Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs, snorkeling + GRSE Waterfall, BBQ & Bar

Paradise comes with a barbecue. This seven-hour catamaran outing combines Grand Riviere Sud Est Waterfall with a relaxed stretch at Ile aux Cerfs, plus snorkeling, drinks, lunch, and time for water sports. I like the easy mix of scenery and leisure, and I like that wine, rum cocktails, coconut water, soft drinks, snacks, and snorkeling gear are included.

The main caution is space. The tour is advertised for a maximum of 25 people, but one participant reported more than 30 aboard and found the boat overcrowded. You should also protect your phone and valuables carefully, especially when moving from the catamaran to a smaller boat.

Five Things to Know Before You Go

• The waterfall stop is brief: You get about 10 minutes at Grand Riviere Sud Est, enough for a quick look where fresh water meets the Indian Ocean.
• Ile aux Cerfs gets the real time: Plan on roughly three hours around the island, with about two hours specifically described for relaxing or trying water activities.
• Lunch and drinks are part of the price: Barbecue food, alcohol, coffee or tea, soda, bottled water, and snacks are included.
• The boat departs and returns to Trou d’Eau Douce: You must arrange your own way to the Debarcadere, since private transportation is not included.
• The mood matters as much as the scenery: The crew has been praised for friendly service, strong food, and good music or party energy, even during rain.
• It is not wheelchair accessible: Most people can participate, but this is a boat-and-shore outing with transfers and water activities.

What the $82.46 Price Really Covers

At $82.46 per person, this is not simply a boat ride. You are paying for a full half-day-plus program that includes the catamaran, two main stops, lunch, drinks, snacks, and snorkeling equipment.

That package gives the tour solid value if you plan to eat, drink, swim, and spend time on Ile aux Cerfs. Buying a separate boat trip, lunch, and drinks could cost more, while the organized format saves you from arranging each piece yourself.

The value depends on how much you use the inclusions. If you want only a quiet cruise and do not drink alcohol or eat much, the package may feel less attractive. If you enjoy a social boat, a barbecue lunch, and a long island stop, the price makes more sense.

The tour averages being booked 13 days ahead, so I would not leave it until the last minute during a busy Mauritius holiday period. The advertised group limit is 25, which should provide a more personal feel than a large party boat. Still, one account described more than 30 people aboard, so I would confirm the expected group size before paying if personal space is important to you.

Starting at Trou d’Eau Douce

Your day begins at the Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs meeting point in Trou d’Eau Douce. The stated start time is 9:00 a.m., and the boat also returns to the same Debarcadere at the end of the trip.

This is useful if you are arranging your own transport. You do not need to figure out a different return location, but you do need your ride to wait for you at the Debarcadere when the cruise ends. Private transportation is not included, so allow enough time to reach Trou d’Eau Douce before departure.

The ticket redemption point is also the Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs office in Trou d’Eau Douce. The instructions say an agent will wait at the Debarcadere to help with boarding. I would arrive early enough to locate the office and meeting point without rushing.

This setup suits people already staying in the eastern part of Mauritius or those comfortable arranging a taxi or other transport. It is less convenient if you want a hotel pickup and a fully managed day from your front door.

Grand Riviere Sud Est Waterfall: A Quick First Stop

The first stop is Grand Riviere Sud Est, where a waterfall meets the Indian Ocean. It is a striking natural meeting point, with falling fresh water, river flow, and open sea in the same view.

The scheduled stop lasts only 10 minutes. That is enough to see the waterfall from the boat and take a few photographs, but not enough for a long walk, a swim, or an extended nature visit.

I would treat this as a scenic introduction rather than the central event of the day. The short timing keeps the boat moving toward Ile aux Cerfs, which is where you get the most freedom and the longest break.

Because the stop is brief, have your camera ready before the boat reaches the waterfall. Keep expectations sensible. You are not getting a full waterfall excursion, but you are getting a memorable view that would be difficult to arrange as part of a simple beach day.

Ile aux Cerfs: Three Hours to Set Your Own Pace

Ile aux Cerfs is the main stop, and the schedule gives you about three hours around the island. The description assigns about two hours to relaxing or trying water sports, so you should have a useful block of unhurried time rather than a rushed photo stop.

You can swim, sunbathe, enjoy a coconut, or book a transat for a more comfortable place to sit. The island also offers parasailing and tube rides as possible activities. These options are not presented as included in the base package, so ask about any extra cost before booking an activity.

This flexible stop is one of the tour’s strongest features. You do not have to spend every minute in the water. If you prefer a quiet afternoon, you can stretch out, swim, and enjoy the island. If you want more action, parasailing or a tube ride gives the stop a livelier edge.

The tradeoff is that Ile aux Cerfs can become the busiest part of the day, especially when several boats arrive. The tour details do not promise a private beach area or exclusive access. Go expecting a popular island stop, not a deserted patch of sand.

A useful plan is to decide your priority early. If you want a specific water sport, ask about it soon after arrival. If you mainly want sun and swimming, find your preferred place before settling in for lunch or drinks.

Snorkeling Without Complicated Planning

Snorkeling equipment is included, which makes the water portion easy. You do not need to pack or rent a mask and snorkel separately, although you may still prefer to bring your own equipment if fit and comfort matter to you.

The information provided confirms that snorkeling is part of the experience, but it does not promise a particular reef, marine species, or exact snorkeling location. That means you should think of it as one activity within a broader day, not as a specialist snorkeling expedition.

You can combine the equipment with swimming during the island stop. The schedule also mentions a smaller boat transfer, so keep your belongings secure when leaving the main catamaran. One serious complaint involved a stolen phone after the crew reportedly said items could be left safely on the boat during that transfer.

