Exclusive Private Catamaran to Ile Aux Cerfs with Lunch

The best days here begin on the water. This private 42-foot catamaran cruise pairs easy sailing and bright lagoon views with a stop at Ile aux Cerfs, one of Mauritius’s classic white-sand beaches. I like the chance to snorkel in the island’s largest lagoon, and I like that the group can be private for up to 10 people. The main caution is service quality: one recent rating noted an untidy boat interior, no coffee or tea, and a crew that seemed welcoming but not especially eager.

The day also packs in a lot: a light breakfast, open bar, snorkeling gear, a BBQ lunch, Grande Rivière Sud Est waterfall views, and time on Ile aux Cerfs. For a group sharing the $1,001 price, that can be good value. Still, this is a long day at sea, and the experience depends on tide, wind, weather, and how actively the crew manages the mood.

Key Points at a Glance

• Private 42-foot catamaran: Your group can have the boat to itself, with room for up to 10 people.
• A full seven-hour outing: The boat leaves Pointe Jerome at 9:00 and is expected back around 16:15.
• Snorkeling in the largest lagoon: Equipment is included, along with a stop to see corals and colorful tropical fish.
• Ile aux Cerfs is the main beach stop: You get time on its famous white sand bank after lunch.
• Lunch and drinks are included: The crew prepares a BBQ, with beer, rum, cocktails, and soft drinks available onboard.
• Waterfall viewing is scenic, not a full visit: The boat travels toward Grande Rivière Sud Est to see the waterfall from afar, along with monkeys and giant bats.

Starting at Pointe Jerome at 9:00

Your day begins at the Pointe Jerome Embarkation Jetty in southeastern Mauritius. You need to arrange your own transport to the jetty unless you pay extra for pickup and drop-off. That detail matters because the advertised $1,001 price covers the private boat experience, not your ride to the marina.

A representative should meet you at the location in a uniform and wearing a One Island Cruiser badge. Look for that badge rather than assuming every person near the jetty is connected with the boat.

The catamaran is 42 feet long and designed for day charters. The private format is the biggest practical advantage here. A group of four pays a very different per-person rate from a group of 10, so this trip makes the most financial sense for a family reunion, group of friends, or two families traveling together.

At 9:00, the crew serves a light breakfast. Do not expect a full hotel-style meal. It is best viewed as a small start to the day before the BBQ lunch. Coffee and tea are not listed as included, and one recent rating specifically noted their absence, so bring your own expectations along with your sunscreen.

Sailing the East Coast with Breakfast and an Open Bar

Once the boat gets moving, the point is simple: sit back, feel the breeze, and watch the Mauritian coast pass by. The catamaran has trampolines for sunbathing and resting, giving you a more open seat than you would have on a standard covered boat.

The open bar begins from the moment you board. Included drinks cover alcoholic choices such as beer, rum, and cocktails, along with non-alcoholic drinks. That is useful for a relaxed party atmosphere, but pace yourself. Seven hours in the sun, with alcohol available throughout, can catch up with you quickly.

The crew may play local Mauritian sega music and share local tales and jokes. This can add a welcome local touch, especially on a private charter where the crew can respond to your group. At the same time, the service appears to be one of the less certain parts of the experience. One recent rating described the staff as merely welcoming rather than strongly engaged in making the day special.

That does not mean the crew will be poor. It means you should see the music, stories, and personal attention as possible bonuses rather than guaranteed entertainment. The scenery and water are the safer reasons to book.

Snorkeling Around 11:00 in the Island’s Largest Lagoon

At around 11:00, the catamaran stops for snorkeling. Equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask or fins. The stop takes place inside the island’s largest lagoon, where you can swim among corals and brightly colored tropical fish.

This is one of the strongest parts of the schedule because it breaks up the sailing with an active stop. You are not simply looking at the water from the deck. You get a chance to enter it and see the marine life at close range.

Still, conditions in the sea can change. Tide and wind affect the return time, and they can also shape how comfortable the water feels. If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the crew before entering the water and stay within your comfort level. The information provided confirms a snorkeling stop and equipment, but it does not promise a particular species, visibility level, or private guide in the water.

Bring a towel and a change of clothes. The operator specifically asks you to bring your own towels, plus spare clothing. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera also belong in your day bag. A waterproof phone pouch would be sensible, but it is not listed as supplied, so do not count on one being available.

Grande Rivière Sud Est and the Waterfall View

After snorkeling, the catamaran follows the east coast toward the mouth of Grande Rivière Sud Est. The route offers a chance to see the waterfall from the water, along with monkeys on the riverbank and a giant bat colony.

Keep your expectations in the right place. This is a sightseeing passage toward the river mouth, not a land excursion to the base of the waterfall. The waterfall is viewed from afar. That makes this stop a pleasant extra rather than the main reason to choose the cruise.

The river section gives the day more variety. You move from open lagoon sailing to a narrower river setting, with wildlife and a different view of the coast. If you enjoy taking photographs, this is a good time to keep your camera close. Just protect it from spray and do not let the promise of a waterfall lead you to expect a hike or close-up visit.

BBQ Lunch, Rum, and a Practical Food Note

Lunch is prepared by the crew and served onboard. The included BBQ is described as a major strength of the cruise, and it comes with a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Eating on the catamaran keeps the day moving and avoids losing time to a restaurant stop.

