Private Charter Full Day Cruise: Île aux Cerfs

Mauritius is at its best from the water, and this private catamaran charter gives you a full day to enjoy it at your own pace. You cruise aboard the 45-foot Island Hopper from Pointe Jerome, stop to swim and snorkel, then reach Île aux Cerfs, one of the island’s most popular beach escapes.

I like the privacy of having the entire boat for your group, and I like the mix of open-water sailing, wildlife spotting, and time ashore. The crew also gives a proper safety briefing and explains the sights along the way. The main drawback is that lunch, drinks, hotel transfers, and some water activities cost extra, so the final price can rise.

The schedule includes only about an hour on Île aux Cerfs and roughly 20 minutes at GRSE Waterfall. If you want long, unhurried swim stops, this may feel a little brisk. One useful detail from the experience is that the crew has been praised for being friendly and attentive, though the available feedback also wished for more time swimming from the boat.

Key points to know before booking

• Private 45-foot catamaran: Your group, up to 15 people, has the Island Hopper to itself.
• Île aux Cerfs stop: Spend about one hour swimming, sunbathing, walking, or arranging parasailing at your own expense.
• Snorkeling included: Snorkel equipment is provided at no extra charge.
• Wildlife along the river: The trip up Grand River offers a chance to see monkeys and giant bats in the trees.
• Extra food cost: A standard barbecue lunch with drinks costs an additional €35 per person, while the lobster menu costs €74 per person.
• Simple meeting plan: Meet at Pointe Jerome at 9:00 a.m. and return to the same location after about seven hours.

A private day on the Island Hopper

The real appeal here is space. Instead of joining a large sightseeing boat, you charter the Island Hopper for your own group. Up to 15 people can share the 45-foot catamaran, so the price makes more sense for a family group, several couples, or a group of friends than for one or two people.

You start at Pointe Jerome, at the Pointe d’Esny embarkation point, at 9:00 a.m. The activity ends back at the same place. Since hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, you need to arrange your own way to Pointe Jerome. The meeting point is near public transportation, which helps, but you should still allow enough time to arrive before the morning departure.

The crew begins with a safety briefing. That small step matters on a full day at sea, particularly if your group includes children or people who do not spend much time on boats. After that, you can settle into the day with your own companions rather than sharing every stop with strangers.

The route combines three kinds of scenery: open water, a river trip, and an island beach stop. That variety keeps the day from becoming seven hours of sitting on a catamaran, although the amount of time spent swimming or snorkeling depends on the schedule and conditions.

Snorkeling and time on the water

Snorkel equipment is provided, which makes the water stop easier to enjoy. You do not need to arrange a separate rental or pack a full set of gear. The information does not specify a particular reef or the length of the snorkeling stop, so think of this as an added part of the cruise rather than a dedicated snorkeling excursion.

You may also have a chance to see dolphins from the boat. This is wildlife viewing, not a guaranteed encounter, so keep your expectations sensible. The same applies to the animals along the river. The appeal is the chance to watch nature in its own setting, not a staged animal presentation.

The catamaran format works well for a group that wants both movement and downtime. You can sit back as the boat travels, take in the coast, and use the swimming equipment when the crew stops. A private charter also gives you a little more freedom to enjoy the boat together, though it does not mean every part of the route can be extended indefinitely.

One point to consider is swimming time. The strongest praise for this experience centers on the friendly crew, clear safety briefing, and comfortable boat. The only specific criticism was a wish for a longer swim from the catamaran. If swimming is your main reason for booking, ask about the expected water-stop schedule before you commit.

Île aux Cerfs, the main island stop

The boat takes you to Île aux Cerfs, where you disembark for about an hour. This is the day’s main beach stop, and you have a simple choice: relax or be active.

You can swim in the clear water, sit on the beach, or soak up the sun. If you prefer to move around, you can take a walk or hike on the island. Parasailing is also available on the island, but it is not part of the private charter price.

An hour is enough to get a taste of the island. You can step ashore, find a pleasant place to sit, swim, and take a short walk. It is not enough for a leisurely full-day visit with several paid activities. That distinction matters because Île aux Cerfs is a popular destination, and some people may expect the island itself to be the main event.

I like the fact that you are not forced into one kind of visit. A family can split up for a while, with some people swimming and others staying on the beach. A group of friends can add parasailing if they choose. On the other hand, optional activities bring another bill, and the listed price does not include them.

The island stop also helps break up the boat ride. After several hours around the water, a chance to walk on land can feel welcome. Just keep an eye on the clock. The scheduled visit is about one hour, so you will want to be ready to return when the group reconvenes.

Up Grand River to GRSE Waterfall

The second named stop is GRSE Waterfall, reached by cruising up the Grand River. The waterfall visit lasts about 20 minutes, making it a short but distinct part of the route.

