Mauritius: Ile Aux Cerfs catamaran cruise Lunch with BBQ

Mauritius looks best from the water. This seven-hour catamaran trip links several East Coast highlights in one easy outing: the Grand River South East waterfall, a snorkeling and swimming stop, a barbecue lunch, and Ile aux Cerfs. I especially like the all-inclusive food and drinks, plus the warm crew and local Sega music that give the day a social, distinctly Mauritian feel.

I also like the simple route from Trou d’Eau Douce. You do not need to arrange several separate boat trips, beach visits, and meal stops. The main drawback is the morning organization: one recent departure involved about an hour of waiting before everyone boarded, and music can begin early and play loudly.

Key points before you book

• The boat leaves around 9:10 a.m. Arrive at the Trou d’Eau Douce fishing port by 9:00 so you have time to find the correct boarding point.
• The route packs in four main experiences: Grand River South East waterfall, snorkeling and swimming, barbecue lunch, and Ile aux Cerfs.
• Drinks are included: water, juice, soft drinks, beer, wine, and local rum are available on board.
• The crew is a major strength. Several visitors praised the friendly service, upbeat mood, singing, and dancing.
• The final Sega performance is a highlight. The return trip becomes more than a quiet boat ride.
• The $59 price is strong value if you want a full day on the water with lunch and drinks included, but watersports at Ile aux Cerfs cost extra.

Starting at Trou d’Eau Douce around 9:00

Your day begins at the Trou d’Eau Douce fishing port on Mauritius’s East Coast. The meeting point is listed as Trou deau douce Debarcader fishing port, so arrive early and allow time to get your bearings. The boat is scheduled to leave at about 9:10 a.m., and this is not an outing where arriving late is wise.

The morning setup may be the least polished part of the experience. One person had trouble finding the right place because the responsible staff arrived shortly after 9:00. Another reported waiting about an hour while people boarded. That delay matters because the trip already has a full schedule, and every minute spent at the jetty is time that could have been used for swimming or snorkeling.

Once you are aboard, the mood appears to improve quickly. The catamaran provides open views of the water and the surrounding mountains, with plenty of opportunity to sit back, take photos, and enjoy the ride. Music may start early, though, so this suits you best if you like a lively boat rather than a quiet cruise.

Grand River South East waterfall by boat

The first major stop is Grand River South East waterfall. Reaching it by boat gives you a pleasant change from simply driving to a viewpoint. You see the river opening toward the coast and the surrounding tropical scenery from water level, where the setting feels more spacious.

The waterfall visit is a scenic stop rather than a long land excursion. You should think of it as one part of a moving day, not a stand-alone waterfall tour. Bring your camera, but protect it from splashes and keep your belongings secure around the boat.

This first section also helps set the rhythm of the outing. You begin with sightseeing, then move toward the open coastline for time in the water. If you want a tour that combines several short experiences instead of spending all day in one place, this route makes sense.

Snorkeling and swimming in the lagoon

After the waterfall, the catamaran heads toward the coastline for a snorkeling and swimming break. The clear water is one of the strongest reasons to choose a boat trip on this side of Mauritius. You can cool off, look beneath the surface, or simply float in the lagoon before lunch.

The exact snorkeling conditions depend on the day’s weather and sea conditions. Do not expect a specialist reef expedition with extended instruction. This is a relaxed swim stop built into a larger excursion. For confident swimmers, it adds a welcome bit of activity. If you prefer staying dry, you can remain on board and enjoy the views.

Pack swimwear under your clothes, along with a towel if you have one. The tour specifically recommends swimwear, beachwear, sunglasses, and a camera. Sunscreen is a sensible addition, even though it is not listed in the official packing advice.

Barbecue lunch with drinks included

Lunch is served on the catamaran after the swimming stop. The barbecue meal is one of the better value points because it is included in the $59 cost, along with a broad selection of drinks. You can expect water, juice, soft drinks, beer, wine, and local rum.

The food receives strong praise, including from people who chose the vegetarian option. Vegetarian meals are available if requested ahead of time, so mention this when booking rather than waiting until you are already on board. The food is halal, which may also help you decide if this cruise suits your needs.

The meal is not a formal restaurant experience. It is a casual boat lunch, and that is part of its appeal. You eat with the water around you, then continue the day without needing to find a restaurant on the island. The included beer, wine, and rum also make the cruise feel more like a social day out than simple transport.

Use good judgment with alcohol. The day includes swimming, boat movement, heat, and sun. The drinks are part of the package, but you will enjoy the water stops more if you pace yourself.

Ile aux Cerfs and its picture-postcard beaches

The main destination is Ile aux Cerfs, known for white sand, palm trees, and clear turquoise water. This is the part of the tour most likely to match the classic Mauritius postcard. You will have time to relax on the beach, swim in the lagoon, and enjoy the bright contrast between sand and sea.

Ile aux Cerfs is best approached with realistic expectations. The island is famous and easy to reach, so the experience is centered on its beauty and leisure rather than solitude. You come here to enjoy a beautiful beach, not to search for an empty shoreline.

You can also visit the local craft market and look for Mauritius souvenirs. This gives the stop a small cultural and shopping element, though the main attraction remains the beach. If you want watersports, note that those activities are not included. The supplied information does not specify which activities are available or their prices, so check locally before committing to anything.

