Day Trip at Ile aux Cerfs and other Gems of the South.

Small boats make island days better. This six-hour Mauritius trip links Blue Bay with Ile aux Cerfs, Lighthouse Island, snorkeling stops, lagoon wildlife, and a beach barbecue without putting you on a crowded party boat. I especially like the small-group format and the chance to privatize the boat, which gives families and friends more control over the day. The main point to check is group size: the trip is described as limited to 10 people, while the highlights say six at most.

The day begins at Chantauvent Guesthouse in Blue Bay and includes a 15-minute sail, several hours around Ile aux Cerfs, a stop at Lighthouse Island, and the return to Blue Bay. Lucas has earned praise for being warm and attentive, while skipper Sebastian is noted for his humor and professional handling of the boat. One practical caution: lobster costs an extra 600 Mauritian rupees per person, and a preferred wine may also cost extra.

Key points at a glance

• Blue Bay departure: You meet at Chantauvent Guesthouse, where reception directs you to the beach house and guide.
• Several sea stops: The route includes snorkeling, lagoon wildlife, Ile aux Aigrettes, Lighthouse Island, and Ile aux Cerfs, although the exact order can vary.
• Beach barbecue included: Lunch is served on the island, with a full meal and wine included, though the wine selection is limited.
• Private-boat option: You can privatize the boat and customize the trip, a useful choice for families or couples.
• Strong guide feedback: Lucas and Sebastian are singled out for kindness, attention, humor, and professionalism.
• Good value for four: At $412 per group of up to four, the price works out to $103 per person before extras when the boat is filled.

Why this trip works better than a standard island outing

I like this trip because it treats the sea as the main attraction, not just transportation to a beach. You are not simply dropped at Ile aux Cerfs for a few hours. The route includes snorkeling, island stops, a lighthouse, a meal, and time to swim and relax.

That variety matters in Mauritius. Ile aux Cerfs is famous for its pale beaches and lagoon setting, but the island can feel like only one chapter of the day. Adding the smaller islands and marine stops gives you more to remember and makes the six-hour schedule feel useful.

The small-group setup is another strong point. A boat carrying four people, or a small party of six, feels very different from a large excursion with fixed seating and little room to ask for a change. You can spend more time snorkeling, shorten a stop, or request a different lunch setup if the skipper agrees.

The trip is not completely private by default, so read the group details carefully. The information gives both a maximum of six and a limit of 10 participants. If having only your own party matters, pay for the private-boat option rather than assuming the standard booking guarantees it.

Starting at Chantauvent Guesthouse in Blue Bay

Your meeting point is Chantauvent Guesthouse in Blue Bay. Ask reception for directions to the Beach House, where your guide will be waiting.

This is a straightforward start, but do not turn up without allowing a few minutes to find the correct spot. The meeting point is the guesthouse, not a separate marina named elsewhere in the town. Your first short sail lasts about 15 minutes, so the day moves quickly from shore to lagoon.

Blue Bay is a sensible launch point for a sea-based outing. The trip starts near the water rather than requiring a long overland transfer to the east coast. That saves time, which is valuable on a six-hour tour.

Bring a towel, sunglasses, and a hat. The supplied information does not specify whether snorkeling equipment is provided, so confirm that before departure or ask what you should bring. You will want sun protection for the boat, the beach, and the stops between them.

The first 15-minute sail and the lagoon stops

The opening sail is short, but the route soon becomes more than a direct run to Ile aux Cerfs. The boat makes multiple stops to show you lagoon wildlife, coastal scenery, and smaller islands in the south-east.

Snorkeling is one of the central activities. You can expect time to look at coral and marine life in the lagoon, with the exact conditions depending on the day. The trip has included a stop near Ile aux Aigrettes, which adds a quieter island setting to the route.

I like this part because it breaks up the beach time. Snorkeling gives you something active to do, while the boat ride lets you see how the islands relate to one another. You are not locked into a single resort-style beach visit.

Keep your expectations sensible. The information promises snorkeling and marine life, not guaranteed visibility or a particular species. One outing included distant dolphins, but dolphins are a lucky sighting rather than a scheduled part of the trip. Bring a waterproof phone pouch if you want photos, but protect your device carefully around the boat.

Ile aux Cerfs: three hours of beach, food, and free time

The largest block of the day is assigned to Ile aux Cerfs, with about three hours noted in the schedule. That gives you enough time for the core island activities: swimming, snorkeling, relaxing on the beach, and eating lunch.

The barbecue is served on the beach, which is a major part of the appeal. Instead of breaking for lunch at an ordinary restaurant, you eat beside the lagoon and keep the island setting around you. The meal is described as complete, and one family praised the food served directly on the beach.

This is where the trip finds its balance. You can be active in the morning, then slow down with food and sun. Families can split up for a swim and a quiet beach break, while couples or friends can use the time for a relaxed lunch.

Wine is included with lunch, but only one type is normally available. If you have a favorite bottle or prefer a particular style, the operator can provide it for an added fee. A full lobster meal also costs extra, at 600 rupees per person.

The three-hour stop is generous, but Ile aux Cerfs is the part most likely to feel busy or commercial compared with the smaller island stops. The supplied details do not promise a secluded beach. If you want the island entirely to yourself, a private boat may improve the overall feel, but it cannot change the popularity of the destination itself.

