Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise to Ile Aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch

The best part of this Mauritius catamaran cruise is the variety packed into six hours: a river waterfall, an open-water swim, a BBQ lunch, and a long stop on Ile aux Cerfs. You get a taste of several east-coast highlights without arranging separate boats, taxis, and meals.

I like the friendly crew and the generous drinks service, which includes beer, wine, juice, soft drinks, water, and local rum. I also like the easy mix of activity and downtime. You can snorkel and swim, then stretch out on the beach or browse the craft market. The main caution is that the day can feel crowded and rushed, especially at the waterfall and snorkeling stop.

Key points to know before booking

• The waterfall visit is short: Grand River South East Waterfall is reached by a small boat, and photo time can be limited when several boats arrive together.
• The BBQ is a real part of the value: Lunch is served onboard with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices, and all food is halal.
• The crew sets the mood: Expect lively Mauritian Sega music, regular drink service, and a social boat rather than a quiet sailing trip.
• Ile aux Cerfs gives you the longest island time: Plan on beach time, lagoon swimming, and a look around the local arts and crafts market.
• Self-driving takes planning: Parking near the Green Island Restaurant meeting point can be difficult, so arrive early or choose hotel pickup.
• Snorkeling quality can vary: The water may be clear, but the stop can be brief and the marine life less impressive than expected.

What this east-coast cruise is really like

This is a social, easygoing day on the water rather than a private sailing trip. The catamaran leaves from Trou d’Eau Douce, a useful starting point on Mauritius’s east coast, and combines inland river scenery with the bright water around Ile aux Cerfs.

The published price is $64 per person. For that, you receive the boat ride, waterfall visit, snorkeling and swimming stop, lunch, drinks, and island visit. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only when you select that option, so check the booking choice carefully before paying.

I consider the price good for anyone who wants a full outing without managing the details alone. A separate boat trip, meal, island transfer, and drinks could quickly cost more. The tradeoff is that you share the boat with a sizeable group, and the schedule has to keep everyone moving.

The atmosphere is friendly and often lively. Crew members such as Cedric and Yona have been singled out for warm, attentive service, while drivers including Shafiq have been praised for being prompt and welcoming. The experience is not formal. Expect music, conversation, dancing, and a crew that keeps the drinks moving.

Getting to Trou d’Eau Douce and boarding the catamaran

If you book hotel pickup, a driver collects you from the reception area or outside your accommodation, depending on the selected option. Pickup is available from several districts across Mauritius, which makes the trip practical if you are staying away from the east coast.

If you drive yourself, meet opposite Green Island Restaurant on the beach at Trou d’Eau Douce. The nearby parking area is small and can fill quickly. I would arrive early, allow time to walk from a more distant space, and avoid treating parking as a last-minute detail.

The beach boarding process can be the least polished part of the day. Several catamarans may be leaving from the same area, and finding the correct queue can be confusing. Keep your booking details close and ask staff where to wait before joining a boat.

Wheelchair users can take part, but you need to stand briefly while transferring to and from the shuttle boat. Crew members assist with this step. The operator describes the activity as wheelchair accessible, though the beach and boat transfer still require some physical movement.

Once onboard, find a place that suits you early. The outer deck gives you the best views and fresh air, while the covered area matters if rain arrives. There is only one toilet on the boat according to one detailed account, so it is sensible to use facilities before boarding.

Grand River South East Waterfall by small boat

The first major stop is Grand River South East Waterfall, also called Cascade Diamamouve. The catamaran heads upriver, then a smaller boat takes you closer to the falls.

This section gives the cruise a welcome change of pace. The riverbanks are lined with trees, and you may spot monkeys in the branches. The waterfall itself is attractive, but the approach is not always relaxed. Several boats can gather near the viewing point, and strong currents may prevent the small boat from getting close.

Allow about 30 minutes for the visit, including the photo stop. In practice, the time right beside the waterfall can be much shorter. Some people have had only a few moments to take pictures after waiting for the boat to approach.

That does not make the stop worthless, but it does mean you should set your expectations correctly. This is a quick scenic visit, not a quiet walk or a long viewing session. If seeing the waterfall is your main reason for booking, weather and river conditions matter. On one outing, strong currents meant the waterfall could not be reached.

I like the contrast between the calm sea cruise and the short river ride. You see a different side of Mauritius, and the possibility of monkeys adds a bit of interest. Still, the stop would benefit from clearer timing and better crowd control.

Snorkeling and swimming in coastal water

After the river visit, the catamaran heads back toward the coast for a snorkeling and swimming break. The water is generally clear and shallow enough in places for less confident swimmers or families to take part with care.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a change of clothes. Snorkeling gear is also on the suggested packing list, so bring your own if you have it. The stop is not always long, and you may spend some of the time waiting while other people use optional water activities.

This is the part of the trip with the most uneven feedback. Some outings have produced clear water, colorful fish, turtles, and sea snakes. On others, the reef appeared damaged, with little marine life, or the boat stopped in a less interesting place near the port.

I would treat the snorkeling as a pleasant extra rather than the central reason to choose this cruise. The crew may attract fish with bread, but that does not replace a healthy reef or a longer swim. If you want serious snorkeling, look for a specialist trip with more time devoted to reefs.

Families may find the stop manageable because the water can be shallow enough to stand in. Keep a close eye on young children, as this is still an open-water activity. The catamaran provides a platform for relaxing, but the exact swimming conditions depend on the day.

BBQ lunch with drinks served onboard

Lunch is one of the strongest parts of the package. You receive a three-course BBQ meal onboard, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices. All food is halal, which makes the excursion easier for Muslim visitors to plan.

The menu can include grilled items, salads, side dishes, and fish such as dorado, depending on the day. Some people choose to pay extra for lobster, but the value of that addition is not consistent. Several diners found it worthwhile, while another felt the extra 3,000 Mauritian rupees was too much for what was served.

I would enjoy the standard BBQ first and decide about lobster only after checking the portion and price on the day. The regular meal is already included, and portions are generally described as generous. One useful tip is to ask if dorado is available. It has received especially warm praise.

Drinks are served throughout the cruise and include soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum. This is not a bring-your-own picnic where you need to ration a single bottle of water. The open drink service adds real value to the $64 price, especially on a warm day.

The meal is not a restaurant experience. Food quality can vary, and one account found it average rather than special. Still, most of the practical signs are good: food is plentiful, the crew is attentive, and lunch is served while you remain on the boat instead of losing more time at a shore restaurant.

Ile aux Cerfs: beach, lagoon, and craft stalls

Ile aux Cerfs is the main event for many people. After lunch, the catamaran reaches the island, where white sand, palm trees, and clear lagoon water create the classic Mauritius scene.

You have about two and a half hours to explore the island, swim, walk along the beach, and visit the local arts and crafts market. This is enough time to slow down after the busier boat schedule. I would use the first few minutes to note where the catamaran drops you, since the island can feel confusing if you wander without a clear meeting point.

The beach is beautiful, though the condition can vary. On a good day, the sand and water are the picture you came to Mauritius to see. At busy times, rubbish and poor toilet habits have been reported in some areas. That is worth knowing, particularly if you expect an untouched beach.

Optional activities at Ile aux Cerfs are not included. The supplied information does not specify the full range or prices, though parasailing and a tube ride have been available on some outings. If you choose an extra activity, keep an eye on the return time. The main package already gives you swimming, snorkeling, and beach time at no added cost.

The craft market is a simple stop, not a major cultural visit. You can browse for Mauritius-themed souvenirs and support local sellers, but allow time for the lagoon too. I would not spend the whole island stop shopping when the water is right there.

Music, scenery, and the ride home

The return sailing is usually one of the most relaxed parts of the experience. The crew plays Mauritian Sega music, a local style closely tied to island celebration and dance, and the mood often becomes more social as the day winds down.

This is where the cruise feels less like transport and more like a group outing. You can sit back with a drink, watch the coastline, and enjoy the music. The crew’s personality matters a lot here. Friendly staff can turn a standard boat ride into a memorable birthday or family day.

Timing is generally reasonable, but the schedule can feel tight when the waterfall is crowded or when boarding takes longer than expected. Rain also changes the comfort level. When people move under cover, the catamaran can feel cramped, particularly with one toilet onboard.

The activity lasts six hours. That is long enough to make the east coast feel like a full day out, but not so long that you are committed to a boat for the entire daylight period. Return transport is available if you select hotel pickup and drop-off.

What to pack for a comfortable day

Bring more than just swimwear. I would pack:

• Swimsuit, towel, and a full change of clothes
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
• Comfortable shoes for the beach and boarding areas
• Your camera or phone in a waterproof pouch
• Snorkeling gear if you prefer using your own
• A light layer for the ride back if the wind picks up

Secure loose items on deck. Catamarans move with the wind and water, and wet surfaces are common around the swimming stop. A waterproof bag is more useful than a large suitcase.

The operator provides the major food and drink needs, so you do not need to carry a full picnic. I would still bring water for the journey to the meeting point, especially if you are driving or waiting on the beach before boarding.

Who should book this catamaran cruise?

I would choose this trip if you want a broad taste of Mauritius in one outing. It suits couples, families, birthday groups, and solo visitors who enjoy meeting people and do not mind a lively shared boat.

Families can benefit from the simple plan, included food, and shallow swimming areas. Infants aged one to four go free of charge. Parents should still consider the boat transfer, sun exposure, open water, and limited toilet space before booking.

The cruise also works well for people who care about value. The included BBQ, local drinks, island visit, and transport option cover many of the costs that can add up on a self-planned day.

I would look elsewhere if your priorities are silence, private service, long snorkeling sessions, or a carefully guided island walk. The waterfall stop is brief, the snorkeling can be ordinary, and the catamaran may feel crowded. This is a cheerful group cruise with several highlights, not a private nature expedition.

Should you book it?

At $64 per person, I think this is a good buy for a social day that combines river scenery, sea time, lunch, drinks, and Ile aux Cerfs. The crew is the clearest strength, and the included food and drinks make the price easier to justify.

Book it if you can accept a busy beach, shared boat, short waterfall visit, and variable snorkeling. Choose hotel pickup if parking near Trou d’Eau Douce would be a problem, and arrive early if you are meeting at the beach.

My practical verdict: book this for the atmosphere, variety, and value. Do not book it solely for reef snorkeling or an unhurried waterfall visit.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran cruise last?

The activity lasts six hours, including the river waterfall visit, snorkeling and swimming stop, BBQ lunch, Ile aux Cerfs visit, and return sailing to Trou d’Eau Douce.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The meeting point is opposite Green Island Restaurant on the beach at Trou d’Eau Douce. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available when that option is selected.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included only with the applicable booking option. You meet the driver or guide at your hotel reception or outside your accommodation.

What food and drinks are included?

The cruise includes a three-course BBQ lunch with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. All food is halal. Drinks include soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling gear is included on the suggested list of things to bring, so you should bring your own equipment if you want it. The cruise includes a snorkeling and swimming stop.

Can wheelchair users join the cruise?

The activity is described as wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair users need to stand briefly to transfer on and off the shuttle boat, with assistance from the crew.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.