Full-day Catamaran Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs with Lunch

The best Mauritius days happen on the water. This full-day trip combines a speedboat ride to the Grand River South East Waterfall, snorkeling in warm coastal water, a barbecue lunch, and several hours at Ile aux Cerfs. I like the friendly crew and the easygoing boat atmosphere, and the included food and drinks make the $65 price good value. The main catch is that the snorkeling can be underwhelming, while Ile aux Cerfs may feel crowded rather than remote.

The trip runs from the Trou d’Eau Douce area on Mauritius’ southeast coast. You can choose a 07:00 departure with pickup, or a 09:00 option without pickup. The day finishes around 16:00, so this is a substantial outing rather than a quick island visit.

I also like the range of activities. You can swim, snorkel, listen to music, eat lunch, walk the island, or simply stretch out in the sun. But you should come with sensible expectations: this is a popular, social boat trip, not a quiet private sailing expedition.

Key points to know before booking

• The GRSE Waterfall comes first: A short speedboat ride from Trou d’Eau Douce takes you upriver to the Grand River South East Waterfall, also called GRSE.
• The catamaran is a spacious 42-foot boat: It offers room to sit, eat, and move around during the coastal cruise.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Expect BBQ chicken, fish, sausages, salads, fries, fruit, dessert, water, soda, juice, beer, and local rum.
• Snorkeling quality may vary: Equipment and swim jackets are supplied, but bringing your own mask and snorkel could improve the experience.
• Ile aux Cerfs is the longest stop: You get time for beaches, nature paths, water activities, or simple rest.
• This is best for social, active days: Families and mixed groups will find plenty to do, but people seeking silence may find the music and crowds tiring.

Setting out from Trou d’Eau Douce

Trou d’Eau Douce is the launch point for the morning’s boat activity. If you arrange pickup, the day begins earlier, around 07:00. If you make your own way there, the no-pickup option starts around 09:00.

That choice matters. Pickup is simpler if you are staying elsewhere in Mauritius, since transport to and from your accommodation can be arranged for an extra fee. Driving yourself costs less, but you need to follow the directions to the starting point and arrive ready for the boat schedule.

Allow extra time at the pier. One group reported a confusing check-in and a wait of about 25 minutes under a tree before boarding was sorted out. This does not appear to reflect the experience once the boat gets moving, but it is a useful reminder to keep your confirmation details handy and avoid cutting arrival time close.

The first part uses a speedboat rather than the catamaran. That is practical because the smaller craft can travel up the Grand River South East and get close to the falls.

The Grand River South East Waterfall by speedboat

The ride to the Grand River South East Waterfall is one of the more distinctive parts of the day. Instead of seeing the falls from a road or lookout, you travel along the river and approach from the water.

The river section should feel calmer than the open coast. At the waterfall, the boat gets close to the falling water before returning to Trou d’Eau Douce. The setting is described as secluded and reachable only by boat, though it is important not to expect total solitude. This is a well-known stop, and one account found the waterfall busy with organized groups.

You might see fruit bats and monkeys in the surrounding area. They are wild local animals, not a guaranteed wildlife show, so treat them as a possible bonus rather than a promised feature.

The speedboat ride also gives the morning a little variety. You are not spending the entire day seated on one catamaran route. For families, this quick change of boats can keep the outing interesting. For anyone sensitive to movement, remember that the speedboat may feel livelier than the larger vessel.

Cruising Mauritius’ east coast on a 42-foot catamaran

After returning to Trou d’Eau Douce, you board a spacious, full-serviced catamaran measuring 42 feet. The boat is designed for a relaxed day at sea, with space for sitting, eating, listening to music, and watching the coast pass by.

The mood is social rather than formal. The crew has been praised for being warm, attentive, and accommodating, with music adding to the atmosphere. That makes this a good match for families, couples who enjoy a little background energy, and groups that want an uncomplicated day together.

It may not suit you if you picture a silent sail with only the sound of the water. Music can be part of the appeal, but it can also make the ride feel less peaceful if you prefer a quiet deck.

Drinks flow throughout the day. Water, soft drinks, juice, beer, and local rum are included. The sensible move is to pace yourself, especially in the sun. The alcohol is a useful extra, but the value of the trip does not depend on drinking. Water and soft drinks are available too.

The coast itself is the main show as you head toward Ile aux Cerfs. The water is warm and turquoise, and the boat provides a comfortable platform for taking in the sea. I would bring sunscreen and a towel, as both are specifically listed among the items you need.

Snorkeling stops: beautiful water, mixed results

The crew makes several snorkeling stops along the route. The stated aim is to choose spots where you can see tropical fish and coral. Masks, snorkels, and swim jackets are provided, and you may bring your own equipment.

This is the part where expectations matter most. Some people found the snorkeling enjoyable, but one account described it as disappointing, with algae and very few fish. Another suggested bringing personal equipment. That does not mean every stop will be poor, since sea conditions and visibility can change, but you should not book this as a dedicated reef trip.

I would bring your own mask and snorkel if you already have them. Familiar equipment can fit better, and it avoids relying on shared gear. A swim jacket is available if you are not confident in open water.

The stops are also fairly short compared with the total length of the day. One person specifically wished for more snorkeling time. If swimming among fish and coral is your top priority, this limitation may matter more than the included lunch or island stop.

Still, the water gives the day an active break. You can cool off, see what is around the boat, and enjoy the sea from a different angle. If conditions are good, the snorkeling may become one of your favorite moments. If not, there is still plenty of time aboard the catamaran and on Ile aux Cerfs.

BBQ lunch aboard the catamaran

Lunch is prepared while you are near Ile aux Cerfs and served aboard the catamaran. The buffet includes BBQ chicken, fish, sausages, French fries, pasta salad, other salads, fruit, dessert, and vegetarian choices.

That is a generous spread for a $65 full-day activity. You are not paying extra for the main meal, and drinks are part of the package too. For a day spent on the water, having food already arranged removes the need to search for a restaurant during the island stop.

The meal is also one of the strongest parts of the experience. The grills have received particular praise, and the food helps give the day a communal feel. You eat with the sea around you rather than breaking away to find an off-site café.

The menu is broad enough for mixed groups. Meat eaters can choose chicken, fish, or sausages, while vegetarian diners have salads and other meat-free options. The information does not provide details about allergies or special diets, so anyone with a serious dietary requirement should confirm arrangements before booking.

Do not expect a restaurant-style lunch with extensive individual choices. This is a casual barbecue buffet. That is exactly right for a catamaran day, but it is worth knowing if you prefer a quiet, formal meal.

Ile aux Cerfs: beach time with a busy side

Ile aux Cerfs is the centerpiece of the afternoon. Its white sand and clear water make it easy to see why it is one of Mauritius’ best-known island stops.

You can walk along the beach, follow nature trails, try available water activities, or stay near the shore and relax. The schedule allows several hours, which gives you enough time to do more than take a quick photograph and leave.

This flexibility is a major strength. You do not have to keep moving with a guide. If your family wants to play in the water while you read in the shade, everyone can split up for a while. If you prefer activity, the island offers water pursuits and walking routes. If you have spent the morning swimming, a quiet stretch on the sand may be all you need.

The island is not guaranteed to feel secluded. One person found the beach overcrowded and overrated, while another simply described Ile aux Cerfs as beautiful. Both impressions can be true. The scenery is attractive, but its fame means you are sharing it with many other people.

Think of Ile aux Cerfs as a polished leisure stop, not an untouched island escape. The appeal is convenience, good swimming scenery, and choice. The tradeoff is a more developed and social atmosphere.

How good is the $65 value?

At $65 per person, the package covers a lot: the speedboat visit to GRSE Waterfall, a full day on a 42-foot catamaran, snorkeling gear, the BBQ lunch, unlimited listed drinks, and time at Ile aux Cerfs.

