Full-Day Catamaran Cruise to Île aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch

The best part of this day is the mix of easy sailing and water time. You leave Pointe Jerome, pass a nature reserve, stop to snorkel, search for dolphins, eat a BBQ lunch, then step from the catamaran onto Île aux Cerfs by its front ladder. It is a relaxed way to see several coastal highlights without arranging each one yourself.

I like the friendly crew service, especially the steady supply of drinks and the practical help in the water. I also like the value: at $81.10, you get about seven hours, lunch, snorkeling gear, snacks, coffee, tea, local beer, wine, Mauritian rum, and soft drinks. The main caution is that Île aux Cerfs can feel crowded and basic, and the snorkeling may not deliver colorful fish every day.

Key points

• Starts at Pointe Jerome at 9:00 am: You arrange your own way there, but free parking is available.
• Snorkeling comes before the island: Bring a swimsuit and use the supplied equipment at the lagoon stop.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Expect BBQ food, pineapple, coffee, tea, beer, wine, rum, and soft drinks.
• The island stop lasts about two hours: Relax on the sandbank, wade in the shallows, or pay separately for activities such as parasailing.
• The boat holds up to 31 people: It feels social rather than private, with music and a party-friendly atmosphere.
• Dolphins are possible, not promised: The captain may adjust the route to help you spot them, but wildlife sightings depend on nature.

Setting Sail From Pointe Jerome at 9:00 am

This cruise begins at HPGF+496 Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point near Pointe d’Esny, not at a hotel. That matters because hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to make your own way to the pier, but free parking is available if you drive.

The listed meeting time is 9:00 am. If you arrive early, the waterfront can be a pleasant place to wait, and one person described watching the sunrise before boarding. Still, give yourself enough time to locate the embarkation point. A missed departure can create a serious problem, as the catamaran follows the group schedule and cannot simply wait for late arrivals.

The cruise is operated by Catamaran Cruises Mauritius, with a maximum of 31 people. That is a useful middle ground. You are not paying for a private boat, but you also are not joining a huge vessel with hundreds of passengers. Expect a social outing, shared tables, music, and plenty of conversation.

Once underway, the crew offers morning coffee and tea, along with snacks. Sweet bread has also been served early in the trip. This small start matters on a full day at sea, especially if you have skipped breakfast to reach the pier.

The Cruise Through Mauritius’ Coastal Waters

The sailing itself is a major part of the experience. The route passes a nature reserve, and the catamaran offers broad views of the lagoon and open Indian Ocean. The boat is the point of the day, not just transport between two stops.

I like this format for couples and families who want a scenic day without a packed schedule. You can sit in the sun, watch the water, listen to music, and let the crew handle the food and drinks. The return trip includes Mauritian sega music, which gives the ride a local touch rather than making it feel like a silent ferry crossing.

The atmosphere can become lively. Beer, wine, Mauritian rum, and soft drinks are included throughout the cruise, and the crew keeps refilling glasses. If you want a quiet boat ride, this may feel more social than expected. If you enjoy music, casual conversation, and a little holiday energy, it is part of the appeal.

The boat is described as well maintained, and the crew helps with boarding, swimming, and general comfort. Names connected with the service include Rudi, Scott, Rowan, Miguel, and the captain, who has been praised for making an effort to locate dolphins. The exact crew can change, so do not book expecting one particular person.

Snorkeling Before Île aux Cerfs

The snorkeling stop takes place before the island visit. Equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel unless you prefer a familiar fit.

The stop is in a lagoon, and conditions can make a big difference. On a clear, calm day, the water can be beautiful and the swim may be one of the strongest parts of the outing. Some people have found the snorkeling excellent, while others have seen little colorful marine life. That contrast is worth understanding before you book.

This is not a dedicated reef expedition. It is a short, convenient stop folded into a broader sailing day. You may see fish and enjoy clear water, but you should not expect the kind of marine display associated with a specialist snorkeling tour. Visibility, weather, and the natural condition of the site all affect what you see.

You can swim, snorkel, or simply sunbathe while others use the water. The crew can assist with swimming, which is helpful for less confident swimmers. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and most people can take part, but you should be comfortable following the crew’s instructions around the boat and water.

Searching for Dolphins in the Open Sea

Dolphin spotting is another possible highlight. The captain may look for dolphins during the cruise and adjust the boat’s position when a sighting seems possible. Several people have had memorable sightings, and one captain made a particular effort to help a group see them.

Still, dolphins are wild animals. You may see them clearly, briefly, or not at all. Treat this as a welcome bonus rather than a guaranteed part of the schedule. The same applies to other wildlife.

The search adds a little excitement to an otherwise laid-back day. It also gives you a reason to keep watching the water instead of settling into your seat for the whole ride. Bring a camera if you like, but keep your attention on the sea too. A dolphin appearance can be over quickly.

BBQ Lunch, Pineapple, and an Open Bar

Lunch is served as a BBQ buffet on board. Pineapple is included for dessert, and coffee and tea are available. The food has been one of the most consistently praised parts of the outing, with vegetarian food also available according to the information provided.

The meal is valuable because you are not spending the day searching for a restaurant on the island. You can eat while enjoying the water and the boat’s music, then use your island time for the beach rather than lunch logistics.

