Catamaran cruise to Ile aux cerfs with bbq lunch

Ile aux Cerfs is the headline, but the best part of this six-hour catamaran cruise is the changing pace: waterfalls and monkeys, a swim and snorkel stop, a BBQ lunch with drinks, then beach time on one of Mauritius’s most famous islands. You see the east coast from the water, where roads cannot take you.

I especially like the all-in lunch and drinks, which keeps the day simple, and the friendly onboard mood, often helped by live guitar and singing. The main caution is time: the schedule can slip, and one reported late departure left only about an hour on Ile aux Cerfs.

Key points to know before booking

• GRSE waterfalls first: The boat passes the Grand River South East waterfalls, with green scenery and a chance to see monkeys.
• Snorkeling equipment included: You can swim and snorkel from the boat at a clear-water lagoon stop.
• BBQ lunch with drinks: Food, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and bottled water are included.
• Beach time on Ile aux Cerfs: The island is beautiful, but the time ashore may be shorter if the morning runs late.
• Small-to-medium group size: The boat carries a maximum of 30 people, giving the crew room to look after the group.
• Bring your own way to Trou d’Eau Douce: Hotel pickup and drop-off are not part of the $63.35 price.

Why this east-coast cruise works so well

This is a good choice if you want one easy day that combines several classic Mauritius sights. Instead of arranging a waterfall visit, a snorkeling trip, a beach stop, lunch, and drinks on your own, you get them in one outing from Trou d’Eau Douce.

The trip also gives you a useful view of the coast. The turquoise lagoon, low boat ride, and open deck make the journey part of the attraction, not just transport between stops. You can sit in the sun, watch the shoreline, or move into the shade when the heat builds.

The mood is relaxed and social. The crew serves drinks throughout the day, and onboard music is part of the experience. A singer and guitarist have accompanied lunch, while other departures have had a younger, lively feel. If you want quiet sightseeing, this may feel a little energetic. If you like a friendly boat day with food and music, it is a strong match.

At $63.35 per person, the value is good because the price covers lunch, snorkeling gear, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and water. It is not a private cruise, and it is not designed for solitude. But for a full half-day on the water with several stops, it offers a lot for the money.

Leaving Trou d’Eau Douce at 9:30

The meeting point is Tino Boats, at Chez Tino on B59 in Trou d’Eau Douce. The published departure time is 9:30 a.m., with a return around 4 p.m. Plan to arrive early so you are ready to check in and board.

The boat carries no more than 30 people. That is large enough for a sociable atmosphere but smaller than many packed sightseeing boats. A group of this size also matters at lunch and during the snorkeling stop, when the crew needs to organize food, equipment, and drinks.

The schedule deserves a little flexibility. One departure reportedly left about an hour late because additional people joined after the planned start or arrived late. A delay can affect the rest of the day, especially your time on Ile aux Cerfs. I would avoid booking a tight evening connection or a fixed appointment after 4 p.m.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to reach Trou d’Eau Douce yourself, or arrange a separate transfer. A few passengers organized transport through the company, and paid pickup was described as less expensive than a taxi, but that service is separate from the cruise price.

The GRSE waterfalls from the water

The first stop takes you toward the GRSE waterfalls, near the mouth of the Grand River South East. You see the falls from the boat, surrounded by green scenery and the river’s rocky edges.

This is a scenic stop rather than a long land visit. The appeal is the approach by water. You get a low, close view of the falls and the surrounding vegetation without needing a separate road trip or hike.

Keep your eyes on the trees. Monkeys may appear near the waterfall, and bats have also been seen in the area. Wildlife is never guaranteed, so treat it as a lucky extra rather than the main reason to book the cruise.

The waterfall stop also sets the tone for the rest of the day. You are not simply being taken straight to the beach. The route gives you short nature stops, open-water views, and time to relax on the boat between activities.

Snorkeling in the clear lagoon

After the waterfall, the catamaran heads to a snorkeling spot in the lagoon. Equipment is included, so you do not need to rent a mask and snorkel separately.

This stop is a practical highlight for anyone who wants to get into the water without committing to a full snorkeling excursion. You can swim, snorkel, or remain on deck and enjoy the view. The water is described as clear and turquoise, and the crew aims for areas where marine life may be present.

Marine sightings depend on the day, conditions, and location. The trip increases your chance of seeing sea life, but it does not promise a particular animal or reef display. I would bring realistic expectations and think of the stop as a pleasant swim in a beautiful lagoon rather than a specialist wildlife trip.

You should also be comfortable getting into open water from the boat. The information says most people can take part, but it does not describe a dedicated children’s program, flotation support, or detailed accessibility arrangements. If you have specific mobility or swimming concerns, ask Tino Boats before booking.

BBQ lunch, cold drinks, and music onboard

Lunch follows the snorkeling stop. The BBQ is one of the strongest parts of the day, with food served onboard and drinks included. Menus can vary, but the experience includes grilled food, and the food has been described as plentiful and tasty.

The drinks package includes alcoholic beverages, soda, and bottled water. That is a real benefit in Mauritius, where buying drinks separately during a full day out can quickly add to the cost. You can settle into your meal without hunting for a shop or carrying enough supplies for six hours.

Music adds to the meal. A singer and guitarist have accompanied lunch, and the overall atmosphere can be upbeat and informal. This is not a silent scenic cruise with a formal meal. Expect conversation, music, and a crew that keeps the drinks moving.

The practical point is to pace yourself. The boat day includes sun, swimming, lunch, and alcohol. Drink water as well, use the shade when needed, and do not treat the included drinks as a challenge. You will enjoy the afternoon more if you still feel fresh when you reach the island.

Ile aux Cerfs and the question of beach time

After lunch, the boat heads to Ile aux Cerfs. The island is known for its pale beaches and bright lagoon water, and this is the part of the trip many people picture when they book.

You can walk along the beach, swim, sunbathe, or simply take in the view. The stop gives you a change from the boat and a chance to stretch your legs. If you want a classic Mauritius beach scene, this is the tour’s main payoff.

But Ile aux Cerfs is not equally satisfying for everyone. One strong opinion was that the island is overhyped and offers little beyond the beach. That is useful advice. The island is attractive, but you should not expect a long cultural visit, a detailed guided tour, or a quiet, untouched shore.

Time can be the bigger issue. The planned schedule allows time on the island, but a late start or a change in the order of activities may reduce it. One departure reportedly spent only about an hour there instead of the expected two. If beach time is your main goal, ask about the day’s timing when you check in.

The boat may also offer another paid activity that is not included. It is optional, but if some people choose it, the order of the day can change. That does not ruin the trip, but it can affect how much time remains at Ile aux Cerfs.

What the crew adds to the experience

The crew is a major reason this cruise receives such strong marks. People who have taken the trip describe the staff as friendly, professional, attentive, and generous with food and drinks.

Crew members named during the experience include Tomi, Lori, and Adrienne, though the exact team may vary by departure. You can expect help with the day’s activities, the snorkeling equipment, lunch service, and the general flow from one stop to the next.

That personal service matters on a boat trip. A good crew keeps the mood light, makes sure food is available, and helps the group stay on schedule. Several departures were praised for efficient organization, while the delayed start shows that timing is not always perfect.

The overall style is informal and warm. You are likely to share the boat with other people, listen to music, and take part in a group day rather than have a private guide beside you. Solo visitors and couples who enjoy meeting people may find this especially easygoing.

Who should book this catamaran day

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a broad taste of Mauritius in one outing. It suits couples, friends, and families who are happy with a shared boat, a casual BBQ, swimming, and a scenic beach stop.

It is also a good pick if you value convenience. The cruise includes the main extras that are often charged separately: snorkeling equipment, lunch, beer or other alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and water. The group size is limited to 30, which helps keep the boat from feeling too crowded.

You may want a different experience if your top priority is a private boat, a quiet lunch, serious snorkeling, or several uninterrupted hours on the beach. Ile aux Cerfs is attractive, but it is not the whole story of Mauritius, and the island stop may be shorter than expected.

The cruise works best for people who can accept a flexible schedule. The advertised plan is clear, but delays and optional paid activities can shift the order. Treat the itinerary as a guide rather than a minute-by-minute promise.

Practical details that affect your day

The full experience lasts about six hours, usually from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. It begins and ends at the same meeting point in Trou d’Eau Douce.

Confirmation is provided when you book. The area is near public transportation, and most people can participate. The cruise requires good weather, so a poor-weather cancellation can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

Bring swimwear, sun protection, and a towel. Those items are not listed as included, so it is sensible to arrive prepared for swimming and time on the beach. A light cover-up can also help between the water and the sunny deck.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs cruise?

Book it if you want good value and variety: waterfalls, possible wildlife, snorkeling, a BBQ, drinks, music, and Ile aux Cerfs in one day. The attentive crew and included food and drinks make the $63.35 price easy to justify.

Think twice if you want guaranteed long beach time or a calm, private outing. The start can run late, the island stop can shrink, and the boat has a social musical atmosphere.

For most visitors staying in Mauritius, this is a sensible east-coast day trip. Just arrive early at Trou d’Eau Douce, keep your afternoon flexible, and see Ile aux Cerfs as one part of a well-rounded boat day rather than the only reason to go.

FAQ

How long is the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise?

The activity lasts approximately six hours, with a planned departure around 9:30 a.m. and return around 4 p.m.

Where does the cruise start and finish?

It starts and ends at Tino Boats, Chez Tino, B59, Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Private transportation and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the listed price.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is included.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The package includes alcoholic beverages, soda or pop, and bottled water.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included.

What places does the cruise visit?

The route includes the GRSE waterfalls, a snorkeling spot, and Ile aux Cerfs.

How many people can join the boat?

The activity has a maximum group size of 30 people.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you can receive a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.