Ile Aux Cerfs Catamaran Trip w/ Lunch, Drinks & Transfer

The best part of this day is the mix of open-water sailing and island time. You’ll leave Trou d’Eau Douce for Grand River South East, visit its waterfall by speedboat, stop for snorkeling, then reach Ile aux Cerfs for white sand and clear water. It packs several classic east-coast sights into one outing.

I like the easy hotel pickup and the generous food and drink package. The crew serves light snacks, a BBQ lunch, soft drinks, beer, wine, juice, water, and local rum, while the driver handles the road connection. I also like that the crew explains the plan in English and French, with German and Italian support available.

The main caution is that the day depends on sea and weather conditions. One booking was cancelled twice because of weather, with a refund complaint still unresolved at the time of the feedback. Also, one confirmed outing used a speedboat rather than a catamaran, so the exact boat experience may not always be fixed.

Key points to know before booking

• Grand River South East comes first: You reach the waterfall by speedboat, about 500 metres upstream from the river mouth.
• Ile aux Cerfs is the main beach stop: Expect palm trees, white sand, clear water, and time to swim or relax.
• Lunch is a full BBQ: The meal includes fish, chicken, hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice, with vegetarian food available.
• Drinks are included without a strict limit: Soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum are served.
• Water shoes are a smart extra: Sea urchins and coral can be underfoot around Ile aux Cerfs.
• Optional activities cost extra: Parasailing, tube riding, and the undersea walk are not part of the listed price.

A full east-coast day from hotel pickup to the lagoon

This is an eight-hour outing, priced at $115 per person, with pickup and return to selected hotels and Airbnbs around northern Mauritius. The listed pickup areas include Grand Baie, Pereybere, Cap Malheureux, Trou-aux-Biches, Pointe aux Piments, Balaclava, Triolet, Mon Choisy, and Pointe aux Biches.

Your driver collects you in an air-conditioned vehicle and takes you to Trou d’Eau Douce on the east coast. The stated arrival time is 8:30 a.m., with the catamaran leaving at about 9:00 a.m. That early start matters. You have enough daylight for the river, the lagoon, lunch, the island, and the return sailing without trying to squeeze everything into a short afternoon.

The road transfer is more useful than it may first sound. You do not need to arrange a separate taxi to the marina, and the driver is expected to help you find the correct boat and get on board. One particularly strong account described the driver as friendly and careful, making sure the passengers had their tickets and reached the right catamaran.

That small piece of help can save hassle at a busy departure point. Still, confirm your pickup time and meeting details in advance, since the provided information lists locations rather than exact pickup times for each accommodation.

Sailing out from Trou d’Eau Douce

Once aboard, the pace changes. Instead of moving from one road stop to another, you spend much of the day on the water, with mountain views around the coast and the lagoon opening around you.

The catamaran is described as large and comfortable, with a crew providing local music, jokes, and stories. The tone is social rather than quiet and formal. If you want a lively boat day with music and drinks, that should suit you. If you picture a silent sailing trip with only the sound of the water, this may feel busier than expected.

Light breakfast snacks are included early in the day. Drinks are also available throughout the outing, including water, juice, soft drinks, beer, wine, and local rum. Since alcohol is included, you can keep the day simple without repeatedly reaching for your wallet. Pace yourself, though. A long day in strong sun, on a moving boat, is not improved by treating unlimited drinks as a challenge.

The language support is useful for an international group. The crew explains the plan in English and French, with English, French, German, and Italian listed for the activity. The available information does not name individual guides, so you should not book expecting a specific person.

Grand River South East and the waterfall stop

The first main sight is Grand River South East, one of the better-known natural stops on this side of Mauritius. The catamaran does not travel all the way to the waterfall. Instead, you transfer to a speedboat and go roughly 500 metres upstream.

That short boat ride is part of the appeal. The river narrows as you move inland, and you may see monkeys in the old trees along the banks. Fruit bats may be perched high above the river as you approach the falls. The wording here matters: these animals are possible sightings, not a guarantee.

