Mauritius Catamaran Cruise to Ile Aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch

Beautiful water, easy island time. This 6 to 7 hour catamaran cruise links three of eastern Mauritius’s best-known stops: Grand River South East Waterfall, a snorkeling site, and Ile aux Cerfs. I like the generous lunch and drink service, and I like that the day includes both scenery and free time rather than keeping you moving every few minutes. The main concern is organization, since pickup delays, crowded boats, and short swimming time have affected some departures.

This is a social boat outing, not a quiet sailing trip. The catamaran can carry up to 35 people, and the route includes transfers between the shore, smaller boats, and the main vessel. If you want a relaxed beach day with food, music, and a few classic Mauritius sights, this fits well. If you expect a small private cruise with detailed guiding, you may want another option.

Quick facts about the day

• The waterfall visit begins upriver: You travel from Trou d’Eau Douce toward Grand River South East Waterfall, also called Cascade Diamamouve, with time for photos and possible monkey spotting.
• Lunch is served aboard the catamaran: The BBQ meal includes a three-course-style spread and local drinks, including beer, wine, soft drinks, juice, water, and rum.
• Ile aux Cerfs is the main beach stop: You get about three hours for swimming, sand, the craft market, and optional paid water activities.
• Snorkeling depends on the weather: The swimming and snorkeling break can be canceled when conditions are poor.
• Pickup is optional: Hotel transport is available if you choose that option, but confirm the transport cost before booking.
• The boat holds up to 35 people: That makes the outing friendly and lively, but it can feel tight when everyone is aboard.

Starting at Trou d’Eau Douce at 9:30

The listed meeting point is Green Island Beach Restaurant on B59 Coastal Road in La Pelouse, Trou d’Eau Douce. The scheduled start is 9:30 a.m., and the cruise returns to this same meeting point.

If you select hotel pickup, check the exact arrangement and price before you commit. One of the clearest complaints concerns a late pickup, with a driver arriving about an hour behind schedule. Another person warned that the pickup fee seemed high after comparing it with the normal taxi cost to the port.

That does not mean every transfer will be late or overpriced. It does mean you should treat pickup as something to confirm, not a detail to ignore. Ask where the driver will meet you, how long the road transfer should take, and what the fee covers. If you are already near Trou d’Eau Douce, making your own way to the meeting point may be simpler.

The first boarding step may not be completely straightforward. Some departures use a small boat to take you from shore to the catamaran, and the process has been described as a little hectic. Wear shoes that are easy to remove and keep your phone, camera, and wallet secure during the transfer.

Grand River South East Waterfall and Cascade Diamamouve

The first major stop takes about one hour. From Trou d’Eau Douce, the boat travels upriver toward Grand River South East Waterfall, known locally as Cascade Diamamouve.

This part of the route is more than a quick photo stop. The riverbanks bring a different side of Mauritius into the day, with trees, steep river edges, and the chance to spot monkeys moving among the branches. The falls themselves are the visual focus, but the ride upriver gives the stop its character.

The waterfall visit uses a smaller boat in some arrangements. That creates a closer view, but it also adds another transfer and another chance for the group to feel disorganized. Instructions may be brief, so stay close to the crew and keep track of your belongings.

You should also set your expectations correctly. This is sightseeing, not a long nature walk or a private waterfall visit. You will have time for pictures and looking around, but the day continues on a fixed schedule. I would bring a waterproof phone pouch and avoid carrying anything you cannot easily manage on a boat.

Snorkeling, swimming, and time on the catamaran

After the waterfall, the cruise moves to a swimming and snorkeling break. The water is described as clear, and the stop is intended for seeing marine life as well as cooling off.

This is one of the more weather-sensitive parts of the outing. At least two departures had snorkeling canceled because of bad weather, and that is a reasonable safety decision. You should book this for the whole mix of experiences, not for snorkeling alone.

The timing matters. The activity lists about two hours for the snorkeling break and onboard lunch combined. That can feel generous on paper, but the actual time in the water may be shorter once the boat anchors, food is prepared, people eat, and everyone gets organized. One person specifically wished for more swimming time.

Bring swimwear under your clothes, sunscreen, a towel, and a dry bag. The sunlight can be strong, and the boat offers limited protection when you are moving between stops. If snorkeling is canceled, the trip still continues with lunch and Ile aux Cerfs, but the day will feel more like a scenic cruise and beach outing.

A BBQ lunch with a full drinks list

The meal is one of the strongest parts of the package. Lunch is prepared on board and includes a BBQ meal described as a three-course lunch. Food is Halal, which is useful for anyone who needs that option when choosing a group excursion.

The included drink selection is unusually broad for a day cruise at this price. It includes soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum. Several people praised the quantity of food and refreshments, and one family found the outing particularly suitable for a parent and 12-year-old child.

Service can vary. One complaint said a beer had to be requested even though drinks were included. My practical advice is simple: if you have chosen an included drink, ask the crew directly rather than assuming it will arrive without a reminder. The crew has also received strong praise for being friendly, attentive, and generous with food.

The onboard meal is part of the experience, not just fuel between stops. You eat while surrounded by the lagoon and fellow passengers, usually with music and conversation around you. That social atmosphere will appeal to many people, though it will not suit anyone hoping for a silent, private lunch.

