Mauritius: Ile Aux Cerfs Catamaran Trip w/ Lunch & Transfer

The best part of this Ile aux Cerfs catamaran trip is its variety. In one long day, you visit Grand River South East, ride a speedboat to a waterfall, snorkel in a lagoon, eat a cooked lunch at sea, and finish on a postcard beach. It is a full day on the water, not just a quick island transfer.

I like the easy hotel pickup and the unusually personal crew service. I also like the mix of quiet sailing, swimming, music, and food, with plenty of chances to sit in sun or shade. The main drawback is time: snorkeling can last only about 25 minutes, and your stop at Ile aux Cerfs may feel short if you add a paid water sport.

• Family-style service: The catamaran crews, including captains called Billy and Chris on some departures, keep drinks moving and check on guests often.
• More than a beach stop: The plan includes Grand River South East waterfall, monkeys, snorkeling, lunch, and Ile aux Cerfs.
• Comfortable boat setup: Recent departures carried about 15 to 27 people, with indoor and outdoor seating, shade, sun, front nets, and a toilet.
• Generous food and drinks: Expect a three-course BBQ-style meal with chicken, fish, prawns, sausage, couscous, salads or sides, plus beer, wine, rum, soft drinks, juice, and water.
• Optional thrills: Parasailing, tube riding, and an undersea walk are available at extra cost on Ile aux Cerfs.
• Strong value at $110: Hotel transfers, a seven-hour cruise, lunch, drinks, and the waterfall visit are all included.

A full day from hotel door to Trou d’Eau Douce

Your day starts with pickup at your hotel anywhere in Mauritius. The exact hour depends on where you stay, since the eastern departure point is at Trou d’Eau Douce. If you are staying in the north, expect a long road transfer, sometimes around an hour and a half.

That transfer is more useful than it sounds. You do not need to arrange a taxi to the port, and drivers have been praised for sending pickup details by WhatsApp and explaining where to meet the return vehicle. Drivers named Kavi, Sam, and Qasid have been singled out for friendly conversation and clear communication.

You are scheduled to reach Trou d’Eau Douce around 9:15 a.m., then board at about 9:30. The vehicle is air-conditioned, and the return transfer is included. Some recent groups had their own vehicle or a small minivan, while others were collected by taxi. If you are staying far from the east coast, ask about your pickup time before booking so you know how much of the morning will be spent on the road.

Setting sail on the 42-foot catamaran

The catamaran is a 42-foot boat designed for a relaxed day rather than a high-speed ride. You can sit inside, outside, in the shade, in direct sun, or on the forward nets. The boat has been used with groups of roughly 15 to 27 people, and that range matters. A group of 15 feels spacious. At 27, it is still workable, but prime spots on the front nets will go quickly.

The crew sets the tone. Expect local music, jokes, casual conversation, and regular offers of drinks. On some trips, the catamaran is run by a family team, with a captain, partner, and son working together. Billy and Chris are names that have come up from particularly well-liked departures, but the crew can vary.

This is a social outing, not a silent sailing lesson. If you want a quiet boat with a detailed explanation of navigation, this may not be your best choice. If you like music, an informal atmosphere, and staff who keep an eye on everyone, it fits well.

You may receive a light breakfast item such as a croissant as the boat gets underway. Bottled water is included, and drinks are offered throughout the day. Bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, and dry clothes. A change of clothes is especially useful after snorkeling and the waterfall boat ride.

The Grand River South East waterfall by speedboat

The first major stop is Grand River South East, where you transfer from the catamaran to a smaller speedboat. The waterfall is about 500 meters upstream, so the speedboat gives you a closer look than you would get from the main boat.

The river ride is short but lively. Keep watch along the banks for monkeys moving through the old trees. Fruit bats may be visible high above the river, and the speedboat can bring you close to the falls. Monkey sightings are not guaranteed, but several departures have had them nearby, sometimes close enough for excellent photos.