The waterfall itself is described as pretty rather than enormous. Keep your expectations sensible. This is a scenic stop that adds a change of pace to the cruise, not a major expedition. You get a quick look at the river and falls, then return to the catamaran for the lagoon portion of the day.

This stop can also create a little crowding or waiting, since boat transfers must be coordinated. The supplied details do not give a precise time for the waterfall visit, so the total time there may vary with conditions and group movement.

Snorkeling in clear lagoon water

After the waterfall, the catamaran sails into the lagoon for a swimming and snorkeling break. The water is described as crystal clear, with coral reefs and tropical fish visible beneath the surface.

This is one of the most valuable parts of the package because it gives you time in the water without requiring you to book a separate snorkeling trip. Life jackets are included, and bottled water is provided. Bring your own towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and camera.

The snorkeling stop is weather dependent, as you would expect on an open-water trip. The information does not promise equipment rental or identify a particular reef, so check what is supplied on board if snorkeling gear is important to you. You should also keep your camera protected from spray and carry sunscreen you can reapply easily.

A practical warning comes from the island rather than the snorkeling stop: water shoes are useful. Coral and sea urchins can be underfoot in shallow water. Bare feet are not a good plan simply because the sand looks soft from the boat.

BBQ lunch with a proper choice of food

Lunch is more substantial than a basic sandwich. The BBQ menu includes fresh grilled fish, BBQ chicken, grilled hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available, and the food is halal.

The meal may be set up on the beach or served on the catamaran, depending on the arrangement that day. That flexibility is practical, but it also means you should not assume a specific beach dining setup. One detailed account praised the crew’s BBQ and described it as well prepared.

The included drinks add real value to the $115 price. A comparable day can become expensive when you add transfers, lunch, bottled water, and several drinks separately. Here, those basics are built in, and you do not need to leave the island to find food.

I would still bring a small amount of money for optional activities and personal purchases. Parasailing, tube riding, and the undersea walk are specifically excluded. The price covers the cruise and core stops, not the full menu of paid water sports at Ile aux Cerfs.

Ile aux Cerfs, the day’s main reward

Ile aux Cerfs is the big finish before the return journey. As you approach by boat, you see palm trees, white beaches, and clear turquoise water. The island is set up for a relaxed beach day, with space to swim, walk, sunbathe, or simply sit by the water.

The island is also a developed stop with optional activities. You can add parasailing, tube riding, or an undersea walk if you want more action, but those costs are not included. Ask for the current price before committing, since the supplied details do not give rates.

I like that the schedule leaves room for both activity and rest. You are not forced to spend every minute on a guided task. After the organized waterfall, snorkeling, and lunch portions, you can stroll along the beach or swim at your own pace.

The drawback is that Ile aux Cerfs is famous, so it is not presented as a remote, untouched island. The facilities and optional activities make it convenient, but anyone seeking solitude should keep expectations modest. The supplied details also do not state how long you spend on the island, only that it is the central visit during the eight-hour day.

Sea urchins and coral deserve another mention here. Wear water shoes, especially if you plan to walk into the sea rather than stay on the dry sand. A towel, sunscreen, and a waterproof pouch for your phone will make the stop easier.

The return sail and hotel drop-off

After the island visit, you sail back to Trou d’Eau Douce. The scheduled return is about 4:00 p.m., followed by the drive back to your accommodation.

The return is not just transport. It gives you another stretch of open-water scenery after the busy parts of the day. The crew continues to provide drinks, and the boat atmosphere may remain social until arrival.

At Trou d’Eau Douce, your driver takes you back to your hotel or Airbnb in the same general northern pickup areas. One account praised the safe return and the driver’s care throughout the road portions. That door-to-door setup makes the experience especially useful if you do not have a rental car or do not want to navigate Mauritius roads after a full day on the water.

The timing can be long for young children or anyone who gets tired on boats. You should also allow some flexibility around the 4:00 p.m. return, since weather and sea conditions can affect the schedule.

Is $115 a good value?

At $115 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Ile aux Cerfs. Its value comes from combining several costs into one day: hotel transfer, air-conditioned transport, the catamaran, the waterfall visit, snorkeling time, lunch, bottled water, and unlimited listed drinks.

