Ile Aux Cerfs Catamaran Cruise & Waterfalls- Lunch & Drinks

The best part of this Mauritius catamaran cruise is the variety packed into one day. You visit the Grand River South East waterfall by speedboat, snorkel in the lagoon, eat a BBQ lunch, and finish on the white beaches of Ile aux Cerfs. I like the easy mix of scenery and water time, and I like that the crew serves unlimited soft drinks, beer, wine, juice, water, and local rum. The main thing to consider is group size: the trip is advertised for 15 people, but some departures have carried closer to 25.

I also like the friendly, hands-on crew. They play Mauritian music, tell local stories, and may pause for wildlife such as dolphins, rays, squid, monkeys, or fruit bats when conditions allow. The trade-off is that this can become a party boat, with loud music and heavy drinking, so it suits social visitors better than anyone seeking a quiet sail.

Key points to know before you book

• Grand River South East comes first: You transfer by speedboat roughly 500 meters upstream to see the waterfall before returning to the catamaran.
• Food and drinks are a major part of the value: Light snacks, BBQ fish, chicken, hotdogs, salads, saffron rice, vegetarian food, vegan food, and unlimited drinks are included.
• Ile aux Cerfs is the beach stop: You get time for swimming, sun, strolling, and optional paid activities such as parasailing, tube riding, and an undersea walk.
• Snorkeling is included: The boat stops in clear lagoon water where coral and tropical fish may be visible, though the stop can feel short.
• The mood can be lively: Mauritian music and alcohol are part of the day, and some departures have been noisier than expected.
• The group-size promise needs checking: The advertised small group is limited to 15, but actual numbers have sometimes been higher.

From Trou d’Eau Douce to the open lagoon

You meet at the docking station at 8:30 a.m., with the catamaran scheduled to leave Trou d’Eau Douce at 9:00. The cruise runs along Mauritius’s east coast and returns around 4:00 p.m., though the full activity is sold as nine hours, allowing for check-in and the day’s movements.

Trou d’Eau Douce is the natural starting point for this outing. From here, the boat heads toward Grand River South East, with mountains and calm coastal water providing the first views. The sailing itself is part of the attraction. You are not simply being driven between stops. You have time to sit on deck, watch the shore slip past, and settle into the slower pace of a day on the water.

The crew adds plenty of atmosphere. Mauritian music plays on board, and the team shares jokes and local tales. This helps make the cruise feel less like a transfer and more like a social outing. It also explains why the experience may not suit you if your ideal boat trip involves silence, reading, and little conversation.

One practical point matters here: arrive ready for a possible delay. A departure listed for 9:00 has left later on at least one occasion, with boarding at 8:30 but sailing after 9:30. That is not a disaster on a relaxed island day, but it can shorten the time available at later stops.

The Grand River South East waterfall by speedboat

The first major stop is Grand River South East, one of the better-known natural sights on Mauritius’s east coast. You do not take the catamaran all the way to the waterfall. Instead, you transfer to a speedboat and travel about 500 meters upstream.

This short boat ride gives the stop some energy. The river narrows as you move inland, and the old trees along the banks may reveal monkeys jumping through the branches. Fruit bats can sometimes be seen resting high above the river. Wildlife is never guaranteed, but the trip gives you a chance to see more than just a wall of falling water.

The waterfall itself is viewed as part of a brief river excursion. Keep your camera ready, but do not expect a long hike or a quiet nature walk. The stop is compact and works well as an opening sight before the day shifts toward swimming, food, and beach time.

The speedboat transfer also means you should pay attention to your footing and belongings. Life jackets are provided, and the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but boat transfers can still be worth confirming directly if you have specific mobility needs.

Snorkeling in the clear lagoon

After the waterfall, the catamaran sails into the lagoon for a swimming and snorkeling stop. This is one of the most useful parts of the day because it breaks up the sightseeing with time in the water.

You can expect clear water, coral reefs, and tropical fish. Visibility depends on weather and sea conditions, so the scene will not be identical every day. Some people may see a good range of fish, while others may find the marine life less dramatic than expected.

Bring sunscreen and a camera, as requested for the activity. A waterproof phone case would also be practical, though it is not listed as an included item. Life jackets are available, which helps if you are not a confident swimmer.

The length of the snorkeling stop deserves a realistic note. It has been described as a little short, with some wishing for another 15 minutes. If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, this may feel limited. If you want a broad day that includes several sights, the shorter stop keeps the schedule moving.

Wildlife sightings can add a memorable surprise. Dolphins, rays, and a school of squid have been spotted during one outing, and the captain even altered the route briefly to follow them. That kind of flexibility is a nice bonus, but you should treat it as luck rather than a promised part of the cruise.

BBQ lunch, local drinks, and the social side

Food is served after the snorkeling stop, either on the beach or on the catamaran. The menu includes fresh BBQ fish, BBQ chicken, grilled hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice. Vegetarian and vegan meals are also available, which makes the included lunch more useful for mixed groups.

The food is a strong reason to consider the $70 price. You are not paying only for transport and a beach stop. The package combines a full day on the water, two major excursions, a meal, snacks, and drinks. For someone who plans to eat lunch and buy drinks during a full-day outing anyway, the price can make good sense.

Breakfast is light, with snacks rather than a large morning meal. I would not arrive expecting a full breakfast, especially if you tend to get hungry early. The included bottled water is helpful, but you should still bring sunscreen and any personal items you need for a long day outdoors.

Drinks are unlimited and include water, soft drinks, juice, beer, wine, and local rum. That is generous, but it shapes the mood. The crew may keep the atmosphere cheerful with music and drinks from the start of the cruise. On some departures, a group of local passengers began drinking and partying early, with loud music continuing until the end.

You should book this with the right expectation. It is a social catamaran day, not a private yacht charter. If you enjoy music, conversation, and a festive crowd, the energy can be part of the fun. If you want peaceful time at sea, ask about the expected group and mood before booking, or choose a quieter sailing option.

Ile aux Cerfs and its postcard beaches

The final major destination is Ile aux Cerfs, a small island near Mauritius’s east coast. The approach is classic island scenery: palm trees, white sand, and bright turquoise water. It is the place where the schedule opens up and you can choose your own pace.

You can swim in the sea, sit on the beach, or take a walk to see more of the island. The point is not a guided cultural visit. Ile aux Cerfs is mainly about sun, sand, and easy recreation.

Several optional activities are available, including parasailing, tube riding, and an undersea walk. These are not included in the $70 price, so budget extra if you want to add them. The cruise gives you a chance to enjoy the island without buying an activity, which is useful if some people in your group want action while others prefer a towel and a swim.

The beach stop is also where the tour’s packed schedule can become noticeable. You have the waterfall, snorkeling, lunch, drinks, and the cruise itself before reaching the island. If you want several hours of unhurried beach time, this may feel too structured. If you like a day with many stops, the variety is a strength.

I would keep your expectations practical. Ile aux Cerfs is a popular leisure destination, and the appeal is its scenery and facilities rather than a sense of solitude. The trip works best when you see the island as the relaxing final chapter of a busy day, not as a remote beach escape.

Crew service and the question of group size

The crew receives the strongest praise for friendliness and care. The team is described as attentive, helpful, and focused on small details, from preparing the meal to keeping drinks available. The captain has also shown flexibility by following marine life briefly when it appeared nearby.

The crew speaks English, French, German, and Italian. That is useful for a mixed group and means practical instructions should be easier to follow. No individual guide names are provided, so you should not expect a named private guide assigned to you.

The main concern is the group-size description. The activity is presented as a small group limited to 15 participants, but departures have carried more than 15 people, including one reported total of 25. A larger catamaran may still have enough room, and one busy departure was considered comfortable enough. Another person found the boat cramped and compared the experience to being packed tightly together.

This difference matters most if you care about deck space, personal room, or a calm atmosphere. Before paying, ask the provider, Mauritius Luxury Tours & Transfer, how many people are expected on your date. That simple question may tell you more about the likely experience than the small-group label.

What the $70 price really covers

At $70 per person, the tour offers solid value if you want an all-day package. Included are the catamaran trip, the Grand River South East waterfall visit, Ile aux Cerfs, light snacks, lunch, unlimited alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, bottled water, and life jackets.

The BBQ menu is broad enough for a mixed group, and the unlimited drinks can quickly change the value calculation compared with buying refreshments separately. You also avoid arranging separate transport between the river, lagoon, and island.

The price does not include hotel or Airbnb pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle. You need to arrange your own way to the docking station unless you separately add transportation. Factor that cost into your budget, especially if you are staying far from Trou d’Eau Douce.

Optional island activities also cost extra. The basic package is best for swimming, beach time, snorkeling, sightseeing, and eating. If you want parasailing, tube riding, or an undersea walk, the final price will be higher.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful if your plans are still changing, but check the exact booking conditions at the time you reserve.

Who should choose this cruise

I would recommend this day to you if you want a broad introduction to Mauritius’s east coast without arranging several separate excursions. Families, couples, groups of friends, and solo visitors who enjoy meeting people can all find something useful here.

It is especially suitable for anyone who values:

• A full day with several included stops
• BBQ food and unlimited drinks
• Snorkeling without planning a separate boat trip
• Beach time at Ile aux Cerfs
• A friendly, musical, social boat atmosphere
• Guides who can speak several European languages

I would be more cautious if you want a small, quiet group, exact departure times, or a long snorkeling session. The difference between 15 and 25 people can affect comfort, and loud music or early drinking may not suit everyone.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, which is a useful starting point. Still, the waterfall visit involves a speedboat transfer, so anyone with mobility concerns should confirm how the transfer is handled before booking.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a lively, good-value day that combines a waterfall, snorkeling, lunch, drinks, and a famous beach in one package. The crew service, food, and range of included drinks are the strongest reasons to go, and lucky wildlife sightings can add something special.

Think twice if your priority is peace and space. The advertised 15-person limit may not always hold, and some departures have been crowded or loud. Ask about the expected group size, arrive prepared for a possible delay, and treat the snorkeling time and wildlife sightings as variable.

For a social day on the water, $70 is a fair price. For a quiet sailing experience, choose a smaller or more private boat instead.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran cruise last?

The activity duration is listed as nine hours. The catamaran operates from approximately 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with boarding at 8:30 and a planned departure at 9:00.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Trou d’Eau Douce on the east coast of Mauritius.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes BBQ fish, BBQ chicken, grilled hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice. Vegetarian and vegan food is also available.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited water, soft drinks, juice, beer, wine, and local rum are included.

Is snorkeling part of the tour?

Yes. The catamaran stops in the lagoon for swimming and snorkeling, with coral reefs and tropical fish visible in the water.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel or Airbnb pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle are not included in the listed price.

What languages are available?

The activity is offered in English, French, German, and Italian.