Full-day Catamaran Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs with Lunch

The best part of this day is the mix of boat time and variety. You start with a speedboat ride to the secluded Grand River South East Waterfall, then switch to a roomy catamaran for coastal views, snorkeling, lunch, and several hours on Ile aux Cerfs. I like the easy pace and the fact that lunch, soft drinks, beer, and local rum are included. I also like having a full afternoon to choose between the beach, nature trails, and water activities.

The main caution is that this is a popular, highly organized outing, not a quiet private cruise. Snorkeling conditions can be hit or miss, and Ile aux Cerfs may feel crowded. Bring your own mask if snorkeling matters to you, and allow extra patience at the pier, where the check-in process has not always been smooth.

Key points to know before booking

• Two boats in one morning: A speedboat takes you to Grand River South East Waterfall before you board the catamaran.
• A full 42-foot catamaran: You have room to sit, eat, listen to music, and move around during the coastal cruise.
• Snorkeling is included: Equipment and swim jackets are supplied, though your own mask may give you a better fit and clearer view.
• A real lunch is part of the price: Expect BBQ chicken, fish, sausages, salads, fries, fruit, dessert, and drinks.
• Ile aux Cerfs is the big finish: You get free time for white sand, trails, swimming, and optional water activities.
• The day costs $65 per person: That is solid value if you want transport on the water, lunch, drinks, and several stops in one outing.

Starting at Trou d’Eau Douce and the Grand River South East Waterfall

This trip begins on Mauritius’ southeast coast, at Trou d’Eau Douce. The published schedule gives you two basic choices: a 7:00 start with pickup, or a 9:00 start without pickup. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the base price, but they can be arranged for an additional fee after booking.

If you drive yourself, you receive directions to the launch point. That can save money, but you should allow time to find the pier and check in. One account describes a delayed start and confusion over which staff member was handling arrivals, so this is a good place to keep your plans flexible. Arrive early, keep your booking details handy, and do not count on the boat leaving precisely at the advertised minute.

The first water section uses a speedboat rather than the catamaran. That matters because the smaller boat can take you up the Grand River South East, also called GRSE, toward a waterfall that is reached only by boat. The river gives you a calmer opening before the water narrows and the falls come into view.

The waterfall is not a huge wilderness expedition. It is a short sightseeing stop, and the area can attract many boats. Still, the setting gives you a different view of Mauritius than the beach resorts do. You might spot fruit bats or monkeys in the surrounding trees, though wildlife is not guaranteed.

I like this opening because it adds a sense of movement to the day. You are not simply sitting on a catamaran until lunch. You get a quick ride on a smaller boat, a look at the river, and a close view of a natural feature before returning to Trou d’Eau Douce for the main cruise.

Sailing the east coast on a 42-foot catamaran

After the waterfall visit, you board a spacious, full-service catamaran listed at 42 feet. The catamaran is the center of the experience. You can sit in the open air, watch the coast pass by, listen to music, and take breaks from the sun when needed.

The cruise travels along Mauritius’ east coast toward Ile aux Cerfs. The east coast is known here for warm water and pale beaches, and the boat gives you a broad view of the shoreline. You are not tied to one small beach all day. The changing scenery and steady breeze help make the long outing feel like a proper sea day.

The atmosphere is social rather than silent. Music may be playing, and the crew aims to keep the mood relaxed and friendly. That worked well for people who enjoyed the staff, the food, and the easygoing boat atmosphere. If you want a quiet sailing trip with no group energy, this may feel too lively.

The crew has received strong praise for being warm, attentive, and accommodating. That is important on a full-day boat trip. Good service affects practical details such as getting a drink, finding a swim jacket, or knowing when to return to the boat. The crew also has to keep the lunch service and island timing moving, so expect an organized group outing rather than a private charter.

What to expect at the snorkeling stops

The catamaran stops at several points where you can enter the turquoise water and look for tropical fish and coral. Snorkeling gear and swim jackets are included, and you may bring your own equipment.

I would bring your own mask if you have one. The supplied gear is useful, but a personal mask usually fits more comfortably and can make a real difference when you are trying to see underwater. You should also pack a towel and sunscreen. The tour information specifically asks you to bring both, and you will have plenty of exposure to sun on the boat and island.

The snorkeling is one of the less predictable parts of the outing. Some stops may give you attractive views of fish and coral, while conditions can also be less rewarding. Algae, visibility, water conditions, and the number of boats in the area can affect what you see. One account found the snorkeling disappointing, with few fish in algae-covered water. Another wished for more time in the water.

That mixed result is worth taking seriously. Book this trip for the complete day, not for a dedicated snorkeling program. You may enjoy the warm water and see colorful fish, but you should not expect a specialist reef excursion with long, quiet time at several excellent sites.

The schedule also appears to give you limited time for snorkeling compared with a dedicated snorkeling cruise. If you love underwater viewing, ask how much time is planned at each stop when you confirm the details. Otherwise, treat the swim stops as a pleasant part of a wider boat day.

BBQ lunch, local drinks, and the practical value of the price

Lunch is served aboard the catamaran after you reach Ile aux Cerfs. The meal includes BBQ chicken, fish, and sausages, along with french fries, pasta salad, other salads, vegetarian choices, fruit, and dessert.

That is a generous spread for a $65 outing. You are not paying separately for a restaurant meal on the island, and the barbecue gives the day a shared, informal feel. The grilled food has been one of the more highly praised parts of the experience, and the crew’s cooking helps the trip feel less like a simple transfer to a beach.

