Private Catamaran Charter to Ile aux Cerfs

A private catamaran carries you from Pointe Jerome across Mauritius’s calm southeast waters to Ile aux Cerfs, with time for snorkeling, swimming, and a beach visit along the way. I like the roomy 45-foot boat and the freedom of having the whole vessel for your group, rather than sharing deck space with strangers.

I also like the chance to bring your own mood to the day: swim when you want, relax in the sun, or enjoy lunch on board. The main consideration is cost. At $1,354 for up to 31 people, it can be good value for a large group, but food and drinks are extra, dolphins are never guaranteed, and the boat is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

Key points at a glance

• Private 45-foot catamaran: Your group has the boat and captain to itself for seven hours.
• Pointe Jerome departure: The route begins at a practical launch point near Mahébourg and returns there.
• Swimming and snorkeling: Snorkeling equipment is included, with time in calm lagoon water.
• Dolphin watching: Keep watch during the cruise, but treat sightings as luck rather than a promise.
• Ile aux Cerfs stop: Walk the beach and enjoy the island before sailing back.
• Optional food and transport: BBQ lunch, drinks, and private transfers are available for an additional charge.

A private boat day in southeast Mauritius

This is a full-day outing built around the boat itself. You meet at Pointe Jerome, receive a safety briefing, and then spend the day moving between open water, sheltered lagoon areas, snorkeling spots, and Ile aux Cerfs.

The private format changes the feel of the trip. You are not following a large shared group from one fixed activity to the next. Your party can settle into the catamaran, spread out, and enjoy the sea at a more relaxed pace. The captain handles the navigation, while the crew helps with the practical parts of the day.

The catamaran measures 45 feet, so it offers more room than a small speedboat. That matters on a seven-hour outing. You can sit in the sun, find shade, or step into the water without feeling as if every movement affects the entire boat.

The group limit is unusually high, up to 31 people. This makes the price easier to justify for a large family gathering, wedding party, birthday group, or group of friends. For just two or three people, the total price is a much bigger commitment, even though you receive exclusive use of the boat.

Leaving Pointe Jerome for Mahébourg waters

The day begins at the Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point, where the crew gives a safety briefing before departure. The host service is available in English and French, which helps if your group includes people who prefer either language.

The route takes you through the waters around Mahébourg. This part of Mauritius is known here for its calm inner lagoon conditions, making the early sailing pleasant and accessible for people who want a scenic cruise rather than a rough open-sea ride.

I would arrive ready for a sun-heavy day. Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a towel, and comfortable shoes. Large bags and oversize luggage are not allowed, so pack lightly and keep your essentials in a small day bag.

The boat is captained, but the experience is not framed as a formal sightseeing lecture. You are paying for time on the water, access to the boat, and the freedom to enjoy the route at a private pace. That is a good fit if you prefer an easy day with room to talk and relax.

Snorkeling in the inner lagoon

One of the strongest parts of the day is the swimming and snorkeling stop. The catamaran anchors in calm water, and snorkeling equipment is included in the charter price.

You can expect the main appeal to be the water itself: clear, turquoise conditions and the chance to see colorful reef fish. This is not presented as a technical snorkeling trip, so you should think of it as a pleasant swim with a look below the surface, not a specialist marine expedition.

The sheltered setting is helpful for families and less confident swimmers, though the activity is still not suitable for anyone with mobility limitations. You will need to manage getting in and out of the water from the boat, and the operator specifically lists the experience as unsuitable for wheelchair users.

If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, keep your expectations sensible. The information provided does not promise a particular reef, species, or length of time in the water. The real value comes from combining a swim with a private cruise and the Ile aux Cerfs visit.

Dolphin watching with no guarantee

Dolphin watching is part of the route, and the crew keeps an eye out during the cruise. Sightings have included large numbers of dolphins, but you should treat this as a fortunate extra rather than the central promise of the day.

That distinction matters. Wildlife does not follow a schedule, and the experience can still work well if the dolphins stay out of sight. You have the lagoon, snorkeling, lunch, and the island stop to fill the day.

The chance of seeing dolphins adds a little excitement to the sailing sections. You might find yourself scanning the water between conversations, drinks, and swims. Just do not book this charter solely for a guaranteed wildlife encounter.

Lunch on board and the extra-cost question

A BBQ lunch can be prepared by the crew, and food and drinks are available at a supplementary rate. They are not included in the base charter price, so check the selected package carefully before paying.

This is one of the most important practical points. The promotional description focuses on a BBQ meal and drinks, but the inclusions list covers only the private catamaran, captain, and snorkeling gear. In plain terms, you should confirm the food option at checkout rather than assume lunch is part of the quoted price.

The meal is served on board before reaching Ile aux Cerfs, according to the planned route. Previous outings have included plentiful food and drinks, and the crew has also stored guests’ own food and drinks in a cool place. If you prefer to bring supplies, ask about the arrangement in advance and remember that you still need to pack within the small-bag rule.

For many groups, the lunch option is worth adding because it keeps the day on the water and avoids interrupting the cruise for a separate meal. For budget-minded groups, bringing suitable food and drinks may reduce the final bill, provided the operator allows it for your booking.

