Catamaran cruise to Ile aux Cerfs from Pointe Jerome

Seven hours, one island, and a very good lunch. This catamaran trip combines Ile aux Cerfs, snorkeling, a river waterfall, and an onboard BBQ for $60 per person. I especially like the open bar and the chance to enjoy the southeast coast by sea rather than from a road.

I also like the relaxed boat setup, with shaded seating, trampolines, a toilet, and showers. The main concern is operational reliability: several serious reports describe no boat or representative at the meeting point, so I would confirm the departure shortly before travel.

Key points at a glance

• 42-foot catamaran: A spacious day boat with a shaded cockpit, seating, sunbathing nets, toilet, and showers.
• Ile aux Cerfs stop: Expect white sand, turquoise lagoon water, palm and casuarina trees, and time for swimming or a beach walk.
• Snorkeling around 11:00: Equipment is included, with a chance to see corals and brightly colored tropical fish.
• Grand River South East: The route includes a look at the waterfall, monkeys, and a giant bat colony near the riverbanks.
• Food and drinks included: BBQ lunch, beer, rum, cocktails, soft drinks, juice, tea, coffee, and cake are part of the day.
• Important booking caution: Confirm the meeting details and boat departure because some bookings have reportedly failed at Pointe Jerome.

What this $60 cruise is really offering

At $60, this is not simply a boat ride to a beach. You are paying for a full day on the water, a snorkeling stop, a cooked lunch, an open bar, a river visit, and time on one of Mauritius’s best-known islands.

That combination makes the price appealing. A separate beach transfer, lunch, drinks, and snorkeling activity could easily add up. Here, most of the day is bundled into one outing, and you do not need to keep reaching for your wallet every time you want a soft drink or beer.

I would not choose this trip if you want a quiet private sail. A 42-foot catamaran has good space, but it is still a shared boat. The appeal is the social day, the music, the food, and the easy rhythm of moving from one coastal sight to the next.

The cruise leaves Pointe Jerome at 9:00 and is expected back around 16:30. The return time can shift with tides and wind, so I would avoid booking an evening activity that requires a precise arrival.

Starting at Pointe Jerome at 9:00

The meeting point is the Pointe Jerome embarkation area in southeast Mauritius. A representative is supposed to wear a blue-teal shirt and carry a Mauritius Taxi Service badge, then guide you to the catamaran.

That detail matters because the meeting area may have several boats and operators. I would arrive early, keep the activity phone number handy, and look specifically for the blue-teal shirt and badge. The most serious complaint about this experience involved someone waiting from 8:45 to 9:50 without contact, while other reports describe arriving to find no functioning company presence.

I cannot brush that aside. The majority of the available ratings are strongly positive, with a 4.2 average, but the negative reports are unusually serious. Confirming the departure the day before and again on the morning itself is sensible. If you have hotel transport, allow extra time for the drive, since pickup and drop-off are optional rather than included.

Once on board, you can settle into the shaded cockpit or use the trampolines for sunbathing. The boat has toilets and showers, useful additions on a seven-hour outing. Bring a towel and a dry change of clothes, since you will likely swim or snorkel.

Sailing the southeast coast on a 42-foot catamaran

The first part of the day is about the ride itself. The catamaran moves through clear water along the southeast coast, giving you a broad view of the shoreline and lagoon.

I like this kind of transport because the journey is part of the destination. You can watch the water shift in color, feel the breeze, and enjoy the coast without sitting in a vehicle. The warm weather and cool water create the classic Mauritius day-out combination.

The boat has a large shaded cockpit, which is important in tropical sun. You can step out for a better view, then return to cover when the heat catches up. Comfortable trampolines provide another place to stretch out, though you should bring sunscreen and a hat rather than assuming the shade will cover everyone all day.

The onboard mood is not formal. The crew may tell local stories, make jokes, and play Mauritian sega music. That gives the trip more character than a simple transfer boat, though the music and social atmosphere may not suit someone hoping for several hours of silence.

The open bar begins when you board. Alcoholic choices include beer, rum, and cocktails. Soft drinks, juice, and non-alcoholic cocktails are also available. Drink sensibly, especially before snorkeling and while the catamaran is moving in open water.

Snorkeling in the largest lagoon

At about 11:00, the catamaran stops for swimming and snorkeling in the island’s largest lagoon. Snorkeling gear is included, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins.

This is one of the most useful parts of the cruise. Ile aux Cerfs is famous for its beaches, but the lagoon shows you another side of the area. You may see corals and brightly colored tropical fish in the clear water.

Keep your expectations measured. This is a short group snorkeling stop, not a specialist marine expedition. The supplied information does not give the exact duration or promise a particular species. Sea conditions, tides, and visibility can affect what you see.

I would wear swimwear under your clothes and pack a towel where you can reach it easily. A waterproof phone pouch is a practical extra, although a camera is specifically recommended. If you are not a confident swimmer, ask the crew for help before entering the water and stay within the supervised snorkeling area.

The water can feel like the best part of the day, especially after time in the sun. Still, do not spend all your energy here. You have more sailing and the Ile aux Cerfs stop ahead.

Grand River South East and its distant waterfall

After snorkeling, the catamaran continues toward the mouth of Grand River South East. The route includes views of the waterfall, monkeys along the riverbank, and a giant bat colony.

The waterfall is viewed from afar rather than treated as a long land visit. That distinction is worth knowing. You will get a scenic look at the falls from the water, but this is not a dedicated waterfall hike or close-up swimming stop.

One account describes a change of boat during the waterfall visit. That may be part of how the river section operates, so listen carefully to the crew and follow instructions if you transfer to a smaller vessel. The river setting gives the day a different pace after the open-water sailing, and the possibility of seeing monkeys and flying foxes adds interest beyond the beach.

Tides matter here. The catamaran may need to adjust its route or approach, and one report complained that the hull scraped badly in shallow water. That is not a reason to cancel automatically, but it is a reminder that the trip depends on local water conditions. The route can be less smooth than the polished photos suggest.

BBQ lunch, rum, and a relaxed afternoon

Lunch is served onboard after the river section. The crew prepares a BBQ, and the meal is included in the price.

A hot meal on a boat can be a major advantage. You do not lose time looking for a restaurant on Ile aux Cerfs, and you can eat while remaining part of the cruise. The BBQ is repeatedly praised in the available feedback, along with the crew’s friendly service.

Vegetarians should advise the operator before the trip so the chef can prepare a suitable meal. That is important because a BBQ menu is not automatically vegetarian-friendly. The available information does not list the exact meats, side dishes, or dessert, so contact the operator if you have allergies or strict dietary needs.

Drinks continue with the open bar. Tea, coffee, and slices of cake are served later on the return journey. This is a small but welcome touch, especially after swimming and sun exposure.

I would still bring water-resistant bags for phones, passports, and other items. An open boat environment means spray, wet towels, and drinks are all part of the day.

Arriving at Ile aux Cerfs

After lunch, the catamaran cruises through the channel between Ile aux Cerfs and the Anahita resort area before stopping at the famous white sandbank.

Ile aux Cerfs is the visual centerpiece of the trip. Casuarina and palm trees frame pale sand, while clear turquoise water surrounds the island. The scene is made for a slow walk, a swim, or simply sitting near the shore and enjoying the color of the lagoon.

The stop is not an all-day island visit. One recent account described about 1 hour and 30 minutes on the island, but the exact time can change with tides, winds, and the day’s schedule. That gives you enough time to stroll and swim, but not enough to explore every facility or take part in several paid activities.

You can also find optional water sports on the island, including parasailing, tube riding, and an undersea walk. These are not included in the $60 price. A lobster lunch is another optional extra, though it would replace or supplement the included BBQ depending on how the operator handles it.

I would treat the island stop as a chance to enjoy the beach rather than a shopping or activity marathon. The sandbank can be the busiest part of the day, so use the time for the things the cruise does best: water, sand, and a short break from the boat.

The return sail to Pointe Jerome

After the island stop, you return to the catamaran and sail back to Pointe Jerome. Tea, coffee, cake, and the open bar are available during the trip home.

The return is a pleasant time to sit in the shade and let the crew handle the schedule. The sega music, jokes, and local tales may continue, giving the final stretch a party-like mood.

The advertised return to the hotel area is around 16:30, though this depends on wind and tide. Since hotel pickup is not included as standard, you need to arrange your own transport from Pointe Jerome unless you add the optional service.

The timing makes this a full-day activity, not a quick morning excursion. You should expect sun, salt water, wet clothes, and a fair amount of time sitting or standing on a moving boat. Comfortable shoes are recommended, but you may want footwear that handles wet surfaces well.

What the crew and service add

The strongest praise is directed at the crew. The available feedback repeatedly calls the staff friendly, attentive, and welcoming. One French-language account describes the crew as taking good care of everyone throughout the day, while other high ratings praise the welcome and explanations.

That personal service matters on a catamaran. The crew handles lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, boarding, and the movement between stops. Good organization makes a shared boat feel much easier.

The listed languages are French and English. If you need instructions in one of those languages, you should be covered. The crew also adds local flavor through stories, jokes, and sega music rather than delivering only a list of facts.

Still, friendly service cannot make up for a missed departure. The operational complaints involve more than a minor delay, with multiple reports of no representative appearing and phones being switched off. I would book only after checking that the operator has confirmed your date, time, and meeting point.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I think this trip suits you if you want many Mauritius highlights in one day and like an informal group atmosphere.

It works especially well for:

• Couples who want a scenic day on the water without paying for a private charter
• Families who value included meals, drinks, swimming, and a beach stop
• Friends who enjoy music, cocktails, and a social boat setting
• First-time visitors who want to combine Ile aux Cerfs, snorkeling, and Grand River South East
• Budget-conscious visitors who want food and drinks included in the day price

I would be more cautious if you need a highly reliable schedule or have a flight, wedding, or dinner reservation later that day. The weather policy allows rescheduling when conditions are adverse and the sea is extremely rough, not simply because it rains. An alternative date is offered, or a full refund is issued if no suitable date is available.

You may also prefer another excursion if your main goal is extended snorkeling. Here, snorkeling is one part of a varied day, not the central purpose.

What to bring and what to confirm

Pack a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sun hat, camera, comfortable shoes, and a change of clothes. I would also bring a waterproof bag for electronics and a light cover-up for the ride home.

Before paying, confirm these points:

• The departure date and 9:00 meeting time
• The Pointe Jerome location
• The name or phone contact for the representative
• Whether hotel pickup is included in your selected option
• Vegetarian or special meal requirements
• The weather and sea conditions close to departure

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms make the booking more flexible, but they do not remove the need to confirm that the operator is actually ready for your departure.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise?

I would book this cruise for the value and variety. The $60 price covers a seven-hour catamaran day, snorkeling gear, BBQ lunch, an open bar, the waterfall route, and time on Ile aux Cerfs. The crew, music, and shaded boat add the easygoing feel many people want from a Mauritius holiday.

My recommendation comes with one firm condition: confirm the operation before you set out. The high ratings praise the boat, food, snorkeling, waterfall, and crew, but the serious no-show reports cannot be ignored. If the departure is confirmed, this is a lively and practical way to see the southeast coast. If nobody can verify your booking, choose a better-established alternative.

FAQ

How long does the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise last?

The cruise lasts about seven hours. Departure is scheduled for 9:00 from Pointe Jerome, with an expected return around 16:30, depending on tides and wind.

What is included in the $60 price?

The price includes the catamaran trip, Ile aux Cerfs, the Grand River South East waterfall visit, a snorkeling and swimming stop, snorkeling equipment, BBQ lunch, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic open bar service.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the standard activity. They may be available as an optional service.

Where do I meet the boat?

You meet at the Pointe Jerome embarkation area. The representative should wear a blue-teal shirt and carry a Mauritius Taxi Service badge, then guide you to the catamaran.

Are snorkeling masks and equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the cruise stops in the lagoon for swimming and snorkeling.

Can vegetarians join the BBQ lunch?

Yes, but you should tell the operator in advance so the chef can prepare food suited to your needs.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The trip may be rescheduled if the weather is adverse and the sea is extremely rough. An alternative date will be offered. If no suitable date is available, a full refund is issued.