Île aux Cerfs: Private Catamaran Cruise with Gourmet Lunch

Tropical water, a private boat, and lunch at sea. This six-hour cruise from Trou d’Eau Douce combines snorkeling in the Eastern Reef lagoon with a relaxed route through Mauritius’s offshore islands. I like the private format, which gives your group room to enjoy the catamaran without a crowd, and I like the generous food and drinks package, including BBQ lunch and unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The main consideration is the price: at $1,325 for up to six people, it is good value for a full private boat, but expensive for a couple or a small group.

The day also has more variety than a simple beach transfer. You’ll pass a waterfall, old lighthouse, small islets, snorkeling spots, and Île aux Cerfs itself. The catch is that the most famous island can feel crowded, and one reported group was taken to a sandbank instead when Île aux Cerfs became too busy. That flexibility may improve your day, but the exact route can depend on conditions and crowd levels.

What makes this cruise worth considering

• Private catamaran for up to six: You get a more personal day than on a large shared boat, with space for your own group and direct attention from the crew.
• Snorkeling before the drinks begin: The crew serves alcohol only after the water activities, and snorkeling can be canceled if people drink beforehand.
• A full eastern-coast route: The cruise includes Grand River South East Waterfall, Île aux Fouquets Lighthouse, Île aux Aigrettes, Îlot Flamants, and Île aux Cerfs.
• BBQ lunch served aboard: The main meal is eaten at anchor behind Île aux Cerfs, with seafood praised in particular, including lobster and fish.
• Dessert on a private beach: After lunch, you can visit Île aux Cerfs for a walk or sunbathing, then enjoy dessert on the beach.
• A crew-centered experience: Sonia, Dario, and Marie-Lou are names connected with especially warm service, though the exact crew working your departure can vary.

Setting out from Trou d’Eau Douce

Your meeting point is Pointe Maurice Jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce, on Mauritius’s east coast. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the jetty and arrive ready for a day on the water.

The cruise lasts six hours and returns to Pointe Maurice Jetty around 4 p.m. That timing makes it a substantial half-day outing, not a quick morning boat ride. You’ll want to keep the rest of your evening fairly open, especially if you prefer to move slowly after a sunny day with swimming and drinks.

The private group setup is the biggest practical advantage. A maximum of six people works well for a family, two or three couples, or a small group of friends. You can share the boat, food, and crew attention while keeping the day more private than a standard group cruise.

At $1,325 per group, the arithmetic matters. With six people, the cost is about $221 per person. With four people, it rises to about $331 each, and for two people it becomes a very costly private outing. I see the price as easier to justify when you fill all six places and value privacy, a prepared lunch, unlimited drinks, and a full route.

Grand River South East Waterfall comes first

The first major stop is Grand River South East Waterfall. The boat pauses for photographs, a visit, and wildlife viewing, giving you a change of scenery before the swimming portion of the day.

This stop adds interest to the cruise because the outing is not only about sitting on a catamaran beside a beach. You get a short sightseeing element early in the route, with the river and waterfall providing a more natural setting than the open lagoon.

The information provided does not specify how long you stay at the waterfall, so think of it as a scenic stop rather than a long walk or a full inland excursion. If you want extensive time ashore, this cruise may feel too focused on the sea. If you like a mix of photo stops and water time, it gives the morning a good rhythm.

Île aux Fouquets Lighthouse and the first swim

The route continues toward Île aux Fouquets Lighthouse, where you have time for an aperitif, swimming, and snorkeling. This is one of the stronger sections of the day because it combines a recognizable island landmark with the activities most people book the cruise to enjoy.

Bring a swimsuit under your clothes and keep your towel close. The boat moves between sightseeing and swimming, so you do not want your dry items buried in a large bag. Large luggage and oversized bags are not allowed, which is sensible on a catamaran but worth planning for before you leave.

The snorkeling is done inside the lagoon and around the reef area. You can expect a chance to see marine life in the water, but visibility and what you see can vary. This is not presented as a specialist snorkeling expedition, so I would treat it as an enjoyable reef stop for casual swimmers rather than a technical outing for experienced divers.

One useful rule is very clear: alcohol comes after snorkeling. If alcoholic drinks are consumed beforehand, the management can cancel the snorkeling activity. Take the crew seriously here. The included drinks are a nice part of the value, but they should not interfere with the water portion of your day.

Île aux Aigrettes brings another reef stop

Next comes Île aux Aigrettes, with time for photographs, swimming, snorkeling, and marine-life viewing. The boat also passes by the island, so the exact balance between stopping and cruising may depend on the day.

This stop gives you another chance to get into the water instead of relying on a single snorkeling session. That matters because conditions can change, and some people will prefer the second opportunity if the first swim is short or the water is less clear than expected.

You should bring high-SPF sunscreen and a hat or cap. The cruise is designed around a full day under the tropical sun, and there may be little shade during the water stops. A camera is also recommended, but protect it from splashes and keep your handling sensible around the boat.

Îlot Flamants keeps the route moving

Îlot Flamants is listed as a pass-by and free-time stop. It is not described as a major beach visit, so do not expect every island on the route to offer a long landing.

That is part of the appeal of a boat day. You get a string of small sights, changing views, and short pauses rather than one long period in a single place. The route feels varied, but anyone hoping for hours on shore should keep expectations in check.

The crew’s role matters during these transitions. Several comments praise the service, with Sonia singled out for excellent customer care and Dario thanked for helping make the day special. Another group praised Marie-Lou and the crew after their route was adjusted away from a crowded Île aux Cerfs. Those details suggest that attentive staff are an important part of the experience, not just a minor extra.

Lunch at anchor behind Île aux Cerfs

The main meal is served aboard the catamaran at anchor behind Île aux Cerfs. This is a strong setup: you can eat with the island nearby while avoiding the need to find a restaurant or leave the boat for lunch.

The meal is a BBQ, and the food receives some of the clearest praise. Lobster, fish, and other grilled items are specifically highlighted, with one comment calling the lobster perfectly cooked. I would consider the seafood a major reason to choose this private cruise over a basic boat trip.

Unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included. That can add real value for a group planning a leisurely day, especially since drinks purchased separately on a private boat can quickly increase the final cost. Still, the package should be used sensibly. Alcohol is part of the afternoon enjoyment, not a reason to risk losing the snorkeling stop.

The lunch is not a formal restaurant meal, and the setting is casual. You are eating on a catamaran at anchor, with the movement of the water and the practical limits of a boat kitchen. If you expect a polished dining room, adjust your expectations. If you want grilled food, seafood, drinks, and a memorable setting, this works well.

Île aux Cerfs, beautiful but not always peaceful

Île aux Cerfs is the headline destination, and you get time for a break, an aperitif, dessert, and a visit to the island. You can sunbathe, walk around, and take photographs, including the classic tropical beach shots that make this place so popular.

The island is also the part of the route that deserves the most balanced judgment. Its fame brings crowds, and one private group found it too busy and tourist-focused. The crew responded by taking them to a sandbank for snorkeling instead, which turned a potential disappointment into a better water experience.

That flexibility is worth noting, but it also means you should not treat every stop as fixed in the same way. The route includes Île aux Cerfs, yet conditions, crowd levels, and the crew’s judgment can shape how much time you spend there. If the island is quiet, you can enjoy the beach and walk. If it is crowded, the boat may offer a more pleasant alternative nearby.

Dessert is served on a private beach on Île aux Cerfs. This is a small but appealing touch. The meal does not simply end when the BBQ is cleared, and you get a sweet course in a more relaxed setting before returning to the boat.

The return to Pointe Maurice Jetty

After the island visit, the catamaran heads back toward Trou d’Eau Douce. The stated return is around 4 p.m., with the final section identified as a one-hour catamaran ride.

This last hour gives you time to sit back and watch the eastern coast pass by. You may be ready for a quiet ride after swimming and lunch, so the slower finish is useful rather than a problem. Keep your towel and a dry layer available if you tend to feel cool after time in the water.

Because transport to and from the jetty is not included, plan the return leg before you leave. The tour finishes at the same place it starts, Pointe Maurice Jetty, so your onward transport needs to meet you there.

How the private format affects the value

The private boat is the central selling point. You are not buying only access to Île aux Cerfs. You are paying for a six-hour package with a dedicated group setting, a multi-stop route, snorkeling, lunch, dessert, and unlimited drinks.

