Catamaran Trip to Ile au Cerfs with Lunch and GRSE waterfall

The best part of this Ile aux Cerfs catamaran trip is the mix of water time and island time. You start with Grand River South East waterfall, stop to snorkel among tropical fish, eat a barbecue lunch onboard, then reach one of Mauritius’s prettiest beach islands. It is a full day, not a quick photo stop.

I like the open bar and onboard lunch, which save you from arranging food and drinks for a long day in the sun. I also like the easy variety: you can swim, snorkel, listen to local music, stroll the sand, or simply sit back and watch the coast slip by.

The main consideration is that the day can feel loosely paced. One booking had about two hours for lunch before moving on, while another used a speedboat transfer and found the ride too fast. Confirm the boat and timing when you book, and arrive sharply on time.

Key points to know before you book

• The day combines three major stops: Grand River South East waterfall, a lagoon snorkeling break, and Ile aux Cerfs.
• A BBQ lunch and open bar are included: Expect chicken, fish, sausage, rice, salads, pasta, and drinks, with vegetarian food available if requested ahead of time.
• You spend much of the day on the water: The advertised boat is a 45-foot catamaran, though speedboats may be used for transfers or, in some cases, as a replacement.
• The schedule lasts 6 to 7 hours: That gives you time for a proper island visit, but the pace may include long waiting periods.
• Optional hotel pickup is available: Mention your accommodation when booking, and the driver comes to the reception.
• The current score is 4.1 out of 5 from 25 bookings: Food, crew, snorkeling, and the waterfall are the strongest points, while boat arrangements and timing are less predictable.

Starting at Trou D’Eau Douce on Mauritius’s east coast

Your day begins at the meeting point in Trou D’Eau Douce, where a representative briefs you before boarding. If you choose hotel pickup, provide your accommodation location during booking. The driver is scheduled to meet you at reception, and one pickup from Grand Baie was handled by Yash, who communicated clearly about the timing.

Be punctual. The departure is not something to treat casually, since arriving late can mean missing the excursion. Bring a towel, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, a camera, and shoes that are easy to wear around a boat and shoreline.

The advertised vessel is a 45-foot catamaran. That gives you a broad platform for sitting, eating, taking in the views, and moving around during the cruise. The exact boarding procedure can vary. One booking involved a short speedboat transfer from the dock to the catamaran, so do not assume that you will step directly from the pier onto the larger boat.

There is also an important practical wrinkle. One booking received a speedboat instead of a catamaran and found the ride uncomfortably fast. That does not mean every departure changes boats, but it is worth asking the operator what vessel is planned for your date, especially if you prefer a steadier ride.

Grand River South East waterfall comes first

The first major stop is Grand River South East waterfall, reached by traveling about 500 meters upstream on the river. The waterfall is surrounded by a more enclosed river setting than the open lagoon, and the short approach gives the outing a change of mood before the beach portion begins.

You may leave the catamaran and transfer by smaller boat for the waterfall visit. A speedboat transfer of roughly 10 to 15 minutes was used on one departure. Monkeys were also seen near the falls, adding a bit of wildlife interest to the stop.

This is a scenic visit rather than a long hike. You are not spending the morning on a demanding trail. The appeal is the river ride, the falls, and the chance to see a different side of Mauritius before returning to the open water.

Timing can be the weak point here. One booking had about two hours to eat before moving on to the waterfall, while the advertised order places the waterfall before lunch. The schedule may therefore vary by weather, boat movement, and the day’s operating plan. If you care strongly about the order of stops, ask at the meeting point.

Snorkeling in the clear lagoon

After the river and waterfall visit, the catamaran heads into the lagoon for a swimming and snorkeling break. This is one of the most active parts of the day, but it remains easygoing. You are given time to get into the water, look for tropical fish, and view coral reefs close to the boat.

The water is described as clear, and the snorkeling stop is intended for a short look at local marine life rather than a full marine expedition. One booking had about 20 minutes for swimming and snorkeling and saw dolphins during the cruise. Dolphin sightings are not promised, but the report gives you an idea of the pleasant surprises that can occur offshore.

Bring your own towel and sunscreen. The supplied information does not specify whether snorkeling equipment is included, so ask when booking if you do not plan to bring your own mask and snorkel. The same advice applies if you are particular about equipment size or fit.

I would treat this stop as a bonus for swimmers, not the sole reason to book. The snorkeling break is relatively brief, and conditions can change with weather. Still, it breaks up the boat ride and lets you see the lagoon from inside the water rather than only from the deck.

BBQ lunch with drinks on the catamaran

Lunch is served onboard after the snorkeling session. The meal is a barbecue with chicken skewers, fish, chicken sausage, rice, pasta, salad, and potato salad. Vegetarian food is available, but you must notify the operator when booking.

This setup is convenient. You do not lose more time searching for a restaurant, and you can eat while staying close to the water. Drinks are available throughout the day through the open bar, including alcoholic and nonalcoholic choices. Specific brands and the full drink list are not provided, so keep your expectations sensible.

The food seems to be one of the stronger parts of the outing. The combination of grilled items and several cold side dishes gives you a real midday meal rather than a token snack. It also makes the $69 price easier to justify, since the fare covers the boat, guide, waterfall visit, snorkeling stop, lunch, drinks, island visit, music, and entertainment.

Still, meal timing matters. A two-hour lunch period felt too long to one person, who thought an hour to 90 minutes would have been enough. If you prefer a brisk sightseeing day, you may find the meal stop slow. If you enjoy a relaxed lunch with drinks and conversation, the extra time may be welcome.

Tell the operator about food allergies or illness before departure. Do not wait until lunch, since the kitchen needs notice for special arrangements.

Reaching Ile aux Cerfs by boat

Ile aux Cerfs is the main reward at the end of the water journey. The island sits near Mauritius’s east coast and is known for pale sand, shallow-looking lagoon water, and a setting made for swimming and sunbathing.

You can walk along the beach, swim, snorkel, or simply find a place to sit. The island also has a range of facilities and water sports, although the supplied details do not specify which activities are included in the $69 fare. Plan to ask about extra charges before signing up for anything beyond the included program.

This portion of the day is less structured than the waterfall visit. That is good news if you want freedom. You can use the time for a proper beach break instead of following a guide from one landmark to the next. It is less ideal if you expect a detailed island tour, since the focus is relaxation rather than sightseeing commentary.

The views are a major part of the appeal. One booking described the approach as breathtaking, and that is easy to understand: after the enclosed river stop and the open-water sailing, the white beach and bright lagoon create a strong final setting. Bring your camera, but protect it from spray and sand.

Music, local stories, and the ride back

The crew provides music and entertainment during the cruise back to Trou D’Eau Douce. Local Mauritian music, jokes, and stories help keep the boat lively, especially after lunch when some people may be ready for a quiet seat and a cold drink.

The crew is described as friendly and able to speak several languages. The host or greeter service is offered in English and French. That makes the trip easier for international visitors, though the amount of commentary can vary depending on the crew and the day.

The return sail is part of the experience, not just transport. Use it to watch the east coast, finish a drink, and let the day slow down. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where the motion feels gentler and avoid arriving on an empty stomach. No specific seasickness service is listed, so bring any personal medication you normally use.

What $69 includes, and where the value lies

At $69 per person, this is a solid value if you want several Mauritius highlights bundled into one day. You are paying for a 6 to 7 hour outing rather than a short boat transfer, and the fare includes the main sightseeing stops, food, drinks, and entertainment.

The strongest value comes from the combination:

• Catamaran cruise
• Grand River South East waterfall visit
• Snorkeling and swimming stop
• BBQ lunch
• Alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks
• Ile aux Cerfs visit
• Guide service
• Music and onboard entertainment

Hotel pickup and drop-off are optional rather than part of the standard fare. Ask about the added cost before booking if you are staying far from Trou D’Eau Douce. Pickup can simplify the day, but the exact drive time depends on your hotel location.

This trip makes more financial sense than arranging several separate activities if you want a relaxed package. It makes less sense if you only want a few hours at Ile aux Cerfs or if you dislike group-style boat days with fixed meal and sailing periods.

The 4.1 out of 5 score from 25 bookings reflects that balance. The food, island, waterfall, snorkeling, and friendly crew receive the warmest praise. The main cautions are the occasional boat substitution, fast speedboat travel, and periods of waiting or slow pacing.

Who should book this east coast excursion?

I would recommend it to couples, families, and first-time visitors who want to see several east coast sights without planning separate transport. It also suits anyone who likes a social day with music, drinks, swimming, and a ready-made lunch.

You will get the most from it if you are happy with a flexible schedule. The day is not built for minute-by-minute efficiency. It is built around staying on the water, enjoying the company, and moving between scenic stops at a comfortable holiday pace.

Swimmers should pack the essentials and take advantage of the lagoon stop. Beach lovers will appreciate the time on Ile aux Cerfs. Food-sensitive visitors should contact the operator in advance, especially if they need a vegetarian meal or have allergies.

I would be more cautious if you need a guaranteed catamaran, dislike fast small boats, or want a long and serious snorkeling session. Ask about the planned vessel, transfer boats, and stop durations before paying.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those policies help if your Mauritius schedule is still shifting, but they do not remove the need to arrive on time on the day itself.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran trip?

Book it if you want a well-priced, all-day mix of sailing, food, drinks, snorkeling, a waterfall, and beach time. The included lunch and open bar give the $69 fare real value, while the combination of Grand River South East and Ile aux Cerfs keeps the day varied.

Skip it if you want complete control over the schedule or a guaranteed catamaran without any speedboat transfer. Before booking, confirm the vessel, pickup cost, vegetarian or allergy requirements, and the approximate time allowed at each stop.

For most people seeking a relaxed east coast day, this is a practical choice. Just arrive early, bring sun protection, and treat the timetable as flexible rather than exact.

FAQ

How long does the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran trip last?

The excursion lasts about 6 to 7 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date.

What is included in the $69 price?

The price includes the Grand River South East waterfall visit, BBQ lunch, alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks onboard, a qualified guide, the Ile aux Cerfs visit, music, and entertainment.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is optional. Provide your hotel or accommodation location when booking, and the driver is scheduled to meet you at reception.

What languages are available?

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

Is a vegetarian meal available?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available, but you need to notify the operator when booking. You should also report any food allergies or illness in advance.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, a towel, a camera, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes.

What happens if the weather is extremely bad?

In extreme bad weather, the excursion is canceled and either rescheduled for a suitable date or fully refunded. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.