Catamaran Cruise: Isle aux Cerfs, Including BBQ Lunch, in Mauritius

Mauritius looks best from the water. This full-day catamaran cruise links several of the island’s eastern highlights in one outing: the Grand River South East waterfalls, Ile du Phare, and the beaches of Isle aux Cerfs. I like the combination of scenery and swimming time, and the included barbecue lunch with an open bar makes the $82 price easier to justify.

I also like that snorkeling gear, snacks, lunch, and unlimited drinks are included rather than added one by one. The main drawback is that the day can feel uneven: dolphins are only a possibility, the river stop is brief, and the meal has drawn mixed reactions. You should also note that hotel pickup is not included unless you book an upgraded transfer option.

The day at a glance

• Start at Preskil Island Resort: Meet at Pointe Jerome near Mahebourg, with the cruise returning to the same spot.
• See the Grand River South East waterfalls: A short stop brings you to the gorge and its waterfall, with monkeys and giant bats possible near the river mouth.
• Pass Ile du Phare: The lighthouse island appears along the route toward Isle aux Cerfs.
• Snorkel from the catamaran: Equipment is included, giving you an easy way to get into the water.
• Eat and relax on Isle aux Cerfs: The barbecue lunch is served on board, followed by free time for swimming and relaxation.
• Watch for dolphins: They may appear near the boat, but no wildlife sighting is guaranteed.

Starting at Pointe Jerome near Mahebourg

The cruise begins at Preskil Island Resort, Pointe Jerome, close to Mahebourg and the Blue Bay area. This is not a hotel pickup service by default, so you need to arrange your own way to the meeting point unless you select the transfer upgrade.

That detail matters. A seven-hour cruise sounds simple on paper, but your day also includes the journey to the resort and the trip back to your accommodation. Check the meeting instructions carefully before booking, especially if you are staying on another part of Mauritius.

The listed operating hours are Monday through Wednesday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The published schedule covers dates through December 31, 2025. Booking confirmation can take up to 48 hours and depends on availability, so do not assume that your place is final until confirmation arrives.

A small delay can happen at the start because of the tide. One account described a late departure caused by low water and safety precautions. That is worth keeping in mind if you have a fixed dinner reservation or another activity later in the day. The crew handled the delay well, but island boat schedules are not always clockwork.

Grand River South East and its short waterfall stop

The first major sight is the mouth of the Grand River South East, often called GRSE. The river cuts through a gorge before ending at a waterfall, creating one of the most appealing photo stops on the route.

The stated stop lasts about 10 minutes. That is enough for a quick look and some pictures, but not enough for a long walk, a quiet picnic, or a detailed exploration. I would treat it as a scenic boat stop rather than a full excursion ashore.

The river area adds more than the waterfall. You may spot monkeys and a colony of giant bats around the river mouth. These sightings depend on timing, distance, and the animals themselves, so keep your camera ready but do not build the whole day around wildlife.

This is one place where expectations matter. The waterfall is attractive, but the stop is short. If your main goal is a long nature visit, you may find this portion too quick. If you want several eastern Mauritius sights without arranging separate transport, the brief visit works well.

Ile du Phare on the way to the island

The catamaran passes Ile du Phare, or Lighthouse Island, on the way toward Isle aux Cerfs. The information provided does not give a separate stop length or promise an opportunity to go ashore, so you should think of it as a passing sight rather than a scheduled visit.

That still adds variety to the cruise. Instead of heading straight to the beach, you get changing views across the eastern coast and offshore islands. The boat journey is part of the experience, not just transport between stops.

The exact amount of time spent near Ile du Phare may depend on the route and conditions. Bring sun protection and keep your phone or camera close. The most useful views may come quickly as the catamaran moves past.

Snorkeling from the catamaran

Snorkeling gear is included, which makes the water stop easy for you. You do not need to bring your own mask and equipment unless you prefer your personal gear.

The cruise includes the chance to snorkel from the boat, but the supplied information does not promise a specific reef, water depth, or length of time in the water. Conditions can also affect the stop. The crew’s approach to the snorkeling area has been praised for giving clear advice, so listen closely before entering the water.

This activity suits confident swimmers and anyone who wants a simple look below the surface without signing up for a separate snorkeling trip. If you are not comfortable in the sea, you can still enjoy the boat, views, drinks, and island stop, but do not book this mainly for snorkeling details that are not specified.

Bring a towel, a swimsuit, and protection from the sun. You will also want a dry bag or some other way to protect your phone, since a catamaran day includes spray, wet hands, and time around the water.

Isle aux Cerfs: lunch first, then free time

Isle aux Cerfs is the central stop, with about two hours divided between lunch and free time. The barbecue is served on board, and the schedule gives about one hour for the meal before another hour for swimming and relaxation.

That arrangement has a practical advantage. You do not need to search for a restaurant on a busy island stop, and you can eat without giving up all your time on the beach. It also means the lunch is part of the boat experience rather than a meal in a separate waterfront restaurant.

The barbecue has received mixed reactions. Some reports describe it as plentiful and well cooked, while another found the flavors average and wanted more variety. I would set your expectations at a generous, casual boat lunch, not a gourmet meal. The value comes from having food, snacks, and drinks included during a full day at sea.

