Catamaran Cruise: Isle aux Cerfs, Including BBQ Lunch, in Mauritius

The best part of this catamaran trip is the mix of wildlife and water time. You cruise past the Grand River South East waterfalls, watch for monkeys and giant bats near the river mouth, and may spot dolphins in the wake before reaching Isle aux Cerfs.

I like the included BBQ lunch and open bar, which make the $82 price easier to justify, and I like that snorkeling gear, snacks, and drinks are included rather than added one by one. The main caution is that the day can feel ordinary if dolphins do not appear and you expect a polished island tour rather than a relaxed boat outing.

The crew earns strong praise for being friendly, professional, and quick to explain the plan. Still, lunch is not a highlight for everyone, and one hour of free time at Isle aux Cerfs is fairly short for anyone hoping to explore at length.

Key points to know before you book

• Wildlife along the GRSE: Look for monkeys, giant bats, and a short waterfall stop near the river mouth.
• Snorkeling is included: Gear is provided for a stop from the boat, though the exact conditions depend on the day.
• BBQ served onboard: Lunch is prepared and eaten on the catamaran, with snacks and unlimited drinks included.
• Dolphins are possible, not promised: Seeing them can be the day’s great bonus, but the cruise is not built around a guaranteed dolphin encounter.
• Short island visit: You get about one hour to relax and swim at Isle aux Cerfs after lunch.
• No hotel transfer: You must reach the meeting point at Preskil Island Resort in Pointe Jerome, Mahebourg, unless you book an available transfer upgrade.

A full day on the water from Pointe Jerome

This is a roughly seven-hour catamaran outing around Mauritius, beginning and ending at the listed meeting point, Preskil Island Resort in Pointe Jerome, Mahebourg. The tour is also described as departing from Blue Bay, so check your confirmation carefully for the exact boarding instructions.

The group size can reach 30 people. That is large enough to give the boat a social feel, but small enough that the crew should be able to explain the schedule and manage the snorkeling stop without total confusion.

The day is built around scenery rather than a long guided history lesson. You spend most of your time on the catamaran, moving between coastal sights, the GRSE river mouth, and Isle aux Cerfs. I would choose this if you want a sunny day with food, swimming, and a few nature stops all bundled together.

A low-tide delay is possible. Safety comes first, and the crew has delayed departure when the water was too shallow. Build a little patience into your morning rather than treating the published start time as a promise that the boat will move at once.

Watching the Grand River South East waterfalls

One of the first major sights is the Grand River South East, commonly shortened to GRSE. The river cuts through a gorge before reaching a pictorial waterfall, and the catamaran makes a short stop of about 10 minutes.

That is enough time to take in the view and take photographs, but not enough for a long walk or a detailed visit. Think of it as a scenic pause from the boat. The waterfall is most useful as part of the wider cruise, not as a standalone attraction.

The river mouth also brings the chance to see monkeys and giant bats. These sightings are not controlled or guaranteed, so keep your eyes open and your camera ready. The natural setting gives this part of the outing more character than a simple ride straight to a beach.

The river stop is also weather-sensitive. Wind, rain, water levels, and tide can affect how the boat runs. The crew has a practical role here, explaining changes and adjusting the plan when conditions call for it.

Passing Ile du Phare on the route

Ile du Phare is listed as a point on the way to Isle aux Cerfs. It is not presented as a long landing or separate island visit, so expect to view it from the route rather than spend a large block of time ashore.

This is a small detail, but it matters when you compare cruises. The schedule contains several sights, yet the day is not a series of lengthy stops. Much of the pleasure comes from being on the water, watching the coast pass, and enjoying the boat between the named locations.

If you prefer a packed sightseeing program with plenty of time on land, this may feel light. If you like a slower day where the journey itself matters, the route works better.

Snorkeling from the catamaran

Snorkeling gear is included, and the crew chooses a stop where you can get into the water from the boat. The supplied details do not promise a specific reef, water depth, or length of the stop, so keep your expectations sensible.

I like the fact that snorkeling is built into the fare. You do not need to arrange separate equipment or pay an extra fee once onboard. Still, conditions can change with weather and sea conditions, and not every outing will produce the same underwater view.

Bring whatever helps you feel comfortable in the sun and water. The practical basics are a swimsuit, sun protection, a towel, and a dry place for important items. Those suggestions are simply common sense for a day at sea, since the tour details do not list personal equipment beyond the included snorkeling gear.

If you do not snorkel, you can still enjoy the catamaran, the scenery, the food, and the swimming time at Isle aux Cerfs. Nobody needs to treat the snorkeling stop as the sole reason to book.

Looking for dolphins in the wake

Dolphins are a possible bonus on this cruise. One particularly positive account described seeing them, and another called dolphins the most special part of the day. That tells you how memorable the sight can be when timing and luck cooperate.

But this is not a guaranteed dolphin tour. The boat may pass through waters where dolphins appear, yet wildlife follows its own schedule. Book this for the complete day, not for a promise of a close encounter.

You may find the dolphin watch exciting simply because it breaks up the steady rhythm of the cruise. Keep in mind that a day without dolphins can still include the GRSE waterfall, monkeys, bats, snorkeling, lunch, and Isle aux Cerfs.

BBQ lunch and the open bar

Lunch is a BBQ served onboard at Isle aux Cerfs. The meal is prepared and eaten on the catamaran, which means you do not spend valuable island time searching for a restaurant or waiting for a table.

The BBQ has received plenty of praise for being plentiful and well cooked. At the same time, one less enthusiastic account found the meal average and wanted more variety and stronger flavors. That is a fair way to frame it: expect a filling boat lunch, not a destination restaurant.

Unlimited drinks are included, along with snacks and beverages. This adds real value to a seven-hour outing, especially if you would otherwise spend the day buying water and refreshments separately. The open bar also makes the boat feel more like a relaxed social cruise than a basic transfer.

I would still avoid judging the whole tour by lunch alone. The meal is useful because it is included, convenient, and served during the trip. Its success depends on your own taste and how much variety you expect from a BBQ menu.

One hour to relax at Isle aux Cerfs

Isle aux Cerfs is the main leisure stop. After lunch, you get about one hour of free time to swim and relax.

That hour is enough for a quick swim and a look around, but it is not a full island day. You will need to choose what matters most. If swimming is your priority, head for the water. If you want photographs, take them early. If you hope to wander widely, the clock will feel tight.

This short stay is the biggest practical limit of the schedule. The cruise covers several sights, so Isle aux Cerfs receives less time than it would on a beach-only excursion. In exchange, you get a broader sample of the coast, river, wildlife, and sea.

I like this format for a first look at the area. You get a taste of Isle aux Cerfs without giving up the GRSE and the boat ride. For a slow beach day, I would choose a different tour with a longer island stay.

What the $82 price really covers

At $82 per person, the cruise offers a solid bundle: catamaran transport during the outing, snorkeling equipment, BBQ lunch, snacks, beverages, and unlimited drinks. Those inclusions matter because food and drinks can quickly push up the cost of a separate boat trip.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the open bar, eat onboard, and take part in the snorkeling stop. It is weaker if you do not drink, do not swim, and mainly want time on Isle aux Cerfs, since only about one hour is set aside there.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must make your own way to Preskil Island Resort unless you select an available transfer upgrade. Check this point before booking, since transport to the meeting point can change the real cost and convenience of the day.

The mobile ticket is handy, and confirmation is issued within 48 hours, subject to availability. The published operating information lists Monday through Wednesday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for the stated date range. Confirm the date and meeting details before you make firm plans around it.

Who will enjoy this catamaran cruise

I would recommend this outing to you if you want several Mauritius highlights in one day and enjoy a friendly boat setting. It suits couples, families with children accompanied by adults, and anyone who prefers an organized day with lunch and drinks already handled.

It is also a good fit if you like variety. You may see a waterfall, monkeys, bats, dolphins, coastal views, and an island beach without arranging separate trips.

You may want to skip it if you need a quiet, uncrowded boat, a long stretch of time at Isle aux Cerfs, or a gourmet lunch. A maximum of 30 people is not enormous, but it is not an intimate private cruise either.

The tour is listed as suitable for most people. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The sea, weather, boarding conditions, and snorkeling stop can affect how comfortable the day feels, so consider your own ability before booking.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

The cruise requires good weather. If poor weather forces cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off uses local Mauritius time.

Because the trip depends on sea conditions, I would avoid placing an important connecting plan immediately afterward. Let the day breathe, especially if low tide or weather causes a delay.

Should you book this Mauritius boat trip?

Book it if you want a well-rounded day at sea rather than a long beach stay. The strongest reasons are the friendly crew, included food and drinks, snorkeling gear, GRSE scenery, and the chance of wildlife sightings. Those extras make the $82 fare reasonable for many people.

Think twice if your main goal is Isle aux Cerfs itself. One hour of free time is brief, and the lunch receives mixed marks. Also remember that hotel transport is not part of the basic price.

My practical verdict: this is a good choice for a first Mauritius cruise, provided you treat dolphins and the quality of the wildlife sightings as lucky bonuses. Go for the complete mix of boat time, nature, swimming, and a convenient onboard meal, not for one perfect attraction.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran cruise last?

The outing lasts approximately seven hours.

Where does the cruise start and finish?

The listed meeting point is Preskil Island Resort at Pointe Jerome, Mahebourg, Mauritius. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the standard tour. An upgrade may be available if you want hotel transfers.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is included and is served onboard near Isle aux Cerfs.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The tour includes beverages, snacks, and unlimited drinks through an open bar.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included for the boat-based snorkeling stop.

Will I definitely see dolphins?

No. Dolphins may appear in the catamaran’s wake, but sightings are not guaranteed.

How much time do I get at Isle aux Cerfs?

The schedule provides about one hour for relaxing and swimming at Isle aux Cerfs, in addition to the lunch stop.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes cancellation.