Private Charter Full Day Cruise: Île aux Cerfs

Mauritius looks best from the water. This private catamaran day combines a 45-foot Island Hopper with a stop at Île aux Cerfs, free snorkel gear, and a short cruise up the Grand River to GRSE Waterfall. I like the freedom of having only your own group aboard, and I like the chance to see dolphins, monkeys, and giant bats without rushing from one crowded stop to another. The main drawback is that the advertised seven hours includes several activities, so the actual time for swimming or snorkeling may feel short.

The boat leaves from Pointe Jerome at 9:00 am and returns to the same spot. Food and drinks are not included in the base price, and the beach stop at Île aux Cerfs is listed as about one hour. If you want a long, lazy day in the water, ask about the schedule before booking.

Key things to know before booking

• Private use of a 45-foot catamaran: Your group has the Island Hopper to itself, with a maximum of 15 people.
• Île aux Cerfs is the main beach stop: You can swim, sunbathe, walk, or pay for an activity such as parasailing.
• GRSE Waterfall brings a different side of Mauritius: The boat cruises up the Grand River, where you might spot monkeys and giant bats in the trees.
• Snorkel equipment is supplied: Gear is available at no extra charge, though the exact amount of snorkeling time is not specified.
• Lunch costs extra: A standard barbecue lunch with drinks costs €35 per person, while the lobster barbecue option costs €74 per person.
• The price works best for a full group: The private charter costs $1,335.67 for up to 15 people, before optional meals and drinks.

Starting at Pointe Jerome at 9:00 am

The day begins at HPGF+496 Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point in Pointe d’Esny. You need to make your own way there because hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The activity ends back at this same meeting point, which keeps the day simple if you are arranging your own transport.

A 9:00 am start gives you a full morning and afternoon on the coast. Arrive with enough time to find the meeting point and organize anything you want to bring. Since the tour lasts about seven hours, you will want sun protection, swimwear, a towel, and a way to protect your phone from water. Those items are not listed as provided, so plan to bring your own.

The charter is private, not a shared boat trip. That matters more than it may first appear. You are not adjusting your day around strangers, and your group can enjoy the boat together. The maximum is 15 people, so the price is especially attractive for a family gathering, group of friends, or larger holiday party. For a group of 15, the base price works out to about $89 per person. For only two people, it becomes a much more expensive outing.

The operator is Catamaran Cruises Mauritius. Confirmation arrives within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The tour is near public transportation, and most people can participate, but the available information does not provide detailed accessibility notes. If anyone in your party has specific mobility needs, ask the operator before paying.

The Island Hopper gives the day a private feel

The Island Hopper is a 45-foot, or 14-meter, catamaran designed for day sailing. Its size gives you room to enjoy the outing as a group, while the private setup lets you settle into your own pace more easily than on a standard shared cruise.

The crew provides a safety briefing before the day gets underway. That small detail deserves attention. A clear briefing helps you understand how to move around the boat and makes it easier to relax once you are on the water. The available rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 21 ratings, with 100 percent recommending the experience. The strongest praise focuses on the crew’s friendly manner, safety briefing, and care in explaining the sights.

You should keep expectations sensible. This is a sightseeing cruise with beach and wildlife stops, not a dedicated sailing lesson or a specialist marine safari. Dolphins are possible, but not guaranteed. The same applies to monkeys and giant bats. Nature sets the timetable, not the captain.

The boat is also not an all-inclusive cruise. The base booking covers the private tour, but not food or drinks. Tea and coffee are available, while barbecue menus cost extra. That arrangement lets you control the cost, but you need to budget for it before the morning begins.

Île aux Cerfs: one hour on a famous beach island

The cruise stops at Île aux Cerfs, where you can leave the catamaran and spend time on the island. The planned stop is listed as one hour, and admission is included. You can relax in the sun, swim in clear water, take a walk, or choose an activity such as parasailing at your own additional cost.

I like this stop because it gives the day a proper land break. Seven hours on a boat can feel long if you never step ashore. Île aux Cerfs lets you stretch your legs, change the rhythm, and enjoy the beach rather than looking at it from the deck.

