Catamaran Cruise: Isle aux Cerfs, Including BBQ Lunch, in Mauritius

Mauritius looks even better from the water. This seven-hour catamaran cruise combines Grand River South East, Isle aux Cerfs, snorkeling, a BBQ lunch, and unlimited drinks in one easy day. I like the mix of river scenery and open sea, and I especially like that the boat trip includes views of waterfalls, monkeys, bats, and possibly dolphins without adding separate costs. The main drawback is that the meal may feel ordinary if you expect a polished restaurant-style lunch.

You meet at Preskil Island Resort at Pointe Jerome, not at your hotel, so transport takes planning. The crew earns strong praise for being friendly, organized, and helpful, though the start can be delayed by low tide and the weather can affect the schedule. For me, this is a fun, social day on the water rather than a quiet luxury cruise.

Key points to know before you book

• The day begins at Pointe Jerome: The stated meeting point is Preskil Island Resort, with the cruise ending back there.
• Grand River South East adds variety: You may see a waterfall, monkeys, and a large colony of bats near the river mouth.
• Isle aux Cerfs is the main stop: You get time for lunch on board, swimming, and relaxation.
• Snorkeling gear is included: You can snorkel from the boat without arranging separate equipment.
• Food and drinks are covered: BBQ lunch, snacks, beverages, and an open bar are included.
• The group is limited to 30 people: That is small enough to keep the boat from feeling like a floating crowd, though the atmosphere will still be social.

Why this cruise works as a Mauritius day out

Mauritius has plenty of land-based sights, but the water changes your sense of the island. From a catamaran, you see the coast from a slower, wider angle. The day also avoids the stop-start feel of a road tour. Once you are aboard, the scenery, food, swimming, and drinks are gathered into one outing.

At $82 per person, the price is reasonable if you use the inclusions. You are not paying only for transport on the water. The fee covers roughly seven hours, snorkeling equipment, lunch, snacks, and unlimited drinks. It becomes better value if you plan to swim, eat on board, and make use of the open bar.

Still, I would keep expectations in the right place. This is not presented as a private sailing trip or a high-end dining cruise. It is a shared catamaran outing with a maximum of 30 people. The strongest appeal is the combination of scenery and easygoing fun, not refined service or a carefully planned cultural program.

The cruise is advertised as starting from Blue Bay, while the supplied meeting details name Preskil Island Resort at Pointe Jerome. Check the confirmed meeting instructions before setting out, especially if you are staying elsewhere on Mauritius. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the standard price.

Setting out from Pointe Jerome

The meeting point at Preskil Island Resort gives the day a clear starting place, but you must arrange your own way there unless you choose a transfer upgrade. The basic details specifically state that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. That matters because a seven-hour cruise can turn into a much longer day once you add your own transport.

The listed operating schedule shows Monday through Wednesday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for the stated booking period. Exact departure details should be confirmed after booking, since availability is subject to confirmation within 48 hours.

The boat holds no more than 30 people. That is a useful limit. You still share the experience with other people, but the setting should feel less cramped than a large sightseeing vessel. You can expect a friendly, informal mood, with the crew explaining the program near the start.

One practical point is worth noting: low tide has caused a delayed start for safety. That is not a flaw in the crew’s handling. It is part of working around local water conditions. If your day begins slowly, patience is wiser than trying to force the timetable.

Grand River South East and its short waterfall stop

The first named stop is Grand River South East, often shortened to GRSE. The river reaches a gorge and ends at a waterfall, giving you a quick change of scenery from the open coast. The stated stop lasts about 10 minutes, so treat it as a photo and viewing stop rather than a long walk or visit.

The waterfall is described as pictorial, and the river mouth also offers chances to see monkeys and a large bat colony. These details make the GRSE section more interesting than a simple boat ride past rocks. You are looking upward toward the gorge and nearby trees, then back out toward the water.

The short timing is both a plus and a limitation. It keeps the whole day moving toward Isle aux Cerfs, but it does not allow much time for exploring on land. If your priority is a long waterfall walk, this cruise will not provide that. If you like seeing several natural sights from the boat, the stop gives the day useful variety.

Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Dolphins, monkeys, and bats are possible parts of the route, not fixed performances. One cruise may produce a memorable dolphin sighting, while another may offer little beyond the waterfall and coastal views. That uncertainty is normal for a nature-based outing, and it is best to enjoy the scenery without treating wildlife as an appointment.

Passing Ile du Phare on the way to Isle aux Cerfs

Ile du Phare is listed as a point along the route to Isle aux Cerfs. The information provided does not give a separate stop length or landing, so you should think of it as a scenic passage rather than a full visit.

That may suit you if you prefer a flowing day on the water. You get more to look at during the cruise without adding another lengthy stop. If you came mainly to explore small islands on foot, though, this part may feel brief.

The route gives the cruise a sense of progress. You are not simply anchored in one bay for the entire day. The boat moves through several settings, with the main time reserved for the Isle aux Cerfs section.

Isle aux Cerfs: lunch first, then free time

Isle aux Cerfs is the heart of the outing. The schedule gives one hour for lunch on board and another hour for relaxing and swimming. That division is helpful because you are not forced to choose between eating and getting into the water.

The BBQ is prepared and served on the catamaran. The strongest food feedback is mixed. Some praise the barbecue as plentiful and well cooked, while another assessment found the meal average and wanted more variety and stronger flavor. I would expect a practical boat lunch rather than a gourmet spread.

The included snacks and drinks improve the value. Unlimited drinks are available from the open bar, and that can make a real difference on a warm day. It also means you do not need to buy every refreshment separately once you are on board.

After lunch, you have about an hour to relax and swim. This is a straightforward part of the day, with no complicated activity schedule. You can enjoy the water, sit back, and take in the island setting. The supplied information does not promise a guided island tour, extended beach time, or a particular water sport, so book this portion for simple leisure.

If swimming is important to you, bring the usual sun and water essentials. The cruise includes snorkeling equipment, but the provided details do not specify the exact gear available, changing facilities, or storage arrangements. Keep your packing practical and avoid bringing valuables you do not need.

Snorkeling and the chance of dolphins

Snorkeling is one of the better inclusions because the equipment is supplied. You can take part from the boat without renting gear elsewhere. The crew has also been praised for giving useful advice about the snorkeling stop, which is valuable if you want help getting started.

The information does not give the exact snorkeling location, water depth, or time in the water. That means conditions and the crew’s judgment may shape the activity. Think of snorkeling as an included opportunity, not the entire focus of the cruise.

Dolphins are another possible highlight. When they appear near the catamaran’s wake, the sight can transform an ordinary transfer into the most memorable moment of the day. But dolphin watching is not guaranteed, and one account found the dolphins to be the only truly special part of an otherwise average outing.

That is a fair warning. You should not book this as a dedicated dolphin-watching trip. Book it as a broad day cruise where dolphins would be a wonderful bonus.

The crew, the mood, and what the rating tells you

The most consistent praise goes to the crew. Comments describe the staff as friendly, professional, helpful, and good at explaining the program. The team also handled a low-tide delay quickly and safely, which suggests a practical approach to local conditions.

That human touch matters on a shared boat. A clear explanation at the beginning helps you understand when lunch, swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing will happen. Helpful advice at the snorkeling stop can also make the activity less awkward for anyone who has not used the equipment recently.

The overall rating of 3.7 from 25 reviews points to a solid but not flawless outing. The high marks focus on the crew, the scenery, dolphins, and the general sense of fun. Lower enthusiasm centers on the meal and the feeling that some sights were less impressive than expected.

I read that as a sign to choose the cruise for its full package. If you need every part of the day to be exceptional, the mixed food and sightseeing feedback may bother you. If you want a relaxed boat day with many inclusions, the strengths are more convincing.

Who will get the most from this day

I would recommend this cruise to couples, families with older children, and anyone who wants several Mauritius highlights in one outing. Most people can participate, and children must be accompanied by an adult. The 30-person maximum keeps the group within a manageable size.

It also suits you if you like a social atmosphere. The open bar, BBQ, swimming, and shared catamaran create a cheerful day rather than a silent scenic voyage. The crew’s friendliness is a big part of that appeal.

I would be more cautious if you want a private boat, a long cultural explanation, serious snorkeling time, or an elaborate meal. The schedule gives only about 10 minutes at the waterfall and one hour each for lunch and free swimming. The day is broad and active, but not deeply focused on any one stop.

Weather is another consideration. The cruise requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel the outing, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, but changes or cancellations made inside that window are not accepted.

Should you book the Isle aux Cerfs catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a convenient all-in-one day on the water. The combination of GRSE scenery, Isle aux Cerfs, snorkeling, BBQ lunch, snacks, and unlimited drinks gives you a lot for $82. The crew appears to be the strongest part of the outing, and a dolphin sighting could make the day special.

Skip it if your main goal is fine food, a private sailing feel, or a long visit at each sight. The waterfall stop is short, the meal may be merely adequate, and wildlife sightings depend on nature.

For most people, I would call it a good-value Mauritius day with sensible expectations. Confirm the meeting point, plan your own transport to Pointe Jerome, and treat dolphins and monkeys as lucky extras. With that approach, the cruise offers plenty of sun, water, and scenery for one well-packed day.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately seven hours.

Where does the cruise start and finish?

The stated meeting point is Preskil Island Resort at Pointe Jerome, Mahebourg, Mauritius. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the standard tour. A transfer upgrade may be available.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is included and is served on board at Isle aux Cerfs. Snacks and beverages are also included.

Are drinks unlimited?

Yes. Unlimited drinks are provided through an open bar on board.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the cruise to be canceled. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.