Ile Aux Cerfs Catamaran Cruise & Waterfalls- Lunch & Drinks

The best part of this Mauritius day trip is the mix: a waterfall visit, a long catamaran sail, a snorkeling stop, a beach break, and a full BBQ lunch with drinks. You are not tied to one beach or one boat ride. The day keeps changing, which makes the roughly $70 price easier to justify.

I like the crew’s warm, informal approach, including local music, jokes, and help with wildlife sightings. I also like the food and drink setup: grilled fish, chicken, hotdogs, salads, saffron rice, vegetarian and vegan choices, plus beer, wine, rum, soft drinks, juice, and water. The main catch is group size. It is sold as a small group of up to 15, but some departures have carried about 25 people, which can make the boat feel crowded.

Key points to know before booking

• Grand River South East comes first: A short speedboat ride takes you upstream to the waterfall, with possible monkey and fruit bat sightings along the riverbanks.
• The boat day is food-inclusive: Light snacks, BBQ lunch, bottled water, and unlimited alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks are included.
• Snorkeling is part of the route: You get a lagoon stop for swimming and a look at coral and tropical fish, though the stop may feel brief.
• Ile aux Cerfs is the main beach stop: Expect white sand, palm trees, clear water, swimming, strolling, and optional activities such as parasailing and an underwater walk.
• The schedule needs some flexibility: Boarding is at 8:30 a.m., the advertised cruise runs from about 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and departures may leave later than planned.
• The atmosphere can be lively: Local music and drinks add fun, but a party-minded group may not suit you if you want a quiet day at sea.

Starting at Trou D’eau Douce on Mauritius’s east coast

Your day begins at the docking station in Trou D’eau Douce at 8:30 a.m. The catamaran is scheduled to leave around 9 a.m. and return at about 4 p.m. The supplied duration is listed as nine hours, though the stated boat schedule runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., so I would plan for a full morning and afternoon rather than counting every advertised minute.

The boat heads out from the east coast into the lagoon. A large catamaran gives you room to move between shaded and sunny spots, although the available space depends on how many people are aboard. The crew plays local Mauritian music and keeps the mood social with jokes and stories about the island.

That atmosphere will suit you if you like an easygoing day where the crew helps set the tone. It may not suit you if your ideal boat trip means silence, reading, and long stretches without music. One direct criticism of the outing is that some people drank heavily and played loud music from the start until the end. The crew was still praised for being friendly and attentive, but the mood can depend on the group on your sailing.

Grand River South East and the short speedboat ride

The first major stop is Grand River South East, one of the better-known natural sights on this side of Mauritius. You do not simply view the falls from the catamaran. From the river area, you take a speedboat roughly 500 meters upstream to reach the waterfall.

This short boat ride adds energy to the morning and lets you get closer to the riverbanks. Keep your eyes on the old trees. You might see monkeys moving through the branches, and fruit bats may be resting high above the water. These sightings are not guaranteed, but they give the stop more character than a quick photo pause from offshore.

The waterfall itself is the main point, but the river setting matters too. It offers a change from open sea and white beach, with shaded banks and fresh water moving through the channel. I would bring your camera in a protected bag or case, since the speedboat ride and spray can be wet.

After the waterfall visit, you return to the catamaran and continue through the lagoon. This arrangement works well because the river stop comes before the relaxing beach portion of the day. You get an active outing early, then more time to swim, eat, and sit in the sun.

Snorkeling in the lagoon

The catamaran later stops in clear lagoon water for swimming and snorkeling. The point of this break is the underwater view: coral reefs and tropical fish are described as visible in the area. Life jackets are included, and you should bring sunscreen along with your camera.

Snorkeling quality can change with water conditions, visibility, and the exact stopping point. I would treat this as a pleasant included stop rather than booking the cruise solely for a major reef outing. One person found the snorkeling break about 15 minutes too short, so you may want to get ready before the boat stops. If you spend several minutes searching for equipment or deciding whether to enter, your actual water time becomes shorter.

This is also a useful pause between sightseeing and lunch. You can cool off in the lagoon, then return aboard for food. If you are not comfortable in the water, you can still enjoy the setting from the boat, but the outing is best suited to people who want at least one swim.

The activity says life jackets are provided, but it does not list dedicated snorkeling gear among the inclusions. I would confirm equipment details before departure if you do not have your own mask and snorkel. Sunscreen is specifically recommended, and the open boat offers plenty of exposure.

A BBQ lunch with drinks included

Food is one of the strongest parts of the value here. Lunch includes fresh BBQ fish, BBQ chicken, grilled hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice. Vegetarian and vegan food is also available, which makes the day easier for mixed groups.

The meal may be served on the beach or on the catamaran. That flexibility matters because conditions and timing can affect where the crew sets up. Eating aboard keeps the day moving and gives you a view over the lagoon. A beach meal makes the island stop feel more complete.

Drinks are available throughout the day. The included choices are bottled water, soft drinks, juice, beer, wine, and local rum. This is more generous than a cruise that includes only one meal and a single welcome drink. If you would otherwise buy lunch and several drinks separately, the $70 total can offer solid value.

Still, unlimited alcohol changes the mood of a boat. You may find the day cheerful and sociable, or you may find it too noisy if other people begin drinking early. I would book this outing for its scenery, food, and stops, not as a quiet sailing retreat.