The limitation is time. One hour passes quickly if you want to swim, walk, take photos, and try parasailing. If your main goal is a slow beach day, this cruise may not give you enough time on the island. If you see Île aux Cerfs as one part of a varied day, the stop makes more sense.

The description uses the phrase paradise island, but I would treat that as promotional language rather than a promise of solitude. Île aux Cerfs is a well-known destination, and the appeal here is seeing it as part of a private boat outing. Your actual experience will depend on the conditions and how busy the island is when you arrive.

Ask the crew how the hour will be divided if you have a strong preference. A group that wants to swim should say so early. A group interested in parasailing should also confirm the time and cost before committing. The activity is mentioned as an option, but it is not included in the tour price.

Snorkeling from the catamaran

The cruise includes a snorkeling stop and free use of snorkel equipment. That is a useful saving, especially if you do not want to pack or rent your own gear for a single outing.

The exact snorkeling location and length of the stop are not specified. That is important when setting expectations. You are getting the chance to snorkel, but not a guaranteed long session at a particular reef. Sea conditions, timing, and the rest of the day’s route can affect how much time you spend in the water.

I would make snorkeling a priority if it is one of your main reasons for booking. Tell the crew at the start of the day that you want enough time to swim. The most useful practical criticism attached to this experience is that the swimming time could be longer. That does not make the tour poor, but it suggests the itinerary packs several sights into one day.

The provided equipment keeps the activity easy. You do not need to arrange a separate rental, and you can move from cruising to snorkeling without another booking. Still, bring your own mask if you have one that fits well. The tour supplies gear, but the data does not specify sizes, brands, or how much equipment is available.

GRSE Waterfall and the Grand River

The cruise then travels up the Grand River to GRSE Waterfall. This stop lasts about 20 minutes and is included in the admission price. It gives you a short look at Mauritius from the river rather than from the open coast.

The waterfall itself is only part of the attraction. Keep your eyes on the trees along both banks, where you might see monkeys, giant bats, and other wildlife. The chance to view animals in their natural setting adds variety to the day and makes this more than a beach-and-boat outing.

Twenty minutes is enough for a look and some photographs, but not for a long river visit. Wildlife sightings are never certain, so avoid treating the stop like a scheduled animal show. The captain can point out places of interest, but you will need to watch carefully and accept that some days bring better sightings than others.

This short river section may be especially appealing if your group includes people who want more than swimming. One person can enjoy the coast, another can look for wildlife, and everyone gets a change of scenery without leaving the private boat.

Dolphins, monkeys, and giant bats are possible extras

The cruise offers chances to see dolphins, monkeys on the shore, and giant bats in their natural habitat. These sightings are among the most distinctive parts of the day, but they should remain possibilities rather than guarantees.

Dolphins are associated with the open-water portion of the cruise. Monkeys and giant bats are connected with the river and shoreline trees, particularly around the Grand River route. Bring patience. You may see animals quickly, at a distance, or not at all.

That uncertainty is part of the appeal of a nature-focused cruise, but it is also why I would not book this solely for one animal sighting. Book it for the private boat, beach stop, snorkeling chance, and river cruise. Treat wildlife as a welcome bonus.

The crew’s role matters here. The strongest praise for the experience goes to the friendly staff, their safety briefing, and their explanations of the sights. A crew that helps you understand what you are looking at can turn a passing animal or waterfall into a more rewarding moment.

Lunch and drinks change the final price

Food and drinks are not included in the base charter. You can add a standard barbecue lunch and drinks for €35 per person, or choose a VIP barbecue with lobster and drinks for €74 per person. Tea and coffee are also available.

For a group of 15, the standard menu would add €525, while the lobster option would add €1,110. Those figures are in addition to the $1,335.67 charter price, so compare the total before booking. Currency conversion will also affect what you actually pay.

