Private Catamaran Charter to Ile aux Cerfs

The best part of this trip is having a 45-foot catamaran reserved for your own group, rather than sharing a boat with strangers. You can spread out, swim in calm lagoon water, snorkel with reef fish, and reach Ile aux Cerfs at a pace that suits your party. I especially like the combination of open-water sailing and a proper island stop.

I also like that the crew can make the day feel relaxed and social. Past outings have included friendly hosts such as Pascal and Scott, and one family even had its own food and drinks kept cool by the crew. The main thing to watch is the price: $1,354 is a serious outlay for a group of two or three, but it becomes much better value when divided among a larger party of up to 31.

• Private 45-foot catamaran: Your group has the boat and captain for the day, with room for up to 31 people.
• Pointe Jerome departure: The trip begins near Mahébourg and returns to the same embarkation point.
• Calm-water swimming and snorkeling: Snorkeling gear is supplied, and the lagoon provides a gentler setting for a water stop.
• Dolphin spotting: You may see dolphins along the route, but sightings depend on luck and natural conditions.
• Ile aux Cerfs visit: Walk the beach, enjoy the island setting, and return by boat with time still left in the seven-hour outing.
• Optional food and drinks: A BBQ lunch and beverages are available for an extra charge, rather than being part of the basic price.

A Private Start at Pointe Jerome

Your day begins at the Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point, with a safety briefing before the boat heads out. The location puts you near Mahébourg and the southeast coast of Mauritius, where the water route leads toward Grand River South East and Ile aux Cerfs.

The private format matters right away. You are not joining a large public cruise with a fixed social mix. Your group can settle into the boat together, and the captain can explain the plan in English or French. The available information does not promise a completely custom route, so think of this as a private version of a set day on the water, not a fully bespoke sailing expedition.

The catamaran is 45 feet long, a useful size for a private group. It should give you more room than a small speedboat, with space to sit in the sun or find shade when the heat becomes too much. At the full capacity of 31, however, nobody should expect a quiet, yacht-like atmosphere. The experience will feel most comfortable for a medium-sized family, wedding group, or circle of friends.

Sailing Past Mahébourg and Across the Lagoon

The first stretch is a sailing run from Pointe Jerome around Mahébourg and across the inner lagoon. This is not simply transport to the island. You get time to watch the coast recede, feel the wind, and enjoy the water from a slower, more open platform.

A lagoon sail is a good fit if you want a gentle day rather than a high-speed thrill ride. The water is described as turquoise, and the route offers views from the boat that you would not get from a beach. Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. The Mauritian sun can be strong, and a full day on reflective water gives you little shelter from it.

You should also bring a towel and comfortable shoes. The shoes matter for getting on and off the boat and for walking on Ile aux Cerfs. Large bags and oversize luggage are not allowed, so pack lightly. A small personal bag with dry clothes, sunscreen, and your phone is more useful than a suitcase.

Snorkeling in Calm Water

The snorkeling stop is one of the most practical features of the trip because gear is included. You do not need to arrange masks and fins separately, although you should still be comfortable in the water before joining. The stop is intended for swimming and looking at colorful reef fish in calm water.

I like this part because it breaks up the sailing without turning the day into a nonstop activity schedule. You can swim for a while, snorkel, or stay on board and enjoy the view. The supplied information does not specify the exact reef, water depth, or how long the boat remains at the stop, so do not book this expecting a formal marine biology session.

Conditions can affect visibility and comfort. Snorkeling is best treated as a pleasant chance to see fish, not a guarantee of a certain species or perfect water. If you are traveling with children, the private setup gives your group more freedom to manage the swim at a pace that feels sensible, but the activity is still not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Watching for Dolphins Along the Route

Dolphin watching is included as a possibility, not a promise. The boat travels through waters where you may spot dolphins in their natural habitat, and one past group reported seeing many of them. That can become the emotional high point of the day, but nature decides the result.

Keep your expectations loose. You might see dolphins, or you might spend the time enjoying the sailing and the sea. The description does not give a special dolphin guarantee, a dedicated viewing period, or a marine guide. It is best to treat sightings as a lucky bonus rather than the reason to book the entire charter.

If dolphins do appear, the private boat should make the moment easier to share with your own group. Have your camera ready, but do not spend the entire crossing staring at a screen. The water and the changing views are part of the experience too.

Lunch on the Catamaran Near Grand River South East

The day includes time near Grand River South East for lunch. A BBQ meal can be prepared by the crew if you select the food option, and drinks can also be arranged for an extra charge. This distinction is important: the basic charter includes the boat, captain, and snorkeling equipment, but not food or beverages.

A BBQ on board makes practical sense. You do not have to leave the boat to find lunch, and the meal keeps the group together during the middle of the day. Past outings have been praised for generous food and drinks, with Italian visitors also describing the meal and beverages as abundant. That gives the optional catering good appeal for anyone who wants the day handled from start to finish.

Still, check the final cost before paying. At $1,354 per group, the boat already represents a substantial expense, and catering increases the total. If you have a large group, sharing the cost can make the BBQ reasonable. A small group may prefer to compare the extra charge with bringing its own food and drinks, if permitted under the booking arrangements. One group brought its own supplies, and the crew kept them cool, but you should confirm this option before relying on it.

Drinks out at sea are part of the pleasure, especially on the return leg. Remember to keep water intake in mind alongside any other beverages, since sun and salt air can wear you down quietly.

