Luxury All-Inclusive Catamaran Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs and GRSE Waterfall

A six-hour catamaran cruise links two of Mauritius’s best-known water stops: the GRSE Waterfall and Ile aux Cerfs. You start and finish at the Debarcadere in Trou d’Eau Douce, so the day is easy to follow once you arrive at the meeting point.

I like the all-inclusive food and drinks, which let you enjoy a rum, Mauritian beer, coffee, tea, or coconut water without keeping count. I also like that snorkeling equipment is provided. The main consideration is transport: getting to Trou d’Eau Douce is your responsibility, and parasailing or tube riding may require separate arrangements because they are not listed among the included items.

Key points

• A two-stop Indian Ocean outing: See the GRSE Waterfall before spending about two hours at Ile aux Cerfs.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect a BBQ lunch, snacks, bottled water, soft drinks, coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages.
• Snorkeling gear is supplied: You can use the equipment without adding a rental charge.
• Small group size: The catamaran accepts a maximum of 25 people.
• Optional action on Ile aux Cerfs: Parasailing and tube riding are available to try, while a transat can be booked for a more relaxed beach visit.
• Simple timing: Meet at 9 a.m. and return to the same place after roughly six hours.

Setting Out From Trou d’Eau Douce at 9 a.m.

Your day begins at the Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs meeting point in Trou d’Eau Douce. The local team meets you at the Debarcadere for boarding, and the same place serves as your return point. That simple arrangement matters. You do not need to organize a second pickup point or find your way back from another harbor.

The catamaran carries no more than 25 people. That is not a private yacht experience, but it is a more manageable group than a large party boat. You should still expect a social outing, with shared seating, shared food service, and a mix of people who may want to swim, snorkel, drink, or simply sit in the sun.

The cruise starts at 9 a.m. and lasts about six hours. Plan your morning around arriving at the harbor on time, since private transportation is not included. The booking information does not specify hotel pickup, so you should arrange your own way to Trou d’Eau Douce before the day begins.

The appeal here is convenience once you are aboard. Your route is arranged, lunch is provided, drinks are covered, and snorkeling equipment is available. You can spend the day making small choices instead of managing a long list of bookings.

The GRSE Waterfall Stop Takes About 10 Minutes

The first stop is Grande Riviere Sud Est, better known here as the GRSE Waterfall. The waterfall meets the Indian Ocean, giving you a quick look at one of the area’s most distinctive natural sights.

This is a short stop, listed at about 10 minutes. Think of it as a photo and viewing pause rather than a full waterfall visit. You will not have time for a long walk, extended swimming session, or a slow exploration of the surrounding area.

That brief timing is both a strength and a limitation. I like that the stop adds variety to the day. You are not spending every minute on the beach, and the meeting of freshwater and sea gives the cruise a clear sense of place. But if the waterfall is your main reason for booking, this experience may feel too short.

Keep your expectations realistic. The main event is the cruise and Ile aux Cerfs, with the GRSE Waterfall acting as a compact opening stop. Have your camera ready, but do not plan on lingering.

Cruising Toward Ile aux Cerfs Island

After the waterfall, the catamaran continues toward Ile aux Cerfs. The island is known for white sand and turquoise water, and the schedule gives you about two hours there. That is enough time for a swim, some sun, a short snorkeling session, or a paid water activity, but it is not a full-day island visit.

The catamaran format makes the journey part of the attraction. You can sit back with a drink, watch the water, and let the boat carry you between stops. The open bar includes alcoholic drinks such as Mauritian beer and rum, along with coconut water, bottled water, soda, coffee, and tea. This range works well for a mixed group. You can enjoy a cold drink without choosing alcohol, and you have water available throughout the outing.

The all-inclusive setup is particularly useful on a short cruise. You are not stopping at a restaurant or beach café to arrange lunch. The BBQ lunch, snacks, and drinks are already part of the day, which keeps the experience focused on the water.

Still, all-inclusive does not mean unlimited luxury in the private-yacht sense. The catamaran is shared, and the group can include people with different ideas about how to spend the day. Some will want music, drinks, and social time. Others will want a quiet seat and a swim. The maximum group size of 25 keeps things from becoming enormous, but you should book this as a shared excursion rather than a private escape.

Two Hours on Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is where most of your free time is spent. The schedule allows roughly two hours to relax on the beach or take part in water activities. The white sand and clear turquoise water suit an easy beach break, especially after the short waterfall stop and boat ride.

You can choose how active you want to be. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to rent a mask and fins before getting into the water. That is one of the strongest practical points of the tour. You can decide on the day instead of paying for gear you may not use.

You can also try parasailing or tube riding. These activities are presented as options, not as part of the listed inclusions. The supplied details do not give prices or booking instructions, so ask the local team about availability and any extra charge before committing. If you want a completely predictable budget, treat these as optional add-ons rather than part of the $111.02 price.

A transat can also be booked if you want a dedicated place to sit, sip coconut water, swim, and sunbathe. Again, it is not listed as an included feature, so check the terms locally. The basic beach time is already built into the cruise, but added comfort may cost extra.

