Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise to Ile Aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch

White sand, warm water, and lunch at sea.

This six-hour catamaran cruise from Trou d’Eau Douce gives you three of east Mauritius’ classic sights in one outing: the Grand River South East Waterfall, a snorkeling stop, and Ile aux Cerfs. I especially like the friendly crew and lively Mauritian Sega music, along with the generous lunch and drinks included in the price. The main catch is that the waterfall and snorkeling stops can feel rushed, and the catamaran may be crowded on busy days.

At $64 per person, the trip is strong value if you want a relaxed day on the water without arranging several separate excursions. You get transport on the chosen option, the boat ride, food, drinks, island time, and swimming. If you want serious snorkeling, a quiet beach, or a carefully guided island tour, you may find the schedule less satisfying.

The best parts of this Mauritius catamaran cruise

• The waterfall ride is a scenic change of pace: You travel upriver to Grand River South East, also called Cascade Diamamouve, with a chance to spot monkeys in the trees along the banks.

• Lunch and drinks are included: The onboard BBQ comes with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices, and all food is halal. Soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum are provided.

• Ile aux Cerfs gives you classic island scenery: Expect palm trees, white sand, turquoise water, lagoon swimming, and a small craft market.

• The crew creates the mood: Music, dancing, jokes, and attentive service are repeatedly praised. Crew members such as Cedric and Yona have made a particularly good impression.

• The schedule suits mixed groups: You can swim, snorkel, relax, browse crafts, or simply enjoy the sailing. Families, couples, and birthday groups can all find their own pace.

Setting out from Trou d’Eau Douce

The meeting point is on the beach opposite Green Island Restaurant in Trou d’Eau Douce, on Mauritius’ east coast. If you choose the transfer option, pickup and return are available at your accommodation, with service covering several districts across the island.

If you drive yourself, allow extra time. The small parking area near the beach fills quickly, and finding the right queue can be confusing when several catamarans are loading at once. Arriving early is smart. You may need to park farther away and walk back to the shore.

Boarding is done from the beach, using a shuttle boat to reach the catamaran. The transfer can be a little disorganized at the start, especially when several boats are leaving together. Once you are aboard, the day generally becomes much calmer.

The boat itself is described as comfortable and well maintained, but space depends on the departure. Some sailings feel pleasantly open. Others are crowded, with limited indoor room and only one toilet. If rain arrives, everyone may try to move inside at once, so do not expect a private yacht experience at this price.

Grand River South East Waterfall by boat

The first major stop takes you upriver to Grand River South East Waterfall, known locally as Cascade Diamamouve. The riverbanks add variety to the day, with green trees, rocky edges, and the possibility of seeing monkeys in the branches.

You approach the falls by a smaller boat, which lets you get closer than you could from the catamaran. It is a good photo stop and a pleasant way to begin, since the river feels very different from the open sea that follows.

The weak point is timing. The planned visit is about 30 minutes, but the actual photo opportunity can be brief when currents are strong or several boats are waiting. One sailing had to skip the falls because of unsafe current conditions. That is a sensible safety call, but the crew should explain it clearly, since the waterfall is one of the main reasons people book the excursion.

Crowding can also affect the stop. Several boats may gather near the falls, and you might wait before getting close. Think of this as a scenic boat visit and photo stop, not a long walk or quiet nature outing.

Snorkeling in the coastal water

After the river, the catamaran heads toward the coast for swimming and snorkeling. The water is usually clear enough for a pleasant look below the surface, and some outings have produced sightings of colorful fish, turtles, and even sea snakes.

The snorkeling stop is suitable for a casual swim, particularly if you are traveling with children who need shallow water. One family found the area shallow enough to stand and help a four-year-old try snorkeling. You should still bring care and attention to young swimmers, since this is an open-water activity.

This is not the strongest part of the trip for experienced snorkelers. Several departures stopped near the port or at a reef with limited marine life. Some people felt the swim was too short, while others passed more interesting-looking spots without stopping. Conditions, boat traffic, and the crew’s choice of anchorage all affect the experience.

Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have good equipment. Snorkeling gear is listed among the items to bring, so you should not assume a full set is included. Pack a towel, sunscreen, swimwear, sunglasses, a hat, and a change of clothes. The sun can feel strong even when the breeze keeps the boat comfortable.

BBQ lunch and unlimited-feeling refreshments

Lunch is served on board after the water stop. The meal is a three-course BBQ with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices, and the food is halal. The spread includes the familiar pleasures of a day at sea: grilled food, plenty to eat, and drinks that keep coming throughout the outing.

The included drinks are a major part of the value. You get soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum. Several people specifically praise the quantity, while others highlight the fresh BBQ and generous portions. Dorado has received special praise when available, and lobster can be added for an extra charge.

I would treat the lobster as an optional splurge, not a necessary upgrade. One person found the additional 3,000 Mauritian rupees worthwhile, while another felt it was tasty but not worth the price. The standard lunch is the safer value choice.

Food quality can vary slightly by departure. Most feedback is strongly positive, but one person found the meal average. The setting helps: eating grilled food outdoors while the boat moves between islands is part of the pleasure. This is a social lunch, not a restaurant tasting menu.

The crew handles the meal as part of the entertainment. You may hear music, see people dancing, and find the staff moving around to refresh drinks and help with plates. If you prefer a quiet lunch, this atmosphere may feel busy. If you enjoy an easygoing party on the water, it is a strong feature.