The standard barbecue is the sensible choice if you want a straightforward meal without pushing the price too high. The lobster menu is a splurge for a special occasion, but it may not suit a group trying to keep the outing affordable. The supplied information does not describe the full menu, serving time, or dietary options, so ask about those points in advance.

You can also ask whether your group may bring anything aboard, though no outside-food policy is provided here. Do not assume it is allowed. Since the tour lasts about seven hours, clarify the meal plan before the day begins.

How the $1,335.67 charter compares in value

The price is for the group, not each person, with up to 15 participants. That makes the value highly dependent on group size.

At 15 people, the base cost is about $89 per person. At 10 people, it is about $134 per person. At six people, it is about $223 per person. For two people, the cost is about $668 each before food, so the charter is difficult to justify unless privacy is your top priority.

The price buys a private day on a large catamaran, a stop at Île aux Cerfs, a river visit to GRSE Waterfall, use of snorkel gear, and the chance to see wildlife. It does not include transport to Pointe Jerome, meals, drinks, or optional activities such as parasailing.

I see the best value for groups that would otherwise need several separate bookings or that care about having the boat to themselves. A large family group can split the cost and enjoy a flexible shared day. A couple or small group should compare it with shared cruises before deciding.

The tour is booked on average 58 days ahead, which suggests you should not leave it until the last minute if your dates are fixed. Confirmation is subject to availability, so early planning is sensible.

Who will enjoy this seven-hour cruise

I would recommend this outing to you if you want several Mauritius experiences in one day: a private boat, a beach island, snorkeling, river scenery, and possible wildlife sightings.

It suits:

• Groups of friends who can share the private price
• Families who want their own boat space
• Special occasions where privacy matters
• People who enjoy a mix of swimming, sightseeing, and beach time
• Visitors who prefer a planned day rather than arranging several coastal activities themselves

I would think twice if you want a long snorkeling session, several hours on Île aux Cerfs, or a low-cost trip for one or two people. The schedule is broad rather than slow, and the one-hour island stop may feel brief.

The tour also suits people who value a calm, well-managed outing. The crew’s safety briefing and friendly service receive the strongest praise. That is useful for first-time catamaran passengers or anyone who wants help understanding the route without giving up private use of the boat.

Booking details and cancellation

You receive confirmation within 48 hours, subject to availability. The meeting point is Pointe Jerome in Pointe d’Esny at 9:00 am, and you return there at the end of the day.

The ticket is mobile, which keeps the check-in process simple. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so transport to and from Pointe Jerome is your responsibility.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not refunded, and changes within that same period are not accepted. Keep the local time in mind if you are arranging plans from another country.

Should you book the Island Hopper?

Book this private cruise if you have a group large enough to share the cost and want a varied day rather than a single beach stop. The private 45-foot catamaran, friendly crew, safety briefing, free snorkel gear, Île aux Cerfs visit, and GRSE Waterfall make a strong package.

The choice is less convincing for a small party or for anyone focused on long swims. The day includes several stops, and the swimming time may feel limited. Add the meal cost, optional activities, and transport to Pointe Jerome before judging the final price.

For a group of 10 to 15, I think the value is good. You get privacy, a full seven-hour schedule, and a useful mix of sea, river, beach, and wildlife. Just go in expecting chances rather than guarantees, and tell the crew early if snorkeling or swimming is your main goal.

FAQ

How long is the private Île aux Cerfs cruise?

The experience lasts approximately seven hours, beginning at 9:00 am and ending back at the Pointe Jerome meeting point.

Where does the cruise start?

It starts at HPGF+496 Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point in Pointe d’Esny, Mauritius.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own transport to and from Pointe Jerome.

How many people can join the private charter?

The charter is private for your group, with a maximum of 15 people.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkel equipment is available for free during the cruise.

How long is the stop at Île aux Cerfs?

The listed stop at Île aux Cerfs lasts about one hour. You can swim, sunbathe, walk, or choose an activity such as parasailing.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. A standard barbecue lunch with drinks costs an additional €35 per person. A VIP barbecue with lobster and drinks costs an additional €74 per person. Tea and coffee are also available.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time in the local time zone. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded.