Mauritius: Catamaran Day Cruise to lle aux Cerfs with Lunch

Sun, sea, music, and lunch at sea. This six-hour catamaran cruise combines Ile aux Cerfs, the GRSE waterfalls, snorkeling, and a generous barbecue meal without making you rush from one stop to the next. I especially like the roomy boat and the friendly crew, with guides such as Aldo praised for making sure everyone stays comfortable. The mix of sailing, swimming, and free time gives the day a pleasant rhythm.

I also like the value at $65 per person. Drinks, snorkeling gear, lunch, and a licensed crew are included, which makes the price easy to understand. The main thing to consider is the atmosphere: music can be loud and alcohol is served from the morning, so this suits a sociable day out more than a quiet sailing trip. The waterfall stop is brief, and some people find the snorkeling current too strong.

Key points to know before booking

• Ile aux Cerfs is the main prize: You get roughly two hours to enjoy its beaches, paths, and tropical scenery, though some of that time can feel short.
• The catamaran is part of the attraction: There is room to sit, sunbathe, eat, and listen to music while the crew serves drinks.
• Lunch is substantial: Expect fish, chicken skewers, salads, garlic bread, pasta, rice, and fresh pineapple, with vegetarian and gluten-free meals available by request.
• GRSE waterfalls are a quick stop: The setting is scenic, and monkeys may be visible, but the actual waterfall visit can be short and busy.
• Snorkeling depends on conditions: Fish and sea life may be visible, but currents and coral damage can make this stop less impressive than expected.
• You need to reach Trou d’Eau Douce yourself: Hotel pickup is not included. The meeting point is at the jetty beside the Mauritius flag.

Leaving Trou d’Eau Douce for a day on the lagoon

The trip begins at Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs in Trou d’Eau Douce, on the east coast of Mauritius. Look for the jetty next to the flag of Mauritius. Since transport from your hotel is not included, allow enough time to reach the village and find the boarding point without turning breakfast into a sprint.

Once aboard, the pace is easy. The broad catamaran gives you a choice of sitting in the shade, finding a sunny patch, or moving around to enjoy the changing views. I like this format because you are not boxed into a seat for the whole morning. You can make the cruise as active or lazy as you wish.

The crew sets a friendly tone early. Music is part of the experience, and drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and wine. Several high-scoring comments praise the staff’s warmth and attention, with Aldo singled out for being especially helpful. That matters on a boat day, since simple things such as knowing where to leave a towel or when the next swim begins can make the whole outing feel easier.

The social mood is real, though. This is not a silent, meditative sail. If you want a calm boat with only the sound of the wind, choose carefully. If you enjoy meeting people, music, and a glass of beer while cruising, the atmosphere will likely suit you.

Sailing past Ile aux Cerfs

The route includes a scenic sailing section toward Ile aux Cerfs, with about an hour allocated to passing the island and taking in the views. The east coast lagoon is the star here: clear water, open sky, and pale beaches appearing ahead as the catamaran moves along.

I find this stretch valuable because it gives you time to enjoy Mauritius without a schedule pressing you from one activity to the next. You can sunbathe, take photographs, chat with the crew, or simply watch the water. Some people book a catamaran cruise mainly for the stops, but the sailing itself is what many end up enjoying most.

The boat is also a better fit for a relaxed group than a speedboat excursion. You will not race between points, but you gain more room and a more social setting. One particularly useful detail is that the boat does not seem to feel cramped during lunch, according to the experience shared by one couple. There is room to sit and eat rather than balancing a plate on your knees.

GRSE waterfalls and the short scenic stop

Grand River South East, usually shortened to GRSE, brings the first major sightseeing stop. The catamaran passes toward the waterfalls, and the crew may pause for photographs. The approach by water is attractive, and you might see monkeys near the falls.

Keep your expectations measured. The waterfall portion is around 20 minutes in the listed timing, and that is not long. Some people have found it too brief, while others have been disappointed by the number of boats gathered in the same area. This is a popular route, so you should not expect a private nature scene.

Still, the stop adds variety. You are not spending the whole day on the open lagoon, and the waterfall gives you a different side of Mauritius. I would treat it as a photo opportunity and a pleasant boat pass, not the main reason to book the cruise.

The tide can affect the order of the stops. The waterfall may come first, depending on conditions, so the precise sequence can change. That is normal for a water-based outing and helps the crew work with the lagoon rather than against it.

Snorkeling where the conditions allow

After the waterfall, the catamaran heads to a swimming and snorkeling spot. About 40 minutes is set aside for getting into the water, using the provided snorkeling equipment, and looking for tropical fish.

This stop can be enjoyable, but it is the least predictable part of the day. Strong currents have made snorkeling harder at times, and some areas around Ile aux Cerfs offer more colorful fish. One past experience also noted that coral damage reduced the visual appeal. None of this means you should skip the swim, but you should not book this cruise as a specialist snorkeling trip.

For a casual swimmer, the stop offers a welcome break from sunbathing. You can cool off, use the equipment, and see some sea life when visibility and current cooperate. Bring your own towel, swimwear, and sunscreen. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and it is not recommended for pregnant women.

The crew’s role is important here. A helpful team can make the difference between a confusing water stop and an easy one. The high praise for the staff suggests that you can expect encouragement and practical help, though the natural conditions remain outside anyone’s control.

A generous barbecue lunch on the catamaran

Lunch is served aboard the boat, usually while the cruise continues toward Ile aux Cerfs. The spread includes fish, chicken skewers, salads, garlic bread, pasta, rice, and fresh pineapple. Drinks are included, with water, soft drinks, beer, and wine available.

I like the balance of the meal. It is not presented as fine dining, and you should not expect a restaurant-style menu. It is a hearty barbecue designed for a day in the sun, with enough variety for different tastes. Fish receives repeated praise, and several people describe the food as plentiful and very good.

Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available on request. Make that request when booking rather than waiting until you are hungry at the lunch table. The meal is one of the strongest parts of the price, since buying food and drinks separately on a popular island can quickly push up your spending.

There is also mention of a samosa served later on one outing. That may not be a standard advertised part of the meal, so I would not book expecting it, but it shows the food service can include a little extra. The lunch also helps keep the schedule practical: you eat while sailing instead of losing more beach time to a restaurant stop.

Two hours on Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the centerpiece of the excursion. The catamaran gives you about two hours of free time to walk, relax, enjoy the beaches, and take in the tropical scenery.

This is where the trip feels most like a classic Mauritius postcard. The water is clear, the beaches are inviting, and there is enough time to leave the boat and stretch your legs. You might simply find a quiet place to sit, or you might walk farther along the beach to look for smaller coves. One useful tip is to continue around 20 minutes along the beach if you want to get away from the busiest section.

Two hours is a reasonable amount of time, but it is not generous if you want to do everything. Some people have found the stop closer to an hour and a half in practice, leaving too little time to relax, explore, and add a water activity. Parasailing and other water sports may be available in the area, but they cost extra.

Pay attention to prices before agreeing to any optional activity. One experience found parasailing at the boat’s stopping point more expensive and shorter than the version available on Ile aux Cerfs itself. The tour price covers the cruise, food, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and island visit, not every activity offered on or near the island.

You may also want to bring extra cash. Things on Ile aux Cerfs can be pricey, and the included lunch means you do not need money for a main meal, but optional activities and purchases are separate.

The sail back to Trou d’Eau Douce

After island time, you return to the catamaran for the final hour. This is often when the day settles into its most enjoyable rhythm. You have finished the scheduled stops, your lunch is behind you, and there is time to sit back with a drink and watch Mauritius recede.

The crew may raise the sails on the return journey. Music continues, and the mood can become livelier, especially with drinks available. I like that the return is not treated as dead time. It gives you another chance to enjoy the boat itself, which is a key part of the experience.

The catamaran returns to the Blue Alizé meeting point in Trou d’Eau Douce. The total outing lasts about six hours, including the cruise, waterfall stop, snorkeling, lunch, island visit, and return sail. Check the available starting time when you book, since the departure time is not fixed in the information provided.

What the $65 price really covers

At $65, this is strong value if you want several Mauritius experiences bundled into one day. You receive a full catamaran cruise, licensed crew, drinks, snorkeling equipment, a cooked lunch, the waterfall visit, and time at Ile aux Cerfs.

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise pay separately for transport around the lagoon, food, and drinks. A boat with plenty of sitting space also makes this more comfortable than trying to string together several small activities on your own.

The price is less attractive if your only goal is serious snorkeling or a quiet sailing lesson. The snorkeling site depends on sea conditions, the waterfall stop is short, and the music can be loud. You are paying for the complete social day, not one highly focused activity.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later add useful flexibility. Hotel pickup is not included, so include your transport to Trou d’Eau Douce in your budget and plans.

Who will enjoy this catamaran day

I would recommend this outing to couples, families, and groups who want a full day with a friendly social feel. It works especially well if you like a little music, swimming, sunshine, and an uncomplicated lunch rather than a formal guided tour.

It is also a good choice for first-time visitors to Mauritius who want to see several east coast highlights in one outing. The crew handles the boat, meal, equipment, and general flow, leaving you free to enjoy the water.

You may want another type of excursion if you are pregnant, have mobility limitations, or want a very quiet boat. Dedicated snorkelers may prefer a trip built around better-protected reefs. People hoping to spend half a day exploring Ile aux Cerfs should also note that the island visit is limited.

Practical details worth knowing

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. The sun deck is a major part of the day, and shade may be limited depending on where you sit.

English and French are spoken. The meeting point is the Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs jetty, next to the Mauritius flag in Trou d’Eau Douce.

Tell the operator ahead of time if you need a vegetarian or gluten-free meal. Drinks are included, but optional activities on Ile aux Cerfs are not, so extra cash is sensible.

The experience has an overall rating of 4.6 from 438 ratings, with especially strong praise for the crew, food, atmosphere, and generous drinks service. The most consistent cautions are the short waterfall stop, variable snorkeling, limited island time, and party-leaning music.

Should you book this cruise?

Book it if you want an easy, good-value day that brings together Mauritius’ east coast water, GRSE waterfalls, snorkeling, barbecue lunch, and Ile aux Cerfs. The crew’s hospitality is the clearest strength, and the roomy catamaran gives you more freedom than a cramped boat ride.

Skip it if you want silence, serious reef snorkeling, or a long unhurried stay on the island. For most people seeking a sociable day on the lagoon, though, the $65 package is hard to fault. Bring sunscreen, keep some cash for island extras, and think of the waterfall and snorkeling as pleasant additions to a day whose real pleasure is sailing, eating, swimming, and relaxing.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The cruise starts at Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs in Trou d’Eau Douce. The meeting point is at the jetty next to the Mauritius flag.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You need to arrange your own transport to Trou d’Eau Douce.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts six hours. The schedule includes sailing, the GRSE waterfalls, snorkeling, lunch, time on Ile aux Cerfs, and the return trip.

What food is included?

The onboard barbecue includes fish, chicken skewers, salads, garlic bread, pasta, rice, and fresh pineapple.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and wine.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the price.

Can I request a special meal?

Yes. Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available on request. Ask for one in advance.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is the cruise available in English?

Yes. The live guide service is offered in English and French.