Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise to Ile Aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch

The best part of this Mauritius day out is the mix of river, sea, food, and island time in one easy trip. You begin at Trou d’Eau Douce, pass close to Grand River South East Waterfall, then spend time swimming, eating a generous BBQ lunch, and relaxing on Ile aux Cerfs.

I like the friendly crew, who keep the drinks moving and create a lively mood with music. I also like the value: at $64 per person, you get a six-hour catamaran cruise, lunch, a wide selection of drinks, snorkeling, and hotel transport if you choose that option. The main drawback is that the catamaran and stops can feel crowded, and the snorkeling stop may be short or disappointing if you want a healthy reef with lots of fish.

Key points to know before you book

• The waterfall visit is weather dependent: Strong currents can prevent the boat from reaching Grand River South East Waterfall.
• Lunch is served on board: Expect a three-course BBQ meal with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices. All food is halal.
• Drinks are included: Soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum are available during the cruise.
• Ile aux Cerfs gets the longest stop: You have about 2.5 hours for swimming, beach time, and the craft market.
• The crew is a major strength: Names singled out during the trip include Yona and Cedric, along with a generally attentive team.
• Parking can be awkward: If you drive to Trou d’Eau Douce, arrive early because the small nearby car park fills quickly.

What this Mauritius catamaran cruise is really like

This is a social boat day, not a quiet private sailing trip. You share the catamaran with other people, listen to music, eat together, and move between several popular sights along Mauritius’s east coast.

I would choose it if you want a simple way to see several highlights without arranging separate taxis, boats, meals, and beach time. You get a good variety for the price, although the schedule is fairly tight and popular stops can become crowded.

The cruise leaves from the beach opposite Green Island Restaurant in Trou d’Eau Douce. If you select hotel pickup, a driver collects you from your accommodation or hotel reception and takes you to the boat. Pickup and return service covers several districts, but you need to choose the transport option when booking.

The departure area can be confusing. Several boats may gather on the beach, and the line for boarding has not always been well organized. If you are driving, parking is limited, so I would arrive early and allow time to walk from a farther space.

Once aboard, the mood changes. The catamaran offers open views, sea air, and plenty of room to enjoy the coast, although some departures feel crowded. There is one toilet on board, which matters when the boat is full or when rain sends everyone under cover.

Grand River South East Waterfall and Cascade Diamamouve

The first major stop takes you upriver to Grand River South East Waterfall, also known as Cascade Diamamouve. The water drops through a wooded setting, and you may spot monkeys in the trees along the riverbanks.

The boat usually gets close enough for photos, making this a pleasant change from the open sea. The river section also gives you a look at the quieter side of Mauritius before the day turns toward beaches and swimming.

I would keep your camera ready because this stop can be brief. Some departures allow only a short photo opportunity after the shuttle boat reaches the waterfall. Strong currents can also make the approach unsafe, in which case the waterfall may be skipped.

That weather rule is important. The activity requires suitable conditions, and the operator may offer another date or a full refund if poor weather cancels the trip. Even on a good-weather day, river conditions can affect access to the falls.

This is one of the few parts of the day where the schedule may feel rushed. If the waterfall is a top reason for booking, ask about the conditions when you arrive and understand that the sea cruise and island stop are the more dependable parts of the experience.

Swimming and snorkeling along the east coast

After the river, the catamaran heads to the coast for a swimming and snorkeling break. The water is usually clear enough for an easy look below the surface, and some people find a shallow spot where they can stand while helping young children.

You should bring your own snorkeling gear if you have it. Snorkeling equipment is listed among the suggested items, so it is wise not to assume the boat will provide everything you need.

This stop has received mixed impressions, and I think that is fair. Some people have seen colorful fish, turtles, and sea snakes, while others found the reef damaged, the fish limited, or the stop too close to the port. The crew may also attract small fish with bread, which is not the same as visiting a lively reef.

You may spend less time in the water than the word snorkeling suggests. At times, people wait on the boat while others use optional water activities, and the available swimming time can feel short.

Still, the stop works well for a casual swim. If your priority is floating in clear water, cooling off, and taking a quick look beneath the surface, you should enjoy it. If you are booking mainly for serious snorkeling, I would choose a specialist reef trip instead.

BBQ lunch, local drinks, and the social side of the boat

Lunch is served on board after the water stop. The meal includes BBQ dishes, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices, and all food is halal. The selection of drinks includes water, juice, soft drinks, beer, wine, and local rum.

Food is one of the most praised parts of this outing. Portions are generally described as generous, and the BBQ is often fresh and tasty. Dorado has been especially popular when available. You can also pay extra for a lobster addition, although the value of that upgrade is debatable. Some people found it excellent, while others did not think it justified the extra 3,000 Mauritian rupees.

I like that the meal is part of the cruise rather than another stop at a crowded restaurant. You eat with the sea around you, and the crew continues to offer drinks throughout the day. That helps make the $64 price feel reasonable, particularly if you would otherwise pay separately for transport, lunch, and a boat trip.

The food is not guaranteed to impress everyone. One meal was described as average, so you should expect a good included BBQ rather than a gourmet lunch. If you have a dietary concern, the vegetarian and halal arrangements are useful, but you should still confirm your needs when booking.

The atmosphere is lively. Local music, jokes, and Mauritian Sega create more of a shared celebration than a silent cruise. Crew members such as Yona and Cedric have been praised for being warm, attentive, and involved in the day. If you enjoy meeting people from different countries and joining in with music, this is a strong part of the experience.

If you want peace and privacy, the same feature may test your patience. The boat can be crowded, especially when weather pushes people inside, and the music is part of the appeal rather than background decoration.

Ile aux Cerfs: beach time, swimming, and the craft market

Ile aux Cerfs is the centerpiece of the second half of the day. You get about 2.5 hours on the island, with time to walk, swim, take photos, and visit the local arts and crafts market.

The island has white sand, palm trees, and bright lagoon water. It is the sort of place where you should slow down after lunch rather than try to squeeze in too many activities. I would use the first few minutes to find your bearings, then choose between a swim, a beach walk, or a shady place to sit.

The island is beautiful, but it is not an untouched private beach. Many boats arrive, and some sections can be crowded. Litter and untidy areas have also been reported, particularly away from the main beach areas. Your experience will depend on where the boat leaves you and how busy the island is that day.

You may also find the instructions at drop-off limited. The crew does not always explain where to go on the island, so be prepared to explore on your own. That freedom is pleasant if you like wandering, but less helpful if you want a clearly marked route or a guided island visit.

Optional activities are not included. The available choices can include water sports, but you should budget separately if you want to add something beyond swimming, snorkeling, and the market. One person used parasailing as an extra and enjoyed it, while the included part of the day already offers plenty for most people.

The return sail and Mauritian Sega music

After the island stop, you return to the catamaran and sail back toward Trou d’Eau Douce. The final leg is usually less about sightseeing and more about enjoying the boat, the drinks, the sea views, and the crew’s music.

Mauritian Sega gives the return trip a local character. It is a fitting finish to a day that has combined a river waterfall, coastal water, a beach island, and a BBQ. You may find the boat turning into a small party by this point, especially if birthdays or other celebrations are taking place.

The timing is generally reasonable, but the day can feel rushed if the waterfall visit is delayed or boarding takes too long. I would avoid planning an important evening reservation immediately after the expected return, particularly if you are using hotel transport.

Is $64 good value for Mauritius?

At $64 per person, I consider this a strong package if you want a broad introduction to the east coast. The price includes the catamaran, the waterfall visit, a swimming and snorkeling stop, BBQ lunch, a broad drinks selection, Ile aux Cerfs, and hotel transport if you select that version.

The value is best for families, couples, and first-time visitors who want variety. You do not need to arrange a separate driver to Trou d’Eau Douce, find a lunch stop, or negotiate a boat trip once you arrive.

The value is weaker if you want a small group, quiet sailing, long snorkeling sessions, or a carefully guided visit to Ile aux Cerfs. You are paying for an all-round social day, not a private charter.

I would also treat the lobster as an optional splurge, not part of the basic value calculation. The standard BBQ and included drinks are enough for most people.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A family-friendly day with swimming, food, and beach time
• A lively boat atmosphere with music and drinks
• An easy way to combine the waterfall and Ile aux Cerfs
• A halal meal with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices
• Hotel pickup and drop-off in a supported area
• Good overall value without arranging separate transport

I would think twice if you want:

• A quiet, uncrowded sailing trip
• Long or advanced snorkeling
• A detailed guided tour of Ile aux Cerfs
• Guaranteed access to the waterfall
• A spotless, carefully managed beach at every stop
• Plenty of time at each location

For children, the shallow snorkeling area can be helpful, and infants aged 1 to 4 go free. Wheelchair users can join, but they need to stand briefly to board and leave the shuttle boat, with crew assistance.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, comfortable shoes, a change of clothes, and a camera. Keep valuables protected from spray, and pack your own snorkeling gear if you prefer a better fit.

Final verdict on the Ile aux Cerfs cruise

You should book this cruise if your ideal Mauritius day includes a little of everything: a waterfall, a catamaran, a swim, a BBQ, drinks, a famous beach island, and music on the way home.

The crew and food are the strongest reasons to go, while the crowded boarding, short snorkeling session, and uneven beach conditions are the main cautions. At $64, the package offers enough included time and food to make sense for most first-time visitors.

I would not choose it for specialist snorkeling or a private, quiet escape. For an easy, sociable day on the water with plenty of scenery and a generous schedule of included activities, it is a sensible choice.

FAQ

How long does the Mauritius catamaran cruise last?

The experience lasts about six hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The meeting point is on the beach opposite Green Island Restaurant in Trou d’Eau Douce. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available if you select that option.

Is lunch included on the catamaran?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is served on board, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices. All food is halal.

What drinks are included?

The included drinks are soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling is part of the experience, but snorkeling gear is listed among the items you should bring. Pack your own equipment if you want to be certain of having gear that fits.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

The activity requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.