Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise to Ile Aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch

Mauritius packs a lot into this catamaran outing: a river waterfall, open-sea views, snorkeling, a hot BBQ lunch, and time on Ile aux Cerfs. I like the way the day combines scenery with easy fun, so you are not stuck on a beach or boat for six hours doing only one thing.

I especially like the generous drinks service, which includes water, soft drinks, juice, beer, wine, and local rum, and the friendly crew, with guides such as Yona and crew members such as Cedric singled out for warm, attentive service. The main drawback is that the waterfall and snorkeling stops can feel rushed, especially when several boats arrive together.

Key points to know before booking

• Grand River South East by small boat: You travel upriver toward Cascade Diamamouve, with a chance to see monkeys in the trees.
• BBQ lunch with drinks included: The meal is served on board, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian halal choices.
• Snorkeling quality varies: The water can be clear, but the stop may be short and the reef is not always lively.
• Ile aux Cerfs gives you real beach time: You get about 2.5 hours for swimming, walking, photos, and the craft market.
• The social mood is part of the appeal: Music, dancing, birthdays, and Mauritian Sega make this more festive than quiet.
• Plan the start carefully: Parking near the beach can be difficult, and the beach boarding process may be confusing.

Why this six-hour Mauritius cruise works so well

At $64 per person, this is a strong value if you want a broad taste of Mauritius without arranging several separate outings. The price covers the catamaran, waterfall visit, snorkeling and swimming stop, lunch, drinks, Ile aux Cerfs, and optional hotel transport if you choose that package.

I would not treat it as a luxury sailing trip. It is a friendly, social excursion with music, shared tables, a full boat, and a schedule that keeps moving. That is exactly why it suits couples, families, birthday groups, and anyone who wants a relaxed day with plenty included.

The crew is central to the experience. You can expect English and French guidance, regular drink service, and a lively atmosphere as the boat moves between the river and coast. Several crew members have been praised by name, including Yona and Cedric, though staffing can vary by departure.

The mood may shift from calm to festive. You might spend part of the cruise quietly watching the coast, then find the crew playing Mauritian Sega and encouraging singing or dancing on the way home. If you want a silent, private sail, choose another outing. If you like meeting people and sharing a bit of island spirit, this format works.

Starting at Trou d’eau Douce

The meeting point is on the beach opposite Green Island Restaurant in Trou d’eau Douce. If you select hotel pickup, a driver collects you from your hotel reception or accommodation and brings you to the departure point.

Driving yourself requires more planning. The small parking area near the beach can fill quickly, and the beach may have several boats and groups preparing to leave. Arriving early gives you time to find parking and work out where your group is queuing.

This is one of the less polished parts of the outing. A few people have found the beach boarding process chaotic, with several catamarans and no obvious queue. Ask staff where to wait as soon as you arrive, and do not cut the timing too close.

Boarding is done from the beach, often with a shuttle boat taking you out to the catamaran. Wheelchair users need to stand briefly to get on and off the shuttle boat, although the crew assists with this. The activity is described as wheelchair accessible, but the beach transfer is worth considering before you book.

Grand River South East and Cascade Diamamouve

The first major stop takes you upriver toward Grand River South East Waterfall, also known as Cascade Diamamouve. This gives the day a useful change of pace. Instead of sailing straight to the beach, you move through a narrower river setting with trees along the banks and the possibility of spotting monkeys.

The waterfall is viewed from a smaller boat rather than by walking ashore. You get close for photographs and sightseeing, and the setting is attractive, especially when the river is flowing strongly.

Set your expectations carefully. The scheduled stop is around 30 minutes, but the actual photo opportunity near the falls may be much shorter. Several boats may gather in the same area, and the small boat may pause only briefly before returning to the catamaran.

Strong currents can also change the plan. On one departure, the waterfall could not be visited because conditions were unsafe. If that happens, you should receive an alternative date or a full refund if the activity is canceled because of poor weather, but a missed waterfall during an otherwise operating trip may simply mean the schedule changes.

I like this stop because it adds a real natural feature to the day. I would not book the cruise solely for the waterfall. Think of it as one part of a larger outing, not a private waterfall tour with unlimited viewing time.

Snorkeling in the coastal water

After the river visit, the catamaran heads toward the coast for swimming and snorkeling. You get time to enter the water, cool off, and look for fish in the lagoon or along the reef.

The water is often clear and shallow enough for less confident swimmers or children to take part with help. One family found the stop manageable with a four-year-old because the water was shallow enough for an adult to assist. Bring your own snorkeling gear if you have it, since it is listed among the items to bring.

This is the most variable part of the day. Some departures have produced colorful fish, turtles, sea snakes, and good swimming. Other stops have been described as short, crowded, or lacking much marine life. A few people felt the boat stopped near the port at a poor location, while others thought the snorkeling was perfectly pleasant.

You may also wait on board while other people take part in water activities. If you are expecting a long reef session, this could disappoint you. The cruise provides a snorkeling break, not a specialist marine excursion.

Still, the water stop is valuable because it breaks up the boat ride and lets you swim before lunch. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes, secure your camera, and keep a dry change of clothes for later.

BBQ lunch and the drink service

Lunch is served on the catamaran after the water stop. The meal is a three-course BBQ-style spread with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices, and all food is halal.

The food receives mostly strong praise, with particular appreciation for fresh grilled items and generous portions. Dorado has been served on some departures and was especially well liked. One review also praised an optional lobster addition, while another felt the extra charge of about 3,000 Mauritian rupees was not worth it. If lobster is offered, ask for the current price and portion before ordering.

The meal is not a formal restaurant service. You eat in a shared setting while the boat rocks gently and the crew continues to serve drinks. That is part of the charm, though the experience can feel crowded when the boat is full.

Drinks include water, juice, soft drinks, beer, wine, and local rum. The supply is described as plentiful, with some people calling it unlimited. Drink responsibly, especially in the sun, and alternate alcoholic drinks with water.

Food quality can vary slightly from one departure to another. Most comments praise the BBQ, but one person found it average. I would rate the meal as a useful part of the package rather than the sole reason to book. The fact that halal, vegetarian, and non-vegetarian options are available makes the outing easier for mixed groups.

Ile aux Cerfs and the two-hour beach break

Ile aux Cerfs is the postcard portion of the day, with white sand, palm trees, and bright lagoon water. After the river and snorkeling stops, you get about 2.5 hours on the island, which is enough time to swim, walk, take photographs, and browse the local arts and crafts market.

The island is attractive, but it is not a private desert island. Boats bring many people to the same general area, and some parts of the beach can be untidy. One departure found litter and poor facilities in places, so do not expect every stretch of sand to look like a resort advertisement.

You may also find the orientation limited. The catamaran can leave you to explore on your own without much explanation about where to go. That freedom is useful if you want to choose your own swimming spot, but it can be confusing if you prefer a guided walk.

I suggest using the island time simply. Swim first, then walk along the beach, take your photographs, and visit the craft market if you want souvenirs. Optional activities are not included, so budget separately if you decide to add water sports.

Some departures have included chances to try activities such as parasailing or a tube ride, but these are not part of the basic package. Confirm availability and price locally rather than assuming they are included.

The ride back and Mauritian Sega

The return journey is more than transport back to Trou d’eau Douce. Local Mauritian Sega music often turns the final sailing into a small party, with the crew keeping the mood light and people singing or dancing.

This is one of the most enjoyable details for me because it gives the cruise a local character. You are not simply moving between scheduled stops. You get a taste of the music and social energy that make a day on the water feel connected to Mauritius.

The fun atmosphere can also make the boat feel louder and less restful. Families with children generally fit in well, but anyone seeking a quiet sunset-style sail should choose a smaller, calmer trip.

Group size, comfort, and practical concerns

The catamaran is described as comfortable and well maintained, but space depends on the number of people booked. Several departures felt crowded, especially when rain pushed everyone under cover. One toilet can also be a limitation on a busy boat.

Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, comfortable shoes, a camera, and dry clothes. A waterproof bag is sensible for phones and wallets, although it is not specifically included in the supplied equipment list.

The boat operates only in suitable weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can move to another date or receive a full refund. Wind and currents may also alter the waterfall visit or affect the water stop without canceling the whole day.

Pickup is worth paying for if you are staying far from Trou d’eau Douce or do not want to deal with parking. Most transport feedback is positive, but one serious delay caused a guest to worry about missing the boat. Confirm your pickup time and keep the provider’s contact details handy.

Infants aged one to four go free. The activity is suitable for families, but remember that this is an open-water day with boat transfers, sun, and swimming. Parents should bring extra clothes, sun protection, and whatever flotation support their child normally uses.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this outing if you want one reasonably priced package that covers several classic east-coast sights. It works particularly well for:

• Couples who want scenery, lunch, music, and beach time in one day
• Families who prefer a structured outing with swimming and food included
• Birthday groups and friends who enjoy a social boat atmosphere
• First-time visitors who want to see Ile aux Cerfs without arranging separate transport
• People who appreciate halal and vegetarian food options

I would be more cautious if your priorities are serious snorkeling, quiet sailing, or a long, carefully guided visit to the waterfall. The reef stop may be brief, the waterfall viewing can be rushed, and a full catamaran may feel cramped.

The $64 price is good because lunch, a wide drink selection, the boat, the island, and the main stops are bundled together. It becomes even better value if you use the hotel pickup and would otherwise need to pay for a taxi. It is less compelling if you plan to pay for several optional water sports or want a private boat.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise?

Yes, if you want a cheerful, full package with strong value and a friendly crew. The best parts are the mix of river and sea scenery, the plentiful lunch and drinks, the generous time on Ile aux Cerfs, and the Mauritian music on the way home.

Book with realistic expectations about the weak spots. Snorkeling may not be the highlight, the waterfall stop may be brief, parking can be awkward, and the boat can fill up. If those limits are acceptable, this is an easy way to spend six hours on the east coast and a sensible choice for a first Mauritius boat outing.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The activity lasts six hours, including the river waterfall visit, snorkeling and swimming stop, lunch on board, time on Ile aux Cerfs, and the return sailing.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The meeting point is on the beach opposite Green Island Restaurant in Trou d’eau Douce. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available when you select the applicable option.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is included only when you choose the pickup option. Otherwise, you meet the driver or guide at the stated beach meeting point.

What food is served for lunch?

A BBQ lunch is served on board, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices. All food is halal.

What drinks are included?

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

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling is part of the activity, but snorkeling gear is listed among the items to bring. Bring your own equipment if you have it.

Can children join the cruise?

Yes. Infants aged one to four go free of charge. The activity can suit families, although children will need to manage boat transfers, sun, and open-water swimming.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. Strong currents may also prevent the waterfall visit on a particular departure.