Arriving at Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the main destination, and the stop gives the day a useful change of scene. After several hours around the boat, you can walk on the beach, stretch your legs, and see the island from land rather than from the water.

The appeal here is simple: white sand, warm water, and a break from sitting or standing on a moving deck. I would use this time for a beach walk and a swim rather than trying to cram in too many separate activities. The information provided does not list a guided island tour or specific facilities, so you should think of the stop as free time in a scenic setting.

The island can also be the busiest-feeling part of the day. The boat itself gives your group privacy, but once you reach a popular island destination, that sense of seclusion may fade. If your main goal is a quiet private beach, this may not deliver complete solitude. If you want an attractive stop that gives structure to a day at sea, it fits well.

The amount of time on Ile aux Cerfs is not stated precisely. That means you should not assume you will have several hours ashore. The seven-hour duration covers the entire outing, including sailing, snorkeling, dolphin watching, lunch, the island visit, and the return to Pointe Jerome.

The Return to Pointe Jerome

The boat returns to the original departure point, giving you a simple end to the day. A chilled drink in hand and the last stretch across the lagoon can be a pleasant way to wind down after the island stop.

A private transfer is available for an additional cost per vehicle, with a maximum of four passengers per vehicle. If you are staying far from Pointe Jerome, this may be worth considering for convenience, but it is not part of the charter price. Without the transfer option, you will need to make your own way to the embarkation point and back.

The seven-hour length is long enough to feel like a full day rather than a short boat ride. That is good value for groups that want a complete outing, though it can feel tiring for anyone who struggles with sun, motion, or extended time outdoors. Plan your clothing around comfort, not style. Quick-drying items, a hat, and a towel will serve you better than formal beachwear.

What the $1,354 Price Really Buys

The headline price is for a private group of up to 31 people. That is the key to understanding the value. For 31 people, the base price works out to roughly $44 per person before food, drinks, and any transfer. For a group of 10, it is about $135 per person. For two people, it becomes very expensive.

The price covers the private catamaran, captain, and snorkeling equipment. You are paying for exclusive use of the boat, which gives your group control over the atmosphere and removes the uncertainty of sharing a cruise with strangers. The captain is also part of the package, so you are not expected to operate the catamaran yourself.

Food and drinks are extra. This is not a minor footnote, because a BBQ lunch is a central part of the day for many people. Ask for the full total with catering before you commit, especially if you are organizing a large group and collecting money from several people.

For a birthday, family reunion, wedding gathering, or company outing, the charter can make strong financial sense. For a couple or small family, a shared cruise may offer better value unless privacy is your top priority. The high overall rating and repeated praise for the crew, boat, food, and friendly service suggest that the experience delivers well for groups who use the private format properly.

Who Will Enjoy This Day Most

I would recommend this charter most strongly to groups that want several experiences in one outing: sailing, swimming, snorkeling, a possible dolphin sighting, lunch, and an island visit. It works especially well for families with children, provided everyone is comfortable around water and the group understands that dolphin sightings are not guaranteed.

The private setting also suits people who care about company and control. You can enjoy the day with family or friends instead of adjusting to a boatload of strangers. Past groups included small children, and the crew received praise for making the outing enjoyable for the whole family.

It is less suitable for anyone seeking a fully guided cultural tour, a quiet luxury yacht with very few people, or a guaranteed wildlife encounter. It is also not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. Large luggage is not allowed, and the seven-hour length requires a reasonable tolerance for sun and time on the water.

The crew is described as friendly, helpful, and fun, with Pascal and Scott associated with a particularly well-liked outing. Since crew assignments can vary, treat those names as useful context rather than a guarantee that they will be aboard your boat.

Booking Details You Should Not Miss

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and the reserve-now-pay-later option lets you hold the booking without paying immediately. Starting times depend on availability, so check the date carefully before making other plans.

The host or greeter speaks English and French. That is helpful for mixed-language groups and for basic safety instructions before departure. A safety briefing takes place at Pointe Jerome before the boat leaves.

Pack sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, a towel, and comfortable shoes. Leave pets, oversize luggage, and large bags behind. If you want the optional transfer, choose it during checkout rather than assuming it can be added later.

Should You Book the Ile aux Cerfs Charter?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the price and you want a flexible day on the water with an island stop. The combination of a private 45-foot boat, snorkeling gear, optional BBQ, and a possible dolphin sighting gives you plenty to do without making the day feel rushed.

Think twice if you are traveling as only two people, need wheelchair access, or want a guaranteed dolphin encounter. Also check the extra cost for food, drinks, and transfers before judging the final value.

For a family gathering or a group of friends, I would consider this one of the more practical ways to turn Ile aux Cerfs into a full-day outing. The boat, captain, and friendly service carry the experience, while the private format makes the high base price easier to justify.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran charter last?

The charter lasts seven hours, including sailing, snorkeling, possible dolphin watching, lunch, the visit to Ile aux Cerfs, and the return to Pointe Jerome.

Where does the boat depart and return?

The boat departs from and returns to the Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point.

Is the catamaran private?

Yes. The booking is for a private group, with a maximum capacity of 31 people and a captain included.

Is food included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the base price. A BBQ lunch and beverages are available at an additional cost.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included.

Can I see dolphins?

You may see dolphins in their natural habitat, but sightings depend on natural conditions and are not guaranteed.

What languages does the host speak?

The host or greeter speaks English and French.

Is transport to Pointe Jerome included?

No. A private transfer can be arranged for an additional cost, with a maximum of four passengers per vehicle.