Full-Day Catamaran Cruise to Île aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch

The best part of this Île aux Cerfs catamaran cruise is the day-long mix of easy sailing, lagoon swimming, food, music, and beach time. You leave from Pointe Jerome at 9 a.m., stop to snorkel, pass a nature reserve, and reach the island by a ladder at the front of the boat.

I like the friendly, hands-on crew, with Rudi, Scott, Rowan, and Miguel singled out for helping with swimming, lunch, drinks, and small problems. I also like the clear value: for $81.10, you get a seven-hour outing, BBQ lunch, snacks, snorkeling gear, and unlimited beer, wine, Mauritian rum, and soft drinks.

The catch is that Île aux Cerfs can feel crowded and basic near the drop-off area, and the snorkeling may show more ordinary lagoon life than colorful reef fish. If you want a quiet beach or a serious wildlife trip, keep your expectations in check.

Key points to know before you book

• The day begins at 9 a.m. from Pointe Jerome, not with hotel pickup, so you must arrange your own transport.
• Île aux Cerfs gets about two hours, with time for the beach, shallow water, and optional parasailing.
• Lunch is a BBQ buffet, followed by pineapple, with coffee, tea, beer, wine, rum, and soft drinks included.
• The snorkeling stop comes before the island, and equipment is supplied, though marine life can vary.
• Dolphins are possible but not guaranteed, and the captain may adjust the route to look for them.
• The boat carries a maximum of 31 people, giving the trip a group feel without being a huge cruise ship.

A full day on the water, starting at Pointe Jerome

This trip is best understood as a relaxed day at sea rather than a tightly packed sightseeing tour. The meeting point is HPGF+496 Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point in Pointe d’Esny, and the listed start time is 9 a.m. Free parking is available if you drive yourself.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. That matters in Mauritius, where a wrong meeting point can turn a pleasant morning into a frantic one. One passenger described being taken to the wrong place by a driver and nearly missing the boat, so check the address carefully and allow extra time.

Once aboard, the mood is informal. Coffee and tea are included, and one detailed account also mentions sweet bread in the morning. The crew explains the timing, helps with boarding, and gets the catamaran moving through the lagoon.

I like this gentle start. You are not rushed straight into an activity. You have time to settle in, look across the water, and enjoy the changing views as the boat leaves the shore.

The maximum group size is 31 people. That is not a private sailing trip, but it is also not a giant party boat. Expect a social atmosphere, shared seating, music, and a crew that moves around serving drinks and preparing lunch.

Sailing past the nature reserve

The cruise route includes sailing past a nature reserve before the main stops. The scenery is one of the strongest parts of the day, especially when the catamaran is moving through calmer lagoon water.

This is where the trip earns its place in a Mauritius itinerary. You get to see the coast from the water instead of only arriving at a beach by road. The catamaran gives you open views, sun, wind, and a much slower sense of distance.

The crew also looks for dolphins in the ocean. Several accounts describe seeing them, and the captain has been praised for making an effort to give people a chance to spot them. Still, dolphins are wild animals, not a scheduled feature. Treat a sighting as a lucky bonus rather than something guaranteed.

The sailing itself seems to be the part that remains enjoyable even for people who find the island underwhelming. If your main aim is to spend a beautiful day on the Indian Ocean, this cruise fits well. If you care only about arriving at Île aux Cerfs, you may miss what makes the outing worthwhile.

The snorkeling stop before Île aux Cerfs

The catamaran stops at a lagoon location for swimming and snorkeling before reaching the island. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins.

The water gives you a chance to cool off and see some marine life in a natural setting. Several accounts describe the snorkeling as one of the day’s best moments, with enough time to swim rather than simply jump in for a quick look.

Conditions matter. One account found the stop disappointing because there were no colorful fish. That is useful advice. This is not presented as a specialist reef excursion, and the water may not deliver a dramatic underwater show every day. Visibility, tide, weather, and the exact stop can all affect what you see.

I would bring a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and a dry bag for phones and valuables. The trip has a relaxed feel, but the catamaran is still a working boat, and wet equipment and wet passengers share the same space.

You can also choose to stay aboard and sunbathe if you do not want to snorkel. That makes the outing suitable for mixed groups, since one person can swim while another enjoys the boat and the views.

Arriving at Île aux Cerfs by the front ladder

The island arrival is unusual. The catamaran uses a ladder at the front, allowing you to step or wade directly toward the famous sandbank and shallow water. This is not a formal dock arrival, so be ready for a wet landing.

The included time on Île aux Cerfs is about two hours. You can relax on the beach, sit in knee-deep water, or walk around the immediate area. Parasailing is available on the island at an additional cost, giving you a chance to see the lagoon from above.

That extra activity may suit you if you want more than a quiet beach stop. It is not included in the $81.10 price, and the tour description does not give a separate price for it, so ask locally before committing.

Here is the important qualification: the island is not uniformly peaceful. The area where the catamaran stops can feel crowded and basic. The beach experience improves if you move away from the main drop-off area, but two hours is not a huge amount of time for extensive exploring.

Do not book this trip expecting waterfalls. One account specifically complained about not visiting waterfalls, but the stated route is focused on the catamaran, snorkeling, nature reserve, and Île aux Cerfs. Waterfalls are not part of this experience.

The island works best as a pleasant pause in the middle of a boat day. I would not treat it as the sole reason to book.

BBQ lunch, pineapple, and drinks throughout the day

The BBQ buffet is a major part of the value. Lunch is served onboard, with pineapple for dessert. Coffee and tea are included, as are local beer, wine, Mauritian rum, and soft drinks.