Ile aux Cerfs: white sand, palms, and lagoon water

The final major stop is Ile aux Cerfs, where you have about three hours. This is the part of the day most people picture when they imagine a Mauritius excursion: white sand, palm trees, and clear turquoise lagoon water.

The island gives you room to slow down after the morning’s boat movements. You can swim, sit on the beach, take photographs, or walk through the local arts and crafts market. The market offers a chance to buy Mauritius souvenirs, though the available information does not specify its size or exact opening arrangements.

Optional activities include double parasailing and an underseawalk. These are not covered in the tour price. Double parasailing is listed at about Rs 2,500 total, or approximately Rs 1,000 per person according to the supplied pricing notes, while the underseawalk is about Rs 2,000. Confirm the current price before paying, since activity charges can change.

Ile aux Cerfs is the strongest reason to book this trip, but it is also where time can disappear quickly. Three hours sounds generous, yet it must cover beach time, swimming, shopping, and any paid activity you choose. If your priority is simply sitting on the sand, skip the market and extra activities so you get a proper swim.

One practical warning comes from a complaint about a lunch stop on an island with no toilet facilities. The advertised lunch is served on the catamaran, but the wider route may involve smaller boats and island stops. If facilities are important to you, use the restroom when one is available and ask the crew where the next facility will be.

Sailing back with Mauritian Sega music

The return trip brings local music into the day. The crew uses Mauritian Sega music to entertain the group as the boat heads back to Trou d’Eau Douce.

Sega is closely tied to Mauritian culture, so this is a more local touch than simply playing generic pop music. Do not expect a formal cultural performance or a guided history lesson. Think of it as a cheerful soundtrack for the ride home, with the group sharing the last stretch of the cruise.

The crew is one of the better-liked parts of the outing. Positive feedback highlights good hospitality, friendly service, communication, and a welcoming atmosphere. One driver, Avish, received specific praise for being helpful. That kind of personal service can make a crowded boat feel much more pleasant.

The downside is that the experience may not include much detailed commentary. Some people felt they were given little explanation about what was happening, especially during transfers. If you want a guide explaining every sight, ask questions as you go and do not assume the crew will provide a running tour narration.

Is $59 good value?

At $59 per person, the package offers a lot for a full day on the east coast of Mauritius. You get the catamaran cruise, waterfall visit, swimming and snorkeling stop, BBQ lunch, a wide choice of drinks, time at Ile aux Cerfs, and return transport by boat to the original meeting point.

The value is strongest if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, lunch, and a visit to Ile aux Cerfs. The included beer, wine, soft drinks, and rum also reduce the number of small costs during the day. For families and groups of friends, that all-in structure is convenient.

The value is weaker if you want a private boat, generous time in the water, or a highly polished operation. Optional water sports cost extra, hotel pickup may carry an additional charge, and poor weather can remove the snorkeling portion without changing the rest of the schedule.

The group limit is listed as 35 people. That is not a tiny sailing party, and some feedback describes the catamaran as crowded for its size. Still, a maximum of 35 is more manageable than a very large excursion boat. Expect a shared social experience, with limited personal space during boarding, lunch, and transfers.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want several classic east-coast sights in one day and prefer a package with lunch and drinks included. It suits families, couples who enjoy group outings, and anyone who wants a beach stop without arranging several separate transfers.

It is also a good match for people who enjoy a lively atmosphere. The music, drinks, BBQ, and group seating make this feel more like a floating social event than a private sailing charter.

You may want to choose another type of excursion if you need a quiet boat, a firm snorkeling guarantee, or detailed information from a guide. It may also disappoint you if late pickup would disrupt your plans or if you dislike changing boats during the route.

Weather deserves special attention. This is an outdoor water activity, and poor conditions can cancel snorkeling or affect the general feel of the day. The cancellation terms allow a full refund when the operator cancels for poor weather, or you can accept a different date. If you cancel yourself, do so at least 24 hours before the 9:30 a.m. start for a full refund.

My practical verdict

I like this cruise because it combines the waterfall, lagoon, beach, lunch, and local music in one fairly affordable package. The food and drink offering receives the warmest praise, and the crew is often described as friendly and attentive.

I would book it with realistic expectations. Confirm hotel pickup charges, arrive prepared for a small-boat transfer, and understand that the snorkeling stop depends on the weather. Most important, do not mistake a group catamaran for a private cruise.

For $59, this is a sensible choice if you want a cheerful, full-day introduction to the east coast of Mauritius. I would choose it for the complete mix of stops and the relaxed Ile aux Cerfs time. I would skip it only if crowding, uncertain pickup timing, or limited swimming time would spoil your day.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

The meeting point is Green Island Beach Restaurant, B59 Coastal Road, La Pelouse, Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius. The scheduled start time is 9:30 a.m., and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only if you choose that option. Confirm the pickup fee and meeting details before booking, since an additional charge may apply.

What food and drinks are included?

The cruise includes a BBQ lunch served on board. Included drinks are soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum. The food is Halal.

Is snorkeling guaranteed?

No. Snorkeling depends on weather and sea conditions. If poor weather makes the activity unsafe, the snorkeling stop may be canceled.

What extra activities are available at Ile aux Cerfs?

Parasailing, including double parasailing, and an underseawalk are available for an additional cost. Double parasailing is listed at about Rs 2,500, or approximately Rs 1,000 per person, and the underseawalk is about Rs 2,000.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can receive a full refund or choose a different date. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the experience begins.