Exclusive Private Catamaran Adventure: Ile aux Cerf (Full Day Cruise incl Lunch)

The best days in Mauritius start on the water. This private catamaran outing combines a Grand River South East waterfall visit with snorkeling, a three-course barbecue lunch, drinks, and several hours at Ile aux Cerfs. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, which makes the day simple to arrange.

I like the privacy of a trip limited to your own group of up to four, and I like the generous package: snorkeling equipment, lunch, local drinks, transport, and a guide-driver are all included. The main concern is value. At $993.32 per group, it costs about $248 per person for four people, but nearly $497 per person for two. One German-language review also described the boat as old, the meal as only average, and the experience as too expensive for the level of individuality provided.

Key points before you book

• Private group of up to four: You share the catamaran experience only with your own party, with a minimum booking of two people.
• Waterfall first, island second: The day begins at Grand River South East, reached by speedboat from the catamaran.
• Three-course barbecue lunch included: Vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices are available, while lobster costs extra.
• Open bar on board: Included drinks cover wine, beer, soft drinks, water, and local rum.
• Ile aux Cerfs time: You get about three hours for snorkeling, swimming, beach time, and optional paid water sports.
• Weather matters: Poor weather can cancel the trip, but the operator offers another date or a full refund in that case.

From your hotel to Trou d’Eau Douce

The day begins with pickup at your accommodation anywhere in Mauritius. The listed start time is 8:30 a.m., with arrival at Trou d’Eau Douce planned for about 9:15 a.m. Pickup time can vary according to your location, so you should keep the morning open rather than schedule anything tightly before the cruise.

Transport is in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with a qualified guide and driver. That is useful in Mauritius, where the cruise departure point is on the east coast and your hotel may be some distance away. You avoid arranging a separate taxi, finding the harbor, or worrying about the return journey after a day in the sun.

Trou d’Eau Douce is a fishing village and the launch point for the catamaran. Boarding is scheduled for 9:15 a.m., with departure at 9:30. The early start gives you a full day on the water, but it also means this is not a lazy morning excursion.

A relaxed catamaran ride with a local touch

The boat ride is meant to be part of the pleasure, not just transportation between stops. The crew plays local Mauritian music and shares local tales and jokes while you sail along the east coast. That small human touch helps keep the day from feeling like a simple transfer to a beach.

The private format is the biggest selling point. You are not booked into a large mixed group, and the service can be adapted to your own party to some degree. Still, keep expectations realistic. A private booking does not necessarily mean a custom route or a brand-new yacht. The available feedback specifically raises concerns about an older boat and limited individuality despite the high price.

You should also bring a towel and spare clothes. Snorkeling and swimming come before several hours on Ile aux Cerfs, so staying in wet swimwear all afternoon would be uncomfortable.

Grand River South East waterfall by speedboat

The first major stop is Grand River South East, one of the day’s more varied moments. After reaching the river, you transfer to a speedboat for the trip roughly 500 meters upstream to the waterfall.

The short speedboat ride adds energy to the morning. Along the riverbanks, you might see monkeys moving through the older trees. Fruit bats may be perched high above the water as you approach the falls. These sightings are not guaranteed, but they give the stop more character than a quick photo break at a standard viewpoint.

The waterfall visit lasts about 30 minutes. That is enough for a look and some pictures, but not enough for a long walk or extended time beside the river. If you want a full nature outing, this portion may feel brief. Its value is that it breaks up the sailing and gives you a glimpse of an inland side of Mauritius before the beach portion begins.

After the falls, you return to the catamaran and continue toward Ile aux Cerfs.

Snorkeling in the east coast lagoon

The boat continues through the clear lagoon to a snorkeling and swimming stop. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins. The lagoon is described as having coral reefs and bright-colored tropical fish, making this the main chance to see marine life during the cruise.

The quality of snorkeling can depend on the exact conditions that day. Water clarity, wind, and sea conditions all matter, and the schedule does not promise a particular reef or species. Still, the stop gives you a practical way to get into the water without paying an extra fee for basic equipment.

I like that the snorkeling break comes before lunch and the longer island visit. You can swim, rinse off, and then settle into the meal rather than carrying wet gear around all day. If you are not comfortable snorkeling, you can simply swim or remain on the boat.

The tour is designed for most participants, but you should tell the operator about food allergies or illness when booking. The information provided does not give details about specialist medical support or adapted equipment, so anyone with specific needs should confirm those points ahead of time.

A three-course barbecue lunch with drinks

Lunch is a three-course barbecue served either on the beach or on the catamaran. The meal includes vegetables, rice or pasta salads, grilled garlic bread, and a grilled main course. The listed choices include grilled chicken and sausages, with vegetarian and Halal options available if requested in advance.

This is a useful inclusion because food on a full-day island outing can quickly add to the cost. You do not have to leave the island to find a restaurant, and the meal is timed around the swimming and snorkeling stops. The setting, either by the beach or on board, is likely to be as important as the menu.

The food is not the strongest part of the offer based on the available feedback. One review called the meal average, so I would book this for the complete day on the water rather than for a special dining experience. If seafood is important to you, lobster is available for an additional charge. Ask for the price before agreeing, since it is not included in the stated rate.

The open bar includes locally supplied wine, beer, soft drinks, water, and rum. This is a good feature for a long, sunny day, particularly because water and non-alcoholic choices are included. Use sensible judgment with alcohol, especially before snorkeling, swimming, or riding the speedboat.

Three hours at Ile aux Cerfs

After lunch and the lagoon stop, the catamaran heads to Ile aux Cerfs. The island is known for white sand, palm trees, and clear turquoise water. You have about three hours here, giving you time to choose between doing very little and adding more activity.

The easiest plan is to walk along the beach, swim, sit in the sand, and enjoy the views. That free time matters. Many boat outings rush from one stop to another, while this one leaves a solid block for rest after the morning’s transfers and water activities.

Optional activities include parasailing, tube riding, and an undersea walk. These cost extra and are not part of the quoted price. You can also take part in other water sports offered on the island, but the package does not specify their prices or exact availability. Bring enough flexibility in your budget if you are tempted by the add-ons.

There is a tradeoff here. Ile aux Cerfs is the day’s headline destination, but it is also the most developed and activity-focused stop. If you want a quiet, untouched beach with no commercial distractions, this may feel less peaceful than expected. If you want an easy mix of beach time and optional water sports, the island fits well.

The three-hour visit is long enough to enjoy the shore without making the whole day about sitting on a beach. Families, couples, and small groups of friends can use the time differently, which is one benefit of the private format.

Sailing back to Trou d’Eau Douce

The return sail is scheduled to reach Trou d’Eau Douce at about 4 p.m. From there, your private driver takes you back to your hotel. The full experience lasts around seven to eight hours, depending on pickup location and conditions.

The final sail gives you a calmer end to the day than another organized stop would. You can enjoy the coast, have another drink, and let the crew handle the route. Since the vehicle is waiting for the return transfer, you do not need to arrange a ride from the harbor.

The length of the day is worth considering. Seven to eight hours is generous, but sun, wind, swimming, and alcohol can make it tiring. Bring sun protection and spare clothing, and do not plan a demanding evening activity afterward.

Is the private price fair?

The price is $993.32 per group of up to four. For four people, that works out to about $248.33 each. For three, it is about $331.11 each. For two, it is about $496.66 each.

That price includes private hotel transport, an air-conditioned vehicle, the catamaran, a guide-driver, the waterfall visit, snorkeling equipment, lunch, and unlimited listed local drinks. For four people who value privacy and convenience, the package can make financial sense. You are paying not only for the boat, but also for a full day with no shared coach group and no separate transport costs.

For two people, the value is much harder to defend. The available rating is 4.1 from seven reviews, and the one detailed criticism points directly at the central issue: the experience may feel like a standard tourist outing on an older boat, despite the private price. That does not make it a poor day, but it means the premium should be justified mainly by privacy and included services, not by luxury yacht standards.

You should also note that the tour is often booked about 21 days ahead. That suggests you should reserve early if your dates are fixed, especially if you need vegetarian or Halal food.

Who will get the most from this cruise?

I would consider this tour a good match for:

• Families or small groups of up to four who want a private day
• Couples who prefer one booking to cover transport, food, drinks, and activities
• Visitors staying away from the east coast who want hotel pickup
• People who want both a waterfall and beach experience in one day
• Anyone who values included drinks and does not want to organize a separate boat charter

I would be more cautious if you are looking for a high-end yacht, a highly customized route, or a gourmet lunch. The boat may be older than the price suggests, and the schedule is fairly fixed. You also need to pay extra for parasailing, tube riding, undersea walking, and lobster.

The trip is suitable for most participants, but it requires good weather. If a cyclone or torrential rain alert affects the outing, the operator may cancel and offer another date or a full refund. The general cancellation rule is strict: once you cancel or request an amendment, the amount paid is not refundable.

Practical advice for making the day better

Request your food preference when booking. Vegetarian and Halal meals are available, but the operator also asks you to report allergies or illness in advance.

Bring a towel, spare clothes, swimwear, sun protection, and a way to protect your phone from water. Only towels and spare clothes are specifically required in the tour information, but those items are especially useful after the snorkeling stop.

Do not assume optional activities are included. Parasailing, tube riding, and undersea walking all cost extra, as does lobster lunch. Ask about prices before you commit to them on the island.

Finally, think carefully about group size. At four people, the price is much easier to justify. At two, you are paying a steep premium for privacy, so compare it with other private boat options before booking.

Should you book this Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a private, all-day east coast outing with hotel pickup, a waterfall stop, snorkeling, lunch, drinks, and beach time in one package. It is especially practical for four people sharing the cost.

Skip it if your priority is a new luxury catamaran, a refined meal, or a highly personal route. The available feedback raises real concerns about the boat’s age and the level of customization. For the best value, book with three or four people, request dietary needs early, and treat the trip as a convenient private day on the water rather than a true luxury charter.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran experience last?

The experience lasts approximately seven to eight hours. Arrival at Trou d’Eau Douce is planned for about 9:15 a.m., departure is at 9:30 a.m., and return to Trou d’Eau Douce is expected around 4 p.m.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included at any accommodation or hotel in Mauritius. The listed start time is 8:30 a.m., but pickup time may vary based on your location.

How many people can join the private tour?

The booking is for a private group of up to four people. A minimum of two people is required.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A three-course lunch is included, with vegetables, rice or pasta salads, grilled garlic bread, and grilled main-course items. Vegetarian and Halal options are available if requested in advance.

Are drinks included?

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

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided during the lagoon stop near Ile aux Cerfs.

Do water sports cost extra?

Yes. Parasailing, tube riding, and undersea walking are optional activities with additional charges. Lobster lunch also costs extra.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If the operator cancels because of a cyclone, torrential rain, or other poor weather, you can receive a different date or a full refund. The experience requires suitable weather conditions.