Private Catamaran Charter to Ile aux Cerfs

The best part of this outing is the private 45-foot catamaran. You get the boat, captain, and snorkeling gear for your own group, then spend the day moving between calm lagoon water, open views, and Ile aux Cerfs rather than following a crowded sightseeing schedule. Dolphins may appear along the way, but they are wild animals, not a timed attraction.

I like the easy mix of activities: snorkeling in clear water when you feel active, then plenty of room to sunbathe or sit with a drink. I also like the size limit of 31 people, which works well for a large family or group celebration. The main catch is cost. At $1,354 per group, it makes the most sense when you can share it with several people, and food and drinks cost extra.

Key points at a glance

• A full private catamaran for seven hours: You rent the boat with a captain, rather than buying a seat on a shared cruise.
• Pointe Jerome to Ile aux Cerfs: The route combines lagoon sailing, a snorkel stop, dolphin watching, and beach time.
• Snorkeling gear is included: You do not need to arrange your own mask and snorkel.
• Lunch is optional: BBQ food and drinks are available for an additional charge, so confirm the meal plan before you go.
• Good for large groups: The catamaran can take up to 31 people, which can make the group price reasonable.
• English and French service: The host or greeter can communicate in either language.

Starting at Pointe Jerome with your own boat

Your day begins at the Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point, where you meet the crew and receive a safety briefing. That first briefing matters more on a private boat than it might on a short harbor cruise because you have several hours on the water and will be swimming away from the catamaran.

The boat is the Island Hopper, a 45-foot catamaran used for private charters. You are not simply joining a set group and hoping for an open seat. The booking reserves the catamaran and captain for your party, up to 31 people. That gives you room to shape the day around your group, within the captain’s route and safety decisions.

I see this as a strong choice for a family gathering, birthday, reunion, or a day with several couples. For only two people, the same price is a much harder sell. Before booking, divide the group price by the number of people who will actually come. The value improves quickly with a larger party.

The optional private transfer is another practical point. It can be arranged at an extra cost per vehicle for a maximum of four passengers. If you need it, select the transfer option when booking rather than assuming transport is part of the charter.

Sailing through the Mahébourg lagoon

After the safety talk, the catamaran sails from Pointe Jerome through the Mahébourg area. The appeal here is the pace. You are on the water for the day, not rushing from one short stop to another with a bus waiting on shore.

The route includes the turquoise waters of an inner lagoon. Calm water can make the ride pleasant for people who want to sit back, take photographs, and watch the coast pass by. It also gives the captain room to choose sensible places for swimming and snorkeling, depending on conditions.

I would pack your day bag carefully. Large bags and oversize luggage are not allowed, so bring only what you need for the boat. Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, a towel, and sunscreen are specifically recommended. A catamaran offers shade and seating, but you should still plan for strong sun during seven hours outside.

The crew speaks English and French. Names connected with the service include Pascal and Scott, and the crew has been praised for being friendly, funny, and willing to help. The important point is that service can shape a private charter. A good crew can help a mixed-age group settle into the day without making the schedule feel stiff.

Snorkeling with gear supplied

One stop is set aside for snorkeling. The boat provides snorkeling gear, which saves you from renting a mask and snorkel separately or packing bulky equipment from home.

The stated goal is to swim with colorful reef fish in calm water. You should think of this as a chance to explore a reef area, not as a guaranteed wildlife show. Water clarity, weather, and sea conditions can affect what you see. The captain decides where it is suitable to stop, and the safety briefing should tell you how to get in and out of the water.

This part suits confident swimmers and anyone who likes a short active break during a long boat day. If some people in your group prefer not to snorkel, they can stay aboard and enjoy the sun or simply relax. The private format is helpful here because not everyone has to take part in every activity.

Bring your own towel and sunscreen. The supplied gear covers snorkeling, but it does not replace personal items. You should also expect to handle wet equipment and return to the boat before the group continues toward Ile aux Cerfs.

Looking for dolphins along the route

Dolphin watching is built into the route, but the wording matters: you get the chance to see dolphins. There is no promise that dolphins will appear, stay near the boat, or offer close views.

That uncertainty is part of the experience. You are watching for wild animals in their natural setting rather than visiting a controlled enclosure. Keep your expectations sensible, especially if dolphin sightings are the main reason you are booking.

A private catamaran can make the search feel more personal because your group is together on one boat instead of spread through a large shared excursion. Still, the captain cannot control the animals or the timing. I would treat dolphins as a welcome bonus and judge the trip mainly on the sailing, snorkeling, lunch option, and Ile aux Cerfs visit.

Past outings have included plenty of dolphins, as well as snorkeling, good food, and a cheerful atmosphere. Those are encouraging signs, but they should not be read as a guarantee for your particular date.

Lunch near Grand River South East

The route includes a lunch stop near Grand River South East. A BBQ can be prepared by the crew if you choose the food option, and drinks are also available at an extra charge.

This is one of the more important details to settle before booking. The headline appeal includes a BBQ lunch, but food and drinks are not included in the base charter. If you want lunch on board, confirm the supplementary rate and what it covers. Otherwise, you may bring your own food and drinks, subject to the operator’s arrangements.

A useful detail from previous outings is that the crew stored privately supplied food and drinks in a cool place. Treat that as a practical possibility rather than an automatic promise, and confirm it in advance. If you bring your own supplies, pack sensibly and avoid large bags, which are not allowed.

The meal is more than a quick snack if it is arranged well. You can eat with the water around you, keep the day moving, and avoid losing time to a separate restaurant stop. The BBQ has received especially strong praise, with food described as delicious, generous, and well served. Drinks also received positive comments when included.

Still, the extra charge changes the value calculation. A large group may find the added cost worthwhile for convenience. A smaller group may prefer to bring its own food if the operator permits it.

Arriving at Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the main destination, and you have time to visit the island after the boat-based stops. The plan is simple: walk along the beach, enjoy the water, and take in the setting before returning to Pointe Jerome.

This is a good contrast to the snorkeling stop. Instead of watching the clock from the water, you can put your feet on land and stretch your legs. The island visit also gives non-swimmers and children a clear part of the day to enjoy.

Do not expect the entire seven hours to be spent on the beach. The outing is built around the journey as much as the destination. Sailing, swimming, snorkeling, dolphin watching, lunch, and the island visit all share the day, so the exact amount of time at Ile aux Cerfs depends on the route and conditions.

The island is also where you can get the classic turquoise-water views that make this part of Mauritius so popular. I would use the beach walk for photographs, then return to the catamaran with enough time to sit quietly on the ride back. The boat itself is one of the main attractions, not just transport.

The return to Pointe Jerome

After the visit, the catamaran sails back to Pointe Jerome. The stated duration is seven hours, so you should plan most of your day around the charter. That makes the experience easy to fit into a longer Mauritius stay, but it is not a quick half-day outing.

A chilled drink on the return ride is part of the intended rhythm, though drinks require an extra payment unless you arrange your own. The last stretch can be a pleasant time to talk, watch the water, and let the day slow down after the swim and island walk.

Your captain controls the sailing and the safe running of the trip. Conditions can affect the timing or order of stops. That is normal on a boat outing, and it is another reason to avoid scheduling a tight evening commitment immediately afterward.

What the $1,354 group price really means

The listed price is $1,354 for a private group of up to 31 people. That is not a per-person fare. For a large party, the cost can compare well with arranging separate seats, meals, and activities for everyone. It also buys privacy, which is the central feature of the experience.

For example, a group of 10 would pay about $135 per person before food, drinks, or any transfer. A group of 20 would pay about $68 per person before extras. The price looks much less attractive for one couple or a small family unless having a private boat is worth a premium to you.

You should also budget for the BBQ, drinks, and optional private transfer. The charter itself includes the catamaran, captain, and snorkeling gear. It does not include food and drinks, so compare the base cost with the final price you expect to pay.

I consider the charter good value for a large group that wants privacy and a full day on the water. I would choose a shared cruise instead if my party were small and keeping costs down mattered more than having the boat to ourselves.

Practical limits and comfort concerns

The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. Getting on and off a catamaran, swimming, handling snorkeling gear, and visiting the beach all require a reasonable level of mobility.

Pets are not allowed. Oversize luggage and large bags are also prohibited, so leave suitcases at your accommodation and bring a compact day bag only if the operator permits its size.

The activity is family-friendly in the sense that small children have taken part, and the crew has been praised for making the day enjoyable for families. Still, you should think about your own children’s comfort with boat travel, swimming, sun, and a seven-hour schedule. The private format lets your group move at its own pace more easily, but it does not remove the need for supervision.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available start times for your date because the seven-hour duration does not mean every departure begins at the same hour.

Who should book this catamaran charter

I would recommend it to a large group that wants a private day rather than a basic point-to-point boat ride. Families with children, groups of friends, and celebrations can make good use of the space, especially when the cost is shared.

You should book it if you care about:

• Having a captain and boat dedicated to your group
• Combining snorkeling, sailing, dolphin watching, lunch, and beach time
• Eating a BBQ on board or arranging your own food and drinks
• Spending time at Ile aux Cerfs without giving up the boat experience
• Having English or French service

I would pause if your party is small, your budget is tight, or you mainly want guaranteed dolphin sightings. Dolphins are possible, not promised, and the final price rises once you add food, drinks, and transport.

Should you book it?

Book this private charter if the group size makes the $1,354 price reasonable and you want a flexible day that mixes sea time with Ile aux Cerfs. The strongest reasons are the private 45-foot catamaran, included snorkeling equipment, friendly crew service, and the option of a well-regarded BBQ lunch.

Before paying, confirm the food and drink cost, ask about storing any permitted supplies, and decide if you need the optional transfer. Bring sun protection, a towel, and only a small amount of luggage. If those details fit your plans, this is a polished, full-day way to see the lagoon and Ile aux Cerfs together.

FAQ

How long is the private catamaran charter?

The experience lasts seven hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date.

Where does the catamaran leave from?

The starting and ending point is the Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point.

Is the catamaran shared with other groups?

No. This is a private group charter, with the catamaran and captain reserved for your party.

How many people can join the charter?

The price covers a private group of up to 31 people.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included with the private charter.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the base price. A BBQ lunch and drinks are available at an additional cost.

Can I see dolphins?

You have the chance to see dolphins along the route, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is hotel transportation included?

No. A private transfer can be arranged for an additional cost per vehicle, with a maximum of four passengers per vehicle.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, a towel, and sunscreen. Pets, oversize luggage, and large bags are not allowed.

Is the activity suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The charter is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

What languages are available?

The host or greeter can communicate in English and French.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.