Catamaran cruise to Ile aux cerfs with bbq lunch

Mauritius looks best from the water. This six-hour catamaran cruise links the GRSE waterfalls, a snorkeling stop, a barbecue lunch, and Ile aux Cerfs for $63.35 per person. I like the varied day: you are not stuck on the beach or boat for six hours, and the open-air setting makes the lagoon views part of the fun. I also like that lunch, drinks, water, and snorkeling gear are included. The main catch is timing, since some departures have run late and island time can shrink.

The mood is relaxed, social, and musical rather than quiet and formal. A singer-guitarist may accompany lunch, and the crew has earned praise for keeping food and drinks moving. You should also know that hotel transportation is not included, and Ile aux Cerfs may feel overhyped if you expect a quiet, untouched island.

Key points at a glance

• GRSE waterfalls first: Begin near Trou d’Eau Douce with green scenery, a chance of seeing monkeys, and occasional bats reported nearby.
• Snorkeling equipment included: Stop in clear lagoon water before lunch, with gear provided for your swim.
• Barbecue and drinks onboard: Lunch includes grilled food, alcoholic drinks, soda, and bottled water.
• Beach time at Ile aux Cerfs: Finish at Mauritius’s famous island, though the exact time ashore can vary.
• Small enough to feel manageable: The catamaran carries a maximum of 30 people.
• Plan your own transport: The meeting point is at Chez Tino in Trou d’Eau Douce, with no standard hotel pickup or drop-off.

Setting out from Trou d’Eau Douce at 9:30

The day begins at the Tino Boats meeting point in Trou d’Eau Douce, on Route Royale. The ticket information also refers to a 9:00 opening time, while the stated cruise departure is 9:30. That difference matters, so check your confirmation carefully and arrive early.

The boat returns to the same meeting point at about 4:00 in the afternoon. Since private transportation is not part of the package, you need to arrange your own taxi or public transport. Some people have arranged a paid transfer through the operator, and that can be useful if you want a simpler start and finish.

The stated maximum is 30 people. That is not a private sailing, but it is a more manageable size than a large party boat. You can expect a social atmosphere, shared tables, music, and crew service rather than a quiet, isolated trip.

One practical warning: departure times have not always been exact. A delay of about an hour has occurred when late passengers or extra activity arrangements affected the schedule. This may not ruin your day, but it can reduce time at Ile aux Cerfs. If you have an important evening plan, leave some breathing room.

The GRSE waterfalls make a lively first stop

After leaving Trou d’Eau Douce, the catamaran heads toward the nearby GRSE waterfalls. The approach gives you a change from open lagoon views to thick green scenery along the river and falls.

The waterfall stop is more about seeing the setting from the boat than taking a long land walk. You may spot monkeys, and bats have also been seen around this part of the route. Wildlife is never guaranteed, but the possibility adds interest to an otherwise scenic boat ride.

This first stop works well because it gets you moving before the beach portion of the day. You see a different side of Mauritius, and the contrast between the river greenery and the bright lagoon keeps the itinerary from feeling repetitive.

Keep your camera ready, but do not expect a long, guided nature visit. The supplied details do not promise a shore excursion or a close approach to every part of the falls. Weather, water conditions, and the day’s schedule can shape what you see.

Snorkeling in the clear lagoon

The boat then moves to a snorkeling area selected for its marine life. Snorkeling equipment is included, which saves you the trouble of renting a mask and fins separately.

The attraction here is simple: you get to see the lagoon from below instead of only admiring it from the deck. The water is described as clear, and the stop is intended to improve your chance of spotting marine life. You can swim, snorkel, or stay aboard if you prefer to enjoy the views.

This is a good fit for casual swimmers and first-time snorkelers because the activity is built into a wider day. You do not need to make snorkeling the sole reason for booking. At the same time, you should keep expectations sensible. The trip does not promise a specialist wildlife guide or guaranteed sightings, and conditions can affect visibility.

Bring practical sun protection and a dry place for valuables. The operator supplies snorkeling equipment, but the provided information does not specify whether towels, lockers, or waterproof storage are available.

Barbecue lunch with music and open water views

Lunch follows the snorkeling stop, usually served onboard. The barbecue is one of the strongest parts of the outing. The food has been described as tasty and plentiful, with grilled meat and fish specifically mentioned. For a boat day at this price, having lunch included makes the package easier to judge.

Drinks are included too: alcoholic beverages, soda, and bottled water. The crew has been praised for making sure people have enough to drink, which adds to the easygoing, all-inclusive feel.

Music gives lunch a local holiday flavor. A singer-guitarist has accompanied the meal, and the onboard atmosphere is described as young, friendly, and energetic. This will suit you if you like conversation, music, and a bit of group spirit. If you want a silent meal with only the sound of water, it may feel busy.

The boat itself is part of the appeal. You can eat on the catamaran, sit in the sun, or find shade while the lagoon stretches around you. A little rain can pass through, so do not assume the whole day will be cloudless. One outing began in light rain before the sun returned later.

Ile aux Cerfs, beautiful but not completely peaceful

After lunch, the catamaran heads to Ile aux Cerfs. The island is known for bright water and broad beaches, and the setting delivers the classic Mauritius postcard scene.

Your choices are flexible. You can swim, walk along the beach, snorkel, or simply sit in the sun. That freedom is valuable because not everyone wants another organized activity after lunch. You can make this stop active or lazy.

The main limitation is time. The intended program gives you a meaningful period on the island, but delays and optional paid activities can change the order of the day. In one case, only about an hour remained at Ile aux Cerfs instead of the expected two hours. If exploring the island matters most to you, ask the crew about the planned beach time before agreeing to any extra activity.

Ile aux Cerfs is also highly developed in feel compared with the quietest coastal spots. One opinion was that the island was overvalued and offered little beyond the beach. I would frame it this way: the island is worth seeing for its water and sand, but the catamaran ride, snorkeling, food, and crew may be just as important to your enjoyment.

How the $63.35 price holds up

At $63.35 per person, this is a strong value if you want a full half-day on the water with most costs covered. You get the catamaran cruise, waterfall visit, snorkeling equipment, barbecue lunch, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and bottled water.

Buying each part separately could become more expensive and less convenient. The package also removes the need to find lunch near the island or arrange snorkeling equipment on your own. That makes it especially useful for a first Mauritius visit or a short stay when you want several highlights in one outing.

The price does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. Add your own transport cost when comparing it with other cruises. You may be able to arrange a transfer through the company, but it is not included in the basic price.

The value is best for someone who wants variety. If you only want two quiet hours on Ile aux Cerfs, a direct island trip may suit you better. If you want scenery, swimming, snorkeling, food, music, and drinks in one day, this package earns its price.

The crew sets the tone

Service is a major strength. The crew is often described as friendly, caring, efficient, and generous with drinks. The names Tomi, Lori, and Adrienne were singled out in one especially warm account, although crew assignments can change.

That personal service matters on a shared boat. The crew has to keep lunch organized, hand out equipment, serve drinks, manage stops, and keep the group moving. The positive comments suggest they handle those tasks with energy and good humor.

The atmosphere is not stiff. Music and conversation are part of the outing, and the young, upbeat style may be a better match for couples, friends, and families who enjoy a social day. You should not book it expecting a private charter or a silent sailing.

An optional paid activity may also be offered during the route. It is not required, but accepting it can alter the order of the program and cut into beach time. Ask what it involves, how much it costs, and how long it takes before deciding.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this cruise if you want an easy introduction to the east coast of Mauritius. It combines several distinct stops without requiring you to plan separate taxis, restaurants, rentals, and boat trips.

It suits:

• Couples who want a scenic day with food and drinks included
• Families who prefer a mix of swimming, sightseeing, and beach time
• Friends looking for music and a social boat atmosphere
• First-time visitors with limited time in Mauritius
• Casual snorkelers who want equipment supplied

It may not suit you if you dislike group activities, need exact departure times, or want a long stretch of quiet time on Ile aux Cerfs. Strong swimmers and serious snorkelers may also want a more specialized marine trip.

The six-hour duration is enough to feel like a full outing without taking an entire day from your holiday. Still, the timing can shift. Treat the schedule as approximate rather than minute-by-minute fixed.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Arrive at Chez Tino in Trou d’Eau Douce before the stated departure time. The meeting and ticket redemption point is listed as Chez Tino, B59, Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius.

Wear swim-friendly clothing and bring sun protection. You will spend time on the water, at a snorkeling stop, and on a sunny beach. The boat provides water and drinks, but the supplied details do not state that towels or personal storage are available.

Keep some cash available if you are considering an optional paid activity or need to arrange transport. That cost is separate from the $63.35 cruise price.

If your priority is Ile aux Cerfs, tell the crew early. A late departure or a change in the order of activities can shorten your time ashore. If your priority is the overall day, the waterfall, snorkeling, barbecue, and music make the trip worthwhile even if the island visit is shorter than hoped.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refundable, and poor weather may lead to a different date or a full refund.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise?

Yes, if you want a sociable, good-value day that mixes the sea, scenery, food, and beach time. The included barbecue and drinks are genuine advantages, and the friendly crew appears to be a big part of the fun.

Book with realistic expectations. Ile aux Cerfs is beautiful, but it may feel busy or less interesting than its reputation suggests. The schedule can also slip, so confirm the departure time, arrange transport, and protect your beach time by asking about optional activities.

For $63.35, I think this is one of the better all-round choices for a relaxed Mauritius outing, especially if you value a well-fed afternoon and a cheerful crew as much as the island itself.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The cruise starts at Tino Boats, Route Royale, Le Maho, Trou d’Eau Douce 42208, Mauritius. The ticket redemption point is Chez Tino, B59, Trou d’Eau Douce.

What time does the cruise depart and return?

The stated departure is 9:30 AM, with a return to the mainland at about 4:00 PM. The operating hours are listed as 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, so confirm the exact meeting time when booking.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Private transportation and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must arrange your own transport, although a transfer may be arranged separately through the company.

What is included in the cruise price?

The price includes lunch, snorkeling equipment, alcoholic beverages, soda or pop, and bottled water.

How much does the cruise cost?

The listed price is $63.35 per person. The activity has a maximum of 30 participants.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather cancels the cruise, you will be offered another date or a full refund.