Catamaran Cruise: Isle aux Cerfs, Including BBQ Lunch, in Mauritius

The best part of this cruise is the mix of river scenery, open sea, and island time in one long day. You leave from Preskil Island Resort at Pointe Jerome, pass Ile du Phare, visit the mouth of Grand River South East, and reach Isle aux Cerfs for swimming, lunch, and sun.

I like the friendly crew and clear, easygoing program, and I like that snorkeling gear, a BBQ lunch, snacks, and unlimited drinks are included. The main catch is that the day depends on weather and tides, and the meal may feel ordinary if you expect a polished restaurant lunch.

Key points

• Grand River South East: A short stop brings you close to a gorge and waterfall, with possible views of monkeys and bats nearby.
• Ile du Phare: You pass this small island on the way to Isle aux Cerfs, adding another scenic marker to the cruise.
• Isle aux Cerfs: You get time for a BBQ lunch, swimming, and relaxed beach time.
• Snorkeling from the boat: Gear is included, so you can make use of the clear-water stop without arranging equipment separately.
• Open bar on board: Unlimited drinks and snacks are part of the price, which helps make the seven-hour outing good value.
• Small-group scale: The catamaran accepts a maximum of 30 people, though hotel transfers are not included.

A full day from Pointe Jerome

This is a long, sun-filled outing rather than a quick island hop. The trip lasts about seven hours and begins at Preskil Island Resort in Pointe Jerome, near Mahebourg and Blue Bay.

You need to make your own way to the meeting point unless you book an option that specifically includes hotel transfers. The supplied details for this experience list no transfer, so check that point carefully before paying. A mobile ticket is accepted, which keeps the arrival process simple.

The boat carries a maximum of 30 people. That is not a private cruise, but it is a manageable group size for a catamaran. You should expect a social day, shared seating, and a set route rather than a custom sailing trip.

The listed operating hours are Monday through Wednesday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for the stated booking period. Since the cruise takes roughly seven hours, confirm the exact departure time and date when you book. One departure was delayed by low tide for safety, so allow some patience at the start of the day.

Grand River South East and its waterfall

One of the first major sights is Grand River South East, usually shortened to GRSE. The river reaches the sea through a gorge, ending in a waterfall that makes a good short photo stop.

The stop itself is listed at about 10 minutes. That tells you what kind of visit this is: a quick look from the boat, not a long walk or a full river excursion. You can take in the gorge and waterfall, but do not plan on spending the morning exploring the riverbank.

The setting adds welcome variety to the day. A pure catamaran trip can become a long stretch of open water, but GRSE gives you cliffs, fresh water, and a tighter natural scene. The river mouth is also associated with monkeys and a colony of giant bats. Sightings are not guaranteed, yet the possibility makes this part more than a simple transfer between islands.

The crew can point out the sights, and the program is explained at the beginning of the outing. That matters on a busy day with several stops. You will know when to get your camera ready and when the boat is moving on.

Passing Ile du Phare

Ile du Phare appears on the route to Isle aux Cerfs. The information provided does not describe a long landing or walking stop there, so think of it as a scenic passage rather than a separate island visit.

This is a small but useful detail when setting expectations. The main island stop is Isle aux Cerfs, while Ile du Phare is part of the journey across the water. If you are choosing the cruise for a long list of island landings, this trip will feel less extensive than the route name might suggest.

Still, passing another island gives the cruise a sense of place. You are not simply riding to one beach and back. The route links several points along the eastern side of Mauritius, with changing views from the catamaran.

Snorkeling from the catamaran

Snorkeling is included, and the necessary gear is supplied. That makes the activity easy to try, even if you did not bring equipment with you.

The precise snorkeling location and length of the stop are not specified, so keep your expectations flexible. Conditions can change with wind, tide, and weather. Some people may spend plenty of time in the water, while others may prefer to remain on deck and enjoy the views.

The crew has been praised for giving useful advice about the snorkeling stop. That is a practical strength. A short briefing can help you understand where to enter the water and how to use the available time.

If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, ask for the day’s expected water conditions before departure. The cruise includes snorkeling, but it is not presented as a specialist reef trip with an extended underwater program. It is one part of a larger day that also includes sightseeing, lunch, drinks, and an island stop.

Isle aux Cerfs: lunch and free time

Isle aux Cerfs is the main destination and the point where the schedule slows down. The day includes lunch on board, followed by free time for relaxing and swimming.

The listed schedule gives about one hour for lunch and another hour for free time at Isle aux Cerfs. Two hours is enough to eat, swim, and sit in the sun, but it is not a full afternoon on the island. You will need to watch the time and return when asked.

The BBQ is cooked on board and includes unlimited drinks from the open bar. Accounts of the meal have been mixed. Some describe the barbecue as plentiful and well cooked, while another found the flavors and variety only average. I would treat lunch as a useful part of the package, not the main culinary event of your Mauritius holiday.

That distinction helps with value. You are paying for transport across the water, a full-day schedule, drinks, snacks, snorkeling gear, sightseeing, and food. The meal does not need to compete with a restaurant to make the package worthwhile. If you are particular about food, though, keep expectations modest.

