Mauritius: Ile aux Cerfs Boat Tour with BBQ Lunch and Drinks

Mauritius saves its best water views for boat days. This 330-minute trip combines a fast ride from Trou D’Eau Douce, the Grand River South East Waterfall, a beachside BBQ, and time to swim at Ile aux Cerfs. I especially like the small-group limit of 14 people and the generous drink service, which includes beer, wine, juice, water, soft drinks, and local rum. The main caution is organization: boat assignments and return transfers may not run as neatly as the published schedule suggests.

The BBQ lunch on Ilot Margenie is the social heart of the outing, served in a beautiful setting with vegetarian and halal food available. I also like that hotel pickup can be added from many parts of Mauritius, though you should confirm that you are booked for a speedboat, not a catamaran, and allow extra time for the ride home.

Key points to know before you book

• The waterfall comes first: You reach Grand River South East Waterfall by boat and may spot monkeys in the trees along the riverbanks.
• Lunch is on Ilot Margenie: Expect a three-course BBQ meal with local drinks served on or near the beach.
• Ile aux Cerfs is the main beach stop: You get about two and a half hours for swimming, relaxing, shopping at the arts and crafts market, or paying for water sports.
• The boat is limited to 14 people: That is a more personal setup than a large cruise boat, although the ride may still feel crowded at busy times.
• The price is about $56 per person: With transport, the speedboat, lunch, drinks, and the waterfall stop included, this is a solid value for a beach day.
• Timing can be loose: A scheduled midday pickup has arrived 40 minutes late, and return transfers may also require patience.

Setting out from Trou D’Eau Douce

The tour begins across from Green Island Restaurant on the beach at Trou D’Eau Douce, on Mauritius’s east coast. If you select hotel pickup, your driver should meet you at the reception desk or outside your accommodation. Pickup is offered across several districts, including Moka, Rivière Noire, Flacq, Grand Port, Rivière du Rempart, Plaines Wilhems, Port Louis, Savanne, and Pamplemousses.

That broad pickup area is useful if you are staying away from the east coast, but it also makes the morning harder to predict. A long transfer can eat into your beach time, so check the pickup hour carefully and keep your phone available. If you make your own way there, the beach meeting point near Green Island Restaurant is the simpler option.

You meet the crew, board the speedboat, and head out across the water. The speedboat is part of the appeal, not just a way to get from one stop to the next. You feel the wind, see the coastline from a low position on the water, and get a much more open view than you would from a road transfer.

Bring sunglasses and a hat that fits well. A towel, change of clothes, sunscreen, swimwear, and a camera are also useful. Comfortable shoes matter for getting on and off the boat and walking around the islands.

Grand River South East Waterfall by boat

The first major stop is Grand River South East Waterfall, also called Cascade Diamamouve. The boat travels into the river through wooded valleys, then gets close to the falls for a photo stop and sightseeing.

This is a pleasant change from the open sea. Instead of white sand and bright water, you get shaded riverbanks, rocky slopes, and the sound of falling water. The trip specifically offers a chance to spot monkeys among the trees along the banks. They are not guaranteed, so keep your camera ready but do not expect a wildlife safari.

The waterfall stop lasts about 30 minutes. That is enough for photos and a good look at the falls, but not a long nature walk. You remain part of a boat excursion, so this is a scenic pause rather than a private river adventure.

I would set your expectations correctly here. At busy times, the waterfall visit can feel like a quick group operation, with several boats trying to give people a clear view. The scenery is attractive, but the stop may feel less peaceful than the setting suggests. Sit where you can see ahead on the approach, and have your camera ready before the boat reaches the falls.

Ilot Margenie and the beach BBQ

After the waterfall, the boat heads to Ilot Margenie, a smaller island used for lunch. This is where the tour earns much of its value. You are not simply handed a snack in a marina. You sit down for a proper three-course BBQ meal in a beach setting, with the sea close by.

The food has received some of the strongest praise connected with this outing. It is described as very good, and the setting adds plenty to the meal. The menu is suitable for halal diners, and vegetarian food is available if requested in advance. Do not wait until the morning of the trip to mention a dietary need.

The included drinks are another real benefit. You can have soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum. That means you do not need to buy every drink separately at the island, and it makes the $56 price easier to justify. Drink responsibly, of course, since you still have boat travel and swimming ahead.

The lunch period is listed as about one hour. That can feel short if the meal service is busy, especially if you want time to take photos or walk along the beach. It is best to focus on eating first, then use Ile aux Cerfs for your longer beach break.

One practical note: the names can be confusing. The lunch stop is Ilot Margenie, while the main beach visit is Ile aux Cerfs. Confirm the sequence with the crew when you board, especially if the boat transfer seems unclear.

Two and a half hours on Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the headline stop. As the boat approaches, you see palm trees, white sand, and clear turquoise water around the island. The setting is made for a swim, and you get about two and a half hours here, far more time than at the waterfall.

You can spend the visit in several ways:

• Swim in the lagoon.
• Relax on the white sandy beach.
• Browse the arts and crafts market.
• Pay separately for activities such as parasailing and tube riding.