The food has been praised repeatedly, including by someone who needed a vegetarian option. The exact vegetarian menu is not specified, so mention your needs to the crew rather than assuming the buffet will match a particular diet.

The drink package changes the feel of the trip. You do not need to keep buying refreshments as the catamaran moves between stops. Several detailed accounts describe the crew keeping drinks topped up throughout the day, and that kind of service is a big reason the cruise feels good value.

There is a line to draw here. Unlimited alcohol is part of the package, so the atmosphere can become lively, especially once the music picks up. That will suit you if you want a sociable day in the sun. It may not suit you if you want a quiet sailing trip.

The BBQ is not fine dining, and it should not be judged as such. It is practical boat food served during an active day. The important question is whether it is filling and enjoyable, and the available feedback points to yes.

Music, Mauritian sega, and the crew’s role

Music is part of the experience, especially on the return sailing. Mauritian sega music gives the trip a local touch, and one account specifically praised the DJ. The music helps turn the ride home into a shared celebration rather than a silent transfer.

The crew receives some of the strongest praise. Rudi, Scott, Rowan, and Miguel are named in positive accounts, with particular appreciation for their help during boarding, swimming, lunch, and general service. The crew has also been described as accommodating with customer requests.

Small acts of help appear to be part of the day. Crew members have assisted with swimming, turned the boat around to retrieve a hat, and recovered a phone that fell into the water at the dock. Those details suggest an attentive working team, though they should not lead you to expect personal service at every moment.

There is also one serious negative account describing an alleged confrontation with a crew member named Pascal. The provider apologized and said the matter was being investigated. It is an isolated account within the supplied material, but it is important not to ignore it. Most of the service feedback is strongly positive, yet no operator has a perfect record.

Is $81.10 good value?

At $81.10 per person, the price is fair if you want a complete day rather than a short boat transfer. Your package includes roughly seven hours on the water, snorkeling equipment, a BBQ buffet, pineapple, morning refreshments, and unlimited beer, wine, rum, and soft drinks.

The value is strongest for couples and families who would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, lunch, drinks, and beach access. It is also useful for people who want a simple plan for one full day in Mauritius.

The value is weaker if you do not drink alcohol, dislike group activities, or want a long, quiet stretch on an empty beach. You are paying for the whole combination: sailing, food, crew service, music, snorkeling, and the island visit.

The price also needs to be judged against your expectations. Some people may feel the island portion alone is worth less than the full fare because the main landing area can be crowded. I would book this for the boat day, not for a perfect private-island experience.

The trip is often reserved about 18 days ahead, which suggests you should not leave it until the last minute if your schedule is fixed. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the 9 a.m. start time. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants can lead to a new date, another experience, or a full refund.

Who will enjoy this Mauritius cruise most?

I would choose this trip for a couple wanting an easy day together, a family with mixed interest in swimming and sightseeing, or anyone who likes friendly group outings with food and music.

It suits you particularly well if you want:

• A full day with one clear meeting point
• Swimming and snorkeling without arranging separate equipment
• A BBQ meal and drinks included in the fare
• A chance to see dolphins without booking a specialist wildlife trip
• Optional parasailing during the island stop
• A sociable boat with music and an active crew

I would think twice if you want a silent sailing trip, a private charter, untouched beaches, or guaranteed colorful fish. I would also be careful if you are uncomfortable with a wet landing, alcohol-centered socializing, or strict return times from the island.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. The activity notes that most people can participate, but the front-ladder landing and water activities mean you should consider your own comfort in the water.

What to bring and how to avoid a bad morning

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a waterproof way to carry your phone. Keep a close hold on valuables around the boat and dock. A phone case that floats is a sensible choice after one passenger lost a phone in the water.

Confirm that your driver knows Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point in Pointe d’Esny. Free parking is available if you are driving, but hotel transport is not included.

Listen carefully when the captain gives the return time from Île aux Cerfs. Do not rely on a local water-sports operator for instructions, since that operator is not affiliated with the catamaran company. The catamaran may need to leave because of tide conditions, and missing the agreed meeting time can create a serious problem.

Arrive early enough to find the meeting point without rushing. You may also catch pleasant morning light over the water before boarding.

Should you book the Île aux Cerfs catamaran cruise?

Yes, if you want a cheerful, good-value day that combines sailing, snorkeling, a filling BBQ, drinks, music, and a short island visit. The cruise is strongest as a complete experience, with the journey and crew often more memorable than the island itself.

Book it with realistic expectations. Île aux Cerfs can be crowded near the landing point, snorkeling may be ordinary, and dolphin sightings are not promised. If those limits are acceptable, the $81.10 fare buys a lot of Mauritius in seven hours.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

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

What time does the cruise start?

The listed start time is 9:00 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately seven hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must arrange your own transport to and from Pointe Jerome.

Is parking available at the meeting point?

Yes. Free parking is available at Pointe Jerome for people arriving by car.

How long do you spend on Île aux Cerfs?

The planned island stop lasts about two hours.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What food is included?

A BBQ buffet lunch, pineapple for dessert, and coffee or tea are included.

What drinks are included?

Local beer, wine, Mauritian rum, and soft drinks are included without an extra charge during the cruise.

Can children join the cruise?

Yes, but children must be accompanied by an adult. The activity information says most people can participate.

Is parasailing included?

No. Parasailing is available on Île aux Cerfs as an additional activity, but it is not included in the cruise price.

Are dolphins guaranteed?

No. The crew looks for dolphins, but sightings depend on natural conditions and are not guaranteed.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience may be canceled because it requires good weather. You will be offered another date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations and changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.

How many people can join the cruise?

The maximum group size is 31 people.