I consider that solid value for someone who wants several experiences in one day. Paying separately for a boat outing, a substantial lunch, drinks, and transport between the waterfall and island could quickly add up. The no-pickup option also gives you a way to keep the cost down if you can reach Trou d’Eau Douce yourself.

The value is weaker if your main goal is premium snorkeling or a peaceful sailing experience. The trip is built around variety and convenience, not specialist marine guiding. You pay for a broad day out, with food, drinks, swimming, sightseeing, and beach time all bundled together.

Pickup and dropoff can be arranged for an extra fee after booking. Since accommodation pickup is not included in the base price, check the total cost before you commit. The activity is offered in Dutch, English, and French, which helps mixed-language groups.

You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund. Those terms are useful if your Mauritius plans are still shifting, though you should still check the final booking conditions at the time of purchase.

Who will enjoy this boat day most?

I would recommend it most strongly to families, first-time visitors to Mauritius, and groups with different ideas about what makes a good day. The 11-year-old in one family had a suitable experience, and the mixture of swimming, food, music, and beach time gives children and adults several ways to enjoy themselves.

It also suits anyone who wants the main sights without arranging separate excursions. You get a waterfall, coastal cruise, snorkeling, lunch, drinks, and Ile aux Cerfs in one organized outing.

Couples can enjoy it too, especially if they like a lively boat atmosphere. The warm crew and shared meal create a friendly setting, though this is not the right pick for a private romantic sail.

I would be cautious if you are booking mainly for snorkeling. Bring your own equipment and treat the water stops as an extra rather than the central reason to go.

I would also think twice if you dislike crowds, music, or structured group activities. The beach can be busy, the waterfall can have other boats around it, and the catamaran atmosphere may be energetic.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and your own snorkeling equipment if you have it. Sun protection matters during the boat ride and the island stop, even when a sea breeze makes the heat feel less intense.

Keep your booking confirmation available at check-in. The pier process has caused confusion for at least one party, so clear proof of your reservation may save time.

If you need pickup, arrange it in advance and confirm the additional cost. If you drive yourself, use the supplied directions and plan to arrive early enough for check-in.

Choose the 07:00 pickup option if you want transport handled for you. Choose the 09:00 no-pickup option if you are comfortable reaching Trou d’Eau Douce on your own and want to avoid the extra transport charge.

Finally, bring a relaxed attitude. The best version of this day is not a perfect private-island fantasy. It is a well-filled coastal outing where you can eat, swim, listen to music, and let the crew handle the logistics.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want good value and plenty of variety in one full day. The friendly crew, included BBQ, free-flowing nonalcoholic drinks and alcohol, GRSE Waterfall visit, and long stop at Ile aux Cerfs create a satisfying package for families and social groups.

Skip it if you want quiet sailing, uncrowded beaches, or serious reef snorkeling. The snorkeling may be modest, the waterfall can be busy, and Ile aux Cerfs is a famous attraction rather than a secluded castaway island.

For most people, the deciding factor is expectations. See this as a lively Mauritius day on the water, with a good lunch and several chances to swim, not as a private luxury cruise. At $65, that is a fair deal.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran cruise last?

The full-day activity runs until about 16:00. The listed start is 07:00 with pickup or 09:00 without pickup.

Where does the boat leave from?

The catamaran departs from Trou d’Eau Douce on Mauritius’ southeast coast.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Pickup and dropoff can be arranged for an additional fee after booking. You can also drive yourself to the starting point using the supplied directions.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is a BBQ buffet with chicken, fish, sausages, French fries, pasta salad, other salads, fruit, dessert, and vegetarian options.

Which drinks are included?

Included drinks are water, juice, soft drinks, beer, and local rum.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and swim jackets are provided. You may bring your own equipment as well.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel and sunscreen. Personal snorkeling equipment may also be useful if you prefer using your own mask and snorkel.