The lagoon is the main reason to come. If you want a simple beach break, find a comfortable place, put on sunscreen, and get into the water. The clear shallows are also a good choice if you prefer an easy swim rather than a strenuous water activity.

The island can feel busy, particularly when several boats arrive. That is the tradeoff for visiting one of Mauritius’s best-known beach spots. You get lovely water and a long free period, but not a deserted island experience. If your ideal day means total quiet, this may disappoint. If you want scenery, swimming, and a choice of paid activities, it works well.

Parasailing and tube riding are not included in the tour price. Treat the $56 as the cost of the boat outing, meal, drinks, and island access. Bring extra money only if you want to add a water sport or buy something at the arts and crafts market.

Speedboat or catamaran: confirm before departure

The experience is sold as a speedboat tour, and that matters. A speedboat gives you a faster, lower ride and a more direct feel on the water. A catamaran is a different type of outing, with a larger deck and a slower sailing style.

There has been confusion when people who paid for the speedboat were directed toward a catamaran. I would confirm the boat type at pickup, before boarding. If the crew gives different instructions from your booking, ask clearly where the speedboat is and which group you belong to.

The small-group limit is up to 14 participants, but that does not guarantee an empty boat. One account describes the boat as too full, and the waterfall stop as rushed and crowded. The best way to improve your ride is to arrive on time and ask the crew about seating before the boat leaves.

Also keep your belongings secure. A waterproof pouch for your phone, cash, and room key is sensible, since swimming and boat spray are both part of the day.

How much value do you get for $56?

At about $56 per person, this is a good-value Mauritius excursion if you want several major east-coast experiences in one booking. The package includes the speedboat, waterfall visit, BBQ lunch, drinks, and Ile aux Cerfs. Add hotel transport if you need it, but check whether your selected option includes pickup and drop-off.

Buying all those pieces separately could take more planning and may cost more once transport, lunch, and drinks are added. The included alcohol is especially useful for anyone who wants a relaxed lunch without keeping track of a long drinks bill.

The value is less clear if you want a quiet, private boat or a flexible schedule. The tour follows a set route, the waterfall stop is brief, and the island may be busy. You are paying for convenience and variety, not solitude.

The 330-minute duration works out to five and a half hours. That is a substantial outing, but it is not an unlimited full-day beach stay. Pickup and return travel can make the total day longer, particularly if you are staying far from Trou D’Eau Douce.

Timing problems to plan around

The published schedule gives you a useful outline: waterfall, lunch, Ile aux Cerfs, then a return to Trou D’Eau Douce. In practice, I would leave room for delays.

A midday pickup for lunch has arrived at 12:40 instead of the agreed 12:00 time. A return transfer has also taken 40 minutes to appear. That can be frustrating after a day in the sun, especially if you have dinner plans or an evening flight.

The boat portion may also feel confusing if staff are managing more than one vessel. Ask for the exact meeting point, boat type, and return plan at the start. If you have hotel pickup, confirm whether the same vehicle will collect you or whether you need to meet the driver at a particular location.

Poor weather can cancel the trip. In that case, you are offered another date or a full refund. The activity allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which is useful when your Mauritius plans are still shifting.

Who will enjoy this Mauritius boat trip?

I would recommend this tour to you if you want a straightforward mix of scenery, food, swimming, and a little speed. Families with older children, couples, first-time visitors to Mauritius, and anyone staying outside the east coast may find the combination convenient.

It is also a good match for anyone who likes a social day. The lunch and shared boat ride create a friendly group setting, while the two and a half hours at Ile aux Cerfs give you room to choose your own pace.

I would be more cautious if you are pregnant, since the tour is not suitable for pregnant women. You may also want another option if you dislike fast boat rides, crowded stops, loose timing, or paid add-ons.

Pack light, but bring the essentials: swimwear, towel, dry clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, water, comfortable shoes, and a camera. Request vegetarian food before the trip, and confirm the boat type when you arrive.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want good value and variety in a single east-coast outing. The waterfall, beach BBQ, included drinks, and long swim stop at Ile aux Cerfs make a strong package for the price.

Skip it if your priority is a quiet, perfectly timed day or a private island setting. The food and drinks are the safest reasons to choose it, while boat confusion and transfer delays are the main risks. With realistic expectations, a little patience, and a clear confirmation that you are boarding the speedboat, this is a worthwhile way to see several of Mauritius’s best-known coastal sights.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour meet?

The meeting point is across from Green Island Restaurant on the beach at Trou D’Eau Douce.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available if you choose that option. The driver meets you at your hotel reception or outside your accommodation.

How long does the activity last?

The tour lasts 330 minutes, which is five and a half hours. Check availability for the starting time.

What food and drinks are included?

The tour includes a BBQ lunch on Ilot Margenie and drinks including soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum. The food is halal, and vegetarian options are available upon request.

Are water sports included?

No. Parasailing and tube riding at Ile aux Cerfs are optional activities and are not included in the tour price.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live tour is offered in English and French.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.