This is one of the most distinctive parts of the day. Ile aux Cerfs is the headline stop, but the waterfall adds a taste of Mauritius beyond beach scenery. The tradeoff is that the waterfall visit involves changing boats, so keep your belongings secure and be ready to move when the crew gives instructions.

After the waterfall, you return to the catamaran. The boat then heads through the clear east-coast lagoon toward the snorkeling area.

A short snorkeling stop in clear lagoon water

The snorkeling break is usually around 25 minutes, though timing can vary. You may see coral, tropical fish, and, on some days, turtles or dolphins in the surrounding water. Several departures have had dolphin sightings while sailing, but these are lucky extras rather than part of the scheduled program.

The stop is suitable for a quick swim and a look below the surface. It is not a dedicated snorkeling expedition, so set your expectations correctly. The fish life can be good, but it may not match the best snorkeling you have experienced elsewhere, and the water time is shorter than some people expect.

Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have equipment you prefer. The included details confirm the use of life jackets, but they do not specify a full set of snorkeling gear. The water has been described as shallow enough for less confident swimmers at one stop, though you should still follow the crew’s safety instructions and use a life jacket if needed.

This part works best as a refreshing break from the boat. You swim, look for fish, and cool off before lunch. If snorkeling is the main reason you are booking, choose a tour built around reefs instead. Here, it is one piece of a broader day.

A surprisingly substantial BBQ lunch on board

Lunch is served on the catamaran or, depending on the day, at the beach. The advertised meal is a three-course lunch, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices. The food is halal.

The BBQ spread can include grilled chicken, fish, king prawns, sausage, couscous, and other sides. Guests with seafood allergies have had separate food prepared, but you should still tell the operator in advance rather than rely on a last-minute request. Vegetarian choices are available, though the exact menu may change.

Drinks are part of the price. You can expect water, juice, soft drinks, beer, wine, and local rum. The crew frequently checks whether you need another drink, which makes the meal feel more generous than the basic boat-lunch format.

The lunch is one of the strongest value points. At $110 per person, you are not paying only for a seat on a boat and a beach landing. You are also covering hotel transport, a cooked meal, an open selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and the waterfall and snorkeling stops.

One practical note: alcohol and a moving boat are a poor combination for some people. Eat properly, drink water, and use sunscreen. The east-coast sun can be strong even when the sea breeze makes the air feel mild.

Ile aux Cerfs, the beach finale

After lunch, the catamaran continues to Ile aux Cerfs. As you approach, you will see palm trees, white sand, and clear turquoise water. This is the classic Mauritius scene, and it is the point of the trip where you can stop following a schedule for a while.

You can swim, walk along the beach, sit in the sun, or simply enjoy the view. The island has facilities and paid activities, including parasailing, tube riding, and an undersea walk. These are not included in the $110 price, so carry cash if you think you may want to join one. The cost of these extras can be high.

The standard beach stop is often about an hour to an hour and a half. That is enough for a swim and a short walk, but not enough for a long, unhurried island day. If you choose parasailing or another activity, your free beach time becomes even shorter. One person reported having only about 30 minutes on the island after adding parasailing.

This is the main planning choice of the excursion. If your priority is seeing several sights in one day, the short island stop is a fair trade. If your dream is to spend most of the day on Ile aux Cerfs, book a dedicated island transfer or beach excursion instead.

The beach can also be busier than the boat makes it feel. You have a quieter, more personal setting on the catamaran, then arrive at a popular island with water-sport operators and other visitors. Enjoy the beach for what it is, but do not expect a private island.

The return sail and what the seven hours feel like

The scheduled return to Trou d’Eau Douce is around 4 p.m. The final sail gives you time to relax, listen to music, and watch the east coast from the water. Some trips have had rain on the way back, so protect phones and cameras in a dry bag or sealed pouch.

The day is listed as seven hours, but the experience can feel longer if you are staying on the opposite side of Mauritius. That is not a criticism of the boat trip itself. It simply means you should count the road transfer when planning your day.

The timetable is well suited to people who want one major outing rather than several small activities. You see the river, coast, lagoon, reef, waterfall, and island without having to organize separate taxis or boat tickets. The pace is active, but you are never expected to walk long distances.

What $110 buys you

At $110, this trip is good value if you use most of its inclusions. Hotel pickup and drop-off alone can be costly when your hotel is far from Trou d’Eau Douce. Add the catamaran, speedboat transfer to the falls, lunch, drinks, life jacket, and a full day of guided transport, and the price compares well with hotel-sold excursions that can cost considerably more.

You are also paying for convenience. There is no need to find the port, negotiate a taxi, locate the catamaran, or arrange a separate return. The driver meets you at your hotel reception, usually in a uniform with a Freshverde Holidays logo.

The value drops if you do not drink alcohol, skip lunch, or dislike group boat trips. It also drops if you want long snorkeling time or a full afternoon on the island. Those are not faults, but they help define who should book this excursion.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later booking make it easier to fit into a changing Mauritius schedule. The trip requires good weather. If conditions cancel it, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Who should choose this catamaran trip

I would recommend it to couples, families, and first-time visitors who want a broad look at Mauritius’s east coast in one day. It suits you if you enjoy a relaxed social mood, music, swimming, a cooked lunch, and a mixture of nature stops.

Families should note that infants aged one to four are free. Life jackets are included, but parents should decide if a seven-hour boat day fits their child’s routine. The crew’s attentive style helps, though the day still includes sun, boat transfers, and water time.

This trip is also a good choice for people who want drinks and food included rather than buying them separately. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals are available, and the food is halal.

It is less suitable for anyone seeking a quiet sailing experience, serious reef snorkeling, or a long stay at Ile aux Cerfs. It is also not a good match for someone who becomes uncomfortable on a full-day group outing.

The accessibility information needs care. The activity details describe the experience as wheelchair accessible, while the suitability information says it is not suitable for wheelchair users. Because the day involves a catamaran, speedboat, beach, and boat transfers, contact Freshverde Holidays directly before booking if you use a wheelchair or have limited mobility.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want a complete east-coast day rather than a single beach visit. The strongest reasons are the warm crew service, good food, included drinks, convenient transfers, waterfall stop, and the chance to see monkeys, fish, turtles, or dolphins along the way.

Go in with clear expectations. Snorkeling is brief, Ile aux Cerfs time is limited, and paid water sports can take over your beach stop. At $110, I think the package is worthwhile for first-time visitors and anyone who wants a worry-free day on the water.

If you want the island itself to be the main event, choose a slower beach-focused outing. If you want Mauritius in miniature, with river, reef, sea, food, music, and sand packed into one day, this is a sensible pick.

FAQ

How long is the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran trip?

The activity lasts about seven hours. The catamaran departs Trou d’Eau Douce around 9:30 a.m. and is expected back around 4 p.m., followed by your hotel drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off at your hotel are included, with transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Where does the catamaran leave from?

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

What languages does the guide speak?

Live guiding is available in English, French, and Hindi.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A three-course lunch is included, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices. The food is halal.

What drinks are included?

Included drinks can include bottled water, juice, soft drinks, beer, wine, and local rum.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. The itinerary includes a snorkeling and swimming stop in the lagoon. Snorkeling equipment is not specifically listed, so bring your own equipment if you have it.

Are water sports included?

No. Parasailing, tube riding, and the undersea walk at Ile aux Cerfs are optional paid activities.

How many people are on the boat?

The group size can vary. Recent departures carried about 15 to 27 people, with seating inside, outside, in shade, in sun, and on the front nets.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, and sunscreen. Cash is useful if you plan to pay for water sports at Ile aux Cerfs.

Is the trip suitable for wheelchair users?

The provided details conflict. One part describes the activity as wheelchair accessible, while another says it is not suitable for wheelchair users. Contact the operator before booking to confirm whether the boat and transfers meet your needs.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The trip requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you are offered a different date or a full refund.