Mauritius: Ile Aux Cerfs Catamaran Cruise with Lunch

Sun, sea, and a barbecue make a fine day out. This seven-hour catamaran cruise from Trou d’Eau Douce gives you a relaxed way to see Mauritius’s east coast, with stops at Grand River South East Waterfalls and Ile aux Cerfs. I especially like the scenic sailing and the included three-course lunch with drinks. I also like that the day combines swimming, island time, and sightseeing instead of focusing on just one stop. The main caution is that the snorkeling and swimming can depend heavily on wind, tide, and sea conditions.

The price is $64 per person, which is fair for a full day on the water with lunch, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, and the catamaran trip included. Still, you should not book this expecting a quiet private cruise or unlimited time on Ile aux Cerfs. The schedule can change, and one recent outing included little snorkeling, a very short waterfall stop, and a long pause connected with optional water activities.

Key points at a glance

• Start at Trou d’Eau Douce: The cruise leaves from this east-coast village, a natural gateway to the day’s coastal sights.
• See Grand River South East Waterfalls: The catamaran visits the falls, although the stop may be brief and the order can change with tide and water depth.
• Lunch is included on board: Expect barbecue chicken, fish, sausage, green salad, dessert, water, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks.
• Ile aux Cerfs is the main beach stop: You get time to walk, swim, snorkel, and relax on the island, but the available time may be limited.
• Snorkeling gear is not included: Bring your own equipment or confirm local arrangements before setting out.
• Weather matters: Rough seas can lead to a new date or a full refund if another suitable date cannot be arranged.

Setting out from Trou d’Eau Douce

The day begins in Trou d’Eau Douce, a village on the east coast of Mauritius. From here, the catamaran heads along the coast toward Ile aux Cerfs, with open views of the sea and distant mountains.

I like this start because the boat ride is not simply transport between two points. The sailing itself is part of the experience. You get sea air, broad views, and time to settle into the slower rhythm of a day on the water. If your Mauritius plans have been heavy on sightseeing by road, this offers a welcome change of pace.

The catamaran is guided in English and French. The crew is described as friendly and attentive, and the strongest praise for the outing centers on the good atmosphere and helpful service. Carol called it an excellent day with an attentive team, while Patrick gave the crew a clear thumbs-up after his trip. Those comments fit the kind of day this is: social, easygoing, and built around shared enjoyment rather than formal sightseeing.

You should also set realistic expectations about the boat. One particularly critical account described a vessel needing repairs and not having enough shaded space for everyone. That may not describe every departure, but it is useful advice. If you need dependable shade, choose your seat early, bring sunscreen, and carry a light cover-up. Open-deck catamarans are wonderful in good weather, but the sun is part of the deal.

Sailing along Mauritius’s east coast

The east coast is one of the best parts of the trip because you see Mauritius from a different angle. From the water, the coast is framed by mountains, open ocean, and changing light. The boat moves at a pace that gives you time to look around instead of rushing from one photo stop to the next.

This is a good cruise for people who want scenery without a packed sightseeing program. You are not spending the day inside a bus or moving between many inland attractions. Instead, the focus stays on the coast, the sea, and a few carefully chosen stops.

The schedule is not fixed down to the minute. The order of the waterfall, swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and island time may change according to tide and water depth. That flexibility is practical, since shallow water and changing coastal conditions affect where the boat can safely go.

The trade-off is that you may not receive the exact sequence suggested in the promotional description. I would treat the route as a broad plan rather than a strict timetable. If you are happiest when every stop happens exactly as advertised, this may feel loose. If you can accept a little adjustment, it is a more sensible way to handle a day at sea.

Grand River South East Waterfalls

Grand River South East Waterfalls is one of the signature sights on this side of Mauritius. The falls drop through a natural setting before reaching the river, and the catamaran offers a water-level view that is different from a roadside lookout.

The approach is often a photographic highlight. You can take in the falling water, the surrounding rock, and the green vegetation from the boat. The setting feels more impressive when the catamaran moves close enough for you to sense the spray and hear the water.

Keep your expectations measured, though. On at least one reported outing, the stop at the waterfall lasted only about three minutes. That is enough for a quick look and a few photographs, but not enough for a long pause or a proper walk around the area. If the falls are your main reason for booking, ask about the expected stop length before you go.

The crew may also adjust the route around tide and water depth. A short stop does not necessarily mean the falls have been omitted, but you should not assume this will be a long shore excursion. It is best understood as one scenic chapter in a wider day, not the central attraction.

Swimming and snorkeling near Ile aux Cerfs

The water around Ile aux Cerfs is a major draw. The cruise includes time for swimming and snorkeling, and the island’s coast gives you a chance to get out of the boat and enjoy the sea at a slower pace.

Snorkeling equipment is not included, so bring your own if you have it. This is one of the most useful things to know before booking. Without your own mask and snorkel, you may need to rely on local arrangements, and the information provided does not guarantee that equipment will be available.

Sea conditions can change the experience. One guest reported that there was no snorkeling and that the swimming area felt too windy and unsafe. That criticism is important because it shows the difference between the planned activity and what the sea may allow on the day.

I would not book this cruise solely for snorkeling. Book it for the complete mix of sailing, beach time, lunch, and scenery, with snorkeling as a welcome extra when conditions permit. If the water is calm, the chance to see marine life around Ile aux Cerfs can be a lovely part of the day. If wind or rough water makes it unsuitable, the crew may need to shorten or skip it.

Safety should take priority over checking every box on the schedule. The operator states that rough seas or adverse weather, apart from ordinary rain, can lead to rescheduling. You receive an alternative date, and if no suitable date can be arranged, a full refund is offered.

Ile aux Cerfs: beautiful, but not deserted

Ile aux Cerfs has the soft sand and clear water that make it one of Mauritius’s best-known island stops. Once you leave the catamaran, you can relax on the beach, swim, take photographs, and explore at an easy pace.

I like the contrast between the moving boat and the stillness of the island. After several hours at sea, stepping onto solid ground gives you time to stretch, dry off, and enjoy the beach without a timetable pressing at every moment.

But this is not a private island escape. One recent account described the island as less idyllic than expected, and another said only about an hour and a half was available there. That is a fair warning. Ile aux Cerfs is popular, and the experience may feel more developed and active than the word island paradise suggests.

The stop is best for a taste of the island rather than a full beach day. If you want several quiet hours on the sand, you may find the time too short. If you want to include Ile aux Cerfs in a wider east-coast outing, the visit gives you enough time to enjoy the setting and cool off in the water.

Pay attention to the day’s order. The island may come before or after the waterfall and water activities. Tide and water depth can affect the route, so it is wise to keep your towel, spare clothes, and beach items easy to reach.

Barbecue lunch and drinks on the catamaran

Lunch is one of the strongest practical advantages of this cruise. The included meal is served on board and consists of barbecue chicken, fish, and sausage, along with green salad and dessert.

Drinks include water, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks. That makes the $64 price easier to justify, since you are not paying separately for the main meal or basic refreshments during a seven-hour outing.

The food appears to be part of the social atmosphere rather than a formal restaurant meal. You eat with the sea around you, and the crew handles the service while the boat continues the day’s program. Eve specifically praised the lunch and the atmosphere, and those are reasonable highlights for anyone who enjoys a relaxed group meal.

The availability of alcoholic drinks also shapes the mood. Some people will appreciate a cold drink after swimming, while others may prefer a quieter boat. One critical account felt that a long pause for optional activities was softened by free alcohol. I would keep that in mind if you are looking for a tightly timed sightseeing day. The cruise may lean toward a festive, social style.

If you have dietary needs, the supplied information does not specify alternative menus. You can contact the operator before booking if food is important to your plans.

The long pause and optional activities

The biggest itinerary concern is a possible extended stop connected with optional activities such as parasailing and a towable buoy ride. These activities are not listed as included parts of the cruise, and the supplied information does not say that you must pay for them.

One account described a very long wait while a partner promoted those activities. That could be frustrating if you have paid for a catamaran cruise mainly to see the island and waterfall. It also helps explain why the actual island and waterfall time may feel shorter than expected.

You should ask the crew how much free time is planned and whether the optional activities affect the group schedule. If you want to join them, confirm the price and conditions directly before agreeing. If you do not want to participate, bring a book, enjoy the boat views, or use the pause to rest, but be prepared for the day to move at a leisurely pace.

This is a key difference between a transport-focused excursion and a social cruise. The boat is not simply delivering you to Ile aux Cerfs and collecting you later. The crew may build in time for a range of activities, and that can be fun for some people and wasted time for others.

What the $64 price really buys you

At $64 per person, the cruise offers solid value if you want a full day on the water. The price includes the catamaran, the waterfall visit, Ile aux Cerfs, swimming, snorkeling when conditions allow, lunch, and a useful range of drinks.

A comparable day arranged through separate bookings could require you to pay for transport, boat access, food, and refreshments one by one. Here, the main expenses are combined, which makes budgeting simple.

The value drops if your priority is one specific feature. Snorkeling is not guaranteed, the waterfall stop may be short, and island time may be limited. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included either, though they may be arranged separately for an additional charge.

For the best value, think of this as a social full-day coastal experience. You are paying for the overall rhythm of the day, not a long guided tour of Ile aux Cerfs or a dedicated snorkeling charter.

The booking terms are helpful for a flexible holiday. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. These policies matter in Mauritius, where sea conditions can change outdoor plans.

Who will enjoy this catamaran day?

I would recommend this trip to you if you:

• Want a relaxed day at sea rather than a tightly packed sightseeing schedule
• Enjoy shared lunches and a friendly group atmosphere
• Want to combine coastal scenery, a waterfall, swimming, and beach time
• Like having food and drinks included in one price
• Can accept changes caused by tide, water depth, and weather
• Are comfortable boarding and moving around a catamaran

Families with older children may enjoy the mix of activities, though the supplied information does not specify a minimum age. Couples and groups of friends may like the easygoing atmosphere, especially if they want a day with both sightseeing and time to relax.

This is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users. The trip involves a boat, beach access, swimming, and movement between activities, so anyone with concerns should check directly before booking.

What to bring for a better day

Pack for the boat, not just the beach. You should bring:

• Beachwear
• A towel
• Sunscreen
• A change of clothes
• Your own snorkeling equipment if you want the best chance of using it
• Extra sun protection if you are sensitive to strong light

The change of clothes is especially useful after swimming. Keep important items protected from spray, and avoid bringing anything you would worry about getting wet.

Shade may be limited on parts of the catamaran, so sunscreen is not optional. Reapply it after swimming and during the sailing portion, when the breeze can make the sun feel less intense than it is.

Final verdict: book it for the whole day, not one stop

I would book the Mauritius Ile aux Cerfs Catamaran Cruise if I wanted an affordable, social day that combines sailing, lunch, a waterfall, and beach time. The crew atmosphere, included barbecue, and wide mix of activities give it strong appeal, and the 4.5 rating from 11 ratings reflects that many people have had a very good day.

I would not book it if my main goal were long, reliable snorkeling, a quiet private boat, or several hours on an uncrowded island. The sea may cancel the water activities, the waterfall stop may be brief, and a long pause for optional rides can reduce time at the main sights.

The smart approach is to bring your own snorkeling gear, expect the itinerary to shift, and ask about island time and optional activities before departure. With those expectations in place, this is a good-value way to experience Mauritius from the water.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The cruise starts in Trou d’Eau Douce on the east coast of Mauritius.

How long does the experience last?

The catamaran trip lasts about seven hours.

What is included in the lunch?

The three-course lunch includes barbecue chicken, fish, sausage, green salad, dessert, water, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Swimming and snorkeling are included as activities, but snorkeling equipment is not included.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, but they may be arranged separately for an additional cost.

Can the cruise be rescheduled because of bad weather?

Yes. Rough seas or adverse weather conditions, apart from ordinary rain, can lead to rescheduling. An alternative date is offered, and a full refund is available if no suitable date can be arranged.

Who is this activity not suitable for?

The cruise is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users.