For a full group of six, the cost is more reasonable. You can split the fixed price and enjoy the freedom of a private day. For a couple, I would compare the cost with shared catamaran options before booking. A private cruise may still be exactly what you want, but the premium is substantial.

The food helps the calculation. A BBQ with lobster and fish, drinks throughout the day, and dessert on the beach are meaningful inclusions. The crew service also receives consistent praise, with comments describing the staff as friendly, attentive, and a major reason the day felt special.

The private format also gives the crew more room to respond to the day. The sandbank alternative when Île aux Cerfs was too crowded is a good example. You should not assume the boat will create a custom route on demand, but a private group can benefit more from practical adjustments than a large shared group.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this cruise to:

• A group of up to six friends or relatives who can share the fixed cost
• Couples celebrating a special occasion and willing to pay for privacy
• Casual snorkelers who want reef swimming without booking a specialist expedition
• Food-focused visitors who care about seafood, lobster, and a prepared BBQ
• Anyone who prefers a full route with several stops rather than one beach transfer
• Visitors who want drinks included and do not want to organize lunch separately

I would be more cautious if you are traveling alone or as a pair on a tight budget. I would also look elsewhere if your top goal is spending most of the day quietly on an uncrowded beach. Île aux Cerfs can be busy, and the day includes several short sightseeing and cruising sections.

The cruise is not a good fit for anyone unable to swim or uncomfortable boarding a boat, though the activity information contains conflicting accessibility notes. It is marked as wheelchair accessible in one place but also says it is not suitable for wheelchair users. If accessibility is important, contact Oceane Cruises Mauritius before paying and ask for a clear answer about the jetty, boarding, deck, and toilet arrangements.

What to bring and what to leave behind

Pack lightly. You need swimwear, a towel, a passport or ID card, high-SPF sunscreen, a hat or cap, and a camera. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so use a small day bag only if the operator permits it.

Your passport or ID card is specifically requested, even for a domestic Mauritius outing. Keep it protected from water and sun. Bring enough sunscreen for repeated application because swimming removes it, and the tropical sun can be strong even when the breeze feels comfortable.

Do not drink alcohol before snorkeling. This is both a stated management rule and common boat safety sense. Save the beer, wine, or aperitif for after the crew confirms that the water activities are finished.

The host or greeter speaks English and French. That makes the experience easier for many international visitors, though you should still ask questions if you need help with swimming instructions, food, or the timing of stops.

Booking flexibility and practical limits

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold the booking without paying immediately, which helps if you are still arranging your Mauritius schedule.

Starting times depend on availability, so check the departure options before committing to other plans. The advertised duration is six hours, and the return is expected around 4 p.m., but the exact timing of individual stops is not specified.

The overall rating is five out of five from ten ratings, with praise focused on the crew, food, snorkeling, waterfall, and organization. That is a small sample, so I would not treat it as proof that every departure will be perfect. Still, the same strengths appear repeatedly: warm service, a good BBQ, enjoyable swimming, and a well-planned route.

Should you book the Île aux Cerfs catamaran cruise?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the $1,325 cost and want a private day that blends snorkeling, island stops, seafood lunch, and included drinks. The crew service and food seem to be the strongest reasons to choose it, while the option to use a sandbank when Île aux Cerfs is too crowded adds useful flexibility.

Think twice if you are traveling as only two people, dislike busy resort islands, or want a long, quiet beach day with minimal movement. For the right group, this is a polished and generous way to see the east coast. For a small budget-conscious party, the price may outweigh the benefits.

FAQ

Where does the private catamaran cruise start and finish?

The cruise starts and returns at Pointe Maurice Jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts six hours and is expected to return to Pointe Maurice Jetty around 4 p.m.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is served aboard the catamaran while anchored behind Île aux Cerfs. Dessert is enjoyed on a private beach at Île aux Cerfs.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included. Alcohol is served only after snorkeling, and snorkeling may be canceled if alcohol is consumed beforehand.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport or ID card, swimwear, a towel, high-SPF sunscreen, a hat or cap, and a camera. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.

Can I cancel the booking?

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