EAST Shared Cruise : OCÉANE Full day catamaran to Ile aux Cerfs

Mauritius looks best from the water. This seven-hour OCÉANE catamaran cruise links Ile aux Cerfs, two snorkeling areas, and Grand River South East Waterfalls in one well-paced day. I like the mix of beach time and sea time, and I like that the crew puts safety first with lifejackets and lifebuoys available. The main drawback is the group size, which can reach 35 people, so this is a shared cruise rather than a quiet private sailing.

I also like the company’s long record in Mauritius, with more than 37 years on the coast and a clear family spirit among the crew. The boat leaves at 9:00 a.m. from Pointe Maurice near Trou d’Eau Douce, and the price of $77.82 per person is fair for a full day that includes several stops and a grilled lunch. Just remember that the schedule depends on good weather, and the cruise may not suit you if you want a slow, secluded day with no fixed program.

Key points to know before booking

• Ile aux Cerfs is the main prize: You get time at a private beach on the island, plus snorkeling before going ashore.
• Two snorkeling sessions are built in: The first is around Trou d’Eau Douce, followed by another stop at Fond Blanc or Eau Bleu.
• Lunch is cooked on board: Fresh fish and chicken are grilled and served with salads and garlic bread.
• Grand River South East Waterfalls adds variety: A 30-minute stop includes views of the falls, monkeys, and birds.
• The boat carries up to 35 people: That keeps the cost reasonable but limits privacy.
• The crew has strong safety training: OCÉANE says its staff receive training to international standards, with water support available during snorkeling.

Why this eastern Mauritius cruise works well

The best feature here is the range. You are not spending seven hours at one beach or sitting on a boat with no clear plan. The day moves from open-water views to snorkeling, then to sand, lunch, waterfalls, and another swim.

That variety matters in Mauritius. Ile aux Cerfs is the headline stop, but the cruise gives you more than a quick island visit. You get several chances to see the lagoon from the water and to decide how active you want to be at each stop.

I also appreciate the clear balance between fun and caution. OCÉANE presents itself as an eco-friendly company, with operations designed to respect the environment and safety standards treated seriously. That does not turn the excursion into a conservation tour, but it is useful to know that the company’s identity is tied closely to the sea and to safe boat handling.

The crew’s family spirit is another pleasant touch. Jean-Paul responds to guests directly and warmly, which gives the company a personal face. The French-language praise for the crew focused on beautiful views and attentive service, and that fits the kind of day OCÉANE is trying to provide: active, social, and looked after without being formal.

Setting off from Pointe Maurice at 9:00 a.m.

The meeting point is Pointe Maurice, at PQRV+VF2 on an unnamed road in Trou d’Eau Douce. The cruise starts at 9:00 a.m. and returns to the same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate end point.

The exact boarding process is not described, so allow enough time to reach Pointe Maurice and get oriented before departure. The company confirms the booking at the time of reservation, and the experience usually fills its places about three weeks ahead, with an average booking lead time of 21 days. If your Mauritius schedule is tight, I would reserve before arriving.

A shared catamaran gives you a social day rather than a private one. The maximum is 35 people, which is not a tiny boatload, but it is still a manageable size for a full-day outing. You should expect company around the railings, at lunch, and in the water.

The length of the cruise also means you should be ready for a full morning and afternoon outdoors. The data provided does not specify sun protection, towels, or changing facilities, so ask OCÉANE before departure if any of those matter to you. It is wise to plan around the listed start and end point rather than assuming hotel pickup.

Snorkeling around Trou d’Eau Douce

The first major water stop takes place around Trou d’Eau Douce. The cruise gives you about one hour for snorkeling and lunch preparation, with the barbecue getting started after the swim.

The lagoon is described as clear, with patches of staghorn coral and small fish. You may also see trumpet fish and the coachmen fish, noted for its white dorsal fin. These details make the stop more interesting than a simple quick swim, especially if you enjoy looking for small marine life rather than only admiring the color of the water.

I like that the crew watches the swimmers and provides a lifejacket or lifebuoy if you feel uneasy. This is important because a snorkeling stop can be intimidating if you are not a strong swimmer. You can take part at your own comfort level instead of feeling forced to swim far from the catamaran.

At the same time, this is not presented as a specialist marine expedition. The stop lasts about an hour, and conditions in the lagoon can shape what you see. Coral patches and fish are part of the appeal, but you should keep your expectations sensible. The value comes from combining an easy snorkeling session with the rest of the day, not from spending hours studying reef life.

For families or mixed groups, this format works well. Confident swimmers can look around while less confident people stay close to the boat with flotation support. If you dislike sharing the water with a group, the stop may feel busy.

A barbecue lunch with fish, chicken, and salads

Lunch is one of the strongest practical reasons the price makes sense. The crew grills fresh fish and chicken on board and serves them with a selection of salads and garlic bread.

That menu is simple, but simple is often right for a day at sea. You get a warm meal without leaving the cruise or searching for a restaurant on Ile aux Cerfs. The barbecue also adds a social rhythm to the day. After snorkeling, you return to the catamaran, dry off, and eat while the outing continues around you.

The supplied information does not specify drinks, vegetarian choices, or allergy options. If you need a special meal, ask the operator before booking rather than counting on the standard barbecue menu. The same applies to children’s portions and other dietary needs.

I would also treat lunch as part of the cruise’s shared atmosphere. This is not a private dining experience. The meal is included in the day’s flow, and everyone eats from the same general service. For most people, that is a benefit. It keeps the cost controlled and leaves more time for the sea.

Ile aux Cerfs and its private beach

Ile aux Cerfs is the centerpiece of the cruise. You get about 1 hour and 30 minutes at a private beach on the island, with admission included.

The order matters. Snorkeling takes place before the island visit, so you can enjoy the beach after your first active water session. The island stop gives you time to walk, sit by the sand, and enjoy the setting without having to organize a separate transfer or boat trip.

I like the fact that the stop is long enough to feel worthwhile but not so long that the day becomes only a beach visit. One and a half hours is enough for a taste of the island, though it may feel short if you want a long swim, a leisurely walk, and plenty of time for photos.

You should also remember that Ile aux Cerfs is a well-known day-trip destination. The private beach element gives this cruise a more distinct stopping place, but it does not mean you will have the entire island to yourself. The group returns to the catamaran after the scheduled visit, so keep an eye on the time.

This stop suits you best if you want a scenic island break within a structured day. If your main aim is to spend half a day quietly reading on one beach, a dedicated island stay may be a better match.

Grand River South East Waterfalls in 30 minutes

The cruise then visits Grand River South East Waterfalls for about 30 minutes. The short stop is designed for sightseeing, with views of the falls and the chance to see monkeys and birds.

This is a welcome change of scenery. After the open lagoon and beach, the falls bring you into a different part of eastern Mauritius. The monkeys and birds add movement to the stop, while the water rushing through the river gives you a break from the island’s coastal views.

Thirty minutes is enough for a look and some photographs, but not for a long walk or extended exploration. You should treat it as a compact scenic stop, not a full nature visit. The schedule keeps the cruise moving, but it also means you will not have much spare time if the stop runs late.

The waterfall visit helps justify the full-day format. Without it, the cruise would be mainly a beach and snorkeling trip. With it, you get a broader picture of the east coast, even if only briefly.

A second swim at Fond Blanc or Eau Bleu

The final listed stop returns to the Trou d’Eau Douce area, at Fond Blanc or Eau Bleu, for about 45 minutes of snorkeling.

A second water stop is useful because sea conditions and visibility can vary. If the first swim is not your favorite part of the day, the later stop gives you another chance. If you enjoy the first session, you get more time to look through the clear water and search for small fish.

The location may be Fond Blanc or Eau Bleu, so the precise experience can vary. That flexibility likely lets the crew choose a suitable place, but you should not expect one fixed reef site every time.

Again, the crew’s flotation support is helpful. You can use a lifejacket or lifebuoy if you are uncomfortable in the water. Most people can participate, but the cruise is still built around boat access, swimming, and getting in and out of the sea. If you have concerns about your ability to take part, contact OCÉANE before reserving.

What the $77.82 price really covers

At $77.82 per person, this is a good-value full-day package for someone who wants several eastern Mauritius sights in one outing. You are paying for roughly seven hours on the catamaran, visits to Ile aux Cerfs and Grand River South East Waterfalls, two snorkeling sessions, and a grilled lunch.

The price is especially reasonable if you would otherwise need to arrange separate boat transport, a beach visit, a snorkeling trip, and a waterfall stop. The shared format keeps the cost below a private charter, though it also means less control over timing and fewer quiet moments.

The value drops if you do not want to swim, do not care about Ile aux Cerfs, or prefer private service. In that case, much of what you pay for is built around activities you may skip.

The company’s long experience also matters, though it is not a reason to ignore practical questions. OCÉANE says it has operated in Mauritius for more than 37 years and trains staff to international safety standards. That supports confidence, especially on a day involving several water sessions, but weather and sea conditions still control the quality of the outing.

Who should book this catamaran day?

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a well-filled day with a clear schedule and several types of scenery. It is a strong choice for couples, families, and groups who enjoy being on the water but do not need a private boat.

It also suits mixed-ability groups. Strong swimmers can snorkel, while less confident swimmers can use flotation support or stay on board. The beach stop and waterfall visit provide alternatives to spending every minute in the sea.

I would be more cautious if you want a quiet luxury cruise, long uninterrupted beach time, or a small-group sailing experience. A maximum of 35 people can feel lively, particularly during lunch and snorkeling.

The cruise may also be a poor fit if your holiday dates cannot move. It requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time, but changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

Final call: book it for variety and value

Book this OCÉANE cruise if you want to see several highlights of eastern Mauritius without piecing together separate tours. The combination of Ile aux Cerfs, two snorkeling sessions, a hot barbecue lunch, and Grand River South East Waterfalls gives you a full day for a sensible price.

Skip it if privacy matters more than variety, or if you want to spend most of the day on one beach. For everyone else, the attentive crew, strong safety focus, and wide mix of stops make this a practical way to experience the coast from the sea.

FAQ

Where does the OCÉANE catamaran cruise start?

The cruise starts at Pointe Maurice, PQRV+VF2, on an unnamed road in Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius.

What time does the cruise begin?

The start time is 9:00 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately seven hours.

Where does the cruise end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Pointe Maurice.

How many people can join the shared cruise?

The maximum group size is 35 people.

Is Ile aux Cerfs included?

Yes. The cruise includes about 1 hour and 30 minutes at a private beach on Ile aux Cerfs, with admission included.

Is snorkeling part of the day?

Yes. Snorkeling takes place before the visit to Ile aux Cerfs and again for about 45 minutes at Fond Blanc or Eau Bleu.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The onboard lunch includes grilled fresh fish and chicken, salads, and garlic bread.

Can less confident swimmers join the snorkeling stops?

Most people can participate. The crew can provide a lifejacket or lifebuoy if you feel uncomfortable in the water.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. The cruise may also be rescheduled or fully refunded if poor weather affects the outing or if the minimum number of participants is not reached.