Mauritius: Catamaran Day Cruise to lle aux Cerfs with Lunch

The best part of this Mauritius catamaran cruise is the easy mix of sailing, swimming, food, and beach time. You glide out from Trou d’Eau Douce across the East Coast lagoon, pass Ile aux Cerfs, pause at the Grand River South East waterfalls, then settle in for a barbecue lunch with drinks on board. The catamaran itself is the main attraction, not just a way to reach the island.

I like the generous deck space and the crew’s friendly, hands-on service. I also like the value: for $65, you get a six-hour cruise, snorkeling gear, lunch, drinks, and visits to two of Mauritius’ best-known coastal sights. The main consideration is the mood. Music can be loud and alcohol is served from the morning, so this suits a sociable boat day more than a quiet sailing trip.

Key points to know before booking

• The day begins in Trou d’Eau Douce: You meet at the Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs jetty, next to the Mauritius flag.
• GRSE waterfalls are a short scenic stop: The waterfall visit can feel rushed, especially when several boats gather in the same area.
• Snorkeling depends on sea conditions: You get equipment and around 40 minutes in the water, but currents may affect visibility and comfort.
• Lunch is plentiful and practical: Expect fish, chicken skewers, salads, garlic bread, pasta, rice, and fresh pineapple, with vegetarian and gluten-free meals available on request.
• Ile aux Cerfs gets about two hours: You have time for the beach and a walk, though some people want longer to explore its small coves.
• This is a social cruise: Friendly crew, music, beer, wine, soft drinks, and plenty of sun make it a good fit for couples, families, and groups who enjoy a lively boat.

Setting out from Trou d’Eau Douce

You start at the Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce, on Mauritius’ East Coast. Look for the jetty beside the Mauritius flag. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the meeting point.

That detail matters. Trou d’Eau Douce is the practical gateway for boat trips to Ile aux Cerfs, but a late taxi or a misplaced meeting point can create needless stress. Allow time to reach the village, and confirm your transport before the morning departure.

Once aboard, you have room to spread out on the catamaran’s broad deck. You can sit in the sun, find shade, watch the shoreline slide by, or use the boat as a floating base between stops. The crew speaks English and French, and the service is one of the strongest parts of the outing. A crew member named Aldo has been singled out for being especially attentive and making sure everyone was comfortable.

The tone is friendly rather than formal. Music plays during the cruise, and drinks are available throughout the day. That creates a cheerful holiday feel, though people seeking a peaceful, nearly silent sail should choose carefully.

Sailing past Ile aux Cerfs

The boat first heads toward Ile aux Cerfs, a famous island in the East Coast lagoon. The route gives you time to settle into the rhythm of the day and enjoy the water without rushing from one activity to the next.

The sailing portion is valuable because it lets you see Mauritius from the lagoon rather than from a road or resort. The water is generally the visual star: clear, warm, and marked by changing shades as the catamaran moves across the shallows. You can sunbathe, take photographs, or simply watch the crew handle the boat.

The published timing allows about an hour for the early sailing and scenic views. In practice, the order of the stops can change with the tide. That flexibility is sensible, since the waterfalls and shallow-water areas are affected by sea conditions.

Do not expect a private charter. Ile aux Cerfs is a standard stop for many boats, and you share the route with other catamarans. Still, the spacious boat helps. One of the most useful features is that lunch and much of the social time happen on board, so you are not constantly moving between crowded shore facilities.

A quick look at the GRSE waterfalls

The Grand River South East waterfalls, often shortened to GRSE, are reached by boat. Depending on the tide, this may be the first stop. You glide toward the river mouth and take photographs as the water narrows near the falls.

The setting is scenic, and you may spot monkeys near the waterfall. That possibility is a pleasant bonus, not something to count on. The waterfall stop is mainly for viewing and photos rather than a long walk or extended exploration.

Here is where expectations matter. The stop is scheduled for roughly 20 minutes, and that is short. Several boats may be in the same area, which can make the scene feel less secluded. Some people find the waterfall underwhelming compared with the longer sailing and island time.

I would treat GRSE as a quick coastal sight, not the reason to book the cruise. Enjoy the view, take your pictures, and do not expect a private river trip. The crew cannot control the number of other boats or the tide, and both affect the feel of this stop.

Snorkeling in the Mauritius lagoon

After the waterfall, the catamaran pauses at a snorkeling location. Equipment is included, and the water session lasts about 40 minutes. This gives you enough time for a swim and a look below the surface without turning the entire day into a snorkeling expedition.

The water can be warm and clear, with tropical fish and sea life visible. The exact quality of the session depends on the current and the chosen site. At times, the current is strong enough to make snorkeling less comfortable, and visibility may not match the best reef sites around Mauritius.

That is an important distinction. You are booking a general catamaran day with snorkeling included, not a specialist reef excursion. If you are happy with a refreshing swim and a chance to see fish, this stop adds good variety. If your main goal is colorful coral and long time underwater, you may want a more focused marine trip.

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. You should also be comfortable getting into the water and climbing back aboard with help from the crew. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and it is not recommended for pregnant women.

Barbecue lunch with drinks on deck

Lunch is served on the catamaran during the route toward Ile aux Cerfs. The menu includes grilled fish, chicken skewers, salads, garlic bread, pasta, rice, and fresh pineapple. Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available if requested in advance.

This is generous boat food, not a restaurant meal. The strongest choices are the grilled fish, salads, and pineapple, with enough food to go around. Several people have found the portions plentiful, and the meal fits the setting well: you eat outdoors, surrounded by lagoon views, without giving up valuable beach time.

Drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and wine. The supplied information also lists drinks generally as included, and the day is known for a relaxed, social atmosphere. If you do not drink alcohol, you still have nonalcoholic options. If you do drink, remember that alcohol begins early in the day, so pace yourself in the sun.

