Catamaran Trip to Ile au Cerfs with Lunch and GRSE waterfall

Grand River South East waterfall, a snorkeling stop, and Ile aux Cerfs all fit into one lively day on the water. The main attraction is the mix: you are not stuck on the boat all day, but you also avoid the hassle of arranging separate transport, lunch, and island visits.

I like the onboard barbecue lunch and the open bar, which make the $69 price easier to justify. I also like the chance to see Mauritius from the lagoon, where the water is clear enough for coral and tropical fish to show themselves. A possible drawback is that the schedule can feel uneven, and some departures may use a speedboat transfer or even a speedboat instead of the advertised catamaran.

Key points at a glance

• Grand River South East waterfall: Reach the falls by boat, with the final approach roughly 500 meters upstream.
• Snorkeling in the lagoon: Stop for about 20 minutes on some departures to swim and look for tropical fish and coral.
• Barbecue lunch at sea: Expect chicken, fish, sausage, rice, pasta, salads, and potato salad, with vegetarian food available by request.
• Open bar included: Soft drinks, beer, wine, and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are served throughout the outing.
• Ile aux Cerfs visit: Spend time on white-sand beaches, swim, snorkel, or consider the island’s optional water sports.
• Six to seven hours overall: Hotel pickup is optional, and the meeting point is at Trou D’Eau Douce.

A full east-coast day from Trou D’Eau Douce

This is a classic Mauritius water outing, but it works because the stops are varied. You begin around Grand River South East, move into the lagoon for swimming and snorkeling, eat lunch on the boat, then spend time at Ile aux Cerfs before sailing back.

The day lasts about six to seven hours. That is long enough to feel like a proper excursion rather than a quick boat ride, but it also means you should arrive ready for sun, wind, salt water, and a fairly fixed schedule. Bring sunscreen, a towel, comfortable clothes, a camera, and shoes that are easy to manage around boats and beaches.

The meeting point is at Trou D’Eau Douce, where a representative briefs you before boarding. Optional hotel pickup is available if you provide your accommodation details when booking. Pickup can be especially useful from the Grand Baie area, since one reported arrangement included a friendly driver named Yash, who confirmed the timing in advance.

Do not cut the arrival time close. The instructions are blunt for a reason: if you arrive late, the boat will not wait. Starting times vary, so check the available departure when you reserve.

Grand River South East waterfall by boat

The first major stop is Grand River South East waterfall. The falls are found about 500 meters upstream, so the boat heads into the river before you reach the viewing area.

This is not a long rainforest walk or a strenuous outing. It is a short boat visit that lets you see the waterfall from the water and take in the river setting. Monkeys have also been seen around the area, adding a little wildlife interest, though sightings are not guaranteed.

The approach may involve a transfer from the larger boat to a speedboat. One reported itinerary used a speedboat for 10 to 15 minutes to reach the falls. That transfer can make the stop feel more active, but it also means you should be prepared for a faster, bumpier ride.

Timing deserves attention here. One departure left roughly two hours for eating before continuing to the waterfall, while another account describes a more compact waterfall visit. The exact order and length of stops may change with the operator’s plan, tides, weather, or boat arrangements. If you prefer a tightly packed sightseeing day, this flexibility may feel frustrating. If you enjoy unhurried time by the water, it may suit you well.

Snorkeling in the east-coast lagoon

After the river visit, the boat heads into the clear lagoon for swimming and snorkeling. The stop is intended to show you coral reefs and tropical fish, not to provide a long guided marine-life lesson.

On one outing, the snorkeling and swimming break lasted about 20 minutes. That is enough time to cool off and get a look underwater, but it is not a full reef expedition. Strong swimmers and confident snorkelers may wish the water time were longer. For casual swimmers, the short stop is probably a comfortable introduction.

You might see tropical fish, coral, and, on some days, larger wildlife. Dolphins were spotted during one trip, but you should treat that as luck rather than part of the promised program. Sea conditions and visibility can change, especially in cloudy or rainy weather.

The boat usually provides the social center of the day. You can return aboard, dry off, take a drink, and watch the coastline pass by. Bring your own towel, and apply sunscreen before boarding. Reapplying matters because open water reflects the sun even when the air feels breezy.

Barbecue lunch with drinks on board

Lunch is one of the stronger practical features of this trip. Instead of stopping at a separate restaurant, you eat aboard the catamaran, which keeps the group together and leaves more time for the water and island.

The barbecue selection can include chicken skewers, fish, chicken sausage, rice, pasta, salad, and potato salad. The food is straightforward rather than fancy, but that is exactly what works after a swim. You get a filling meal without leaving the boat or changing clothes.

Vegetarian food is available, but you must request it when booking. You should also report food allergies or illness in advance. Do not assume that the crew can produce a special meal at the last minute.

Drinks are included throughout the trip. The selection can include soft drinks, beer, wine, and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. This makes the outing feel more like a relaxed day cruise than a simple transfer to Ile aux Cerfs.

Still, remember that alcohol and hot sun are a poor combination when taken too quickly. Drink water, eat lunch, and use sensible judgment before snorkeling or swimming.

Ile aux Cerfs and its white-sand beaches

Ile aux Cerfs is the centerpiece of the excursion. The island sits near Mauritius’s east coast and is known for white sand, clear water, and an easy beach-day atmosphere.

You can stroll along the beach, swim, snorkel, or simply find a spot to sit and enjoy the view. The island also has water sports and other facilities, though these are not listed as part of the $69 package. If you want to add an activity, ask about the price and timing before committing, since your return boat schedule remains fixed.

The island is best approached with realistic expectations. It is a popular stop, not a deserted beach. The appeal is convenience and scenery: you get a beautiful island setting without arranging your own boat, lunch, or drinks. If your ideal beach day means complete quiet, this may feel too organized. If you want easy access to sand, swimming, and a social atmosphere, it fits well.

The view during the approach is a highlight. After time on the boat, the broad beach and pale water provide a welcome change of pace. You can spend this part actively or do very little. That freedom is useful after the snorkeling and waterfall stops.

The boat, crew, and overall mood

The advertised vessel is a 45-foot catamaran. A catamaran gives you room to move around, sit in the sun, or find shade while the boat is underway. Music and local Mauritian songs help create a festive mood, and the crew may share local tales and jokes.

The atmosphere is likely to be social rather than quiet. The open bar, music, swimming stop, and shared lunch all encourage conversation. This suits couples, families with older children, and groups of friends who want a cheerful day on the coast.

There is one important caveat. A departure may use a speedboat instead of the advertised catamaran, or you may transfer by speedboat to reach the main boat or waterfall. One passenger found the speedboat ride too fast, while other parts of the day were rated highly. If you are sensitive to speed, motion, or choppy water, ask the operator about the boat arrangement before departure.

The crew can communicate in English and French. One outing also had a team able to speak several languages, which is useful on a mixed international boat. The listed host or greeter speaks English or French.

Is $69 good value?

At $69 per person, this is a solid package if you plan to use most of what is included. You are paying for a six to seven hour outing, waterfall visit, snorkeling stop, Ile aux Cerfs access, barbecue lunch, open bar, guide service, music, and boat transport between the stops.

The value is strongest for visitors who want one organized day with no separate restaurant booking or island transfer to arrange. Lunch and drinks alone make the price more attractive than a bare-bones boat ride.

The value is weaker if you mainly want extended snorkeling or a long, quiet stay on the island. The snorkeling stop may be around 20 minutes, and the day includes several movements between locations. You are buying variety and convenience, not maximum time at one beach.

Optional hotel pickup can add convenience, but the supplied details do not give a separate pickup price. Ask about that cost when booking. For anyone staying far from Trou D’Eau Douce, pickup may be worth paying for because it removes the need to arrange transport to the dock.

The current rating is 4.1 from 25 ratings, which fits the nature of the outing: generally enjoyable, with some variation in transport and timing. The strongest praise centers on the food, friendly crew, snorkeling, waterfall, and island scenery. The main cautions concern the length of certain waits and the use of a fast boat on some departures.

Weather, comfort, and what to pack

Mauritius weather can change the feel of the day. One departure remained enjoyable despite cloudy, rainy conditions, but your water color, visibility, and comfort may be different under poor weather.

Pack light. You need:

• Sunscreen
• A towel
• Comfortable clothes
• Comfortable shoes
• A camera

A waterproof bag or phone case would also be sensible, but it is not listed as a supplied item. Keep personal belongings secure during swimming and transfers.

The boat day includes sun exposure, wind, and wet clothing. A shirt or light cover-up can help after snorkeling. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider preparing before departure, though no specific motion-sickness service is included.

In extreme bad weather, the excursion may be canceled and rescheduled, or you may receive a full refund. The activity also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option.

Who should book this outing?

I would choose this trip if you want to combine several east-coast highlights in one day. It suits people who prefer an organized plan, enjoy swimming and beach time, and like having lunch and drinks included.

It is a good match for:

• Couples wanting a relaxed day with scenery and drinks
• Families with children who are comfortable around boats and water
• Friends looking for music and a social atmosphere
• First-time visitors who want to see Ile aux Cerfs without arranging several bookings
• Casual snorkelers who are happy with a short water stop

I would think twice if you want a silent sailing trip, a long dedicated snorkeling session, or complete control over the timetable. You should also ask about the boat type if fast speedboat travel would make you uncomfortable.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran trip?

Book it if you want a convenient east-coast sampler with a good amount included for $69. The combination of waterfall, snorkeling, barbecue, open bar, music, and Ile aux Cerfs gives you plenty to do, and the food and crew service are among the day’s strongest points.

Before paying, confirm the meeting time, pickup cost, vegetarian or allergy needs, and whether your departure uses the 45-foot catamaran throughout. Arrive early, bring sun protection, and expect a lively day rather than a quiet private cruise.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran trip last?

The activity lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours. Check the available starting times when booking.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the Grand River South East waterfall visit, Ile aux Cerfs visit, onboard barbecue lunch, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, a qualified guide, music, and entertainment.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are optional, not automatically included. Provide your hotel or accommodation location when booking so the pickup arrangement can be confirmed.

What languages are available?

The host or greeter services are available in English and French.

Is vegetarian food available?

Yes. Vegetarian food is available, but you must request it when booking. You should also notify the operator about food allergies or illness.

What happens if the weather is extremely bad?

In extreme bad weather, the excursion may be canceled and rescheduled for a convenient date, or you may receive a full refund.