Mauritius Catamaran Cruise to Ile Aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch

Paradise comes with a boat schedule. This six to seven-hour catamaran trip from Trou d’Eau Douce combines the Grand River South East waterfall, a snorkeling stop, an onboard BBQ, and several hours at Ile aux Cerfs. I especially like the generous selection of drinks and the friendly crew praised by several guests. I also like that the day includes both scenery and free time, rather than keeping you on the boat from morning to afternoon.

The main caution is that the experience can feel crowded and disorganized at the start. Pickup delays, confusing boat changes, and limited swimming time have caused frustration. At about $59 per person, it can be good value if you want many Mauritius highlights in one outing, but you should not expect a quiet, private sailing trip.

Quick points to know before booking

• The waterfall stop lasts about one hour, with a short river excursion, photo time, and possible monkey sightings along the banks.
• The onboard BBQ and drinks are a major strength, with food and local beverages included, including beer, wine, and rum.
• Ile aux Cerfs gets about three hours, giving you time for the beach, lagoon swimming, the craft market, or optional paid activities.
• The catamaran can hold up to 35 people, so this is a shared group outing, not an intimate private cruise.
• Weather can cancel snorkeling, and poor conditions may also lead to a rescheduled trip or full refund.
• Hotel pickup is optional, and you should check the transport price carefully before adding it.

Starting at Trou d’Eau Douce at 9:30 am

The meeting point is Green Island Beach Restaurant on B59 Coastal Road in Trou d’Eau Douce. The scheduled start is 9:30 am, and the activity returns to this same meeting point at the end.

If you choose hotel pickup, allow extra time. The total transport time between attractions is listed as about one hour and 30 minutes, and one particularly unhappy guest dealt with a driver who arrived an hour late. Another guest warned that hotel pickup fees could be much higher than the price of a normal taxi to the port.

I would compare the pickup supplement with the cost of reaching Trou d’Eau Douce yourself. If you are staying nearby, meeting at the restaurant may be simpler. If you are staying farther away, pickup may still be useful, but confirm the exact charge before paying.

The first moments can feel a little hectic. Some people have described boarding a smaller boat before reaching the catamaran, with little explanation about what is happening. That does not ruin the day, but it helps to arrive ready for a practical, working harbor operation rather than a polished hotel-style departure.

Grand River South East and Cascade Diamamouve

The first major stop is Grand River South East Waterfall, also known as Cascade Diamamouve. The boat travels upriver, where the river narrows and the surrounding trees frame the falling water.

You get about an hour here for sightseeing and photographs. The riverbanks are also known for monkeys moving through the trees. Sightings are not guaranteed, but the possibility adds a bit of wildlife interest to what could otherwise be a quick scenic stop.

I like this opening because it changes the pace of the day. You begin on the coast, then move into a river setting before spending the afternoon around the lagoon. The waterfall is not treated as a long hiking stop. It is a boat-based visit, so you can see it without committing to a difficult walk.

Keep your expectations sensible. This is a photo and sightseeing stop, not a full exploration of the river. If you want quiet nature time, the group schedule may feel brisk. If you want a convenient look at one of eastern Mauritius’s best-known sights, it fits well.

Snorkeling and swimming in clear lagoon water

After the waterfall, the catamaran heads toward a snorkeling and swimming area. The stop is planned for about two hours, although the practical amount of time in the water can feel shorter once anchoring, lunch, and group movement are taken into account.

The water is described as crystal clear, with marine life visible around the snorkeling area. You can swim, use the water as a break from the boat, or simply stay aboard and enjoy the views. Snorkeling equipment is not specifically listed in the supplied details, so confirm what is provided when you book or before departure.

Weather matters here. On rough or rainy days, snorkeling may be canceled for safety. That happened to one group, but the rest of the cruise continued. You should treat snorkeling as a weather-dependent part of the day, not the sole reason to book.

One useful point is the limited swimming time reported by a happy guest. The day contains several scheduled elements, and Ile aux Cerfs itself also competes for your time. If swimming is your priority, get ready quickly when the crew announces the stop and take advantage of the available water time.

BBQ lunch and open drinks on the catamaran

Lunch is served onboard, which is one of the practical advantages of this trip. You do not need to find a restaurant during the cruise or give up beach time to eat elsewhere.

The meal is described as a three-course BBQ lunch, and the food is Halal. Drinks include soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum. Several people praised the amount of food and refreshments, and families found the setup suitable for children as well as adults.

I would place this among the strongest parts of the package. A meal plus drinks can quickly add to the cost of a day on the water, so having them included makes the $59 price more attractive. The boat crew has also received strong praise for hospitality, friendliness, and keeping the atmosphere cheerful.

Service can still be uneven. One complaint described a guest needing to ask for beer even though it was supposed to be included. That may have been a service lapse rather than a standard rule, but it is worth asking the crew directly if you want a particular drink.

You should also understand the setting. This is a casual BBQ on a moving or anchored catamaran, not a formal restaurant meal. Space may feel tight when the boat is full, and food service can make the deck busier for a while.

Three hours at Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the centerpiece of the afternoon. The island is known for white sand, palm trees, and a bright turquoise lagoon. You get about three hours here, which is the longest single stop of the day.

This is your best chance to slow down. You can swim in the lagoon, sit on the sand, walk around, or visit the local arts and crafts market. The market gives you an easy way to look for Mauritius souvenirs without arranging a separate shopping trip.

The island is beautiful, but it is not a deserted escape. It is a popular stop with organized activities and other visitors. If you picture a silent beach with no commercial activity, adjust that picture. The value here is convenience and scenery: the cruise brings you to a famous island, feeds you, and gives you several hours to enjoy it.

Optional activities include double parasailing and underwater walking. The listed approximate prices are Rs 2,500 for double parasailing, or about Rs 1,000 per person, and Rs 2,000 for underseawalk. These costs are not included, so plan your budget before you arrive.

I would not feel pressured to add them. The beach and lagoon already fill the main purpose of the stop. Parasailing or underseawalk may suit you if you want more action, but a calm swim and time on the sand are perfectly reasonable choices.

Catamaran space, group size, and atmosphere

The maximum group size is 35 people. That number matters because several positive comments praised the atmosphere, while one otherwise happy guest found the catamaran a little crowded for its size.

You can expect a social day rather than a private sailing experience. The crew provides drinks, serves lunch, handles the route, and adds local music on the return. That shared setting can be part of the fun, particularly if you enjoy a lively boat ride and meeting other people.

The crew has received repeated praise for hospitality, kindness, and good communication. Avish, one named driver, was singled out for being helpful. That said, the quality of communication may depend on the day and the staff member. Some guests felt they received too little explanation, particularly during transfers between smaller boats and the catamaran.

A little preparation helps. Keep your phone and belongings secure during boat changes, listen carefully for instructions, and ask where you should go next if the boarding process is unclear. The trip seems to work best when you are flexible and do not need every transition to be explained in detail.

Returning with Mauritian Sega music

The cruise returns to Trou d’Eau Douce after the Ile aux Cerfs stop. Local Mauritian Sega music is part of the ride back, giving the final stretch a clear local touch rather than ending as a silent transfer.

Sega is closely associated with Mauritius and is traditionally linked with island life, rhythm, and dance. Here, you should expect entertainment during the return journey, not a full cultural performance or music lesson. It is a pleasant way to close the day and adds more local character than generic background music.

The total experience lasts about six to seven hours. Since the day includes the river, snorkeling, lunch, the island, and the return cruise, the schedule is full. I would avoid booking another major activity immediately afterward, especially if you are using hotel transport.

Is $59 good value?

At $59 per person, the package offers a lot in one day: a catamaran cruise, waterfall visit, snorkeling and swimming time, BBQ lunch, drinks, Ile aux Cerfs, and return entertainment.

The value is strongest if you want variety. Booking separate transport, a river visit, a boat trip, lunch, and an island stop could cost more and require much more planning. Families may also appreciate the straightforward format, Halal food, and included soft drinks and juice.

The value is weaker if you want privacy, a slow pace, or precise control over your schedule. The group may reach 35 people, pickup can be delayed, and some parts of the day may feel rushed. Optional water activities cost extra, and hotel pickup may add a surprising charge.

The listed rating is 3.6 from 14 reviews, which fits the mixed picture. The strongest praise centers on the friendly staff, food, drinks, atmosphere, and attractive destinations. The sharpest criticism involves transport delays, boat capacity, unclear instructions, and inconsistent service.

Who should book this cruise?

I think this trip suits you if you want to see several eastern Mauritius highlights in one organized outing. It works especially well for families, first-time visitors, and anyone who values included food and drinks more than a private or luxury boat setting.

You will probably enjoy it if you like social cruises, beach time, casual music, and optional activities. The crew’s hospitality and the generous refreshments can make the day feel festive.

I would look elsewhere if your top priorities are long snorkeling sessions, a quiet boat, strict timing, or detailed guiding at every stop. A private charter or smaller cruise may suit you better, though it will likely cost more.

Practical booking advice

The experience offers mobile ticketing and confirmation at booking. Most people can participate, and the supplied information does not list a special fitness requirement.

Bring what you need for swimming and sun protection, since the day includes time in the water and on white sand. Keep some extra money for parasailing, underseawalk, or souvenirs at the craft market.

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. For other cancellations, you need to cancel at least 24 hours before the 9:30 am start time for a full refund. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted.

Should you book the Mauritius catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want an affordable, full day that bundles Mauritius scenery, a beach island, lunch, drinks, and music. The BBQ, friendly crew, and Ile aux Cerfs visit are the best reasons to go.

Go in with realistic expectations. This is a shared group cruise with a full schedule, possible boat transfers, and weather-dependent snorkeling. Confirm the pickup fee, arrive at the Trou d’Eau Douce meeting point on time, and treat the day as a lively island outing rather than a private sailing retreat.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The meeting point is Green Island Beach Restaurant, B59 Coastal Road la Pelouse, Trou d’Eau Douce 42207, Mauritius. The scheduled start time is 9:30 am.

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only if you choose that option. The exact pickup fee should be checked before booking, since an additional charge may apply.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately six to seven hours. The listed travel time between attractions totals about one hour and 30 minutes.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The tour includes a BBQ lunch served onboard the catamaran. The food is Halal.

Which drinks are included?

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

Are parasailing and underseawalk included?

No. Double parasailing costs approximately Rs 2,500, or about Rs 1,000 per person, and underseawalk costs approximately Rs 2,000.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the experience begins.