The open bar includes unlimited drinks. The supplied information does not specify the full drink menu, so check the exact offering if a particular beverage matters to you. Still, unlimited drinks are useful on a hot day, especially when you are spending time in the sun and moving between snorkeling and the beach.

After lunch, you get free time to swim and relax at Isle aux Cerfs. One hour is enough for a refreshing swim and a quick look around, but it is not a long beach day. If you want several quiet hours on the island, this cruise may feel rushed. If you prefer a moving day with several stops, the short visit keeps the schedule varied.

Dolphins, monkeys, bats, and the limits of wildlife watching

Dolphins may play in the wake of the catamaran, and seeing them can become the highlight of the day. But the wording matters: dolphins are a possibility, not a guaranteed part of the cruise.

The same applies to the monkeys and giant bats near the GRSE. Wildlife does not follow a timetable, and the boat may pass at a distance. You should enjoy any sighting as a bonus rather than treating it as the main reason to pay for the tour.

One of the most positive points about the outing is the crew. The team has been praised for being friendly, professional, and clear when explaining the program. That matters on a boat day because good organization affects everything from the snorkeling instructions to the timing of lunch.

A well-run cruise can make a basic route feel fun. A weak crew can make even beautiful scenery feel flat. Here, the people on board appear to be one of the experience’s strongest features, and that helps balance the occasional complaint about the meal or the limited sightseeing time.

Is $82 good value?

At $82 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day in Mauritius, but it includes several costs that can add up separately. You get approximately seven hours on the water, snorkeling equipment, snacks, a barbecue lunch, and unlimited drinks.

The price makes the most sense if you plan to use the whole package. You can visit GRSE, pass Ile du Phare, reach Isle aux Cerfs, swim, and eat without arranging separate boat trips or paying for food and drinks along the way.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a long beach stay. Isle aux Cerfs receives only about an hour of free relaxation time after lunch. You may prefer a simpler island transfer or beach excursion if your priority is lying on the sand for most of the day.

Hotel transportation is another cost to consider. The standard experience does not include pickup and drop-off, so add the price and effort of getting to Pointe Jerome. An upgrade with hotel transfers may be worthwhile if you are not staying nearby or do not want to organize local transport.

The group size is capped at 30 people. That is large enough to feel social but limited enough to avoid a huge party boat. The actual feel will depend on the vessel and the day’s attendance, but the cap gives you a better idea of the scale than an open-ended cruise listing would.

What to bring and how to prepare

You should arrive ready for a full day in the sun and around water. Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. A waterproof pouch for your phone is useful, especially during snorkeling and near the catamaran’s edge.

Wear something comfortable for boarding and moving around the boat. You may want a light layer if the wind picks up, though the experience is clearly built around warm-weather outdoor time.

Keep your schedule flexible after the cruise. Low tide caused a delayed departure on one occasion, and poor weather can lead to cancellation or a change of date. The operator provides either another date or a full refund when bad weather cancels the experience.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Most people can take part, but you should judge your own comfort with a boat, swimming, and a long day outdoors. The tour does not promise a specific accessibility setup, so ask before booking if you have mobility or access needs.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours ahead are not refunded or accepted, and the cutoff uses Mauritius local time.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to you if you want a busy day that combines sightseeing, swimming, food, and drinks. It works especially well for couples, families with older children, and anyone who would rather book one organized outing than piece together several eastern-coast activities.

You will probably enjoy it most if you value the crew and the overall mood more than a long stop at any one sight. The best parts are the boat ride, the chance of dolphins, the river scenery, the included meal, and the easy social rhythm of a day at sea.

I would hesitate if you want a quiet luxury cruise, a carefully presented meal, or hours of uninterrupted beach time. The barbecue is casual, wildlife is unpredictable, and the GRSE waterfall visit is only about 10 minutes.

The published rating is 3.7 out of 5 from 25 ratings, which fits the experience’s mixed profile. The strongest praise centers on the friendly crew, beautiful places, dolphins, good organization, and a plentiful barbecue. The reservations focus on the average meal, limited variety, and the feeling that some sights are not especially memorable without a dolphin encounter.

Should you book the Isle aux Cerfs catamaran cruise?

Book this cruise if you want a full day of varied island experiences for one bundled price. The route gives you waterfalls, offshore views, snorkeling, Isle aux Cerfs, a barbecue, and unlimited drinks, while the crew seems to be a major reason the day works well.

Skip it if your ideal Mauritius outing is slow and beach-focused, or if you expect guaranteed dolphins and a standout meal. For the best value, arrange your transport to Pointe Jerome in advance, allow for a possible tide-related delay, and approach the wildlife sightings as pleasant surprises rather than promises.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The cruise starts at Preskil Island Resort at Pointe Jerome, Mahebourg, Mauritius.

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the standard experience. An upgrade with hotel transfers is available.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A barbecue lunch is served on board at Isle aux Cerfs. Snacks and unlimited drinks are also included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, and you can snorkel from the catamaran.

How long is the cruise?

The experience lasts approximately seven hours.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the experience are not refunded. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.