Catamaran cruise to Ile aux cerfs with bbq lunch

The best part of this Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise is the variety. In about six hours, you move from the green scenery around the GRSE waterfalls to a snorkeling stop, then to a relaxed BBQ lunch and the bright beaches of Ile aux Cerfs. It gives you a proper taste of Mauritius from the water, not just a quick beach stop.

I especially like the all-inclusive setup, with lunch, snorkel equipment, bottled water, soda, and alcoholic drinks covered in the price. I also like the friendly, lively feel on board, with music and, on some departures, a singer and guitarist accompanying lunch.

The main thing to watch is timing. The planned departure is around 9:30 a.m., but one account describes a delay of about an hour, and another says the Ile aux Cerfs stop felt shorter than expected. If you want a quiet, tightly timed outing, this may occasionally feel loose.

Key things to know before you go

• Start at Trou d’Eau Douce: Meet at Chez Tino or Tino Boats on Route Royale, rather than expecting hotel pickup.
• GRSE waterfalls come first: The cruise begins with a scenic approach to the nearby waterfalls, where monkeys may appear.
• Snorkeling gear is included: You can swim and snorkel at a wildlife-rich lagoon stop before lunch.
• BBQ lunch comes with drinks: Food, alcohol, soda, and bottled water are part of the $63.35 price.
• Ile aux Cerfs is the final big stop: Plan on beach time, swimming, sun, and a little wandering.
• Allow for schedule changes: The maximum group size is 30, but late arrivals or extra paid activities can affect the order and length of stops.

A full day on the water for $63.35

At $63.35 per person, this is priced as a midrange half-day boat outing, but the inclusions make it stronger value than the headline price first suggests. You are not paying only for the catamaran ride. Snorkel equipment, lunch, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and bottled water are all included.

That matters in Mauritius, where a day near a famous beach can become expensive once you add food, drinks, and equipment. Here, you can settle in without keeping track of every bottle of water or beer. One account also describes plenty of food and drinks throughout the day.

You should still compare the value against your own priorities. If your main goal is a long, peaceful stay on Ile aux Cerfs, this may not be ideal because the cruise includes several stops. If you want a mix of scenery, swimming, snorkeling, food, music, and beach time, the price is easier to justify.

The tour is offered by Tino Boats, and the boat carries no more than 30 people. That is not a tiny private sailing, but it is also not an enormous party vessel. Expect a social outing, with a crew serving drinks and keeping the schedule moving.

Meeting at Trou d’Eau Douce

The official meeting point is at Tino Boats, on Route Royale in Trou d’Eau Douce. Ticket redemption is listed at Chez Tino, also on B59 in Trou d’Eau Douce. The activity finishes back at the same general meeting point.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. This is the most important practical detail to settle before booking, especially if you are staying outside Trou d’Eau Douce. Some people arranged a separate taxi or pickup service through the company, and one account describes a hotel pickup followed by a speedboat transfer. Treat that as an extra arrangement, not part of the base tour.

The listed operating hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the cruise is planned to leave at about 9:30 a.m. I would arrive early enough to find Chez Tino, redeem your ticket, and avoid adding to any delay. One departure reportedly began an hour late because people were added or arrived after the planned start.

That kind of delay is not guaranteed, but it is worth allowing extra time in your morning. The published return time is around 4 p.m., so avoid booking a tightly timed late-afternoon activity afterward.

The opening cruise to the GRSE waterfalls

The first stop is the GRSE waterfalls, reached from the water near Trou d’Eau Douce. This opening section gives you a scenic start before the swimming and lunch portions begin.

The setting is known for green coastal scenery, and you might see monkeys near the falls. One outing also had sightings of bats and monkeys. Wildlife is never promised, so think of it as a pleasant possibility rather than the reason to book the cruise.

The approach by boat is part of the appeal. You see stretches of the coast that are not reached in the same way from the road, and the catamaran gives you a wide view of the water and surrounding scenery. It is a good first hour for taking photos and getting comfortable on board.

Do not expect a long waterfall hike or a land-based nature walk. The stop is viewed from the boat, and the focus is on scenery. If you want a detailed guided visit to the falls, this is not that sort of excursion. If you like a gentle start with a chance of seeing wildlife, it fits well.

Snorkeling in the clear lagoon

After the waterfall visit, the boat heads toward a snorkeling location. The water is described as clear and rich in marine life, and the crew provides the snorkeling equipment.

This is a useful inclusion because you do not need to rent a mask and snorkel separately or carry your own gear. You can choose to get in the water, swim, or stay on the catamaran and enjoy the view. The tour is not built around a demanding snorkeling expedition. It is a relaxed water stop, suitable for someone who wants a taste of the lagoon rather than a full day devoted to reef exploration.

The water conditions will shape this part of the day. The cruise requires good weather, and the operator may change the date or offer a full refund if poor weather cancels the experience. Even in good weather, visibility and comfort in the water can vary.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a cover-up. Those items are not listed as included, and they make the transition from snorkeling to lunch more comfortable. If you prefer not to swim, you can remain on the sunlit deck and watch the lagoon.

BBQ lunch with music and drinks

Lunch is served after the snorkeling stop. The meal is a BBQ, with accounts describing grilled meat and fish, a good quantity of food, and tasty portions. The meal is not a formal restaurant lunch. It is a casual boat barbecue, which suits the easygoing feel of the cruise.

Alcoholic drinks, soda, and bottled water are included. That is one of the strongest parts of the value. You can eat, have a drink, and look across the lagoon without having to arrange a separate lunch stop or pay for each beverage.

Music adds to the mood. Some departures include a singer and guitarist during lunch, and the combination of live music, food, and open water gives the middle of the day a distinctly social feel. The crew has been praised for being friendly, attentive, and generous with drinks. Crew members identified on one outing included Tomi, Lori, and Adrienne, though the exact team may change.

There is a trade-off. A musical BBQ cruise is not the right pick if you want silence and solitude. The atmosphere is described as young, lively, and relaxed, so expect conversation, music, and movement rather than a quiet sailing retreat.

Arriving at Ile aux Cerfs

After lunch, the boat heads to Ile aux Cerfs, the famous island at the center of the outing. This is where you can walk on the beach, swim, sunbathe, or simply take in the pale sand and bright water.

The island is attractive, but it is important to set realistic expectations. It is a popular destination, and the appeal is mainly the beach setting rather than a long list of cultural sights. One account found the island overhyped and felt it offered little beyond the beach. That criticism is useful: book this for an easy tropical stop, not for museums, local history, or a secluded island experience.

Time on Ile aux Cerfs can also vary. The planned program allows for a meaningful beach break, but one account reported only about an hour on the island instead of the expected two hours because of a delayed start and a change in the activity order. Another account felt the time was just right.

The lesson is simple: enjoy the island when you arrive, but do not assume you will have unlimited time to explore every corner. If you want a particular stretch of beach, head there first. If you prefer swimming, do that before settling down with photos and sunbathing.

A paid optional activity may also be offered during the day. It is not required, but if some people choose it, the operator may adjust the order of the program. Ask the crew early about the day’s schedule so you know how much time is likely to remain on Ile aux Cerfs.

What the catamaran ride feels like

The cruise itself is as important as the stops. You spend the day moving through turquoise lagoon water, with time to sit on the deck, watch the coast, and enjoy the breeze. This lets you reach shoreline views and shallow-water spots that are not available from land.

The boat seems best suited to people who enjoy a shared outing. The group limit of 30 keeps the scale manageable, but you should not expect a private charter. The crew serves food and drinks, helps with the activities, and keeps the program moving.

The atmosphere is one of the tour’s most praised features. Friendly service, regular drinks, music, and a capable crew turn the cruise into more than simple transport. You might find the tone a little energetic if you prefer a quiet boat ride, but it works well for couples, friends, and families who want a full social day.

The schedule is designed to avoid long stretches with nothing to do. You have waterfalls, possible wildlife, snorkeling, lunch, and the island. That variety is valuable if you have only a short stay in Mauritius.

Timing, weather, and the practical details

The total duration is about six hours, from roughly 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. The tour begins and ends at the meeting point in Trou d’Eau Douce. Public transportation is nearby, and most people can take part.

The experience depends on good weather. If poor conditions cause a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. If you need to cancel yourself, you can receive a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

The most useful things to bring are practical:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sun protection
• A change of clothes or a dry cover-up
• Waterproof protection for your phone
• Cash or a card if you are considering an extra paid activity

The first three items are common sense rather than stated tour inclusions, while the phone protection is simply wise around a snorkeling stop and open boat. The operator supplies snorkel equipment and drinks, so you do not need to pack those unless you prefer your own.

Try not to schedule an important evening commitment immediately after the cruise. A delay at departure, a change in activity order, or extra time getting back to the meeting point could make the return less exact than the advertised 4 p.m. finish.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a broad sample of Mauritius in one day. It suits people who enjoy being on the water, swimming, casual food, music, and a social group atmosphere.

It is also a sensible choice if you want predictable costs. Lunch, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, bottled water, and snorkel equipment are already covered. That makes the $63.35 price easier to understand, especially compared with arranging a boat trip, meal, drinks, and gear separately.

Families can take part, and most people are able to join. Still, you should be comfortable getting on and off the boat and taking part in a water-based outing. The information provided does not list detailed accessibility arrangements, so contact Tino Boats before booking if you need specific assistance.

I would look elsewhere if your top priorities are privacy, a silent sailing, serious snorkeling, or a long stay on Ile aux Cerfs. This is a well-rounded day rather than a specialist trip. Its strength is the combination of activities and the crew’s service.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs BBQ cruise?

Yes, if you want an easy, good-value day that combines the GRSE waterfalls, snorkeling, a BBQ, drinks, music, and Ile aux Cerfs. The crew service is a major part of the appeal, and the included food and beverages make the price fair.

Book with a flexible attitude toward timing. Delays and schedule changes have occurred, and the island stop may be shorter than planned. If you can accept that, Tino Boats offers a cheerful way to see the east coast from the water without arranging each piece yourself.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start and finish?

The cruise starts at Tino Boats on Route Royale in Trou d’Eau Douce, with ticket redemption at Chez Tino on B59. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What time does the cruise depart?

The planned departure is around 9:30 a.m., with a return at about 4 p.m. One departure reportedly started later than planned, so allow some flexibility.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Private transportation and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the listed price. A separate pickup service may be arranged through the company.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is included, along with alcoholic beverages, soda, and bottled water.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The tour includes use of snorkeling equipment for the lagoon stop.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.