Mauritius: Catamaran Day Cruise to lle aux Cerfs with Lunch

Mauritius looks best from the water. This six-hour catamaran trip links the east coast lagoon with Ile aux Cerfs, Grand River South East waterfalls, snorkeling, lunch, music, and plenty of time to stretch out on deck. I especially like the generous onboard barbecue and drinks, plus the friendly crew, often praised for making the day easy and fun. The main thing to consider is the atmosphere: music and alcohol begin in the morning, so this suits a social boat more than a quiet sailing trip.

I also like the way the tour balances several classic Mauritius sights without rushing from one land attraction to another. You can swim, eat, watch the coast slide by, and spend about two hours on Ile aux Cerfs. The weak point is that the waterfall stop can be brief, and the snorkeling location depends on conditions, so neither water stop is guaranteed to be spectacular.

Key points before you book

• The barbecue is served on board: Fish, chicken skewers, salads, garlic bread, pasta, rice, and fresh pineapple are included, along with drinks.
• Ile aux Cerfs gets the longest stop: You have about two hours to enjoy the beach and walk around the island.
• The boat has a social mood: Music, beer, wine, soft drinks, and a friendly crew make this more than a silent sightseeing cruise.
• The snorkeling stop is condition-dependent: Strong currents can affect the experience, and the coral and fish life may be modest.
• The meeting point is in Trou d’Eau Douce: Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to reach the Blue Alizé Catamaran jetty yourself.
• The price is strong for what is included: At $65 per person, the cruise covers lunch, drinks, equipment, crew, and the main sights.

Setting out from Trou d’Eau Douce

The trip begins at the Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs meeting point in Trou d’Eau Douce, on Mauritius’ east coast. Look for the jetty next to the Mauritius flag. Since hotel pickup is not included, allow enough time to reach the village and find the correct departure point.

That detail matters more than it may seem. One person described a stressful start after a taxi failed to arrive, while another transport provider helped sort out the return journey. I would treat your arrival as your responsibility and arrange transport in advance rather than hoping to find a last-minute ride.

Once on board, you have a broad catamaran deck for sunbathing, sitting, and watching the coast. The boat is described as spacious, and the available seating means you do not have to spend the whole trip packed into one small area. The six-hour schedule gives you enough time to enjoy the ride itself, not just race between stops.

The crew speaks English and French. Their attentiveness is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Aldo, in particular, earned praise for checking that everyone was comfortable and enjoying the day. Other crew members are also described as welcoming, helpful, and good at keeping the mood light.

Sailing past Ile aux Cerfs

The cruise heads toward the area around Ile aux Cerfs, with about an hour of sailing and scenic views along the way. This is the part of the day when you can settle into the rhythm of the boat.

I like this stretch because it gives you a choice. You can claim a sunny place on deck, take photos, chat with other people, or simply watch the water. The catamaran is not only transport between attractions. For many people, the sailing time becomes the most enjoyable part of the day.

Do not expect a private yacht experience. The route is popular, and other boats use the same waters and stops. If you want complete peace and silence, the music and social atmosphere may wear thin. If you enjoy a friendly group setting, the same energy is a major benefit.

The music appears to be an important part of the outing. It can range from relaxed to lively, and the crew encourages a cheerful party mood. Beer, wine, water, and soft drinks are available, with the drinks often described as plentiful. This makes the boat feel more like a relaxed social day than a formal sightseeing service.

The Grand River South East waterfall stop

The boat passes Grand River South East, usually called GRSE, where you pause for photos and views of the waterfall. The approach by water is pleasant, and you might see monkeys near the falls.

The stop itself can be short, around 20 minutes in the stated schedule. That is enough to look, take pictures, and appreciate the setting, but not enough for a long exploration. Several people felt this part needed more time, while others found the waterfall less impressive because many boats gather in the same area.

I would set your expectations sensibly. GRSE is a scenic stop, not a full waterfall excursion. If you have already seen dramatic waterfalls elsewhere, this may not be the highlight of your day. Still, it adds a different view of Mauritius and breaks up the sailing with a quick look at one of the island’s better-known river sights.

Keep your camera ready, but do not let the photo stop take over. The more memorable moments may come from the boat ride, the swim, or the later time on Ile aux Cerfs.

Snorkeling in the lagoon

After the waterfall visit, the catamaran heads to a snorkeling location for about 40 minutes. Equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel.

This stop is useful for anyone who wants a simple chance to see tropical fish without booking a separate snorkeling trip. The water is described as clear and warm enough for swimming even during the Mauritius winter season. You can also choose to stay on the boat if you would rather sunbathe or enjoy a drink.

Conditions matter here. Strong currents have made snorkeling harder on some departures, and the location may not be as sheltered as it could be. You might see plenty of sea life, but you should not book this tour solely for exceptional coral or a huge variety of colorful fish. Some people found better snorkeling around Ile aux Cerfs itself.

The coral environment has also suffered, so the underwater view may be less striking than the clear water suggests. That is not something the crew can control. Think of this as a pleasant swim and a chance to use the equipment, not a specialist marine safari.

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. The sun on the water is strong, and you will have several chances to get wet during the day.

A barbecue lunch with the sails around you

Lunch is served on the catamaran, usually while the boat continues toward Ile aux Cerfs. The meal includes fish, chicken skewers, salads, garlic bread, pasta, rice, and fresh pineapple.

The food is simple rather than fancy, but the portions are described as generous. Fish is often the favorite, and the barbecue gives lunch a relaxed holiday feel. You can eat with the water around you, rather than losing time at a restaurant or beach café.

Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available if requested in advance. That is worth arranging before the day begins, since the standard menu includes fish, chicken, bread, pasta, and rice.

Drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and wine. Some accounts describe them as effectively all you can drink, which adds meaningful value to the $65 price. A fresh samosa was also served on at least one departure, though I would not count on that as a fixed part of the menu.

The boat has enough room to sit and eat without feeling cramped. That makes a real difference. A meal can become awkward when everyone has to balance a plate on their lap, but the space here appears to support a proper lunch break.

Two hours on Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the main destination and the longest stop, with about two hours of free time. The island is known for pale beaches, clear water, and a range of optional water activities.

You can use the time to swim, walk, sit on the sand, or simply find a quieter spot away from the main landing area. One useful tip is to walk about 20 minutes farther along the beach. You may find smaller coves and a calmer place to sit.

Two hours sounds generous, but it can pass quickly. If you want to swim, take photos, walk the beach, and try a paid activity, you may need to choose carefully. Some people felt they had only about an hour and a half of practical beach time, which was not enough to explore and relax properly.

Bring extra cash if you plan to buy anything or try an activity on the island. Prices there can be high. Parasailing is one possible add-on, but the cost and duration may be less favorable at the boat’s chosen location than on Ile aux Cerfs itself. Check the price before committing.

Ile aux Cerfs is beautiful, but it is not a deserted island. Other catamarans visit the same destination, and the main beach areas can feel busy. Walking farther along the shore is the best way to make the most of your free time.

The return sail to Trou d’Eau Douce

After Ile aux Cerfs, you return to the catamaran for the final hour back to Trou d’Eau Douce. The crew may raise the sails, and music usually continues as the boat heads toward the jetty.

This last stretch is ideal for one more drink, a final swim if conditions allow, or a quiet place on deck. The return sailing can be the day’s most peaceful section because you have already seen the main sights and can simply enjoy the water.

The contrast is part of the appeal. The morning has sightseeing and movement. The middle of the day brings food and beach time. The return offers an easy finish without another major stop to manage.

What the $65 price really covers

At $65 per person, this is a good-value day on the east coast of Mauritius. The price includes the catamaran cruise, professional licensed crew, drinks, snorkeling equipment, barbecue lunch, Ile aux Cerfs, and GRSE waterfalls.

I would compare that package with the cost of arranging each part separately. A boat ride, meal, drinks, and snorkeling equipment can add up quickly, especially if you also need to pay for transport between separate activities. Here, the day has one meeting point and one crew managing the schedule.

The price is especially attractive if you plan to drink beer or wine and want lunch included. It is less compelling if you dislike group outings, do not drink, and mainly want a quiet sailing trip. In that case, a smaller private boat may suit you better, though the price would likely be different.

Remember that hotel pickup is not included. Your transport to Trou d’Eau Douce is the main extra cost to plan for. Parasailing and other water activities on or near Ile aux Cerfs also cost extra.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this tour to couples, families with older children, and groups of friends who want a full day on the water without paying luxury yacht prices. It also works well if you want several classic east coast sights in one outing.

You are likely to enjoy it if you like:

• Music and a friendly group atmosphere
• Swimming and casual snorkeling
• A generous barbecue lunch
• Drinks included during the cruise
• Beach time with room for a short walk
• A mix of relaxation and sightseeing

I would think twice if you want quiet, serious sailing, long time at the waterfall, or top-level snorkeling. The music can be loud, alcohol is served from the morning, and popular stops may have other boats nearby.

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments. You should also be comfortable boarding a catamaran, swimming from a boat, and spending much of the day in the sun.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Arrive at the Trou d’Eau Douce jetty with your swimwear already easy to reach. You will want a towel, sunscreen, and a dry change of clothes if you prefer not to remain damp on the return sail.

Request a vegetarian or gluten-free lunch in advance. The standard meal is varied, but it centers on fish, chicken, bread, pasta, salads, rice, and fruit.

Keep some cash for Ile aux Cerfs. The island’s activities and purchases can be expensive, and the cruise price does not cover parasailing or similar extras.

If you want a quieter place on the island, use part of your free time to walk farther along the beach. If snorkeling is your main aim, ask the crew about the day’s conditions, but remember that the exact quality depends on the current and the chosen location.

The booking offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check the available departure when booking.

Should you book this Ile aux Cerfs cruise?

Book it if you want a sociable, good-value day that combines sailing, swimming, lunch, drinks, GRSE waterfalls, and Ile aux Cerfs in one package. The crew’s hospitality, generous food, roomy catamaran, and relaxed music make this a strong choice for a classic Mauritius day out.

Skip it if your ideal boat trip means silence, a small group, or extended time at one carefully chosen snorkeling site. The waterfall stop is brief, the snorkeling can be affected by current, and the boat may feel too lively for people seeking calm.

For most visitors, the $65 price is fair because so much is included. I would book it with realistic expectations: the real pleasure is the whole day on the water, not one perfect waterfall or one extraordinary reef.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart from?

It departs from the Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs meeting point in Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius. The jetty is next to the Mauritius flag.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the meeting point in Trou d’Eau Douce.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts six hours. Check the available starting times when booking.

What languages does the crew speak?

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

Is lunch included?

Yes. The onboard barbecue includes fish, chicken skewers, salads, garlic bread, pasta, rice, and fresh pineapple.

Are vegetarian or gluten-free meals available?

Yes. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available if requested in advance.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and wine.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the cruise price.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Extra cash is useful if you want to purchase anything or try paid activities on Ile aux Cerfs.