Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch

The best days in Mauritius often begin at sea. This 7 to 8 hour catamaran trip combines a calm sail across the island’s largest turquoise lagoon with swimming, snorkeling, a waterfall stop, and a generous BBQ lunch. I especially like the friendly crew and the fact that drinks, including soft drinks, beer, water, and rum cocktails, are available throughout the day. The onboard meal also adds real value, with fish, chicken, sausages, salads, fruit, bread, coffee, and the local favorite smoked marlin mousse.

The main thing to consider is the weather. One June departure went ahead in strong wind and heavy cloud, leaving a passenger cold and unable to snorkel. I would pack a towel and plenty of sunscreen, but I would also bring a light cover-up or warm layer. On a bright day, this sounds like a fine, easygoing outing. In rough weather, the same open-air boat can feel exposed.

Key points at a glance

• Pointe Jerome departure: The boat leaves from the embarkation point near Mahebourg and Blue Bay Marine Park, giving you a starting point close to an important protected coastal area.
• Ile aux Cerfs by catamaran: You sail inside Mauritius’s largest lagoon, where the water is sheltered compared with the open ocean.
• Swimming and snorkeling time: You have a chance to get into the water before the waterfall stop, though weather can affect how enjoyable this part is.
• Grande Riviere Sud Est waterfall: The cruise includes a visit to a waterfall in a natural setting, with old 18th-century ramparts nearby.
• Lunch served onboard: The BBQ buffet includes smoked marlin mousse, grilled fish, chicken, sausages, salads, bread, fruit, and coffee.
• Drinks all day: Water, soft drinks, beer, and rum cocktails are included, with a few past passengers singling out the Jungle Juice and Mauritian coffee.

Starting at Pointe Jerome near Mahebourg

Your day begins at Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point, close to the authentic village of Mahebourg and Blue Bay Marine Park. If you choose the transfer option, pickup and return to your Mauritius hotel are included. The collection time depends on where you are staying and is confirmed the day before, so give the correct hotel name when booking.

This location matters because you are not starting from a generic marina far from the island’s older coastal communities. Pointe Jerome sits near Blue Bay, an area protected under the International Ramsar Convention. That gives the first part of the day a little more context than simply stepping onto a boat and heading out.

If you arrange your own way to the meeting point, allow time to arrive before departure. The exact starting hour depends on availability, and the full outing lasts about eight hours. With hotel transfers, the total time away from your room will be longer, especially if you are staying on the other side of Mauritius.

The catamaran is wheelchair accessible, which is useful information for guests who need step-free access. Still, swimming, snorkeling, and moving around a boat deck require you to judge your own comfort and mobility carefully.

Sailing across Mauritius’s largest lagoon

The appeal of this cruise is its pace. You are not rushing from one land attraction to another. Much of the day is spent on the water, with the catamaran sailing within the largest turquoise lagoon in Mauritius and along the island’s wild east coast.

The lagoon provides a more sheltered setting than an open-water boat ride, making this a sensible choice if you want a day at sea without an overly intense route. You can sit back, watch the coast pass, and let the crew handle the practical work. The mood is meant to be relaxed rather than formal or athletic.

I like that drinks are available throughout the outing. Water and soft drinks are included, along with beer and rum cocktails. That means you do not need to keep buying refreshments each time you want something to drink. Responsible moderation still matters, of course, especially in the sun and before swimming.

A few details from the experience give the drinks a local touch. Jungle Juice has been recommended as a favorite, and Mauritian coffee is another drink worth trying. These small touches help the cruise feel connected to Mauritius rather than like a standard boat trip that could take place anywhere.

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the day. Their service has been praised as warm, attentive, and quick to respond to requests. That can make a big difference on a long boat outing, where the staff sets the tone for the entire group.

Swimming and snorkeling before Ile aux Cerfs

The cruise includes time to swim and snorkel before the waterfall visit. This is likely to be one of the most anticipated parts of the day, since the lagoon’s clear turquoise water is the visual star of the route.