Light breakfast snacks are also included before lunch. The information does not specify the exact snack menu, so I would not count on a full breakfast. If you need a substantial meal early in the day, eat beforehand or carry something allowed by the operator.

Arriving at Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the main beach destination and the part most likely to fill your camera roll. As you approach, you see palm trees, pale sand, and clear turquoise water around the island. The setting is made for a slow walk, a swim, or an hour with your feet in the water.

You are not locked into one activity once you arrive. You can stroll along the beach and take in the island’s natural setting, or choose optional activities such as parasailing, tube riding, and an underwater walk. These extras are not included in the $70 price, so ask about the cost before committing.

I like that the island stop leaves room for your own pace. You can spend the time actively, or simply sit on the beach after the earlier waterfall and snorkeling stops. That balance is useful for couples, families, and mixed-age groups where not everyone wants the same level of activity.

The tradeoff is that Ile aux Cerfs is a popular day-out setting with facilities and optional activities. It is not a deserted island escape. If you want a polished beach stop with things to do, that is a benefit. If you want complete solitude, this is probably not the right target.

How the timing and group size affect the day

The advertised meeting time is 8:30 a.m., with departure at 9 a.m. One departure reportedly did not leave until after 9:30, despite people arriving on time. A delayed start can reduce time at the waterfall, snorkeling stop, or Ile aux Cerfs, so I would arrive on time but keep your schedule flexible.

The group is described as limited to 15 people and the activity is wheelchair accessible. However, actual numbers may be higher on some boats, with one departure carrying around 25 people. A large catamaran can absorb extra people better than a small boat, but more bodies mean less room inside and a livelier atmosphere.

This is the single detail I would clarify before paying. Ask the provider, Mauritius Luxury Tours & Transfer, how many people are expected on your date and whether the boat is shared with a larger local group. If you care about space, quiet, or easy access to the rail, group size matters as much as the route.

The listed live guide languages are English, French, German, and Italian. No individual guide names are supplied, so you should not book expecting a particular captain or guide. The crew’s role is mainly to manage the boat, serve food and drinks, guide the stops, and keep the day moving.

Is $70 a fair price?

At $70 per person, this is a strong all-in-one outing if you plan to use the meal, drinks, snorkeling stop, and beach visit. You are paying for the catamaran, waterfall transfer by speedboat, lunch, snacks, unlimited beverages, and several sights in one day. Buying those pieces separately would likely take more planning and could cost more.

The value drops if you do not drink, skip lunch, or prefer a small and quiet boat. In that case, part of the price is paying for inclusions you may not use. The group-size issue also matters. A promised small group has a higher value than a crowded shared boat, even when the vessel itself is large.

The strongest parts of the outing are the crew, the food, and the all-day drink supply. The most common weaknesses are a possible late departure, a shorter-than-hoped snorkeling break, and loud behavior from other people aboard. I would view the trip as good value for a social full-day outing, but not as a premium private cruise.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Hotel or Airbnb pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle are optional rather than included, so confirm the transport price and meeting point if you are not staying near Trou D’eau Douce.

Who will enjoy this catamaran day

I would recommend it to you if you want to see several east-coast highlights without arranging separate transport. The route works especially well for first-time visitors who want a taste of river scenery, lagoon water, snorkeling, a Mauritian BBQ, and Ile aux Cerfs in one day.

It also suits social groups and families who appreciate food and drinks being handled for them. Vegetarian and vegan choices make it practical for mixed dining needs, and the range of optional island activities means active and relaxed people can split up for a while.

I would be cautious if you are sensitive to noise, dislike crowded boats, or want long, unhurried snorkeling time. Ask about the expected headcount before booking, and do not assume that the 15-person limit will always be followed.

Bring sunscreen and a camera. I would also carry a towel, swimwear, sun protection for your head, and a waterproof way to protect your phone, though only the camera and sunscreen are specifically listed as things to bring.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs cruise?

Book this cruise if you want a convenient, food-filled day with plenty of variety and do not mind a social boat atmosphere. The friendly crew, good BBQ, unlimited drinks, Grand River South East, and Ile aux Cerfs make the package appealing at $70.

Skip it, or ask careful questions first, if your priority is peace and space. Confirm the group size, likely departure time, snorkeling duration, and price of optional activities. If those answers work for you, this is a practical way to cover several of Mauritius’s east-coast highlights in one outing.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise leave from?

The cruise leaves from Trou D’eau Douce on the east coast of Mauritius.

What time should I arrive?

You should arrive at the docking station at 8:30 a.m. The catamaran is scheduled to depart at about 9 a.m.

What time does the activity finish?

The stated cruise schedule runs until about 4 p.m. The activity is also described as lasting nine hours, so allow a full day and some flexibility.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes BBQ fish, BBQ chicken, grilled hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice. Vegetarian and vegan food is available.

Which drinks are included?

Unlimited drinks include water, soft drinks, juice, beer, wine, and local rum.

Does the cruise visit a waterfall?

Yes. You visit the Grand River South East waterfall, reaching it by speedboat about 500 meters upstream from the river area.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. The catamaran makes a lagoon stop for snorkeling and swimming, with coral reefs and tropical fish in the area.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel or Airbnb pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle are optional and are not included in the standard activity.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.