Vegetarian food is available, but you must advise the operator at booking so the chef can prepare for it. You should also report food allergies or illness in advance. This is especially important on a private boat, where there may not be a second meal option ready at sea.

There is no included lobster lunch. Lobster is available for an additional charge, so ask about the extra cost before booking if that is important to you.

One recent rating wished for a simple dessert, such as fruit or ice cream. Dessert is not listed as included, so pack a small snack only if you need something sweet after lunch. The light breakfast and BBQ should cover the main meals, but the food plan is not designed as a continuous buffet.

Ile aux Cerfs and the Famous White Sand Bank

After lunch, the catamaran cruises through the channel between Ile aux Cerfs and the Anahita sanctuary. It then drops you at the famous white sand bank of Ile aux Cerfs.

This is the visual high point of the trip. Ile aux Cerfs is known for white sand, clear water, and the kind of beach setting that looks made for a postcard. You get time to leave the boat, stretch your legs, swim, and relax on the sand rather than spending the entire day onboard.

The stop is also where the private format can feel most useful. Your group can decide how much time to spend sunbathing, swimming, or simply enjoying the view, within the schedule set by the crew. Remember that the boat eventually returns to the jetty, so keep track of the re-boarding time and do not wander off with your camera or drink in hand.

Parasailing and tube riding are not included. These water sports cost extra. If you want a quiet beach day, that is easy enough: simply enjoy the sand and water. If you want a more active afternoon, budget for those add-ons rather than assuming they come with the cruise.

The Return to Pointe Jerome by About 16:15

After the Ile aux Cerfs stop, you reboard and sail back to the hotel’s jetty, meaning the Pointe Jerome departure point. The expected arrival time is about 16:15, but the operator warns that tide and wind can affect the schedule.

That timing makes this a full day, not a short morning outing. You should avoid booking a late-afternoon appointment or airport transfer that depends on a precise return. The seven-hour duration includes all sailing, stops, lunch, and beach time.

The catamaran’s trampolines give you a comfortable place to rest during the return trip. The crew may continue with sega music, jokes, and local stories. If you want a calm ride back, you can also simply sit with the sea views and let the day wind down.

Is $1,001 Good Value for a Private Group?

The price is $1,001 per group of up to 10 people. That works out to about $100 per person if you fill every place, before transport to and from Pointe Jerome. For a full group, the cost compares more favorably than it first appears because it includes the catamaran, breakfast, snorkeling gear, lunch, drinks, beach stop, and waterfall viewing.

For two people, the same price is a major commitment. You are paying for privacy and the boat itself, not just a seat on a shared cruise. The trip makes the most sense when several people share the cost.

The value also depends on what you want from a boat day. If you care about having a private space, open-bar drinks, a prepared lunch, and a flexible group atmosphere, the package has a solid list of inclusions. If you mainly want to reach Ile aux Cerfs as cheaply as possible, a private catamaran may be more than you need.

The current rating is 3.7 out of 5 from three ratings, so the overall picture is mixed rather than firmly established. The clearest caution is the condition and upkeep of the boat interior, along with the absence of coffee, tea, and dessert. I would ask about the planned menu and boat condition before paying, especially if food or polished service matters to you.

Who Will Enjoy This Catamaran Most?

This cruise suits a private group that wants a complete day on the water without organizing every part independently. Families and friends can share the cost, swim, listen to music, eat together, and spend beach time without joining a large public excursion.

It is also a good match for people who want several sights in one outing: snorkeling, the Grande Rivière Sud Est area, Ile aux Cerfs, and an onboard BBQ. You get more variety than with a simple beach transfer.

I would be more cautious if you need high-end service, spotless interiors, or tightly timed transport. The boat is described as comfortable for sunbathing, but one recent rating raised concerns about cleanliness. Weather is another factor. In case of a cyclone or torrential rainfall alert, the operator will issue a full refund if the operator cancels the trip.

The tour is offered in English and French. Vegetarian meals can be arranged with advance notice. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which gives you some flexibility while plans are still changing.

Should You Book This Private Ile aux Cerfs Cruise?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the cost and want a relaxed day that combines sailing, snorkeling, lunch, drinks, and a famous beach. The private boat, open bar, included equipment, and Ile aux Cerfs stop give the day plenty of appeal.

Think twice if you are booking for only one or two people, expect a spotless luxury yacht, or want a close visit to the waterfall. Before booking, confirm the vegetarian or allergy meal, ask about the lobster supplement if needed, and arrange transport to Pointe Jerome.

For the right group, this can be a fun and scenic Mauritius day. Just treat the crew service and boat condition as possible weak points, not minor details.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart?

The cruise departs from the Pointe Jerome Embarkation Jetty at Pointe Jerome in southeastern Mauritius.

What time does the cruise start and finish?

Departure is scheduled for 9:00. The expected return time is around 16:15, although tide and wind can affect the schedule.

How many people can join the private catamaran?

The private group can include up to 10 people.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The cruise includes a snorkeling stop and snorkeling equipment.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is included and prepared onboard by the crew.

What drinks are included?

Included beverages consist of alcoholic options such as beer, rum, and cocktails, as well as non-alcoholic drinks.

Can I request a vegetarian meal?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available, but you need to advise the operator when booking. You should also report food allergies or illness in advance.

Are hotel transfers and water sports included?

No. Pickup and drop-off cost extra. Parasailing and tube riding also cost extra.