Ile Aux Cerfs Catamaran Cruise & Waterfalls- Lunch & Drinks

Mauritius looks best from the water. This full-day cruise combines a speedboat ride to Grand River South East waterfall, a catamaran sail, a snorkeling stop, a BBQ lunch, and time on Ile aux Cerfs. I especially like the friendly crew and generous food and drinks, plus the chance to see several sides of Mauritius in one outing.

The main caution is group size. The experience is advertised as a small group of up to 15 people, but recent departures included more than 15, with one report counting 25 people. That may not matter on a large catamaran, but it can make the boat feel crowded, especially if you want peace and quiet.

Key points to know before booking

• Grand River South East comes first: A short speedboat ride takes you upstream to the waterfall, with possible monkey and fruit bat sightings along the river.
• The catamaran day runs from roughly 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Boarding is scheduled for 8:30, with sailing listed for 9 a.m.
• Food and drinks are a major part of the value: Light snacks, BBQ fish, chicken, hotdogs, salads, saffron rice, soft drinks, beer, wine, rum, juice, water, and vegetarian or vegan food are included.
• The snorkeling stop is scenic but not very long: You can swim above coral and look for tropical fish, though one report wished for about 15 more minutes in the water.
• Ile aux Cerfs is beautiful but busy by nature: Expect white sand, palms, clear water, optional water activities, and time to stroll or relax.
• The small-group promise needs checking: Several reports indicate that some departures carried more than the stated limit of 15 people.

From Trou D’eau Douce to the open lagoon

Your morning begins at the docking station in Trou D’eau Douce on Mauritius’s east coast. Arrival is set for 8:30 a.m., and the catamaran is scheduled to leave at 9 a.m. The listed experience lasts nine hours, although the main cruise window is given as 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., so I would confirm the exact meeting and return times when booking.

One practical point matters here: the advertised start time may not be the actual sailing time. A report described the boat leaving after 9:30 a.m., despite arriving at the requested 8:30 a.m. This kind of delay can happen on a shared boat, but it is worth knowing if you have evening plans.

Once underway, the catamaran provides a pleasant way to see the east coast. You are not stuck in a road vehicle all day, and the changing views of the coast and mountains give the outing a relaxed rhythm. The crew plays local Mauritian music and may share local stories and jokes, which helps the morning feel more like a hosted island experience than simple transport.

The catamaran is described as large, but the actual amount of personal space depends on the departure. Some reports found the boat comfortable even with more than 15 people. Another found 25 people too crowded, particularly inside. If your idea of a good boat day includes quiet corners and plenty of room, ask about the expected group size before you commit.

The short ride to Grand River South East waterfall

The first major stop is Grand River South East, one of the better-known natural sights on this part of Mauritius. You leave the catamaran and continue by speedboat, traveling about 500 meters upstream to reach the waterfall.

That short transfer changes the mood of the morning. The catamaran is open and social, while the river narrows between large trees. Keep your camera ready, but protect it from spray. You may spot monkeys moving through the old trees along the riverbanks, and fruit bats can sometimes be seen resting high above the water.

The waterfall itself is viewed from the river. It is not a long hike or a strenuous nature walk, which makes this stop suitable for people who want scenery without a demanding physical outing. The speedboat ride also adds a little excitement and keeps the visit from feeling like a quick photo stop from the road.

Wildlife is not guaranteed. The animals are part of the setting, not a scheduled show, so enjoy them if they appear and do not treat the stop as a promise of monkey or bat sightings. After viewing the falls, you return by speedboat to the catamaran and continue across the lagoon.

Snorkeling in the clear lagoon

The cruise then pauses for swimming and snorkeling. This is one of the most useful parts of the day because it gives you time in the water rather than only views from the deck. The stop is set in clear lagoon water, where coral reefs and tropical fish may be visible.

Bring your camera and sunscreen, as requested, and consider adding any personal snorkeling equipment you prefer. Life jackets are included, and the outing is designed to be accessible, but you should still think about your comfort in open water before joining the swim.

The snorkeling stop may feel short for experienced swimmers. One report specifically wished for another 15 minutes, while still rating the day highly. I would see this as a chance to cool off and get a taste of the lagoon, not as a dedicated reef expedition.

Marine life can also surprise you outside the planned snorkeling stop. One highly praised outing included sightings of dolphins, two rays, and a school of squid. The captain even slowed down and changed course to follow the animals. That is a fine example of how a good crew can make a scheduled cruise feel more responsive to the sea around you, though sightings are never assured.

BBQ lunch with beer, wine, and local rum

Food is one of the strongest reasons to consider this cruise. After snorkeling, you receive a BBQ lunch either on the beach or on the catamaran. The meal includes fresh BBQ fish, BBQ chicken, grilled hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice.

Vegetarian and vegan food is also available, which makes the outing easier to recommend to mixed groups. If you have a specific dietary need, it is sensible to mention it ahead of time, since the information confirms those options but does not list every ingredient or preparation method.

Drinks are included throughout the day. The selection covers bottled water, soft drinks, juice, beer, wine, and local rum. The unlimited supply was praised repeatedly, and one report specifically noted that both alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks were available for the entire outing.

This inclusion changes the price calculation. At $70 per person, you are not paying only for a boat ride and a beach visit. You are also covering lunch, snacks, drinks, the waterfall transfer, crew service, and several water-based stops. For a full day, that is a fair package if you plan to eat and drink onboard.

The balance is different if you do not drink alcohol or prefer a quiet, independent day. Alcohol is available without limit, and the atmosphere can become lively. One departure included loud music and continuous partying, which made it hard for some people to enjoy a calm day at sea. The crew itself was praised for being friendly and helpful, but the mood can depend heavily on the group onboard.

Arriving at Ile aux Cerfs

After lunch and snorkeling, the catamaran continues to Ile aux Cerfs. The approach is one of the most attractive moments of the cruise, with palms, pale beaches, and clear turquoise water coming into view from the boat.

Ile aux Cerfs is best treated as a beach and leisure stop. You can swim, walk along the sand, sit in the sun, or simply enjoy the island setting. It is a comfortable break after the active parts of the morning, especially if you have spent time in the river and lagoon.

Optional activities are available on the island, including parasailing, tube riding, and an undersea walk. These are not included in the $70 price, so bring that extra-cost distinction into your planning. The cruise already includes a full schedule, and you may find that a swim and a quiet walk are enough.

The island is not presented as a remote wilderness escape. Its postcard scenery is the attraction, but the popularity of the place means the experience may feel social rather than secluded. If you want an easy beach stop with facilities and optional activities, that is useful. If you want an empty beach and total solitude, this may not be your ideal setting.

The crew makes the difference

The crew receives the clearest praise in the available feedback. Several reports describe the staff as attentive, caring, friendly, and helpful. That matters on a day with several moving parts: a river transfer, a snorkeling pause, meal service, drinks, music, and a return sail.

A good crew also helps with the small decisions that shape the day. They can keep food moving, explain what is happening, help maintain a pleasant atmosphere, and respond when marine life appears nearby. The reports describe the team as a real strength, even when the group size or party mood caused problems.

The listed guide languages are English, French, German, and Italian. That is useful for mixed-language groups, though the supplied information does not name individual guides. The crew also plays Mauritian music, giving the trip a local touch without making the day feel like a formal lecture.

Is $70 a good price?

At $70, the cruise offers good value for someone who wants many activities bundled into one day. You receive transport by catamaran and speedboat, waterfall viewing, snorkeling, beach time, light snacks, a substantial BBQ lunch, and unlimited drinks.

The value improves if you plan to have several drinks and would otherwise pay separately for lunch and refreshments. It also saves you from arranging separate visits to Grand River South East and Ile aux Cerfs.

The price is less compelling if you mainly want snorkeling. The water stop is one portion of a wider program, and it may not last long enough for serious reef enthusiasts. It is also less attractive if you dislike group entertainment, loud music, or the possibility of a crowded boat.

Hotel or Airbnb pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle are not included. You need to arrange your own way to the docking point unless you separately add transportation. That extra planning can affect the real cost, especially if you are staying far from Trou D’eau Douce.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend this outing to couples, families, and groups of friends who want a full east-coast day without arranging each part themselves. It suits you especially well if you like a mix of scenery, swimming, food, music, and a little island time.

It also works for visitors with limited time in Mauritius. In one day, you see a river waterfall, sail through the lagoon, snorkel, eat a BBQ meal, and visit a famous beach island.

I would be more careful if you need a very quiet boat, a strict small-group setting, or a long snorkeling session. Ask about the expected number of people and the planned departure time before paying. The difference between 15 and 25 people can change the feel of the day.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, with life jackets provided. Still, the day includes boarding a catamaran and transferring by speedboat, so anyone with specific mobility needs should confirm how each transfer is handled.

Final verdict: a generous day with a social atmosphere

This is a strong all-round Mauritius excursion, mainly because the crew, food, drinks, and variety of stops work well together. The waterfall gives you a quick nature visit, the lagoon supplies time in the water, and Ile aux Cerfs provides the classic beach setting.

The two points I would verify are group size and timing. The small-group limit has not been consistent, and at least one departure left later than expected. If you accept that the trip may be lively and somewhat crowded, the $70 price is reasonable.

Book it if you want a ready-made day on the east coast with plenty included. Skip it if your priority is solitude, a long reef session, or a tightly controlled small boat. For most people, this is less about one perfect attraction and more about getting a generous sample of Mauritius by sea.

FAQ

How long does the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise last?

The activity is listed as a nine-hour experience. The cruise schedule is given as approximately 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with boarding at 8:30 a.m. and sailing scheduled for 9 a.m.

Where does the catamaran leave from?

The cruise departs from Trou D’eau Douce on the east coast of Mauritius.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Optional hotel or Airbnb pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle are not included in the stated package.

What food is included?

The package includes light breakfast snacks and a BBQ lunch with fresh fish, chicken, grilled hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice. Vegetarian and vegan food is available.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks are included, including soft drinks, juice, bottled water, beer, wine, and local rum.

Does the cruise visit Grand River South East waterfall?

Yes. You travel by speedboat about 500 meters upstream from the catamaran to view the waterfall.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. The cruise includes a snorkeling and swimming stop in the lagoon. Life jackets are provided.

Are activities at Ile aux Cerfs included?

No. Optional activities such as parasailing, tube riding, and the undersea walk are available at extra cost.

What languages are offered?

The activity is offered with guides or crew support in English, French, German, and Italian.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now-and-pay-later option is also listed.