Day Trip at Ile aux Cerfs and other Gems of the South.

Catch the islands from the water. This six-hour boat trip combines Ile aux Cerfs, snorkeling stops, Lighthouse Island, a beach barbecue, and time to swim in a small-group setting. I like the mix of easy relaxation and active stops, and I especially like that guides such as Lucas and Sebastian have earned praise for being attentive, friendly, and good with children. The main point to check before booking is group size: the details describe a maximum of six in one place and up to 10 participants elsewhere.

I also like the chance to privatize the boat and customize the cool box, which gives this outing more flexibility than a standard group cruise. The price is $412 for up to four people, a strong value for a private outing if you fill the boat, but extras such as a lobster meal and preferred wine cost more.

Key points at a glance

• Chantauvent Guesthouse is the meeting point: Meet at the Beach House in Blue Bay, where reception staff can direct you to the guide.
• Ile aux Cerfs gets the longest stop: The schedule allows about three hours around the island for beach time, lunch, swimming, and snorkeling.
• The food is served beside the lagoon: The barbecue is eaten on the beach, turning lunch into part of the day rather than a break from it.
• Snorkeling is built into the route: Stops can include areas around Ile aux Aigrettes, with coral and marine life to see.
• Lighthouse Island adds variety: The route includes a 45-minute sailing period connected with a stop at Ile au Phare.
• Private arrangements are possible: You can privatize the boat, adjust the trip, and request additions such as a lobster meal or a preferred bottle of wine.

Why this six-hour boat trip works

Mauritius is best appreciated from the sea. From a boat, the coast becomes a series of small islands, open lagoon, shallow water, and shifting views. This excursion makes good use of that setting without asking you to spend a full day at sea.

The appeal is its balance. You are not locked into one beach for six hours, but you are also not rushed through a dozen quick photo stops. The route includes time for snorkeling, island visits, swimming, lunch, and simply sitting in the sun.

I would describe this as a relaxed boat day with enough activity to keep it interesting. You can grab snorkeling gear and look for coral and marine life, then spend the next hour doing very little at all. That flexibility is useful for families and mixed groups, especially when some people want to swim while others prefer a plate of food and a shady spot.

The guides are part of the experience. Lucas received warm praise for his kindness, including from a family with two young children. Sebastian was described as attentive, professional, and fun. Those details matter on a small boat, where the skipper shapes the mood of the whole day.

Starting at Chantauvent Guesthouse in Blue Bay

The meeting point is Chantauvent Guesthouse in Blue Bay. Go to the reception desk and ask for directions to the Beach House, where your guide will be waiting.

This setup is fairly simple, but give yourself enough time to find the right part of the property. The information does not provide a separate street meeting point, so checking with reception is the sensible move rather than wandering along the shore looking for a boat.

Blue Bay is also a practical base for this kind of outing because the trip begins near the coast. Once you meet the guide, the day moves quickly into the water.

The first sailing period is listed as about 15 minutes. That short opening run gives you time to settle in, find a comfortable place on the boat, and take in the lagoon before the main stops begin.

Bring a hat, sunglasses, and towel. Those are not decorative suggestions. The boat and beach offer plenty of exposure to the sun, and you will want the towel after swimming or snorkeling.

Snorkeling around the southern islands

Snorkeling is one of the most useful features of this trip because it breaks up the boat ride with time in the water. The route includes stops to see lagoon wildlife and coastal scenery, with Ile aux Aigrettes mentioned as one possible snorkeling area.

You can expect the snorkeling to focus on the lagoon rather than an advanced open-water outing. The experience is designed for a broad range of people, including families and casual swimmers. You will have the chance to look at coral and marine species, but the conditions of the water and visibility can affect what you see on any particular day.

One family specifically enjoyed the snorkeling stops while also seeing dolphins at a distance. That is a pleasant bonus, but it should not be treated as a promised part of the trip. The reliable draw is the chance to get into the lagoon and look below the surface.

I like that snorkeling is part of a wider route rather than the sole purpose of the excursion. If the water is not perfect, the day still has the islands, beach lunch, swimming, and sailing to carry it.

