Full-day Catamaran Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs with Lunch

Mauritius’ east coast is at its best from the water, and this trip gives you a full day of it for $65. You start with a speedboat ride to Grand River South East Waterfall, then switch to a spacious catamaran for snorkeling, a BBQ lunch, and time at Ile aux Cerfs.

I like the mix of waterfall, reef, and beach in one outing. I also like that lunch, soft drinks, beer, and local rum are included, so the price is easier to understand than a bare-bones boat trip. The main caution is that snorkeling time may feel short, and Ile aux Cerfs can be crowded and more developed than the word private suggests.

Key points at a glance

• The day starts with a speedboat: Reach Grand River South East Waterfall by water, with a chance to spot fruit bats and monkeys.
• A 42-foot catamaran provides the main ride: There is space to sit, move around, listen to music, and enjoy the east coast from offshore.
• Snorkeling gear and swim jackets are supplied: Bring your own mask if you care about a close, comfortable fit.
• Lunch is cooked aboard: Expect BBQ chicken, fish, sausages, salads, fries, fruit, dessert, and vegetarian choices.
• Drinks are part of the price: Water, juice, soda, beer, and local rum are included.
• Ile aux Cerfs is the grand finale: You get several hours to swim, walk, relax, or try available water activities, but the island may be busy.

A full day from Trou d’Eau Douce

This is a long, water-centered outing, not a quick scenic cruise. The day runs from about 7:00 a.m. with pickup, or from 9:00 a.m. if you make your own way to the departure point, and returns around 4:00 p.m.

The launch point is Trou d’Eau Douce on Mauritius’ east coast. If you choose hotel transportation, pickup and drop-off can be arranged for an extra fee. If you drive yourself, directions to the starting point are provided. That distinction matters: the advertised $65 price is strongest for people who can reach the pier on their own.

The schedule combines several different settings. You begin in a speedboat, continue on a catamaran, stop for snorkeling, eat lunch near Ile aux Cerfs, and finish with free time on the island. I like this variety because you are not sitting in the same place all day, though the number of stops also means no single activity receives unlimited time.

The speedboat ride to Grand River South East Waterfall

The first real sight is Grand River South East Waterfall, commonly shortened to GRSE Waterfall. A speedboat carries you from the launch at Trou d’Eau Douce up the river, where the scenery becomes quieter and the waterfall appears at the end of the route.

The appeal is the approach. Instead of viewing the falls from a road or a crowded lookout, you reach them by boat through the river. The waterway leads to a cascade surrounded by greenery, and you might spot fruit bats or monkeys along the way.

Keep your expectations sensible. This is not a long wilderness expedition. The waterfall is a short stop within a busy day, and one account describes the area as receiving mass tourism. Still, the boat access gives the visit a pleasant sense of occasion, especially if you enjoy seeing Mauritius from several angles.

After the waterfall, the speedboat returns you to Trou d’Eau Douce. You then board the 42-foot catamaran for the main coastal cruise. That transfer is worth noting when planning your morning. You do not simply board one boat and remain there from start to finish.

The 42-foot catamaran and east-coast views

The catamaran is described as spacious and fully serviced, with drinks available throughout the day. A multihull boat usually gives you more room to spread out than a small motorboat, and the slower pace suits the main purpose of this trip: enjoying the sea rather than rushing from one stop to another.

You will travel along Mauritius’ east coast toward Ile aux Cerfs. The main pleasure here is the open view of the coast, with warm water, sea air, and changing shades of blue around the boat. A crew member will guide the day, manage the stops, and serve lunch and drinks.

Music is part of the atmosphere. That will please you if you want a social boat day, but it may not suit you if you picture a quiet sailing experience. One family found the mood warm and suitable for an 11-year-old child. Another account specifically noted the loud music, so bring that expectation with you.

The crew receives some of the strongest praise attached to this experience. They are described as attentive, accommodating, and friendly, and the atmosphere aboard is a major part of the appeal. That can make a difference on a full-day cruise, since a rough schedule or indifferent crew would be much harder to ignore over seven hours.

Snorkeling in warm water

The catamaran stops at several points for snorkeling. The crew selects places intended to show coral and tropical fish, and the water is described as warm and emerald blue. Masks, snorkels, and swim jackets are provided, though you can bring your own equipment.

I would strongly consider bringing your own mask if you have one. The supplied gear is useful for keeping the trip accessible, but a poor fit can spoil a short water stop. One person found the snorkeling disappointing and advised using personal equipment. Another account described algae-heavy water with only a few fish.

That mixed experience is important. The trip promises coral and fish, but this is not a specialist reef excursion with long, uninterrupted time in the water. Conditions can vary by stop, and the schedule includes the waterfall, catamaran ride, lunch, and island visit. If snorkeling is your top reason for booking, you may want a dedicated snorkeling trip instead.

For casual swimmers, the stops still add real value. You can cool off, see some marine life, and enjoy the contrast between being on the boat and in the sea. Swim jackets are available, which helps if you are not fully comfortable in open water. Bring a towel and sunscreen, as both are specifically recommended.

BBQ lunch with drinks included

Lunch is served aboard the catamaran near Ile aux Cerfs. The menu includes BBQ chicken, fish, sausages, fries, pasta salad, other salads, fruit, dessert, and vegetarian options. Water, juice, soft drinks, beer, and local rum are also included.

That is a strong feature at $65. A full day on the water can become expensive once you add a meal, drinks, and transport between stops. Here, the main food and refreshments are covered in advance, so you can spend the afternoon without searching for a restaurant on the island.

The meal is also part of the social rhythm of the trip. You are not eating quickly at a port before moving on. The crew prepares the food aboard, and the smell of the grill becomes part of the experience. Several of the most positive impressions center on the food, the grills, and the friendly mood around lunch.

Do not expect a private restaurant setting or a carefully plated meal. This is a casual BBQ buffet designed for a boat full of people. If you eat vegetarian, options are available, but the exact vegetarian selection is not specified, so strict dietary needs should be checked before booking.

The drinks are generous by excursion standards, but use good judgment with rum and beer in the sun. Water and soft drinks are available, so you can keep the day comfortable while still trying a local drink.

Ile aux Cerfs: beautiful, popular, and not secluded

Ile aux Cerfs is the final major stop and the part most likely to appear in your Mauritius photos. You get several hours to choose your own pace. Walk along white sand, relax beside the sea, explore nature trails, or take part in water activities available on the island.

The freedom is welcome after the morning’s fixed schedule. You can swim if conditions suit you, sit in the shade, take a walk, or simply do very little. This is the right part of the day for anyone who wants a beach break without having to organize a separate boat back.

The island is beautiful, but the word private can create the wrong picture. One account called the beach very touristy and overrated. Another described it as overcrowded. I would treat Ile aux Cerfs as a popular resort island with lovely beaches, not as an untouched beach where you will have the sand to yourself.

That does not make it a poor stop. It means the value depends on what you want. If you enjoy a scenic beach with optional activities and a lively social setting, you will probably be pleased. If you want solitude, prioritize the catamaran ride, waterfall, and snorkeling, and view the island as a pleasant final stop rather than the whole reason to book.

What the $65 price really includes

At $65 per person, the package offers a lot for a full day. You receive the speedboat trip to GRSE Waterfall, catamaran transport, snorkeling equipment, swim jackets, BBQ lunch, dessert, and a wide range of drinks. You also get several hours at Ile aux Cerfs without paying separately for basic beach time.

The price is especially good if you can reach Trou d’Eau Douce yourself. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the base price, though they can be arranged for an added fee after booking. Add that cost before comparing this with other cruises.

I see the value in the variety. A cheaper boat trip that only cruises may not include food or island time. A more expensive excursion may offer better snorkeling, a smaller group, or a quieter setting. This one aims at a broad audience and gives you a little of everything.

There are trade-offs. You may spend less time snorkeling than you hoped, and the beach may feel crowded. The customer service record is not perfect either. One booking problem involved difficulty reaching the supplier early in the morning, with no response at the time. That is not a reason to dismiss the whole experience, but I would save your confirmation, check the departure details carefully, and avoid relying on a last-minute phone call to solve a problem.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a simple, all-in-one day on Mauritius’ east coast. It works well for couples, families, and first-time visitors who prefer a set plan over arranging several separate activities.

Families should find the range of activities useful. A child can enjoy the boat ride, waterfall, swimming, food, and beach time without needing to commit to a full day of snorkeling. Swim jackets are provided, but adult supervision remains important in open water.

It also suits people who enjoy a social atmosphere. Music, shared lunch, drinks, and a friendly crew make this more of a communal day than a quiet private charter. If you dislike loud music or crowded beaches, the experience may feel less relaxing than the photos suggest.

Strong swimmers and dedicated snorkelers may want more time in the water. The supplied gear keeps things easy, but bringing your own mask is smart. Beach lovers should also know that Ile aux Cerfs is popular, so its beauty comes with other people.

The listed languages are Dutch, English, and French. That makes the trip practical for a wide range of visitors, though specific crew members and guide names are not provided.

Small details that improve the day

Bring a towel and plenty of sunscreen. You will be moving between boat, sea, and beach, and the sun can make a full day outdoors feel longer than expected.

If you are driving, allow enough time to reach Trou d’Eau Douce and find the departure point. If you need a hotel transfer, arrange it in advance and include the extra fee when calculating the total cost.

Bring your own snorkeling mask if you already own one. This is the simplest way to improve the water portion of the day, especially if you are particular about fit.

Keep your schedule flexible after the cruise. The stated return is around 4:00 p.m., but a day involving several boats, snorkeling stops, lunch, and an island visit can run on a relaxed rhythm. Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and reserve-now, pay-later booking is available.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced, full-day introduction to Mauritius’ east coast, with a waterfall, boat ride, casual snorkeling, BBQ lunch, drinks, and beach time in one package. The friendly crew and excellent food are the clearest strengths, and the $65 price is fair when you can reach the pier without paid pickup.

Skip it if your main goal is secluded beaches, quiet sailing, or serious snorkeling. Ile aux Cerfs may be crowded, music may be loud, and the reef stops may not satisfy experienced snorkelers.

My practical choice would be to book this for variety, not perfection. Bring your own mask, confirm the pier details, budget for transport if needed, and treat the island as a popular beach stop. With those expectations, this can be a fun and good-value day on the water.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran cruise last?

The full-day activity runs until about 4:00 p.m. The schedule begins around 7:00 a.m. when hotel pickup is included, or around 9:00 a.m. if you make your own way to the starting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available for an additional fee after booking. If you prefer to drive, directions to Trou d’Eau Douce are provided.

What food is served for lunch?

Lunch includes BBQ chicken, fish, sausages, fries, pasta salad, other salads, fruit, dessert, and vegetarian choices.

Which drinks are included?

Water, juice, soft drinks, beer, and local rum are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkels, masks, and swim jackets are provided. You may also bring your own equipment.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel and sunscreen. A personal snorkeling mask is also useful if you prefer your own equipment.