The river section is especially useful for wildlife watching. Look into the trees along the banks for monkeys and giant bats. You may also spot other wildlife, though sightings cannot be promised. The river setting gives you a different view of Mauritius from the open coast, with the boat moving more slowly and the banks close by.

Do not expect a long walk or an extended waterfall visit. This is a brief boat stop and viewing opportunity. That makes it easy to fit into a full-day cruise, but it may disappoint you if you want a hiking outing or a long stay beside the falls.

The short visit works best as part of the wider day. You see a waterfall, travel through a river corridor, and have a chance to notice animals in the trees before returning to the sea route. It is a pleasant change of pace rather than a separate major attraction.

Dolphins, monkeys, and giant bats

Wildlife is one of the more unusual features of this charter. Dolphins may appear during the cruise, while monkeys and giant bats are associated with the Grand River section. The wording matters: these are chances to see animals in their natural habitat, not scheduled animal encounters.

For the best experience, bring patience. Keep watching while the boat is moving, especially during the river portion. A private group can share the excitement when something appears, but no crew can control when wildlife shows up or how long it stays visible.

The presence of giant bats gives the river stop a local character that a standard beach cruise might lack. Monkeys in the trees add another layer of interest, particularly for children. Still, wildlife should be treated as a bonus. If your priority is guaranteed snorkeling time or guaranteed dolphin viewing, this may not be the right product.

Lunch, drinks, and the real price

The listed price is $1,335.67 per group of up to 15 people. At the maximum group size, that works out to about $89 per person before food, drinks, hotel transport, parasailing, or other optional costs. For a full private boat, that can be a reasonable price when shared by a large group.

For a smaller party, the per-person cost rises quickly. A group of five would split the base cost at roughly $267 per person, before extras. That is where you need to compare this charter with a shared catamaran cruise.

Food and drinks are not included. You can add a standard barbecue lunch and drinks for €35 per person. A VIP barbecue menu with lobster and drinks costs €74 per person. Tea and coffee are also available. These options make planning easy, but you should add them to your budget before comparing prices.

The food choice also affects the tone of the day. The standard barbecue suits a group that wants a straightforward meal without pushing the cost too high. The lobster menu is aimed at a more celebratory outing. Since the base price covers the private activity rather than a full meal package, confirm which menu you want when arranging the trip.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You meet at Pointe Jerome and return there, so your transport plan is part of the day’s cost and timing. This is not a serious problem if you are already near the meeting point or have a rental car, but it is worth noting for anyone staying far away.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this for groups that value privacy more than the lowest possible price. Families, birthday groups, wedding parties, and friends traveling together can make good use of the boat and divide the cost.

It also suits mixed-interest groups. One person can focus on beaches, another on wildlife, and another on the boat ride itself. Île aux Cerfs offers swimming and walking, while Grand River brings a short nature-focused section.

The tour can work for most people, since the activity information says most participants can take part. Still, anyone with mobility concerns should ask the provider for more details before booking, since the tour includes boarding a catamaran, disembarking on an island, and moving between boat and shore.

I would be more cautious about booking it for a solo visitor or a couple unless privacy is especially important. The $1,335.67 group price is easier to justify when spread across several people.

Timing, booking, and cancellation

The cruise lasts about seven hours and begins at 9:00 a.m. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The activity is often booked well ahead, with an average advance booking time of 58 days, so I would not leave it until the last minute if your dates are fixed.

You receive a mobile ticket, which is convenient for the meeting point. Remember that the start and end point are both at Pointe Jerome, not your hotel.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.

Is this private Île aux Cerfs cruise worth booking?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the cost and you want a private day that mixes catamaran time, snorkeling, a beach island, a river waterfall, and possible wildlife sightings. The friendly crew, safety briefing, and comfortable 45-foot boat are important strengths.

Think twice if you want a long, relaxed swim session, a full day on Île aux Cerfs, or a low-cost excursion for just two people. The island stop is only about an hour, the waterfall visit is brief, and the food and drinks are extra.

For a group of up to 15, this is a flexible and pleasant way to see several sides of coastal Mauritius in one day. Just budget for the meal, arrange your own transport to Pointe Jerome, and treat the dolphins and wildlife as welcome surprises rather than promises.

FAQ

How long does the private Île aux Cerfs cruise last?

The cruise lasts about seven hours.

Where does the cruise start and finish?

It starts at HPGF+496 Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point in Pointe d’Esny, Mauritius, and returns to the same meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 9:00 a.m.

How many people can join the private charter?

The private charter is for your group only and can accommodate up to 15 people.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkel equipment is available at no additional charge.

Are lunch and drinks included?

No. A standard barbecue lunch with drinks costs an additional €35 per person. A VIP barbecue menu with lobster and drinks costs €74 per person. Tea and coffee are also available.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must make your own way to Pointe Jerome and return there after the cruise.