Catamaran cruise to Ile aux cerfs with bbq lunch

Turquoise water, grilled lunch, and island time make this a strong Mauritius day out. I like the varied route, which combines the GRSE waterfalls, a snorkeling stop, a catamaran cruise, and Ile aux Cerfs rather than rushing straight to the beach. I also like the friendly service, live music, and included drinks. The main caution is timing: departures have sometimes run late, leaving less time on Ile aux Cerfs than expected.

At about $63.35 per person, this is good value if you want a relaxed day with lunch, snorkeling gear, soft drinks, water, and alcohol included. You should still allow extra money for getting to Trou d’Eau Douce, since hotel pickup and drop-off are not part of the standard price.

Key points to know before booking

• The day starts at Trou d’Eau Douce and usually runs from around 9:30 AM to 4 PM, with the boat returning to the same meeting point.
• The route has three clear highlights: the GRSE waterfalls, a wildlife-rich snorkeling stop, and Ile aux Cerfs.
• BBQ lunch, alcoholic drinks, soda, bottled water, and snorkeling equipment are included, which keeps extra costs down.
• The crew and onboard atmosphere receive the strongest praise, with music, attentive service, and generous drinks adding to the easygoing mood.
• You may have up to 30 people on board, so this is social rather than private.
• Allow for possible delays, and confirm the exact departure time before setting out.

Setting Sail From Trou d’Eau Douce

The cruise begins at Tino Boats near Chez Tino on Route Royale in Trou d’Eau Douce. The listed departure time is 9:30 AM, though the ticket information and actual departure reports have not always matched. One account describes a start around 10 AM, while another reports a delay of about an hour.

That matters because this is a six-hour outing. A late start can cut into the time available at Ile aux Cerfs, especially if an additional paid activity is offered during the day and some passengers choose to join it. I would arrive early, confirm the boarding point, and ask how the schedule is expected to run that morning.

The boat returns to the same meeting point at approximately 4 PM. Private transport is not included, so you need to arrange your own way to Trou d’Eau Douce. The location is near public transportation, and the company has also helped some customers arrange paid transfers. Treat that as an optional extra, not part of the advertised package.

A maximum of 30 people keeps this from being a tiny private sailing, but it is not a huge party boat either. You should expect a shared, social outing with enough room for conversation, music, and deck views.

The GRSE Waterfalls Make a Scenic Opening

The first stop is the GRSE waterfalls, reached by boat from Trou d’Eau Douce. The approach gives you a close look at green coastal scenery that is difficult to appreciate from the road. The waterfalls are not simply a quick photo backdrop. They help set the tone for the day, showing you a quieter side of Mauritius before the beach crowds and bright lagoon water take over.

You might also spot monkeys in the area. Bats have been seen here as well, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Keep your camera ready, but enjoy the setting even if the animals stay out of sight.

This stop can feel brief, depending on sea conditions and the day’s timing. It is best understood as a scenic boat visit rather than a long land excursion. You remain part of a moving water-based tour, so you will not get an extended walk around the falls.

Still, it is a smart first stop. The river and surrounding greenery contrast nicely with the open lagoon later in the morning. I like that the itinerary gives you more than one type of Mauritius scenery.

Snorkeling in Clear Lagoon Water

After the waterfalls, the catamaran heads toward a snorkeling spot. Equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel. The stop is intended to give you a chance to see marine life in clear water, though sightings and visibility depend on the conditions that day.

You can choose how active you want to be. Go into the water for a swim and snorkel, stay on deck, or simply watch the lagoon from the boat. That flexibility is useful for mixed groups, especially when one person wants to snorkel and another prefers to stay dry.

The snorkeling stop also breaks up the cruise well. You are not confined to the boat for the entire morning, yet you are not pushed into a tightly packed schedule of land visits. The time in the water may feel short if you are a keen snorkeler, but it works well as part of a broader six-hour trip.

Bring sun protection and a towel, even though equipment is supplied. The tour includes bottled water and soft drinks, but you should still take care in the sun, especially on the open deck. The boat’s bright setting makes it easy to lose track of time.

BBQ Lunch With Music and Included Drinks

Lunch follows the snorkeling stop, and the barbecue is one of the most praised parts of the experience. The meal includes grilled food, with reports specifically describing both meat and fish. It is served onboard, so you do not need to leave the water and find a restaurant during the busiest part of the day.

The food is simple rather than formal, which suits the outing. You can eat, look across the lagoon, and settle into the slower pace of the cruise. The meal has been described as tasty and generous, and several comments highlight the good amount of food.

Alcoholic drinks, soda, and bottled water are included too. That makes the price easier to justify, particularly if you would otherwise spend extra on lunch and refreshments. The all-inclusive drinks setup also supports the relaxed mood, although you should pace yourself in the heat.

Music adds another layer. A singer and guitarist have accompanied lunch, and the onboard style is described as young, friendly, and lively without losing the relaxed feel. If you want a quiet sailing with no entertainment, this may not be your ideal boat trip. If you enjoy music, conversation, and a cheerful crew, it is a real plus.

Crew members named in the feedback include Tomi, Lori, and Adrienne, though spellings may vary. The service is repeatedly praised as friendly, efficient, and attentive. You can expect the crew to keep an eye on drinks, explain the activities, and help the day move along.

Ile aux Cerfs: Beautiful, Busy, and Best Enjoyed With Realistic Expectations

After lunch, the boat heads to Ile aux Cerfs, the island that gives the excursion its name. Its appeal is clear: bright water, sandy beaches, and a chance to step off the boat and relax on land.

This is your time to swim, stroll, sit on the beach, or simply enjoy the sun. The island is a good counterpoint to the active snorkeling stop. If you have spent the morning in and around the water, an hour on the sand can be exactly what you need.

The important point is time. The planned schedule suggests around two hours on Ile aux Cerfs, but delays or optional paid activities can reduce that considerably. One account describes having only about an hour, which was not enough time to explore as hoped.

I would treat the island stop as beach time, not a full island exploration. You may find the beaches lovely but the developed areas less special than the name suggests. One particularly frank assessment found Ile aux Cerfs overhyped and short on things to do beyond the beach.

That does not make the stop poor. It simply helps you decide what kind of experience you are buying. If your dream is to lie beside clear water for an hour, Ile aux Cerfs delivers. If you want a quiet, untouched island with long walks and lots to discover, you may find it limited.

The island is also where the schedule can feel most vulnerable. If a paid activity is added or the boat leaves late, the beach portion gets squeezed. Ask the crew early about the expected departure time from the island so you can plan your swim and walk.

What the $63.35 Price Really Buys You

At $63.35 per person, the value is strongest when you use the package as a full day rather than paying for one attraction. You receive:

• Catamaran transport for the route
• The GRSE waterfalls stop
• A snorkeling stop
• Snorkeling equipment
• BBQ lunch
• Alcoholic drinks
• Soda and bottled water
• Time at Ile aux Cerfs

That is a solid bundle for Mauritius. A separate lunch, drinks, boat outing, and snorkeling rental could quickly add up. The cruise also removes the need to plan several independent stops around the lagoon.

The price does not cover private transportation or hotel pickup and drop-off. If you are staying far from Trou d’Eau Douce, that extra cost changes the calculation. A transfer arranged through the company may be convenient, but confirm the price before booking.

The most important value question is your preferred travel style. I would pay this price for a social boat day with food, drinks, music, and several water stops. I would look elsewhere if I wanted a private sailing, a long snorkeling session, or a quiet beach with no schedule pressure.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most

This outing suits you if you want a simple way to see several coastal highlights in one day. Families, couples, friends, and solo visitors who enjoy a friendly group setting should find plenty to like.

It is also a good match for people who do not want to organize separate transport, meals, equipment rental, and island visits. The crew handles the rhythm of the day, while you choose how much time to spend swimming, snorkeling, sitting in the sun, or socializing.

You should think twice if you dislike group tours or need a precise timetable. The maximum group size is 30, and departure delays have happened. You may also be disappointed if your main goal is extensive time on Ile aux Cerfs.

Most people can participate, according to the available information, but the experience naturally involves boarding a boat, moving around on deck, and getting in or out of the water if you choose to snorkel. Ask the operator directly about any personal mobility concerns before booking.

Practical Ways to Have a Better Day

Arrive early at the Tino Boats meeting point in Trou d’Eau Douce. The official information lists 9:30 AM, but conflicting timing reports make it wise to confirm the exact check-in and departure time.

Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and a waterproof way to protect your phone. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, but personal comfort items are not listed as included.

Use the first part of the day well. If you want to snorkel, go when the water stop begins rather than waiting until the end. That leaves you free to enjoy the barbecue and the deck afterward.

At Ile aux Cerfs, decide in advance what matters most. If you want to swim, do that first. If you prefer walking or photographs, do not spend the entire stop in one spot, especially if the schedule has slipped.

Keep an eye on the return time. The boat is scheduled to reach the mainland around 4 PM, and the activity ends back at the original meeting point. If you have an evening reservation, leave some breathing room for delays.

The weather matters. In poor conditions, the operator may offer another date or a full refund. If you need to cancel for your own reasons, cancellation must be made at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

Final Verdict: Should You Book It?

I would book this catamaran cruise if you want a well-priced, easygoing day on the water with a good mix of scenery, swimming, food, music, and beach time. The crew service, barbecue, included drinks, and varied route give it more substance than a simple transfer to Ile aux Cerfs.

I would not book it expecting a private boat, a long snorkeling session, or several uninterrupted hours on the island. Delays can cut into the beach stop, and Ile aux Cerfs may feel overdeveloped or limited if you are looking for solitude.

For most visitors, the strongest choice is to see it as a social Mauritius day cruise rather than an Ile aux Cerfs-only visit. At $63.35, that package offers good value, and the 4.7 rating from 121 ratings, with 91 percent recommending it, supports the idea that the overall experience is reliably enjoyable.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The tour starts at Tino Boats, Route Royale, Le Maho, Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius. The ticket redemption point is Chez Tino on B59 in Trou d’Eau Douce.

What time does the cruise depart?

The itinerary gives a 9:30 AM departure from Trou d’Eau Douce. Some departure times have reportedly been later, so confirm the exact boarding time before the day of the cruise.

What time does the cruise finish?

The boat is expected to return to the mainland at about 4 PM. The activity ends back at the original meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Private transportation and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the standard tour price. The meeting point is near public transportation.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is included, along with alcoholic beverages, soda, and bottled water.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included in the tour.

How large is the group?

The activity has a maximum of 30 participants. It is a shared catamaran experience, not a private cruise.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.