Ask the guide about the day’s planned stops and the best time to use the snorkeling gear. On a private or very small trip, you may have more say in how long you spend in the water, though the exact changes depend on the skipper and conditions.

Three hours around Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the central stop, and the schedule gives it roughly three hours. That is enough time to make the island feel like more than a quick landing.

The setting is the main attraction: beach, lagoon, sun, and open space for an unhurried pause. This is where the outing shifts from sightseeing to holiday mode. You can swim, sit on the sand, eat lunch, and return to the water when the heat calls for it.

The barbecue is served on the beach. A meal beside the lagoon gives the stop a strong sense of place, and one family described the food as complete and served directly on the beach. The precise menu is not specified, so I would not book this expecting a particular dish beyond the barbecue arrangement.

Lunch is included, but the lobster meal requires an additional 600 Mauritian rupees per person. This is a useful upgrade if seafood is a priority, though the included barbecue is the better choice if you want to keep the price under control.

Wine is free with lunch, but only one type is offered. If you want a particular bottle, the operator can provide it for an additional fee. Again, this is a small but important distinction. The basic lunch arrangement covers the main experience, while special food and drink requests raise the total.

The only drawback here is that Ile aux Cerfs is likely to be the busiest-feeling part of the day simply because it is the main beach stop. The supplied information does not promise a secluded beach, so you should come for the setting and the relaxed meal, not for guaranteed solitude.

Lighthouse Island and the changing view

The trip also includes Lighthouse Island, or Ile au Phare. The schedule lists a 45-minute sailing period connected with this part of the route.

This stop adds a different character to the day. Ile aux Cerfs is about beach time and lunch, while Ile au Phare brings the interest of a smaller island and a maritime setting. You get to see more of the area instead of spending the whole outing in one familiar patch of sand.

The details do not specify how long you land on Lighthouse Island or exactly what activities take place there. That is worth clarifying before departure if the island is your main reason for booking. The safe expectation is that it forms part of the boat route and offers another view of the southeastern coast.

I like this kind of contrast. A good island trip needs a little movement, or every stop starts to look alike. Sailing between Ile aux Cerfs, the lighthouse area, and the snorkeling points keeps the day visually varied.

What the small group promise means

A small boat changes the feel of the experience. You have less waiting, fewer people competing for the skipper’s attention, and a better chance to adjust the pace. That is especially useful when you have children, mixed swimming abilities, or a group that wants to combine food and water activities.

The information gives several group descriptions: up to four people for the $412 price, a small group of six at one point, and a maximum of 10 participants elsewhere. I would confirm the exact boat capacity and whether your booking is private before paying.

The price works best when four people share it. At $412 for up to four, the simple per-person calculation is about $103 each before optional extras. For a boat day with multiple stops, lunch, and snorkeling, that can be fair value, especially if the boat is reserved just for your party.

For one or two people, the same total price is less attractive unless the booking includes a private arrangement that you particularly want. Ask whether the price is charged for the boat or the group, and ask what private use includes.

The operator also says you can privatize the boat and customize the trip. That is a real advantage for families, couples, and groups celebrating something. You may be able to adjust the cool box or request a preferred wine, but confirm any changes and fees in advance.

Guide quality and family suitability

The strongest personal detail attached to this outing is the praise for Lucas and Sebastian. Lucas was described as caring for a family with two young children, providing information about the island, and keeping the mood warm. Sebastian was praised for being professional, attentive, and entertaining.

That combination is exactly what you want on a boat. A good skipper must watch the water, handle the route, and still make the day feel welcoming. You should not expect a formal lecture at every stop, but you can expect guidance in French or English and practical help along the way.

Families are a good match for this trip because there are several ways to participate. Children can swim, snack, sit on the beach, and enjoy the boat even if snorkeling is not their thing. The family feedback also suggests that the crew can be attentive to young children, though the activity does not provide specific age rules or safety equipment details.

Couples and groups of friends should also find the format appealing. The beach barbecue gives you social time, while the private boat option lets you avoid the fixed rhythm of a large excursion.

