Catamaran trip to Ile Aux Cerfs With Two Way Transportation

Paradise comes with a boat timetable. This full-day outing combines a catamaran cruise to Île aux Cerfs with hotel pickup, a barbecue lunch, drinks, swimming, and a waterfall visit. I like the simple all-in-one plan, and I like that transport is included from any hotel in Mauritius, which can save you the trouble of arranging taxis across the island.

The boat carries up to 40 people, so you get a social day rather than a private sailing trip. The crew has earned strong praise for being friendly, attentive, and good at creating a cheerful onboard mood. The main concern is inconsistent organization, especially around breakfast, meal service, passenger numbers, and the return drive.

Key points to know before booking

• Hotel pickup covers Mauritius: A chauffeur collects you at your hotel reception and returns you after the excursion.
• The boat holds up to 40 passengers: Expect a shared catamaran with music, conversation, and a lively group atmosphere.
• Food and drinks are included: Breakfast, barbecue lunch, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks are part of the advertised package.
• Île aux Cerfs is only part of the day: The trip also includes swimming and a complimentary waterfall visit.
• The crew is often the highlight: Several bookings praised the catamaran staff, warm service, and friendly mood onboard.
• Allow for uneven execution: One serious complaint described crowded seating, a missing breakfast, a poorly handled lunch, and an upsetting response from the organizer.

The trip begins with a hotel pickup

Your day starts at your hotel reception, where the chauffeur collects you in an air-conditioned vehicle. That is a real convenience in Mauritius. You do not need to find the harbor yourself, arrange a separate taxi, or work out where to park near the boat.

The island is not tiny, so transfer time depends on your hotel. One booking from Grand Baie described roughly 1.5 hours each way. That means the transport can take a meaningful part of your day, but it also makes the excursion possible for people staying far from the departure harbor.

The driver received praise in some bookings for being punctual, friendly, and professional. One person specifically appreciated how much easier the day became because the taxi was arranged in both directions. That is the kind of practical benefit you feel before the fun even starts.

There is also a serious caution. One booking described a driver speeding, overtaking dangerously, and using a phone while driving. That account is not consistent with the more favorable transport reports, but it is important enough to take seriously. If your driver makes you uncomfortable, speak up clearly and contact the provider rather than accepting unsafe driving.

The exact pickup time is not given in the supplied information, so check availability before paying. The stated duration is eight hours, including the excursion and transport arrangements.

Boarding a catamaran for a shared day at sea

At the harbor, you board the catamaran for the trip toward Île aux Cerfs. The listed maximum capacity is 40 passengers. That gives you a useful picture of the experience: this is not an intimate six-person sailing outing or a private charter.

A group of up to 40 can be a plus if you enjoy music, conversation, and a party-like setting. Several people praised the good mood onboard, the welcoming crew, and the easy social atmosphere. One German booking described plentiful drinks, good food, music, and a thoroughly enjoyable day with pleasant people.

The same group size can feel less appealing if you want quiet. A complaint described passengers packed closely together, loud intoxicated people, and limited intervention from the crew. The listing presents a maximum of 40, so you should plan for a busy shared boat rather than expecting open space and personal attention throughout the day.

The boat’s atmosphere may also depend on the group you happen to join. That is common with shared cruises. Some departures will feel relaxed and friendly. Others may be noisier, especially once alcoholic drinks are flowing.

Breakfast, drinks, and the barbecue lunch

Food is one of the main reasons this trip can offer good value. The package includes breakfast, lunch, barbecue food, and drinks. The barbecue is described as unlimited, with fish, chicken, sausages, and salads. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are also included.

That is a generous setup for an eight-hour outing. You do not need to carry a full day’s food or keep buying drinks on the boat. If you enjoy a casual lunch with a view of the sea, the barbecue adds to the holiday feel without requiring a restaurant stop.

Several bookings praised the meal. One person called the food excellent, while another said the catering was plentiful and the crew looked after passengers well. Those positive accounts support the idea that, on a well-run departure, the lunch is a strong part of the package.

Still, I would not book this specifically for a guaranteed unlimited feast. One highly critical account said breakfast was missing and that the barbecue was limited and poorly organized. The meal was reportedly served with passengers holding their plates, cutlery, and glasses because seating was so tight.

That contradiction matters. The advertised inclusions are attractive, but food service depends on how the departure is managed. If lunch is important to you, ask for clarification about breakfast and how the barbecue is served before you go. Bring water or a small snack if you have dietary needs, although the provided information does not specify vegetarian, allergy-friendly, or other special meal options.

Alcohol is included, but responsible drinking matters on a moving boat. The negative account specifically described loud, intoxicated passengers. A drink can add to a relaxed day, but too much can change the mood for everyone onboard.

The waterfall stop adds variety

A complimentary waterfall visit is included in the day. This is a welcome change from spending every hour on the catamaran or beach. It gives you a short nature stop and a second setting for photographs.

The available information does not identify the waterfall, explain how long you stay, or say whether you approach it by boat, vehicle, or on foot. Do not build your plans around a long waterfall hike or swimming there. Treat it as an included visit that adds variety to the itinerary.

The stop is particularly useful for anyone who wants more than a beach day. Île aux Cerfs is the main attraction, but the waterfall keeps the excursion from feeling like a simple transfer to one island and back.

Reaching Île aux Cerfs for swimming and free time

Île aux Cerfs is the central destination. The island is known in this excursion for its setting, swimming opportunity, and relaxed beach time. The supplied information does not give a precise length of stay, and one person specifically wished for more time on the island.

That is a useful warning for people who want a long, slow afternoon on the beach. The excursion includes the catamaran journey, meals, drinks, waterfall visit, and return transport. With all those pieces inside an eight-hour schedule, time on Île aux Cerfs may feel limited.

You should think of the island as one part of a packed day, not the only event. If your ideal outing means several uninterrupted hours on the beach, this may feel rushed. If you prefer a day with multiple activities already arranged, the mixture works better.

Swimming is included, but swimwear is not. Pack your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and any personal beach items. Shopping on the island is also not included, so bring money if you want to buy something there. The package does not cover extras.

What the crew does well, and where service may falter

The catamaran staff receives the most consistent praise. Several bookings described the crew as kind, welcoming, attentive, and responsible for a great mood onboard. That warmth can make a big difference on a shared boat. Friendly staff help with the rhythm of meals, drinks, boarding, and the day’s stops.

The transport team also received good marks in several accounts. A chauffeur was described as punctual and pleasant, and another was praised for being professional. Those details matter because a long transfer can sour an otherwise good outing if communication is poor.

But the service record is not perfect. One account described a major disagreement with the organizer, Royal Luxury Holidays, after the passenger complained about the trip. The complaint included allegations of discriminatory remarks and intimidation connected with the return journey. This is a serious allegation, and it is sharply different from the positive accounts.

The overall rating is 3.7 out of 5 from 16 reviews. That is neither a clear warning to avoid the tour nor a spotless service record. I would read it as a sign that the basic concept is appealing, but delivery may vary by departure, crew, transport provider, and passenger group.

Is $116 a good price?

At $116 per person, the price needs to be judged against what is included. You are paying for hotel pickup and return, the catamaran ticket, breakfast, barbecue lunch, drinks, the waterfall stop, and swimming. For a full day with transport and meals already arranged, that can be fair value.

The transport alone may justify part of the cost if you are staying far from the harbor. The Grand Baie account described a long round trip, but also said the included taxi made the day much easier to organize. You are buying convenience as well as the boat outing.

The price is less attractive if you want a small group, a quiet boat, or long free time on Île aux Cerfs. It is also harder to call it good value if breakfast is not provided or if the lunch service becomes crowded and limited.

I would compare this with the cost and effort of arranging a private boat, separate transfers, meals, and a waterfall visit. This shared option is simpler and likely cheaper than building every piece yourself, but it does not promise private space or a polished luxury experience despite the provider’s name.

Who will enjoy this excursion most?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a social, all-day Mauritius outing with very little planning. It suits couples, friends, and families who like boat music, included drinks, swimming, and a casual barbecue.

It is also a good match if your hotel is far from the harbor. The air-conditioned pickup and return remove much of the transport hassle. English and French are the listed tour languages, so you can expect guiding and communication in either language.

You may want another option if you dislike crowded boats, loud music, alcohol-centered atmospheres, or fixed schedules. It is also not the best choice for someone who wants a private sailing experience or a leisurely day spent almost entirely on Île aux Cerfs.

If you have mobility, dietary, or other special requirements, ask the provider for details before booking. The supplied information does not explain accessibility, seating, meal substitutions, or facilities onboard.

Booking details worth keeping in mind

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Mauritius plans are still changing.

Pickup is included from any hotel in Mauritius, with collection at the reception. The live guide languages are English and French. The trip lasts eight hours, but you should check the available starting time and confirm the pickup details for your hotel.

Bring swimwear because it is specifically excluded. You should also bring anything you need for a beach day, since shopping and other extras are not included.

Should you book the Île aux Cerfs catamaran trip?

Book it if you value convenience, included food and drinks, and a full day with several stops. The strongest part of the experience is the combination of hotel transfers, friendly catamaran staff, a barbecue, swimming, and a waterfall visit. Many people found the crew and overall mood genuinely enjoyable.

Go in with realistic expectations. This is a shared catamaran with room for up to 40 people, not a private cruise. The island portion may feel shorter than you want, and the conflicting accounts about breakfast, lunch organization, passenger crowding, and one return drive deserve attention.

My practical advice is to confirm the pickup time, breakfast arrangement, meal setup, and expected passenger capacity before you pay. If those answers suit you, $116 can be reasonable for a convenient, food-and-drink-included day. If you want peace, space, and control over the schedule, spend your money on a smaller private boat instead.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran trip to Île aux Cerfs last?

The listed duration is eight hours. This includes hotel transportation, the catamaran outing, the waterfall visit, swimming, food, drinks, and time at Île aux Cerfs.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and return transportation are included from any hotel in Mauritius. The chauffeur collects you at the hotel reception in an air-conditioned vehicle.

How many people can be on the catamaran?

The catamaran has a maximum capacity of 40 passengers. This is a shared group excursion, not a private six-person boat trip.

Are breakfast, lunch, and drinks included?

Yes. The package includes breakfast, lunch, barbecue food, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages. The barbecue is described as including fish, chicken, sausages, and salads.

Is the waterfall visit included?

Yes. A complimentary waterfall visit is part of the excursion. The supplied information does not specify the waterfall’s name or the amount of time spent there.

What should I bring for the trip?

Bring swimwear because it is not included. You may also want personal beach items and money for shopping or other extras, which are not covered by the package.