Catamaran cruise to Ile aux cerfs with bbq lunch

Ile aux Cerfs is the headline, but the best part of this day may be the journey there. You sail from Trou d’Eau Douce past the GRSE waterfalls, stop for a swim and snorkel, then eat lunch aboard before reaching the island’s beaches.

I like the easy mix of scenery and activity, plus the included BBQ, drinks, and snorkel gear. The crew keeps the mood social, with music and, on some trips, a singer-guitarist during lunch. The main caution is timing: departures have sometimes run late, leaving less than planned on Ile aux Cerfs.

Key points to know before booking

• The route has three distinct parts: waterfalls, lagoon snorkeling, and Ile aux Cerfs beach time.
• Lunch includes a BBQ and drinks, with alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and bottled water provided.
• The group is capped at 30 people, small enough to feel manageable but still lively.
• The catamaran returns to Trou d’Eau Douce around 4:00 p.m., making this a full six-hour outing.
• Private transport is not included, so you need to reach the Chez Tino meeting point yourself or arrange a transfer.
• Allow extra time in your schedule, since the stated start time and actual departure have not always matched.

Setting sail from Trou d’Eau Douce

The day begins at Chez Tino on Route Royale in Trou d’Eau Douce. The published departure information refers to a morning start, with the sailing itinerary listing 9:30 a.m. and the meeting point opening at 9:00 a.m. One important practical detail is that a few departures have started later, sometimes by about an hour.

I would arrive early, check in, and avoid booking anything immediately after the 4:00 p.m. return. A late start can reduce your time at the island, and the schedule may also shift if some people arrive late or choose an additional paid activity.

Once aboard, the catamaran gives you a pleasant change from road travel. You see the coast from the water, with the boat carrying you into areas you cannot reach by car. The catamaran itself is part of the attraction. You can sit on the sun-warmed deck, watch the lagoon, or find shade while the crew prepares the next stop.

This is not a silent sightseeing cruise. Music and a young, upbeat atmosphere are part of the experience. That suits you if you want a sociable day with drinks and conversation. If you are looking for a quiet private sail, a group catamaran with up to 30 people may feel too active.

The GRSE waterfalls and the first stop

The opening visit takes you toward the GRSE waterfalls, near the mouth of the Grand River South East. The setting is green and framed by water, making it a fine first look at the eastern side of Mauritius.

You may see monkeys near the wooded shoreline, and some outings have also included sightings of bats. Wildlife is not guaranteed, so treat this as a pleasant possibility rather than the main reason to book. The waterfall stop is also weather dependent, and the view can change with light, rain, and water conditions.

The boat brings you close enough to appreciate the falls and surrounding scenery, but this is not a long land walk or a full river expedition. The value comes from seeing the area from the water and fitting it into a broader day. You get a scenic introduction without giving up the snorkeling and beach stops later.

I like the way this keeps the outing varied. A day spent only on a beach can feel repetitive, while this route gives you a waterfall, open water, lunch, and an island in one compact schedule.

Snorkeling in the lagoon

After the waterfall visit, the catamaran heads to a snorkeling area. The clear lagoon water is the point here, with the chance to spot marine life in a place reached by boat rather than from shore.

Snorkel equipment is included, which saves you from bringing your own mask and fins. You can also choose to swim, sit on deck, or simply watch the water if snorkeling is not your thing. The activity suits mixed groups because nobody has to take part in every stop.

Keep your expectations sensible. This is a short stop within a six-hour cruise, not a dedicated marine wildlife expedition. The supplied information promises a wildlife-rich snorkeling area and a chance to see marine life, but no particular species or guaranteed sightings.

The water is one of the strongest parts of the day. Several descriptions of the outing highlight the pleasure of swimming from the boat, and that makes sense: you avoid the crowded feeling of a narrow beach and get a simple, refreshing break in the lagoon. Bring a towel, sun protection, and a dry bag for anything you do not want splashed.

BBQ lunch with music and drinks

Lunch follows the snorkeling stop and is served aboard the catamaran. The meal is a BBQ, with food that can include grilled meat and fish according to the details shared about the outing. Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and bottled water are included.

This is where the tour delivers good value for its price. At $63.35 per person, you are not paying only for a boat ride and an island landing. You also receive lunch, equipment, and drinks, which can quickly add to the cost of an independent beach day.

The meal is informal. You eat with the group rather than choosing from a restaurant menu, and the quality can never be separated from the pace of a boat excursion. Still, the food has received particularly warm praise, and the amount served has been described as generous.

Music adds to the lunch. A singer-guitarist has accompanied some trips, and the atmosphere can become lively without turning into a full party cruise. I would think of it as a relaxed social meal, not a quiet picnic. If you enjoy a cold drink, live music, and a bit of cheerful noise, this is a strong point.

The crew’s service also matters here. Names such as Tomi, Lori, and Adrienne have been singled out for friendly, attentive work. You can expect the staff to keep an eye on drinks and help maintain the flow of the day, although service on a shared boat is naturally less personal than on a private charter.

