Ile Aux Cerfs Catamaran Trip w/ Lunch, Drinks & Transfer

Mauritius looks best from the water. This full-day outing combines a catamaran cruise with the Grand River South East waterfall, a snorkeling stop, lunch, and time on Ile aux Cerfs. I like the included hotel transfer and the easy all-in-one plan, especially if you want to see several east-coast sights without arranging separate transport.

I also like the cheerful onboard service, with local music, jokes, English and French explanations, and a well-stocked drinks service. The main caution is weather: one booking was canceled and rescheduled because of conditions, so keep your plans flexible and follow up promptly on any refund.

Key things to know before booking

• Pickup covers northern Mauritius: Transfers are offered from Grand Baie, Pointe aux Biches, Trou-aux-Biches, Balaclava, Mon Choisy, Cap Malheureux, Pereybere, Pointe aux Piments, and Triolet.
• The day runs roughly from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.: You board at Trou D’eau Douce and return there before the ride back to your accommodation.
• Grand River South East comes first: A speedboat takes you about 500 meters upstream to see the waterfall before the catamaran continues toward Ile aux Cerfs.
• Lunch is included and substantial: Expect grilled fish, chicken, hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice, along with light breakfast snacks.
• Drinks are unlimited: Soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum are included.
• Bring footwear for the shore: Coral and sea urchins can be underfoot around Ile aux Cerfs, so water shoes are a smart addition.

Why this cruise works well for a first day at sea

At $115 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Ile aux Cerfs. It is a full package, though. You get air-conditioned transport, a catamaran trip, food, drinks, life jackets, a waterfall visit, snorkeling time, and hotel drop-off. If you would otherwise pay separately for a taxi, boat, lunch, and drinks, the price becomes easier to justify.

The plan also removes a common Mauritius headache: getting to the correct departure point. Your driver collects you at your hotel or Airbnb and takes you to Trou D’eau Douce on the east coast. The driver is expected to help you find the right boat and get settled before the cruise begins. That small bit of help matters when several boats are using the same waterfront.

This is a long day, but it is not a rushed checklist. The main stop is Ile aux Cerfs, where you have time to swim, walk, relax, or pay extra for activities such as parasailing, tube riding, and an undersea walk. The exact pace can vary with weather and water conditions, but the structure gives you a good mix of movement and downtime.

The morning transfer to Trou D’eau Douce

Pickup is available from a group of northern resort areas, including Grand Baie, Cap Malheureux, Pereybere, Trou-aux-Biches, Balaclava, Mon Choisy, Pointe aux Piments, Pointe aux Biches, and Triolet. The ride is in an air-conditioned vehicle, which is welcome in Mauritius’ warm climate.

The stated arrival time at Trou D’eau Douce is 8:30 a.m., with the catamaran leaving at about 9 a.m. You should treat that early start seriously. Have your swimsuit on beneath your clothes, pack sunscreen and a towel, and keep your camera somewhere protected from spray. There is a short gap between arrival and boarding, so this is not the morning for a slow breakfast at the hotel.

A light breakfast snack is included, but do not expect a full morning meal. The more filling food comes later with the barbecue lunch. Bottled water is also provided, though carrying a small personal bottle can still be useful during the transfer and time ashore.

The drive itself is part of the value. You avoid hiring a taxi for the outbound and return legs, and the same arrangement brings you back to your accommodation after the cruise. A particularly useful feature is the driver’s role at the port. The driver is expected to make sure you have your tickets and board the correct catamaran, rather than simply leaving you at the waterfront.

Grand River South East and its waterfall visit

The first sightseeing stop is Grand River South East, reached from the catamaran by speedboat. The waterfall is about 500 meters upstream. This short transfer gives the morning a change of pace and lets you get closer to the riverbanks than you would from the main boat.

The setting includes old trees along the river, and you might spot monkeys moving through the branches. Fruit bats can also be seen resting in the highest trees as you approach the falls. These sightings are not guaranteed, so think of them as a pleasant possibility rather than the main reason to book.

The waterfall itself is attractive, but keep your expectations sensible. This is a brief scenic visit, not a long wilderness walk or a major waterfall expedition. You go upstream, view the falls, and return to the catamaran. Its value is that it adds a distinctly Mauritian river scene to a day otherwise focused on open water and beaches.

The speedboat transfer can be exciting, but it may be less comfortable for anyone who dislikes quick boat rides or getting splashed. Keep loose belongings secure. After the waterfall visit, you return to the catamaran and continue through the lagoon.

Snorkeling in the clear lagoon

The catamaran stops for swimming and snorkeling before lunch. The waters are described as clear, with coral reefs and tropical fish visible in the snorkeling area. Life jackets are included, which is useful for anyone who wants to float and look below without strong swimming skills.

Snorkeling conditions depend on the sea and the exact stopping point. The activity is an opportunity, not a formal marine-life tour with a guaranteed list of fish. If snorkeling is the main goal of your Mauritius holiday, you may want a specialist excursion. If you want a pleasant swim and a look at reef life as part of a broader day, this stop fits well.

Bring your own mask if you already have one you like, although the available equipment is not specified. At minimum, pack a towel, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Reapply sunscreen after swimming, since a day on open water can produce more sun exposure than you expect.

The snorkeling break also gives you a chance to slow down. After the early pickup and waterfall visit, the simple routine of swimming, floating, and sitting on deck helps balance the more active parts of the morning.

A Mauritian barbecue lunch with an open drinks service

Lunch is one of the stronger features of the package. The barbecue includes fresh grilled fish, barbecue chicken, grilled hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices are available, and the food is halal.

The meal may be served on the beach or on the catamaran, depending on the day’s setup. That flexibility is practical because wind, tide, and boat position can affect where the crew serves food. The menu is casual rather than gourmet, but it is exactly the sort of filling meal that suits a day of swimming and sun.

Breakfast snacks come earlier, while lunch provides the main fuel for the afternoon. If you have dietary needs beyond vegetarian food or halal preparation, confirm them before booking because the available information only specifies those options.

Drinks include soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum without an extra charge. This is a meaningful part of the price for people who plan to spend most of the day on the boat. The crew is described as attentive about making sure everyone receives something to drink, with nonalcoholic choices available as well.

Use a little judgment with the rum and the sun. Unlimited alcohol sounds festive, but dehydration and boat motion are an unhelpful combination. Water is included, so alternate drinks and keep swimming within your comfort level.

Arriving at Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the main event. As the catamaran approaches, you see palm trees, white sand, and clear turquoise water. The island is designed for an easy beach day, with space to stroll, sit, swim, and enjoy the view.

It is also a popular place, so you should not expect a deserted island. Its appeal lies in convenience and beauty rather than isolation. You can step off the boat and quickly find the classic Mauritius scene that many people picture before arriving: bright water, pale sand, palms, and plenty of sun.

The island offers optional paid activities, including parasailing, tube riding, and an undersea walk. These are not part of the $115 price. If you want to add one, budget separately and allow time for the activity rather than assuming the whole visit will be spent on the beach.

For many people, the best use of the island stop is free. Walk along the shore, swim, take photographs, or find a quiet patch to sit for a while. You should bring water shoes because coral and sea urchins may be underfoot in the water. This is a small packing detail with a large comfort payoff.

The shore can be hard on bare feet, and strong sun is another concern. Sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and a towel belong in your day bag. Keep your camera protected from sand and spray, especially during the shore transfer.

The ride home and what the day feels like

After the island visit, you sail back to Trou D’eau Douce, with an expected arrival around 4 p.m. The return gives you one more chance to enjoy the mountain views and changing colors of the east-coast water without needing to do anything at all.

The onboard atmosphere is intended to be social. Local Mauritian music, jokes, and stories from the crew keep the boat from feeling like a silent ferry. Explanations are available in English and French, and the activity also lists German and Italian support. The exact language coverage may depend on the crew working that day, but the range is useful for mixed-language groups.

Once back at Trou D’eau Douce, your driver takes you to your hotel or Airbnb. That final transfer is especially valuable if your accommodation is in the north, since the return drive after a full day on the water can feel long.

The day’s weakest point is not a sightseeing stop. It is the possibility of weather disruption. A December booking was canceled twice after bad conditions, and the customer reported a delayed refund. Weather calls can be necessary for safety, and conditions may differ from one part of the island to another, but you should keep records of cancellation messages and check the refund status promptly.

Who should book this Ile aux Cerfs trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want a well-organized full-day outing that covers several east-coast highlights in one booking. It suits couples, families, and groups who value included meals, drinks, and transport more than a quiet or highly private boat.

It is also a good choice if this is your first visit to Mauritius and you want a broad sample of the east coast. You get a river waterfall, lagoon snorkeling, a barbecue, a beach island, and a scenic sail home.

You may want a different option if you dislike group boat trips, want a private itinerary, or care most about serious snorkeling. Optional water sports cost extra, and the island is more of a comfortable beach stop than a remote escape.

At $115, the value is strongest when you use the included transfer, lunch, drinks, and full day on the water. It is less compelling if you do not drink, plan to spend little time on the boat, or already have independent transport and a cheaper way to reach Ile aux Cerfs.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want an easy, social day with a strong list of inclusions and little transport planning. The helpful driver service, friendly crew, good barbecue, and attractive island stop are the reasons I would put it on a Mauritius shortlist.

Before paying, check the weather forecast, confirm pickup details, and ask how the operator handles a cancellation. Pack water shoes, sunscreen, a towel, sunglasses, and a camera. If those practical points suit you, this is a sensible way to see the east coast without piecing the day together yourself.

FAQ

How long does the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran trip last?

The activity lasts about eight hours. Pickup and drop-off are included, with the catamaran portion running from about 9 a.m. until the return to Trou D’eau Douce at approximately 4 p.m.

Where does pickup take place?

Pickup is available from hotels or Airbnbs in Pointe aux Biches, Grand Baie, Pointe aux Piments, Balaclava, Pereybere, Triolet, Mon Choisy, Cap Malheureux, and Trou-aux-Biches.

What food is included?

A light breakfast snack and a barbecue lunch are included. Lunch consists of grilled fish, barbecue chicken, grilled hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian food is available, and the food is halal.

Are drinks included in the price?

Yes. Unlimited soft drinks, juice, bottled water, beer, wine, and local rum are included.

Are water sports included?

No. Parasailing, tube riding, and the undersea walk are optional activities and are not included in the tour price.

What languages are available?

The activity lists English, French, German, and Italian. The crew also provides explanations during the trip, with English and French specifically described as available.