Île aux Cerfs: Private Catamaran Cruise with Gourmet Lunch

The best part of this private catamaran cruise is the mix of reef snorkeling and a freshly prepared BBQ in one easy six-hour outing. You move through the eastern lagoon by boat, pause at the Grand River South East Waterfall, and finish near Île aux Cerfs, where lunch and dessert are served aboard or on the beach.

I like the privacy, especially for a family or small group sharing the boat with up to six people. I also like the food focus: past menus praised lobster, fish, and other BBQ dishes, while unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks keep the day simple. The main drawback is that Île aux Cerfs can feel crowded and commercial, and snorkeling may be cancelled if anyone drinks before the water activities.

Key points

• Private boat for up to six: You get a more personal day than on a large shared catamaran.
• Eastern lagoon route: The cruise links Grand River South East Waterfall, reef stops, small islands, and Île aux Cerfs.
• Snorkeling before drinks: The crew controls the order for safety, so save alcohol for after swimming.
• BBQ with lobster and fish: The meal is a major part of the outing, not a token sandwich lunch.
• Beach time at Île aux Cerfs: You have time to walk, sunbathe, and take photos, though the island may be busy.
• Meeting point only: Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must reach Pointe Maurice Jetty yourself.

A private morning on Mauritius’ eastern lagoon

This is a full water day rather than a quick boat transfer to Île aux Cerfs. You meet at Pointe Maurice Jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce and board a private catamaran for a route through the protected waters of the eastern reef.

The setting does much of the work. The lagoon opens toward the reef, with bright water, scattered islands, and broad views from the deck. You are not packed into a large group, since the booking covers one private group of up to six people. That makes the price easier to assess: at $1,325 per group, it is expensive for one or two people, but far more reasonable when split among six.

The cruise lasts six hours and returns to Pointe Maurice Jetty by about 4 pm. That is long enough for several stops without turning the day into an exhausting boat marathon. Still, the schedule includes many named points, so some stops are brief photo pauses or passes rather than long shore visits.

The host or greeter can communicate in English or French. Crew members singled out by name in guest feedback include Sonia, Dario, and Marie-Lou, with particular praise for friendly service and careful attention. Since the exact crew can vary, treat those names as useful clues rather than a guarantee of who will be aboard.

Grand River South East Waterfall comes first

The first major stop is Grand River South East Waterfall. The catamaran makes a photo stop and gives you time for a visit and wildlife viewing.

This is a good early pause because it breaks up the boat ride before the snorkeling and lunch. Keep your expectations in check, though. The supplied details do not promise a long hike, a landing, or a close approach to the falls. Think of it as a scenic stop viewed as part of the cruise, with time to take photographs and look for wildlife.

I like this part of the route because it gives the day more range. You are not only floating, swimming, and eating. The waterfall adds a land-based natural sight to a trip otherwise shaped by sea and sand.

Bring a camera, but protect it from spray. The boat will be moving between stops, and you will want both wide views and quick snapshots of the islands.

Lighthouse views and the first swim

The cruise continues toward Île aux Fouquets Lighthouse. Here, the listed activities include an aperitif, free time, swimming, and snorkeling.

The lighthouse gives you a recognizable landmark in the middle of the lagoon. The stop also marks the point where the day shifts from sightseeing to water activities. If snorkeling is a priority, pay attention to the crew’s instructions and do it before alcoholic drinks are served.

This rule matters. Alcohol is included without a limit, but it comes after snorkeling, not before. The management reserves the right to cancel snorkeling if people drink beforehand. That may sound strict, yet it is sensible on a boat day involving swimming and reef water. Save the beer or wine until you are back on deck.

The water conditions and visibility can affect what you see. The experience promises marine life viewing, not a guaranteed list of fish or coral. You should expect a chance to observe underwater life in the lagoon rather than a formal marine biology excursion.

Reef snorkeling near Île aux Aigrettes

Next comes Île aux Aigrettes, with a photo stop, swimming, snorkeling, a pass by the island, and marine life viewing.

The wording suggests that the boat may not always land here. You may pass the island while stopping nearby for water activities. That is worth knowing if you are hoping to walk ashore at every named location.

The snorkeling is one of the strongest reasons to book this cruise. A private group can spend its time around the water rather than waiting for a large crowd to board or disembark. One account praised snorkeling in the middle of the reef, which gives you a useful sense of the setting: this is not only a quick dip beside the jetty.

Pack a proper towel, swimwear, high-SPF sunscreen, and a hat or cap. Sunscreen matters more than it may seem, since a six-hour day on open water adds up quickly even when you spend part of the time swimming.

A short passage by Îlot Flamants

Îlot Flamants is included as a pass-by and free-time stop. The details do not promise a formal excursion on the islet, so do not plan your day around exploring it on foot.

Small stops like this can be easy to overlook, but they help explain the shape of the cruise. The route is designed as a sequence of views, swims, and pauses rather than a single long stay at one beach. If you prefer a quiet boat ride with no set schedule, the number of stops may feel busy. If you want to see several parts of the eastern lagoon in one day, it works well.

The private format gives the crew some room to respond to conditions and the group’s interests, although you should not assume every stop will become a long swim. The stated itinerary is the best guide: some locations are for photographs or passing by, while others include water time.

Île aux Cerfs, lunch, and beach time

The main destination is Île aux Cerfs. The catamaran anchors behind the island, and lunch is served on board. The meal includes a BBQ, with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available without a set limit.

Food is a genuine strength here. Specific praise has gone to lobster, fish, and other BBQ dishes, including lobster described as perfectly cooked. I would not treat that as a fixed menu promise, since the supplied information only guarantees a BBQ lunch, but it does show that the meal can be more substantial than the usual boat-trip fare.

Dessert is enjoyed on the private beach of Île aux Cerfs. You also have time to sunbathe, walk, and take photos. This is the part of the day most suited to people who want a polished tropical scene without having to organize several separate activities.

There is one important qualification. Île aux Cerfs is a famous stop, and it can be crowded. One private group chose to spend more time at a sandbank for snorkeling when the island felt too full. That is a useful warning: the island may deliver the classic Mauritius photo, but it may not feel quiet or secluded.

The private boat helps, but it does not make the public island empty. If your priority is peace and open space, ask the crew about spending more time at a sandbank or another suitable swimming area. Do not assume this change is guaranteed, but the private format may allow more flexibility than a fixed group outing.

What the private price really buys you

At $1,325 for up to six people, this is not a budget excursion. For two people, the per-person cost is high. For six, it works out to about $221 per person before you account for transport to the jetty.

The value comes from combining several costs and decisions in one booking:

• A private catamaran for your group
• A six-hour route through the eastern lagoon
• Snorkeling and swimming stops
• Grand River South East Waterfall viewing
• BBQ lunch
• Unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
• Time at Île aux Cerfs and its beach

For a group that would otherwise book a private boat, buy lunch, and arrange drinks separately, the package is easier to manage. You also avoid sharing the main boat space with a large number of unrelated people.

For just one or two people, compare the price carefully with shared cruises. The private setting is the main premium. You are paying for control, space, and a group-only atmosphere, not simply for transport to the island.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to reach Pointe Maurice Jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce, so include your own transport costs and time when judging the total value.

Service, drinks, and the rhythm of the day

Food and scenery matter, but crew service can determine how comfortable a private boat day feels. Names praised in the feedback include Sonia for customer service, Dario for his care with the experience and meal, and Marie-Lou with the crew for making a private trip feel special.

The experience is described as attentive and well organized, with friendly service from the crew. That fits the format: on a private catamaran, you have more direct contact with the staff than on a large boat where service is spread across many people.

Unlimited drinks are useful because you do not need to count each soft drink, beer, or glass of wine. Still, the snorkeling rule should shape your day. Swim first, then drink. If one person ignores that order, the snorkeling activity could be cancelled for the group.

You should also plan for heat, wind, and spray. The required packing list is short: passport or ID card, swimwear, and a towel. Add high-SPF sunscreen, a hat or cap, and a camera. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so bring only a small amount of useful gear.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this outing most strongly to a group of friends, a family, or a couple willing to pay for privacy. Six people sharing the price get the clearest value.

It also suits you if your ideal day includes a little of everything: a waterfall, reef snorkeling, swimming, island views, a long lunch, drinks, and beach time. You do not need to choose between a sightseeing boat trip and a beach day.

It may suit families, but the available information does not give age limits or details about child equipment. Parents should confirm any needs directly before booking. The boat is described as wheelchair accessible in one part of the information, but the same information says it is not suitable for wheelchair users. That is a clear point to verify with the provider before paying, especially if anyone in your group uses a wheelchair.

This is less suitable if you want a silent, isolated day or a serious snorkeling expedition. The route includes several short stops, and Île aux Cerfs may be busy. Marine life viewing is part of the experience, but no specific species, equipment details, or underwater guide are promised.

Practical details before you book

The meeting point is Pointe Maurice Jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce. Hotel transfers are not included, so check your route to the jetty before booking.

The cruise lasts six hours, with an expected return around 4 pm. Starting times depend on availability. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option gives you some flexibility while your plans are still taking shape.

Bring your passport or ID card, swimwear, towel, high-SPF sunscreen, hat, and camera. Do not bring luggage or large bags. Keep valuables to a minimum because the day centers on swimming and moving around a boat.

The host or greeter speaks English and French. The activity is a private group experience, not a shared public cruise.

Should you book the Île aux Cerfs catamaran cruise?

Book it if you are sharing with several people and want one well-organized day that combines the eastern lagoon, snorkeling, a waterfall stop, a serious BBQ lunch, and time at Île aux Cerfs. The food and crew service appear to be the strongest parts, and the private setting adds real value for a group of six.

Think twice if you are traveling alone or as a pair on a tight budget. Also reconsider if crowded island beaches bother you or if your main goal is uninterrupted, expert-led snorkeling. For most small groups that want comfort, good food, and a broad taste of Mauritius’ east coast, this is a strong private-day choice.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The experience lasts six hours and is expected to return to Pointe Maurice Jetty by about 4 pm.

Where does the cruise start and end?

It starts and ends at Pointe Maurice Jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius.

How many people can join the private cruise?

The price covers one private group of up to six people.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must arrange your own way to Pointe Maurice Jetty.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is included and is served on the catamaran while anchored behind Île aux Cerfs.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included. Alcohol is served after snorkeling, and drinking beforehand can lead to the snorkeling activity being cancelled.

Can I snorkel during the cruise?

Yes. Snorkeling is planned near Île aux Fouquets Lighthouse and Île aux Aigrettes, along with swimming and marine life viewing.

Is time at Île aux Cerfs included?

Yes. You have time for a break, swimming-related activities, an aperitif, lunch, dessert, walking, sunbathing, and photographs.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport or ID card, swimwear, a towel, high-SPF sunscreen, a hat or cap, and a camera.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.