Bring your own towel and sunscreen. Valuables are not allowed, so leave expensive jewelry and anything you would hate to lose somewhere safe at your hotel. The boat environment is not the place for unnecessary electronics or treasured belongings.

The water stop depends heavily on conditions. In good weather, you can expect a pleasant chance to cool off and see the lagoon from within it rather than only from the deck. In poor weather, wind and cloud can change the experience completely. A June outing continued in cold, windy conditions, and the water activities became impossible for that passenger.

That is the key practical weakness of any open-air catamaran trip. The operator can provide the boat, meal, and crew, but it cannot provide sunshine. If the forecast looks unsettled, ask about the day’s conditions before setting out and bring something warm to wear. This is especially important if you tend to feel cold after swimming or if you are traveling outside the warmer part of the year.

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women. If you have any other medical or mobility concerns, it is sensible to ask for more details before booking, even though the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Reaching Ile aux Cerfs by catamaran

Ile aux Cerfs is the main scenic prize of the trip. The island is known for pale beaches, bright water, and a holiday setting that feels far removed from the traffic and daily routine of the main island.

The catamaran approach is part of the pleasure. You see the lagoon gradually open around you instead of arriving by road and treating the island as an isolated stop. The ride also gives you time to settle into the day, enjoy a drink, and take in the changing colors of the coast.

The island includes optional water sports and parasailing, but those activities are not included in the price. This is important because the advertised fare covers the cruise and lunch, not every activity available once you reach Ile aux Cerfs. If you want parasailing or other water sports, plan to pay extra.

That also makes the cruise a good fit for different styles of day. You can stay with the relaxed plan, swim, and enjoy the setting, or spend more on an active add-on. You are not forced to pay for an adventure you do not want.

The exact amount of free time on the island is not specified, so I would not book this expecting a long, independent beach day. The outing is built around the full route, including the lagoon, water stop, waterfall, and meal.

Visiting Grande Riviere Sud Est waterfall

The waterfall stop adds variety to the day. After spending time on open water, you get a look at a more sheltered natural setting at Grande Riviere Sud Est.

The waterfall is also tied to Mauritius’s coastal past. Nearby 18th-century ramparts witnessed corsair activity and naval clashes. In 1810, the area was linked to the Battle of Vieux Grand Port between French and English forces. You do not need to be a military-history enthusiast to appreciate the contrast: one moment you are watching turquoise water, and the next you are near traces of a tense period in the island’s past.

This stop is brief enough to complement the cruise rather than dominate it. The point is not a long museum visit or a detailed historical tour. It is a chance to see a natural feature, learn why the coast matters, and break up the time spent aboard.

The setting can also be a good place for photographs, though conditions and timing affect how much time you have. Keep your expectations in line with a boat excursion. This is a scenic stop within a larger day, not a dedicated waterfall walk.

What lunch is like onboard

Lunch is prepared and served by the crew on the catamaran. The BBQ buffet includes:

• Smoked marlin mousse
• Grilled fish
• Chicken
• Sausages
• Rice salad
• Potato salad
• Crudités
• Freshly baked bread
• Fresh fruit
• Coffee

That is a substantial spread for a day on the water. I particularly like the inclusion of smoked marlin mousse, which gives you something more distinctly Mauritian than a simple plate of grilled meat and salad.

The mix should suit a range of tastes. Fish and chicken provide the main choices, sausages offer a familiar option, and the salads, bread, and fruit keep the meal from feeling too heavy in the heat. Coffee and drinks help round out the service.

The meal has also earned praise for both its quality and the way it is served. A friendly crew can turn a basic buffet into one of the more enjoyable parts of the day. You are eating in the same setting where you have been sailing, rather than leaving the boat to find a restaurant during a tightly scheduled stop.

Food preferences and allergy arrangements are not specified in the available details. If you have a serious allergy or need a particular diet, contact the provider before booking rather than assuming the buffet can be changed.

The crew and the overall mood

Turquoise Voyages, also known as Samtours, operates the experience. The guides speak English and French, so communication should be straightforward for many visitors.

