Full-day Catamaran Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs with Lunch

Sunrise, sea air, and a barbecue await. This full-day cruise pairs a speedboat ride to the Grand River South East waterfall with a 42-foot catamaran, snorkeling stops, lunch, and free-flowing drinks. I like the mix of scenery and downtime, especially the friendly crew, generous meal, and family-friendly pace. The main catch is that the snorkeling can feel brief, and Ile aux Cerfs may be crowded.

At $65 per person, this is a strong value if you want several Mauritius highlights in one day without arranging separate boats, meals, and beach time. I also like the choice between paid hotel pickup and driving to Trou d’Eau Douce yourself. Still, loud music, a delayed check-in, and uneven customer service have caused trouble for some people, so you should confirm the meeting details carefully.

Key points to know before you book

• GRSE waterfall by speedboat: The opening ride takes you upriver to a waterfall that can only be reached by boat.
• 42-foot catamaran: There is room to sit, eat, listen to music, and enjoy the east coast from the water.
• Snorkeling gear included: Masks and swim jackets are supplied, though bringing your own mask may improve the experience.
• Fresh BBQ lunch aboard: Chicken, fish, sausages, salads, fries, fruit, dessert, and vegetarian choices are included.
• Drinks flow all day: Water, juice, soda, beer, and local rum are part of the package.
• Free time at Ile aux Cerfs: You can walk the beach, follow nature trails, try water activities, or simply rest by the sea.

A full day on Mauritius’ southeast coast

This is an early start and a long day on the water. The pickup option begins around 7:00 a.m., while people making their own way to the launch are scheduled for around 9:00 a.m. The activity ends at about 4:00 p.m.

That timing matters. You are not getting a quick boat outing with a short island stop. You are committing most of a day to the coast, with several different parts built into one package. For many people, that is the appeal. You see the waterfall, coral water, Ile aux Cerfs, and a cooked lunch without having to coordinate each piece yourself.

The launch point is Trou d’Eau Douce, a useful base for exploring the east coast by boat. If you arrange transport, pickup and drop-off can be organized from accommodation anywhere in Mauritius for an extra fee. If you drive yourself, directions to the starting point are provided.

One practical point deserves attention: the pier check-in has not always been smooth. A late arrival, confusion over who was handling the list, and a wait under a tree created a poor first impression for one person. I would arrive early, keep your booking details handy, and make sure your driver knows the exact pier.

Speedboat to the Grand River South East waterfall

The day begins with a speedboat trip from Trou d’Eau Douce to the Grand River South East, often shortened to GRSE. This is a different mood from the catamaran ride that follows. The speedboat gets you along the river quickly and close to the falling water.

The river setting gives you a calm start before the open-coast portion of the trip. The waterfall is in a remote spot that can only be reached by boat, which gives this stop its main value. You may also spot local fruit bats and monkeys in the surrounding area.

Keep your expectations sensible. This is not a private wilderness outing. The waterfall is a well-known stop, and one account described a busy setting with mass tourism. The ride is still worthwhile for many people, especially if you have not seen the river before, but the word secluded should not make you expect complete solitude.

After the waterfall, the speedboat returns you to Trou d’Eau Douce. You then board the larger catamaran for the coastal part of the trip. That transfer adds a little movement to the morning, but it also lets you experience two types of boat and two different views of the coast.

The catamaran ride along the east coast

The catamaran is a spacious, full-service 42-foot boat. That size gives you more freedom to move around than a small open speedboat. You can sit in the sun, find shade, watch the water, or settle in for the meal later in the day.

The trip along the east coast is meant to be relaxed. Music may form part of the atmosphere, and the mood can be social rather than quiet. One person loved the positive energy and music, while another found the music too loud. If you picture a silent sailing trip, this may not be your ideal match. If you enjoy a casual boat party with drinks and a friendly crew, the tone should suit you better.

The crew earns much of the good feeling attached to this outing. They have been described as warm, attentive, professional, and accommodating. That matters on a full-day boat trip, since the crew controls the timing of stops, food service, equipment, and drinks.

The package is best understood as a shared excursion, not a private charter. The wording does not give a fixed group size, but the waterfall and island can both feel busy. You gain convenience and a lower price, while giving up some peace and personal space.

Snorkeling in warm turquoise water

The boat stops at several snorkeling locations on the way to Ile aux Cerfs. The crew chooses the points, and the aim is to show you coral and tropical fish in warm, clear water. Masks and swim jackets are provided, and you can bring your own equipment if you prefer.

This part of the day has the most uneven expectations. Some people found the water rewarding, while others felt the snorkeling time was too short or saw little marine life. One particularly useful tip is to bring your own mask if you have one. A familiar, well-fitting mask can make a big difference, especially when shared equipment does not suit your face.

The snorkeling is a pleasant extra, but I would not book this trip solely for underwater viewing. The stops are part of a wider day that includes the waterfall, cruise, lunch, and island. If snorkeling is your main goal, look for an outing that gives more time to the water and focuses more strongly on reef sites.

Swim jackets are included, which helps if you are not a confident swimmer. You still need a towel and sunscreen. The sun reflects strongly off the water, and you will spend hours outdoors, so apply sunscreen before boarding and bring enough for the rest of the day.

BBQ lunch with local rum and cold drinks

Lunch is served aboard the catamaran after you reach the Ile aux Cerfs area. The crew prepares a barbecue buffet with chicken, fish, and sausages. You also get French fries, pasta salad, other salads, fruit, dessert, and vegetarian choices.

The meal is one of the strongest parts of the package. It is not just a packet lunch carried onto the boat. Freshly prepared barbecue gives the midday break a social, island feel, and the food has received especially warm praise. If you are comparing this cruise with a cheaper boat trip that excludes food, add the cost and effort of finding lunch elsewhere before judging the price.

Drinks include water, juice, soda, beer, and local rum. Having these included makes the day easier, since you do not need to carry a large supply or keep paying for each drink. The local rum adds a distinctly Mauritian touch, but you should pace yourself. You still have time in the sun and on the water after lunch.

The food service can also be a lively part of the outing. The barbecue and music help create a communal atmosphere, but the same features may feel less relaxing if you prefer a quiet meal. I would call the lunch a major value point, with the understanding that this is casual boat dining rather than a formal restaurant meal.

Free time on Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the final big attraction, and you get a few hours to choose your own pace. The island is known for white sand, bright water, and a range of ways to spend the afternoon.

You can walk along the beach, follow secluded nature trails, try one of the available water activities, or sit by the sea. This open time is useful because not everyone wants the same kind of day. Families can let children play, active people can seek out water activities, and anyone tired from the morning can simply rest.

The beach is beautiful, but it is not always peaceful. One person found it completely overcrowded and felt the island was overrated. Another called Deer Island beautiful. Both reactions make sense. Ile aux Cerfs is a major attraction, so its appeal comes with popularity. You get easy access to an attractive beach, but not necessarily a private island experience.

I would treat the island as a pleasant final stop rather than the sole reason to pay for the tour. The best value comes from the combination of the waterfall, catamaran, lunch, snorkeling, and beach time. If you want an empty stretch of sand, you may be disappointed. If you want a scenic island with several things to do, the stop works well.

How much value do you get for $65?

At $65 per person, the price covers a lot: the speedboat to GRSE, the catamaran cruise, snorkeling equipment, swim jackets, BBQ lunch, fruit and dessert, and drinks including beer and local rum. Hotel transport is not included in the base price, but it can be arranged for an additional fee.

I consider this a good package price for a full day. Booking each part separately would likely require more planning, and lunch and drinks would add to the total. The cruise also gives you a simple way to see the east coast if you have limited time in Mauritius.

The value is less clear if you dislike group outings, loud music, or busy beaches. In that case, you may pay for parts of the day that do not match your travel style. A private boat or a smaller snorkeling trip could offer more calm, but this tour is designed to keep the price moderate by bringing several people together.

The listed score is 3.8 out of 5 from 10 ratings. That suggests a generally enjoyable outing with real weak points, rather than a flawless luxury cruise. The high points are clear: staff warmth, the barbecue, the overall boat atmosphere, and the beauty of Ile aux Cerfs. The low points are also clear: snorkeling time and quality, crowds, check-in confusion, and one serious complaint about unanswered customer service messages.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a broad introduction to Mauritius’ southeast coast in one day. It suits people who enjoy a social boat ride, families looking for a mixture of swimming and beach time, and visitors who want lunch and drinks handled in advance.

It also works well for an 11-year-old child, based on the activities provided and the family-friendly pace. Swim jackets are available, but you should still supervise children around the water and confirm any personal requirements before booking.

I would be more cautious if you are an experienced snorkeler seeking long, serious reef sessions. The time in the water may feel limited, and conditions may produce fewer fish than you hoped. Bring your own mask if snorkeling matters to you.

I would also hesitate if your perfect day means quiet water, a nearly empty beach, and no music. The boat can have an upbeat atmosphere, and Ile aux Cerfs may be crowded. This is a shared island cruise with entertainment, not a private escape.

The excursion is offered in Dutch, English, and French. You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Those terms help if your plans are still changing, but you should still check the exact pickup arrangement after booking.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want solid all-day value and a convenient blend of boat scenery, GRSE waterfall, snorkeling, barbecue, drinks, and beach time. The crew and food are the strongest reasons to go, and the itinerary gives you plenty to do without constant planning.

Think twice if snorkeling is your top priority or if you want a quiet, uncrowded island. Bring your own mask, arrive early at the pier, confirm transport, and expect Ile aux Cerfs to be popular. With those expectations in place, this is a practical and enjoyable way to sample Mauritius’ east coast at a reasonable price.

FAQ

How long does the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise last?

The activity runs until about 4:00 p.m. The pickup option begins at around 7:00 a.m., while the no-pickup option begins around 9:00 a.m.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the base price. They can be arranged for an additional fee after booking, and pickup can be organized from accommodation anywhere in Mauritius.

What food is included at lunch?

The BBQ buffet includes chicken, fish, sausages, French fries, pasta salad, other salads, vegetarian options, fruit, and dessert.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Included drinks are water, juice, soda, beer, and local rum.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and swim jackets are provided. You may also bring your own equipment.

What should I bring, and what is the cancellation policy?

Bring a towel and sunscreen. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you keep your plans flexible.