Food quality can never be judged in exactly the same way by everyone, but the overall package is generous for the price. The inclusion of local beer, wine, Mauritian rum, and soft drinks adds to the value, especially for people who expect to spend most of the day on board.

A word of practical advice: if you do not drink alcohol, the package still works because soft drinks, coffee, and tea are included. If you do drink, remember that this is a boat day in the sun. Pace yourself, drink water when available, and do not let the open bar crowd out the swimming and scenery.

Arriving at Île aux Cerfs by the Front Ladder

The island stop lasts about two hours. The catamaran drops you near the famous sandbank, and you reach the island using the ladder at the front of the boat. You may step directly into shallow, knee-deep water before reaching the sand.

This is a memorable arrival, but it is not the same as walking onto a quiet, untouched beach. Île aux Cerfs is a popular stop with water activities and other boats in the area. Some parts can feel crowded, and the landing area has been described as basic.

The best use of the stop depends on what you want. If you like warm shallows, sun, and an easy swim, you can simply wade and relax. If you want more space, walk around the island and look for a less busy stretch. The side where the catamaran stops may not be the most attractive part, so do not judge the entire island from the first few minutes on the sand.

Parasailing is available as an extra activity on the island. It can give you a fine view of the lagoon and sandbank from above, but it is not included in the tour price. The available information does not give a price or exact booking process, so ask on the day before setting aside time for it.

Pay close attention to the return instructions. The boat has a fixed departure time, and the captain may need to leave because of tide conditions. Do not rely on a local water-sports operator for timing information. Confirm the exact return time with the catamaran crew and be back at the agreed place early.

What the $81.10 Price Really Buys You

At $81.10 per person, the price is fair if you want a full-service day on the water. Your package includes roughly seven hours, a catamaran cruise, snorkeling equipment, morning refreshments, snacks, BBQ lunch, pineapple, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and the Île aux Cerfs stop.

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise pay separately for lunch, boat transport, drinks, and a snorkeling trip. It also saves you from coordinating several short excursions. The price is less attractive if your main goal is a quiet beach and you do not care about the cruise, food, or drinks.

This is not a luxury yacht charter. You share the boat, the swimming stop, and the island landing with other people. The boat has a social atmosphere, and the island may be busy. Think of the payment as covering a complete day out, not a private beach escape.

The 4.6 rating from 455 reviews and 91 percent recommendation suggest a strong overall experience, but the lower ratings point to the same practical concerns: the island can disappoint people expecting a pristine beach, snorkeling conditions vary, and clear communication about return time is essential.

Who Will Enjoy This Catamaran Day

I would choose this cruise for couples who want a simple day with scenery, swimming, food, and music. It also suits families because most people can participate, children can join with an adult, and the crew assists around the boat.

It works well for anyone staying without a car, provided you arrange transport to Pointe Jerome. It is also a good fit for people who enjoy a social setting and do not want to plan every detail of a day at sea.

You may want a different outing if you are seeking serious snorkeling, a secluded beach, or a private sailing experience. The snorkeling is an enjoyable part of the day, but it is not the entire purpose. Île aux Cerfs is attractive, yet it is a popular commercial stop rather than a remote island escape.

People with mobility concerns should consider the front ladder and wading arrival at the island. The supplied information says most people can participate, but it does not give detailed accessibility information. Contact the operator before booking if boarding or walking in shallow water may be difficult.

Booking, Weather, and Cancellation Details

You receive confirmation when you book, and the ticket is mobile. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the 9:00 am start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted and are not refunded.

The cruise depends on good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. The activity also requires a minimum number of participants. If that minimum is not met, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

The tour is commonly booked about 18 days ahead. That does not guarantee that every departure sells out, but it is a useful sign that you should not leave it until the last minute if your Mauritius schedule is tight.

Should You Book the Île aux Cerfs Cruise?

Book it if you want a complete, sociable day on the water with lunch and drinks already handled. The strongest parts are the sailing, attentive crew, BBQ, snorkeling stop, possible dolphin sightings, and the fun arrival at Île aux Cerfs.

Skip it if you want a quiet, uncrowded beach or a specialist snorkeling trip. Go in with realistic expectations, listen carefully to the return instructions, and remember that dolphin sightings and colorful fish are never guaranteed.

At $81.10, I consider it good value for a relaxed Mauritius day, especially for couples and families who want variety without complicated planning. The cruise is the real star. The island is a pleasant final stop, but it should not be the only reason you book.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The meeting point is HPGF+496 Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point at Pointe d’Esny, Mauritius. The start time is 9:00 am.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must arrange your own transport to and from Pointe Jerome.

Is parking available at the meeting point?

Yes. Free parking is available at the Pointe Jerome embarkation point for people arriving by their own transport.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately seven hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ buffet lunch and pineapple for dessert are included. Coffee and tea are also provided.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The package includes local beer, wine, Mauritian rum, soft drinks, coffee, and tea.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included in the tour.

How much time do you get on Île aux Cerfs?

The listed island stop lasts about two hours. You can relax on the beach, wade in the shallow water, or arrange an additional activity such as parasailing.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the cruise is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.