Reaching Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the main destination and the point where the day shifts from boat time to beach time. Once you arrive, you can walk along the beach, stretch your legs, and enjoy the island before returning to the catamaran.

The stop gives the outing a useful change of pace. Seven hours entirely on a boat might feel long for some people, particularly children or anyone who prefers land-based sightseeing. A beach walk breaks up the day without turning it into a rushed schedule.

The visit is not described as a guided island tour. You should expect free time rather than a structured program of attractions. That suits you if you want to wander, take in the water, and decide how much time to spend on the beach.

I would keep your belongings simple. Large luggage is not allowed, and there is no reason to bring more than swimwear, sun protection, a towel, and a small personal bag. Comfortable shoes are useful for walking after several hours around the boat.

Sailing back to Pointe Jerome

After the Ile aux Cerfs visit, you return by catamaran to Pointe Jerome. The final sailing gives you time to settle back on deck with a chilled drink if you have added drinks to the booking or brought your own permitted supplies.

A private return trip is more pleasant than being tied to a crowded shared transfer. You can spend the last stretch chatting with your group, watching the water, or simply resting after the swim and beach stop.

The full duration is seven hours, so this is not a quick half-day cruise. Allow enough time around the start and finish of the activity, especially if you are arranging a separate hotel transfer. A private transfer can be added for an extra fee per vehicle, with a maximum of four passengers in each vehicle.

What the crew adds to the experience

The captain and crew are central to the day because you are booking a boat charter rather than a self-guided rental. The team provides the safety briefing, handles the boat, helps with snorkeling, and prepares the optional meal if you add it.

The crew has been praised for being friendly, helpful, and willing to make the day work well for families with small children. Pascal and Scott have also been part of the service, with a reputation for keeping the mood light and welcoming. The languages listed for the activity are English and French.

The tone sounds informal rather than stiff. That is useful on a private boat, where a friendly crew can make the difference between a pleasant day and a merely functional transfer. At the same time, you should not expect a detailed historical tour of Mauritius. The focus is the sea, the boat, and a relaxed day with your own group.

Is $1,354 good value?

The price is $1,354 per group of up to 31 people. The arithmetic changes dramatically depending on group size.

For 20 or 30 people, the cost per person can be quite reasonable for seven hours of exclusive boat use. You are sharing the fixed charter fee across the group, and the private format gives you more control than a standard shared excursion.

For two people, the price is difficult to justify unless exclusive use of a catamaran is the main goal. A smaller shared cruise may offer better value if you mainly want to see Ile aux Cerfs and swim.

Remember to budget for the extras. Food and drinks are not included in the basic package, and an optional private transfer costs more. On the positive side, snorkeling equipment and the captain are included, so you do not need to rent those separately.

The strongest value comes from combining a large group with the private format. You get a full seven-hour day, a substantial boat, a captain, swimming time, snorkeling, dolphin watching, lunch if selected, and an island visit. That is a solid package for a celebration or group holiday, but less attractive for a small party on a tight budget.

Who should book this catamaran?

I would recommend it to families, groups of friends, and larger parties that want a private day rather than a fixed shared excursion. It also suits people who value space, swimming, and time on the water more than a highly structured sightseeing program.

Families with small children can benefit from having their own boat and a crew that can adapt the day. Still, children need to be comfortable around water, and adults should be prepared to help them with swimming and boarding.

This is also a good choice for anyone celebrating a special occasion. The boat, optional BBQ, drinks, and private setting make it easier to spend the day together without splitting up.

I would hesitate to recommend it to solo visitors, couples, or very small groups unless they place a high value on privacy. I would also choose another activity if your group needs wheelchair access, has serious mobility concerns, or wants a guaranteed dolphin encounter.

Practical booking advice

Book with light luggage and plan for strong sun. Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and a towel are specifically recommended, while pets, large bags, and oversize luggage are not allowed.

Check the food and drink selection before finalizing the booking. If you want the BBQ, make sure you choose the relevant option, since the base price does not include meals or beverages.

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Mauritius schedule is still taking shape.

The charter runs for seven hours, but starting times depend on availability. Confirm the departure time and meeting point at booking, especially if you need the optional transfer from your accommodation.

Should you book it?

Book this private catamaran if your group is large enough to share the cost and you want a full, flexible day on the water. The mix of lagoon sailing, snorkeling, possible dolphin sightings, an optional BBQ, and time at Ile aux Cerfs gives the outing plenty of variety.

For a small group, compare the total price with a shared cruise before committing. Also confirm the lunch and drink arrangements, since those costs sit outside the basic charter. If those points work for you, this is a friendly, easygoing way to see Mauritius from the water, with enough free time to make the day feel like your own.

FAQ

Where does the private catamaran trip start and finish?

The trip starts and ends at the Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point.

How long does the activity last?

The catamaran charter lasts seven hours.

How many people can join the private charter?

The private group can include up to 31 people.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included in the charter.

Are food and drinks included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are available for an additional fee. A BBQ lunch can be selected as an optional service.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

The crew has stored guests’ own food and drinks in a cool place on previous outings. Confirm the arrangement for your specific booking before departure.

Is dolphin watching guaranteed?

No. The route includes dolphin watching, but sightings depend on luck and are not guaranteed.

Is the activity suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

What languages are available?

The host or greeter service is available in English and French.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.