Full-Day Catamaran Cruise to Île aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch

Paradise is best seen from the water. This seven-hour catamaran outing pairs a scenic sail from Pointe Jerome with a snorkeling stop, a barbecue lunch, open drinks, and time on Île aux Cerfs. I like the friendly crew and steady service, especially the regular refills and help in the water. I also like the easy mix of activity and downtime: you can snorkel, watch for dolphins, or simply stretch out in the sun.

The main catch is the island itself. Île aux Cerfs is beautiful in places, but the beach area used by the boat can feel crowded and basic. Snorkeling conditions also vary, and you should not expect a reef packed with colorful fish every time. At $81.10 per person, this is good value if you want a full day on the sea with food and drinks included, but less compelling if your main goal is a quiet, untouched beach.

Key things to know before booking

• Pointe Jerome is the departure point: The cruise leaves at 9:00 a.m. from Pointe d’Esny, with free parking for those arriving independently.
• The catamaran carries up to 31 people: This is a social boat trip, not a private sailing experience.
• Snorkeling comes before Île aux Cerfs: Equipment is included, and you can swim or stay aboard if the water is not your thing.
• Lunch and drinks are part of the price: You get a BBQ buffet, pineapple, tea or coffee, local beer, wine, Mauritian rum, and soft drinks.
• Dolphins are a possibility, not a promise: The captain may adjust the route to look for them, but wildlife sightings depend on nature.
• Return times matter: Listen carefully before leaving the boat for the island, especially since tide conditions can affect departure plans.

Starting at Pointe Jerome at 9:00 a.m.

The day begins at the Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point, listed at HPGF+496 Pointe Jerome, Pointe d’Esny. The cruise starts at 9:00 a.m., and the boat returns to this same meeting point at the end of the day.

That arrangement is handy if you have your own car, since free parking is available. It is less convenient if you are staying far away and need to arrange transport, because hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The location is near public transportation, but you should still plan your morning carefully and allow enough time to find the departure area.

One particularly nice touch from the day’s routine is the early drink service. Coffee and tea are included, and one account also describes coffee with sweet bread shortly after leaving the dock. Snacks are included as well, with pineapple listed for dessert. These small details matter because a 9:00 a.m. start can feel early, especially if you are traveling with children.

The boat holds a maximum of 31 people. That keeps the group smaller than a large sightseeing vessel, but you should still expect company around the railings, dining area, and swimming stops. If you want a private, silent sail, this is not that sort of outing. If you enjoy a friendly shared atmosphere with music and conversation, the group size works well.

Cruising through Mauritius’ eastern waters

The sailing is the heart of the experience. As the catamaran moves through the lagoon, you get open views of Mauritius from a low, easygoing vantage point. The pace gives you time to watch the water, feel the sun, and take in the changing scenery without being rushed from one stop to another.

The crew adds a social rhythm to the ride. Music plays during the cruise, including Mauritian sega, and the return trip is described as particularly lively. Drinks are available throughout the day, including local beer, wine, Mauritian rum, and soft drinks. Several people praised the crew for keeping glasses filled, while others appreciated the relaxed music and good humor on board.

I would treat the unlimited drinks as a bonus, not the main reason to book. The real value comes from having lunch, snorkeling equipment, snacks, and a full day at sea bundled into one price. Still, the drinks make the outing feel more generous than a bare transport trip to the island.

The crew members named in the feedback include Rudi, Scott, Rowan, Miguel, and captain Pascal. Most comments describe the staff as friendly, helpful, and accommodating. Crew members helped with boarding, swimming, lunch, and lost items. In one memorable case, a crew member reportedly put on a mask and retrieved a phone that had fallen into the water near the dock.

There is also one serious negative account involving a crew member named Pascal, with an allegation of rude and inappropriate conduct. The operator apologized and said it was investigating. That complaint is not consistent with the many positive descriptions of the staff, but it is worth acknowledging. A balanced recommendation should not hide an experience that one customer found deeply upsetting.

The snorkeling stop before the island

The snorkeling stop comes before Île aux Cerfs. The boat pauses at a lagoon location where you can swim, snorkel, or remain on board and enjoy the views.

Snorkeling equipment is included, which makes this part easy for beginners. You do not need to organize a separate rental or carry gear across the island. The stop also breaks up the sailing and gives you a chance to cool off before lunch and beach time.

Conditions are not guaranteed. Some descriptions call the snorkeling beautiful and brilliant, while another account says the water did not offer colorful fish. Both experiences can be true. Marine life and visibility change with weather, water conditions, and the exact location used that day.

I would book this as a pleasant lagoon swim with a chance to see fish, not as a specialist marine-life excursion. If you already snorkel often, you may find the stop modest. If you are new to snorkeling, it offers a simple and low-pressure introduction. You can swim, float, and enjoy the water without needing advanced skills.

The cruise also keeps an eye out for dolphins. Several people reported seeing them, and the captain sometimes works to give the group a good chance of spotting them. Still, dolphins are wild animals. No responsible operator can promise a sighting, so consider it an exciting extra rather than a fixed part of the schedule.

Barbecue lunch with local drinks

Lunch is served as a BBQ buffet on board. The meal includes pineapple for dessert, with coffee and tea also provided. The food receives strong praise overall, with specific approval for both the barbecue and vegetarian options.

That vegetarian detail is useful. If you do not eat meat, the available feedback suggests you should still have a workable lunch, though the supplied information does not give a full menu. It is sensible to raise dietary needs when booking if your requirements are strict.

