Mauritius: Boat trip to Ile aux Cerfs with Lunch/waterslide

A waterslide at sea changes the whole cruise. This six-hour trip from Trou d’Eau Douce combines a scenic east-coast sail with snorkeling, a floating waterslide, and a barbecue lunch served onboard. I like the easy mix of action and downtime, and I especially like that the crew adds local Sega music and dance rather than offering a silent ride between stops.

The second big plus is value. At $88 per person, you get the catamaran cruise, snorkeling gear, lunch, unlimited beer, rum, soft drinks, and a visit to Île aux Cerfs. The main drawback is that the day is built around swimming and boat access, so it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Key things to know before you book

• The waterslide goes straight from the boat into the lagoon, making this more playful than a standard sightseeing cruise.
• Snorkeling gear is provided, with a guided stop near Grand River South East.
• Lunch is a barbecue served onboard, with grilled meats, salads, fruit, and vegetarian food available on request.
• Unlimited drinks are included, including beer, rum, soft drinks, and water.
• Île aux Cerfs gives you free time for swimming, walking, relaxing, or paying extra for water sports.
• Local Sega music and dance add a Mauritian touch, and the crew’s entertainment is one of the strongest parts of the day.

From Trou d’Eau Douce to the open lagoon

The trip begins at the end of the jetty beside the Mauritian flag in Trou d’Eau Douce. Depending on the option you choose, pickup arrangements can vary, so check the selected departure details carefully. The boat then heads along Mauritius’ east coast, where the scenery shifts from the river mouth to open turquoise water.

The first sailing period lasts about an hour. That is enough time to settle in, find a place on deck, and enjoy the views without feeling rushed. Local snacks may be served during the ride, and the crew provides music and entertainment as the boat moves toward the swimming stop.

I like this opening because it gives the day a gentle start. You are not thrown straight into a packed schedule. At the same time, the boat is not simply a ferry to Île aux Cerfs. The sailing itself is part of the experience, and the east coast views give you a good sense of Mauritius from the water.

Bring a towel, swimwear, sandals, and biodegradable sunscreen. You will spend much of the day around water, and sandals are more practical than bare feet when moving around the boat or walking on the island.

Snorkeling near Grand River South East

The first active stop is near Grand River South East, where you have about 40 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. The water is clear, and the stop is intended for seeing coral and marine life rather than simply cooling off.

Snorkeling equipment is supplied, and guides are available to help. That matters if you are not an experienced swimmer or if you have not snorkeled before. You can use this stop at your own pace, but you should be comfortable entering the water from the boat.

I like having snorkeling early in the trip. You get the most active part finished before lunch, and you can decide how much energy you want to spend. If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, keep your expectations sensible. The information promises clear water, coral reefs, and marine life, but it does not describe a long guided reef session or a specialist marine tour.

This is also a useful point to consider for families. Children and less confident swimmers may appreciate the crew’s help, but parents should still keep a close eye on young swimmers. The trip includes water access and a slide, not a dedicated children’s program.

The boat’s giant slide is the star attraction

After snorkeling, the onboard waterslide gives the cruise its unusual twist. You can slide from the boat directly into the lagoon, then climb back aboard and do it again while access remains available.

This is the feature that separates the trip from a typical catamaran outing. You are not only looking at the water from a deck chair. You can make the boat itself part of the fun. The slide is aimed at both children and adults, so families, couples, and groups can all join in.

I would treat the slide as a major part of the day rather than a minor extra. If you want quiet sailing with long stretches of peace, the music, swimming, and repeated slide runs may feel lively. If you want a social day with plenty to do, it gives the cruise a strong sense of occasion.

There is a practical point here. You should be ready to get wet, and you will want your swimwear on before the boat reaches the swimming area. Keep anything delicate or water-sensitive in a secure place. The provided information does not specify storage arrangements, so it is best not to bring valuables onto the slide or into the water.

BBQ lunch, unlimited drinks, and an easy afternoon

Lunch is prepared and served onboard as a barbecue. The meal includes grilled meats, salads, and fruit, with vegetarian choices available if requested in advance. Unlimited drinks include beer, rum, soft drinks, and water.

The value of this package depends on how you use it. A separate boat trip, meal, snorkeling rental, drinks, and island visit could quickly add up, while this price combines them in one booking. At $88 per person, it is not the cheapest way to reach Île aux Cerfs, but it is a fair package if you want food, drinks, entertainment, and water activities included.

I like that lunch stays onboard. You do not lose time leaving the boat to find a restaurant, and the meal keeps the group together. You can eat with the lagoon around you, then return to swimming or relaxing without another transfer.

The drinks package also shapes the mood. Beer, rum, and soft drinks are included, which suits a social boat day. If you prefer a calm afternoon, you can simply choose water or a soft drink. Do not assume the unlimited drinks turn the trip into a party cruise all day, but music and alcohol are clearly part of the atmosphere.

Vegetarian food is available on request, not automatically guaranteed. If you need that option, ask for it when booking rather than waiting until lunch.

A short river transfer before Île aux Cerfs

The itinerary includes a 20-minute river boat ride before the Île aux Cerfs portion of the day. This is a shorter transfer, but it adds variety to the route. Instead of spending all six hours on the same stretch of open water, you get a change in scenery and boat style.

The route then brings you toward the island, known for white sand beaches and shallow lagoons. The stop is designed to give you both organized fun and free time. After lunch, you can walk, swim, sit on the beach, or look into optional water sports at your own expense.

You should not expect every activity on Île aux Cerfs to be included. The cruise covers the visit, but optional water sports cost extra. That is useful if you want choice, but it also means you should set a budget before arriving. The included program already has plenty to fill the stop, especially if you want a relaxed swim and walk.

The island visit is also the best part of the day for doing less. The morning includes sailing, snorkeling, and the waterslide. Île aux Cerfs gives you room to spread out and choose your own pace. If you are traveling with people who want different things, this flexibility helps.

Mauritian Sega music on the return sail

The return journey lasts about an hour and includes music, drinks, and crew entertainment. A special feature is Sega dance, along with traditional Mauritian music and dance.

Sega is a local Mauritian musical tradition, so this part gives the cruise more character than a generic soundtrack would. The crew’s performance is not just background noise. It offers a small taste of local culture in a setting built for fun.

The entertainment earned the highest praise in the available feedback. One recent booking described the entertainment as fabulous and the staff as amazing, while other comments praised the music, singing, and local dances. The short comments also repeatedly describe the crew as friendly and the day as memorable.

That praise is worth taking seriously because service can make or break a group boat trip. The route and food matter, but a warm crew helps the day feel organized and welcoming. The French and English guide service also makes the activity accessible to a wider mix of visitors.

The return sail is a good time to sit back and watch the coastline. You have already done the snorkeling and island visit, so the final hour can be social or quiet, depending on your mood.

What the $88 price really includes

The $88 cost covers more than transportation. You are paying for a six-hour catamaran outing with a snorkeling stop, equipment, waterslide access, BBQ lunch, unlimited drinks, the island visit, music, and crew entertainment.

I consider that solid value for someone who wants a complete day without arranging separate pieces. The price becomes less attractive if you do not drink, do not want lunch onboard, or plan to spend most of the day away from organized activities. In that case, a simpler boat transfer or island visit might suit you better.

The included features also reduce small expenses during the day. You do not need to rent snorkeling equipment, buy lunch separately, or pay for standard drinks. You still need to budget for optional water sports on Île aux Cerfs, and the package does not say that transport from every hotel is included.

The reserve-now-and-pay-later option adds useful flexibility. You can hold a place without paying immediately, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Check the exact starting time when choosing your date, since the schedule can vary.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend this experience to families with confident swimmers, couples who want more than a quiet beach day, and groups looking for a social outing. The waterslide gives children and playful adults something memorable to do, while the island stop gives less energetic passengers time to sit and swim.

It also suits first-time visitors who want several Mauritius highlights in one outing. You get the east coast from the water, a snorkeling stop, Grand River South East, Île aux Cerfs, local music, and a BBQ meal without planning each part separately.

I would be more cautious if you want a small, quiet, highly focused snorkeling trip. This is a mixed activity cruise with music, drinks, lunch, swimming, and island time. Snorkeling is important, but it is not the entire purpose of the day.

The mobility warning is clear. You need to manage boat access, swimming, and movement around the island, and the activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. If you have any doubt about access or water activities, ask the provider before booking.

What to pack and how to prepare

Keep your packing simple:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sandals with a secure fit
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• A change of clothes
• Waterproof protection for personal items

The required items are practical rather than complicated. Wear swimwear under your clothes so you are ready for the snorkeling stop and slide. Reapply sunscreen, since a day on the water gives you sun from above and reflected light from the lagoon.

If you want a vegetarian lunch, request it ahead of time. If you prefer not to drink alcohol, unlimited water and soft drinks are included, so you still have suitable choices.

The meeting point is at the end of the jetty beside the Mauritian flag. Since the selected option can affect the starting location or pickup details, check the booking information before setting out.

Should you book the Île aux Cerfs boat trip?

I would book this cruise if you want an active, cheerful day that combines several experiences in one price. The waterslide, included drinks, onboard BBQ, and local Sega entertainment give it more personality than a basic island transfer, and the staff praise adds confidence that the social side of the trip is handled well.

I would skip it if you want a quiet boat, a specialist snorkeling session, or a low-cost ride with no extras. For everyone else, $88 is reasonable for six hours of sailing, food, drinks, gear, swimming, entertainment, and Île aux Cerfs. Pack lightly, request vegetarian food early if needed, and be ready for a wet, lively day.

FAQ

How long does the Mauritius boat trip last?

The experience lasts six hours. Starting times vary, so you should check availability for your chosen date.

Where does the boat trip meet?

The meeting point is at the end of the jetty next to the Mauritian flag in Trou d’Eau Douce. The selected option may affect pickup or starting details.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is provided for the stop near Grand River South East, and guides are available to help.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is served onboard, with grilled meats, salads, and fruit. Vegetarian options are available on request.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited beer, rum, soft drinks, and water are included during the experience.

Is the activity suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments.