Private Catamaran Charter to Ile aux Cerfs

Mauritius looks best from the water. This private cruise pairs a 45-foot catamaran with calm lagoon sailing, snorkeling, dolphin watching, and a long stop at Ile aux Cerfs. I like the freedom of having the boat reserved for your own group, and I like that the crew can make the day feel relaxed rather than tightly scheduled. The main catch is that food and drinks cost extra, so the advertised price is not the full cost if you want lunch and refreshments arranged on board.

The trip is especially appealing for families and larger groups. The catamaran can take up to 31 people, and the crew has earned praise for being friendly, attentive, and good with small children. I would also keep expectations sensible: dolphins are possible, not promised, and snorkeling conditions depend on the sea that day.

Key details to know before you book

• A full private boat for up to 31 people: The $1,354 group price can offer good value when divided among a large family or group of friends.
• A 45-foot catamaran: You have room to spread out, sit in the sun, or find shade while sailing between stops.
• Ile aux Cerfs is the main prize: You get time to walk the beach and enjoy one of Mauritius’s best-known island settings.
• Lunch is optional and extra: A BBQ can be prepared by the crew, but food and drinks are not part of the base price.
• Snorkeling gear is supplied: You only need to bring your swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and comfortable shoes.
• The day lasts seven hours: That gives you time for sailing, swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and the island visit without rushing every stop.

Why a private catamaran makes sense here

A private charter changes the feel of a sea excursion. You are not simply joining a large boat for a fixed ride. The catamaran is reserved for your group, with a captain and crew on board, so the day suits people who want shared time with family or friends.

That privacy matters most when your party is large. At the full capacity of 31 people, $1,354 works out to about $44 per person before food, drinks, and any transfer. For a small party, the same price becomes much harder to justify. A group of four would be paying more than $338 per person, which is a premium for privacy and control.

The boat itself is 45 feet long, large enough to give you several ways to spend the day. You can sit together, stretch out in the sun, or simply watch the coast pass by. I like that the plan includes active time and quiet time. You can snorkel, look for dolphins, swim, or do absolutely nothing for a while.

The crew receives some of the strongest praise connected with this trip. Pascal and Scott are specifically remembered for creating a warm, easygoing atmosphere, while other bookings describe the hosts as funny, helpful, and willing to go out of their way for families. That is useful information if you are booking with children or with people who do not spend much time on boats.

Leaving Pointe Jerome for the open lagoon

Your day begins at the Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point. Before setting off, you receive a safety briefing, then sail toward the waters around Mahébourg.

This first section is part of the pleasure of the trip. The inner lagoon has calm, turquoise water, and a catamaran gives you a wide view from the deck. You are not confined to a small motorboat, and the pace allows you to settle into the day.

The meeting point is important to plan carefully. The standard experience does not include transportation, though a private transfer can be added for an extra charge. That transfer is limited to four passengers per vehicle, so a large group would need to check how many vehicles are required.

You should also arrive dressed for a full day in sun and salt water. Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, towel, and sunscreen are specifically recommended. Large bags and oversize luggage are not allowed, so bring only what you need for the boat and beach.

Snorkeling in calm turquoise water

Snorkeling is one of the more useful inclusions here because equipment is supplied. You do not need to rent a mask and snorkel separately or pack your own set.

The boat stops so you can swim and look for colorful reef fish in the lagoon. The calm water should suit people who want an easy introduction to snorkeling, though conditions can always change. If you are not a strong swimmer, ask the crew about the safest way to enter the water and stay close to the boat.

This stop works well for mixed groups. Confident swimmers can spend more time in the water, while others can remain on board and enjoy the view. I would not book this as a specialist snorkeling trip, however. The main appeal is the whole day on the sea, with snorkeling as one part of it rather than the sole focus.

Bring a towel and apply sunscreen before you board. Sun reflecting off the water can catch you quickly, even when the breeze makes the day feel cooler than it is.

Dolphin watching with realistic expectations

Dolphin watching is included as a chance, not a guarantee. The route gives you the possibility of seeing dolphins in their natural habitat, and one party reported seeing many during the sailing. That can become the day’s most exciting moment, but wildlife does not work on a timetable.

The best way to approach this part is to treat dolphins as a bonus. Keep your eyes on the water, listen to the crew, and enjoy the sailing even if no animals appear. This is more satisfying than treating the entire charter as a wildlife-search trip.

The open-water setting also gives you a better chance to watch the sea from several parts of the boat. A private group can usually react together when something appears, without worrying about keeping up with a large organized party. Still, the exact route and sightings can depend on weather, sea conditions, and luck.

BBQ lunch near Grand River South East

Lunch takes place around the Grand River South East portion of the route. A BBQ can be prepared by the friendly crew, but it is an optional extra rather than part of the listed charter price.

That distinction deserves attention when you compare costs. The base booking includes the catamaran, captain, and snorkeling gear. It does not include food or drinks. If you want the advertised BBQ lunch and beverages, confirm the supplement before paying so your group knows the actual total.

The food receives particularly warm praise. Several parties describe the BBQ as delicious, plentiful, and well served, with drinks also receiving positive comments. One Italian booking highlighted generous food and good drinks, while another party brought its own provisions and had them kept cool by the crew.

If you prefer to control the menu, ask in advance about bringing your own food and drinks. The available experience information confirms that this has worked for at least some groups, but the official arrangement is that catering is available at an additional rate. Either way, plan lunch before the boat leaves. A seven-hour outing is too long to leave your group hungry.

The meal is also a social part of the day. After swimming and snorkeling, sitting down together on the boat gives the outing a natural pause before the final island stop.

Arriving at Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the main destination, and you get time to visit rather than simply view it from the deck. Walk along the beach, enjoy the sand and water, or use the stop as a quiet break after the active part of the morning.

The island is a good fit for people who want a classic tropical setting without giving up the boat ride. You get both sides of Mauritius in one outing: the changing view from the sea and a chance to step onto an island.

Do not expect a long cultural program here. The appeal is simple: beach, water, sun, and time to wander. If you want museums, historic sites, or a guided look at local life, this is not that kind of excursion.

You should also keep the island stop in perspective. Ile aux Cerfs can be the most photogenic part of the day, but it is only one section of a seven-hour program. The charter is best chosen as a complete sea day, not as a private taxi to the beach.

Sailing back with time to relax

After the island visit, the catamaran returns to Pointe Jerome. The return sailing is your chance to slow down with a chilled drink, watch the water, and enjoy the last stretch of the route.

This is where the private format can feel most worthwhile. Everyone in your group can relax at the same pace. Families can talk, children can recover from swimming, and adults can enjoy the boat without having to follow a constant stream of instructions.

The crew’s friendly service is a major part of this final stretch. Good boat staff know when to help and when to leave people alone, and the strongest feedback points to a crew that keeps the mood upbeat without making the day feel forced.

The total duration is seven hours. That is long enough to feel like a proper day out, but it also means you should be comfortable in the sun for much of the time. If you prefer short excursions with little exposure to heat, this may feel demanding.

What the price really delivers

The listed price is $1,354 per private group of up to 31 people. It covers the charter, captain, and snorkeling equipment, with English and French available from the host or greeter.

For a large group, the arithmetic is attractive. At 20 people, the boat costs about $68 per person before extras. At 31 people, it drops to roughly $44 per person. That is a fair price for a private seven-hour boat day, especially when you value having your own space and captain.

For two, four, or six people, the calculation changes. You are paying for the whole vessel, not individual seats. A smaller group should compare this with a shared catamaran trip or another private outing before booking.

Remember the added costs:

• BBQ lunch
• Drinks
• Optional private transfer
• Any food you choose to arrange separately

The flexible cancellation terms help reduce the risk. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times depend on availability, so check the chosen date carefully.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this charter to families, birthday groups, reunions, and friends sharing a Mauritius holiday. It is also a strong choice for anyone who wants a private boat without having to organize a captain, route, snorkeling gear, and island visit independently.

Families with small children should find the private setting easier than a crowded shared boat. One family with young children praised the hosts for making the day especially enjoyable. The crew’s friendly approach can make a real difference when children need help, reassurance, or a change of pace.

Food-focused groups may also like the optional BBQ. If lunch and drinks are arranged ahead of time, the day becomes pleasantly self-contained.

I would be more cautious if you use a wheelchair or have a mobility impairment. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments, and the combination of boarding, swimming, snorkeling, and beach access may be difficult.

You should also skip oversize luggage. Bring a compact day bag only, with your towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and other essentials.

My verdict on the catamaran experience

The strongest reasons to book are the private 45-foot boat, the friendly crew, the calm lagoon sailing, and the chance to combine snorkeling, dolphin watching, BBQ lunch, and Ile aux Cerfs in one day. The positive feedback is remarkably consistent about service, food, boat quality, and the overall mood.

The main weakness is financial rather than scenic. The $1,354 price is excellent for a large group but expensive for a small one, and food, drinks, and transfers are extra. Dolphin sightings are also uncertain, so you should not buy this solely for wildlife.

Should you book it?

Book this private catamaran if you have a sizable group and want an easy, social day on the water with a captain, snorkeling gear, and Ile aux Cerfs included in the plan. It is particularly well suited to families with children and groups that care about privacy, good food, and friendly service.

Think twice if you are traveling alone or as a couple, need wheelchair access, or want a specialist snorkeling or wildlife tour. For everyone else, especially groups that can share the cost, this is a polished and flexible way to spend seven hours on the Mauritius coast.

FAQ

How long does the private catamaran trip last?

The experience lasts seven hours, including sailing, snorkeling, dolphin watching, lunch, the visit to Ile aux Cerfs, and the return to Pointe Jerome.

Where does the boat leave from?

The starting and ending point is the Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point.

Is the catamaran private?

Yes. The charter is for a private group, with a captain provided.

How many people can join the charter?

The advertised price covers a group of up to 31 people.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included in the charter.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the base price. A BBQ lunch and drinks can be arranged for an additional charge.

Can I see dolphins?

You may see dolphins during the sailing, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is a transfer from my hotel included?

No. A private transfer can be arranged at an additional cost. Each transfer vehicle holds a maximum of four passengers.

What languages are available?

The host or greeter speaks English and French.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, a towel, and sunscreen. Large bags and oversize luggage are not allowed.

Can I cancel the booking?

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