Full-Day Catamaran Cruise to Île aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch

The best days in Mauritius often happen offshore. This seven-hour catamaran trip combines a scenic sail, a lagoon swim, snorkeling, a BBQ lunch, drinks, music, and two hours at Île aux Cerfs. I especially like the friendly crew and the generous all-day refreshments. I also like that the day mixes quiet water time with optional activities such as parasailing.

The main caution is that Île aux Cerfs can feel crowded and basic, especially near the boat drop-off area. The snorkeling is pleasant, but you should not expect a major reef expedition or clouds of colorful fish every time. This is best understood as a relaxed social day on the water, not a wilderness cruise.

Key points to know before booking

• The day begins at 9:00 a.m. from Pointe Jerome, with free parking at the embarkation point.
• Snorkeling comes before Île aux Cerfs, giving you time in the lagoon before the beach stop.
• Lunch includes a BBQ buffet, pineapple, coffee, and tea, with vegetarian food available.
• Beer, wine, Mauritian rum, and soft drinks are included, and the crew keeps drinks moving throughout the day.
• Dolphin spotting is possible but not guaranteed, since wildlife sightings depend on conditions.
• The group can reach 31 people, so this feels social rather than private.

Starting at Pointe Jerome at 9:00 a.m.

The meeting point is HPGF+496 Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point at Pointe d’Esny. The tour ends back here, and free parking makes it practical if you are driving yourself. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the dock.

That detail matters. The tour information lists Chamarel as the location, but the actual departure point is on the southeast coast at Pointe d’Esny. Check your route carefully before setting out, especially if you are staying elsewhere on Mauritius. One person nearly missed the boat after being taken to the wrong place, though the booking team helped arrange another boat in that case. I would treat the 9:00 a.m. start as firm and arrive early.

The early wait need not be wasted. One person who arrived well before departure was able to watch the sunrise from the dock. Once boarding begins, coffee and tea are available, and one detailed account also noted sweet bread with the morning refreshments. Snacks are included as the boat gets underway.

The catamaran holds a maximum of 31 people. That is small enough for a friendly atmosphere, but not small enough to promise personal service at every moment. The social side is part of the appeal. Music, shared tables, and an open boat deck make this a good fit for couples, families, and solo visitors who enjoy an easygoing group outing.

Sailing past the reserve and into the lagoon

The boat ride is the heart of the day. As you leave Pointe Jerome, you pass along the coast and sail past a nature reserve. The scenery does much of the work here: open Indian Ocean views, low coastal outlines, and changing water colors as the catamaran moves through the lagoon.

I like this part because it gives you time to settle into Mauritius instead of rushing from one scheduled stop to another. The crew plays music and explains what will happen next. Depending on the conditions, you might spend the opening part of the trip watching the water, taking photographs, or finding a sunny place on deck.

The catamaran is described as well maintained, and the ride is generally smooth. Still, this is a boat trip, so conditions can vary. If you are sensitive to motion, choose a stable place on the boat and keep your morning light until you know how the water feels. The itinerary depends on tide and weather conditions, and the captain may need to adjust timing.

The crew receives especially strong praise for being attentive and helpful. Names that come up include Rudi, Rowan, Scott, Miguel, and Pascal. Most of the positive comments focus on the way the crew helps with boarding, swimming, meals, drinks, and small problems. One crew member even recovered a phone after it fell into the water at the dock, while another account described the crew turning the boat around to retrieve a lost hat.

That does not mean every interaction is guaranteed to be perfect. One serious complaint described an alleged confrontation with a crew member named Pascal. The operator apologized and said it was investigating. This appears to be an isolated but important warning: if respectful treatment is a major concern for you, pay attention to how the crew communicates on the day and report problems promptly.

Snorkeling in the lagoon before lunch

The snorkeling stop comes before the Île aux Cerfs visit. Equipment is provided, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins unless you prefer familiar gear. You can swim, snorkel, or simply sunbathe on the catamaran if you would rather stay dry.

The water stop is one of the most praised parts of the trip. Several people found the snorkeling beautiful, and some also saw dolphins during the ocean sailing. The captain may look for dolphins and position the boat so you have a better chance of seeing them, but sightings are never guaranteed. Wildlife does not follow the itinerary.

Keep your expectations sensible. One account found the snorkeling exciting, while another said the water lacked colorful fish. Both can be true. Marine visibility and animal life change with weather, water conditions, and the exact location used that day. This is a pleasant lagoon stop, not a specialist snorkeling tour designed around coral gardens.

For many people, the value lies in the whole package. You get equipment, a swim, a scenic boat ride, and time to relax without arranging separate transport or gear rental. Families should note that children must be accompanied by an adult. Most people can participate, but you should be comfortable getting into the water and climbing back aboard using the boat’s access points.

A BBQ lunch with Mauritian drinks

Lunch is served on board as the catamaran continues its day on the water. The meal is a BBQ buffet, followed by pineapple, with coffee and tea also included. Vegetarian food is available, and positive feedback specifically notes that the vegetarian option was handled well.

I see the lunch as a strong part of the $81.10 price. A separate meal, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and a boat trip would quickly add up, especially in a popular beach setting. This is not fine dining, and you should not expect a restaurant-style menu. It is a casual BBQ designed for a sunny day at sea.

