Catamaran Cruise: Isle aux Cerfs, Including BBQ Lunch, in Mauritius

The best part of this seven-hour catamaran cruise is the mix of scenery and easygoing time on the water. You’ll pass Grand River South East, stop near its waterfall, look for monkeys and giant bats, and perhaps spot dolphins riding the wake before reaching Isle aux Cerfs.

I like the included snorkeling gear and the fact that lunch, snacks, and unlimited drinks are part of the day. I also like the friendly crew, who explain the program at the start and help choose the snorkeling stop. The main drawback is that the experience depends heavily on weather, tide, and wildlife luck, and the BBQ may feel plain if you expect a gourmet meal.

Key points to know before booking

• Waterfall and wildlife viewing: The route includes the mouth of Grand River South East, with a short stop for the waterfall and possible views of monkeys and bats.
• Dolphins are possible, not promised: You may see them playing near the catamaran, but sightings are not guaranteed.
• Lunch is served on board: The BBQ is included, along with snacks and an open bar with unlimited drinks.
• Isle aux Cerfs offers a swim break: You get free time for relaxing and swimming after lunch.
• No hotel transfer is included: You must reach Preskil Island Resort at Pointe Jerome in Mahebourg yourself unless you arrange another option.
• Small enough for a social boat day: The maximum group size is 30 people.

Starting at Preskil Island Resort in Pointe Jerome

The day begins at Preskil Island Resort, Pointe Jerome, near Mahebourg. This is not a hotel pickup tour, so you need to make your own way to the meeting point. The activity ends back there after the cruise.

The listed operating hours are Monday through Wednesday, from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Check your confirmed booking carefully, since the actual cruise takes about seven hours and the meeting details should match the time given to you.

The boat carries up to 30 people. That gives you a more manageable group than a large ferry, though it is still a shared outing rather than a private charter. If you prefer a quiet, private day at sea, this will not be the right format. If you enjoy meeting people, open-air views, and a crew-led schedule, the group size should feel reasonable.

A small practical point matters here: low tide can delay departure for safety. One outing began late for this reason, but the crew handled the problem promptly. Build a little flexibility into your morning rather than planning a tight connection afterward.

Grand River South East and its short waterfall stop

One of the most worthwhile parts of the route is the trip toward the mouth of Grand River South East, often shortened to GRSE. The river cuts through a gorge before reaching a picturesque waterfall, giving you a change of scenery from the open sea.

The stop at the waterfall is short, about 10 minutes. That means you should think of it as a quick scenic visit from the boat, not a long shore excursion or a walking tour. Keep your camera ready and do not expect time for a leisurely exploration.

The surrounding area adds more than just falling water. You may see monkeys along the river and giant bats in the trees. These sightings depend on conditions and timing, but they give the river section a more natural feel than a simple boat ride from one beach to another.

The route also passes Ile du Phare on the way to Isle aux Cerfs. The information provided does not indicate a long stop there, so treat it as a passing sight rather than a separate island visit. From the boat, it adds another point of interest to the cruise.

Searching for dolphins from the catamaran

Dolphin sightings can be the most memorable surprise of the day. The boat may encounter dolphins playing in its wake, and seeing them from the deck gives the cruise a sudden burst of excitement.

Still, you should book this for the full route, not for dolphins alone. Wildlife is unpredictable, and one account described dolphins as the only truly special part of the day. That is a useful warning if you are comparing this cruise with a dedicated wildlife trip.

The sensible approach is to enjoy the open-water ride and regard dolphins as a bonus. Keep your expectations in check, and you are less likely to feel disappointed if the sea stays quiet. The crew’s friendly manner and on-time operation help, but they cannot control wildlife.

Snorkeling from the boat

Snorkeling is included, and equipment is provided. The crew explains the program at the start and gives advice about the snorkeling stop, which is helpful if you are unfamiliar with the area or want to know when to get into the water.

This is boat-based snorkeling, not a guided reef lesson. The supplied details do not promise a particular reef, water depth, visibility, or marine life. Conditions can change with weather and tide, so consider the stop a chance to get into the sea rather than a guaranteed underwater show.

Bring the usual personal items for a wet day: swimwear, sun protection, and something to keep valuables dry. These are practical suggestions rather than included services. You should also remember that the day combines snorkeling with a long cruise, so you may prefer to save some energy for the later swim at Isle aux Cerfs.

BBQ lunch and the open bar

Lunch is served on board at Isle aux Cerfs, and the meal is included in the $82 price. The food is a BBQ, with snacks and unlimited drinks available through the open bar.

The meal appears to be plentiful and well cooked, though not every palate will find it exciting. One assessment praised the quantity and cooking, while another wanted more variety and stronger flavors. I would treat the lunch as a convenient, filling meal that keeps the day moving, not as a major culinary event.

Eating on the catamaran is part of the appeal. You do not lose time looking for a restaurant, and you can keep enjoying the setting while the crew prepares and serves the food. It also makes the price easier to judge, since lunch, snacks, and drinks are not separate expenses during the cruise.

If you have dietary needs, the supplied information does not specify special menus. Ask the provider before booking rather than assuming the BBQ can be adjusted.

Time at Isle aux Cerfs

The cruise includes time at Isle aux Cerfs for relaxing and swimming. The listed schedule gives about one hour for free time, after the lunch stop, so this is a compact beach break rather than a full day on the island.

That hour is useful if you want to cool off, swim, or simply step away from the boat for a while. If you prefer long stretches of quiet beach time, the schedule may feel rushed. The day is designed as a moving tour with several sights, not as a slow island stay.

The island portion is also why you should bring a towel and wear swim-friendly clothing. The experience combines the waterfall, river wildlife, open-water cruising, snorkeling, lunch, and a beach stop. You get variety, but each element receives limited time.

How the $82 price measures up

At $82 per person, the value depends on how many parts of the package you would otherwise pay for separately. The price covers the catamaran outing, snorkeling equipment, BBQ lunch, snacks, unlimited drinks, the GRSE sightseeing section, and time at Isle aux Cerfs.

That is a fair package if you want a full day on the water with food already arranged. The open bar matters here, especially because a seven-hour cruise can make separate drink purchases add up. The included equipment also removes one small planning task.

The price looks less attractive if you mainly want a quiet beach day or a dolphin encounter. Dolphins are not assured, and the Isle aux Cerfs beach stop is only about an hour. You are paying for the whole chain of experiences, not one headline attraction.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. That adds either transport costs or planning time, particularly if you are staying far from Pointe Jerome. Factor that into the total before deciding that $82 is the final cost.

The crew and the feel of the day

The strongest consistent feature is the crew. The available feedback describes the staff as friendly, professional, helpful, and quick to react when low tide delayed the start. The program is explained at the beginning, and the team gives guidance for the snorkeling stop.

That matters on a boat tour. A clear explanation helps you understand when to snorkel, when lunch is served, and how much time remains at the island. Friendly service also makes a shared catamaran feel more relaxed.

The cruise has a social, informal tone rather than a formal sightseeing style. You will spend much of the day outside, with the crew managing the schedule and meals. I would choose it for simple fun in the sun, not for detailed interpretation of Mauritius’s geography or wildlife.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I think this is a good match for you if you want several Mauritius highlights in one day. It suits people who like swimming, snorkeling, boat rides, casual meals, and a schedule that keeps changing scenery.

Families can consider it, since children must be accompanied by an adult and most people can participate. The information does not give a specific child age limit or describe special child facilities, so ask the provider if you have a young child or particular mobility needs.

It also suits couples and small groups who want an easy day without arranging a separate lunch, boat, snorkeling stop, and island visit. The maximum of 30 people keeps the outing from becoming a huge crowd.

I would hesitate if your top priorities are gourmet food, guaranteed dolphins, a long stay on the beach, or private service. The BBQ is practical rather than elaborate, wildlife sightings are uncertain, and the schedule gives you only a short window at Isle aux Cerfs.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability. The payment card is charged only after availability is confirmed, according to the booking terms provided.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off uses local Mauritius time.

Good weather is required. If poor weather forces cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. That policy is important for a sea outing, since rain, wind, and rough water can affect the snorkeling and the boat ride.

Should you book the Isle aux Cerfs catamaran?

Book this cruise if you want a well-filled day on the water with waterfalls, possible wildlife, snorkeling, a BBQ, drinks, and a short Isle aux Cerfs swim stop. The crew’s friendly service and the all-inclusive meal and drinks package make the day easy to enjoy.

Skip it if you want a long, peaceful beach visit or a specialized dolphin trip. The $82 price is strongest when you value variety and convenience. Before booking, confirm the meeting time, plan your own transport to Preskil Island Resort, and leave room for a tide or weather delay.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The experience lasts approximately seven hours.

Where does the cruise start?

It starts at Preskil Island Resort at Pointe Jerome in Mahebourg, Mauritius.

Where does the activity end?

The cruise ends back at the meeting point at Preskil Island Resort.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and the tour information states no transfer is provided.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is included and is served on board near Isle aux Cerfs.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Beverages, snacks, and unlimited drinks through an open bar are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included.

Will I definitely see dolphins?

No. Dolphins may be seen playing in the catamaran’s wake, but sightings are not guaranteed.

How much time is provided at Isle aux Cerfs?

The schedule includes about one hour for lunch and another hour for free time and swimming at Isle aux Cerfs.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if the activity is canceled because of poor weather.