast, visit the waterfall, reach Ile aux Cerfs, eat lunch, and spend time in or near the water without arranging separate bookings.

It suits people who value variety. You will not spend the entire day snorkeling or sitting on one beach, but you will get several different experiences in one outing. The included food and drinks also make budgeting simpler.

I would hesitate to recommend it to you if Ile aux Cerfs is your single priority. The island visit may be around 90 minutes, and the route may include time devoted to optional activities. I would also choose another plan if you need guaranteed snorkeling, quiet conditions, or strong accessibility support.

The overall rating is 4.5 from 11 assessments, with particularly strong praise for the crew’s attention, the upbeat mood, and the lunch. The lower assessments point to the practical limits: no snorkeling on one departure, a windy swimming area, a short waterfall stop, limited shade, and a boat that may feel crowded or worn. Those details give you a fair picture of what the $64 buys.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want an affordable, food-included day on the east coast and you are comfortable with a flexible schedule. The crew, barbecue, drinks, scenery, and mixture of stops make it a sensible choice for a first look at this side of Mauritius.

Skip it if you want a long, quiet stay on Ile aux Cerfs or if snorkeling is the main goal. For the best chance of enjoying the day, bring your own gear, arrive ready for sun and wind, and treat the waterfall and snorkeling as weather-dependent extras rather than guarantees.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise begin?

The cruise begins in Trou d’Eau Douce on the east coast of Mauritius.

How long does the activity last?

The cruise lasts seven hours.

What places does the cruise visit?

The route includes Grand River South-East Waterfalls and Ile aux Cerfs.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is a three-course barbecue with chicken, fish, sausage, green salad, dessert, water, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Swimming and snorkeling are included, but snorkeling equipment is not provided.

Are hotel transfers included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the listed price, though they may be arranged separately for an additional cost.

What languages are available?

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

Can the itinerary change?

Yes. The order of the stops may change based on the tide and water depth on the day of the trip.

What happens in rough weather?

In adverse weather conditions other than ordinary rain, or when the sea is rough, the trip may be rescheduled. If a suitable alternative date cannot be arranged, a full refund is offered.