Mauritius: Ile Aux Cerfs Catamaran Tour with Lunch and Drinks

The real draw here is the small catamaran setting. With a maximum of 20 people, you get room to move, talk with the crew, and enjoy the east-coast scenery without the packed-boat feel that can spoil a day on the water. The route also gives you more than a beach stop: waterfalls, monkeys, snorkeling, lunch, music, and time on Ile aux Cerfs.

I like the friendly crew-led atmosphere, especially the local stories, jokes, and Mauritian music. I also like the value of having a barbecue lunch and an open bar included in the $70 price. The main thing to consider is the long day and the weather. If rain or rough conditions affect the trip, some water activities may be less enjoyable, and the cruise can be canceled for safety.

Key points to know before booking

• A full nine-hour east-coast outing: You meet at Trou d’Eau Douce at 8:30 a.m. and return there around 4:00 p.m.
• A 20-person maximum: The limited group size helps keep the catamaran social without making it feel crammed.
• Grand River South East Waterfalls comes first: You can see monkeys in the trees and fruit bats near the falls.
• Snorkeling and swimming are built into the day: The boat makes several stops in the lagoon before lunch.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Expect a barbecue meal plus alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks served on board.
• Island activities cost attention: Parasailing, undersea walking, and tube riding may depend on the package you select.

Leaving Trou d’Eau Douce at 9:00 a.m.

Your morning begins at Trou d’Eau Douce on the east coast of Mauritius. The meeting time is 8:30 a.m., with the catamaran scheduled to leave at 9:00. Pickup is offered, but the listed meeting point is still Trou d’Eau Douce, so check the pickup details carefully when you book.

This timing matters. A nine-hour excursion uses most of the day, but it also gives you enough time to enjoy the boat rather than rush from one stop to the next. You return to the same area around 4:00 p.m., which keeps the day simple if you are staying near the east coast.

The catamaran cruise itself is part of the attraction. You sail through calm water with mountain views in the distance, and the crew keeps the mood lively with local music, stories, and jokes. This is not a silent sightseeing trip. If you prefer a quiet boat with little interaction, the music and social atmosphere may feel too active. If you enjoy a relaxed party on the water, it should suit you well.

The boat is limited to 20 people, a useful detail at this price. Some island cruises load far more people than the vessel can comfortably handle. A smaller group makes it easier to find a seat, speak with the crew, and get in and out of the water without a long wait.

Grand River South East Waterfalls before the island

The first major stop is Grand River South East Waterfalls, about 500 meters upstream from the river mouth. The waterfall visit lasts roughly 30 minutes, so think of it as a short nature stop rather than a long walk or full excursion.

The river setting gives the morning some variety. Instead of sailing straight to the beach, you move inland toward the falls and pass tall old trees. Monkeys may be seen moving through the branches, and the route also gives you a chance to spot Mauritian fruit bats resting high in the trees.

The description includes the chance to feed the monkeys. Follow the crew’s directions if you do so, and keep your hands and food controlled. The animals are part of the scenery, but they are still wild animals. The stop is most useful for people who enjoy a quick wildlife encounter along with their beach day.

Do not expect a large waterfall hike or a long nature program. Thirty minutes goes quickly, and the main point is the boat ride upriver, the trees, and the chance to see animals before returning to the catamaran.

Snorkeling and swimming in the lagoon

After the waterfall, the catamaran heads toward Ile aux Cerfs through clear lagoon water. The schedule includes several snorkeling and swimming stops, with coral and tropical fish as the focus.

The wording suggests more than one chance to get into the water, which is helpful if you want to snorkel but do not want to spend the whole day in one spot. You can swim, look for fish, and return to the boat when you are ready. The excursion describes the possibility of seeing sea turtles and large numbers of colorful fish, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

The snorkeling portion is one of the most valuable parts of the trip because it breaks up the beach time. Ile aux Cerfs is famous for white sand and clear water, but a day spent only sitting on the shore can feel repetitive. These stops let you see a different side of the lagoon.

Bring a practical attitude. Water visibility and sea conditions can change with weather, and the tour requires good conditions to operate. If you are a keen snorkeler, you may want to confirm what equipment is supplied before booking, since the available information does not specify the gear. The same applies if you need particular flotation or swimming support.

Barbecue lunch with the drinks included

After the water stops, you get a barbecue lunch either on the beach or on the catamaran. The meal is part of the $70 package, along with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks from the open bar.

That inclusion makes the price easier to judge. You are paying for a full day on the water, the waterfall visit, several swimming and snorkeling stops, lunch, and drinks. Similar outings can become expensive once you add food and beverages, so the package gives you a clearer total cost from the start.

The food is described as a barbecue rather than a restaurant meal. Expect a casual lunch suited to a day at sea, not a formal dining experience. The strongest value comes from the setting and the convenience: you do not need to leave the island to find lunch, and you can continue enjoying the boat atmosphere while eating.

Alcohol changes the mood of the excursion. Drinks flow during the day, and the crew works to keep the atmosphere cheerful. That will appeal to couples, friends, and anyone looking for a social outing. It may not be the best choice for you if you want a quiet family cruise or a carefully paced wellness-style day.

Drink responsibly, especially if you plan to swim or take part in an optional activity. The boat combines alcohol, sun, and water, so pacing yourself is simply good sense.

