Ile Aux Cerfs Catamaran Cruise & Waterfalls- Lunch & Drinks

Sun, sea, and a rum bottle await. This full-day cruise links Trou D’eau Douce, Grand River South East, and Ile aux Cerfs in one easy outing. I like the mix of waterfall viewing and snorkeling, since you get more than a beach stop. I also like that barbecue lunch, snacks, water, soft drinks, beer, wine, and local rum are included. The main caution is group size: the trip is promoted as limited to 15 people, but some departures have carried more.

You spend about nine hours on and around the water, with a friendly crew, Mauritian music, and plenty of time to swim or sit in the sand. The crew earns especially high marks for being attentive, and the food gets strong praise. Still, this is a social cruise, not a quiet sailing retreat, and loud music or heavy partying can affect the mood.

Key points to know before you book

• Grand River South East comes first: A short speedboat ride takes you roughly 500 meters upstream to the waterfall.
• Lunch is a real part of the day: Expect grilled fish, chicken, hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice, with vegetarian and vegan food available.
• Drinks remain available throughout the cruise: Beer, wine, local rum, juice, soft drinks, and bottled water are included.
• Ile aux Cerfs is the big beach stop: You can swim, stroll, relax, or pay extra for activities such as parasailing and tube riding.
• Snorkeling time may feel brief: One person wished for another 15 minutes, so bring your own mask if you want to make every minute count.
• The advertised group size may not hold: The boat can be comfortable with a larger crowd, but some departures have exceeded 15 people by a wide margin.

Starting from Trou D’eau Douce at 8:30

Your morning begins at the docking station in Trou D’eau Douce on Mauritius’s east coast. The stated arrival time is 8:30 a.m., with the catamaran scheduled to leave at 9:00 a.m. In practice, one departure did not pull away until after 9:30, so I would not plan a tightly timed afternoon around the published schedule.

The cruise runs until about 4:00 p.m., making it a full day rather than a quick boat trip. Hotel or Airbnb pickup can be arranged as an optional extra in an air-conditioned vehicle, but transport is not included in the $70 price.

Once aboard, the crew sets the tone. Local Mauritian music, jokes, and stories keep the ride lively. The staff is repeatedly praised for being kind, helpful, and attentive to small details. That matters on a long boat day. A good crew can make a crowded vessel feel relaxed, while a poor one can make nine hours feel very long.

The catamaran is described as large, but the amount of usable space depends on how many people are aboard. The booking information gives a maximum of 15 participants, yet one departure reportedly had 25 people, and another had more than 15. If you value personal space, ask the operator to confirm the expected group size before paying.

Grand River South East and its short speedboat ride

The first main stop is Grand River South East, one of the better-known natural sights on Mauritius. Rather than taking the catamaran all the way to the falls, you transfer to a speedboat for the trip upstream.

The waterfall lies about 500 meters from the river entrance. The ride itself is part of the fun, and the riverbanks add a little wildlife interest. You might spot monkeys moving through the old trees, while fruit bats can sometimes be seen resting high in the branches.

The falls are not a long hiking stop. This is a water-based viewing visit, so it suits you if you want to see the site without committing to a strenuous walk. It also means your time there depends on the boat schedule and river conditions. Think of it as a scenic opening chapter, not the main event of the day.

After the waterfall visit, you return to the catamaran. The change from speedboat to sailing boat gives the morning some variety, and the river stop breaks up what could otherwise be a long ride straight to the beach.

Snorkeling in the lagoon

The catamaran then moves through the clear lagoon to a swimming and snorkeling stop. This is one of the most appealing parts of the trip because it lets you get into the water before reaching Ile aux Cerfs.

You can expect clear water, coral reefs, and tropical fish. The stop is suitable for swimming as well as snorkeling, and life jackets are included. Bring sunscreen and a camera, as the boat ride and water views provide plenty of photo opportunities.

Set your expectations sensibly. The exact marine life is never guaranteed. You might see fish and coral, but sightings of turtles or dolphins are not promised. One particularly lucky outing encountered dolphins, two rays, and a school of squid, while another did not see turtles or dolphins.

Snorkeling time may also feel short if you are keen to spend much of the day in the water. One person felt an extra 15 minutes would have improved the stop. If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, ask how long the planned break will be and consider bringing your own equipment if you prefer a particular fit.

This is also the point where the mood of the boat becomes important. Some sailings are calm and friendly. Others can turn into a party, with loud music and drinking from the start of the morning. If you want quiet time at sea, this may not be the best match.

Barbecue lunch with fish, chicken, and local drinks

Lunch is served after snorkeling, either on the beach or aboard the catamaran. The menu includes fresh barbecue fish, barbecue chicken, grilled hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice. Vegetarian and vegan food is available, but I would still confirm your dietary needs in advance.

The meal receives some of the strongest praise attached to this outing. The barbecue is more than a token sandwich lunch, and it gives the day a proper center. Eating outdoors, with the lagoon nearby and the boat rocking gently beneath you, is part of the appeal.

Drinks are included without a stated limit. The selection covers beer, wine, local rum, juice, soft drinks, water, and bottled water. This is a major part of the tour’s value, especially if you would otherwise buy drinks separately during a full day by the sea.

The alcohol policy also shapes the atmosphere. Many people will appreciate being able to order a beer or rum without watching the bill. But if you want a peaceful day, unlimited alcohol and music can bring noise. One departure became a continuous party, which caused frustration for people hoping for a quieter experience.

I would treat this as a lively shared excursion rather than a refined private cruise. The crew appears to do its best, but it cannot fully control the mood created by a large group.

Arriving at Ile aux Cerfs

After lunch, the catamaran continues to Ile aux Cerfs, the island that gives the day its postcard finish. Palm trees, white sand, and clear turquoise water make this the place to settle in and enjoy the beach.

You can swim in the sea, walk along the shore, or simply sit in the sun. The island also offers optional paid activities, including parasailing, tube riding, and an undersea walk. These are not included in the $70 price, so allow for extra cost if you want more than beach time.

Ile aux Cerfs is popular, and the facilities and activities make it easy to spend several hours there. That convenience is useful if your group has different interests. One person can relax on the sand while another pays for an activity.

The tradeoff is that this is not a remote desert island experience. The attraction is easy access to beautiful beaches and a range of things to do, not solitude. If you want a simple day with swimming, photographs, and a little sun, it works well. If you hope to find an empty beach, the setting may feel more developed and social than expected.

The timing of the visit matters. Since the day includes a waterfall, snorkeling, lunch, and the return sail, your time on the island is only one part of a packed program. You get variety, but not unlimited time at every stop.

The return sail to Trou D’eau Douce

The final part of the day is the sail back to Trou D’eau Douce. After the island visit, you can settle into the catamaran, take in the coast, and enjoy the remaining drinks.

The return leg may be the most relaxed part of the outing. You have already seen the waterfall, swum in the lagoon, eaten lunch, and visited the beach. The crew may continue with music and conversation, so the atmosphere remains social rather than silent.

The full schedule is advertised as 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a cruise duration of nine hours. Because departures can run late, keep your evening free of anything that requires a precise arrival time.

Is $70 good value?

At $70 per person, the trip offers a strong bundle. You receive the catamaran cruise, the South East waterfall visit, Ile aux Cerfs, a light breakfast or snacks, barbecue lunch, snorkeling opportunities, life jackets, bottled water, and unlimited alcoholic and soft drinks.

The value is best if you plan to spend money on food and drinks anyway. A day boat trip with separate meals, beer, wine, water, and rum could add up quickly. The included lunch also saves you the trouble of finding food during a busy beach day.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want a quiet sailing trip or a small, private group. The group-size issue is the biggest concern. The published limit is 15, but reported numbers have gone higher, including one count of 25. A large catamaran may have enough room, but more people can mean less space, longer queues, and a louder atmosphere.

Optional Ile aux Cerfs activities cost extra, and hotel or Airbnb transport also costs extra. Add those expenses before comparing this outing with a private boat charter or another organized cruise.

The strongest value comes from variety. You are not paying only for a boat ride. You are combining a river waterfall, a lagoon swim, a barbecue, an island stop, and a return sail in one day.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it for couples, families, and groups of friends who want a full day with plenty built in. You do not need to organize separate transport, meals, boat tickets, or drinks, and the crew helps keep the day moving.

It also suits first-time visitors to Mauritius who want to cover several east-coast highlights in one outing. You get a broad introduction to the area without having to plan each stop yourself.

The trip is a good fit for you if you enjoy:

• Swimming and casual snorkeling
• Beach time mixed with sightseeing
• Barbecue food and included drinks
• Music and a friendly group setting
• Optional water activities at Ile aux Cerfs

You should think twice if you prefer privacy, quiet, or a carefully controlled schedule. The boat can be lively, the group size may exceed the stated limit, and the start time has not always been exact.

The experience is wheelchair accessible, and live guiding is available in English, French, German, and Italian. Those are useful features, but you should still confirm the practical arrangements for boarding and moving between the catamaran and speedboat if accessibility is important for your party.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise?

Book this trip if you want an easy, social day that combines several Mauritius highlights for one price. The attentive crew, well-liked barbecue, unlimited drinks, and mix of river, reef, and beach stops give the outing plenty of substance.

I would book with two conditions. First, confirm the expected number of people, since the advertised 15-person limit may not be followed. Second, decide if you are comfortable with a party-friendly atmosphere and possible loud music.

If those points suit you, $70 is a fair price for a long day on the water. If you want a calm, private escape, spend more on a smaller boat or choose a quieter sailing option. For most people seeking variety, good food, and a cheerful day around Ile aux Cerfs, this cruise is a worthwhile choice.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart?

The cruise departs from Trou D’eau Douce on the east coast of Mauritius.

What time should I arrive?

You should arrive at the docking station at 8:30 a.m. The catamaran is scheduled to depart at 9:00 a.m., though one departure left after 9:30 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts about nine hours, with the cruise scheduled from approximately 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes barbecue fish, barbecue chicken, grilled hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice. Vegetarian and vegan food is also available.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Included drinks cover beer, wine, local rum, juice, soft drinks, water, and bottled water.

What languages are available?

Live guiding is available in English, French, German, and Italian.

Are activities at Ile aux Cerfs included?

No. Optional activities such as parasailing, tube riding, and the undersea walk are not included in the tour price.