Mauritius: Ile aux cerfs, waterfalls and bbq Boat Day

Mauritius does island days very well. This trip combines Ile aux Cerfs, a GRSE waterfall stop, and a beach BBQ with drinks, all by speedboat from Trou D’Eau Douce. I like the clear rhythm: morning beach time, an afternoon waterfall visit, then grilled food before the ride back. The main consideration is timing. Though sold as a one-day activity, the schedule runs roughly from 9:30 am to 3:30 or 3:30 pm, so you get a busy half-day rather than a full sunrise-to-sunset outing.

I also like that the price, $64 per person, covers more than a simple boat transfer. You get return speedboat travel, the waterfall stop, monkey feeding, lunch, and a useful range of drinks. The drawback is that snorkeling equipment and towels are not included, so you need to plan around those extras.

Key things to know before you go

• Ile aux Cerfs comes first: You have time to relax on the island until 12:30 pm, with a walk toward Margenie Island possible.
• The speedboat makes the day lively: Transport between the stops is part of the experience, not just a way to get from one place to another.
• GRSE waterfall includes monkey viewing: The stop adds wildlife to a day otherwise focused on sea, sand, and sun.
• BBQ lunch includes drinks: Fish, chicken, potatoes, salad, garlic bread, pineapple, soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and rhum are included.
• The timetable is compact: Departure is at 9:30 am, with the return planned for around 3:00 to 3:30 pm.
• The value is strong: A verified booking from Nico in Germany rated the price and quality as excellent, and the overall score is 4.8 from three reviews.

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

Your day begins at Trou D’Eau Douce, with departure scheduled for 9:30 am. This timing gives you a useful morning on the water without forcing you into a very early start.

The speedboat takes you toward Ile aux Cerfs, one of the best-known beach stops around Mauritius. The boat ride matters here. It gives the outing some movement and energy, instead of making the day feel like a simple beach transfer.

You should arrive ready for sun, salt water, and open-air time. Bring sun protection, swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes if you dislike sitting in damp clothing later. Towels are not included, and snorkeling gear is also excluded, so you should bring your own equipment if snorkeling matters to you.

The available information does not give a group size, boat capacity, or exact meeting instructions beyond Trou D’Eau Douce. I would confirm the precise pickup point and boat details before setting out, especially if you are staying away from the departure area.

Morning free time on Ile aux Cerfs

The first major stop gives you until 12:30 pm on Ile aux Cerfs. That is enough time to settle into the beach setting, swim, sunbathe, or simply do very little, which is often the point of an island outing.

You can also walk toward Margenie Island during this free period. The chance to move around is useful because it keeps the visit from being limited to one patch of sand. Still, the schedule is fixed, so keep an eye on the time and return to the same place where the skipper dropped you off.

That pickup detail is important. You are expected to meet the boat at the original drop-off point at 12:30 pm. Do not wander off without checking your route back. Missing the boat would turn a relaxed morning into an avoidable problem.

I like this part of the plan because it gives you control. You are not being marched from one photo stop to another. You can choose a quiet beach break or use the time for a walk. The tradeoff is that the activity does not list guided beach activities, snorkeling, or organized watersports. If you want a packed menu of things to do, this may feel simple.

GRSE waterfall and the monkey stop

After Ile aux Cerfs, the speedboat continues to the GRSE waterfall. The stop changes the mood of the day. Instead of more sand and sea, you get a short nature visit with the chance to see monkeys being fed.

The waterfall and monkey viewing are among the most distinctive parts of the trip. Many island boat days stay entirely on the coast. This one gives you a second setting, which makes the outing feel more varied for the price.

You should keep your expectations sensible. The information provided does not state how long the waterfall visit lasts, how close the boat gets, or whether you walk far from the landing point. Treat it as a planned sightseeing stop rather than a long forest hike.

The monkeys are a highlight, but feeding wild animals can be a sensitive matter. Follow the skipper’s instructions and keep your distance where requested. You will get more from the stop by watching calmly than by treating it as a staged animal encounter.

A beach BBQ with fish, chicken, and rum

After the waterfall, you go to lunch. The meal is grilled and served on the beach, giving the middle of the day a social, easygoing feel.

The menu includes fish, chicken, potatoes, salad, bread with garlic butter, and pineapple. That is a practical spread with enough variety for different tastes, though the information does not specify vegetarian alternatives or special-diet options. If you have dietary restrictions, ask before booking or at the meeting point.

Drinks are included. You can expect soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and rhum. Super alcoholic drinks are not included, so do not assume every bar-style beverage comes with the package. The included selection is still unusually helpful for a $64 excursion, since you are not left paying separately for every bottle or glass during lunch.

I see the BBQ as one of the strongest value points. A boat trip with several stops can become expensive once food and drinks are added. Here, lunch is part of the plan, so you can focus on the day rather than watching every small purchase.

The beach setting also gives you another chance to relax after the waterfall. The schedule allows additional free time before the speedboat collects you for the return ride. Exact lunch and pickup times are not provided, so stay near the group and listen for instructions.

The return boat around 3:00 to 3:30 pm

The speedboat picks you up after lunch for the return to Trou D’Eau Douce, with arrival planned around 3:00 to 3:30 pm. This makes the outing a compact option for you if you want an island experience without giving up the entire day.

The timing also leaves room for an evening meal or another activity. At the same time, do not book something that requires a precise early-afternoon arrival. Boat schedules can be affected by conditions, and the stated return window covers about half an hour.

The trip is described as departing every day, which is useful if your Mauritius schedule is tight. Availability and starting times should still be checked for your chosen date.

Is $64 a fair price?

At $64 per person, I consider this a good-value package if you want several basics handled at once. The fare includes the return speedboat, Ile aux Cerfs access by boat, the GRSE waterfall visit, monkey feeding, a grilled lunch, and a broad list of drinks.

You are paying for variety as much as transport. A beach stop alone might feel too limited, while a waterfall stop alone would not give you the classic Mauritius island day. Combining both helps the price make sense.

The package is less attractive if your main goal is snorkeling. Snorkeling and gear are not included, and the itinerary does not promise a snorkeling stop. You might bring your own equipment, but you should not assume there will be a dedicated snorkeling session.

The score of 4.8 from three reviews is encouraging, though the sample is small. One verified booking, from Nico of Germany on August 28, 2025, gave a simple but useful verdict: the price and quality were excellent. That matches the practical strength of this tour, namely a lot of included food, drink, and transport for one set price.

Who will enjoy this Mauritius boat day?

I would recommend it to you if you want a straightforward introduction to Mauritius by water. It suits couples, families, and small groups who like a mix of beach time, sightseeing, wildlife, and a casual meal.

It is also a sensible choice if you value included food and drinks. You do not need to build your own lunch plan, and the menu offers familiar options alongside local island scenery.

You may want another activity if you need a slow, quiet day with no fixed timetable. The boat leaves at a set time, the Ile aux Cerfs pickup is fixed at 12:30 pm, and the return is scheduled for mid-afternoon.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. You should also be comfortable boarding and leaving a speedboat, since the whole outing depends on boat transport. The supplied information does not describe transfer assistance or accessibility arrangements.

Practical advice for making the most of it

Arrive prepared for a long period outdoors. Pack sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, and water-friendly clothing. Water is included with lunch, but your own bottle may still be useful during the morning.

If you want to snorkel, bring your own gear or arrange it separately. Do not count on equipment being supplied.

Keep your belongings secure and close during beach time and boat transfers. Most important, remember the 12:30 pm return meeting point on Ile aux Cerfs. The skipper drops you there, and that is where you meet the boat again.

Finally, leave some flexibility around the 3:00 to 3:30 pm return. The published schedule gives you a clear target, but water-based activities are not ideal for tight onward plans.

Should you book this Ile aux Cerfs tour?

I would book this excursion if you want a good-value combination of island beach time, a waterfall, monkeys, and a BBQ without arranging several separate activities. The included drinks and lunch make the $64 price especially reasonable.

I would skip it if you want a full-day beach stay, a serious snorkeling trip, or a wheelchair-accessible experience. For most able-bodied visitors seeking a lively and well-rounded Mauritius outing, the compact schedule and strong inclusions make this a practical choice.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip depart from?

The trip departs every day at 9:30 am from Trou D’Eau Douce in Mauritius.

How long does the activity last?

The planned schedule runs from 9:30 am until approximately 3:00 or 3:30 pm, although it is listed as a one-day activity.

How long do I have on Ile aux Cerfs?

You can stay on Ile aux Cerfs until 12:30 pm before meeting the boat at the same place where the skipper dropped you off.

Can I walk toward Margenie Island?

Yes. During your free time on Ile aux Cerfs, you can take a walk toward Margenie Island.

Is the waterfall included?

Yes. The trip includes a visit to the GRSE waterfall.

Can I see monkeys?

Yes. Monkey viewing and feeding are included during the waterfall visit.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The included BBQ lunch features fish, chicken, potatoes, salad, garlic bread, and pineapple.

Which drinks are included?

Soft drinks, juice, water, beers, wine, and rhum are included. Super alcoholic drinks are not included.

Is snorkeling included?

No. Snorkeling and snorkeling equipment are not included.

Are towels provided?

No. You need to bring your own towel.

Is the activity wheelchair accessible?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.