Ile Aux Cerfs Catamaran Cruise & Waterfalls- Lunch & Drinks

The best part of this day is the variety. You get a catamaran sail, a short speedboat ride to Grand River South East waterfalls, a snorkeling stop, a BBQ meal, and time on one of Mauritius’s most famous beaches. It is a lot of island in nine hours, without having to arrange several separate trips.

I especially like the unlimited drinks, which include beer, wine, local rum, juice, soft drinks, and water, and the friendly crew who play Mauritian music and keep the mood lively. The included lunch is also more substantial than a simple picnic: expect BBQ fish, chicken, hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice, with vegetarian and vegan food available.

The main thing to check before booking is the group size. The experience is promoted as a small group of up to 15 people, but two bookings reported more than 15, with one person counting 25 on board. A larger boat can handle that, but the deck may feel crowded, and the atmosphere can become noisy when some people treat the cruise as an all-day party.

Key points at a glance

• Grand River South East comes first: You leave the catamaran for a speedboat ride about 500 meters upstream to see the waterfall.
• The food is a real part of the value: Breakfast snacks and a BBQ lunch with fish, chicken, hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice are included.
• Drinks are available all day: Beer, wine, local rum, juice, soft drinks, and bottled water are included without a stated limit.
• The snorkeling stop is short: You get a chance to see coral and tropical fish, but one booking wished for another 15 minutes in the water.
• Ile aux Cerfs is the main beach stop: You can swim, walk the sand, relax, or pay extra for activities such as parasailing, tube riding, and an undersea walk.
• The advertised group size needs checking: Some departures have carried more than the stated maximum of 15 people.

Setting out from Trou D’eau Douce at 8:30

Your day begins at the docking station in Trou D’eau Douce on Mauritius’s east coast. Arrival is scheduled for 8:30 a.m., with the catamaran leaving around 9:00 a.m. The cruise returns to the same area after a full day on the water, with the main sailing period listed as 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

That early start matters. The east coast is the gateway to both Grand River South East and Ile aux Cerfs, so you spend less time crossing the island by road and more time on the water. Hotel or Airbnb pickup is not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the dock unless you add paid transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

I would arrive ready for a relaxed but active day. Bring sunscreen and a camera, and wear clothing that can handle spray, swimming, and a strong tropical sun. Life jackets and bottled water are supplied.

The boat ride itself is part of the experience, not just transport. The catamaran moves through clear lagoon water, with views toward the mountainous interior and Mauritius’s east coast. The crew plays local Mauritian music and shares local tales and jokes. That gives the trip a social, informal feel rather than the quiet tone of a private sailing charter.

There is one practical wrinkle. One booking arrived at the scheduled time but said the catamaran did not leave until after 9:30. That may have been a particular departure, but you should allow some patience at the start of the day. If you have an important evening plan, remember that the listed finish is 4:00 p.m., not a guaranteed minute-by-minute arrival.

Grand River South East and the 500-meter speedboat ride

The first main stop is Grand River South East, where you transfer to a speedboat for the short trip to the waterfall. The falls sit about 500 meters upstream, so the speedboat gets you closer than the catamaran could.

The ride up the river adds a different view of Mauritius. You pass old trees along the banks, and you might spot monkeys moving through the branches. Fruit bats may be resting high in the trees as you approach the waterfall. These sightings are not guaranteed, so think of them as a bonus rather than the reason to book.

The waterfall is attractive, but it is not a long, rugged expedition. You see it as part of a short river excursion before returning to the catamaran. That makes the stop a good fit if you want a few different sights without committing to a full land-based hike.

The speedboat transfer also means you should pay attention to how you move between boats. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but no detailed information is given about boarding the speedboat, moving between the catamaran and shore, or handling the sand at Ile aux Cerfs. If you use a wheelchair, confirm the practical arrangements before paying.

Snorkeling in the lagoon

After the waterfall, the catamaran heads through clear lagoon water to a snorkeling and swimming stop. The water is the star here, with coral reefs and tropical fish visible beneath the surface.

This is a useful break in the middle of a long sailing day. You can cool off, swim, or use the time simply to look over the side and enjoy the lagoon. The stop is not presented as a specialist snorkeling excursion, so I would treat it as a pleasant introduction rather than a full reef survey.

The length of the stop can affect your enjoyment. One person found the snorkeling break about 15 minutes too short, especially after hoping to see turtles and dolphins. Marine life is unpredictable, of course, and the absence of those animals is not a fault in itself. Still, if snorkeling is your main goal, this cruise may leave you wanting more time in the water.

You might also see more than fish. One particularly lucky outing followed dolphins, two rays, and a school of squid, with the captain making a small detour to follow the animals. That sort of flexibility can turn an ordinary sailing day into a memorable one, but it is dependent on what appears near the boat.

BBQ lunch on the boat or beach

The included meal is one of the strongest reasons to consider this cruise at $70. You get light breakfast snacks before lunch, followed by a BBQ with fresh fish, chicken, grilled hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice. Vegetarian and vegan food is also available.

Lunch may be served on the beach or on the catamaran, depending on the day’s arrangement. Eating outside, with the boat or Ile aux Cerfs nearby, fits the easygoing character of the trip. It is not a formal restaurant meal, but it is much more useful than having to buy lunch during a busy island visit.

The crew’s food service has drawn especially warm praise. The meal has been described as excellent and well prepared, while the crew has been credited with keeping food and drinks organized throughout the day. That matters because a nine-hour outing can feel long if meals are an afterthought.

If you do not drink alcohol, you are still well covered. Unlimited soft drinks, juice, and water are included. If you do drink, beer, wine, and local rum are available. This is good value, though it also creates the possibility of a louder boat. One booking described continuous partying and loud music from departure to return. If you want a peaceful day at sea, check the mood on board early and choose a quieter part of the deck when possible.

Ile aux Cerfs, Mauritius’s famous beach stop

After lunch and snorkeling, the catamaran continues to Ile aux Cerfs. The approach is the classic Mauritius postcard: palm trees, white sand, and clear turquoise water around the island.

Ile aux Cerfs is not a deserted island. It is a well-known day-out destination with facilities and paid activities. That is useful if your group wants choices, but it means the beach experience is not designed as a remote escape.

You can swim, stroll along the sand, or simply find a place to sit and enjoy the sun. The water is the main attraction, and the island gives you more time to slow down after the river and snorkeling stops.

Several optional activities are available, including parasailing, tube riding, and an undersea walk. They are not included in the $70 price, so ask about current costs before committing. The basic cruise already gives you plenty to do, and you do not need to add an activity to justify the booking.

I like this part of the itinerary because it gives you freedom. The waterfall stop is guided and the snorkeling stop is timed, but Ile aux Cerfs lets you choose your pace. Families or mixed groups can split up for a while, with some people swimming and others relaxing on the beach.

The drawback is time. Because the day includes a river visit, a speedboat transfer, snorkeling, lunch, and sailing, your beach stay is only one part of the schedule. If you want several unhurried hours on Ile aux Cerfs, visiting the island on its own may suit you better.

What the crew adds to the day

The crew is repeatedly praised for being friendly, attentive, and willing to help. That comes through in small but meaningful ways: preparing the BBQ, keeping drinks moving, playing music, and making a detour when dolphins and rays appeared nearby.

The language coverage is broad. Guidance is available in English, French, German, and Italian. No individual guide names are provided, so I would not book this expecting a particular named leader. The tone is more crew-led than lecture-led, with local stories, jokes, and music rather than a long stream of formal commentary.

That atmosphere will suit you if you want a social outing. It may not suit you if you are searching for a silent sail or a polished private charter. The catamaran can be both relaxed and lively, depending on the people aboard.

Group size deserves special attention. The activity is sold as a small group limited to 15, but some departures have exceeded that number. One person found 25 people uncomfortable and cramped, while another said the larger boat was spacious enough that the extra people did not cause trouble.

I would contact Mauritius Luxury Tours & Transfer before booking and ask how many people are expected on your date. That single question could make the difference between a pleasant open-deck day and a crowded one.

Is $70 good value?

At $70 per person, the price is competitive for a full-day Mauritius boat outing. You receive the catamaran cruise, waterfall visit, speedboat transfer, snorkeling stop, island visit, snacks, BBQ lunch, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, water, and life jackets.

The unlimited drinks are important to the value calculation. Buying lunch and several drinks separately on Ile aux Cerfs could quickly add up, especially for a full day. The included food also means you can enjoy the island without hunting for a meal during your limited free time.

The price does not include hotel or Airbnb pickup, transportation, or optional activities. You need to budget for getting to Trou D’eau Douce and for any parasailing, tube riding, or undersea walk you choose.

For a first visit to Mauritius, the package gives you a broad sample of the east coast. You see a river waterfall, spend time on the lagoon, eat outdoors, and visit Ile aux Cerfs in one day. For a specialist snorkeler or someone who wants a quiet private sail, the value is less clear.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later. The tour is also listed as wheelchair accessible, but confirm the boat transfers if that is important for you.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want a full, social day with plenty of included food and drink. It is a good match for couples, families, and groups of friends who like mixing swimming, sightseeing, music, and beach time.

It also suits first-time visitors who want to cover several east coast highlights without arranging separate transport. The crew’s friendly style and the flexible wildlife detour can add a personal touch to what is otherwise a set itinerary.

I would hesitate if you dislike loud music, crowded boats, or alcohol-centered outings. The cruise can be lively, and group numbers may exceed the advertised 15-person limit. I would also choose another experience if your priority is a long snorkeling session, a quiet sail, or a private beach.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want strong all-day value and a cheerful Mauritius outing that includes nearly everything: boat time, waterfalls, snorkeling, lunch, drinks, and a famous beach.

Before booking, confirm the expected group size and ask how long the snorkeling stop will be. If the answer works for you, $70 is a fair price for the amount packed into the day. If you want peace and space above all else, pay more for a smaller or private boat instead.

FAQ

How long does the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise last?

The activity lasts about nine hours. Arrival at the docking station is scheduled for 8:30 a.m., the cruise generally begins around 9:00 a.m., and the listed catamaran schedule runs until about 4:00 p.m.

Where does the catamaran depart?

The catamaran departs from Trou D’eau Douce on the east coast of Mauritius.

Is transportation from my hotel included?

No. Hotel or Airbnb pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle are not included in the listed price.

What food is included?

You receive light breakfast snacks and a BBQ lunch with fresh fish, chicken, grilled hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice. Vegetarian and vegan food is available.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited drinks include soft drinks, juice, bottled water, beer, wine, and local rum.

Does the cruise visit Grand River South East waterfall?

Yes. You travel by speedboat about 500 meters upstream from the Grand River to see the South East waterfall, then return to the catamaran.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. The itinerary includes a snorkeling and swimming stop in the lagoon, where you can see coral reefs and tropical fish.

Are activities at Ile aux Cerfs included?

No. Parasailing, tube riding, and the undersea walk are optional activities and are not included in the stated price.

What languages are available?

Live guidance is available in English, French, German, and Italian.