Two hours goes quickly. If you want to snorkel, eat, swim, and try parasailing, you may need to choose carefully. If your ideal day is a relaxed beach stop with one swim and a drink, the timing should feel more generous.

BBQ Lunch and an Open Bar

The lunch is one of the clearest reasons to consider this cruise instead of arranging separate boat transport. A BBQ meal, snacks, and drinks are included, so you do not have to search for food during the outing.

The menu is not specified, so I would not book this expecting a particular dish or dietary program. If you have food restrictions, ask about the lunch before booking. The same practical rule applies to drinks. Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, water, coffee, tea, and coconut water are included, but the exact brands and serving style are not stated.

The drink selection gives the day a distinctly Mauritian touch. Mauritian beer, rum, and coconut water fit the setting better than a generic package of canned drinks. You can have a rum-based drink or beer after swimming, or stick with water and coconut water if you want to stay refreshed in the sun.

The best value comes from using what is included without treating the open bar as the main event. This is still a water excursion. The meal and drinks make the cruise easier and more comfortable, while the island and lagoon provide the main reason to go.

Is $111.02 a Fair Price?

At $111.02 per person, this cruise sits in the mid-range for a half-day all-inclusive outing. The value depends on how much you would otherwise spend arranging each part separately.

Your price covers the catamaran cruise, the waterfall stop, Ile aux Cerfs, BBQ lunch, snacks, alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, and snorkeling equipment. You also get a planned route and a return to the same harbor. If you value simplicity, that package removes several small costs and decisions.

The price does not include private transportation to Trou d’Eau Douce. It also does not clearly include parasailing, tube riding, or a transat. Those details matter because optional beach activities can change your final spend. I would budget the advertised price for the core outing, then ask about add-ons when you arrive.

The package is a better fit for you if you want one organized day with food, drinks, and two well-known stops. It is less compelling if you prefer to choose your own departure time, spend all day on Ile aux Cerfs, or travel by private boat.

The experience is booked on average 17 days ahead. That is useful planning information, especially if your Mauritius schedule is fixed. You do not necessarily need to book months ahead, but leaving this until the last minute could limit your options.

Weather, Cancellation, and What to Bring

The cruise depends on good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. That policy gives you some protection, but it also means you should avoid placing this outing on the only open day of a tightly packed Mauritius itinerary.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off follows local time, so keep that in mind if you are arranging the tour from another time zone.

Bring the basics for a water day: swimwear, sun protection, and a way to keep important belongings dry. Those items are not specified as tour inclusions, so you should plan to supply them yourself. Since snorkeling equipment is provided, you do not need to bring your own gear unless you prefer to use it.

The supplied information says most people can participate. It does not give detailed accessibility information, so contact the provider before booking if you have mobility needs or require specific assistance.

Who Will Enjoy This Catamaran Cruise Most?

This outing suits you if you want a social, organized day on the water rather than a private charter. The group limit of 25 offers a reasonable middle ground: more personal than a very large cruise, but still lively and shared.

It works well for couples, friends, and families who want different things from the same day. One person can snorkel, another can relax with coconut water, and someone else can ask about parasailing or tube riding. The included drinks and lunch make it easy for the group to stay together.

It is also a good choice if you dislike planning. The route, meal, drinks, equipment, and return harbor are arranged. You only need to reach Trou d’Eau Douce by the 9 a.m. start.

You may want a different tour if you need a quiet private setting, extensive time at the waterfall, or a full day on Ile aux Cerfs. The 10-minute waterfall stop is brief, and two hours on the island leaves limited time for several activities.

The strongest praise in the available feedback is simple: the outing is described as a great experience, with a fun atmosphere and a kind, helpful team. That matches the design of the cruise. It is meant to take the strain out of a beach day and give you a pleasant mix of scenery, food, drinks, and water time.

Should You Book It?

Book this cruise if you want an easy half-day introduction to the waters around Trou d’Eau Douce. The combination of Ile aux Cerfs, the GRSE Waterfall, a BBQ lunch, an open bar, and included snorkeling gear gives you plenty for the price.

Before paying, decide how important the optional activities are to you. Parasailing, tube riding, and a transat are not listed as included, so ask about their cost. Also arrange your own transport to the harbor and leave enough time to arrive before 9 a.m.

I would choose this tour for a first visit to the area, a relaxed group outing, or a day when you want the details handled for you. I would skip it only if you want privacy, a longer island stay, or a waterfall-focused trip.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start and finish?

The cruise starts and ends at Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs in Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius. The local team meets you at the Debarcadere for boarding.

What time does the cruise begin?

The scheduled start time is 9 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately six hours.

What locations does the cruise visit?

The route includes Grande Riviere Sud Est, where you see the GRSE Waterfall, and Ile aux Cerfs Island. The waterfall stop lasts about 10 minutes, and the island visit lasts about two hours.

What is included in the price?

The price includes alcoholic beverages, bottled water, coffee or tea, lunch, snacks, soda, and snorkeling equipment. Private transportation is not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Poor weather cancellations offer either a different date or a full refund.