Included drinks are water, juice, soda, beer, and local rum. You should still use some judgment in the sun, especially if you drink alcohol. Water is available, and I would make that your main drink until you are finished swimming and walking.

The price is good if you value convenience. For $65 per person, you receive a speedboat excursion, a catamaran cruise, snorkeling equipment, lunch, drinks, and time on Ile aux Cerfs. Hotel transport costs extra, so compare the final price if you need pickup and drop-off.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a peaceful, uncrowded beach or serious snorkeling. In that case, the group setting and popular island may not match what you want. But as a one-day introduction to several southeast-coast sights, the package covers a lot.

Free time on Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the main destination and the place where the day opens up. Once lunch is finished, you can choose how active or lazy you want the afternoon to be.

The island has white sandy beaches and clear-looking water, making it an easy place to swim, walk, or simply sit by the shore. You can also follow nature trails and look for quieter corners away from the central beach areas. The exact amount of free time depends on the day’s schedule, but the plan allows several hours before the catamaran returns to Trou d’Eau Douce.

Water activities are available for people who want more action. The tour description does not specify which activities cost extra, so ask before committing to anything on the island. You can enjoy the beach without adding another paid activity.

I like the choice built into this part of the day. A family with an 11-year-old can enjoy the boat, lunch, swimming, and island time without needing every minute planned. A couple can walk the sand or find a place to sit. If you are traveling with different energy levels, one person can take a trail while another stays near the water.

The drawback is popularity. Ile aux Cerfs is beautiful, but it is not presented as an empty island. One account found the beach overcrowded and overrated, while another simply described Deer Island as beautiful. Both impressions can be true: the sand and water may be lovely, yet the shared setting can reduce the sense of escape.

To enjoy it, set realistic expectations. Think of Ile aux Cerfs as a scenic leisure stop with facilities and activities, not as a remote beach that you have to yourself. Move away from the busiest area if you want a calmer stretch, but keep track of the meeting time for the boat.

Timing, group atmosphere, and the small points that matter

This is a full-day activity running roughly from 7:00 or 9:00 until 16:00, depending on your pickup choice. That is a long day in the sun, so bring sunscreen, a towel, comfortable swimwear, and something dry to put on later.

The published information describes a 7:00 pickup option and a 9:00 no-pickup option. Another timing reference places the catamaran departure around 9:15, and a delayed check-in was reported at the pier. Because of that, do not schedule a tight evening flight, dinner reservation, or other fixed activity immediately after the stated return.

The tour is offered in Dutch, English, and French. That makes it easier to follow safety instructions and understand the day’s schedule if you speak one of those languages.

The boat is secure and spacious, but no boat trip is completely restful for everyone. You will deal with sun, wind, movement, wet seating, and group timing. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring whatever medication you normally use, although the supplied information does not promise calm water or specific medical support.

The rating of 3.8 out of 5 from 10 ratings reflects the trip’s uneven points. The strongest parts are the friendly crew, good BBQ, music, drinks, family suitability, and the variety of stops. The weak points are inconsistent snorkeling, crowding at the island, possible delays, and poor communication during one booking problem.

That balance makes sense to me. This is a good-value sightseeing day with a beach finish. It is not the best pick for someone seeking a quiet sailing charter or a carefully managed reef outing.

Who should book this catamaran cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want to see several southeast-coast highlights without arranging separate boats, meals, and beach transfers. It suits first-time visitors who want an easy overview, families who appreciate included food and drinks, and anyone who likes a social boat atmosphere.

It also works well if you want a day with choices. You can swim, snorkel, eat, walk, listen to music, or rest. The staff’s warm approach and the full lunch service are important advantages on such a long outing.

I would hesitate if your main goal is excellent snorkeling. Bring your own equipment and keep expectations modest. I would also think twice if crowded beaches bother you or if you need precise departure times.

The booking terms are useful for flexible plans: you can reserve and pay later, and cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Pickup and drop-off are extra, so confirm the total before you make your decision.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if $65 feels like a fair price for a full day of boats, lunch, drinks, snorkeling, and Ile aux Cerfs. The crew, BBQ, and range of activities give the day good all-around value, especially for families and first-time visitors to Mauritius.

Skip it if you want solitude, top-quality snorkeling, or a private experience. If you do book, bring your own mask, arrive early at Trou d’Eau Douce, keep the afternoon flexible, and think of the snorkeling and waterfall as parts of a varied day rather than the sole reason to go.

FAQ

How long does the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise last?

The activity runs until about 16:00. The start is listed as either 7:00 with pickup or 9:00 without pickup, depending on your arrangement.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the listed price, but they can be arranged for an extra fee after booking.

Where does the boat leave from?

The catamaran departs from Trou d’Eau Douce on Mauritius’ southeast coast. You receive directions if you choose to drive yourself.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and swim jackets are provided. You may also bring your own gear.

What food is served at lunch?

The BBQ buffet includes chicken, fish, sausages, french fries, pasta salad, other salads, vegetarian options, fruit, and dessert.

Which drinks are included?

Included drinks are water, juice, soda, beer, and local rum.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel and sunscreen. Your own snorkeling mask may also be useful if you want a better fit or clearer view.

Can I cancel or pay later?

Yes. You can reserve and pay later, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.