Spectacular Catamaran trip to Ile Aux Cerf with Lunch & Transfer

The best part of this day is the change of pace: you move from a quiet east-coast fishing village to a catamaran, then through the Grand River South East and out onto the brilliant water around Ile Aux Cerfs. I especially like the waterfall detour by speedboat and the easy combination of swimming, lunch, music, and beach time.

I also like that the price includes hotel pickup, a three-course meal, and unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks, water, and rum. The main caution is unclear handling of the undersea walk. Some bookings have included it, while boat staff have sometimes been unaware of it, so confirm this in writing before you go.

Key points to know before booking

• Grand River South East by catamaran and speedboat: The waterfall visit uses a smaller boat to travel about 500 meters upstream.
• Three-course lunch and unlimited drinks: Vegetarian food is available, and lobster can be ordered for an extra charge.
• Snorkeling stop in the lagoon: Bring your own towel and spare clothing for swimming.
• Ile Aux Cerfs beach time: You get time to swim, stroll, relax, or pay extra for activities such as parasailing and tube riding.
• A lively boat atmosphere: Music and drinks create more of a party cruise than a quiet nature trip.
• Pickup across Mauritius: The early start and drive time vary depending on your hotel.

Setting out from Trou d’Eau Douce at 8:15

Your day begins with pickup from your hotel or accommodation anywhere in Mauritius. The stated start time is 8:15 a.m., but the exact pickup can change with your location and with other pickups. Allow some patience here. A few departures have been delayed by confusion between people booked on different tours.

You ride in a private, air-conditioned vehicle to Trou d’Eau Douce, a fishing village on the east coast. The drive is part of the practical value of this package. You do not need to arrange a taxi to the marina, and the same company handles the return transfer.

The drive from your accommodation is listed as about 15 minutes only for the local stop description, so that is not a reliable estimate for the full journey from your hotel. If you are staying far from the east coast, the road portion can take much longer. Your pickup time may be earlier than 8:15, so ask for the exact time when you book.

A guide and driver accompany the transfer. One especially praised driver was Daren, who helped with the day and provided useful local information. He may not be assigned to your vehicle, but the mention gives you a sense of what a good transfer can add.

Sailing up the Grand River South East

The catamaran leaves Trou d’Eau Douce at about 9:30 a.m. This is a scenic route rather than a fast crossing. You pass through the Grand River South East, with steep green hills, clear water, and the chance to spot monkeys and bats along the riverbanks.

The crew usually keeps things lively with Mauritian music, jokes, and drinks. That atmosphere is a major part of the appeal. If you enjoy a social boat trip with music and a party feel, you will likely settle in quickly.

If you want a quiet cruise with detailed commentary, set your expectations lower. The crew can answer questions, but general information may be limited, and loud music can make it hard to hear. I would choose this trip for its scenery and good-time mood, not as a formal nature or history tour.

The catamaran can carry up to 30 people. That is not an enormous group, but the boat may still feel crowded when everyone is moving around, eating, or getting ready to swim. Some departures have been described as overloaded, with communication becoming harder as the numbers rise.

The quick Grand River South East waterfall visit

At the river, you transfer to a speedboat for the trip to the waterfall, about 500 meters upstream. This smaller boat lets you get closer to the falls than the catamaran could.

The stop is short, around 30 minutes in the itinerary. Think of it as a scenic visit and photo stop, not a long walk or a quiet nature outing. You may see monkeys and bats along the river, which adds a welcome wildlife element.

The river scenery is one of the most distinctive parts of the day. The waterfall itself is pleasant, but the ride through the narrow river and the chance to see animals in their natural setting make the stop worthwhile.

Timing can be tight. The group needs to return to the main boat and keep moving toward Ile Aux Cerfs. Stay aware of instructions and do not wander off on your own. The day includes several separate boat movements, so clear communication matters.

Snorkeling in Trou d’Eau Douce lagoon

The catamaran later stops in the lagoon for swimming and snorkeling. The water is clear, and you can look for tropical fish and coral around the boat.

This is a good chance to get into the water before spending the longer stretch on the island. The stop is included, along with the basic boat trip and equipment arrangements described by the operator. Bring your own towel, plus dry clothes for the ride and lunch afterward.

The quality of snorkeling depends on sea conditions, visibility, and how many people enter the water at once. It is best viewed as a pleasant included stop, not as a dedicated reef expedition. If snorkeling is your main reason for visiting Mauritius, you may want a specialist trip instead.

Still, the stop adds variety. You are not simply transported from the river to the beach. You get time in the lagoon, a chance to cool off, and a look at the fish below the surface.

Lunch, rum, and the catamaran atmosphere

Lunch is served as a three-course meal, either on the beach or on the catamaran. The standard menu includes vegetables and a choice involving rice or pasta, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.

You should tell the operator about dietary needs, allergies, or illness when booking. Vegetarian meals are specifically available. A lobster lunch is also possible, but it costs extra and needs to be arranged with the management.

The drinks package is one of the clearest value points. It includes unlimited local drinks, such as wine, beer, soft drinks, water, and rum. That makes the $120.98 price easier to justify, especially if you would otherwise pay separately for lunch, drinks, transfers, and the boat ride.

The catch is that unlimited drinks can shape the mood of the boat. This is not a hushed sailing trip. Music, rum, and a social crowd are part of the package. I would recommend it for a cheerful group day, but not for someone seeking solitude or a quiet meal beside the sea.

Food service can also take time when the boat is full. Keep your schedule flexible and enjoy the setting rather than expecting restaurant-style timing.

Arriving at Ile Aux Cerfs

Ile Aux Cerfs is the main event for many people. The island sits near Mauritius’ east coast, with white sand, palms, and clear water. As the boat approaches, the view is exactly the sort of tropical scene that makes this side of Mauritius popular.

You get around three hours on or around the island, although the exact order of activities can vary. You can swim, sit on the beach, walk through the natural areas, or simply find a patch of sand and slow down.

The island also has facilities and paid activities. Parasailing, tube riding, and the undersea walk are not covered by the standard inclusions list and require additional payment. Ask the operator to confirm the current price and schedule before committing to any add-on.

The island can feel much less relaxed if you try to do everything. I suggest choosing one main goal. Swim and rest if you want an easy day. Add a paid activity if you prefer more action. The available time passes quickly once lunch, transfers, and activity queues are included.

The undersea walk needs special attention

The undersea walk is the biggest point to clarify before you pay. The sales description presents it as an available activity, while the included section lists watersports, including the undersea walk, as extra charges. Several people also arrived expecting it to be part of their package, only to find that the driver or catamaran crew did not know about it.

That confusion has led to missed activities and disappointment. In some cases, staff checked tickets repeatedly. In another, a delayed undersea walk caused the group to miss the main catamaran, and a speedboat was used to catch up.

The walk itself is short. One account described roughly 8 to 10 minutes underwater, walking in a small circle behind the person in front. Feeding the fish was the highlight. The staff received positive comments for being friendly and helpful, but the activity may feel brief for its separate price.

If you want to do it, get a written confirmation stating that it is included, or ask for the exact extra charge before departure. Do not assume that its appearance in the activity description means it is part of your $120.98 booking.

The return to Trou d’Eau Douce

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

The full outing lasts roughly 7 to 8 hours, but the length of your transfer depends on where you are staying. A late return is possible if pickup problems, activity delays, or boat timing issues affect the schedule.

Keep your phone, wallet, and important items secure during the many changes between vehicle, catamaran, speedboat, beach, and water. The tour is built for movement, so a small waterproof bag is useful, though the operator specifically asks you to bring towels and spare clothes.

The weather matters. In the event of a cyclone or torrential rain alert, the operator may cancel and offer a full refund. The standard cancellation policy also allows a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations inside that window are not refundable.

Is $120.98 good value?

For a full day on the east coast, the price is reasonable if you use the main inclusions. Hotel transfers, private air-conditioned transportation, the catamaran, the waterfall visit, snorkeling, lunch, and unlimited drinks are bundled together.

The value is strongest for someone who wants a simple, social day without arranging separate transport and meals. You also get several different settings: river, waterfall, lagoon, open boat, and beach.

The value weakens if you do not drink, dislike loud music, or mainly want a quiet beach day. Paid activities can also push up the final cost, especially if you expect the undersea walk to be included and discover an extra charge.

The overall rating is 3.5 out of 5 from 20 ratings, and that middle position fits the experience. The scenery, crew friendliness, food, and drinks can make this a terrific day. Organization and communication are less dependable, particularly around pickup arrangements, crowded boats, and the undersea walk.

Who should book this catamaran day?

I would recommend it to you if you want a lively, all-in-one Mauritius outing. It suits couples, families with older children, and groups who like swimming, music, casual food, and a little rum on the water.

It is also a good choice if you are staying away from Trou d’Eau Douce and want door-to-door transport. The included vehicle removes much of the planning that can make an island day awkward.

I would think twice if you want a small, quiet sailing trip, a detailed guided tour, or a carefully timed schedule. The group may reach 30 people, music can be loud, and staff coordination has not always been clear.

Before booking, ask three direct questions: Is the undersea walk included in my exact package? What time will pickup be from my hotel? Are paid activities scheduled during the island time or before the main boat leaves? Those answers will tell you more about the likely day than the tropical photos.

Final verdict

Book this trip for the combination of scenery, food, drinks, and easy transport, not for perfect organization or a silent sail. The Grand River South East, the waterfall run, lagoon swim, and Ile Aux Cerfs beaches give you a strong sample of Mauritius’ east coast in one day.

Confirm the undersea walk in writing, bring dry clothes, and expect music and a party mood. If that sounds like your kind of holiday day, the package offers solid value. If you want calm water time and personal attention, choose a smaller boat trip instead.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip start?

The catamaran departs from Trou d’Eau Douce on the east coast of Mauritius, at about 9:30 a.m.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are offered from any hotel or accommodation in Mauritius. The pickup time can vary depending on your location.

How long does the whole activity last?

The trip lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours. The stated return to Trou d’Eau Douce is around 4 p.m., before the drive back to your accommodation.

What food is included?

A three-course lunch is included, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. The meal may be served on the beach or on the catamaran.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The package includes unlimited local drinks, including wine, beer, soft drinks, water, and rum.

Is the Grand River South East waterfall visit included?

Yes. The trip includes sightseeing at the Grand River South East waterfall. You use a speedboat to travel about 500 meters upstream.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. A snorkeling stop at the Trou d’Eau Douce lagoon is included. Bring your own towel and spare clothes.

Is the undersea walk included?

The supplied details are not consistent. The undersea walk is described as an available activity, while the inclusions state that watersports, including the undersea walk, cost extra. Confirm the exact arrangement before booking.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.