Time on Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the main beach stop, with about two and a half hours to swim, walk, take photos, or visit the arts and crafts market. The island is known for white sand, palm trees, and clear lagoon water, and the setting delivers the postcard look many people expect from Mauritius.

You are not confined to a single activity. You can claim a patch of beach, wade in the lagoon, stroll along the shore, or browse souvenirs. Optional water activities are available, but they are not included in the base price. If parasailing or another paid activity interests you, ask about the cost and timing before committing, since joining another activity can reduce your free island time.

One practical limitation is that the island may not feel as untouched as the photographs suggest. At busy times, the beach can be crowded, and litter has been reported in some areas. Facilities and cleanliness are not equally appealing everywhere. Carry your rubbish with you and keep expectations realistic: this is a popular day-trip island, not a private beach.

You may also receive limited direction after being dropped off. The crew does not always explain exactly where to go, so take a moment to get your bearings. Ask before leaving the boat if you want to know the meeting point and return time. That small step can save you from wandering around in the heat.

The island portion is still valuable because it gives you time away from the boat. After the waterfall, snorkeling, lunch, and social atmosphere, a swim in the lagoon is an easy way to slow down. Families can stay near the water, while couples and photographers can walk in search of a quieter view.

The return sail and Mauritian Sega

The ride back to Trou d’Eau Douce usually includes local music, often Mauritian Sega. This music and dance style is closely tied to the island’s cultural life, and hearing it on the return sail gives the day a local touch rather than making it feel like a generic boat transfer.

The crew’s personality matters here. Names such as Cedric and Yona have been singled out for attentive service and good humor, while other crew members are praised for helping with drinks, swimming, birthdays, and family needs. Birthday groups have received extra attention, and the boat can become quite festive.

That mood is one of the clearest strengths of the experience. The crew does not simply move you from stop to stop. They make the sailing social, with music and a relaxed party atmosphere. The tradeoff is that volume and activity can vary, so this is better for people who enjoy company than for anyone seeking silent sailing.

Is $64 good value?

At $64, this is one of the easier ways to combine several east-coast highlights. A comparable self-planned day would require arranging transport to Trou d’Eau Douce, finding a boat, paying for food and drinks, and organizing time at Ile aux Cerfs. Here, those pieces are bundled together.

The value improves if you use the hotel pickup and drop-off option. It removes the parking problem and makes the day simpler, especially if you are staying away from the east coast. Check the selected option carefully, because transfers are not automatically included in every booking.

The price also covers the catamaran cruise, waterfall visit, snorkeling and swimming stop, BBQ lunch, local drinks, and island visit. Optional activities at Ile aux Cerfs cost extra, as does the lobster addition. You should budget for those only if they matter to you.

I would rate the value very good for a first visit to Mauritius, especially if you want a social day with plenty of food and drinks. I would be less enthusiastic if your priority is reef quality, long snorkeling sessions, or a quiet, uncrowded beach.

Who will enjoy this day most?

This cruise works particularly well for:

• Families who want swimming, food, and scenery in one organized outing
• Couples seeking an easy birthday or holiday activity
• First-time visitors who want to see several east-coast sights
• Solo visitors who enjoy meeting people and joining a friendly group
• Anyone who values included drinks and does not want to plan lunch
• People who like music and a cheerful onboard atmosphere

You may want another type of boat trip if you are a serious snorkeler, dislike crowds, or prefer a carefully guided visit on land. The schedule covers a lot, but that means some stops receive only a short visit.

The tour is wheelchair accessible with assistance, though you need to stand briefly when boarding and leaving the shuttle boat. Crew members can assist with that transfer. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian food is available, and all food is halal. Infants aged one to four go free.

The trip needs good weather. If conditions force cancellation, you can move to another date or receive a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and reserve-now-pay-later booking can help if your plans are not fixed.

My practical verdict

I like this excursion because it gives you a full east-coast day without nickel-and-diming you for every drink or plate of food. The crew, BBQ, music, and island scenery are the strongest reasons to book, and the combination works especially well for families and groups.

Go in expecting a popular shared catamaran, not a private cruise. The waterfall may be brief, the snorkeling may be modest, and Ile aux Cerfs can be crowded. Arrive early, use hotel transport if parking is awkward, bring your own snorkeling gear, and confirm the island meeting point before you wander off.

If that sounds like a fair trade for six hours of scenery, swimming, lunch, and cheerful service, I would book it. If you want the best reef snorkeling in Mauritius or a quiet beach day, spend your money elsewhere.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise to Ile aux Cerfs?

The experience lasts six hours. Starting times vary, so you should check availability for your chosen date.

Where does the cruise meet?

The meeting point is opposite Green Island Restaurant on the beach in Trou d’Eau Douce. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available when you select the applicable option.

What food and drinks are included?

You receive a BBQ lunch with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices. All food is halal. Included drinks are soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling gear is listed among the items to bring, so you should bring your own mask and snorkel. The trip includes a snorkeling and swimming stop.

Can children and wheelchair users join?

Infants aged one to four go free. The activity is wheelchair accessible, but wheelchair users need to stand briefly to board and leave the shuttle boat, with crew assistance available.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The trip requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.