The timing on Ile aux Cerfs may feel short if you want to swim, browse the market, and sit on the beach at length. That is the tradeoff for including the waterfall, snorkeling, lunch, and music in one seven-hour trip. I would treat this as a broad introduction to the island rather than a full beach day.

The return trip with Mauritian Sega

The cruise returns to Trou d’Eau Douce after the island visit. Instead of ending quietly, the crew provides local music and Mauritian Sega entertainment. Singing and dancing were among the most praised parts of the day, and this finale gives the trip a genuine local touch.

Sega is a traditional Mauritian music and dance style, and it fits the setting perfectly. You are back on the catamaran, the main sightseeing is finished, and the crew has room to turn the ride home into a shared celebration. If you enjoy joining in, this may be the most memorable part of the cruise.

The tone is festive rather than refined. Music can be loud, especially earlier in the day, so anyone seeking a peaceful sailing experience should take that into account. For couples and social groups, the upbeat atmosphere can be a real plus. One couple described the whole outing as relaxed and enjoyable, while another praised the crew’s energy and friendliness.

Crew service and the feel on board

The crew is the clearest strength of this excursion. The available feedback repeatedly praises the staff as friendly, attentive, funny, and willing to keep the mood moving. Italian, French, German, and Swedish visitors all gave strong marks for the service, which suggests the welcoming approach crosses language lines.

The tour operates in English and French. That is useful during the main stops and meal service, though you should not expect a long, formal lecture about every place you pass. The attraction here is the combination of scenery, food, water time, and crew interaction.

The early boarding problem is worth keeping in proportion. It may be an occasional organizational issue rather than a feature of every departure, but it is still a reason to arrive early and ask clearly where your boat is. Once the cruise gets underway, the rest of the day is designed to flow from one stop to the next.

Is $59 good value?

At $59 per person, this is a solid package for a seven-hour East Coast outing. The price includes the catamaran trip, waterfall visit, swimming and snorkeling break, barbecue lunch, drinks, Ile aux Cerfs, and onboard entertainment. Paying separately for each part would usually require more planning and could cost more.

The value is strongest if you want convenience. You get transport by water, food, drinks, and a ready-made schedule. You also avoid spending your beach day figuring out where to eat or how to reach the waterfall.

The deal is less attractive if you only want a quiet beach visit. A dedicated Ile aux Cerfs beach trip could give you more time on the sand. It is also not the right package if watersports are your main goal, since those are extra and not part of the advertised cost.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to make your own way to Trou d’Eau Douce, unless you arrange transport separately. Add that cost and travel time before deciding that $59 is your final expense.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to couples, friends, and families who want a lively day with plenty of variety. The snorkeling break gives you some activity, the beach offers downtime, and the barbecue and Sega music keep the social side strong.

It is also a good choice for anyone visiting Mauritius with limited time. Rather than choosing between a waterfall, lagoon, beach, and cultural entertainment, you can see all four in one organized day.

I would be more cautious if you are pregnant, use a wheelchair, or are over 70, since the activity is specifically listed as unsuitable for those groups. It may also disappoint you if you want silence, a slow schedule, or long hours at one beach.

Weather matters. November and December can bring rain and poor conditions, and the cruise may be canceled if the weather is unsafe. In that case, you are offered another date or a full refund. Check the forecast before booking, especially during those wetter months.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Arrive at the port by 9:00 a.m., even though the cruise leaves at about 9:10. Wear beachwear and bring swimwear, sunglasses, and a camera. A waterproof phone pouch, towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes would also be sensible additions.

Request a vegetarian meal at least two days ahead, since advance booking is advised. The food is halal, and the meal plan includes a vegetarian option when requested.

Keep your expectations balanced. The itinerary is full, the beach stop is not an all-day stay, and the boat may be noisy. In exchange, you get a friendly crew, a barbecue, open-water views, drinks, swimming, and a taste of Mauritian Sega without arranging each piece yourself.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a full, sociable day on the water and value having lunch and drinks included. The crew, barbecue, scenic route, and Sega performance are the main reasons this outing earns its strong 4.6 rating from 12 posted ratings.

Think twice if a delayed boarding process, loud music, or a tightly timed beach stop would bother you. Check the weather, arrange your own transport to Trou d’Eau Douce, and request any vegetarian meal in advance. With those points handled, this is an appealing way to sample several of Mauritius’s East Coast highlights for a reasonable price.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The activity lasts about seven hours, from approximately 9:10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Where does the cruise depart?

The meeting point is Trou d’Eau Douce Debarcader fishing port on the East Coast of Mauritius.

What time should I arrive?

You should arrive at about 9:00 a.m. The cruise is scheduled to leave the jetty around 9:10 a.m.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, though they may be arranged separately.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A barbecue lunch is served on board the catamaran.

What drinks are included?

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

Are vegetarian meals available?

Yes. Vegetarian options are available upon request. You should request one in advance.

Is the food halal?

Yes. The food provided on the cruise is halal.

Are watersports at Ile aux Cerfs included?

No. Watersports activities at Ile aux Cerfs are not included in the cruise price.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if the cruise is canceled because of poor weather.