Lighthouse Island and the 45-minute sailing leg

After Ile aux Cerfs, the route includes Lighthouse Island, with a 45-minute sailing segment in the schedule. This gives the day a change of mood. You leave the broad beach setting and return to a more open-water route, with the lighthouse and island surroundings as the focus.

The itinerary does not state how long you stay on the island, so you should not assume a long shore visit. It is best understood as one part of a moving island circuit rather than a full guided tour of a historic site.

I like the inclusion because it keeps the route varied. A day spent only at Ile aux Cerfs would be easier to arrange, but it would not show as much of the southern lagoon. You get a sense of the area from the water, with time for photographs and a different view of the coast.

The itinerary also refers to a waterfall stop. Since the exact timing is not detailed, ask the skipper how it fits into the day. Small-group trips are most useful here because the guide may be able to explain the order of stops and adjust the pace within the available six hours.

The guides make the difference

The guide is important on any boat trip, but even more so when the group is small. Lucas is praised for looking after families, including children as young as two, and for providing information about the islands. That combination of care and explanation makes the day easier for parents.

Sebastian, identified as skipper on another outing, is praised for being funny, attentive, and professional. Those are practical qualities, not just pleasant extras. You want a skipper who watches the group, handles the boat properly, and still keeps the mood relaxed.

The strong feedback also points to a useful feature of this trip: the crew appears to treat the boat as a personal outing rather than a production line. That does not guarantee the same guide on every date, but Lucas and Sebastian are names worth asking about when you book.

French and English are available. If you prefer one language, confirm which guide will lead your departure. The basic information says both languages are offered, but it does not explain whether the tour is bilingual throughout or assigned according to the group.

What the $412 price means for your group

The listed price is $412 per group of up to four. At four people, that is $103 each for six hours, including the boat outing, island stops, snorkeling, lunch barbecue, and the guide.

That is a reasonable value if you want a small boat and plan to use the full route. It becomes less attractive for one or two people unless the private feel and customized schedule are especially important to you. A standard shared boat may cost less elsewhere, but it may also give you less control over the pace and group size.

The value improves for families. One fixed group price can be easier to understand than separate adult and child prices, and the outing has enough variety to keep different ages interested. Parents should still consider the heat, swimming, and time on the boat before booking.

Be careful with add-ons. Lobster is not part of the basic meal, and a preferred wine costs extra. You can also customize the cool box, which is useful if you have particular food or drink needs, but ask what the customization costs before confirming.

Who should book this boat day

I would point this trip toward:

• Families wanting a manageable private or small-group outing
• Couples who prefer a quieter boat to a large cruise
• Friends who want snorkeling, lunch, and beach time in one day
• Nature-minded visitors who care about lagoon life and island scenery
• People who want the freedom to request a customized route

It is less suitable if you want a long historical tour, a strict sightseeing program, or a guaranteed wildlife encounter. The day is built around sea time, swimming, food, and island views. The information does not promise extensive commentary at every stop.

It also may not suit someone who dislikes schedule changes. A multi-stop boat day depends on weather, sea conditions, and the time needed at each stop. The benefit of a small boat is flexibility, but flexibility means the exact rhythm may not be fixed in advance.

Booking details that matter

The activity lasts six hours, but start times depend on availability. Check the departure time carefully so you know how the trip fits with the rest of your day.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold the booking without paying immediately. These terms make the trip easier to fit into a changing Mauritius schedule.

The trip is offered in French and English. The group is described as small, with a separate note saying up to 10 participants, while the highlights describe six people maximum. Ask for the current boat capacity before paying, especially if a low passenger count is central to your decision.

For a private booking, state your priorities clearly. You might request more snorkeling time, a preferred cool-box setup, a lobster meal, or a specific wine. Customization is possible, but the extra charges should be agreed on in advance.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs day trip?

I would book it if you want a varied sea day rather than a simple transfer to one beach. The route gives you snorkeling, smaller islands, Lighthouse Island, Ile aux Cerfs, a beach barbecue, and a chance to see dolphins if luck is on your side. The especially warm feedback for Lucas and Sebastian adds confidence that the human side of the outing is strong.

I would choose the private-boat option for a family, two couples, or anyone who dislikes crowded excursions. At $412 for up to four, the price makes the most sense when the boat is full.

Before booking, confirm the passenger limit, what snorkeling gear is supplied, the lunch menu, and the cost of any wine or lobster upgrade. If those details suit you, this is a well-rounded Mauritius outing with more character than a basic island beach run.

FAQ

Where does the trip start?

You meet at Chantauvent Guesthouse in Blue Bay. Ask reception for directions to the Beach House, where the guide will be waiting.

How long does the activity last?

The trip lasts six hours.

What languages are available?

The tour is available in French and English.

How much does the trip cost?

The listed price is $412 per group of up to four people.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A barbecue lunch is included and served on the island.

Is wine included with lunch?

Wine is free during lunch, but only one type is normally available. A preferred wine can be supplied for an additional fee.

Does a lobster meal cost extra?

Yes. A full lobster meal requires an additional 600 Mauritian rupees per person.

Can I book a private boat?

Yes. You can privatize the boat and customize the trip.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a hat, and a towel.