Arriving at Ile aux Cerfs

After lunch, the boat continues to Ile aux Cerfs, the famous island in the lagoon. The appeal is straightforward: bright water, sandy beaches, and time to swim or relax away from the mainland.

You can walk along the beach, find a place to sit, swim, or simply enjoy the view. The stop is not a guided cultural visit, and there is no major sightseeing program on the island itself. Its value lies in the setting and the chance to slow down after the morning’s movement.

The schedule is the main issue. The planned island time is meant to be roughly two hours, but delays or changes to the order of activities can cut that short. One account describes only about an hour on Ile aux Cerfs after a late departure and an optional paid activity altered the order of the day.

That matters if the island is your main reason for booking. You may not have enough time to explore every section of the beach or settle into a long, unhurried swim. If you mainly want a boat day with several stops, the shorter island visit may not bother you. If you want a full beach afternoon, choose an activity built around Ile aux Cerfs alone.

There is also a useful bit of perspective here. Ile aux Cerfs is beautiful, but the island itself does not offer a long list of sights in the information provided. You come for the beach and water, not for museums, villages, or a walking tour. The catamaran route is what gives the excursion its character.

What the $63.35 price really covers

At $63.35, this is a solid package if you plan to use the inclusions. Lunch, snorkeling equipment, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and bottled water are all part of the price. The boat also links several eastern Mauritius highlights in one outing.

You are paying for convenience as much as for transport. Instead of arranging separate access to a snorkeling area, finding lunch, and reaching Ile aux Cerfs, you have one boat, one crew, and one schedule. That is useful on a short Mauritius stay.

The price does not include private transportation or hotel pickup and drop-off. You must reach the Chez Tino redemption point at B59 in Trou d’Eau Douce unless you arrange a separate transfer. Some people have organized transport through the company, including a speedboat pickup, but that is not part of the standard listed package, so confirm the extra cost and meeting details before relying on it.

The value is best for someone who wants an active, social day with food and drinks already handled. It is less compelling if you dislike group outings, do not drink, or want a great deal of independent time on Ile aux Cerfs.

Group size, comfort, and the right pace

The maximum group size is 30 people. That is not an intimate private sail, but it is small enough to avoid the scale of a large excursion vessel. The atmosphere can be friendly and energetic, especially when music is playing and lunch is being served.

Most people can take part, and the day includes several choices. You can snorkel, swim, sit on deck, or spend your island stop on the beach. That flexibility makes it suitable for couples, families, and groups with different energy levels.

The schedule is active without being strenuous. You move from boat to waterfall, then to snorkeling, lunch, and the island. You should be comfortable getting on and off the vessel and spending much of the day outdoors, but the published information does not set a special fitness requirement.

Weather matters. The experience requires good conditions, and poor weather can lead to a different date or a full refund. Mauritius can give you shifting sun and rain, so a light rain layer is sensible even if the forecast looks promising.

Timing, transport, and small practical tips

The activity lasts about six hours and normally returns to the mainland around 4:00 p.m. The stated meeting point is Tino Boats, Chez Tino, in Trou d’Eau Douce. The activity ends back at that meeting point.

I would plan your day around the full time block, with extra room in case the boat leaves late. Do not schedule a tight airport transfer, dinner reservation, or another paid excursion immediately after.

Cancellation is free if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that window are not accepted for a refund. If bad weather cancels the outing, you are offered another date or a full refund.

The tour is generally easy to book, with confirmation provided at booking and public transport nearby. The key thing is to separate the boat price from your transport cost. If you are staying away from Trou d’Eau Douce, the transfer can change the final value.

Who will enjoy this catamaran day

You should consider this trip if you want:

• A full eastern-coast outing without arranging several separate activities
• A mix of swimming, snorkeling, scenery, food, and beach time
• An informal boat atmosphere with music and drinks
• A reasonably priced package with most daytime costs included
• A choice between active stops and simply resting on deck

You may want another option if you need a reliable, tightly timed itinerary. The late starts reported on some departures can reduce island time. You may also be disappointed if you expect Ile aux Cerfs to provide hours of sightseeing beyond its beaches and water.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran?

I would book this tour for the overall day, not for Ile aux Cerfs alone. The best value comes from the combination of the GRSE waterfalls, lagoon swim, BBQ lunch, drinks, music, and island beach time.

The friendly crew and well-liked food add real appeal. Just arrive early, confirm the departure time, arrange your own transport, and keep your afternoon flexible. If you accept a group setting and a schedule that may shift, this is an enjoyable and fairly priced way to see the east coast of Mauritius from the water.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The cruise starts at Chez Tino, B59, Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius. The listed meeting point is Tino Boats on Route Royale.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately six hours. The planned return to the mainland is around 4:00 p.m.

What places does the cruise visit?

The route includes the GRSE waterfalls, a snorkeling location in the lagoon, and Ile aux Cerfs.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is included as part of the experience.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The package includes alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and bottled water.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Private transportation and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the standard package.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.