Private Charter Full Day Cruise: Île aux Cerfs

The best part of this private cruise is the combination of open-water sailing and time ashore at Ile aux Cerfs, one of Mauritius’s most appealing beach stops. You get a full day on a 45-foot catamaran rather than a quick boat transfer, with time for snorkeling, swimming, wildlife watching, and a river trip to GRSE Waterfall.

I like the private format, especially for families and groups who want their own space. I also like the chance to use snorkel gear at no extra charge, since you can enjoy the water without renting equipment on the island. The main drawback is the price for a small party, and food, drinks, and hotel transportation are not included.

Key Points Before You Book

• A private 45-foot catamaran: Your group has the boat to itself, with space for up to 15 people.
• Ile aux Cerfs time ashore: Swim, sunbathe, walk, or pay separately for activities such as parasailing.
• Snorkeling equipment included: The boat provides gear for the snorkeling stop.
• GRSE Waterfall by river: The cruise travels up the Grand River, where you may spot monkeys and giant bats in the trees.
• Wildlife sightings are possible, not guaranteed: Dolphins, shore monkeys, and giant bats are among the animals you may see.
• Lunch is optional and extra: A standard BBQ menu costs 35 euros per person, while the lobster option costs 74 euros per person.

A Private Day on Mauritius Water

This cruise begins at Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point in Pointe d’Esny at 9:00 a.m. You meet there and return to the same point after roughly seven hours. Since there is no hotel pickup or drop-off, you need to arrange your own way to Pointe Jerome.

The boat is the Island Hopper, a 45-foot, or 14-meter, catamaran made for day sailing. That matters because this is not simply a small transfer boat taking you to Ile aux Cerfs. You have a proper platform for a full day on the water, with a private setting for your own group.

The capacity is up to 15 people. A group of that size can make the price reasonable, but a couple or small family will pay much more per person. At the advertised group price of $1,335.67, the cost works out to about $89 per person if all 15 places are filled, before lunch and drinks. For two people, the same private charter becomes a major splurge.

The crew provides a safety briefing, and the cruise has received strong marks for friendly service and clear knowledge of the sights. No individual crew names are provided, so you should not book this expecting a named guide or a formal naturalist presentation. The appeal is a relaxed day at sea with crew support, not a lecture-heavy tour.

Leaving Pointe Jerome for the Open Water

The morning start gives you most of the day for the sea, the river, and Ile aux Cerfs. The exact sailing route can vary with conditions, and the available details do not promise a fixed order for every activity. Still, the plan includes a snorkeling spot, wildlife viewing, a visit to GRSE Waterfall, and time on Ile aux Cerfs.

I like the way this spreads the day across different settings. You are not confined to the beach, and you are not asked to spend seven hours only on the boat. Some time is active, some is scenic, and some is simply for sitting in the sun.

The open-water part is also where a private charter earns its keep. You can enjoy the boat with your own party instead of adapting to a large shared group. That is useful if some people want to swim while others prefer to stay dry, or if your group includes children and adults with different energy levels.

The cruise is listed as suitable for most people, but the supplied details do not provide a full accessibility description. If anyone in your party has specific mobility needs, ask the operator before booking. Boarding a catamaran and transferring to the island or into the water may require practical planning.

Snorkeling With Gear Included

The cruise stops at a snorkeling location, and snorkel equipment is provided at no additional charge. This is a small but useful inclusion. You do not have to pack your own mask and snorkel or arrange a separate rental before the boat leaves.

The tour information does not name the snorkeling site, specify the reef conditions, or state how long you will have in the water. Treat snorkeling as an included opportunity rather than a guaranteed long session. Water conditions, timing, and the group’s pace may affect how much time you actually spend there.

One useful point from the available feedback is that more time swimming would have been welcome. That tells you how to plan your expectations: this is a sightseeing cruise with swimming and snorkeling, not a dedicated full-day snorkeling trip. If your main goal is hours in the water, you may find the time too short. If you want a mix of sailing, island time, and wildlife, the arrangement makes more sense.

Bring the basics for a boat and beach day, including swimwear and sun protection. The available information does not list towels or personal supplies, so do not assume they are included. Food and drinks are also not part of the base price unless you add one of the BBQ menus.

Ile aux Cerfs: Beach Time With Choices

Ile aux Cerfs is the main stop, and you get off the catamaran to explore the island. You can swim in clear water, lie on the beach, or take a walk. The scheduled stop is listed as one hour, so this is a taste of the island rather than a full afternoon there.

That one-hour window is both a strength and a limitation. It gives you enough time to get ashore, enjoy a swim, and take in the setting without turning the cruise into a long land excursion. It is not enough time for a leisurely beach day plus several activities.

Parasailing is available on the island as an optional activity, but it is not included in the cruise price. The same practical rule applies here as with other add-ons: if your group wants to parasail, confirm the cost and available time before counting on it. A paid activity could use up much of your short island stop.

I like that the itinerary leaves the choice open. One person can swim, another can sit in the sun, and someone else can walk. You do not need to commit the whole group to one activity. Still, the one-hour limit means you should pick your priority before stepping ashore.

The island stop is likely to appeal most to people who want a postcard-style Mauritius beach break as part of a wider day. If you want a long, quiet stay on Ile aux Cerfs, book a dedicated island visit instead. This cruise gives you variety, not maximum beach time.

GRSE Waterfall and the Grand River

The catamaran also travels up the Grand River to GRSE Waterfall. The listed stop lasts about 20 minutes, so this is a short scenic visit rather than a long walk or extended waterfall outing.

