Reviewed · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS
All inclusive CATAMARAN with BBQ : Ile aux cerf & GRSE waterfall
Sun, sea, music, and a waterfall make a full day. This Mauritius catamaran trip combines a private hotel transfer, a BBQ lunch, drinks, snorkeling, GRSE Waterfall, and time on Ile aux Cerfs in one tidy package. I like the private pickup and drop-off and the easy all-inclusive setup, especially if you want one booking instead of arranging transport, food, and a boat separately.
I also like the cheerful onboard atmosphere, with sega music, dancing, rum, cocktails, beer, and a crew that has earned strong praise for its friendly service. The main drawback is that this is a shared boat experience, not a quiet luxury cruise. It can feel crowded, and loading passengers and supplies may take time.
In This Review
- Key points to know before booking
- What the $113.97 price really covers
- Starting at 7:30 a.m. with private transport
- Meeting the catamaran crew and getting settled
- GRSE Waterfall, the most unusual stop
- BBQ lunch, rum, cocktails, beer, and dessert
- Snorkeling with the included equipment
- Ile aux Cerfs and the blue-water beach stop
- The return sail and private ride home
- What the shared atmosphere is really like
- Who should book this Mauritius catamaran day?
- Booking advice and cancellation terms
- FAQ
- What is included in the catamaran tour?
- How long does the experience last?
- What time does the tour start?
- Where should I arrive before the boat departs?
- Is pickup available from my accommodation?
- What places does the boat visit?
- Is snorkeling equipment included?
- Are drinks included?
- How many people can join the tour?
- What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?
- Should you book this Ile aux Cerfs catamaran trip?
Key points to know before booking

- GRSE Waterfall is the day’s most distinctive stop, offering a photo-friendly break that can be difficult to reach on your own.
- Ile aux Cerfs provides classic Mauritius scenery, with bright blue water and white sand for swimming, relaxing, and photographs.
- The price includes more than the boat ride, including private transport, BBQ lunch, alcoholic drinks, dessert, music, snorkeling gear, and onboard toilet access.
- The mood is social rather than peaceful, with music, dancing, and up to 35 people sharing the experience.
- Trou d’Eau Douce timing matters, since you are advised to arrive by 9:15 a.m. for departure.
- The private driver service is a real strength, with drivers who can explain more about Mauritius during the road journey.
What the $113.97 price really covers

At $113.97 per person, this tour makes sense if you want a complete day on the east coast without piecing together several separate services. Your price includes pickup and return from any location in Mauritius, the catamaran trip, food, drinks, snorkeling gear, music, and stops at two of the area’s best-known attractions.
That list matters. A cheaper boat-only trip may leave you arranging a taxi, buying lunch, paying for drinks, and finding your own way back. Here, the private air-conditioned car handles the road portions, and the boat crew takes care of the food and drinks once you are aboard.
The value depends on your preferred travel style. If you want a calm, private sailing trip with plenty of space, this is probably not the best use of your money. The boat can carry up to 35 people, and some departures feel crowded, especially during the busy end-of-year period.
If you enjoy a lively shared day, the package is easier to justify. You pay once and receive the main services you need, including the parts that are often easy to overlook, such as a return transfer and toilet facilities on the boat.
More boat trips in Port Louis:
- Full Day Shared Tour Catamaran to Ile Aux Cerfs
★ 3.0 · 19 reviews - Mauritius: Ile Aux Cerfs Catamaran Trip w/ Lunch & Transfer
★ 4.3 · 1,922 reviews - Mauritius: Full-Day Catamaran Cruise to the Northern Isles
★ 4.7 · 1,798 reviews
Starting at 7:30 a.m. with private transport
The day begins at 7:30 a.m. with pickup by a certified driver. Pickup is available from any location in Mauritius, and the return trip is also private in an air-conditioned car.
That transfer adds comfort and removes one of the trip’s biggest practical worries. You do not need to find a taxi after a long day in the sun, and you can leave the driving to someone familiar with the route. The driver may also explain parts of Mauritius as you go, which gives the road journey more value than a simple transfer.
You are then taken to the departure area near Trou d’Eau Douce. The timing instruction is important: you are advised to reach Trou d’Eau Douce by 9:15 a.m. to avoid arriving late. Confirm your pickup details carefully, since the boat schedule depends on getting everyone to the departure point on time.
Some of the less positive feedback centers on the morning organization. At one departure, loading passengers, food, and drink supplies took more than an hour. That does not happen to everyone, but you should not expect Swiss-clock precision at a busy shared marina.
Meeting the catamaran crew and getting settled

At the departure point, you are assigned to your catamaran. The captain gives a safety briefing before the boat gets properly underway, and drinks begin soon after.
The setup is casual. You are not joining a polished private yacht charter with personalized service. You are joining a social boat day, where the crew serves food and drinks while music sets the tone.
That atmosphere is part of the appeal. Sega music and dancing have been highlights for many people, and the crew has received warm praise for being friendly and helpful. If you want conversation, music, and a bit of holiday energy, the shared boat can be fun.
The tradeoff is space. Some people felt like outsiders when the boat seemed to include large groups who already knew each other. That feeling can be hard to avoid on any shared excursion, especially when the boat is full. If you prefer quiet conversation or plenty of room to stretch out, consider this point seriously.
GRSE Waterfall, the most unusual stop

The GRSE Waterfall is one of the stronger reasons to choose this particular outing. The falls are popular with photographers and can be difficult to reach independently, so seeing them by boat gives you access to a memorable part of the east coast without planning a separate visit.
The stop is built into the catamaran route, making it a convenient photo break. You will be able to view the falls from the water, take pictures, and enjoy a change from open-sea cruising.
This is not presented as a long land visit or a hike. The attraction is the boat approach and the chance to see the waterfall from a special angle. Bring a phone or camera, but protect it from spray and keep your expectations realistic. The length of the stop can depend on the group and the day’s schedule.
For me, this is the part that gives the trip more character than a standard beach cruise. Ile aux Cerfs is beautiful, but many east-coast boat trips include it. GRSE Waterfall adds something less routine.
More things to do in Port Louis:
- Mauritius: Exclusive South West Tour
★ 4.8 · 523 reviews - Port Louis: Street Food & City Tour
★ 4.7 · 518 reviews - Mauritius North: Private Paradise Tour with Gardens, Markets
★ 4.8 · 446 reviews - Port Louis: Street Food & City Tour
★ 4.9 · 377 reviews
BBQ lunch, rum, cocktails, beer, and dessert

Lunch is served on the catamaran, so you do not lose valuable beach time searching for a restaurant. The meal is a BBQ, followed by dessert, with alcoholic drinks available throughout the day.
The drinks include rum, cocktails, and beer, and the package describes continuous drink service. That makes the day feel generous, especially when you compare the price with the cost of purchasing drinks separately at a beach destination.
The food experience is practical rather than formal. You are eating aboard a moving or anchored boat, with other people around you, so do not expect a restaurant setting or a carefully paced meal. The strongest food-related praise is tied to the fun combination of BBQ, music, and dancing rather than fine dining.
If you do not drink alcohol, the package is still useful because the lunch, dessert, soft refreshment service, and transport remain part of the value. The information provided does not specify a vegetarian menu or special dietary arrangements, so ask before booking if that matters to you.
Snorkeling with the included equipment

The boat makes a snorkeling stop and provides the necessary gear. This is a convenient feature because you do not need to rent equipment separately or carry your own mask and fins from Mauritius.
The length of the snorkeling session may vary with the number of people entering the water. On a full boat, getting everyone organized takes longer, and the time available in the water can feel shorter than expected.
Think of this as an included taste of the sea, not a dedicated snorkeling expedition. The tour’s main focus is the full combination of waterfall, beach, food, and music. If snorkeling is your top priority, you may prefer a specialist boat trip built around longer water time.
Still, the stop adds welcome variety. You can cool off, see the water from a different angle, and break up the hours spent cruising and eating.
Ile aux Cerfs and the blue-water beach stop

Ile aux Cerfs is the main beach stop, and it delivers the scenery most people picture when they think of a Mauritius boat day: clear blue water, white sand, and an islet made for photographs.
The schedule gives you time to leave the boat and enjoy the island. You can walk along the beach, swim, take pictures, or simply sit near the water. After the movement and music of the catamaran, the beach offers a chance to slow down.
Do not expect solitude. Ile aux Cerfs is a popular destination, and the shared nature of this outing means your time there is part of a wider group schedule. The stop works best if you see it as a scenic break rather than a private-island escape.
I like the way the day combines this familiar beach setting with GRSE Waterfall. One stop gives you classic sand and sea, while the other provides a more unusual photo opportunity. Together, they make the route feel fuller than a simple ride to one beach.
The return sail and private ride home

After the Ile aux Cerfs stop, you return to the catamaran for the trip back toward Mauritius. More drinks are served on the way, and the music continues.
The return can be the most relaxed part of the cruise. The main sightseeing stops are complete, lunch is over, and you can settle into the boat’s social atmosphere. If the boat feels crowded, this is also when the limited personal space may become more noticeable.
At arrival, your driver meets you and takes you back to your resort or other location in a private air-conditioned car. This final transfer is one of the package’s most practical features. You do not have to negotiate transport after spending roughly eight hours outside.
The overall day is long, but the early start and return transfer make the schedule manageable. Plan for a full outing rather than a quick excursion. You will be away from your accommodation for most of the day.
What the shared atmosphere is really like
The word catamaran can suggest a spacious, quiet boat with room to spread out. That is not always the reality here. The experience is social, music-led, and sometimes busy.
The maximum group size is 35 people. During peak periods, the boat may feel particularly full, and the morning setup can become slow. Some people also found the organization less smooth than expected, especially while food boxes, drink supplies, and passengers were loaded.
On the other hand, the crew has received clear praise for its attitude and service. The boat staff are described as great, and the driver service has been a repeated strength. A friendly crew can make a shared boat feel much better than a silent or poorly managed one.
I would choose this trip if you enjoy meeting people, dancing to sega music, and treating the day as a party on the water. I would hesitate if you want a romantic, quiet cruise or a polished luxury product. The experience is best understood as a lively group outing with strong inclusions, not a high-end sailing charter.
Who should book this Mauritius catamaran day?
This trip suits you if you want convenience. Pickup, return transport, lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, music, and several stops are arranged in one package.
It also suits couples or friends who want a cheerful day rather than a silent one. The combination of rum, cocktails, BBQ food, dancing, and beach time creates a holiday mood without much planning.
Families may appreciate the all-in-one format, although the available information does not provide child-specific pricing or activities. Most people can participate, but you should consider how comfortable your group is with a full day on a shared boat.
You may want to skip it if you need a quiet setting, have strict dietary requirements that have not been confirmed, or care more about extended snorkeling than about music and sightseeing. The included snorkeling is a useful extra, but it is not the sole purpose of the excursion.
The weather also matters. The activity requires good conditions. If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund.
Booking advice and cancellation terms
This experience is often booked about 30 days ahead, so reserve early if your Mauritius dates are fixed. Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and mobile tickets are accepted.
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. The cutoff uses local Mauritius time.
Before paying, confirm three things: your pickup location, the required arrival time at Trou d’Eau Douce, and any food needs. These small checks can prevent confusion on a day that already involves transport, a shared boat, a meal, and several scheduled stops.
FAQ
What is included in the catamaran tour?
The package includes private pickup and drop-off anywhere in Mauritius, the catamaran trip, BBQ lunch, dessert, alcoholic drinks such as rum, cocktails, and beer, music, snorkeling equipment, and onboard toilet access.
How long does the experience last?
The tour lasts approximately eight hours.
What time does the tour start?
The stated start time is 7:30 a.m.
Where should I arrive before the boat departs?
You are advised to reach Trou d’Eau Douce by 9:15 a.m. to avoid arriving late.
Is pickup available from my accommodation?
Yes. Private pickup and drop-off are offered from any location in Mauritius.
What places does the boat visit?
The route includes GRSE Waterfall and Ile aux Cerfs. The catamaran also makes a snorkeling stop.
Is snorkeling equipment included?
Yes. The boat provides gear for the included snorkeling experience.
Are drinks included?
Yes. The package includes continuous drink service, with options such as rum, cocktails, and beer.
How many people can join the tour?
The maximum group size is 35 people.
What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?
You will be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the activity to be canceled.
Should you book this Ile aux Cerfs catamaran trip?
Book it if you want a convenient, full-day Mauritius outing with transport, food, drinks, music, a waterfall, snorkeling, and beach time handled in one booking. The private driver service and friendly boat crew are the clearest strengths, while GRSE Waterfall gives the route an extra point of interest.
Do not book it expecting a quiet luxury cruise or a perfectly timed small-group journey. The boat can feel crowded, loading may take patience, and the snorkeling time can depend on how many people are aboard.
At $113.97, I see solid value for a social day with broad inclusions. Choose it for ease, scenery, and fun. Choose another option if personal space and calm sailing matter more than having everything included.
Just added in Port Louis
- Discover Mauritius Full Day with Your Personal Driver-Guide★ 5.0 · 4 reviews
- Cultural Delights & Heritage Treasures in the City★ 5.0 · 3 reviews
- Blue Bay Glass Bottom Boat, Adventure Park & Gris Gris★ 4.2 · 4 reviews
- 3-Day Private Tour of Mauritius with Optional Dolphin Swim★ 5.0 · 2 reviews
- Mauritius: North Tour with Tea Tasting & Oceanarium Visit★ 4.2 · 16 reviews
- Mauritius Odysseo Oceanarium in Port Louis★ 4.5 · 15 reviews
- Port Louis: Private Guided Sightseeing Tour★ 4.6 · 15 reviews
- Ile aux Cerfs Speedboat Trip & Transport: Private or Shared★ 4.2 · 17 reviews
Cruises & Boat Tours, compared.

Ile Aux Cerfs Catamaran Trip w/ Lunch & Transfer
Read our review →
Full-Day Catamaran Cruise to the Northern Isles
Read our review →
Catamaran Cruise to Ile Aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch
Read our review →
Catamaran 3 Islands Cruise & Lunch on the Island
Read our review →
Full-Day Catamaran Cruise to Île aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch
Read our review →
Catamaran Day Cruise to lle aux Cerfs with Lunch
Read our review →
Lydia Boat Mauritius :Private boat tour:Whales&Dolphins encounter
Read our review →Browse the lists this tour appears in

