Full-Day Catamaran Cruise to Île aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch

The best Mauritius days happen on the water. This seven-hour catamaran trip combines beautiful lagoon sailing with a snorkeling stop, a generous BBQ lunch, and free time on Île aux Cerfs. I especially like the friendly crew and the fact that beer, wine, rum, soft drinks, coffee, tea, snacks, and snorkeling gear are included. The main caution is the destination itself: Île aux Cerfs can feel crowded and a little basic beside the more enjoyable journey.

You leave from Pointe Jerome at 9:00 a.m., not from Chamarel, despite Chamarel appearing as the tour location. That matters if you are arranging your own transport. The meeting point has free parking, and the boat returns there at the end of the day. I also like the relaxed social mood, with music, steady drink service, and a lunch that has worked well for both meat eaters and vegetarians.

Key points before you book

• A full day on the Indian Ocean: You get about seven hours on the catamaran, including sailing, snorkeling, lunch, and time on Île aux Cerfs.

• Pointe Jerome departure: The boat leaves from HPGF+496 Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point in Pointe d’Esny, with free parking for people driving themselves.

• Snorkeling gear included: You can swim and snorkel at a lagoon stop before reaching the island, though marine life and water clarity depend on natural conditions.

• Food and drinks are covered: The package includes a BBQ buffet, pineapple dessert, morning snacks, coffee, tea, local beer, wine, Mauritian rum, and soft drinks.

• Dolphins are possible, not promised: The crew actively looks for them, and several outings have had sightings, but wildlife cannot be guaranteed.

• Île aux Cerfs is the weak link: The beach and shallow water are lovely, but the landing area may feel crowded. Parasailing and other water activities cost extra.

Why this cruise works so well for a day in Mauritius

Mauritius has plenty of organized sightseeing, but a day at sea gives you a welcome change of pace. You are not being hurried from one viewpoint to another. Instead, the day unfolds around the water: sail, swim, eat, relax, and sail again.

The catamaran is an easygoing choice for couples and families. Most people can take part, children must be accompanied by an adult, and the maximum group size is 31 people. That is not an intimate private cruise, but it is also not a huge floating crowd. The group size leaves room for a social atmosphere without turning the boat into a ferry.

The mood is part of the appeal. Music plays during the trip, including Mauritian sega on the return journey. The crew is repeatedly praised for keeping drinks filled and helping with swimming, boarding, lunch, and small requests. Names that come up in the crew feedback include Rudi, Rowan, Scott, Miguel, and Pascal. Service can vary from one sailing to another, but the overall picture is warm and attentive.

I would think of this as a relaxed boat party with beach time, not a quiet sailing expedition. If you want silence, a private boat may suit you better. If you enjoy meeting people, listening to music, and having a cold drink while the island slides past, this format makes good sense.

Starting at Pointe Jerome at 9:00 a.m.

The morning begins at Pointe Jerome in Pointe d’Esny. The precise meeting point is HPGF+496 Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point, and the activity ends at the same place. Free parking is available if you drive yourself.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You will need to arrange your own way to Pointe Jerome, so allow enough time to find the correct landing point. One person arrived early by taxi and enjoyed watching the sunrise from the dock, which is a useful reminder that arriving early is better than cutting it close.

The location deserves extra attention because the product information also identifies Chamarel as the location. Chamarel is a well-known area in the southwest of Mauritius, while Pointe d’Esny is on the southeast coast. Do not assume that being near Chamarel means you are close to the departure point. Check your route carefully and follow the exact Pointe Jerome meeting details.

Once aboard, the morning may begin with coffee, tea, and a light sweet snack or bread. This is not a formal breakfast, so eat beforehand if you need a substantial meal. The boat then moves through the lagoon and past a nature reserve as the main part of the day gets underway.

Sailing past the nature reserve

The sailing is not filler between activities. For many people, it is the best part of the outing.

From the catamaran, you get broad views of Mauritius’ southeast coast, shallow water, and open ocean. The boat offers a comfortable way to see the island from a different angle. You can sit, take photographs, listen to music, or simply watch the water while the crew prepares the day’s food.

The route passes a nature reserve, adding another scenic stretch before the swimming stop and island visit. The exact wildlife experience will vary. Dolphins have been spotted on several trips, and the captain may adjust the route to give you a chance to see them. Still, dolphin watching is a bonus rather than a promise. You should book this for the sailing itself, not solely for wildlife.

Sun protection is important. The tour is outdoors for most of the day, and the combination of sun, wind, and reflected light from the water can catch you off guard. Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, and a towel. The supplied information confirms snorkeling equipment is available, but it does not list towels or personal sun protection among the inclusions.

The snorkeling stop: lovely water, ordinary fish

Before reaching Île aux Cerfs, the catamaran stops at a lagoon area for swimming and snorkeling. This is a good break from sitting on deck. You can get into the water, use the provided equipment, or remain aboard and sunbathe if swimming is not your priority.

The snorkeling has received plenty of praise for its clear, pleasant setting and the amount of time available. But keep your expectations sensible. One account found no colorful fish, and tropical snorkeling is affected by visibility, weather, water conditions, and the exact site used that day. This is not a specialist reef trip.

I would still pack a sense of curiosity rather than expecting a major underwater spectacle. The real value is the chance to cool off in a scenic lagoon, not a guarantee of rare marine life. The stop also breaks up the sailing nicely and gives children and active adults something to do before lunch.

If you are not a confident swimmer, stay within your comfort zone and listen to the crew. The tour is built for a broad range of participants, but it is still a boat-and-water activity. Anyone who prefers not to snorkel can relax on the catamaran while others swim.

BBQ lunch, pineapple, and an open bar

Lunch is one of the strongest reasons this cruise offers good value at $81.10 per person. A BBQ buffet is served onboard, with pineapple for dessert. Coffee and tea are included, as are snacks, so you are not left paying extra every time you want something to eat or drink.

The meal has been praised for both taste and quantity. Vegetarian food has also received positive comments, which is useful if your group has different dietary preferences. The supplied details do not list the exact BBQ menu, so you should not book expecting a specific dish. The practical advantage is the buffet format, which gives you more flexibility than a fixed plate.

Drinks are included throughout the cruise: local beer, wine, Mauritian rum, and soft drinks. That can quickly change the value calculation. A boat day with lunch and an open bar can become expensive when each drink is charged separately, but here the main food and beverage costs are bundled into the ticket.

Of course, unlimited alcohol is not a reason to overdo it. You are still on a moving boat, under strong sun, and swimming may be part of the day. Pace yourself, drink water when available, and keep your head clear enough to enjoy the scenery. The best version of this outing is festive but comfortable.

Lunch is also a social moment. Music plays, the crew works around the boat, and the group has time to settle into the day. I would choose this cruise over a bare-bones transfer to Île aux Cerfs if you want the boat ride to be a central part of the experience.

Île aux Cerfs and the famous sandbank

The main stop lasts about two hours. You reach the island using a ladder at the front of the catamaran, stepping directly toward the famous sandbank and shallow water. The landing is scenic, but it may not suit anyone who finds boat ladders awkward.

Once ashore, you can relax on the beach, sit in knee-deep water, or soak up the sun. The shallow water is a major attraction, especially for families who want an easy place to paddle. You also have time for additional activities, including parasailing, but these are not included in the cruise price.

This is where the trip becomes less consistent. Île aux Cerfs is attractive, but the area used by the boat can feel crowded. One particularly useful piece of advice is to walk toward the other side of the island if the first beach area seems unpleasant. The island has more than one character, and the immediate drop-off zone is not necessarily its best section.

Some people find Île aux Cerfs a little basic or less impressive than expected. That does not make the stop poor, but it changes how you should judge the tour. The island is a pleasant beach break after the sailing, not the sole reason to pay for the day. If your dream is a completely empty tropical beach, this may disappoint you.

Also note that this is not a waterfall excursion. The day focuses on the catamaran, lagoon, snorkeling, BBQ, and Île aux Cerfs. If you want waterfalls or inland scenery, choose a separate Mauritius day trip.

Returning safely and keeping track of time

After island time, you return to the catamaran and sail back to Pointe Jerome, with music and drinks continuing on the way. The return cruise is part of the fun, rather than a rushed transfer home.

Pay close attention to the crew’s instructions before you leave the boat. A serious complaint involved a party that returned late and could not find the catamaran. The operator explained that tide conditions required the boat to leave and that the return time had been clearly given. Whatever the circumstances, the lesson is simple: note the exact meeting time, set an alarm, and return early.

Do not rely on a local water-sports operator for instructions about the catamaran. The operator has stated that such providers are not affiliated with the cruise and cannot make decisions for the boat. This is especially important if you book parasailing or another extra activity on the island.

The catamaran must work to a schedule, and tide conditions can affect where it can wait. Treat the island stop as a timed excursion, not as a free-roaming beach visit.

Is $81.10 good value?

At $81.10, this is a fair price for a seven-hour outing if you use the inclusions. You receive the catamaran ride, snorkeling equipment, a BBQ lunch, snacks, coffee, tea, unlimited local drinks, and access to Île aux Cerfs.

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, lunch, drinks, and transport to the island. Couples can enjoy a full day without organizing several pieces. Families may also find the package convenient, especially if the children like swimming and shallow water.

The value is weaker if you do not drink, have no interest in snorkeling, and mainly want to spend time on a quiet beach. In that case, a simpler island transfer might be cheaper, although it would not offer the same sailing atmosphere or included meal.

The cruise is often booked about 18 days ahead, so popular dates may fill before your holiday. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. The trip depends on good weather and a minimum number of participants. If the operator cancels for either reason, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Who should choose this cruise?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• Couples wanting an easy, scenic day with food and drinks included
• Families who enjoy swimming, beach time, and a social boat atmosphere
• First-time visitors seeking a straightforward introduction to Mauritius’ southeast coast
• People who like music and friendly service more than silent, private sailing
• Anyone who wants the option of parasailing or other island activities

I would be more cautious if you want a remote beach, serious snorkeling, or a tightly planned sightseeing tour. The island can be crowded, the fish may be ordinary, and the day has a relaxed pace rather than a long list of major sights.

There was also one serious complaint about rude and inappropriate behavior from a crew member named Pascal. The operator apologized and said it was investigating. That single account should not be ignored, but it is very different from the much larger pattern of praise for the crew’s helpfulness. I would keep it in mind without allowing it to outweigh the generally positive picture.

Should you book the Île aux Cerfs catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a cheerful, all-in-one day on the water. The sailing, snorkeling stop, open bar, BBQ lunch, and attentive crew provide the real value. Île aux Cerfs adds a pleasant beach break, but the journey is more memorable than the island landing for many people.

Before paying, confirm your transport to Pointe Jerome, check the weather, and accept that dolphin sightings and colorful fish are never guaranteed. Arrive early, listen carefully to the return instructions, and do not judge the entire day by the busiest part of the beach.

For $81.10, this is a sound choice for a relaxed Mauritius day, provided you want a social catamaran outing rather than a private or wilderness-style adventure.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The cruise starts at HPGF+496 Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point in Pointe d’Esny, Mauritius.

What time does the cruise begin?

The scheduled start time is 9:00 a.m.

Where does the cruise end?

The activity ends back at the Pointe Jerome meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must arrange your own transport to and from Pointe Jerome.

Is parking available?

Yes. Free parking is available at the Pointe Jerome departure point for people traveling by their own means.

How long is the cruise?

The full experience lasts approximately seven hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The tour includes a BBQ buffet lunch and pineapple for dessert.

Which drinks are included?

Local beer, wine, Mauritian rum, soft drinks, coffee, and tea are included. Snacks are also provided.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included for use during the lagoon stop.

Can children join the cruise?

Yes. Children can participate, but they must be accompanied by an adult.

Are dolphins guaranteed?

No. The crew looks for dolphins, and sightings are possible, but wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Are activities on Île aux Cerfs included?

No. Activities such as parasailing are available on the island but are not included in the cruise price.

How many people can join the cruise?

The activity has a maximum capacity of 31 participants.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund.