Private Catamaran Charter to Ile aux Cerfs

The best part of this outing is the freedom of having a 45-foot catamaran to your own group. You can stretch out, stop for a swim in calm lagoon water, and spend the day at a slower pace than you would on a crowded boat. I especially like the chance to snorkel with colorful reef fish and the relaxed sail to Ile aux Cerfs.

I also like that the price covers the captain and snorkeling gear, while the private format works well for families or a large group. Crew members Pascal and Scott have been singled out for their friendly service, and one family even had their own food and drinks kept cool on board. The main thing to watch is the cost: food, drinks, and hotel transfers are extra, so the final bill can rise beyond the advertised group price.

Key points to know before you book

• A private 45-foot catamaran: The boat is reserved for your group, with room for up to 31 people.
• Pointe Jerome to Ile aux Cerfs: The seven-hour route combines lagoon sailing, swimming, snorkeling, dolphin spotting, and island time.
• Dolphins are a possibility, not a promise: You may see them in their natural habitat, but sightings depend on luck.
• Food is not included: A BBQ lunch and drinks can be arranged for an additional charge, or you may be able to bring your own provisions.
• Best for flexible groups: Families, birthday groups, and larger parties can get better value from a private boat than from separate seats on a shared cruise.
• Bring beach basics: You will need comfortable shoes, a towel, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen.

Why the private catamaran format matters

A private boat changes the feel of a day on the water. You are not following the preferences of a boatload of strangers, and your group can enjoy the seating, swimming stops, and island visit together. The catamaran is 45 feet long, so this is not a tiny speedboat experience. It gives you space to settle in during the seven-hour outing.

The boat holds up to 31 people, but value depends heavily on your actual group size. At the full capacity, $1,354 works out to roughly $44 per person before food, drinks, or a transfer. For a small group, the cost per person is much higher, so this experience makes the most financial sense for a family reunion, wedding party, company outing, or large group of friends.

The captain is included, along with snorkeling equipment. That removes two common hassles: finding your own boat operator and arranging gear at the water. English and French are spoken, which is useful for mixed-language groups.

The private setup also gives you a comfortable place to store personal items, but do not treat the boat as a luggage service. Large bags and oversize luggage are not allowed. Bring only what you need for a day in the sun.

Starting at Pointe Jerome

The day begins at the Pointe Jerome embarkation point, where you meet the crew and receive a safety briefing. This is a practical start rather than a long orientation. Listen carefully, especially if children are joining you, because the day includes time around the water, snorkeling, and movement on and off the boat.

From Pointe Jerome, the catamaran sails toward the waters around Mahébourg. The trip itself is part of the experience. You are not simply being transported to an attraction, so use the sailing time to settle into the boat, enjoy the views, and get comfortable with the rhythm of the sea.

The start point is worth noting when planning your day. An optional private transfer can be arranged for an additional cost per vehicle, with a maximum of four passengers per vehicle. If you need that service, it must be selected when booking. Otherwise, you will need to make your own way to Pointe Jerome.

Sailing through the lagoon near Mahébourg

The route follows the turquoise water of an inner lagoon, where the catamaran can provide a calmer ride than open sea conditions. That makes this portion pleasant for simply sitting back and watching the changing water.

I like this kind of sailing because it gives the day some breathing room. You are not rushing from one attraction to another. The boat ride lets you enjoy Mauritius from the water, with the captain handling the route while you spend time with your group.

Conditions at sea can still vary. If you are prone to motion sickness, choose a place where you feel steady, keep your eyes on the horizon, and take the usual precautions before sailing. The supplied information does not promise a particular route speed or sea condition, so keep your schedule loose and let the captain set the pace.

Swimming and snorkeling in calm water

One of the strongest parts of the outing is the stop for swimming and snorkeling. The boat anchors in calm water, and snorkeling gear is included. You can look for colorful reef fish below the surface, then return to the catamaran to dry off and relax.

This is a good arrangement for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can spend more time in the water, while others can stay aboard and enjoy the sun. Parents should keep in mind that the boat operator provides gear, but the information does not specify children’s sizes, flotation devices, or lifeguard supervision. Ask about equipment needs before departure if anyone in your group has limited swimming ability.

The quality of the snorkeling depends on water conditions and the exact stop chosen that day. It is best to think of this as a pleasant reef stop rather than a specialist snorkeling expedition. You get a chance to see fish without giving up most of the day to one activity.

Bring your own towel, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. Comfortable shoes are also recommended, particularly for moving around the boat and walking on Ile aux Cerfs later.

Watching for dolphins near the route

Dolphin watching is included as a possibility during the sailing. The appeal is that you may see dolphins in their natural habitat rather than at a managed attraction. If a pod appears, it can become the day’s most memorable moment.

Still, no operator can guarantee wild dolphin sightings. Treat this part as a lucky bonus, not the main reason to book. The experience remains worthwhile if you get a good swim, a relaxed sail, and time on Ile aux Cerfs.

