Mauritius: Ile aux cerfs, waterfalls and bbq Boat Day

The best part of this Mauritius day trip is the mix of island time and speedboat travel. You get sandy hours on Ile aux cerfs, a waterfall stop with monkeys, and a beach lunch rather than spending the whole day on one crowded shore.

I like the simple route and the generous lunch package. The fish, chicken, potatoes, pineapple, drinks, beer, wine, and rhum make the $64 price easy to understand. I also like the useful amount of free time on Ile aux cerfs, including the option to walk toward Margenie Island.

The main catch is that this is not a quiet, private-island escape. The schedule is shared and fairly fixed, and snorkeling gear is not included. The tour is also not suitable for wheelchair users.

Key points at a glance

• 9:30 am departure from Trou D’eau Douce: Start the day by speedboat from Mauritius’s east coast.
• Ile aux cerfs until 12:30 pm: Relax on the sand, swim, sunbathe, or walk toward Margenie Island.
• GRSE waterfall and monkeys: The waterfall stop adds a short nature encounter to an otherwise beach-focused day.
• Beach BBQ with a full drinks menu: Fish, chicken, potatoes, salad, bread with garlic butter, pineapple, and several drinks are served.
• Return around 3 to 3:30 pm: The day ends with another speedboat ride back to the departure point.
• $64 per person: A strong value if you want transport, sightseeing, lunch, and drinks bundled together.

Setting out from Trou D’eau Douce at 9:30 am

Your day begins at Trou D’eau Douce, with departure scheduled for 9:30 am. The main transport is a speedboat, used for both the outward and return journeys. That matters because the boat ride is part of the experience, not simply a transfer between stops.

A speedboat gives the day a brisk feel. You are not waiting around for a slow ferry, and the return journey is included in the price. At the same time, boat travel can be less comfortable for anyone who dislikes spray, wind, or a lively ride. Bring clothing that can handle sea air, and do not assume your towel is supplied.

The schedule gives you a full morning on Ile aux cerfs before the next pickup at 12:30 pm. You need to remember the meeting point where the skipper drops you off. This is not the place to wander off without watching the clock.

Ile aux cerfs gives you the main beach time

Ile aux cerfs is the centerpiece of the day. From arrival until 12:30 pm, you have time to settle into the beach portion of the trip at your own pace. You can relax, enjoy the sea and sand, or take a walk toward Margenie Island.

This free period is one of the strongest features for anyone who does not want every minute filled with guided commentary. You can choose a slower morning, which suits sun seekers and families who need a break between activities. The island stop also gives you room to take photos and enjoy the coastal setting without rushing straight into lunch.

The tradeoff is that the time is limited. You are not spending a full day on Ile aux cerfs, and the exact amount of personal space depends on how busy the island is when you visit. The tour description does not promise reserved beach chairs, private areas, or water activities.

You should also note that snorkeling and snorkeling equipment are not included. If snorkeling is important to you, you will need to check what is available separately rather than treating it as part of the $64 package. Towels are not included either, so pack your own.

The walk toward Margenie Island is a useful option for people who get restless on the beach. Still, keep an eye on the pickup time. The boat collects you at the same place where the skipper leaves you, at 12:30 pm.

GRSE waterfall adds a different side of Mauritius

After the island stop, the boat takes you to the GRSE waterfall. This changes the rhythm of the day. Instead of more sand and sea, you get a freshwater sight and a chance to see monkeys.

The monkey encounter is listed as part of the visit, including feeding. That is likely to be a memorable moment, especially for children, but you should follow the skipper’s directions closely. Wild animals can be unpredictable, and the experience is best treated as a short observation stop rather than a guaranteed close-up performance.

The waterfall visit is valuable because it keeps this from being only an Ile aux cerfs beach transfer. You see two different parts of the area in one outing: the bright coastal setting and a more wooded waterfall stop. The supplied information does not give a precise visit length, so expect the wider timetable to guide how long you stay.

Do not book this excursion expecting a long hike or a full nature tour. The stated plan is a waterfall visit with monkeys before lunch. It is a compact stop within a busy day, not a separate trek.

The beach BBQ is the day’s practical reward

After the waterfall, you go to the beach for lunch. The menu is broad enough to work for a mixed group: grilled fish, chicken, potatoes, salad, bread with garlic butter, and pineapple are listed. Soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and rhum are also provided.

I like this arrangement because you do not need to leave the group to find a restaurant or pay for a separate meal. The drink selection is especially useful in the heat, with nonalcoholic options as well as beer, wine, and rhum. The inclusion of food and drinks makes the price feel more like a complete day package than a basic boat ticket.

The wording says all the food is grilled, so this is a casual BBQ rather than a formal restaurant meal. If you have dietary restrictions, the available information does not explain substitutions or special menus. Ask before booking if that is important to you.

Alcohol is included, but super alcoholic drinks are not. That distinction matters if you are comparing this with a package that promises a wider bar service. You should also remember that drinking in the sun can catch up with you quickly, especially during boat rides and beach time. Water is included, so use it.

Afternoon relaxation before the speedboat return

Once lunch is over, you have another chance to relax before the speedboat collects you. This second pause gives the day a less hurried feel. You can finish your meal, sit by the beach, or simply let the heat settle before the ride back.

The planned return is around 3 to 3:30 pm. That makes the excursion suitable for you if you want a full outing without committing your entire evening. It also leaves the timing fairly easy to understand: morning departure, island time, waterfall, BBQ, more beach time, then return.

The timetable does require punctuality. The boat cannot wait indefinitely for someone who has wandered down the beach, so keep your watch or phone handy. The description does not state the exact group size, so you should expect a shared speedboat experience rather than assume a private charter.

What the $64 price really covers

At $64 per person, the package includes the outward and return speedboat, Ile aux cerfs access as part of the trip, the GRSE waterfall visit, the monkey-feeding stop, BBQ lunch, and drinks. That is a solid bundle for a one-day Mauritius excursion.

The value is strongest if you planned to pay separately for boat transport, lunch, and refreshments. You also get three distinct elements in one booking: beach time, a waterfall stop, and a meal by the beach. The five-star score from Nico of Germany, recorded on August 28, 2025, included the brief assessment Preis Leistung Top, meaning the price and performance were considered excellent. It is a small sample, but it matches the practical value of the inclusions.

The price is less compelling if you mainly want a private boat, long snorkeling time, or an unstructured beach day. Those features are not part of the stated package. Snorkeling gear, towels, a keeway, and super alcoholic drinks cost extra or are left to you.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure gives you some useful flexibility. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Mauritius plans are still taking shape.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would suggest this trip to first-time Mauritius visitors who want several classic east-coast experiences without arranging each piece separately. It suits couples, families, and groups of friends who like a clear schedule and a social lunch.

It is also a good match if you want a little activity without signing up for a demanding outdoor day. The itinerary has boat travel, a walk option, a waterfall visit, and beach relaxation, but no long hike is advertised.

You may want another option if you need wheelchair access, since the experience is specifically not suitable for wheelchair users. It may also disappoint you if your priority is serious snorkeling, private service, or a long, quiet stay on one beach.

Practical things to bring

Pack a towel, since one is not included. Bring sun protection and clothing that can cope with water and boat spray, although the supplied details do not list any equipment beyond the speedboat.

You should also bring whatever you need for personal comfort during the free beach periods. Snorkeling gear is not included, so do not count on using it unless you arrange it separately.

Keep the pickup time in mind at both the island and return stages. The key times are 9:30 am departure, 12:30 pm pickup after Ile aux cerfs, and return around 3 to 3:30 pm.

Should you book this Mauritius boat day?

Book it if you want an easy, good-value day built around Ile aux cerfs, a waterfall, monkeys, and a beach BBQ. The included lunch and drinks are the strongest practical advantage, while the speedboat keeps the route moving.

Skip it if you want a private boat, snorkeling included, or a fully independent beach day. For most visitors comparing several Mauritius excursions, this is a sensible choice when variety and an all-in price matter more than luxury or solitude.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart?

The tour departs every day at 9:30 am from Trou D’eau Douce in Mauritius.

How long does the experience last?

It is a one-day activity. The return to the departure area is planned for around 3 to 3:30 pm.

How long do I stay on Ile aux cerfs?

You can relax on Ile aux cerfs until 12:30 pm. You may also walk toward Margenie Island during this time.

Is transport to Ile aux cerfs included?

Yes. A speedboat going to and coming back from Ile aux cerfs is included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The BBQ includes grilled fish, chicken, potatoes, salad, bread with garlic butter, and pineapple.

What drinks are included?

Soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and rhum are included. Super alcoholic drinks are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling and snorkeling gear are not included. Towels and a keeway are also not included.