Drinks are one of the tour’s biggest selling points. Local beer, wine, Mauritian rum, and soft drinks are included, and the crew is frequently praised for keeping glasses full. Coffee and tea are available earlier in the day, while snacks and pineapple provide something lighter between activities.

The open-bar setup also shapes the mood. This is not a quiet sightseeing boat where everyone whispers over the sound of the sea. Music plays during the cruise, including Mauritian sega music on the return journey, and the atmosphere can become lively. Couples looking for a peaceful romantic outing may enjoy the scenery but should know the boat has a social, party-friendly side.

If you do not drink alcohol, the trip still works. Sodas, coffee, tea, snacks, lunch, and the water activities are included. The food and drink service is a practical benefit for families because you do not need to carry a full day’s supply to the dock.

Two hours at Île aux Cerfs

The main island stop lasts about two hours. You reach Île aux Cerfs using a ladder at the front of the catamaran, stepping directly toward the famous sandbank and shallow water. From there, you can relax on the beach, wade in knee-deep water, or find a sunny place to sit.

This is the postcard portion of the day. The shallow water makes the setting easy to enjoy without a long hike or complicated transfer. If you want an extra activity, parasailing is available on the island, offering views of the lagoon from above. The cost of that activity is not included, so ask about the price before committing.

The island is also where expectations need the most adjustment. Île aux Cerfs is popular, and the area where the catamaran stops may feel crowded or underwhelming. One person found the far side of the island more appealing, while another called the destination a little boring compared with the journey. The beach stop is not a remote escape.

I would use the two hours deliberately. Spend some time in the water, walk farther from the main drop-off area if conditions allow, and leave room for parasailing only if you genuinely want it. Do not assume the island itself will be the most memorable part. For many people, the sailing, snorkeling, lunch, and crew create the better day.

Pay close attention to the return instructions. The crew gives a specific time to return to the catamaran, and you must follow it. One serious complaint involved people missing the boat after the island stop. The operator explained that tide conditions required the catamaran to leave and that the captain had given return instructions. The practical lesson is simple: confirm the meeting time before walking away from the boat, and return early rather than trying to squeeze in one last activity.

The return cruise with sega music

After the island visit, you return to the catamaran and cruise back toward Pointe Jerome. Mauritian sega music helps give the final stretch a local flavor, while the crew continues serving drinks.

This return ride is less about sightseeing and more about enjoying the day you have already had. You might sit back with a drink, watch the coast recede, or join the music. The open-air setting makes the last part feel unhurried, though the mood can be lively if the group is in a festive mood.

The boat returns to the same meeting point. Since no hotel transfer is included, you are responsible for getting back to your accommodation. If you drove, the free parking is useful. If you arranged a taxi, keep the timing flexible enough to allow for changes caused by weather or tides.

Is $81.10 good value?

At $81.10 per person, this is a fair price for a full day that includes a catamaran cruise, snorkeling equipment, BBQ lunch, snacks, coffee, tea, beer, wine, Mauritian rum, and soft drinks. The strongest value comes from the combination rather than any single feature.

I would consider the price particularly reasonable if you plan to drink, snorkel, and spend a full day on the water. The included refreshments alone can make a difference at a popular beach destination. You also avoid organizing separate boat transport, lunch, and equipment.

The value is less obvious if your main goal is a quiet, uncrowded beach or high-quality reef snorkeling. Île aux Cerfs may feel too developed for that, and the snorkeling conditions may not produce colorful marine life. The tour is also less attractive if you dislike group activities, music, or an open-bar atmosphere.

The price should be compared with your priorities. If you want a relaxed Mauritius day with good food, friendly service, scenery, and several activities in one package, it earns its cost. If you only want to lie on an empty beach, spend your money elsewhere.

Who will enjoy this catamaran day?

I would recommend this trip to:

• Couples who want a simple full-day outing with scenery and drinks
• Families who prefer having meals and equipment included
• Solo visitors who enjoy a friendly group setting
• People who want to try snorkeling without bringing their own gear
• Anyone interested in adding parasailing at Île aux Cerfs

I would hesitate to recommend it to someone seeking a private charter, serious snorkeling, or a deserted island experience. The group may reach 31 people, the beach can be crowded, and the island stop is more developed than the promotional image might suggest.

The tour requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number is not reached. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the 9:00 a.m. start, but late cancellations and late changes are not accepted.

Final verdict: book it for the day on the water

I would book this cruise if I wanted an easy, good-value day that gathered several Mauritius highlights into one outing. The crew service, BBQ lunch, steady drinks, smooth sailing, and chance to snorkel or see dolphins are the strongest reasons to go.

Just do not book it mainly for an untouched island or guaranteed colorful fish. Arrive early at Pointe Jerome, confirm the return time before leaving the boat, and treat parasailing as an optional extra. If you want a social catamaran day with music, food, water time, and plenty of scenery, this is a solid choice.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart?

The cruise departs from HPGF+496 Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point at Pointe d’Esny, Mauritius.

What time does the cruise start?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to arrange your own transport to Pointe Jerome and back.

What food and drinks are included?

The tour includes a BBQ buffet lunch, pineapple for dessert, snacks, coffee, tea, local beer, wine, Mauritian rum, and soft drinks. Vegetarian food is available.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included for use during the lagoon stop.

How long do you spend at Île aux Cerfs?

The scheduled island visit lasts about two hours. You can relax on the beach, wade in the shallow water, or pay separately for activities such as parasailing.