I would carry only what you need. Use a waterproof pouch for your phone if you bring it near the water, and do not leave valuables unattended. This is simple advice, but it matters on any group boat with people moving between vessels and shore.

Barbecue Lunch, Rum Cocktails, and Plenty of Drinks

The included meal is a barbecue lunch, and food has been praised as one of the tour’s best features. One account specifically called the barbecue excellent, while another said the food was good and the drinks plentiful.

The beverage list is unusually broad for a boat trip. It includes wine, rum cocktails, coconut water, soda, bottled water, coffee or tea, and snacks. Alcoholic drinks are included, so you can enjoy the social side of the cruise without adding every drink to a separate bill.

That said, keep an eye on your own pace. A sunny boat, warm weather, swimming, and rum cocktails can catch up with you quickly. Drink water as well, especially if you plan to snorkel or spend time in the sun.

The food and drink setup also gives the trip a shared, festive feel. This is not a silent sightseeing cruise. You should expect a group atmosphere built around eating, music, conversation, and time on the water.

Several crew members have received warm praise, including Tommy, Sunny, Maria, and Kenan. The service has been described as caring and well organized from check-in through the return. Crew names and staffing can change, but the repeated emphasis on friendly attention is encouraging.

A Social Cruise, Not a Private Escape

The mood of this outing is a key part of its appeal. The crew has been praised for creating a good atmosphere, and one particularly positive account described a perfect day despite a rain shower at Ile aux Cerfs.

That detail is worth noting. Mauritius weather can change, and a shower may interrupt your beach plans. The catamaran format gives the day enough variety that a little rain does not necessarily ruin it. You still have the waterfall, the cruise, food, drinks, and a return journey.

The same social energy may not suit everyone. If you want quiet, personal space, or a private guide, a group of up to 25 may feel too lively. One participant considered the boat far too crowded, especially with more than 30 people aboard.

I would book this for a couple, a group of friends, or a family that enjoys shared activities. I would think twice if you dislike organized fun, loud boat atmospheres, or changing between vessels.

The tour’s published maximum is 25 people, which is worth keeping in mind when you arrive. If the actual number appears higher, raise the concern with the operator promptly rather than assuming the boat will become quieter later.

Timing, Weather, and Practical Comfort

The entire experience lasts about seven hours and starts at 9:00 a.m. With the waterfall stop, the longer Ile aux Cerfs visit, lunch, snorkeling, and the return to Trou d’Eau Douce, this is a substantial part of your day.

The experience requires good weather. If poor weather forces cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

The tour is not wheelchair accessible. Most people can participate, but you should be comfortable with boat boarding, shore transfers, and moving around during water-based activities.

Bring practical beach-day items that do not conflict with the included services: sun protection, a change of clothes, and a secure waterproof holder for your phone. The supplied information does not specify towels, private storage, or hotel transfers, so do not assume those are included.

Who Will Get the Most From This Tour

I would recommend this outing if you want several Mauritius highlights in one package. You get a waterfall view, an island stop, optional water sports, snorkeling gear, a barbecue, and a long list of drinks without having to plan each part separately.

It is especially suitable for people who enjoy a social setting. The friendly crew, barbecue, rum cocktails, and upbeat atmosphere can turn a basic island transfer into a full day of shared fun.

Families and mixed-age groups may also appreciate the choice of activities. One person can swim, another can sunbathe, and someone else can ask about parasailing or a tube ride. The group does not have to follow one fixed activity.

I would be more cautious if your main goal is serious snorkeling, a private boat, a quiet beach, or guaranteed low passenger numbers. The tour provides a broad sample of the eastern coast and Ile aux Cerfs, but it does not promise a specialist marine excursion or an exclusive island experience.

Should You Book the Ile aux Cerfs Catamaran?

Book it if you want good all-round value and enjoy a friendly group atmosphere. The included barbecue, drinks, snacks, and snorkeling equipment add real value to the $82.46 price, while the waterfall and island stops give the day a clear structure.

Before booking, confirm the expected passenger count and ask how belongings should be secured during the smaller-boat transfer. If you are comfortable arranging your own transport to Trou d’Eau Douce and accepting the chance of rain or a lively boat, this is a convenient way to experience Ile aux Cerfs.

Skip it if you need wheelchair access, a private cruise, or a quiet and tightly controlled itinerary. For everyone else, the combination of scenery, food, swimming, and easygoing island time makes this a sensible Mauritius day out.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start?

It starts at the Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs meeting point at the Debarcadere in Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius.

What time does the tour begin?

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

Where does the tour finish?

The catamaran returns to the Debarcadere in Trou d’Eau Douce, the same area where the tour starts.

Is transportation to Trou d’Eau Douce included?

No. Private transportation is not included, so you must arrange your own way to the meeting point and your return journey.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately seven hours.

How much time is spent at Grand Riviere Sud Est Waterfall?

The scheduled stop at Grand Riviere Sud Est lasts about 10 minutes.

How long do you spend at Ile aux Cerfs?

The schedule allows about three hours at Ile aux Cerfs, with roughly two hours described for relaxing or enjoying water activities.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A barbecue lunch is included.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Included drinks include alcoholic beverages, wine, rum cocktails, soda, bottled water, coffee or tea, and coconut water. Snacks are also included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No. The experience is not wheelchair accessible.

How many people can join the tour?

The stated maximum is 25 people. One account reported more than 30 passengers, so you may wish to confirm the group size before booking.

Can you cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund.