Ile Aux Cerfs Catamaran Cruise with Pick-up/Drop-off & Lunch

The east coast looks best from the water. I like the easy hotel pickup and the mix of waterfall scenery, swimming, snorkeling, and beach time. I also like that lunch and drinks are included, so the $147 price covers far more than a boat ride. The main catch is that snorkeling gear is not included, and the order of stops can change with the tide.

This is a lively seven-hour outing rather than a quiet sailing trip. The crew and driver are a real part of the experience: one French booking review gives special thanks to Nabil for being kind and helpful, while the catamaran team earns praise for its friendly mood and good meal. You should still allow for rough-sea changes, limited mobility access, and a long day in the sun.

Key points at a glance

• Trou d’Eau Douce departure: The cruise begins in one of Mauritius’s main east-coast sailing areas, with broad views of the sea and mountains.
• Grand River South East Waterfall: The waterfall stop adds a striking nature moment to a day otherwise centered on beaches and swimming.
• Ile aux Cerfs beach time: You get time to swim, relax on soft sand, and snorkel around the island.
• Three-course barbecue lunch: Chicken, fish, sausage, salad, dessert, water, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks are included.
• Helpful transport service: Hotel pickup and return are included, with Nabil receiving specific praise for his friendly, useful help.
• Flexible booking terms: You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund and reserve without paying immediately.

Starting from Trou d’Eau Douce

Your day begins with pickup at your hotel. You should wait in the lobby five to ten minutes before the scheduled time, then settle in for the ride toward Trou d’Eau Douce, the departure point on Mauritius’s east coast.

That transfer matters. You do not need to arrange a taxi to the marina, find parking, or work out a separate return trip after a day at sea. The driver also gives the day a more personal start. Nabil is specifically praised for being kind and helpful, which is useful when you are dealing with an early pickup, beach bags, towels, and an unfamiliar meeting point.

At Trou d’Eau Douce, you board the catamaran and set out along the coast. The boat provides a higher viewpoint than a small motorboat, so you can take in the open sea, coastal scenery, and mountain views while the crew handles the route.

The supplied information does not give a group size or catamaran capacity, so I would not book this expecting an intimate private sailing. Think of it as a social day on the water, with a crew, other passengers, music or conversation possible, and a shared lunch service.

Sailing the east coast of Mauritius

The first pleasure is simple: being on the water for several hours. The east coast is known here through its wide ocean views, offshore islands, and changing light. The catamaran gives you a moving viewpoint, so the journey itself becomes part of the outing rather than just transportation between stops.

I like this format for anyone who wants a full taste of Mauritius in one day. You get scenery from the boat, a waterfall stop, time around Ile aux Cerfs, food, swimming, and a ride back to your hotel. It is more varied than spending the whole day at one beach.

The trade-off is pace. Seven hours sounds generous, but the day has several pieces to fit together. You may spend part of the time sailing, part of it around the waterfall, part swimming or snorkeling, and part eating. If your ideal holiday day means reading quietly on an empty beach, this will probably feel busy.

The route can also change based on tide and water depth. That is normal for this kind of coastal trip, but it means you should not become fixed on seeing each stop in a particular order. The experience is planned around safe access to the water rather than a rigid timetable.

Seeing Grand River South East Waterfall

The Grand River South East Waterfall brings a different setting to the cruise. Cascading water and the surrounding greenery give you a break from the open sea, and the approach by boat lets you see the falls from the water.

This is one of the more distinctive parts of the day. Many beach excursions could offer swimming and lunch, but the waterfall gives the route a clear Mauritius flavor. You can feel the spray, take photographs, and enjoy a short nature stop before returning to the coastal portion of the trip.

Keep your camera or phone protected from water. The description promises a visit and the chance to enjoy the waterfall, but it does not state how long the catamaran stays there or whether you go ashore. I would treat it as a scenic stop on the water, not as a long hike or extended waterfall visit.

The exact timing may shift with the tide. If the water is too shallow at one point, the crew can change the sequence of visits. That flexibility is practical, though it can make the day feel less predictable.

Arriving at Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the main beach stop and the place where the day slows down. You can leave the catamaran, walk onto the sand, swim, sunbathe, and spend time near the clear coastal water.

I like that the cruise does not make the island visit purely photographic. You are given time for actual beach use, which means you can choose your own pace. Some people will want to swim right away. Others will prefer to dry off, sit on the beach, or simply enjoy the setting after the boat ride.

Snorkeling is included as an activity, but the equipment is not part of the standard package. You can request gear in advance, and it may be provided if available. I would make that request before the day of the cruise rather than assume equipment will be waiting for you.

Bring your own mask and snorkel if snorkeling is important to you. The waters around Ile aux Cerfs are presented as a place to see coastal marine life, but no specific fish, coral, visibility level, or snorkeling site is guaranteed. Conditions, tide, and weather can change what you see.

The island stop also has a practical limit: the information does not state exactly how long you remain there. Your total day lasts seven hours, including pickup, sailing, stops, lunch, and return to the hotel. So you should expect a good island visit, but not an unlimited beach day.

Lunch on the catamaran

Lunch is a genuine part of the value here. The included three-course barbecue features chicken, fish, sausage, green salad, dessert, water, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks.

That menu suits a day outdoors. A hot barbecue meal is more filling than a small snack, especially after swimming and being in the sun. Drinks are included too, which saves you from having to buy refreshments separately during the cruise.

The meal also seems to be one of the strongest parts of the service. A French booking comment praises the food and the good mood on board, along with the crew. That combination matters: a meal can be perfectly adequate, but friendly service makes a shared catamaran day feel much more enjoyable.

You should note that the menu is described as chicken, fish, sausage, salad, dessert, and drinks. No vegetarian, vegan, allergy-friendly, or other special menu is promised. If you have dietary needs, ask the provider before booking rather than assume the barbecue can be changed.

The lunch takes place on the catamaran, so you eat as part of the sailing experience rather than at a restaurant. That gives you sea views and a casual atmosphere, but it also means the boat may move and the setting may be less formal. This is a barbecue cruise, not a fine-dining excursion.

What the crew and driver add

The human side of this trip receives unusually clear praise. Nabil, the driver, is singled out for being helpful and pleasant. The catamaran crew is also described as excellent, with a good mood and a very good meal.

I would give that extra weight when comparing similar boat trips. Routes around Ile aux Cerfs can look alike on paper. The difference often comes from how well the crew manages boarding, meals, swimming time, and the general mood on board.

The listed guiding languages are English and French. That makes the outing easier for many international visitors, particularly when the crew is explaining the route or giving instructions near the water.

The available rating is 4.8 out of 5 from five verified bookings, with all three written comments shown giving five stars. That is a small sample, so I would not treat it as proof that every departure will be perfect. Still, the comments point to a consistent pattern: a well-liked driver, a friendly crew, a positive atmosphere, and satisfying food.

Is $147 a fair price?

At $147 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Ile aux Cerfs. The useful question is what the price includes.

You receive hotel pickup and drop-off, the catamaran cruise, the Grand River South East Waterfall visit, access to Ile aux Cerfs, swimming and snorkeling time, a three-course barbecue, and a range of drinks. If you were to arrange transport, a boat trip, lunch, and refreshments separately, the convenience could narrow the price gap.

The strongest value comes from the door-to-door service. Mauritius is not a place where every visitor wants to organize a coastal excursion through several separate bookings. Having a driver collect you and return you to the same hotel removes much of that work.

The price is less attractive if you already have a car, want only a short boat ride, or plan to spend most of the day on the beach. It is also worth remembering that snorkeling equipment is extra unless a requested set is available.

For a first visit to Mauritius, I think the package offers solid value if you want variety. You are paying for a complete day with food and transport, not simply for access to one island.

Who should book this seven-hour cruise?

I would recommend it most strongly to couples, friends, and families with children aged three or older who want an active day with several highlights. You should enjoy being on a shared boat, eating outdoors, swimming, and moving between stops.

It suits first-time visitors especially well. The day brings together several classic east-coast experiences without requiring you to coordinate separate drivers, boat operators, and meal stops.

It is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, or people with mobility impairments. The combination of boarding a catamaran, moving around a boat, getting into the water, and visiting an island can be demanding.

You should also think about the weather. Rain alone does not automatically cancel the trip, but adverse conditions or rough seas can lead to rescheduling. An alternative date is offered, and if no suitable date can be arranged, a full refund is available.

Pack beachwear, a towel, and a change of clothes. I would also bring sun protection and a dry bag for phones and cameras, though those items are not specifically listed as included or required.

My final booking advice

Book this cruise if you want an easy, all-in-one day on Mauritius’s east coast, with a praised driver, a friendly catamaran crew, a barbecue lunch, drinks, a waterfall visit, and beach time at Ile aux Cerfs.

Think twice if you need guaranteed snorkeling equipment, a quiet private boat, a fixed stop order, or a long uninterrupted stay on the island. The best reason to choose it is the combination of convenience and variety. You get a little of everything, and the strong feedback about Nabil, the crew, and the meal suggests that the service helps turn a standard island cruise into a particularly pleasant day.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise begin?

The catamaran departs from Trou d’Eau Douce on the east coast of Mauritius.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup from your hotel and drop-off back at your hotel are included.

How early should I wait for pickup?

You should wait in the hotel lobby five to ten minutes before your scheduled pickup time.

How long does the experience last?

The listed duration is seven hours, including the cruise, stops, lunch, and return transport.

Which languages are available?

The tour is offered with live guidance in English and French.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The three-course lunch includes barbecue chicken, fish, sausage, green salad, dessert, water, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling equipment is not included as standard. You can request it in advance, but it is only provided if available.

Which places does the cruise visit?

The day includes the Grand River South East Waterfall and Ile aux Cerfs, along with swimming and snorkeling time.

Can the order of the stops change?

Yes. The sequence may change depending on the tide and water depth on the day of the cruise.

What happens if the sea is rough?

In adverse weather conditions, excluding ordinary rain, or during rough seas, the trip may be rescheduled. An alternative date is offered, and a full refund is available if a suitable new date cannot be arranged.