Mauritius: Catamaran Day Cruise to lle aux Cerfs with Lunch

The best part of this Mauritius day cruise is the mix of open-water sailing and easy beach time. You’ll glide out from Trou d’Eau Douce, pause near the Grand River South East waterfalls, swim with tropical fish, then eat lunch aboard before spending time on Ile aux Cerfs.

I like the spacious catamaran, which gives you room to sit, sunbathe, and eat without feeling packed in. I also like the included drinks and generous BBQ, especially the fish, salads, rice, pasta, garlic bread, and fresh pineapple. The main drawback is the party mood: music can be loud, alcohol is served from the morning, and the snorkeling and waterfall stops may feel brief.

The six-hour cruise is a good-value choice at $65 per person, particularly if you want several East Coast sights in one outing. Just remember that hotel pickup is not included, and Ile aux Cerfs can feel rushed if you want a long, quiet beach day.

Key points to know before you book

• The cruise leaves from Trou d’Eau Douce: Meet at the Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs jetty, beside the Mauritius flag.
• Ile aux Cerfs is the main beach stop: Plan on roughly two hours there, though some departures provide closer to 90 minutes of beach time.
• The BBQ is served on board: Expect fish, chicken skewers, salads, garlic bread, pasta, rice, and fresh pineapple, with vegetarian and gluten-free meals available if requested.
• Snorkeling depends on the conditions: Strong currents can affect the stop, and the site may not offer the most colorful coral around Mauritius.
• The atmosphere is social: Music, beer, wine, soft drinks, and a friendly crew make this more lively than a quiet sailing trip.
• Bring the basics: You need swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Hotel transportation is not included.

Sailing from Trou d’Eau Douce

Your day begins at the Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce on Mauritius’ east coast. Look for the jetty beside the Mauritius flag. Since no hotel pickup is included, leave extra time for your own taxi or transfer, especially if you are staying away from the east coast.

Once aboard, the catamaran heads through the East Coast lagoon. This opening stretch is where the trip finds its rhythm. You can sit on the broad deck, watch the shallow turquoise water pass beneath the boat, or settle into the social side of the outing with music and a drink.

The crew speaks English and French. The service is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Staff members are attentive about food, drinks, and general comfort, and guides such as Aldo have been praised for keeping a close eye on the group. If you have a dietary need, make it known before departure rather than waiting until lunch.

The boat is designed for relaxing rather than racing. That matters because the catamaran itself is a major part of the day, not just a way to reach the island. You get time to stretch out, enjoy the sun, and watch the coast from the water.

Passing Ile aux Cerfs on the way south

Ile aux Cerfs appears early in the route, but the first pass is mainly for views. The catamaran sails toward the island and along the coast before continuing toward the Grand River South East area.

This first look helps you understand the appeal of the island. White beaches, shallow water, and small coves give it a classic tropical feel. You will return later for your main shore visit, so you do not need to worry about missing the best beach time during this first sailing section.

The route also gives you a useful choice. You can treat the cruise as a sightseeing day with several stops, or you can think of it as a floating rest day with a few good interruptions. I prefer the second approach. The sailing, music, lunch, and swimming are just as important as checking off each location.

The Grand River South East waterfalls

The next stop is the Grand River South East, often shortened to GRSE. The catamaran makes a brief photo stop near the waterfalls, with roughly 20 minutes listed for this part of the route.

The setting is attractive, and you may spot monkeys near the falls. Still, keep your expectations in check. This is not a long waterfall visit or a walk through the river valley. You remain close to the boat, take photographs, and view the falls as part of a larger coastal cruise.

Crowds can also affect the mood. Several boats may gather in the same area, which makes the stop feel less peaceful than the open-water sailing. If the waterfall is a top priority for you, this trip gives you a taste rather than a full visit.

The short stop is easier to accept when you see it as one piece of a six-hour day. The crew needs to keep the route moving so you also have time for snorkeling, lunch, and Ile aux Cerfs. On some departures, the exact order changes with the tide.

Snorkeling in Mauritius’ warm lagoon

After the waterfall stop, the catamaran heads to a swimming and snorkeling location. The water is warm enough for many people even in the winter season, and snorkeling equipment is included.

The stop lasts about 40 minutes. You can swim, float, and look for tropical fish without arranging a separate boat trip. This is a good feature for families and mixed groups because strong swimmers can snorkel while others simply enjoy a dip.

The snorkeling is not the strongest part of the outing for everyone. Currents can make the water harder to manage, and the site may not have the most colorful coral or the greatest variety of fish near Ile aux Cerfs. Coral damage in the area has also reduced the visual impact in places.

I would still use the stop, but I would not book this tour as a dedicated reef expedition. Bring your own mask if you have one and prefer a particular fit, though basic equipment is supplied. Follow the crew’s instructions closely if the current is strong, and remember that conditions can change with the tide.

BBQ lunch on the catamaran

Lunch is served aboard the boat while the cruise continues. The spread includes fish, chicken skewers, salads, garlic bread, pasta, rice, and fresh pineapple. Drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and wine, with the exact selection managed by the crew.

The meal is generous rather than fancy. You are eating on a catamaran in swimwear, with sea air and music around you, so the appeal is convenience and plenty rather than fine dining. The fish has been a particular favorite, and there is enough food to go around.

Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available on request. You should arrange this in advance, since the standard menu includes several meat and wheat-based items. One departure also included an afternoon samosa, but you should not count on that as a guaranteed part of every sailing.

The drinks add real value to the $65 price. A separate beach cruise with lunch and equipment can quickly cost more once drinks and transport are added. Here, the meal, snorkeling gear, drinks, crew, waterfall visit, and island access are bundled together.

Alcohol is available from the morning, which shapes the feel of the trip. Some people will appreciate the relaxed holiday mood. If you want a quiet, contemplative sail, this is not the best match. The music and social atmosphere are encouraged, though the day can still feel relaxed rather than like a nonstop party.

Ile aux Cerfs beach time

Ile aux Cerfs is the main event. The catamaran stops so you can walk on the beach, swim, look around the island, or simply sit in the sand for a while.

The schedule allows about two hours, but the practical beach time can feel closer to 90 minutes on some departures. That is enough for a swim and a short walk, but not enough to explore every beach, try several activities, and settle into a long afternoon nap.

The best advice is to decide what you want before stepping ashore. If your priority is swimming, go straight to the water. If you want to see more of the island, walk along the beach toward the smaller coves. One useful tip is to continue about 20 minutes farther along the beach, where you may find quieter little bays away from the busiest landing area.

Water sports such as parasailing may be available around the island, but they are not included in the $65 price. Bring extra cash if you want optional activities or purchases, since costs on Ile aux Cerfs can be high. The parasailing location used by the cruise has been described as more expensive and shorter than the option on the island itself, so compare before paying.

This is also the point where the tour’s schedule becomes important. If you want a full day on Ile aux Cerfs, book a beach-focused trip instead. If you want to combine the island with sailing, snorkeling, lunch, and the waterfalls, the shorter visit makes sense.

The return sail to Trou d’Eau Douce

After the island visit, you return to the catamaran for the final hour back to the jetty. This is often the most relaxed part of the day. With the major stops finished, you can sit back, finish a drink, and enjoy the water without watching the clock.

When conditions allow, the crew raises the sails for part of the return. That gives the trip a proper sailing finish rather than making it feel like a simple motorboat transfer. Music usually continues, so the mood remains social as the boat heads back to Trou d’Eau Douce.

The catamaran returns to the same Blue Alizé meeting point. Since you arrange your own transport, confirm your return plan before setting out. A taxi delay at the end of a day on the water is an avoidable nuisance.

What the $65 price really covers

At $65 per person, this is a strong package for a six-hour outing. The price includes the catamaran cruise, drinks, snorkeling equipment, the BBQ lunch, a licensed crew, the GRSE waterfalls, and Ile aux Cerfs.

The value is especially good if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, meal, drinks, and snorkeling gear. The included lunch is substantial, and the open bar style of water, soft drinks, beer, and wine adds to the holiday feel.

The price does not cover hotel pickup or optional activities on Ile aux Cerfs. You also need to bring your own towel and sunscreen. Transport can change the total cost if your accommodation is far from Trou d’Eau Douce, so factor in the taxi before comparing this cruise with other options.

The overall rating of 4.6 from 438 bookings reflects the main strengths of the day: friendly crew, plenty of food, an easygoing atmosphere, and good value. The less successful parts are consistent too: a short waterfall stop, variable snorkeling, and limited island time.

Who should book this cruise

I would recommend this trip if you want one easy day that combines several Mauritius highlights. It suits couples, families, and groups of friends who enjoy sitting in the sun, eating outdoors, swimming, and meeting other people aboard.

It is also a good choice if you want a lively catamaran atmosphere rather than a silent nature cruise. The crew works hard to keep the day friendly, and guides such as Aldo can make a real difference when you need help or have questions.

I would choose another experience if you want serious snorkeling, a quiet sailing trip, or several unhurried hours on Ile aux Cerfs. Pregnant people and those with mobility impairments should not book this activity according to the stated restrictions.

The cruise offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the starting time when you book, since departure times can vary.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want good value, a friendly crew, included drinks, and a full mix of sailing, snorkeling, lunch, waterfalls, and beach time. The boat itself is the star, and the day works best when you enjoy the ride as much as the stops.

Skip it if your dream is a calm, low-noise sail or a long reef snorkeling session. For most visitors who want a relaxed East Coast day without arranging several separate activities, the $65 price is hard to fault, provided you arrive ready for music, sun, and a fairly brisk schedule.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The meeting point is the Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce, beside the flag of Mauritius.

How long is the cruise?

The activity lasts six hours. The exact starting time depends on availability and the departure date.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup is not included, so you must arrange your own transport to and from Trou d’Eau Douce.

What food is served for lunch?

The BBQ includes fish, chicken skewers, salads, garlic bread, pasta, rice, and fresh pineapple. Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available on request.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks are included, with water, soft drinks, beer, and wine available during the cruise.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the tour includes a swimming and snorkeling stop lasting about 40 minutes.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Extra cash is useful if you want optional water sports or purchases on Ile aux Cerfs.

Is the cruise suitable for everyone?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments. The tour is conducted in English and French.