Luxury All-Inclusive Catamaran Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs and GRSE Waterfall

The lagoon is your highway today. This six-hour catamaran cruise links Ile aux Cerfs with the GRSE Waterfall, giving you a simple way to enjoy sea views, lunch, drinks, beach time, and optional water sports without arranging each part yourself. The boat departs from Trou d’Eau Douce at 9:00 a.m. and returns to the same spot.

I like the generous all-inclusive setup, especially the BBQ lunch, open bar, snacks, soft drinks, tea, coffee, bottled water, and snorkeling equipment. I also like the small maximum group size of 25 people, which should feel more personal than a large boat outing. The main consideration is that private transportation is not included, and the two-hour stop at Ile aux Cerfs may feel short if you want a long beach day.

Key Points Before You Book

• Two very different stops: See the GRSE Waterfall where the river meets the Indian Ocean, then spend about two hours at Ile aux Cerfs.
• A full food and drink package: BBQ lunch, snacks, bottled water, soft drinks, tea, coffee, Mauritian beer, rum, and coconut water are included.
• Snorkeling gear is supplied: You do not need to arrange or pay separately for the listed snorkeling equipment.
• Optional thrills are available: Parasailing and tube rides give the day a livelier edge, though the supplied details do not state if these activities cost extra.
• A manageable group size: The catamaran accepts no more than 25 people, useful for anyone who dislikes a crowded boat.
• Flexible cancellation: You can cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund, with weather-related cancellations handled by a new date or refund.

Setting Out From Trou d’Eau Douce at 9:00 a.m.

Your meeting point is the Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs at the Debarcadere in Trou d’Eau Douce. The boat leaves at 9:00 a.m. and returns to this same location, which keeps the day easy to plan if you are staying nearby or arranging your own transport.

Because private transportation is not included, you need to reach the departure point yourself. That is not a serious drawback if Trou d’Eau Douce is already part of your plans, but it matters if you are based elsewhere in Mauritius. Build your morning around arriving before departure rather than treating the 9:00 a.m. start as a loose suggestion.

The stated duration is about six hours. The published stops account for roughly 10 minutes at the waterfall and two hours on Ile aux Cerfs, leaving the rest of the time for the cruise, lunch, drinks, and time on or around the boat. That balance is useful to understand: this is not simply a ferry ride to the island. The catamaran itself is a large part of the day.

The group limit is 25 people. That is small enough to make the boat feel less anonymous, while still large enough for a social outing. The crew has been praised for being kind and helpful, an important point on a day when food service, drinks, snorkeling gear, and timing all need to work together.

Watching the GRSE Waterfall Meet the Ocean

The first stop is Grande Riviere Sud Est, commonly called the GRSE Waterfall. You spend about 10 minutes seeing the waterfall where the river reaches the Indian Ocean, and there is no separate admission charge.

This is a quick scenic stop, not a long walk or a full waterfall visit. I would treat it as a chance to take in the unusual meeting of fresh river water and open sea, grab a few photographs, and listen to the crew’s explanation if one is provided. Ten minutes passes quickly, so keep your camera ready and do not expect time for a relaxed exploration.

The waterfall works well as the opening sight because it gives the cruise a point of interest before the longer stop at Ile aux Cerfs. It also breaks up the ride without taking time away from the beach and water activities later.

The short duration is also the clearest limitation. If your main goal is waterfalls, this cruise does not give you a full visit to several cascades or a long stay at GRSE. You see one notable coastal feature, then move on.

Two Hours on the White Sand of Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the main stop, with about two hours set aside for relaxing, swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, or trying optional activities. The island is known here for white sand and turquoise water, so the appeal is straightforward: you get a compact dose of the classic Mauritius beach scene without needing to organize a separate island trip.

I like the choice built into this stop. You can make it quiet with a swim and coconut water, or you can add more action with parasailing or a tube ride. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you can try that without bringing your own gear or paying a separate rental charge.

The two-hour limit deserves attention. It is enough for a swim, some time on the sand, and perhaps one activity, but it is not an entire afternoon. If you want to linger under an umbrella, eat slowly, snorkel, and fit in parasailing, you may have to choose carefully.

There is also mention of booking a transat, or beach lounger, if you want a dedicated place to sit. The supplied details do not say if that costs extra, so ask before committing. You can still relax, swim, and sunbathe without assuming that a lounger is part of the package.

The island stop is best for people who enjoy variety rather than a single focused activity. You might swim for 20 minutes, dry off in the sun, sample lunch, and then decide if you want a tube ride. The schedule supports that kind of easy choice, but it does not promise long, unhurried time for each option.

Lunch, Mauritian Drinks, and an Open Bar

Food and drink are a major part of the value here. The package includes a BBQ lunch, snacks, bottled water, soda, tea, coffee, and alcoholic drinks. The named refreshments include Mauritian beer, rum, and coconut water.

That range makes the price easier to judge. You are not paying only for the boat and the island transfer. You are also covering a meal and drinks throughout the outing, which means you can board without planning a separate lunch stop.

I especially like the inclusion of coconut water. It fits the setting better than treating the open bar as the whole point of the day, and it gives you a refreshing nonalcoholic option after time in the sun. Bottled water and soft drinks are also included, so you are not forced to choose between alcohol and going without a drink.

The phrase all-inclusive should still be read carefully. It covers the food, drinks, snacks, and snorkeling equipment specifically listed. Parasailing, tube rides, and a beach transat are mentioned as optional choices, but no price details are provided for them. If you want one of those extras, confirm the charge before taking part.

The BBQ also adds a social quality to the cruise. People who want a completely quiet and private boat day may find the meal service and open bar more active than they prefer. For most people looking for a relaxed outing with built-in refreshments, that is part of the fun.

Snorkeling and Optional Adrenaline

The cruise supplies snorkeling equipment, which removes one small but useful hassle. You do not need to pack specialist gear or arrange a rental before boarding.

The information provided does not specify a separate snorkeling stop, the exact snorkeling location, or how long you can use the equipment. I would therefore see snorkeling as an included option rather than the central purpose of the trip. If snorkeling is your top priority, ask the operator how much time is normally allowed and where it takes place.

Parasailing and tube riding offer a different kind of break from the beach. Parasailing is the better choice if you want a high view over the water, while a tube ride suits anyone who prefers a fast, splashy activity. These are available choices, not required parts of the day.

The lack of stated pricing for these activities is worth noting. The cruise price is $111.02 per person, but the supplied inclusions do not list parasailing or tube rides as included. Ask about current rates before you book or before you join an activity so the final cost does not surprise you.

Is $111.02 a Good Value

At $111.02 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning in Mauritius. It can be a fair value if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat ride, lunch, drinks, beach access, and snorkeling equipment.

The strongest value comes from convenience. Your day has a fixed starting point, a planned route, two named stops, lunch, drinks, and equipment already arranged. You do not need to search for a restaurant at Ile aux Cerfs or carry money for each soft drink and snack.

The value is less clear if you will not drink alcohol, skip lunch, avoid snorkeling, and prefer to spend most of the day on one beach. In that case, part of the package may not matter to you. The two-hour island stop also limits how much beach time you receive for the price.

A maximum of 25 people helps support the cost. You are not being placed on a huge vessel with an unclear number of people, though the group will still be large enough to have a shared excursion feel. The friendly and helpful crew is another reason the price may feel worthwhile, particularly if you value assistance with the activities and food service.

This is best judged as a complete half-day outing, not as a simple transfer. If you want the easiest way to combine the GRSE Waterfall and Ile aux Cerfs in one morning, the price is easier to justify.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most

I would recommend this catamaran day to couples, families, and small groups who want a ready-made Mauritius outing. The mix of swimming, beach time, food, drinks, and optional activities gives different people room to choose their own pace.

It also suits first-time visitors who do not want to spend hours comparing boat companies or arranging island logistics. The itinerary is already set, and the boat returns to the same Trou d’Eau Douce meeting point.

People who enjoy a social atmosphere should find the open bar and BBQ a natural fit. The available feedback gives particular praise to the kindness and helpfulness of the people running the outing, which matters when you are trying activities or simply need guidance during a busy day.

I would be more cautious if you want a long, quiet stretch on Ile aux Cerfs. Two hours is enough for a taste, but not enough to make the island the sole focus. I would also look elsewhere if you need private hotel pickup, a highly specialized snorkeling trip, or a detailed cultural tour of Mauritius.

Timing, Weather, and Practical Planning

The experience requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel the cruise, you are offered another date or a full refund. That policy is useful for a water-based activity, since wind and rough conditions can change the day considerably.

You receive confirmation when booking, and most people can participate. The information does not list special restrictions or a detailed accessibility plan, so contact Island Cove Mauritius directly if you have mobility, medical, or equipment concerns.

Pack for a day around water and sun, but keep your plans simple. The supplied details confirm drinks, lunch, snacks, and snorkeling equipment, so you can avoid overpacking food and gear. You should still think about whatever personal beach items you need, since the package does not list those.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the 9:00 a.m. start. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund, and all cut-off times use local Mauritius time.

The Final Call: Book It If You Want Variety

Book this cruise if you want one organized half-day with two scenic stops, a BBQ, an open bar, snorkeling gear, and the option to add more excitement on the water. The kind crew, manageable group size, and no-fuss schedule strengthen the case.

Think twice if your ideal day means staying on one beach for hours, traveling privately, or focusing almost entirely on snorkeling. For everyone else, $111.02 buys a convenient mix of sea time, island scenery, food, and fun, with the important warning that transport to Trou d’Eau Douce and possibly some optional activities cost extra.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start

It starts at Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs at the Debarcadere in Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius.

What time does the cruise begin

The cruise starts at 9:00 a.m.

Where does the cruise finish

It ends at the same Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs meeting point in Trou d’Eau Douce.

How long does the experience last

The cruise lasts approximately six hours.

Which places does the cruise visit

It visits Grande Riviere Sud Est, where you see the GRSE Waterfall, and Ile aux Cerfs Island.

How long do you spend at the waterfall

The stop at Grande Riviere Sud Est lasts about 10 minutes.

How long do you spend on Ile aux Cerfs

You spend approximately two hours on Ile aux Cerfs Island.

What food and drinks are included

The package includes BBQ lunch, snacks, bottled water, soda, tea, coffee, and alcoholic beverages. Mauritian beer, rum, and coconut water are also provided.

Is snorkeling equipment included

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included.

Is transportation included

No. Private transportation is not included, so you need to reach the Trou d’Eau Douce meeting point yourself.

How many people can join the cruise

The maximum group size is 25 people.

Can I cancel for a full refund

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you are offered a different date or a full refund.