Mauritius: Ile aux Cerfs Boat Tour with BBQ Lunch and Drinks

Speed, sand, and a beachside feast. This Mauritius boat tour packs a lot into five and a half hours, beginning with a fast ride from Trou D’Eau Douce to Grand River South East Waterfall, then continuing to Ilot Margenie and Ile aux Cerfs. I especially like the small-group limit of 14 people and the generous drink selection with lunch. The main caution is organization: recent departures have included confusion between speedboat and catamaran transport, plus waits for return transfers.

The day works best if you want a simple east-coast package rather than a quiet, private island escape. You get a waterfall, a speedboat, a halal three-course BBQ, beer, wine, rum, soft drinks, swimming, and time on one of Mauritius’s best-known beaches. At $56 per person, that is strong value, but the experience can feel crowded and timing may not always run like clockwork.

Key points to know before booking

• The speedboat is the main thrill: You travel from Trou D’Eau Douce along Mauritius’s east coast with the wind and spray adding some fun to the journey.
• Grand River South East Waterfall comes first: The boat moves through the river valleys for a close view of Cascade Diamamouve, with monkeys sometimes visible along the banks.
• Lunch is served on Ilot Margenie: Expect a three-course BBQ on the beach, with beer, wine, local rum, juice, soft drinks, and water included.
• Ile aux Cerfs is the longest stop: You get about two and a half hours for swimming, beach time, sightseeing, and browsing the arts and crafts market.
• Watersports cost extra: Parasailing and tube riding are available at Ile aux Cerfs, but neither is included in the tour price.
• Transport needs attention: Hotel pickup and drop-off depend on the option you select, and some departures have involved delays or mix-ups.

Starting from Trou D’Eau Douce on Mauritius’s east coast

Your day begins at Trou D’Eau Douce, a main departure point for boat trips toward the islands and lagoon along Mauritius’s east coast. If you arrange your own way there, the meeting point is on the beach across from Green Island Restaurant.

The other choice is hotel pickup and drop-off, available with selected booking options. Pickup areas cover much of Mauritius, including Moka, Rivière Noire, Flacq, Grand Port, Rivière du Rempart, Plaines Wilhems, Port Louis, Savanne, and Pamplemousses districts. The exact pickup setup matters, so check your option carefully rather than assuming every fare includes a vehicle.

The boat tour itself lasts 330 minutes, or five and a half hours. That gives you enough time for three distinct parts: the waterfall, the beach lunch, and Ile aux Cerfs. It is a full outing, not a quick transfer to the island.

The small group of no more than 14 people sounds appealing, especially compared with a large sightseeing boat. Still, the boat may feel busy depending on the actual departure. One account described too many people on board, so I would confirm the boat type and group size at pickup if those details matter to you.

Speeding toward Grand River South East Waterfall

The first stop is Grand River South East Waterfall, also known as Cascade Diamamouve. The boat heads into the river area, passing through the valleys before getting close to the falling water.

This is a scenic start because you see Mauritius from the water rather than from a road or lookout. The riverbanks are lined with trees, and monkeys may appear among them. Bring your camera, but keep it secure. A speedboat ride means spray, movement, and a fair chance of a wet bag if you are careless.

You spend about 30 minutes here for photos and sightseeing. That is enough for a look and a few pictures, but not enough for a long nature walk or a slow picnic beside the falls. Think of this as a boat approach to a natural attraction, not a full waterfall excursion.

The stop can also feel rushed or crowded. If several boats arrive at once, the close view of the falls becomes less peaceful. I would still rate it as worthwhile because it adds variety to the day. You are not spending every minute on a beach, and the river setting gives you a different view of the island.

A beach BBQ on Ilot Margenie

After the waterfall, the boat heads to Ilot Margenie, a small island used for the lunch stop. The meal is served on the beach, which is one of the strongest parts of the outing. You get a three-course BBQ rather than a simple packed meal, and the setting does much of the work.

The food has received the warmest praise in the available feedback, with the meal described as very good and the location as beautiful. That matches the appeal of the stop: you eat outdoors, close to the water, with sand and sea replacing a restaurant dining room.

Drinks are included, which improves the value considerably. The selection includes:

• Water
• Soft drinks
• Juice
• Beer
• Wine
• Local rum

The food is halal, and vegetarian choices are available if you request them in advance. That request is worth making before the day of the tour, since the activity information does not promise that a vegetarian meal will be ready without notice.

The scheduled lunch stop is about one hour. That should give you time to eat and enjoy the setting, but the clock can become less predictable if the boat schedule slips. One departure involved a 40-minute wait for a pickup connected with lunch, so you may want to keep your afternoon flexible.

The lunch location is sometimes described as Ile aux Cerfs in the timing information, but the detailed route places the BBQ on Ilot Margenie before the main Ile aux Cerfs stop. The practical point is simple: expect lunch on a small beach island, then a separate visit to Ile aux Cerfs.

Two and a half hours on Ile aux Cerfs

The final major stop is Ile aux Cerfs, the island most people picture when they imagine this tour. As the boat approaches, you see palm trees, white sand, and clear turquoise lagoon water. This is the part of the day built for easy pleasure rather than constant sightseeing.

You get about two and a half hours here. That is enough time to swim, sit on the beach, walk around, and visit the arts and crafts market. I like this length of stop because you are not forced to leave after a quick photo. You can actually settle down for a while.

The lagoon is the star. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a change of clothes. A hat is useful too, since the information provided does not promise shaded seating. Water is also on the suggested packing list, even though water is included with lunch.

Ile aux Cerfs is not presented as a quiet, untouched island. It is a popular stop with several activities and a market, so you might find more people and more commercial activity here than at Ilot Margenie. That is not a flaw if you want choices. It is less suitable if your dream is complete solitude.

Parasailing and tube riding are available, but you pay extra. Do not treat those activities as part of the $56 package. If you want to keep costs under control, the included swimming and beach time are enough to fill the stop.

What the speedboat adds, and what it takes away

The speedboat gives the outing energy. You feel the wind, cover the route quickly, and get close to the waterfall and islands. For many people, the ride itself will be as memorable as the stops.

There is a trade-off. Speedboats can be exposed to sun, spray, and rougher movement than a larger vessel. The supplied information does not describe onboard shade or seating arrangements, so dress for the weather and protect your electronics.

There is also an important booking detail. One recent departure involved passengers buying a speedboat trip but being directed toward a catamaran instead. That is exactly the sort of mix-up you want to catch before leaving the beach. Confirm that your group is boarding the speedboat advertised for your option.

Another account described the boat as too full and the waterfall stop as a mass-handling exercise. The group is advertised as limited to 14, but conditions on the day can still affect how spacious the ride feels. If a roomy boat and a quiet route are your top priorities, a private charter may suit you better, though this tour is aimed at a much lower price.

Lunch, drinks, and the $56 value question

At $56 per person, the package gives you a lot for one day. You are paying for the speedboat, waterfall visit, beach BBQ, drinks, time at Ile aux Cerfs, and possibly hotel transfers depending on the option.

The included alcohol is a real value point. Beer, wine, and local rum are covered, along with nonalcoholic drinks. Many boat outings charge separately for every drink, so this arrangement makes the price easier to justify.

The price is strongest for you if you plan to eat lunch, enjoy several drinks, and use the included boat route rather than arrange separate transport. It is less compelling if you only want Ile aux Cerfs and do not care about the waterfall or BBQ.

Transfers can also change the value. If your hotel is far from Trou D’Eau Douce and pickup is included, the convenience may save you a separate taxi. If you choose a meeting-point option, remember that you must reach the beach across from Green Island Restaurant yourself.

The weak point is reliability of timing. A 40-minute wait on the return transfer can eat into your evening, especially if you have dinner plans or another booking. I would avoid scheduling anything tight after this excursion.

Who will enjoy this outing most

I would recommend it to you if you want several classic Mauritius sights in one day without arranging every piece yourself. Families with children aged five and up may like the mix of boat speed, monkeys, waterfall views, lunch, and swimming. Infants aged one to four are free, according to the tour information, though the activity is not suitable for pregnant women.

It also fits couples and friends who want a social beach day with drinks included. The small-group format should feel more personal than a large cruise, even if the boat can still become crowded.

You may want to skip it if you dislike fast boat rides, have limited patience for delays, or want a calm, private island experience. You should also think twice if you need a highly controlled schedule. The route covers a lot, and its appeal comes from variety rather than slow, unhurried time in one place.

The tour offers live guiding in English and French. That makes the waterfall and route easier to follow, especially if you want more than a boat transfer. The supplied information does not name individual guides, so you should not book expecting a particular crew member.

What to pack for a wet, sunny day

Wear comfortable shoes for getting on and off the boat and moving around the islands. Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

A change of clothes is a smart choice because the speedboat may send spray your way. Keep your camera and phone protected, and bring a camera if you want pictures of the waterfall, monkeys, beach, and lagoon.

Water is included with lunch, but it is still listed among the recommended items. I would carry some for the boat ride, especially in warm weather. Leave room in your bag for dry clothing and anything you might buy at the arts and crafts market.

If you need a vegetarian lunch, request it before the tour. The food is halal, which is useful for anyone who needs that arrangement.

Booking, cancellation, and weather concerns

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve-now-and-pay-later option also lets you hold a place without paying immediately, which helps if your Mauritius schedule is still changing.

Poor weather can affect the trip. If the operator cancels, you are offered another date or a full refund. Since the outing depends on a speedboat, waterfall access, and swimming conditions, I would keep a spare day available if this is one of your main holiday plans.

Check the selected option for the start time and transport details. Hotel pickup is optional, not automatic. The listed drop-off areas are broad, but you need to confirm that your accommodation is covered.

Should you book this Mauritius boat tour?

Book it if you want a good-value, action-filled east-coast day with a strong lunch stop. The BBQ, included drinks, white-sand beach, and clear lagoon are the best reasons to go. The waterfall and speedboat add enough variety to keep the day from feeling like a simple beach transfer.

I would be cautious if your priority is perfect timing or a quiet boat. Confirm speedboat transport, ask about pickup arrangements, and leave plenty of room after the tour in case the return transfer runs late.

For $56, this is a sensible choice for you if food and drinks matter as much as scenery. It is not the most polished option, but it gives you many of Mauritius’s popular east-coast experiences in one manageable package.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour start?

The meeting point is on the beach across from Green Island Restaurant in Trou D’Eau Douce. Hotel pickup is available with selected options.

How long does the activity last?

The tour lasts 330 minutes, which is five and a half hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only if you select an option that provides them. Pickup can cover several Mauritius districts, including Port Louis, Flacq, Grand Port, and Pamplemousses.

What food is included?

A three-course BBQ lunch is served on Ilot Margenie. The food is halal, and vegetarian choices are available upon request.

What drinks are included?

Included drinks are soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum.

Are watersports included at Ile aux Cerfs?

No. Activities such as parasailing and tube riding are available at Ile aux Cerfs but cost extra.

How much time do you get at Ile aux Cerfs?

The visit lasts about two and a half hours. You can use this time for swimming, sightseeing, beach time, and visiting the arts and crafts market.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women?

No. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You can choose a different date or receive a full refund if the tour is canceled because of poor weather.