Ile aux Cerfs, white sand, and open time

Ile aux Cerfs is the main stop and receives about two hours in the schedule. As you approach, you see palm trees, bright sand, and clear water around the island. The setting is made for a slow afternoon rather than a packed list of sights.

You can stroll, sit on the beach, swim, or snorkel. The island has facilities and optional activities, so you are not limited to one type of visit. I like that the schedule leaves room for personal choice here. You can be active for part of the day and then spend the rest of your time under the sun.

The tradeoff is that the island is the most popular part of this type of outing, so the beach may not feel private. The supplied information does not give visitor numbers for Ile aux Cerfs, but the island is presented as a well-equipped beach destination rather than a deserted shore. Go for the water and scenery, not for solitude.

The stop is also a good reason to pack basic beach items. The information confirms swimming, snorkeling, and beach time, but it does not list every item supplied on board. Ask about towels, snorkeling equipment, and changing arrangements if those details matter to you.

Parasailing, undersea walking, and tube riding

Optional activities at Ile aux Cerfs may include parasailing, undersea walking, and tube riding, depending on the package you choose. This is an important point to check before you pay. The general cruise includes water time, but you should not assume every listed activity is included in the $70 price.

Parasailing gives you a view over the coast from above. It is the most obviously thrilling option and suits you if you want more than swimming and snorkeling. Undersea walking offers another way to see the marine setting, while tube riding provides a faster, more playful ride.

The available information does not give activity durations, age rules, or separate prices. Ask the provider, Taxi Mauritius Tours & Transfer, what your exact package includes. This is especially important if one of these activities is the main reason you want to book.

Even without an optional ride, the island stop has enough built-in time for beach use and swimming. You do not need to buy an extra activity to make the day worthwhile, particularly since the cruise already includes the waterfall, snorkeling stops, lunch, and drinks.

The sailing trip back to Trou d’Eau Douce

After the island visit, the catamaran sails back to Trou d’Eau Douce, arriving around 4:00 p.m. The return is not just a transfer. It gives you another chance to enjoy the views, music, and open bar before the day ends.

By this point, you will have spent several hours in sun and water, so the return cruise may feel like the most relaxed part of the outing. Find a comfortable place, keep drinking water alongside any alcoholic drinks, and enjoy the ride back.

The fixed return point is useful. You end where you started, rather than needing to arrange a separate boat or taxi from the island. If pickup was part of your booking, confirm whether return transport is included as well, since the tour details specifically identify Trou d’Eau Douce as both the start and end point.

Is $70 good value for a full day?

At $70 per person, this is a strong package if you plan to use several parts of it. The value comes from combining a catamaran cruise, a waterfall stop, wildlife viewing, snorkeling, swimming, lunch, island time, and an open bar. You would likely spend extra on food and drinks during a self-planned beach day, and you would still need to arrange transport and a boat.

The price is less compelling if you want only a short cruise or a quiet beach visit. You are paying for a full schedule and a social onboard atmosphere. The nine-hour duration can feel long if you do not enjoy group outings, music, or time in the sun.

The maximum group size of 20 improves the calculation. A limited-capacity boat can offer a more comfortable day than a much larger cruise, while still keeping the mood friendly and informal.

The strongest praise goes to the crew. Their attentiveness, humor, music, and willingness to help shape the day. That matters because a catamaran trip depends heavily on the people running it. The boat, food, and scenery set the stage, but the crew controls the pace and mood.

Who should book this Mauritius catamaran day?

I would point this tour toward couples, friends, families who enjoy a lively outing, and first-time visitors who want several east-coast highlights in one day. It gives you a broad taste of the area without making you plan separate trips to the waterfall, lagoon, and island.

It also suits you if you like a mix of activity and downtime. You can snorkel, swim, watch for monkeys and bats, try an optional island activity, or simply sit on the beach with a drink.

I would be more cautious if you want a private charter, a quiet nature trip, or detailed underwater exploration. The cruise includes snorkeling, but it is not described as a specialist marine tour. I would also reconsider if you dislike long days in the sun or if a weather-sensitive schedule causes concern.

Most people can participate, service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation. The operator also provides a mobile ticket. Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Inside that 24-hour window, you receive no refund, and poor weather may lead to a new date or a full refund.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a social, full-day Mauritius outing with strong inclusions and several different stops. The combination of a 20-person catamaran, waterfall visit, lagoon swimming, barbecue lunch, island time, and drinks gives you a lot for $70.

Before paying, confirm three things: your pickup arrangement, the equipment supplied for snorkeling, and whether parasailing, undersea walking, or tube riding is included in your chosen package. If those details match what you want, this is an easy way to enjoy Ile aux Cerfs without piecing the day together yourself.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start?

The tour starts at Trou d’Eau Douce on the east coast of Mauritius. You meet there at 8:30 a.m., and the catamaran departs at 9:00 a.m.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Trou d’Eau Douce. The expected return time is around 4:00 p.m.

How long does the experience last?

The full excursion lasts approximately nine hours, from the morning meeting time until the afternoon return.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is offered. The listed meeting point is Trou d’Eau Douce, so check the exact pickup arrangements when booking.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The tour includes a barbecue lunch served either on the beach or on the catamaran.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The package includes an open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Does the tour include snorkeling?

Yes. The catamaran makes snorkeling and swimming stops in the lagoon, with coral reefs and tropical fish highlighted.

Are parasailing and other island activities included?

Parasailing, undersea walking, and tube riding may be available depending on the package. Confirm which activities are included in your selected option.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.