The strongest praise centers on the crew. They have been described as kind, attentive, and eager to meet requests. One particularly positive outing included friendly service from start to finish, with the crew helping make the day feel like a special end to a two-week honeymoon.

That warmth matters on an eight-hour excursion. A boat ride can feel long if the staff is distant or disorganized. Here, the human side of the experience appears to be a major reason the day works so well.

The overall rating is 4.6 out of 5 from 106 reviews, which fits the picture of a well-liked activity with one important caveat: weather. The positive feedback is strongest when the conditions cooperate. Crew service and food remain strong points even when the sky does not.

Is the $111 price fair?

At $111 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Ile aux Cerfs. It does, however, bundle several separate parts of a Mauritius day: the catamaran cruise, swimming and snorkeling opportunities, the waterfall visit, lunch, and drinks.

If you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, a meal, and transport from your hotel, the package can offer solid value. The optional hotel pickup and drop-off also simplify the day, though you must select the transfer option. Water sports and parasailing are extra, so budget for those only if you plan to participate.

The value is strongest for you if you want a full day with very little planning. You get a clear route, food onboard, drinks, and a crew managing the schedule. It is less compelling if you mainly want to spend hours alone on the beach or if you dislike group boat outings.

The weather question is part of the price calculation. On a sunny day, the lagoon, swimming stop, island, and waterfall create a varied package. On a cold, windy day, you may still receive lunch and attentive service, but the most enjoyable parts of the outing can be limited.

Who should book this catamaran day?

I would recommend this experience for couples, families, and anyone who wants an easy day on the water without arranging several separate activities. It also suits people who appreciate a social atmosphere, casual drinks, and a crew that takes an active role in looking after you.

It is a good choice if you want to see Ile aux Cerfs while also visiting Grande Riviere Sud Est waterfall. The combination gives you both classic lagoon scenery and a little coastal history.

You may want a different plan if your top priority is parasailing, since those activities cost extra, or if you want a quiet private charter. This is a shared catamaran experience, and the schedule is organized around the full group.

I would also be cautious about booking if you are very sensitive to cold, wind, or rough weather. Pack a light layer even in Mauritius, and check the forecast before leaving your hotel. If the day looks poor, ask whether rescheduling is possible.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms make it easier to keep the plan flexible while you watch the weather.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs cruise?

Book it if you want a well-rounded Mauritius day with lagoon sailing, an onboard BBQ, swimming, drinks, and a waterfall visit. The crew’s warm service and the unusual smoked marlin mousse add personality, while the optional hotel transfer keeps the day simple.

I would choose this over a basic beach transfer because it gives you a fuller picture of the east coast. Just set realistic expectations: the water activities depend on the weather, and the island’s paid water sports are not part of the $111 price.

For the best chance of enjoying the trip, bring sunscreen, a towel, and a light warm layer. Leave valuables at your hotel, select hotel transfers if you need them, and try a Jungle Juice or Mauritian coffee while the catamaran moves across the lagoon.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart?

The cruise departs from Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point in Mauritius, near Mahebourg and Blue Bay Marine Park.

How long does the excursion last?

The activity lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours, with the full duration generally close to eight hours.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available if you choose the transfer option when booking.

Which languages are spoken on the tour?

The live tour guide service is available in English and French.

Is lunch included?

Yes. An onboard BBQ buffet lunch is included in the price.

What food is served at lunch?

The buffet includes smoked marlin mousse, grilled fish, chicken, sausages, rice and potato salads, crudités, freshly baked bread, fresh fruit, and coffee.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Soft drinks, beer, water, and rum cocktails are available throughout the day.

Are parasailing and water sports included?

No. Water sports and parasailing at Ile aux Cerfs are not included.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel and sunscreen. Valuables are not allowed, so leave them behind.

Can pregnant women take this excursion?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for pregnant women.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can I reserve without paying immediately?

Yes. The reserve now and pay later option allows you to keep your plans flexible and pay nothing at the time of booking.