The swimming time is likely to be the most relaxed part of the day. You can leave the sightseeing behind, cool off, and enjoy the island setting. The schedule does not promise a long guided walk or a broad range of activities on shore, so this stop is best for people who want simple beach time rather than a packed land program.

A friendly crew and a social pace

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the experience. They have been described as friendly, professional, and quick to respond when conditions caused a delay.

That matters on a boat. A good crew keeps the day moving, explains the plan, serves the meal, manages drinks, and helps people feel comfortable around the water. The program is explained at the beginning, so you are not left guessing about the next stop.

The catamaran carries up to 30 people, which gives the outing a shared, social feel. You will have company during lunch and on the open bar, and the boat will not feel like a private charter. If you want quiet and complete control of the route, this is not the right format.

If you enjoy meeting people, chatting on deck, and spending a day outdoors without planning every detail, the group setting works well. The crew’s warm manner also helps families and first-time snorkelers feel more at ease. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Dolphins, monkeys, and bats

Wildlife is one of the pleasant extras, but it should not be the only reason you book. Dolphins may play in the wake, and seeing them can become the highlight of the day. Their appearance is not guaranteed, so treat it as a lucky bonus.

The GRSE area may also offer views of monkeys and a giant bat colony. These are interesting sights because they add a bit of local wildlife to what could otherwise be a standard sun-and-sea outing. Again, nature sets the schedule. You may see some animals clearly, briefly, or not at all.

The cruise works best when you value the whole combination: boat ride, river mouth, waterfall, snorkeling, island time, and food. If dolphins are your single priority, the uncertain sightings could leave you disappointed.

What the $82 price includes

At about $82 per person, the price is reasonable if you use the full package. The fare includes:

• A roughly seven-hour catamaran outing
• Sightseeing at Grand River South East
• Passage by Ile du Phare
• Snorkeling equipment
• BBQ lunch
• Snacks
• Unlimited drinks from the open bar
• Time for swimming and relaxing at Isle aux Cerfs

The cost becomes better value for people who would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, snorkeling equipment, lunch, and drinks. The open bar is especially useful on a hot day, when buying drinks one by one can quickly add up.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want to sit on a beach and do little else. The Isle aux Cerfs stop is limited to about two hours in the listed schedule, and the day includes several boat-based sections. You are paying for the route and the full program, not just for island access.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. That is the main extra practical cost to consider. You must reach Preskil Island Resort at Pointe Jerome on your own unless you choose a transfer upgrade that is available for your booking.

Weather, tides, and comfort

The cruise requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. The weather rule is important because this is an open-water activity with snorkeling and island time.

Tides can affect the start as well. A low tide once caused a safety delay before departure. That kind of pause may be frustrating, but it is preferable to rushing a boat out in poor conditions. Give yourself room in your schedule rather than planning another fixed activity immediately afterward.

Bring the practical basics for a long day outside: sun protection, a change of clothes for swimming, and anything you need to stay comfortable on a boat. The supplied information confirms snorkeling gear, snacks, drinks, and lunch, but it does not list towels or other personal items, so do not assume those are supplied.

You may also want to keep valuables to a minimum. The day includes water time, movement around the boat, and a swim stop. Pack only what you can manage safely and comfortably.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this outing if you want to see several eastern Mauritius sights in one organized day. It suits couples, families with adult supervision, and anyone who prefers having meals, drinks, and equipment arranged in advance.

It is also a good fit if you want a gentle introduction to snorkeling. You can try the activity without renting gear separately, then spend the rest of the day enjoying the boat or island.

You may want another option if you dislike group activities, need a long and unhurried beach stay, or expect a gourmet meal. The route is active and varied, but the schedule is shared and fairly structured.

People who care most about wildlife should also keep a realistic outlook. Dolphins, monkeys, and bats are possible sights, not fixed parts of the show. The waterfall, island, and catamaran ride remain the dependable features.

Booking details that matter

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The provider only charges the card once availability is confirmed.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off follows local Mauritius time.

The activity ends back at the original meeting point, Preskil Island Resort at Pointe Jerome. Since there is no standard hotel pickup or drop-off included, plan the start and finish around your own transport.

Should you book it?

Book this catamaran cruise if you want a well-filled day on the water with GRSE scenery, possible wildlife, snorkeling, an onboard BBQ, unlimited drinks, and time at Isle aux Cerfs. The friendly crew and maximum group size of 30 add to its appeal.

I would skip it if your main goal is a quiet private boat, a long stretch of beach time, or a standout food experience. For most people, the $82 price makes sense when you value the full bundle and can reach Pointe Jerome without trouble. Go for the variety, not for guaranteed dolphins or a gourmet lunch.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran cruise last?

The cruise lasts about seven hours.

Where does the cruise start and end?

It starts and ends at Preskil Island Resort, Pointe Jerome, Mahebourg, Mauritius.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the standard activity. A hotel-transfer upgrade may be available when booking.

What food and drinks are included?

The package includes a BBQ lunch, snacks, beverages, and unlimited drinks from an onboard open bar.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund.