Luxury All-Inclusive Catamaran Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs and GRSE Waterfall

The lagoon is your road today. This six-hour Mauritius catamaran cruise links the GRSE Waterfall with Ile aux Cerfs, pairing easy sightseeing with a BBQ lunch, open bar, and time in the water. I like the simple all-inclusive setup, and I like that snorkeling gear, drinks, snacks, and lunch are already covered. The main catch is that private transportation is not included, so you must reach Trou d’Eau Douce on your own.

The trip costs $111.02 per person, which is fair if you plan to eat, drink, swim, and use the boat as your main day out. The schedule is arranged for you, but the two-hour stop at Ile aux Cerfs is fairly short if you want to relax, snorkel, and add paid activities such as parasailing or a tube ride.

Key points to know before you book

• A two-stop Indian Ocean outing: You visit the GRSE Waterfall first, then spend about two hours at Ile aux Cerfs.
• Food and drinks are included: BBQ lunch, snacks, bottled water, soft drinks, tea, coffee, beer, rum, and coconut water are provided.
• A small maximum group: The catamaran accepts no more than 25 people, giving the cruise a more manageable feel than a large party boat.
• The day starts and ends in Trou d’Eau Douce: You must arrange your own way to the Blue Alizé Catamaran meeting point.
• Water activities are available: Snorkeling equipment is included, while parasailing, tube rides, and sun loungers may involve an extra payment.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure.

Setting off from Trou d’Eau Douce at 9:00 a.m.

Your meeting point is the Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs location at the Debarcadere in Trou d’Eau Douce. The cruise begins and ends here, which keeps the plan tidy, but it also means you need to handle your own transportation to the port.

The departure time is 9:00 a.m. That is useful for making the most of the morning, especially since the full outing lasts about six hours. I would plan to arrive with enough time to find the correct embarkation point without rushing. The supplied information does not include hotel pickup, so do not assume a transfer is part of the price.

A maximum group size of 25 people is one of the better details here. It is not a private charter, but it is also not an enormous vessel packed with a crowd. That size should make it easier to find a place to sit, speak with the crew, and move between the shaded boat area and the open deck.

The experience is operated by Island Cove Mauritius. The available rating is 4.8 out of 5 from five reviews, with the clearest praise focused on a fun outing and a kind, helpful crew. That matters on a boat day, where the crew’s attitude can shape the entire mood.

GRSE Waterfall, where the river meets the sea

The first stop is Grande Riviere Sud Est, usually shortened to GRSE. Here, you see the waterfall where the river reaches the Indian Ocean. The stop lasts about 10 minutes, so think of it as a brief scenic pause rather than a full waterfall visit.

That short timing has both an advantage and a drawback. You get a memorable look at one of the area’s natural features without giving up much of your time at Ile aux Cerfs. On the other hand, 10 minutes does not allow for a long walk, extended photography, or a leisurely look around.

This is a good moment to keep your camera ready. Since the boat visit is brief, you will want to enjoy the view quickly rather than wait until the last second to take pictures. The river, falling water, and open sea create the sort of compact Mauritius scene that works well as an introduction to the day.

There is no admission charge for this stop. The value comes from fitting it into a boat trip that also includes an island, meals, drinks, and time for swimming. It is a small part of the day, but it adds variety.

Ile aux Cerfs, two hours of sand and water

After the waterfall, the cruise continues to Ile aux Cerfs. You have about two hours here, with time to relax on white sand, swim, snorkel, or choose an activity such as parasailing or a tube ride.

Ile aux Cerfs is the main reason to book this outing. The island gives you the classic Mauritius setting: pale sand, clear turquoise water, and a chance to slow down after the boat ride. You can use the time actively or do very little, which is exactly what many people want from a catamaran day.

The two-hour limit is worth thinking about. It is enough for a swim and some time in the sun, but it can feel tight if you want to snorkel, eat lunch, try a paid water activity, and claim a comfortable place on the beach. If your priority is a long, unhurried beach day, this cruise may feel too structured.

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, so you do not need to rent a mask and snorkel separately. That is a real convenience, especially if you are not carrying your own gear. The supplied details do not promise a particular reef, marine life sighting, or guided snorkeling session, so treat snorkeling as an available activity rather than a guaranteed wildlife encounter.

Parasailing and tube riding offer a more energetic option. These are listed as things you can try, but they are not included among the tour’s covered items. You should be prepared for an additional charge if you choose one. The same caution applies to booking a transat, or sun lounger, at the island.

A BBQ lunch with rum, beer, and coconut water

Food and drink are central to the value of this cruise. The package includes lunch, snacks, bottled water, soda, tea, coffee, alcoholic drinks, and snorkeling equipment. The open bar includes Mauritian beer and rum, along with coconut water.

I like this arrangement because it removes the usual small costs that add up during a full day near the beach. You do not need to stop and buy a drink every time you return from the water, and you can settle into the day without searching for a restaurant at the island.

The BBQ lunch also gives the outing a social side. You are sharing a meal on the catamaran rather than simply being dropped at an island with no food plan. The available information does not provide a menu, so anyone with dietary restrictions should confirm what can be offered before booking.

The word luxury should be understood in a practical sense here. It points to a prepared day with an open bar, food, and a catamaran setting, not necessarily a private yacht or high-end dining experience. If you want polished simplicity, the package should suit you. If you expect a private crew and custom menu, check the details carefully.

Remember to pace yourself with the alcohol. Mauritius sun, salt water, and rum can make a cheerful morning feel longer than planned. Coconut water and bottled water are included, so use them.

What the all-inclusive price really covers

At $111.02 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Ile aux Cerfs. It can still be good value because the price combines transport by catamaran during the outing, lunch, snacks, several types of drinks, and snorkeling equipment.

The value is strongest if you expect to spend freely on refreshments and want a ready-made plan. A person who only wants a short boat crossing and a quiet beach visit may find the price less appealing. You are paying for the full package and the ease of having the day arranged.

There are also clear limits to the all-inclusive label. Private transportation to Trou d’Eau Douce is not included. Parasailing, tube riding, and a transat are mentioned as optional choices, but they are not part of the included list. Budget for those separately if they are important to you.

I would compare the price with your own likely spending. Add up a meal, drinks, snorkeling rental, and a boat outing. If that total comes close to $111.02, the cruise offers a sensible one-stop purchase. If you already have transport, food, and equipment arranged, the package may be less useful.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

This outing suits you if you want to see two well-known sights without planning every transfer. The arranged schedule is helpful for first-time visitors to Mauritius, couples looking for a relaxed day on the water, and families who want food and drinks handled in advance.

It also works for mixed groups. One person can swim, another can relax with coconut water, and someone else can pay for parasailing or a tube ride. The catamaran format gives everyone a shared base between activities.

The cruise may not suit you if you want a silent, private day. A maximum of 25 people is moderate, not secluded. It may also disappoint you if your main goal is a long stay on Ile aux Cerfs, because the island portion is limited to about two hours.

People with strict dietary needs should ask about the BBQ menu before departure. The tour says most people can participate, but it does not provide detailed information about mobility arrangements, so specific accessibility questions should be checked with Island Cove Mauritius in advance.

Practical advice for making the most of six hours

Arrive at the Trou d’Eau Douce meeting point ready for a full morning and early afternoon on the water. Since the start and end point are the same, keep track of the return arrangement and avoid wandering far from the agreed meeting area at Ile aux Cerfs.

Pack only what you need. A swimsuit, sun protection, a towel, and a dry bag for phones or cameras are sensible choices, though only the listed inclusions should be treated as guaranteed. The cruise provides bottled water and snorkeling equipment, which saves space in your luggage.

Use the first part of the day to get a feel for the boat and listen for instructions. At the GRSE Waterfall, the stop is only 10 minutes, so have your camera ready. At Ile aux Cerfs, decide early how you want to spend the two hours. Trying to fit every activity into the stop could leave you feeling rushed.

If you want parasailing or a tube ride, ask about the cost and timing as soon as you arrive. The same goes for a transat. This lets you judge whether the activity fits your budget and leaves enough time for swimming or quiet beach time.

Weather is an important part of the decision. The cruise requires good conditions. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. For your own plans, avoid booking it too close to an important flight or fixed excursion.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. After that point, the amount paid is not refunded, and changes are not accepted. The cut-off follows local Mauritius time.

Final verdict: a well-priced, easy island day

I would book this cruise if I wanted a simple Mauritius water day with the major pieces already arranged. The GRSE Waterfall adds a quick scenic stop, while Ile aux Cerfs provides the real beach time. The open bar, BBQ lunch, coconut water, snacks, and included snorkeling equipment make the $111.02 price easier to justify.

The strongest reasons to choose it are the helpful crew atmosphere, the manageable maximum group of 25, and the lack of small food and drink charges during the outing. The main reasons to hesitate are the missing private transportation, possible extra costs for water sports and loungers, and the short two-hour island visit.

Choose this experience for convenience and variety, not complete freedom. If that trade suits you, this catamaran cruise gives you a pleasant, well-organized way to see two East Mauritius highlights in one half-day.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately six hours.

Where does the cruise start and finish?

It starts and finishes at the Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs meeting point at the Debarcadere in Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius.

What time does the cruise begin?

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

Is transportation to the meeting point included?

No. Private transportation is not included, so you must arrange your own way to Trou d’Eau Douce.

How long do you spend at the GRSE Waterfall?

The stop at Grande Riviere Sud Est lasts about 10 minutes.

How long do you spend on Ile aux Cerfs?

You have approximately two hours on Ile aux Cerfs Island.

What food and drinks are included?

The package includes lunch, snacks, bottled water, soda, tea, coffee, alcoholic beverages, Mauritian beer, rum, and coconut water.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price.