Mauritius: Ile Aux Cerfs catamaran cruise Lunch with BBQ

The best part of this cruise is the mix of Mauritius’s east-coast scenery and easygoing boat time. You move from a river waterfall to clear lagoon water, a BBQ lunch, white sand, and a little local music without having to arrange each stop yourself. I especially like the Grand River South East visit and the generous drinks selection, which includes beer, wine, and local rum as well as soft drinks and water.

I also like the price: at $59 per person, you get a long catamaran outing, lunch, drinks, snorkeling time, and access to Ile aux Cerfs. The main caution is the morning organization. You need to reach the Trou D’Eau Douce jetty early, and some departures have involved a lengthy wait before everyone boarded. Music can also be loud from the start.

Key points at a glance

• Grand River South East waterfall: Begin with one of Mauritius’s best-known river sights before heading out to sea.
• Swimming and snorkeling stop: Bring swimwear and a camera, but remember that the exact water conditions depend on the day.
• Halal BBQ lunch on board: Enjoy a cooked meal with vegetarian choices available if requested in advance.
• Drinks included: Soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum are provided during the cruise.
• Ile aux Cerfs beach time: Swim in the lagoon, rest on white sand, or browse the local craft market.
• Mauritian Sega on the way home: The return sailing ends with local music, singing, and dancing.

Starting at Trou D’Eau Douce before 9:10 a.m.

Your day begins at the Trou D’Eau Douce fishing port on Mauritius’s east coast. The boat is scheduled to leave the jetty at about 9:10 a.m., so I would arrive around 9:00, as requested. This is not the kind of outing where arriving late is harmless. Once the catamaran leaves, catching up with the group will be difficult.

The departure point is a working port rather than a polished resort lobby. That gives the start a more local feel, but it can also make finding the correct boat less obvious. Keep your booking details ready and ask the port staff or tour representatives where to go as soon as you arrive.

The cruise is operated by Sunset Getaway Tours Ltd, with guiding available in English and French. No hotel pickup or return transfer is included, though that may be arranged separately. You’ll need to plan your own way to Trou D’Eau Douce.

The advertised duration is seven hours, with the main cruise running from roughly 9:10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The schedule may not run to the minute. One morning, the boarding process caused about an hour of waiting, while other boats moved around the harbor without beginning the trip. That means you should bring patience for the first part of the day, even though the cruise itself is carefully packed with stops.

Cruising the east coast on a large catamaran

Once underway, the boat gives you a broad view of the coast and open water. The appeal here is not speed. It is the chance to sit back, watch the mountainous scenery, and move across clear water without the jolting feel of a small speedboat.

A large catamaran is a good fit for a relaxed day. You can enjoy the trip from the deck, take photographs, and move around more easily than you could in a narrow boat. The tradeoff is that a larger boat may take longer to load and unload. If you prefer a private, quiet sailing trip, this is not that sort of experience.

The atmosphere is social and festive. Music may begin early, and it can be loud. I would treat that as part of the character of the outing, not as background music for a silent sightseeing trip. Couples, groups of friends, and anyone who likes a cheerful boat day will probably settle into it quickly. If you want peace and quiet, bring realistic expectations.

The scenery changes as you go. Near the river, the setting feels enclosed and green. As the boat reaches the coast, the view opens to the lagoon and the wider Indian Ocean. Keep your sunglasses and camera close, but protect both from spray.

Grand River South East waterfall comes first

The first major stop is Grand River South East waterfall. The river runs toward the coast, and the waterfall is one of the signature sights included in this route. It gives the morning a clear sense of place before the day turns toward swimming and beach time.

This stop is valuable because it breaks up the sailing. You are not simply heading straight to a beach and staying there. Instead, you see a different side of Mauritius, with river scenery and falling water framed by the island’s hills.

The exact viewing experience depends on the boat’s position and conditions. Keep your camera ready, but do not expect a long, private visit at the waterfall. The cruise has several planned elements, so the stop is best understood as a scenic outing rather than an extended walk or nature tour.

Swimming and snorkeling in the lagoon

After the waterfall, the catamaran heads toward the coastline for a swimming and snorkeling break. This is the point where you’ll want your swimwear, beachwear, and camera protected from water. The clear lagoon makes the stop appealing even if you are a casual swimmer rather than a serious snorkeler.

You can use the break to cool off, look beneath the surface, or simply remain on board and enjoy the view if you do not want to swim. The activity information does not promise specific marine life or snorkeling equipment details, so I would not book this trip expecting a specialist reef excursion.

Water conditions can change with weather, wind, and season. November and December are specifically noted as months when rain and poor weather may occur. Check the forecast before booking, especially if snorkeling is one of your main reasons for going.

The tour may be cancelled in poor weather, in which case you are offered another date or a full refund. That policy is useful, but it does not remove the need to choose your date carefully. A cloudy day can still be pleasant on the water, while rough conditions may affect the swimming stop and the general comfort of the cruise.

BBQ lunch with a useful range of drinks

The BBQ lunch is served on board after the swimming stop. This keeps the day moving and means you do not need to leave the catamaran to find food. The meal is described as halal, and vegetarian options are available if you request them ahead of time.

The included drinks are one of the strongest parts of the package. You get water, juice, soft drinks, beer, wine, and local rum. That range works well for a mixed group, since some people can choose an alcoholic drink while others stick with juice or water.

The lunch is more than a token snack. It is a proper central part of the day, with BBQ food and snacks included. Still, I would keep expectations sensible. This is an outdoor boat lunch, not a restaurant meal with individual ordering. Food is served as part of the group schedule, and the available choices may be set by the crew.

Vegetarians should make the request when booking, rather than waiting until the boat is already moving. The same goes for anyone with a special dietary concern. The halal provision is helpful, but the supplied information does not list every ingredient or cover every allergy.

Alcohol is included, but the day also involves swimming, sun, and boat movement. Pace yourself. The best value comes from enjoying the whole outing, not from treating the drinks package as the main event.

Ile aux Cerfs and its postcard beaches

After lunch, the cruise heads to Ile aux Cerfs, the island that gives this excursion much of its visual appeal. You’ll find palm trees, white sand, and bright turquoise lagoon water. This is the time to stretch your legs, swim, take photographs, or simply sit near the beach.

Ile aux Cerfs is a strong choice for a first beach day in Mauritius because it combines easy access with classic tropical scenery. You do not need to plan a separate boat transfer or beach visit. The catamaran brings you directly into an outing that includes both the coast and the island.

The beach stop is also where the tour feels least rushed, although your available time depends on the day’s earlier schedule. Delays at boarding or weather changes can reduce time later, so an early, efficient start matters.

You can also visit the local craft market and look for Mauritius souvenirs. This is a small but useful addition. If you want a simple keepsake, the market gives you something to browse beyond the beach itself. I would carry only what you need, since swimming and shopping do not mix well.

Watersports at Ile aux Cerfs are not included. If you want to add one, expect to arrange and pay for it separately. The cruise already includes snorkeling and swimming, so you can enjoy the island without buying an extra activity.

Mauritian Sega on the return trip

The final sailing back to Trou D’Eau Douce includes local Mauritian Sega music. Singing and dancing are part of the return entertainment, and this is where the outing shifts from sightseeing to celebration.

Sega is a local music and dance tradition, so the performance gives the day a stronger connection to Mauritius than a standard beach transfer would. You may see the crew lead the atmosphere on board, with music and dancing as the shoreline comes back into view.

This part will appeal most if you enjoy group entertainment and do not mind joining in. It may feel less appealing if you are tired, sunburned, or hoping for a quiet final hour. The same practical point applies here as earlier: music can be loud, so choose your place on the boat with that in mind if you prefer less noise.

The return to the jetty is expected around 3:30 p.m. The port is also where your independently arranged return transport will meet you, so confirm the plan before departure.

What the $59 price really covers

At $59 per person, this is a strong-value day if you want several Mauritius highlights in one outing. You are paying for the catamaran cruise, the waterfall visit, a swimming and snorkeling stop, BBQ lunch, a wide selection of drinks, Ile aux Cerfs, and Sega entertainment.

The value is especially good for people who would otherwise need to arrange separate transport, boat time, food, and beach access. It also works well for groups with different interests. One person can swim, another can photograph the scenery, and another can focus on lunch and music.

The price does not include hotel transportation or watersports at Ile aux Cerfs. Those costs can change the total, especially if you are staying far from Trou D’Eau Douce or want to add activities on the island.

The biggest value risk is time lost during boarding. An hour at the port is an hour that cannot be spent snorkeling or on the beach. Arrive early, follow the boarding instructions, and ask where your boat is as soon as you reach the jetty.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this trip if you want a full, social day on the water without managing a complicated itinerary. It is particularly well suited to couples, friends, and families who enjoy a mix of scenery, swimming, food, drinks, and music.

It is also a good option for anyone wanting a taste of Mauritius beyond a hotel beach. The waterfall, working fishing port, local drinks, craft market, and Sega music add more local flavor than a simple resort transfer.

I would think twice if you need a quiet boat, a very precise schedule, or extensive mobility support. The experience is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people over 70. The activity also lists pets and fireworks as not allowed.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Booking at least two days ahead is advised, especially if you need a vegetarian meal.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Trou D’Eau Douce Debarcader fishing port on the east coast of Mauritius.

What time should I arrive?

You should arrive at the docking station at about 9:00 a.m. The catamaran is scheduled to leave the jetty at approximately 9:10 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The activity is listed as lasting seven hours, with the cruise scheduled to run from about 9:10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, though they may be arranged separately.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch and snacks are served on board the catamaran.

Are vegetarian meals available?

Yes. Vegetarian options are available when requested in advance.

Is the food halal?

Yes. The food provided on the cruise is halal.

Which drinks are included?

The included selection consists of soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum.

Are watersports at Ile aux Cerfs included?

No. Watersports at Ile aux Cerfs are not included in the cruise price.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want good value and a lively full-day outing rather than a quiet private sail. The combination of waterfall, lagoon swim, BBQ, drinks, Ile aux Cerfs, and Sega music gives you a broad sample of Mauritius in one day.

Just arrive early, check the weather, request vegetarian food ahead of time, and allow for some boarding delays. If those conditions suit you, the $59 price makes this an easy way to enjoy the east coast and one of the island’s most photogenic beaches.