The meal adds real value to the $81.10 price. A day on the water can become expensive once you add lunch, drinks, and equipment separately. Here, those costs are built into the outing, so you can focus on the cruise instead of watching every small charge.

The setting helps. Lunch is prepared while music plays and the catamaran moves through the lagoon or pauses near the day’s stops. This is not a formal restaurant meal. It is casual boat food, served in a relaxed setting, and that is exactly why it works.

The quality may not impress someone seeking gourmet cooking. One less enthusiastic account described the food as only okay. For most people, though, the combination of a hot BBQ buffet, fruit, unlimited drinks, and a full day on the water makes the meal a strong part of the package.

Arriving at Île aux Cerfs by the front ladder

The main island stop lasts about two hours. The catamaran reaches Île aux Cerfs and uses a ladder at the front of the boat, allowing you to step directly toward the famous sandbank and shallow water.

That arrival is part of the fun. Instead of pulling into a conventional harbor, you enter through the lagoon and wade into knee-deep water or settle onto the sand. Bring footwear that can handle wet conditions, and keep phones and valuables secure near the waterline.

You can relax on the beach, swim, sunbathe, or spend time in the shallow water. Parasailing and other water activities are available on the island at extra cost. Parasailing can give you a different view of the lagoon, but it is not included in the cruise price.

Île aux Cerfs is attractive, but manage your expectations. The area where the boat stops may be crowded, and some of the facilities can feel basic. One of the more useful tips is to walk toward the other side of the island, which may feel more pleasant than the immediate drop-off area.

The island works best as a relaxed break after snorkeling and lunch. It is not necessarily the strongest part of the day for scenery. The journey across the water often receives more praise than the final beach stop, so I would choose this cruise for the complete combination rather than for Île aux Cerfs alone.

Why the return schedule deserves attention

Before you leave the boat, listen closely for the exact return time. The catamaran must coordinate the group, the tide, and the conditions around the island. One serious complaint involved a family who returned late and found that the catamaran had already departed.

The operator explained that tide conditions required the boat to leave and that the captain had given a return time. The practical lesson is simple: do not rely on instructions from unrelated water-sports operators on the island. Confirm the time directly with the catamaran crew, note where the boat will be, and return early.

This is especially important if you plan to add parasailing or another paid activity. Leave yourself a generous cushion. A short delay can become a costly problem when the boat has a fixed route and changing water conditions.

The cruise finishes back at Pointe Jerome. The final sail includes music, drinks, and the same relaxed social mood as the outward journey. You may find the return ride just as enjoyable as the stops, particularly if you prefer slow travel to a tightly scheduled sightseeing program.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I think this outing suits couples, families, and small groups of friends who want one easy day by the sea. You get a mix of swimming, snorkeling, beach time, food, drinks, and music without arranging several separate activities.

It is also a good choice for people who want a sociable experience. The group can include up to 31 people, and the atmosphere appears friendly and informal. The crew interacts with the group rather than simply transporting you from one place to another.

Families should note that children must be accompanied by an adult. Most people can participate, but the day includes boarding a catamaran, using a front ladder, wading in shallow water, and taking part in a snorkeling stop. If anyone in your party has concerns about swimming or boat access, ask the operator before booking.

I would be more cautious if your priority is solitude, untouched beaches, or serious snorkeling. Île aux Cerfs can be crowded, and the snorkeling may be pleasant rather than spectacular. You may also prefer another option if you do not drink, since the open beer, wine, rum, and soda service is a major part of the package atmosphere.

Is $81.10 good value?

At $81.10 per person, the price is fair for a seven-hour outing that includes a catamaran cruise, snorkeling equipment, BBQ lunch, snacks, coffee or tea, and unlimited local drinks. It also covers the chance to see dolphins and time on Île aux Cerfs without requiring you to plan the day yourself.

The value is strongest when you use the whole package. If you eat the lunch, take part in the snorkeling stop, enjoy the beach, and appreciate the drinks and music, the price feels sensible. It is less attractive if you mainly want a short boat ride or a quiet beach visit.

The cruise is often booked around 18 days ahead, so popular dates may fill before your holiday. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Poor weather or failure to reach the required minimum number of participants can lead to a new date, another experience, or a full refund.

Final verdict: Should you book it?

I would book this cruise if you want a cheerful, well-fed day on the water and value convenience over seclusion. The crew, lunch, drinks, music, and sailing time are the strongest reasons to go. The snorkeling is a worthwhile extra, and dolphin spotting can create a special moment when conditions cooperate.

I would skip it if you expect a deserted island, exceptional reef snorkeling, or a carefully guided cultural tour. Île aux Cerfs can be crowded, the beach stop is not perfect, and you must pay attention to the return time.

For most couples and families, this is a solid Mauritius day trip at a reasonable all-in price. Arrive at Pointe Jerome on time, bring sun protection and secure swimwear, listen carefully to the island instructions, and treat the dolphins as a lucky bonus. Do that, and the cruise offers a relaxed and enjoyable way to see Mauritius from the water.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The cruise starts at HPGF+496 Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point in Pointe d’Esny, Mauritius.

What time does the cruise begin?

The scheduled start time is 9:00 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately seven hours.

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The experience begins and ends at Pointe Jerome.

Is parking available at the departure point?

Yes. Free parking is available at Pointe Jerome for people arriving by their own means.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The package includes a BBQ buffet lunch and pineapple for dessert.

What drinks are included?

Coffee and tea, local beer, wine, Mauritian rum, and soft drinks are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included for the snorkeling stop.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded.