Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch

Mauritius looks best from the water. This full-day catamaran trip combines easy sailing through a turquoise lagoon with swimming, snorkeling, a waterfall visit, and a generous onboard BBQ. I especially like the relaxed pace and the friendly crew, who keep drinks flowing and handle the cooking while you enjoy the coast. The main drawback is weather: wind, clouds, and cooler conditions can turn a warm beach day into a chilly one.

You also get a useful mix of scenery and local context. The route begins near Mahebourg and Blue Bay, passes the wild east coast, and includes the Grande Riviere Sud Est waterfall. At $111 per person, this is not the cheapest day out in Mauritius, but the cruise, lunch, drinks, guiding, and optional hotel transport make it a fair value if you want one organized day on the water.

Key points to know before you book

• The day starts at Pointe Jerome, near Mahebourg and the Blue Bay Marine Park, with hotel pickup available if you choose that option.
• Swimming and snorkeling come before or around the cruise stops, so bring a towel and sunscreen, and do not count on water activities if the weather turns rough.
• The onboard BBQ is a real part of the experience, with smoked marlin mousse, grilled fish, chicken, sausages, salads, bread, fruit, and coffee.
• Drinks are included throughout the day, including soft drinks, beer, water, and rum cocktails.
• The Grande Riviere Sud Est waterfall adds variety, while nearby remains recall the naval fighting and corsair activity of Mauritius’s east coast.
• Ile aux Cerfs water sports are extra, so parasailing and other paid activities are not included in the $111 price.

Starting at Pointe Jerome near Mahebourg

Your departure point is Pointe Jerome, close to the authentic village of Mahebourg and the protected Blue Bay Marine Park. This is a more meaningful starting area than a generic hotel beach because it places you near one of Mauritius’s important coastal environments and the island’s old southeast settlements.

If you choose hotel pickup, the operator will collect you from your hotel in Mauritius. The exact collection time is confirmed the day before, based on where you are staying. Be sure to select the transfer option during booking. It is not automatically included, and a taxi or separate ride may be needed if you book the cruise-only version.

The cruise lasts about seven to eight hours, with the full day usually running close to eight hours. That matters because this is not a quick boat ride with a short photo stop. You are committing most of a day to the sea, so it works best when you want a slow holiday day rather than a packed schedule of several attractions.

The catamaran sails inside Mauritius’s largest turquoise lagoon. The sheltered water can make the trip feel calm and comfortable, though the coast is still exposed to changing weather. A sunny morning does not guarantee a warm afternoon, so pack a light layer as well as swimwear.

Sailing the lagoon and Mauritius’s wild east coast

The best part of the trip is often the time between stops. From the catamaran, you can watch the shore shift from settled coastal areas near Mahebourg to the less developed east coast. The boat itself gives you room to sit, eat, talk, and watch the water without having to manage a route or rental equipment.

I like this format because the day is not built around constant commentary. The crew guide the outing in English or French, but the experience remains mainly visual and easygoing. You can swim, sit in the sun, enjoy a drink, or simply let the boat carry you across the lagoon.

The lagoon is described as the largest turquoise lagoon in Mauritius, and the protected setting helps explain why this route is popular. The water is the star, but weather controls how much you enjoy it. One visitor had a poor day because strong wind and heavy cloud made the trip cold and prevented snorkeling. That is a useful warning, not a minor footnote. For this excursion, good weather is central to the experience.

If conditions are poor, you may still appreciate the crew and the meal, but the boat ride will not deliver the classic warm-water day shown in holiday photos. Check the forecast before you go and bring more than a swimsuit. A towel and sunscreen are specifically required items, while valuables are best left behind.

Swimming and snorkeling in the Blue Bay area

The itinerary includes time for swimming and snorkeling before the waterfall visit. This gives you a chance to get into the lagoon rather than only admire it from the deck. The snorkeling stop is one of the parts most affected by weather, wind, and water conditions, so keep your expectations sensible.

The available information does not promise a specific reef, fish species, or snorkeling equipment. Do not book this as a specialist marine-life excursion. Think of it as a catamaran day with a chance to swim and snorkel in a scenic lagoon.

That distinction helps you decide if the trip fits. If you mainly want a comfortable boat, a beach island, lunch, and drinks, the snorkeling stop is a welcome extra. If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, you may find the experience less dependable because conditions can prevent it.

The Blue Bay area is protected under the International Ramsar Convention, which gives the setting added environmental importance. You do not need a lecture to enjoy the water, but it is worth recognizing that this is more than a pretty backdrop. Treat the marine area carefully and follow the crew’s instructions.

Visiting Grande Riviere Sud Est waterfall

A stop at the Grande Riviere Sud Est waterfall breaks up the day on the water. The falls sit in a natural setting where the river meets the coast, offering a different view of Mauritius from the open lagoon and beaches of Ile aux Cerfs.

The stop also carries a piece of the island’s military and maritime past. Remains of 18th-century ramparts can still be seen in the area. These defenses witnessed corsair activity and naval clashes, including the Battle of Vieux Grand Port between French and English forces in 1810.

You should not expect a long museum visit or a major historic site with extensive interpretation. The value comes from seeing a scenic coastal place with a small but significant link to Mauritius’s past. The waterfall is especially useful for anyone who wants more than a beach-and-boat day.

The exact amount of time at each stop is not specified, so the day has some flexibility built into it. The crew may adjust the order or length of stops to suit conditions. That can be helpful on a boat trip, but it also means you should not plan a tightly timed evening activity immediately afterward.

Arriving at Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the headline destination, and the island delivers the classic Mauritius picture: pale sand, clear water, and a holiday setting made for swimming and relaxing. The route across the lagoon is part of the appeal, but the island gives you a proper place to stretch your legs after hours on the catamaran.

You can spend time on the beach or take part in paid water sports. Parasailing and other water activities are not included, so budget separately if you want them. The $111 price covers the cruise and lunch, not every activity offered on the island.

I would treat Ile aux Cerfs as a place to slow down rather than a sightseeing stop packed with landmarks. The island is most useful for swimming, beach time, and photographs. If you dislike organized beach destinations or prefer quiet villages and museums, this may feel too polished and leisure-focused.

For many people, though, the combination works well. You get the natural setting of the lagoon, the energy of a catamaran, and a few hours in one of Mauritius’s best-known island recreation areas. It is a straightforward way to experience the coast without arranging separate boats, meals, and transfers.

The BBQ lunch served on board

Lunch is one of the strongest practical reasons to consider this cruise. The crew prepare and serve a buffet onboard, so you do not have to search for food during the day or carry a packed meal.

The spread includes smoked marlin mousse, grilled fish, chicken, sausages, rice and potato salads, crudités, freshly baked bread, fresh fruit, and coffee. That is a broad menu for a boat outing, with hot grilled food, cold salads, vegetables, bread, and dessert-like fruit.

The smoked marlin mousse is a particularly local touch. It gives the meal more character than a basic stack of burgers and chips. If you eat seafood, the grilled fish and marlin mousse should be highlights. Chicken and sausages provide familiar choices for people who prefer simpler food.

The crew receive especially strong praise for being attentive and friendly, and the meal is also frequently singled out as very good. That combination matters. On a full-day cruise, service can shape the entire mood, especially when the boat is busy or the weather changes.

Drinks are available throughout the day, including water, soft drinks, beer, and rum cocktails. A honeymooning couple particularly enjoyed the jungle juice and Mauritian coffee. I would pace yourself with the rum drinks, especially in the sun. Water should be your first choice between cocktails, even though the bar is part of the fun.

Crew service and the feel of the day

The crew are a major strength here. They are described as warm, attentive, and eager to meet requests, with a level of service that makes the day feel cared for rather than purely self-service.

That does not mean the cruise is formal. The mood is relaxed and social, with food prepared on deck and drinks served during the sailing. You can enjoy it as a romantic day, a family outing, or a casual group activity.

The experience has also worked well as the final day of a two-week honeymoon. That makes sense: you have scenery, food, swimming, drinks, and very little planning to do once you are on board. Couples should remember, though, that the boat is a shared setting rather than a private charter.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, which is important information for visitors who need that feature. You should still confirm the practical details of boarding and movement when booking, since the supplied information confirms accessibility but does not describe the catamaran’s exact facilities.

Pregnant women should not book this activity. The day includes boat travel, swimming, and changing sea conditions, so the stated restriction should be taken seriously.

Is $111 a fair price?

At $111 per person, this is a midrange full-day outing rather than a bargain boat transfer. The value improves if you use the included meal, drinks, guiding, and hotel pickup option. Booking transport separately could add cost and effort, particularly if your hotel is far from Pointe Jerome.

You are paying for more than a ride to Ile aux Cerfs. The price covers a full day on the catamaran, lagoon sailing, swimming and snorkeling opportunities, the waterfall stop, the BBQ buffet, and drinks. It also removes the work of arranging a boat, food, and return travel.

The price is less attractive if you plan to skip lunch, avoid alcohol, or spend most of the day on the beach without using the cruise experience. It is also not the right choice if your priority is parasailing or other water sports, because those cost extra.

I see the best value for couples, families, and first-time visitors who want a broad introduction to the southeast coast in one day. Independent visitors who already have access to a boat or prefer a quiet, self-directed beach day may find cheaper options.

Who should book this catamaran day?

You should consider it if you want a simple holiday day with several different elements:

• A scenic catamaran ride rather than a land-based tour
• Time for swimming and casual snorkeling
• A well-provisioned lunch served onboard
• Beer, soft drinks, water, and rum cocktails included
• A visit to Ile aux Cerfs and the Grande Riviere Sud Est waterfall
• English or French guidance
• Optional hotel pickup

It suits people who value convenience and atmosphere more than a highly detailed historical tour. The crew and food are important parts of the appeal, so you should enjoy friendly group outings and shared meals.

You may want to skip it if you dislike boats, become uncomfortable in wind or cool weather, or need guaranteed snorkeling conditions. You should also avoid booking it if you are pregnant, or if you want water sports included in the base price.

For the best chance of enjoying the day, bring sunscreen, a towel, a light cover-up, and as few valuables as possible. Check your transfer selection carefully, and leave enough time after the cruise for possible changes in the day’s schedule.

Final verdict: a strong choice with one weather warning

I would book this cruise for a relaxed introduction to Mauritius’s southeast coast. The friendly crew, substantial BBQ, and included drinks give the day real value, while the lagoon, waterfall, and Ile aux Cerfs provide enough variety to keep seven or eight hours from feeling repetitive.

My main caution is weather. A sunny day can make this a memorable holiday outing, while strong wind and heavy cloud can leave you cold and spoil the water activities. If you accept that limitation and want a well-organized day on the water, this is a worthwhile choice at $111.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart from?

The meeting point is Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point in Mauritius, near Mahebourg and the Blue Bay Marine Park.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available only if you choose the transfer option. The collection time is confirmed the day before and depends on your hotel location.

How long does the tour last?

The excursion lasts approximately seven to eight hours, with the full day usually taking close to eight hours.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in English and French.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The onboard BBQ buffet is included and features smoked marlin mousse, grilled fish, chicken, sausages, rice and potato salads, crudités, bread, fresh fruit, and coffee.

What drinks are included?

Soft drinks, beer, water, and rum cocktails are available during the day.

Can I go snorkeling?

Swimming and snorkeling are included as planned activities, but weather and sea conditions may prevent snorkeling. Bring a towel and sunscreen.

Are parasailing and other water sports included?

No. Water sports and parasailing at Ile aux Cerfs are not included in the tour price.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.