I consider that a fair package if you want a convenient full-day outing and plan to eat and drink on board. The price is less compelling if you do not drink alcohol, prefer a short beach visit, or want to spend most of the day at one quiet shoreline.

The included BBQ is a meaningful part of the calculation. So is the road transfer, especially from the northern parts of the island. Optional water sports are extra, so budget separately if parasailing or tube riding is central to your plans.

The public score is 3.7 out of 5 from nine ratings. Most of the strong feedback centers on the friendly driver, clear crew instructions, good organization, attractive island, and satisfying BBQ. The serious negative issue concerns cancellations caused by weather and a disputed refund. That does not prove the same problem will occur for you, but it is a reason to read the cancellation terms carefully and keep written confirmation of any refund.

Who will enjoy this day most?

I would choose this trip if you want a straightforward introduction to Mauritius’s east coast without arranging several separate bookings. It suits couples, families, and groups who like a social boat, beach time, swimming, and a generous lunch.

It is also a good fit if your accommodation is in one of the listed northern pickup areas. The included transfer removes the need to get yourself to Trou d’Eau Douce before breakfast.

You may prefer another option if you want a small private boat, a quiet sailing mood, or a tightly controlled schedule. The group size is not provided, so you should not assume an intimate outing. You should also think twice if bad weather is forecast, since the schedule can be cancelled or changed.

The boat type deserves a final check. The experience is advertised around a catamaran, but one confirmed account describes the outing as using a speedboat instead. The speedboat is certainly part of the waterfall transfer, yet that account suggests the main vessel can vary. Ask before booking if the catamaran itself is essential to you.

Practical packing advice

Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a towel, and a camera, as requested for the activity. Add water shoes for the coral and sea urchins around Ile aux Cerfs.

Wear swimwear under comfortable clothes, and keep a light layer handy if you dislike wind on the return sail. Pack a waterproof bag for valuables, although the provided information does not promise storage facilities on board.

Vegetarian and non-vegetarian food is available, and the meal is halal. If you have dietary needs beyond that, contact the provider before departure rather than relying on an onboard adjustment.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are helpful, but weather cancellations remain the point to watch. Keep your plans flexible if this day is tied to a flight or another fixed booking.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran trip?

Book it if you want one well-filled day that covers a waterfall, snorkeling, a BBQ, drinks, open-water sailing, and Ile aux Cerfs, with transport handled from your accommodation. The friendly driver service and well-organized crew are strong reasons to choose it.

Skip it if you want a private, quiet, or highly flexible day, or if you are mainly interested in water sports and do not want to pay extra for them. Before booking, confirm the vessel, pickup time, weather policy, and refund process.

For most people seeking an easy east-coast day, $115 is reasonable for what is included. Just bring water shoes, accept that the island can feel busy, and treat the schedule as weather dependent rather than carved in stone.

FAQ

How long does the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran trip last?

The experience lasts about eight hours, with pickup in the morning and return to your accommodation after arriving back at Trou d’Eau Douce around 4:00 p.m.

Where does the boat leave from?

The catamaran departs from Trou d’Eau Douce on the east coast of Mauritius, with boarding expected around 8:30 a.m. and sailing at about 9:00 a.m.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and return are included from listed hotels and Airbnbs in areas such as Grand Baie, Pereybere, Cap Malheureux, Trou-aux-Biches, Pointe aux Piments, Balaclava, Triolet, Mon Choisy, and Pointe aux Biches.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes fresh BBQ fish, BBQ chicken, grilled hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices are available, and the food is halal.

What drinks are included?

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

Is snorkeling included?

A snorkeling and swimming stop is part of the cruise. The provided information does not specify the snorkeling equipment supplied, so confirm that detail if you need gear.

Are water sports at Ile aux Cerfs included?

No. Parasailing, tube riding, and the undersea walk are optional activities and are not included in the tour price.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a towel, sunscreen, and a camera. Water shoes are also a useful choice because coral and sea urchins may be underfoot.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option. Weather-related changes or cancellations should be confirmed directly with the provider.