Exclusive Private Catamaran to Ile Aux Cerfs with Lunch

The main draw is simple: you get a full day on Mauritius’s east coast without sharing the boat with a large crowd. From Pointe Jerome, the 42-foot private catamaran carries your group through clear lagoon water to snorkeling spots, Grand River South East, and Ile aux Cerfs.

I like two things right away. First, the route mixes sea time with several different stops, rather than rushing straight to the beach. Second, the private group format for up to 10 people makes the day a good fit for families or friends who want their own space, music, drinks, and swimming time.

The main consideration is value. At $1,001 per group, the cost works out well only when you have a fairly full group. Also, one verified booking found the boat interior less clean than expected and noted there was no coffee, tea, or simple dessert.

Key points to know before booking

• A private 42-foot catamaran: Your group of up to 10 people has the boat to itself.
• A 9:00 a.m. start from Pointe Jerome: The return to your hotel is expected around 4:15 p.m., depending on tide and wind.
• Snorkeling in the largest lagoon on the island: Equipment is included, with a chance to see corals and brightly colored tropical fish.
• Grand River South East from the water: The route includes distant waterfall views, monkeys along the riverbank, and a giant bat colony.
• Ile aux Cerfs beach time: You get time on the famous white sand bank after lunch.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect a light breakfast, BBQ lunch, alcoholic drinks, and non-alcoholic beverages, but not lobster or extra water sports.

Why this private catamaran day works well

A private boat changes the feel of a sea excursion. You are not simply joining a fixed crowd and following a guide from stop to stop. Your group shares the trampolines, the lunch table, the open bar, and the music, with room to settle into the day at your own pace.

That privacy matters most if you are traveling with family or a group of friends. Ten people is the maximum, so a smaller party will have even more room. The catamaran is designed for day charters, with comfortable forward trampolines where you can stretch out and sunbathe while the boat moves along the east coast.

I also like the range of the route. You are not getting only a beach transfer. The day includes a light breakfast, a snorkeling stop, river scenery, lunch, a beach visit, and the return sail. That gives the outing a natural rhythm: move, swim, eat, relax, and sail again.

Still, set your expectations correctly. This is a seven-hour catamaran outing, not a private luxury yacht charter with a polished hotel kitchen. The included menu is a BBQ lunch, and a lobster lunch costs extra. A verified booking also reported that coffee and tea were not available and that a basic dessert such as fruit or ice cream would have been welcome.

Starting at Pointe Jerome at 9:00 a.m.

You meet the representative at Pointe Jerome Embarkation Jetty in southeast Mauritius. Look for the uniform and the One Island Cruiser badge. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the jetty or pay an additional charge for transport.

The timing is worth planning around. Departure is scheduled for 9:00 a.m., with an expected return to the hotel at about 4:15 p.m. That return time can shift with wind and tide, so avoid scheduling a tight evening appointment.

Once aboard, the crew serves a light breakfast. It is a useful start before snorkeling and swimming, though the food should not be confused with a full hotel breakfast. If coffee or tea matters to you in the morning, bring that expectation down, since one booking specifically noted that neither was provided.

The open bar begins as soon as you board. Alcoholic choices include beer, rum, and cocktails, along with non-alcoholic drinks. The combination is a strong part of the value for a private group, but drink responsibly in the sun, especially before swimming.

Snorkeling inside the east coast lagoon

At about 11:00 a.m., the catamaran stops for snorkeling inside the island’s largest lagoon. Equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask or fins.

The appeal here is the chance to see coral and brightly colored tropical fish in clear, warm water. You can also swim without snorkeling if you prefer. This stop gives the morning a practical purpose: you get off the boat, cool down, and see some of the marine life that makes Mauritius popular for water activities.

Conditions at sea can change with wind and tide. The exact quality of visibility and the comfort of the swim are not guaranteed, so think of snorkeling as a worthwhile opportunity rather than a promised underwater show.

Bring sunscreen and sunglasses, and pack a towel and a change of clothes. You should also bring spare clothing, since the combination of spray, swimming, and wet equipment can leave you damp for much of the afternoon. A camera is recommended, but protect it carefully around the water.

Grand River South East and the distant waterfall

After snorkeling, the catamaran continues along the east coast toward the mouth of Grande Riviere Sud Est, also known as Grand River South East. The boat goes upriver for views of the waterfall from afar.

This section adds a change of scenery. Instead of open lagoon and beach, you look toward the riverbanks, where monkeys live and a giant bat colony can be seen. The waterfall is viewed from a distance, so this is not a walk to the base or a close-up visit.

That detail matters when you decide how much weight to give this stop. If you want a short scenic look at the river and wildlife, it fits the day nicely. If you are booking mainly for a waterfall hike, this excursion will not provide that.

The river visit also gives you a break from constant sun exposure. Sit back, listen to the crew, and take in the views before lunch. The crew may share local tales and jokes, and local Mauritian sega music is played on board. That music helps give the trip a local character, though the atmosphere will depend on the mood of your group and crew on the day.

BBQ lunch and the open bar

Lunch is prepared by the crew and served on board. The meal is a BBQ, with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available. Vegetarian food can be arranged, but you must advise the operator when booking. You should also report food allergies or illness in advance.

The lunch is one of the more useful inclusions because it saves you from giving up beach time to find a restaurant. You eat while the catamaran remains part of the experience, rather than treating lunch as a separate stop.

At the same time, do not book this expecting a long restaurant menu. Lobster is not included and costs extra. A simple dessert is also not listed, and one verified booking specifically noted its absence. If you have a sweet tooth or special dietary needs, raise the issue before departure rather than hoping the crew can adjust things on the spot.

The friendly crew members prepare the BBQ, and their role is more than food service. They help keep the day moving, answer questions in English or French, and add local music and conversation. The supplied information does not name individual guides, so there are no specific crew names to look for at the jetty.

Ile aux Cerfs after lunch

After lunch, the catamaran cruises through the channel between Ile aux Cerfs and the Anahita sanctuary. You are then dropped at the famous white sand bank of Ile aux Cerfs.

This is the postcard portion of the day: white sand, shallow clear water, and time to relax away from the main boat. You can swim, sunbathe, take photos, or simply sit on the beach. The trampolines on the catamaran remain useful if you prefer the boat to the sand.

Ile aux Cerfs is also where the day can feel least private. The catamaran itself is private for your group, but the island is a popular destination. You are not paying for an exclusive beach, only private transport and private boat time. That is an important distinction for anyone expecting a deserted island.

The beach stop comes after lunch, which works well for a relaxed afternoon. You have already completed the active snorkeling portion, so this is your chance to dry off and enjoy the water without a fixed task. Bring your camera, but keep electronics protected from sand and spray.

Parasailing and tube riding are not included. You can pay extra for those activities if available, but they are optional add-ons rather than part of the quoted price.

Sailing back through the lagoon

After your time on Ile aux Cerfs, you return to the catamaran and sail back toward the jetty. This final stretch is less about another attraction and more about enjoying the boat itself.

The catamaran has open space and sunbathing trampolines, so you can choose between shade and sun as the weather allows. The crew continues with drinks, conversation, local sega music, jokes, and stories.

Your return time depends on tide and wind. The stated estimate is around 4:15 p.m. back at the hotel, but since pickup is an extra service, the practical endpoint is the jetty unless you have arranged transport. Confirm this detail before the day so you are not left sorting out a ride after several hours in the sun.

A word about comfort: the boat is intended for a day at sea, not as an indoor lounge. One booking found the inside area not very clean. That does not erase the appeal of the outdoor deck, but it is useful information if you care about polished facilities.

Is $1,001 good value for your group?

The price is $1,001 for up to 10 people. At the maximum group size, that is about $100 per person. For a group of five, the effective cost is about $200 per person, and for two people it becomes a very expensive private cruise.

The price includes the catamaran, light breakfast, snorkeling equipment, waterfall visit, Ile aux Cerfs, BBQ lunch, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and use of the sunbathing trampolines. It does not include transport to and from the jetty, lobster, parasailing, or tube riding.

I see the strongest value for a group of eight to 10 people that wants privacy. Split that cost among a full group and you are paying for a long day with food, drinks, and several stops, rather than only a boat ride.

For a couple or small family, compare carefully with shared cruises. The private setting may still be worth it if you dislike crowds or want control of your space, but the per-person price rises quickly. You should also factor in transport costs and any paid water sports before deciding.

The 24-hour cancellation policy helps reduce the risk of booking far ahead. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later. If the operator cancels because of a cyclone or torrential rainfall alert, a full refund is provided.

Who should book this sea day?

I would point this trip toward families, friend groups, and couples who place a high value on privacy. It suits people who want a complete day with swimming, beach time, drinks, and a cooked lunch, without arranging each part separately.

It also works for visitors who want several east coast sights in one outing. The route includes marine life, river scenery, wildlife, a waterfall view, and Ile aux Cerfs. You get a broad sample of the area in seven hours.

I would hesitate if you are traveling alone or with only one other person and are focused on keeping costs down. I would also hesitate if you expect a spotless luxury vessel, specialty coffee, a dessert course, or a close waterfall visit.

Pack sunglasses, sunscreen, a towel, a camera, spare clothes, and any personal snacks you may need. Tell the operator about vegetarian needs, allergies, or illness before the day. English and French are available, and the group remains private.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran?

Book it if your group can share the $1,001 cost and you want a private boat day with a broad itinerary. The strongest reasons are the private 42-foot catamaran, included lunch and drinks, snorkeling equipment, and generous time around Ile aux Cerfs.

Think twice if you are a small party, need hotel transport included, or expect high-end service details. The reported cleanliness issue inside the boat and the lack of coffee, tea, and dessert are small points for some people, but important ones for others.

For a full group seeking an easy, social day on Mauritius’s east coast, this is a sensible choice. For a small group seeking the best price, a shared cruise may offer better value.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart?

It departs from Pointe Jerome Embarkation Jetty at Pointe Jerome in the southeast of Mauritius.

What time does the cruise start?

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

How long is the experience?

The catamaran outing lasts about seven hours. The expected return to the hotel is around 4:15 p.m., depending on tide and wind.

How many people can join the private catamaran?

The private group can include up to 10 people.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

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

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is included, along with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Lobster lunch costs extra.

Are vegetarian meals available?

Yes. You must advise the operator at the time of booking. Food allergies or illness should also be reported in advance.

Are hotel pickup and water sports included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off cost extra. Parasailing and tube riding are also additional activities.