Mauritius Catamaran Cruise to Ile Aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch

The main attraction here is the combination of waterfall, lagoon, and island beach in one long day. You begin near Trou d’Eau Douce, visit Grand River South East Waterfall, eat a BBQ lunch on the catamaran, and finish on the white sands of Ile Aux Cerfs.

I like the generous drink selection and the chance to enjoy Mauritius from the water rather than from a road. I also like the friendly crew, local Sega music on the return, and the fact that lunch is halal. The main caution is that the boat can feel crowded, and transport or boarding may be less organized than the brochure suggests.

Key points to know before you book

• Waterfall first: Sail upriver to Grand River South East Waterfall, also called Cascade Diamamouve, for photos and possible monkey sightings.
• Lunch stays onboard: The BBQ meal comes with water, juice, soft drinks, beer, wine, and local rum.
• Ile Aux Cerfs gets the most time: Plan on about three hours for beach time, swimming, the craft market, and optional water sports.
• Snorkeling depends on conditions: Wind and rain can cancel the snorkeling stop, with no guarantee of clear water on your particular morning.
• Expect a shared boat: The stated maximum is 35 people, though some departures may feel tight for the available seating.
• Check pickup costs: Hotel transfer is offered if selected, but one booking included a late pickup and another raised concerns about high transfer fees.

What this Mauritius catamaran day is really like

This is a classic east-coast Mauritius outing, built around scenery, swimming, food, and easygoing time at sea. It is not a private sailing trip or a quiet nature expedition. It is a shared excursion with several moving parts, including small-boat transfers, a catamaran cruise, a waterfall visit, lunch, and a stop at one of the island’s best-known beach destinations.

The advertised duration is six to seven hours, with about an hour and a half of total transportation between attractions. The day begins at 9:30 a.m. at Green Island Beach Restaurant on B59 Coastal Road in Trou d’Eau Douce. You return to the same meeting point at the end.

At about $59 per person, the price is attractive if you make full use of the meal, drinks, boat ride, waterfall stop, and island time. It becomes less compelling if you mainly want a peaceful beach day or a small, private sailing experience. Optional activities and hotel pickup can also raise your final cost.

Starting at Trou d’Eau Douce

The meeting point is Green Island Beach Restaurant in Trou d’Eau Douce. If you arrange your own way there, you avoid uncertainty about transfer charges. If you choose hotel pickup, check exactly what is included and what the fee is before paying. A few operational problems have been reported with late transport, so build in patience at the start of the morning.

Boarding may involve a short transfer by smaller boat before you reach the catamaran. That part is worth understanding in advance. You may not simply walk from a dock onto the main vessel, and instructions can be brief. If you have limited mobility, ask the operator for current boarding details before booking.

Once underway, the day becomes much more relaxed. The crew serves drinks, and the boat gives you a moving view of the east coast. Bring sunscreen, a hat, a swimsuit, and something dry to wear. You will want a phone or camera for the waterfall and island, but keep it protected during boat transfers.

Grand River South East Waterfall and Cascade Diamamouve

The first major stop is Grand River South East Waterfall, known locally here as Cascade Diamamouve. The boat travels upriver for roughly an hour, giving you a change from open lagoon views to river scenery.

The waterfall is mainly a photo and sightseeing stop rather than a long walk or extended hike. You may see monkeys moving through the trees along the banks, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. The river setting gives the morning a little more variety than a simple beach cruise.

The stop is listed at about one hour. That is enough time for photographs and a look around, but not enough for a slow nature visit. Keep your expectations sensible. This is a scenic pause within a broader boat trip, not a dedicated waterfall tour.

Snorkeling and swimming in the lagoon

After the waterfall, the cruise moves toward a swimming and snorkeling stop. The appeal is straightforward: warm water, a chance to cool off, and a look at marine life in the lagoon.

Conditions matter here. Wind and poor weather can make snorkeling unsafe or unappealing, and the activity may be canceled. That has happened on departures where the rest of the day still went ahead. You should treat snorkeling as a useful bonus, not the central reason to book.

The timing also deserves attention. One part of the schedule lists about two hours for snorkeling, swimming, and lunch together. That does not mean you will receive two full hours in the water. Lunch service, boarding, and weather changes all use some of that block.

If you want a long, serious snorkeling session, this may feel short. If you simply want a refreshing swim before lunch, it fits the day well. Bring a towel and wear a swimsuit under your clothes so you are not changing awkwardly on a busy boat.

The onboard halal BBQ lunch

Lunch is served on the catamaran, which is one of the practical strengths of this trip. You do not have to leave the boat, find a restaurant, or spend part of your island time searching for food.

The meal is described as a three-course BBQ lunch and is halal. Drinks include soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum. That is a generous package for the price, particularly for families and groups who would otherwise buy drinks separately.

The food has generally been described as good and plentiful, and the crew is said to be generous with refreshments. Service can still vary during a busy departure. One poor experience involved a participant having to ask for beer, despite it being included. My advice is simple: if you want a particular drink, ask the crew directly rather than assuming it will appear at your seat.

A catamaran lunch is social and informal. You may be eating near other groups, with limited room around the serving area. That suits people who like an easy party atmosphere. It is less suitable if you expect a quiet, carefully paced meal.

Three hours on Ile Aux Cerfs

Ile Aux Cerfs is the main event for many people. The island is known for white sand, palm trees, and clear turquoise water. The schedule gives you about three hours here, which is the longest stop and the best chance to slow down.

You can swim in the lagoon, lie on the beach, walk around, or visit the local arts and crafts market. The market gives you a chance to buy small Mauritius souvenirs without arranging a separate shopping trip. Keep some cash available if you want to browse, though the supplied information does not specify payment methods or stall hours.

The island can feel busy because it is a popular stop. That is part of the trade-off. You get easy access to a famous beach, but you should not expect an empty stretch of sand or a private island atmosphere.

The three-hour period is useful because it gives you time to choose your own pace. Families can split up, with some people swimming while others shop. Couples can find a quieter patch for a while, though the best spot will depend on the crowds and the day’s arrivals.

Optional parasailing and underwater activities

Parasailing and tube riding are available at extra cost. Underseawalk is also listed as an optional activity. The approximate prices supplied are Rs 2,500 for double parasailing, about Rs 1,000 per person in another price note, and about Rs 2,000 for the underseawalk.

Because the parasailing information is not perfectly consistent, confirm the current price and whether the quoted figure is per person or per pair before committing. These activities are not part of the $59 base price.

The optional activities can add excitement, especially for teenagers and adults who want more than swimming. They also reduce your free beach time and increase the final cost. If you are mainly booking for Ile Aux Cerfs itself, you may prefer to keep the three hours open and decide on the day.

The return cruise and Mauritian Sega

The return trip includes local Mauritian Sega music. Sega is an important part of the island’s cultural life, and hearing it on the water gives the final leg more character than a silent ride back to port.

This is not a formal cultural presentation with a long explanation. It is entertainment during the return journey. Expect music and a lively onboard mood rather than a detailed lesson about the island’s music or history.

The crew receives some of the strongest praise for hospitality and friendliness. Names are not consistently provided, although Avish is singled out as a helpful driver on one departure. That is useful if you book hotel transport, but the boat crew may vary by date.

Group size, comfort, and organization

The stated maximum is 35 people. That is not a tiny group. One account also described a boat that felt crowded, particularly when the number of participants and crew filled the available space.

For a catamaran day, group size affects several things: how quickly lunch is served, how much room you have to sit, and how easy it is to find a clear place for photographs. A full boat can still be enjoyable, but you should not picture a private deck with plenty of empty seating.

The start can be hectic. Some participants have found the transfer onto the catamaran unclear, with little explanation before the boat moved off. Listen carefully to crew instructions and stay close to your group during any small-boat transfer.

At its best, the crew keeps drinks flowing, serves food generously, and creates a friendly atmosphere. At its worst, late transport, vague instructions, or a crowded boat can make the first hour frustrating. That mixed pattern is why I would book this for the overall day rather than for polished, high-end service.

Weather, cancellation, and practical planning

This experience depends on good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

Weather can affect more than cancellation. Rain or wind may remove the snorkeling stop while leaving the waterfall, lunch, and Ile Aux Cerfs visit in place. If snorkeling is your top priority, consider a backup plan and do not judge the whole day by one water activity.

Food is halal, which makes the lunch easier for Muslim participants to plan around. The included drinks cover a broad range, but the supplied information does not specify every dish in the three-course meal. If you have a serious allergy or a special dietary need beyond halal food, ask the operator before booking.

Most people can participate, according to the supplied booking information. Still, the small-boat boarding, wet surfaces, swimming stop, and catamaran movement require ordinary care. Ask in advance if you have a mobility concern.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want several Mauritius highlights in one booking. It works especially well for:

• Families who value lunch and drinks included in the price
• First-time visitors who want a broad east-coast introduction
• Couples who enjoy a social boat atmosphere
• Groups who want beach time plus optional water sports
• Anyone who prefers a planned day over arranging several separate trips

I would be more cautious if you want silence, privacy, or a long snorkeling session. A private boat or smaller sailing group would suit those priorities better, though it would likely cost more.

This is also a good choice if you want to keep food simple. The halal BBQ lunch and included beverages remove some common decisions during a day out. You can spend your time swimming, taking photographs, and enjoying the island instead of searching for a meal.

Is the $59 price good value?

For the base price, I think the value is solid. You receive a six to seven-hour outing, a waterfall visit, a catamaran cruise, swimming and possible snorkeling, a BBQ meal, a wide drink selection, Ile Aux Cerfs, and return entertainment.

The price is strongest when you use the included food and drinks. A family of four could otherwise spend a sizeable amount on lunch, bottled water, soft drinks, and beer during an island day. The package also saves you from arranging separate transport between the river, lagoon, and island.

The value drops if you add expensive hotel transfers and optional activities without checking the rates. A late pickup can also shorten the useful part of the day. Confirm the pickup price, meeting time, and exact collection point before you pay.

Should you book this Mauritius catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want an active, social day with plenty included and Ile Aux Cerfs is high on your Mauritius list. The waterfall, BBQ lunch, open bar selection, beach time, and Sega music create a full package for a reasonable price.

Skip it if you need a small boat, precise service, or guaranteed snorkeling. The boat may feel crowded, weather can change the water activities, and the opening transfer may be confusing.

My practical choice would be to book with self-arranged transport if you can reach Trou d’Eau Douce easily, then confirm the meeting details the day before. Arrive ready for sun, swimming, shared seating, and a little island-day disorder. If that sounds like part of the fun, this cruise gives you a lot of Mauritius in one outing.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise begin?

The activity begins at Green Island Beach Restaurant, B59 Coastal Road, La Pelouse, Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius.

What time does the tour start?

The stated start time is 9:30 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately six to seven hours. Transportation between attractions takes about one hour and 30 minutes in total.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only if that option is selected. Additional pickup fees may apply, so confirm the cost before booking.

What food is served?

A three-course BBQ lunch is served onboard the catamaran. The food is halal.

Which drinks are included?

Included drinks are soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum.

Is snorkeling guaranteed?

No. Snorkeling depends on weather and sea conditions. The stop may be canceled in poor weather.

How many people can join the cruise?

The stated maximum is 35 participants.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the experience are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather cancels the activity, you are offered another date or a full refund.