People looking for a demanding water-sports day may find this too gentle. The focus is on sightseeing, snorkeling, lunch, and swimming, not on a long technical session or a packed schedule of athletic activities.

Time on the water and what to clarify

The total duration is six hours. The listed route begins with about 15 minutes of sailing, gives roughly three hours to the Ile aux Cerfs portion, includes a 45-minute sailing period around Lighthouse Island, and returns to Chantauvent Guesthouse.

The wording of the schedule does not make every sailing segment perfectly clear. It also does not specify the exact length of each snorkeling stop, how long you land at Lighthouse Island, or the precise time of departure. I would check availability and starting times before booking.

That uncertainty is not necessarily a problem. Boat routes often shift with conditions and the skipper’s judgment. Still, you should know whether your priority is a long beach lunch, a private boat, snorkeling, or island sightseeing, then ask if the planned timing supports it.

The return is to Chantauvent Guesthouse in Blue Bay. Since the trip begins and ends at the same place, you do not need to arrange a separate transfer between stops.

Price, food, and optional extras

At $412 for a group of up to four, this is priced as a premium small-group outing rather than a basic shared cruise. Its value depends heavily on how many people share the cost.

If four people go, the price comes to about $103 per person. That includes the multi-stop boat experience, snorkeling opportunity, beach barbecue, and time at Ile aux Cerfs. For a private boat, that is a reasonable package for a special day.

If you are booking alone or as a couple, compare the cost with other boat trips in Mauritius. This option makes the most sense when privacy, flexible arrangements, and a smaller group matter to you.

The lobster meal adds 600 rupees per person. A preferred wine also costs extra, while one wine option is included with lunch. You can customize the cool box as well, but ask for the cost of any food or drink changes before the trip.

I appreciate that the main package remains clear: you get the boat day and barbecue without having to pay for a premium meal. You can keep the outing simple or add special touches for a birthday, family occasion, or private celebration.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms give you some protection if your Mauritius plans are still shifting.

Who should book this experience

I would point families toward this trip first, especially if you want a day with both swimming and downtime. The small-group setup and kind guide feedback are encouraging for parents with young children.

It also suits friends who want a shared meal and a private-feeling boat day. The beach barbecue gives everyone a natural pause, and the snorkeling stops add something to do between island visits.

Couples should consider it if they value a full outing rather than a short transfer to one beach. The private boat option may be worthwhile for a special occasion, but the $412 price is easier to justify with four people.

Nature fans will appreciate the chance to see lagoon fauna, coral, marine life, islands, and perhaps dolphins at a distance. Keep expectations sensible: the trip offers wildlife viewing, not a guaranteed dolphin encounter.

I would not choose it if your main goal is a tightly scheduled historical tour, a long snorkeling expedition, or the cheapest possible way to reach Ile aux Cerfs. Its strength is the mix of sea views, food, swimming, and easygoing island time.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs day trip?

Book it if you want a friendly, flexible boat day with several stops and a proper beach lunch. The best reasons are the small-group feel, the chance to customize the boat, and the consistently positive impressions of guides such as Lucas and Sebastian.

Before booking, confirm the actual group limit, whether the boat will be private, the departure time, and how the six hours are divided between Ile aux Cerfs, snorkeling, and Lighthouse Island. If four people share the $412 price, the value looks much better.

For a family, a group of friends, or anyone who wants Mauritius from the water without spending all day on a boat, I would put this high on the shortlist. The barbecue, lagoon stops, and relaxed pace make it more than a simple beach transfer.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip begin and end?

It begins and ends at Chantauvent Guesthouse in Blue Bay. Ask reception for directions to the Beach House, where the guide will be waiting.

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts six hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling stops are included, with opportunities to see coral and marine life in the lagoon.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A beach barbecue is included. A full lobster meal costs an additional 600 Mauritian rupees per person.

Can I request a particular wine?

One type of wine is included with lunch. A preferred wine can be supplied for an additional fee.

Can the boat be made private?

Yes. The boat can be privatized, and the trip or cool box can be customized. Confirm the group limit and any extra charges before booking.