Mauritius: Boat trip to Ile aux Cerfs with Lunch/waterslide

The best part of this Mauritius boat trip is the built-in waterslide, which turns a pleasant catamaran cruise into a lively day on the lagoon. You can snorkel, swim, eat a BBQ lunch, and then spend time on Ile aux Cerfs, all without packing several separate activities into your schedule.

I like the easy mix of action and downtime. The snorkeling stop gives you a look beneath the clear water, while the island offers room to walk, swim, or simply stretch out on white sand. I also like that lunch and unlimited drinks are included, though the party atmosphere and waterslide may not suit anyone seeking a quiet, small-boat outing.

Key points to know before you book

• The waterslide is the star feature: You can slide directly from the boat into the lagoon, with access included in the price.
• Snorkeling gear is supplied: The stop lasts about 40 minutes near Grand River South East, with crew help available.
• Lunch is served onboard: Expect grilled meats, salads, fruit, vegetarian food on request, and unlimited beer, rum, soft drinks, and water.
• Ile aux Cerfs gives you free time: Walk, swim, relax, or pay extra for optional water sports.
• Local music shapes the return: Sega dancing and traditional Mauritian music provide the entertainment as the boat heads back.
• Plan for a six-hour outing: The meeting point is at the end of the jetty beside the Mauritian flag, and the activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Why the waterslide changes the whole boat trip

Many lagoon cruises follow a familiar pattern: sail, snorkel, eat, and sit in the sun. This one adds a large waterslide fixed to the catamaran, giving the day a playful center and making the boat itself part of the entertainment.

You can climb up, launch into the turquoise water, and come back aboard for another turn. It is a useful feature for families with older children, mixed-age groups, and anyone who finds a standard sightseeing cruise a little too sedate.

The slide also means you do not need to wait until Ile aux Cerfs to get in the water. If the island becomes busy or you prefer the boat’s atmosphere, you already have a built-in swimming stop with a simple, repeatable activity.

That said, this is not the right choice if your ideal day means quiet sailing and long stretches of silence. Music, drinks, dancing, and repeated use of the slide give the outing a social, cheerful feel. Couples who want romance can still enjoy the coast and island, but they should expect energy rather than seclusion.

Leaving Trou d’Eau Douce along Mauritius’ east coast

The meeting point is at the end of the jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce, beside the Mauritian flag. Your exact pickup arrangement depends on the option you select, so check those details before setting out.

The first hour is spent sailing along the east coast, with scenic views and local snacks along the way. This opening stretch gives you time to settle in, find a comfortable place on the catamaran, and take in the changing views from the water.

I like this part because it eases you into the day instead of rushing straight to an activity. Bring a towel and sandals, and keep biodegradable sunscreen handy. The boat is your base for much of the excursion, so a small, easy-to-manage bag is more useful than bulky luggage.

The six-hour duration is long enough to feel like a proper day on the water without taking over an entire holiday schedule. It is still wise to pace yourself. Swimming, sun, food, alcohol, and music can make the time pass quickly, but you will appreciate some shade and water between activities.

The Grand River South East swimming and snorkeling stop

After the first sailing period, the boat reaches the Grand River South East area for about 40 minutes of swimming. This is the main chance to use the supplied snorkeling equipment and look at marine life around the coral reef.

The water is described as clear, with colorful reef life beneath the surface. Snorkeling is included, which improves the value of the trip because you do not need to rent basic gear separately or bring your own mask and fins.

Crew members are on hand to help, making this a more approachable stop for beginners. You should still be comfortable entering the water, following basic instructions, and managing your own swimwear and towel. The supplied information does not promise a particular species or guarantee perfect visibility on the day, so think of this as a pleasant reef stop rather than a specialist marine excursion.

The stop is also where the tour’s mixed appeal becomes clear. Active swimmers can snorkel and swim, while others can remain aboard and enjoy the view. If seeing underwater life is your main reason for booking, remember that the snorkeling portion is about 40 minutes, not the entire cruise.

A short river boat ride before the island

The route includes a 20-minute river boat segment. It breaks up the open-water sailing and adds another way to see the waterways around Mauritius.

This is not presented as a long guided nature tour, so keep your expectations measured. Its value is mainly in the variety: you are not spending every minute on the same catamaran route, and the change of boat gives the outing a slightly more varied rhythm.

The boat trip then continues toward Ile aux Cerfs, the day’s main land stop. By this point, you will have had time for scenery, swimming, and the first round of water-based fun.

BBQ lunch, drinks, and the social side of the cruise

Lunch is served onboard and includes grilled meats, salads, and fruit. Vegetarian options are available if requested in advance, so make that request when booking rather than waiting until the meal is being served.

Unlimited drinks include beer, rum, soft drinks, and water. That is a meaningful part of the $88 price, especially if you plan to spend several hours on the boat and would otherwise be buying drinks separately.

The alcohol package also helps explain the tone of the outing. This is a festive cruise, not a formal lunch at sea. The crew provides music and entertainment, and the return sailing includes Sega dance and traditional Mauritian music.

I would treat the drinks as an inclusion, not an instruction. Water, swimming, and strong sun call for a sensible pace, particularly if you plan to use the waterslide or snorkel. The crew’s cheerful entertainment has earned strong praise, with specific comments highlighting the fabulous entertainment, helpful staff, music, singing, and local dance.

Food quality can vary on any group boat outing, and the supplied details do not give a full menu or serving style. Still, a fresh BBQ with salads, fruit, and vegetarian food on request is a practical meal for a day built around swimming and sailing.

Free time on white sand at Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is known for white sand beaches and shallow lagoons. Once you arrive, you have free time to choose your own pace rather than being kept on a tight guided walk.

You can stroll along the island, swim in the shallow water, relax on the beach, or take in the views. Optional water sports are available at an additional cost, but they are not part of the $88 package. Budget separately if you are tempted by those add-ons.

This free period is important because it keeps the cruise from feeling like one long organized program. Families can split up for a while, couples can find a quieter stretch to sit, and active visitors can look into paid water activities.

There is one trade-off. Ile aux Cerfs is a famous stop, and the appeal comes from its broad beach and clear lagoon rather than from a long cultural tour or detailed interpretation. If you want a strong sense of local life, the Sega music and crew entertainment may offer more cultural flavor than the island visit itself.

Also note the time available. The schedule gives about one hour for the BBQ portion at Ile aux Cerfs, followed by free time, but the exact balance can vary. You will get a taste of the island, not an entire day to explore every corner.

Sega music on the return sail

The return to Trou d’Eau Douce takes about an hour. Rather than treating this as dead time, the crew uses music, singing, and Sega dancing to keep the mood going.

Sega is a traditional Mauritian music and dance style, and its inclusion adds a local element to what could otherwise be a standard beach-and-boat package. You do not need to dance, but watching the performance gives you a small connection to Mauritian culture while you sail back along the coast.

This part has received particularly warm praise in the available feedback. The entertainment, staff, local songs, and dancing are repeatedly singled out as memorable parts of the day. If you enjoy a little audience participation and a cheerful group setting, the return sail may be your favorite section.

If you prefer to read, nap, or listen to the water, you may find the music more noticeable than relaxing. The cruise works best when you accept its social character rather than expecting a silent sunset sail.

Is $88 good value for six hours?

At $88 per person, the price covers a substantial package: catamaran sailing, a snorkeling stop with equipment, a BBQ lunch, unlimited drinks, the waterslide, a visit to Ile aux Cerfs, and onboard entertainment.

I see the strongest value in the number of inclusions. You are not paying separately for the main meal, basic snorkeling gear, or the slide. The drinks package can also make a difference, particularly for anyone who would normally buy beer, rum, soft drinks, and water during a long boat day.

The value is less convincing if you only want a short ride to Ile aux Cerfs and a quiet beach visit. In that case, the six-hour format includes several elements you may not use. You are paying for an all-in-one social outing, not simply transport to an island.

Optional water sports cost extra, so do not assume the advertised price covers every activity around Ile aux Cerfs. The package is best judged on the included boat experience, not on add-ons.

Who will enjoy this Mauritius cruise most?

I would recommend this outing to families, couples who like a lively day, and groups who want food, swimming, music, and scenery in one booking. It is especially well suited to people who appreciate a clear schedule but still want free time at the beach.

Children and playful adults will likely make the most of the waterslide. Snorkelers get a dedicated stop, though serious underwater enthusiasts may want a longer or more specialized snorkeling trip.

The cruise can also work well for first-time visitors to Mauritius who want a broad taste of the east coast and Ile aux Cerfs without arranging several separate bookings. English and French are the tour languages, which helps keep instructions and general communication straightforward.

I would think twice if you have mobility impairments, since the activity is specifically marked as unsuitable. I would also look elsewhere if your priority is a small group, quiet sailing, intensive reef viewing, or a long, independent exploration of Ile aux Cerfs.

Practical preparation for the six-hour outing

Wear swimwear from the start, since swimming and snorkeling are built into the schedule. Bring a towel and sandals, and use biodegradable sunscreen to protect the marine environment.

The meeting point is at the end of the jetty beside the Mauritian flag. Since pickup and drop-off details can depend on the selected option, check your booking information carefully before you leave your accommodation.

The listed return locations are Debarcadère in Trou d’Eau Douce and Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs. Confirm which applies to your reservation so you know where the experience ends.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. Starting times depend on availability, so check the date you want before making plans around the cruise.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs waterslide cruise?

Book it if you want a busy, fun-packed six hours with plenty included in one price. The waterslide, reef snorkeling, BBQ lunch, unlimited drinks, Ile aux Cerfs, and Sega entertainment give you a full day without much planning.

I would choose it over a quieter boat trip when the group includes children, active adults, or anyone who enjoys music and a social atmosphere. The crew’s entertainment and local dancing are more than filler here, and they help give the return sail a distinct Mauritian touch.

Skip it if you want silence, a specialist snorkeling program, or a long stretch of private beach time. At $88, it is good value for the complete package, but only if you want to use the package. For the right mood, this is an easygoing mix of sea, food, swimming, and island time.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip depart from?

The meeting point is at the end of the jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce, next to the Mauritian flag.

How long does the experience last?

The boat trip lasts six hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. The cruise includes a snorkeling stop and snorkeling equipment.

How long is the snorkeling stop?

The swimming and snorkeling stop at Grand River South East lasts about 40 minutes.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is included, with grilled meats, salads, and fruit.

Are vegetarian meals available?

Yes. Vegetarian options are available on request.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited drinks include beer, rum, soft drinks, and water.

Is the waterslide included in the price?

Yes. You have access to the onboard waterslide during the cruise.

Is there free time on Ile aux Cerfs?

Yes. You can spend free time on the island walking, swimming, relaxing, or sightseeing.

Are water sports at Ile aux Cerfs included?

No. Optional water sports are available at an extra cost.

What languages are spoken on the cruise?

The live tour guide service is available in English and French.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sandals, and biodegradable sunscreen.

Is the activity suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments.

Can I cancel for a refund?

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

Can I reserve now and pay later?

Yes. The reserve-now, pay-later option allows you to book without paying immediately.