Mauritius: Boat trip to Ile aux Cerfs with Lunch/waterslide

The waterslide is the day’s secret weapon. This six-hour cruise from Trou d’Eau Douce combines snorkeling, a BBQ lunch, beach time at Île aux Cerfs, and a built-in slide straight into the lagoon. I especially like the easy mix of active fun and lazy island time, plus the crew’s local Sega music and dance, which give the outing more character than a simple boat transfer.

The friendly crew and lively entertainment receive the strongest praise, and the waterslide gives children and adults something to do between swims. The main consideration is comfort: this is not a quiet, small-scale sailing trip, and the activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. At $88 per person, the value is strongest if you plan to use the snorkeling stop, lunch, drinks, slide, and island visit rather than simply sunbathe.

What makes this cruise worth considering

• The built-in waterslide: You can slide directly from the boat into the turquoise lagoon, with repeated access during the cruise.
• A real mix of activities: The day includes scenic sailing, snorkeling, swimming, a river boat segment, lunch, music, dancing, and free time on Île aux Cerfs.
• BBQ lunch on board: Grilled meats, salads, fruit, and vegetarian food on request make the meal practical for a long day at sea.
• Unlimited drinks: Beer, rum, soft drinks, and water are included, which adds meaningful value to the $88 price.
• Local Sega entertainment: Mauritian music and dance make the return sail feel connected to the island rather than like a standard beach excursion.
• Simple meeting point: The crew waits at the end of the jetty beside the Mauritian flag, though your exact starting point depends on the option you select.

Setting out from Trou d’Eau Douce

The cruise begins at Trou d’Eau Douce, on Mauritius’s east coast. Meet the team at the end of the jetty next to the Mauritian flag. Since pickup arrangements depend on the option booked, check your confirmation carefully before heading to the waterfront.

The opening hour is spent sailing, with views along the coast, local snacks, and time to settle into the boat. That first stretch matters because the day is not rushed from one attraction to the next. You get a chance to enjoy the sea, find a place to sit, and understand the rhythm of the cruise.

I would bring a towel, swimwear, sandals, and biodegradable sunscreen in a small, easy-to-reach bag. You will want your swimming gear available before the first water stop, not buried under dry clothes or beach items.

The exact boat capacity is not provided, so do not expect a private charter unless your booking clearly says so. The experience is designed as a social outing, with music, food, drinks, and crew-led entertainment. Couples may enjoy the scenery and island stop, but families and groups are likely to get the most from the active atmosphere.

Swimming and snorkeling near Grand River South East

The first major water stop is near Grand River South East, with about 40 minutes set aside for swimming. Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins.

The water is described as clear, with coral reefs and colorful marine life to see. Conditions can vary, of course, and the provided information does not promise a particular species or a guaranteed level of visibility. Still, this stop gives you a chance to see more than the beach surface and breaks up the sailing nicely.

You should treat the snorkeling as a pleasant included activity, not a specialist reef expedition. Forty minutes is enough for a look around and a swim, but it is not a long session for serious snorkelers. Guides are available to help, which is useful if you are new to snorkeling or want basic direction in the water.

The swimming stop is also where the cruise becomes most dependent on weather and sea conditions. The boat’s schedule may remain the same, but your time in the water can feel different depending on wind, waves, and visibility. Pack sunscreen and protect your phone, since the best moments often happen away from your seat.

The short river boat ride

After the swimming stop, a 20-minute river boat segment forms part of the route. It adds a change of scenery and gives you a closer look at the waterways around Grand River South East before the cruise continues toward Île aux Cerfs.

This is a short part of the outing, so keep your expectations measured. It is not presented as a long nature tour or a guided history visit. Its value is mainly variety: you are not spending all six hours on one open-water route.

For me, this sort of short transition works well on a mixed activity day. You can dry off, have a drink, and enjoy the changing views before lunch and the island stop. If you prefer a nonstop schedule of organized activities, this may feel like downtime. If you enjoy a relaxed pace, it is welcome breathing room.

Sliding from the boat into the lagoon

The waterslide is the most unusual feature here. Rather than waiting for an optional attraction on Île aux Cerfs, you get access to a slide built into the boat. It sends you directly into the lagoon, and access is included in the cruise price.

This is especially useful for families. Children can enjoy the water in a playful way, while adults who might skip a formal watersport can still join in without paying an extra fee. The slide also gives groups a natural focal point, since people can take turns, swim, and climb back aboard.

I would not book this cruise solely for the slide if you want a calm, romantic sail. Music, drinks, group activity, and repeated splashes make the boat feel more like a floating party than a silent yacht. Couples who like a cheerful social setting should be happy, but anyone seeking privacy may prefer a smaller sailing trip.

Remember that the activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. The combination of jetty access, boat movement, swimming, and slide use requires a reasonable level of physical mobility. The supplied details do not give age, height, or weight rules for the slide, so ask the provider if those limits matter for your group.

BBQ lunch, drinks, and the value of $88

The BBQ lunch is served on board and includes grilled meats, salads, and fruit. Vegetarian options are available on request, so mention that need when booking rather than waiting until the meal is served.

Lunch on the boat saves you from arranging a separate meal during a six-hour excursion. It also keeps the day moving. You can eat while surrounded by sea views instead of losing time looking for a restaurant on the island.

Drinks include beer, rum, soft drinks, and water, with unlimited access. For many people, that is a significant part of the price. A couple who would otherwise buy lunch, bottled water, and several drinks at a beach venue can quickly approach the $88 cost before adding a boat ride and snorkeling equipment.

The value depends on your habits. If you do not drink alcohol and plan to spend most of the day on the beach, the price may feel less attractive. If you want lunch, a boat outing, water activities, and entertainment in one package, the inclusions make the cost easier to justify.

The meal is described as freshly prepared, but no detailed menu or serving format is provided. I would think of it as a relaxed boat BBQ, not a formal dining experience. Bring patience and enjoy the setting. The point is to feed you well enough for the afternoon, then get you back into the water and onto the island.

Arriving at Île aux Cerfs

Île aux Cerfs is the main destination, known for white sand beaches and shallow lagoons. About an hour is allocated for lunch and BBQ-related time, followed by free time for relaxing, swimming, walking, sightseeing, or optional water sports.

The island stop gives the cruise its strongest postcard appeal. You can leave the boat, stretch your legs, and choose your own pace. Some people will want a swim in the shallow water. Others will prefer a beach walk or a shaded break after the slide and snorkeling.

Optional water sports cost extra, so budget separately if you want to add them. The included experience already offers plenty to do, but this is one place where the final bill can grow if you start adding activities.

One practical point: the free-time duration is not stated separately. The overall experience lasts six hours, and the schedule includes sailing, swimming, the river boat, lunch, and the island visit. That means you should not assume an entire afternoon of unstructured beach time. The island is an important stop, but the cruise remains a moving, scheduled outing.

I like that Île aux Cerfs is not treated as the only attraction. You get to see the island without giving up snorkeling, the waterslide, the BBQ, and the coastal sail. That variety makes the trip a better fit for people who get bored after an hour on the sand.

Sega music on the way home

The return sail includes music, crew entertainment, and a Sega dance presentation. Sega is a traditional Mauritian music and dance style, and this part gives the cruise a local touch that a generic party boat might miss.

The entertainment receives particularly warm praise. The crew is described as fabulous and amazing, with the overall experience praised as fun and memorable. Specific crew names are not provided, but the staff’s energy is clearly one of the main reasons the cruise makes a good impression.

Expect the return journey to be social rather than silent. Music and drinks create a festive finish, with coastal views continuing around you. If you enjoy joining in, you can treat the Sega segment as part of the experience rather than background noise. If you prefer quiet photography or a peaceful sunset sail, this may be the least restful portion of the day.

The cruise returns toward Trou d’Eau Douce, with drop-off at the jetty area or the stated Blue Alizé Catamaran Île aux Cerfs location, depending on the arrangement. Confirm your return point before leaving the boat, especially if you need to meet a driver afterward.

Who will enjoy this six-hour outing

I would recommend this cruise most strongly to:

• Families who want a boat day with plenty of built-in activity
• Couples who enjoy music, swimming, and a lively group setting
• Friends looking for food, drinks, snorkeling, and beach time in one booking
• First-time visitors who want a broad taste of Mauritius’s east coast
• People who value included drinks and do not want to plan lunch separately

You may want a different experience if you are looking for a private boat, a long snorkeling session, a quiet sailing trip, or a detailed cultural tour. The cruise offers local music and dance, but the supplied information does not describe a formal history or ecology presentation.

The duration is six hours, which is long enough to feel like a proper day out without committing to an all-day expedition. The tradeoff is that you will sample several activities rather than spending extended time at any single one.

Booking tips for a smoother day

Reserve the trip with the weather in mind, and check the starting time because availability changes by date. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now-pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately.

Pack light but bring the essentials: swimwear, towel, sandals, and biodegradable sunscreen. You might also want a waterproof pouch for a phone, though one is not listed as an included item.

If you need vegetarian food, request it in advance. If someone in your group has limited mobility, check carefully before booking, since the experience is specifically not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

The tour is conducted in English and French. That makes it accessible to many visitors, but the available information does not state the exact group size or the number of guides. If a small group is important to you, ask before paying.

Should you book the Île aux Cerfs boat trip?

Book it if you want a cheerful, activity-packed Mauritius outing with a strong value package. The $88 price covers the cruise, snorkeling gear, waterslide, BBQ lunch, unlimited drinks, Île aux Cerfs, music, and crew entertainment. The combination is hard to beat for families and groups who plan to take advantage of the inclusions.

Skip it if your ideal day means quiet sailing, a private boat, or hours of uninterrupted beach time. For everyone else, this is a practical way to combine the east coast’s water, sand, food, and local music in six hours. The warmest praise goes to the crew and entertainment, while the waterslide gives the day its memorable twist.

FAQ

How long does the Île aux Cerfs boat trip last?

The experience lasts six hours.

Where does the boat trip depart from?

It departs from Trou d’Eau Douce. The meeting point is at the end of the jetty next to the Mauritian flag.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. A snorkeling stop is included, and snorkeling equipment is provided.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The onboard BBQ includes grilled meats, salads, and fruit. Vegetarian options are available on request.

Which drinks are included?

Unlimited beer, rum, soft drinks, and water are included.

Is the waterslide included in the price?

Yes. You receive onboard access to the built-in waterslide.

How much free time is available at Île aux Cerfs?

The schedule includes free time for relaxing, swimming, sightseeing, and walking, but it does not state the exact length of that free-time period.

Are optional water sports included?

No. Optional water sports at Île aux Cerfs cost extra.

What languages are spoken on the tour?

The tour is offered in English and French.