One group reported seeing a large number of dolphins, while another described a day built around dolphins, snorkeling, good food, and friendly skippers. Those sightings show what is possible, but your own result will depend on where the dolphins are and what conditions allow.

Lunch near Grand River South East

The route includes a lunch stop near Grand River South East. A BBQ lunch is available as an optional extra, along with drinks. This is important because the headline price does not include food or beverages.

A boat lunch can be a real advantage on a seven-hour outing. You do not need to interrupt the day to find a restaurant, and the group can eat together while remaining close to the water. Several past bookings praised the food as delicious, plentiful, and well served. Italian and German-speaking customers also highlighted the quality of the meal and drinks, while one family praised the crew for a warm, helpful approach.

Because the meal is optional, confirm the exact food and drink arrangement before paying. You can also ask about bringing your own supplies. One group brought its own food and drinks, and the crew kept them cool. That does not necessarily mean every booking includes the same storage arrangement, so clarify this in advance.

If you choose not to add lunch, bring enough food and water for the full seven hours. Food and drinks are not part of the standard package, and the information does not promise a restaurant stop.

Time on Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the main destination, and the visit gives you a change of pace after the sailing and swimming stops. Once you arrive, you can walk along the beach, take in the turquoise water, and enjoy time on land before returning to Pointe Jerome.

The island visit is intentionally simple. You are not signing up for a long guided cultural tour or a packed schedule of activities. You get beach time, a walk, and a chance to enjoy the setting at your own speed.

That flexibility works well for families and groups with different interests. Some people can stroll, others can sit by the water, and everyone can regroup before the sail home. The tradeoff is that the length of your island visit is not specified, so do not expect a precisely timed program for every hour of the day.

I would bring shoes that are comfortable both on the boat and on the beach. Sand, sun, and wet surfaces make flimsy footwear less useful than a secure pair you can walk in.

The return sail to Pointe Jerome

After the island visit, you sail back to Pointe Jerome with time to relax and enjoy a chilled drink if you have arranged beverages. The return leg completes the seven-hour schedule and gives you another chance to enjoy the lagoon from the catamaran.

The atmosphere seems to be a major part of the appeal. Descriptions of the crew repeatedly focus on kindness, humor, and helpful service. Pascal and Scott are two names associated with especially warm days on the water, and the crew’s attitude appears to be one of the strongest reasons this outing works so well for private groups.

Do keep an eye on the clock if you have evening plans. The full activity lasts seven hours, and a boat day can also be affected by loading, water conditions, or the timing of stops. It is not the right choice if you need to return at a precise early afternoon time.

Food, drinks, and the real cost

The listed price is $1,354 for a private group of up to 31 people. That includes the catamaran and captain, plus snorkeling equipment, but not food, drinks, or the optional transfer.

For a full group, the base rate can be strong value. You are paying for exclusive use of a sizable boat rather than buying individual seats. For fewer people, the calculation changes quickly. A group of 10 would pay about $135 per person before extras, while a group of four would pay about $339 each.

The best value comes when you can fill much of the boat and want privacy. If your group is small, compare the total with a shared catamaran cruise before booking. A private charter gives you control and space, but you pay for the boat even when several seats remain empty.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your cash free until closer to the date. Check availability for the exact starting time because departure times can vary.

Who should book this day on the water?

I would recommend it most strongly for a larger private group that values time together. Families with children, groups celebrating a special occasion, and friends who want their own boat can make good use of the flexible format.

It also suits people who want a mix of activities. You get sailing, swimming, snorkeling, possible dolphin watching, lunch if selected, and beach time in one day. You are not forced to choose between a boat trip and a visit to Ile aux Cerfs.

This is less suitable for anyone looking for a focused wildlife tour, a serious snorkeling trip, or a guided history experience. Dolphin sightings are not guaranteed, the snorkeling is one part of a broader outing, and the island visit is mainly for beach time.

The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. The information also advises against pets, large bags, and oversize luggage.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs charter?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the cost and want a private, easygoing day on the water. The mix of lagoon sailing, snorkeling, possible dolphin sightings, BBQ lunch, and Ile aux Cerfs beach time gives you plenty to do without making the day feel rushed.

Before paying, settle three points: the number of people in your group, the cost of the optional food and drinks, and whether you need the paid transfer from your accommodation. If the group is small or the budget is tight, a shared cruise may be cheaper. If privacy, friendly crew service, and a boat reserved for your own people matter most, this charter is a sensible choice.

FAQ

How long does the private catamaran trip last?

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

Where does the catamaran leave from?

The starting and ending point is the Pointe Jerome embarkation point.

Is the catamaran private?

Yes. The charter is for a private group and can accommodate up to 31 people.

How much does the charter cost?

The listed price is $1,354 per private group of up to 31 people.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the standard price. A BBQ lunch and drinks are available for an additional charge.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included with the private charter.

Will I definitely see dolphins?

No. Dolphin sightings are possible but cannot be guaranteed because the animals are in their natural habitat.

Are hotel transfers included?

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

What languages are spoken?

The host or greeter service is available in English and French.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.