Ile Aux Cerfs Catamaran Trip w/ Lunch, Drinks & Transfer

The lagoon is your road today. This full-day boat trip combines the Grand River South East waterfall, a snorkeling stop, a beach visit at Ile aux Cerfs, and a BBQ lunch with drinks. I like the hotel pickup and return, which removes the need to arrange transport to Trou d’Eau Douce, and I like that food, water, and unlimited alcoholic and soft drinks are included. The main caution is that weather can cause cancellations, and one recent booking had a difficult refund delay.

I also like the friendly onboard atmosphere, with local music, jokes, and explanations in several languages. The white beaches and clear water at Ile aux Cerfs provide the day’s big postcard moment. Still, this is a popular island outing rather than a quiet escape, and optional water sports cost extra.

Key points to know before booking

• The boat leaves Trou d’Eau Douce at about 9:00 a.m. and returns around 4:00 p.m., making this a full but manageable day.
• Grand River South East waterfall comes first, reached by speedboat roughly 500 meters upstream from the river entrance.
• Lunch is a proper BBQ spread, with fish, chicken, grilled hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice.
• Drinks are included without a set limit, including water, juice, soft drinks, beer, wine, and local rum.
• Ile aux Cerfs is the main beach stop, with time for swimming, walking, sunbathing, and optional paid activities.
• Bring water shoes, since coral and sea urchins can make parts of the shoreline uncomfortable underfoot.

The day begins with a northern Mauritius pickup

The advertised experience lasts eight hours, but your day begins with hotel or Airbnb pickup before the boat leaves. The listed pickup areas include Grand Baie, Pereybere, Cap Malheureux, Mon Choisy, Trou-aux-Biches, Pointe aux Biches, Pointe aux Piments, Balaclava, and Triolet.

You travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with a certified driver to Trou d’Eau Douce on the east coast. The driver is expected to help you find the correct boat and make sure you receive the necessary boarding information. That small bit of assistance matters at a busy departure point, especially if several boats are leaving around the same time.

The schedule calls for arrival at Trou d’Eau Douce at about 8:30 a.m., followed by boarding and a 9:00 a.m. departure. Pickup timing from your accommodation will depend on its location, so keep the morning flexible rather than planning a late breakfast or an early activity afterward.

The transfer is one of the strongest parts of the package. At $115 per person, you are not paying only for a boat ride. You are also covering transport in both directions, lunch, snacks, drinks, bottled water, and the main stops. That makes the price easier to justify than a bare boat ticket, particularly if you are staying away from the east coast.

Sailing from Trou d’Eau Douce toward Grand River South East

Once aboard, the catamaran takes you along the east coast lagoon. The appeal here is the pace. You are not rushing from one land attraction to another. You are sitting on the water, watching the coast and mountainous scenery pass by while the crew keeps the mood light with Mauritian music, local stories, and jokes.

The crew is expected to explain the plan in English and French, with the activity also offered in German and Italian. That is useful because the day has several changes of pace: catamaran sailing, a speedboat ride to the waterfall, snorkeling, lunch, and the island visit.

You should expect a social boat atmosphere rather than a private cruise. The description does not give a group size, so I would not book this expecting lots of empty deck space or personal service. If you enjoy meeting people and want a relaxed party-style day on the water, that may be a plus. If you prefer silence and solitude, it is worth adjusting your expectations.

Light breakfast snacks are included. The details of those snacks are not specified, so I would still eat something before pickup if you need a substantial breakfast. The main meal comes later, after the morning water activities.

Grand River South East waterfall by speedboat

The first major stop is Grand River South East, one of the better-known river sights in Mauritius. The catamaran approaches the river, then you transfer to a speedboat for the short trip upstream. The waterfall is located about 500 meters from the river entrance.

This change of boat gives the stop some energy. The speedboat can travel into the narrower river channel, where the larger catamaran cannot go. Along the banks, you might see monkeys moving through old trees. Fruit bats may also be perched high above the river, although wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

The waterfall itself is attractive, but keep the scale in mind. This is a short scenic visit, not a long hike or a full nature tour. You will return to the catamaran after seeing the falls, so the value comes from adding a river and forest stop to the sea journey rather than spending hours at one waterfall.

The speedboat transfer also means you should pay attention to crew instructions and keep your belongings secure. A camera is worth bringing, but a waterproof pouch is sensible around boats and spray.

Snorkeling in the lagoon’s clear water

After the waterfall, the catamaran sails through the lagoon to a swimming and snorkeling stop. This is the part of the trip that gives the day more than a scenic cruise. You can enter the water, look for tropical fish, and see coral formations in the clear shallows.

Life jackets are included, and the crew is there to help with the basic arrangements. Snorkeling equipment is not specifically listed among the inclusions, so confirm that point before departure if you do not have your own gear. The same goes for the exact location of the stop, since conditions can affect where the boat anchors.

You should pack a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera. Water shoes are especially useful for the later island stop, but they can also make getting in and out of the water more comfortable.

This is a good activity for a mixed group. Strong swimmers can spend more time snorkeling, while others can stay aboard or simply swim near the boat. Do not expect a specialist marine-life excursion with a long guided session. The stop is one part of a broad day, not the whole purpose of it.

BBQ lunch with Mauritian drinks

Lunch is served after snorkeling, either on the beach or on the catamaran. The menu includes fresh BBQ fish, BBQ chicken, grilled hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices are available, and the food is halal.

That is a useful range for a mixed group, though you should state dietary needs when booking or before departure. The meal is prepared by the crew, so the experience is casual and practical rather than restaurant-style. You are eating as part of the boat day, with sand, sun, and sea close by.

Drinks are a major part of the value. Included choices cover bottled water, soft drinks, juice, beer, wine, and local rum. The description calls them unlimited, so you do not need to budget for each drink during the cruise. Alcohol is available, but you can just as easily choose water, juice, or soft drinks.

The relaxed food and drink service helps make this a sociable outing. It also explains why the trip may appeal to couples, families with older children, and groups of friends who want sightseeing without arranging every meal and transfer separately.

Ile aux Cerfs and its postcard beaches

After lunch, the catamaran continues to Ile aux Cerfs, the day’s main destination. As you approach, you see palm trees, pale sand, and bright clear water around the island. This is the setting most people picture when they think of a Mauritius boat trip.

You have time to walk along the beach, swim, sit in the sun, or simply enjoy the water. The island offers optional activities such as parasailing, tube riding, and an undersea walk. These are not included in the $115 price, so treat them as add-ons rather than part of the core tour.

Ile aux Cerfs is attractive, but it is also a well-known day-trip destination. I would not choose this outing if your only goal is an empty beach. The better reason to come is convenience: you get a scenic cruise, a waterfall, snorkeling, lunch, drinks, and a famous island in one organized day.

Wear water shoes or sturdy beach footwear. One useful practical detail is the warning about sea urchins and coral underfoot. The water may look inviting, but bare feet are not always the best choice around rocky or coral patches.

The island stop also gives you a chance to slow down. After the structured parts of the day, you can choose your own pace. Walk, swim, or do very little. That freedom is welcome after the morning schedule.

The return sail and hotel drop-off

The return to Trou d’Eau Douce is planned for about 4:00 p.m. The final sail gives you another chance to enjoy the coast without needing to organize anything. From the landing point, your driver takes you back to your hotel or Airbnb.

This return transfer is particularly valuable if you are staying in one of the northern pickup areas. Trou d’Eau Douce is not a place you want to reach by guesswork after a long day on the water, and having a driver waiting takes away that final logistical chore.

The published material describes the experience as a catamaran trip, but one booking record reports that the group traveled by speedboat instead. That may reflect a change caused by boat availability or operating conditions. If the type of vessel matters to you, confirm it with the provider before you pay. The waterfall visit already uses a speedboat, but the main cruise is presented as a catamaran sailing.

What the $115 price really buys you

At $115 per person, this is a midrange full-day excursion rather than a low-cost boat transfer. The price includes the east coast cruise, Ile aux Cerfs, the waterfall visit, snorkeling and swimming time, snacks, a full BBQ lunch, unlimited drinks, bottled water, life jackets, and round-trip vehicle transport.

I think the package offers fair value if you want an easy day with most costs settled in advance. The drinks alone can add up on a long boat trip, while the included transfer is helpful if you are based in the north. You also avoid arranging separate transport, a boat ticket, lunch, and a waterfall visit.

The value is weaker if you do not drink, plan to bring your own food, or only want to visit Ile aux Cerfs for a short beach stop. In that case, a simpler island transfer may suit you better. Paid water sports are not part of the price, so budget separately if parasailing, tube riding, or the undersea walk appeals to you.

The overall rating is 3.7 from nine reviews, which suggests a generally positive but not flawless record. The strongest praise centers on the helpful crew, good organization, tasty BBQ, attractive island, and safe return transfer. The main concern is weather-related cancellation and a reported delay involving a refund. The free cancellation policy allows cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, but I would still keep all refund communication and booking details.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this trip if you want to see several east coast sights without managing the details yourself. It suits first-time visitors, couples, families, and groups who like a cheerful boat atmosphere, a beach stop, and an included meal.

It is also a good fit if you want options. You can snorkel, swim, visit the waterfall, walk around Ile aux Cerfs, or simply stay aboard with a drink. That range makes the day workable for people with different energy levels.

I would hesitate if you want a quiet private cruise, a serious snorkeling expedition, or guaranteed weather. The tour has a fixed route and a social feel. Weather can change the plan, and the boat used for the main sailing may not always be exactly as advertised.

Practical packing advice for this Mauritius boat trip

Bring the basics that make a water day easier:

• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• A towel and swimsuit
• Water shoes for coral and sea urchins
• A camera in a water-resistant case
• Extra protection for valuables during the speedboat transfer

Vegetarian and non-vegetarian food is available, and the meal is halal. Languages offered include English, French, German, and Italian. The activity also allows you to reserve now and pay later, while availability and starting times should be checked for your chosen date.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran trip?

Book it if you want a well-packed day on the water, with transport, lunch, drinks, a waterfall, snorkeling, and Ile aux Cerfs handled in one booking. The friendly crew, generous meal and drink package, and reliable driver assistance are the best reasons to choose it.

Think twice if you want a peaceful private outing or if a specific catamaran is essential. Confirm the vessel, check the weather forecast, and keep your refund details organized. For most visitors seeking an easy introduction to the east coast, the $115 price is reasonable, provided you value convenience as much as beach time.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip depart?

The cruise departs from Trou d’Eau Douce on the east coast of Mauritius.

What time does the cruise leave?

The catamaran is scheduled to depart Trou d’Eau Douce at 9:00 a.m. You are expected to arrive at the departure point around 8:30 a.m.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel or Airbnb pickup and drop-off are included in an air-conditioned vehicle. Listed pickup areas include Grand Baie, Pereybere, Cap Malheureux, Mon Choisy, Trou-aux-Biches, Pointe aux Biches, Pointe aux Piments, Balaclava, and Triolet.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes BBQ fish, BBQ chicken, grilled hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available, and the food is halal.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited drinks include soft drinks, juice, bottled water, beer, wine, and local rum.

Is snorkeling included?

A snorkeling and swimming stop is part of the cruise. Life jackets are included, but snorkeling equipment is not specifically listed among the inclusions.

Are water sports included in the price?

No. Parasailing, tube riding, and the undersea walk are optional activities and are not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Which languages are available?

The activity is offered in English, French, German, and Italian.