The lunch setup is another reason the $65 price works well. A separate meal, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and a boat trip can quickly cost more if arranged independently. You are paying for convenience as much as for the food.

Two hours on Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the day’s main destination. After lunch, you get roughly two hours to walk along the beach, relax, swim, and take in the tropical scenery.

The island has beautiful stretches of sand and several small coves. If you walk about 20 minutes farther along the beach, you may find quieter corners away from the first arrival area. That simple tip can make the island visit feel more personal.

Two hours is enough for a swim and a little exploring, but it is not a long island stay. Some people find that the time passes too quickly, especially if they want to combine a beach break with water sports. Parasailing may be available in the area, but pricing and duration can differ from what you find directly on Ile aux Cerfs. Check the cost before agreeing to an add-on.

The island can also be more expensive for extra activities and purchases. Bring some cash if you plan to do more than swim and walk, but remember that the main cruise, lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear are already covered.

The island’s popularity is both its strength and its weakness. You get an iconic Mauritius setting with easy access from the catamaran, but you should not expect an untouched beach. For many people, the combination of clear water, soft sand, and free time is still the high point of the day.

The return sail to Trou d’Eau Douce

After Ile aux Cerfs, you return to the catamaran for the sail back to the jetty. The final hour is often when the day slows down. You can sit with a drink, listen to music, and watch the lagoon from the deck.

The crew may raise the sails on the return journey, adding a more classic sailing touch to what is otherwise a motor-assisted day cruise. This is often the most restful part, especially after swimming and walking on the island.

The balance of activity is well judged. You get a waterfall, snorkeling, lunch, island time, and several stretches of open sailing. No single stop lasts long enough to become tiring, though the waterfall and snorkeling sections may feel brief if those are your priorities.

What the $65 price really covers

At $65 per person, this is good value for a six-hour outing. The cost includes:

• Catamaran cruise on the East Coast lagoon
• Professional, licensed crew
• Snorkeling equipment
• Barbecue lunch
• Water, soft drinks, beer, and wine
• Visit to Ile aux Cerfs
• Visit to the GRSE waterfalls

The real saving is the package. You are not paying separately for a boat ride, a meal, drinks, and equipment. The boat also gives you a comfortable place to eat and relax between stops.

The price does not include hotel pickup. That can make the total cost higher if you need a taxi, particularly if you are staying far from Trou d’Eau Douce. Build transport into your budget before deciding that the advertised price is the full cost of the day.

I would also avoid judging the value by the waterfall or snorkeling alone. The tour works because of the combined day: sailing, social atmosphere, food, swimming, and Ile aux Cerfs. If you want one perfect snorkeling site or a quiet private beach, this is not the right comparison.

Who will enjoy this catamaran day

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a straightforward way to see several East Coast highlights in one day. It works especially well for:

• Couples who want sun, swimming, food, and a drink without planning every detail
• Families who appreciate included lunch and equipment
• Groups who enjoy music and a friendly boat atmosphere
• First-time visitors who want Ile aux Cerfs and GRSE waterfalls together
• Anyone looking for a strong day-out value at a moderate price

It is less suitable if you want a quiet, private sailing experience. The music can be loud, the atmosphere can become party-like, and other boats share the main stops. It is also not a good choice if you have limited mobility or are pregnant, according to the activity restrictions.

The six-hour format is a good middle ground. You see the key sights without committing an entire dawn-to-dark day. Still, the program is active enough that you should expect sun, water, and time on your feet rather than a fully passive cruise.

Practical ways to make the day better

Arrive at the Trou d’Eau Douce jetty with your transport settled. Hotel pickup is not part of the package, and the meeting point is specifically at the jetty beside the Mauritius flag.

Wear swimwear under your clothes, and pack a towel and sunscreen. A waterproof bag for your phone and small valuables would also be sensible, though one is not listed as provided.

Request vegetarian or gluten-free food before departure. The kitchen can provide those options, but you should not wait until lunch is being served.

If you want a quieter spot on Ile aux Cerfs, walk beyond the first beach area. About 20 minutes farther along the beach can bring you to smaller coves and a less immediate arrival scene.

Keep the snorkeling stop in proportion. Enjoy it, but do not book this cruise solely for underwater viewing. Conditions and currents vary, and the site may not show the most colorful coral around the island.

Finally, plan your alcohol carefully. Beer and wine are included, but you will also spend time in strong sun and in the water. Water and soft drinks are available, so use them generously.

Should you book it?

Book this catamaran cruise if you want good overall value and a sociable day on the water. The crew receives especially strong praise for friendliness and care, the barbecue is plentiful, and the catamaran offers more room to relax than a small speedboat.

Skip it if your ideal Mauritius outing means quiet sailing, a private beach, or serious snorkeling. The GRSE stop is short, the snorkeling can be affected by current, and Ile aux Cerfs may feel rushed if you want hours of beach time.

For most visitors, the appeal is the balance. You get a little of everything, with food and drinks included, at a reasonable price. That makes it one of the easier ways to sample the East Coast lagoon without arranging several separate activities.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The meeting point is the Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius. It is next to the Mauritius flag at the jetty.

How long is the cruise?

The activity lasts six hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to make your own way to the Trou d’Eau Douce meeting point.

What food is included?

The barbecue includes fish, chicken skewers, salads, garlic bread, pasta, rice, and fresh pineapple.

Are vegetarian and gluten-free meals available?

Yes. Vegetarian and gluten-free food is available on request.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks are included, with water, soft drinks, beer, and wine available during the outing.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the price.

Which languages are spoken by the crew?

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

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is the activity suitable for everyone?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments.