Ile aux cerfs: Private picnic, waterfall, bbq beach lunch

A private boat makes Mauritius feel wonderfully personal. This six-hour trip combines the Grand River South East waterfall, reef snorkeling, Ile aux Cerfs, and a BBQ lunch on Ilot Mangenie, with room to adjust the day to your pace. I especially like the private speedboat and the chance to request an extra snorkeling stop. I also like that lunch, drinks, water, and snorkeling gear are included. The main caution is organization: one recent booking reported being left without the promised drinks and picnic for two hours, so confirm the plan with your skipper at the start.

The price is $329 for a group of up to two. That is not a cheap beach outing, but it becomes more reasonable if you value privacy and flexibility. You may get a more relaxed day with a good skipper, though the overall experience can depend heavily on communication and timing.

Key points to know before you book

• Private boat for up to two: You get your own speedboat and can shape the day around swimming, snorkeling, beach time, and lunch.
• Grand River South East waterfall: The river runs between green hills before reaching the sea in a scenic waterfall.
• Two island stops: You spend time on Ile aux Cerfs, then head to nearby Ilot Mangenie for the BBQ lunch.
• Snorkeling by request: Equipment is available, and you can ask for island or ocean snorkeling.
• Meeting point at Four A Chaux: The boat leaves from Trou d’Eau Douce, about 50 meters farther along the beach.
• Good value only if privacy matters: The private format is the reason to pay more, not simply the beach access.

Starting at Trou d’Eau Douce and Four A Chaux

Your meeting point is in Trou d’Eau Douce, near the well-known Four A Chaux area. Walk about 50 meters farther along the beach, where you meet the boat and skipper.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You can arrange them for an extra charge, but you need to request this at least 24 hours before the trip. If you are staying elsewhere in Mauritius, allow time to organize your own transport to the meeting point.

The morning setup matters because the trip is private. You are not simply joining a large boat and following a fixed route. Tell the skipper what you want from the six hours: more swimming, a snorkeling stop, extra time on Ile aux Cerfs, or a quicker return after lunch.

I would also confirm three practical points before leaving shore:

• When drinks will be available
• Where and when lunch will be served
• Whether you will return to Ile aux Cerfs after lunch

This is sensible, not fussy. One poorly managed outing left a couple without the advertised drinks and picnic during their beach time. The BBQ staff later proved friendly and attentive, but clear instructions at the beginning would have prevented much of the frustration.

Speeding toward Grand River South East

The first boat ride takes you from Trou d’Eau Douce toward Grand River South East, the longest river in Mauritius. Its course ends at the sea in a waterfall, with green hills rising on both sides of the river.

The speedboat gives you a lively ride and open views. You will see the water change color as you move through the coastal area, from deeper blue offshore to pale green and turquoise tones closer to the shallows. The changing water is one of the simple pleasures of this trip. You are not stuck inside a vehicle or looking through a window. The sea is part of the ride.

At the waterfall, the appeal is mostly scenic. The river, hills, and falling water create a short but memorable stop. The description does not promise a long walk or an extended visit, so think of it as a boat-access viewpoint rather than a full waterfall hike.

This part is especially worthwhile if you enjoy seeing Mauritius from the water. The trip is not only about arriving at Ile aux Cerfs. The ride itself gives you a sense of the island’s eastern coast, where river and sea meet.

Ile aux Cerfs, with beach time on your terms

After the waterfall, the boat takes you to Ile aux Cerfs. This is the main beach stop, where you can relax, swim, and snorkel at your own pace.

The island is famous for its pale sand and clear lagoon water. The popular beach and bar area can feel busier than the quieter parts, so walk away from the central section if you want a calmer setting. A useful tip is to explore the beach rather than settling immediately beside the busiest facilities. One experienced participant found the island even prettier away from the main crowd.

The private format helps here. You are not tied to a large group’s timetable, at least in principle. You can ask to spend more time on the beach, request snorkeling, or move on when you have had enough sun.

Snorkeling is available on request, not something you should assume happens automatically. Masks and tubes are provided, and you can ask for island snorkeling or a separate ocean snorkeling stop. If snorkeling is a priority, say so before the boat leaves and again when you reach the island.

The water can look spectacular, but conditions vary. The supplied information does not promise a particular marine life sighting or a specific reef location. The value is in having the option and the freedom to request a suitable stop, rather than being guaranteed a major snorkeling expedition.

Ilot Mangenie and the BBQ lunch

Later, the speedboat collects you from Ile aux Cerfs and takes you to nearby Ilot Mangenie for the BBQ lunch. This is a pleasant change from eating at a busy island restaurant. Your meal is served as part of the excursion, with drinks and water included.

The food earns strong praise. One highly positive account singled out the BBQ lunch as excellent, while another described the cooking as good and the staff as very kind. The meal appears to be one of the trip’s strongest points, especially when the schedule runs properly.

The exact menu is not provided, so do not book this expecting a named dish or a formal restaurant meal. It is an island BBQ, which suits the setting. You are eating outdoors during a day built around sea air, sand, and boat rides.

A practical note: bring a small amount of personal water or snacks if you prefer certainty, even though drinks, water, and the picnic are included. That advice comes from the risk of a timing or supply mix-up, not because the advertised inclusions are absent by design.

After lunch, the skipper may return you to Ile aux Cerfs if time remains. If you would rather rest after eating, the boat can head back to Trou d’Eau Douce. That choice is a real benefit of booking privately. A fixed group tour might keep you moving, while this outing can respond to how you feel after several hours in the sun.

Why the private format matters

The private speedboat is the central selling point. On a shared excursion, you usually accept the group’s pace. Here, you can discuss the order of stops and ask for a special snorkeling location along the way.

That flexibility is most useful for couples and small private groups. You might want a quiet beach morning and a longer lunch, while another pair might prefer more boat time and snorkeling. The skipper can personalize the trip to better fit your wishes.

The strongest experience appears to depend on the skipper. Vinesh received particularly warm praise for tailoring the day and making the schedule suit the couple’s preferences. Other high scores also described the captain as friendly and the staff as caring.

That human element is worth considering when you compare this with a cheaper shared trip. You are paying for space, but also for the chance to communicate directly with one guide. Good communication can turn a standard island outing into a smooth, personal day.

The risk is that private does not automatically mean perfectly organized. One trip had a delayed boat arrival and another had a confusing start. The delay did not ruin one outing, but it shows why you should confirm the meeting point and plan before setting off.

What the $329 price really buys

At $329 for up to two people, the trip costs $164.50 per person if you fill both places. That price includes a private speedboat, skipper and guide, waterfall visit, beach time, possible snorkeling, snorkeling equipment, BBQ lunch, drinks, water, and the island picnic.

The value is strongest when you care about privacy. You can ask for a special snorkeling stop, decide how long to stay on Ile aux Cerfs, and choose whether to return to the island after lunch. Those choices are harder to get on a standard group cruise.

The price is less convincing if you mainly want a beach and a basic boat transfer. Ile aux Cerfs is the headline attraction, but you are paying extra for the private setup and the ability to personalize the route.

Hotel transport costs extra, too. If you need pickup and drop-off, request it at least 24 hours ahead. Include that additional cost when comparing this outing with other Mauritius excursions.

The current overall rating is 3.6 from nine ratings, which tells you to keep expectations realistic. The good experiences praise the guide, BBQ, beautiful setting, and flexible private boat. The weak experience focuses on missing drinks and picnic arrangements, plus poor communication. I would treat service coordination as the main variable.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this trip to a couple or private pair who want a full eastern Mauritius day without joining a large group. It suits you if you like a mix of scenery, swimming, snorkeling, beach time, and a casual meal.

It is also a good choice if you dislike rigid schedules. You can ask for a special snorkeling stop and decide how to use the remaining time after lunch.

Families or friends may like the private arrangement as well, but the stated price covers only a group of up to two. Ask about the cost for additional people before booking if your party is larger.

This is not the best fit if you want a tightly timed, highly structured tour with every detail announced in advance. The available experience shows some uneven organization. You should be comfortable speaking up and confirming what happens next.

Bring a towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and a change of clothes. You will be around water for much of the day, and having dry clothing for the return ride is a small comfort.

The tour is offered in English and French. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which gives you some flexibility while planning your Mauritius schedule.

My verdict: book it for privacy, not just for Ile aux Cerfs

I would book this tour if you want the freedom of a private boat and are ready to confirm the day’s details with the skipper. The waterfall, changing sea colors, Ile aux Cerfs beaches, optional snorkeling, and Ilot Mangenie BBQ create a well-rounded six-hour outing.

The best reason to choose it is the private format. A strong skipper, such as Vinesh, can shape the day around you, and the BBQ lunch has been a clear highlight. The main reason to hesitate is uneven organization, especially around drinks, picnic arrangements, and timing.

For two people, the price makes sense when personal service and flexibility matter more than saving money. If you only want a quick transfer to Ile aux Cerfs, choose a simpler and cheaper option. If you want a private eastern-coast day with room to adjust the plan, this one is worth considering.

FAQ

How long does the Ile aux Cerfs private boat tour last?

The tour lasts six hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Where does the tour begin?

The meeting point is in Trou d’Eau Douce, near Four A Chaux. Walk about 50 meters farther along the beach to meet the boat.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, but they can be arranged for an additional charge if requested at least 24 hours before the trip.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is included and served on Ilot Mangenie. Drinks, water, and an island picnic are also listed as included.

Can I snorkel during the tour?

Yes. Island and ocean snorkeling are available on request, and masks and tubes are provided.

Is this a private group tour?

Yes. The speedboat is private, with the price covering a group of up to two people. The itinerary can be personalized.

What languages are available?

The live guide service is available in English and French.