The river section adds a different side of Mauritius to the day. Instead of looking only across open water, you move inland along the riverbanks, with trees on both sides. Monkeys and giant bats may be visible in the branches, along with other wildlife.

The wording matters: these are possible sightings, not guaranteed encounters. Animals are wild, and the short stop means you may see them clearly, briefly, or not at all. The same applies to dolphins during the cruise. Keep your eyes open, but do not treat the wildlife as a scheduled performance.

GRSE Waterfall is also a good reason to bring a camera that is easy to use quickly. You may have only a short viewing period, and the boat will not wait indefinitely for a perfect photograph. The focus here is on seeing the river and waterfall from the water, not on a detailed land exploration.

Dolphins, Monkeys, and Giant Bats

Wildlife adds a welcome element of chance to this cruise. Dolphins may appear in the sea, while monkeys and giant bats may be seen along the river. These sightings are among the most distinctive parts of the day because they connect the boat ride to Mauritius’s natural setting.

You should keep expectations sensible. The tour offers a chance to see these animals in their natural habitat, but no sighting can be promised. The experience is better if you enjoy watching the water and shoreline rather than counting on a particular animal.

The river section is especially useful for wildlife watchers because the banks give you more than one direction to scan. The open sea offers the possibility of dolphins, while the trees near GRSE Waterfall may reveal monkeys or bats. The variety keeps the day from feeling like a simple ride from one beach to another.

Lunch, Drinks, and the Real Cost

The base price includes the private cruise, but not food or drinks. You can add a standard BBQ lunch and drinks for 35 euros per person, or a VIP BBQ menu with lobster and drinks for 74 euros per person. Tea and coffee are also available.

The added meal can simplify the day, since you do not need to arrange lunch separately. But the cost is significant, especially for a large family or group. For 15 people, the standard menu adds 525 euros, while the VIP menu adds 1,110 euros. That means you should compare the full price, not just the charter rate.

The supplied details do not describe the full standard menu, the lobster preparation, or the drink selection. If dietary needs matter, ask for those details before paying for lunch. The food supplements are optional, so you should also confirm what alternatives are allowed or available if you prefer to make your own arrangements.

Tea and coffee are listed separately from the meal supplements, but the exact serving details are not given. Do not assume that all drinks throughout the day are included in the base booking.

Who Gets the Most Value From This Charter

I would recommend this cruise most strongly to a private group of friends or family members who can share the cost. At close to $89 per person for a full group of 15, the private boat becomes much more attractive. For a couple, the same price is harder to justify unless privacy is the main goal.

It also suits people who want variety. You get sailing, a snorkeling stop, a beach island, a river waterfall, and possible wildlife sightings in one day. That mix is more useful than a single-purpose beach transfer if your time in Mauritius is limited.

Families may appreciate the ability to set their own rhythm, though the tour information does not provide child-specific details. Groups with mixed interests can spread out across the activities. Someone can enjoy the beach while someone else watches for wildlife or joins the snorkeling stop.

This is less suitable for you if you want a highly structured educational tour, guaranteed dolphin sightings, or a long snorkeling session. It is also not the best choice if you need hotel transportation included. You must reach Pointe Jerome independently and return there at the end.

Booking Details That Matter

Your start time is 9:00 a.m. at HPGF+496 Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point, Pointe d’Esny, Mauritius. The activity ends back at that meeting point, and the mobile ticket makes it easier to carry your booking details on your phone.

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Since the charter is often reserved well ahead, with bookings averaging 58 days in advance, it is sensible to plan early if your dates are fixed. This is especially important for a private boat that can take only one group at a time.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. Keep the local cutoff in mind if you are booking from another time zone.

The experience has a 4.9 rating from 21 ratings and a 100 percent recommendation rate. The strongest praise centers on the friendly crew, safety briefing, and comfortable use of the catamaran. The clearest reservation is the wish for more swimming time, so keep the balance of the day in mind.

Should You Book the Ile aux Cerfs Charter?

Book it if you can fill much of the 15-person capacity and want a private day that combines beach time, snorkeling, river scenery, and possible wildlife sightings. The private setting, included snorkel gear, and capable safety briefing make it a well-rounded choice for a group.

Think twice if you are booking for only one or two people, if your budget is tight, or if you mainly want to spend hours swimming. Add the lunch cost, arrange your own transportation to Pointe Jerome, and remember that Ile aux Cerfs time is about one hour.

For the right group, this is a flexible way to see several sides of Mauritius from the water. Just price the extras honestly and treat wildlife sightings as a fortunate bonus rather than a promise.

FAQ

How long is the private Ile aux Cerfs cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately seven hours.

Where does the cruise start?

It starts at HPGF+496 Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point in Pointe d’Esny, Mauritius.

What time does the cruise begin?

The scheduled start time is 9:00 a.m.

Where does the activity end?

The cruise ends back at the Pointe Jerome meeting point.

How many people can join the private charter?

The private charter can accommodate a group of up to 15 people.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkel equipment is provided at no additional charge.

Is lunch included in the charter price?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the base price. A standard BBQ lunch and drinks cost 35 euros per person, while a VIP BBQ menu with lobster and drinks costs 74 euros per person.

Does the cruise include hotel pickup and drop-off?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must reach the meeting point yourself.

Can I visit Ile aux Cerfs during the cruise?

Yes. You can get off the catamaran at Ile aux Cerfs to swim, relax, walk, or choose an optional activity such as parasailing. The listed stop lasts about one hour.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund.