Mauritius: Ile Aux Cerfs Catamaran Tour with Lunch and Drinks

The best part of this Mauritius day is the mix of easygoing catamaran sailing and active stops. You cruise from Trou d’Eau Douce to Grand River South East, swim and snorkel in the lagoon, eat a barbecue lunch, then have time on Ile Aux Cerfs. I like the small maximum group of 20 and the crew’s lively touch with local music, stories, and jokes. The open bar is another real plus. The main drawback is the long day, and the weather can shape how good the water time feels.

I especially like that lunch and drinks are part of the price rather than add-ons, and that the schedule gives you several ways to enjoy the sea. You can swim, snorkel, relax on white sand, or choose paid activities such as parasailing, undersea walking, and tube riding, depending on your package. Just remember that a nine-hour boat outing is not a quick island visit, and the beach can feel busy when other boats arrive.

Key points to know before booking

• Trou d’Eau Douce departure: Be ready at 8:30 a.m. for the catamaran, which leaves around 9 a.m.
• Grand River South East waterfall stop: The boat heads upstream to a waterfall where monkeys and fruit bats may be seen.
• Snorkeling and swimming time: Several water stops are planned in the lagoon before lunch.
• Barbecue lunch and open bar: Food, alcoholic drinks, and non-alcoholic drinks are included.
• Small group size: The maximum is 20 people, a useful detail for anyone who dislikes packed boats.
• Ile Aux Cerfs afternoon: You get time for the beach, swimming, snorkeling, and optional water activities before sailing back.

A full day from Trou d’Eau Douce to Ile Aux Cerfs

This is a full-day east coast outing, not a short transfer to a beach. The schedule begins at Trou d’Eau Douce at 8:30 a.m., with the catamaran setting off around 9. You return to the same meeting point at about 4 p.m., so plan on roughly nine hours from start to finish.

Pickup is offered, but the stated start point is Trou d’Eau Douce. Check the pickup details carefully when you book, especially if your accommodation is elsewhere in Mauritius. The tour accepts mobile tickets, and confirmation is provided at booking.

The boat holds no more than 20 people. That does not guarantee a quiet ride, since the mood is deliberately social, but it should help avoid the cramped feeling found on larger day boats. The crew keeps things lively with Mauritian music, local stories, and jokes. If you want a silent cruise, this may not be your ideal match. If you like a friendly boat atmosphere, it is part of the appeal.

The waterfall stop at Grand River South East

The first proper stop is Grand River South East, where the boat travels about 500 meters upstream toward the waterfall. This adds variety to the day. You are not simply sailing straight to the beach, and the river gives you a different view of Mauritius from the open lagoon.

The setting includes tall, old trees, with monkeys moving through the branches and Mauritian fruit bats resting high above. You may also be able to feed the monkeys. That can be a memorable moment, though you should follow the crew’s instructions and avoid treating wildlife as a petting attraction.

The stop lasts about 30 minutes. That is enough time to see the falls and enjoy the river surroundings, but not enough for a long walk or a broad exploration of the area. Think of it as a scenic boat visit rather than a separate waterfall excursion.

Swimming and snorkeling before lunch

After the river stop, the catamaran heads toward Ile Aux Cerfs through clear lagoon water. Several swimming and snorkeling breaks are scheduled along the way. This part of the day matters because the boat is not only a ride to the island. The water itself is one of the main attractions.

You can look for coral reefs and tropical fish in the lagoon. The marine life described for the area includes brightly colored fish and possible sea turtle sightings. Wildlife is never guaranteed, so keep your expectations sensible. Water clarity and the quality of the snorkeling can change with weather and sea conditions.

Bring a swimsuit, sun protection, and a towel if one is not included in your pickup arrangements. The supplied details do not state that snorkeling equipment is provided, so confirm this before departure rather than assuming all gear is included. The same goes for any specific water activity.

The crew schedules several stops, which gives you more than one chance to get in the water. That is helpful if the first stop is not perfect for you, or if you would rather swim at one stop and snorkel at another. On the other hand, repeated water stops take time away from the beach portion of the day, so the schedule suits active visitors more than anyone wanting hours of uninterrupted sand.

Barbecue lunch and the open bar

Lunch is served either on the beach or aboard the catamaran. The meal is a barbecue, and food is included in the tour price. Drinks are also included, with an open bar covering alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.

This inclusion is a major part of the $70 value. A boat trip, waterfall visit, snorkeling stops, lunch, and drinks can add up quickly when booked separately. Here, you pay one stated price for the main parts of the day, which makes budgeting easier.

The atmosphere is informal. You are not signing up for a refined restaurant meal. You are eating during a boat-and-beach outing, with music and an open bar shaping the mood. That is good news if you want a relaxed social day. It may be less suitable if you need a quiet meal, have strict dietary needs, or expect a wide choice of dishes. The available information does not give a detailed menu, so ask before booking if food restrictions matter to you.

The open bar also deserves a practical warning. Nine hours in the sun, with swimming and alcohol, calls for some restraint and plenty of water. Non-alcoholic drinks are included, so you can pace yourself without paying extra.

Reaching Ile Aux Cerfs

Ile Aux Cerfs is the centerpiece of the trip. As the catamaran approaches, you see palm trees, white sand, and bright turquoise water along the coast. The island offers the classic Mauritius beach setting, but the experience is not only about taking a photograph and leaving.

You get around two hours at the island as part of the scheduled visit. Use that time according to your priorities. You can sit on the sand, swim, snorkel, stroll around, or simply enjoy a break from the boat. If you have already spent a lot of time in the water, this is your chance to slow down.

The island also has optional activities. Depending on the package you select, you may be entitled to parasailing, undersea walking, and tube riding. Do not assume every activity is included in the basic $70 price. Check the exact package before paying, because the wording indicates that inclusions vary.

Parasailing gives you a high view over the sea and the coast. Undersea walking offers a different way to see marine life, while tube riding is aimed at a more playful, fast-moving experience. These choices are useful for families and active groups, but they can also divide a party. One person may want a thrill ride while another would rather stay on the beach.

What the crew adds to the day

The crew is central to the experience. Their role is not limited to steering the boat and serving food. They tell local stories, make jokes, play Mauritian music, and keep an eye on the mood aboard.

That social energy is one of the most praised parts of the outing. The service is described as attentive and focused on helping people enjoy the day. The food is considered good, and drinks are kept moving. The crew’s friendly approach can turn a long boat ride into a shared occasion rather than several hours of transport.

There is a trade-off. Music, jokes, and a full open bar create a party-like setting. You may love that, especially if you are traveling with friends or want to meet people. If you prefer a calm nature cruise, the same atmosphere may feel too busy.

One useful comparison is group size. Other catamarans in the area can look overcrowded, while this one is limited to 20 people. That is not the same as having a private charter, but it should give the crew more room to look after the group and make the boat feel less packed.

Weather matters more than the schedule suggests

The outing depends on good weather. If poor conditions cancel the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund. That policy is reassuring, but weather can also affect the quality of a trip that still operates.

Cloud cover, wind, and water conditions influence the views, snorkeling, and general comfort. One account of the day described the weather taking a while to improve. That does not mean the trip will be poor, but it is a reminder that Mauritius can give you a slow start before the sun comes through.

Keep the day flexible if possible. Do not book a tightly timed evening activity that leaves no room for a late return. The boat is expected back around 4 p.m., but any water outing can run on local timing rather than the minute.

Is $70 good value?

At $70 per person, this is a strong package if you plan to use the included parts. You receive a long catamaran cruise, the Grand River South East stop, swimming and snorkeling breaks, barbecue lunch, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. You also get beach time at Ile Aux Cerfs and entertainment from the crew.

The value is strongest for people who want a complete day without arranging each piece separately. You avoid finding your own boat, lunch stop, and beach transfer. The open bar can make a noticeable difference in total cost, especially if you would otherwise buy drinks throughout the day.

The value is weaker if you do not drink, dislike organized group activities, or mainly want quiet time on Ile Aux Cerfs. In that case, a simpler island transfer or a smaller private boat could suit you better, though those options are not part of this tour.

Paid activities may also change the final cost. Confirm whether parasailing, undersea walking, and tube riding are included in your chosen package before you decide. The $70 price should be judged against the basic package, not against every possible activity shown for the island.

Who should book this catamaran day?

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a social, active day with plenty included. It suits couples, friends, and families who can enjoy a little music, a little sun, some water time, and a casual meal without fuss.

It is also a good choice if you want to see several east coast highlights in one day. The waterfall, river, lagoon, coral reefs, and Ile Aux Cerfs each offer a different setting. You get a broad taste of the area rather than spending the entire day in one place.

You may want another option if you need a very quiet atmosphere, dislike long scheduled outings, or want maximum control over your time. The nine-hour duration is a commitment. The beach visit is only one part of the day, and the boat’s social style will not suit everyone.

Book at least 24 hours before the start if you want the option of a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded, and changes inside that period are not accepted. The activity allows service animals, is near public transportation, and is suitable for most people, but the provided details do not describe specific mobility arrangements.

My call on the Ile Aux Cerfs catamaran tour

I would book this tour if my priority were a well-priced, full day on the water with food, drinks, snorkeling, music, and a friendly crew. The small group cap and included open bar give it an edge over a bare-bones boat transfer.

I would skip it if I wanted a private, quiet island day or several uninterrupted hours on the sand. For the right mood, though, this is a generous package: a waterfall visit, lagoon stops, barbecue lunch, and Ile Aux Cerfs in one outing. Check the exact activity package, prepare for changing weather, and plan to enjoy the day at an easy pace.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Trou d’Eau Douce in Mauritius.

What time should I arrive?

You should arrive at Trou d’Eau Douce at 8:30 a.m. The catamaran departs around 9 a.m.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity finishes back at the meeting point in Trou d’Eau Douce.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts about nine hours and is expected to return around 4 p.m.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is offered. The stated meeting point is Trou d’Eau Douce, so check the pickup details when booking.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A barbecue lunch is served either on the beach or on the catamaran.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The tour includes an open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Does the tour include snorkeling?

The schedule includes several snorkeling and swimming stops in the lagoon. The provided details do not confirm whether snorkeling equipment is included.

Are activities at Ile Aux Cerfs included?

Parasailing, undersea walking, and tube riding depend on the package you select. Check the package details before booking.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You can choose another date or receive a full refund if the experience is canceled because of poor weather.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 20 people.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.