Mauritius: Catamaran Day Cruise to lle aux Cerfs with Lunch

Mauritius looks best from the water. I like the spacious catamaran and the easy mix of swimming, sailing, music, and beach time. I also like that the $65 price includes lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and a professional crew. The main drawback is the mood: music can be loud, alcohol is served from the morning, and the snorkeling and waterfall stops may feel brief.

This six-hour outing leaves from the jetty at Trou d’Eau Douce on Mauritius’ east coast. You sail through a bright lagoon, pause near Grand River South East waterfalls, swim with tropical fish, eat a barbecue lunch on board, and spend time at Ile aux Cerfs. It is a social boat day rather than a quiet sailing trip, so your choice depends largely on the atmosphere you want.

Key points at a glance

• Ile aux Cerfs is the star of the day: You get roughly two hours to walk, swim, and relax on one of Mauritius’ most famous beach islands.
• The catamaran provides the real value: A broad deck gives you room to sit, sunbathe, eat, and enjoy the ride instead of being packed into a small speedboat.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Expect fish, chicken skewers, salads, garlic bread, pasta, rice, fresh pineapple, water, soft drinks, beer, and wine.
• The waterfall stop is scenic but short: Grand River South East is attractive, though boats can gather there and the stop may last only about 20 minutes.
• Snorkeling depends on the conditions: Some people see plenty of sea life, but current and coral damage can reduce the quality of the stop.
• The atmosphere leans social: Friendly crew, music, and drinks make this a good fit for families, couples, and groups who enjoy a cheerful boat outing.

Starting at Trou d’Eau Douce

You meet at Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs, at the jetty beside the flag of Mauritius in Trou d’Eau Douce. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the village and allow enough time to find the dock.

That detail matters on Mauritius. A late taxi or an unfamiliar coastal road can add stress before an otherwise easy day. One past booking had transport problems, and the boat operator helped arrange a return journey. I would still treat your arrival as your responsibility and plan conservatively.

The tour is listed as six hours, with starting times depending on availability. The exact order of the stops can change with the tide, particularly the visit near the GRSE waterfalls. The boat returns to the same Trou d’Eau Douce jetty.

English and French are used on board. The crew is licensed and has earned especially strong praise for being attentive, friendly, and willing to help. Aldo, one of the guides named in the feedback, was singled out for checking that everyone stayed comfortable and enjoyed the day.

Sailing past Ile aux Cerfs

The cruise begins with a scenic passage toward the south and past Ile aux Cerfs. Allow about an hour for this part of the route. This is when the catamaran earns its keep.

A speedboat gets you from point to point quickly, but a catamaran gives you time to feel the sea breeze and watch the changing shades of the lagoon. You can sit on the deck, stretch out in the sun, or find a shaded place before the swimming and beach stops begin.

I like that the boat is described as broad and well-appointed rather than a simple transport vessel. Space matters when lunch is served and people are moving between seats, railings, and the water. One particularly useful impression is that the boat did not feel overcrowded, with enough room to sit and eat comfortably.

Music is part of the experience. The playlist and friendly crew create a happy, social mood, and several people found the balance between relaxation and a party boat just right. If you prefer calm water and quiet conversation, bring that expectation into check. The music may be too loud for you, and the open bar begins early in the day.

Grand River South East waterfalls

The catamaran heads toward Grand River South East, usually called GRSE. The stop lasts about 20 minutes in the outline, and the boat may pause for photographs or pass close to the falls.

The waterfall is best understood as a short scenic stop, not a major shore excursion. You can look toward the falling water, take pictures, and enjoy the setting from the boat. There is also a chance of seeing monkeys along the way, which adds a fun bit of island wildlife to the route.

The weak point is time and crowding. Several boats may gather around the same popular viewpoint, and the waterfall portion can feel rushed. One person found it disappointing because the stop was so short. That criticism is fair, especially if waterfalls are your main reason for booking.

I would treat GRSE as a pleasant extra rather than the main event. The catamaran ride, lunch, snorkeling, and Ile aux Cerfs carry most of the day.

Swimming and snorkeling in the lagoon

After the waterfall, the boat stops at a swimming and snorkeling location for about 40 minutes. Snorkeling equipment is included, which saves you from bringing or renting your own mask and fins.

The water is clear and warm enough for swimming even during the Mauritius winter, according to one July booking. You may see tropical fish and other sea life, and the stop gives you a welcome chance to cool off after time in the sun.

Conditions are not fixed. Strong current has made the snorkeling less comfortable at times, and the stop is not always in a sheltered cove. Some people found plenty to see, while others felt the reef was less colorful than expected. Coral damage is a wider environmental problem and not something the crew can control.

The practical advice is simple: bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen, and do not judge the whole cruise by this one stop. If snorkeling is your top priority, this may not be the best specialist outing around Mauritius. Here, it is one part of a wider day on the water.

A barbecue lunch on board

The barbecue lunch is one of the strongest parts of the package. Food is served on the catamaran while you continue the day at sea, so you do not lose beach time searching for a restaurant or waiting for a table.

The meal includes:

• Grilled fish
• Chicken skewers
• Salads
• Garlic bread
• Pasta
• Rice
• Fresh pineapple

Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available if requested in advance. That is useful for a mixed group, though you should not wait until boarding to raise a dietary need.

The food is generous rather than fancy. Fish received particular praise, and the meal has been described as plentiful, fresh-tasting, and well organized. A samosa may also appear on the return journey, adding a welcome extra snack.

Drinks are included too. The stated selection includes water, soft drinks, beer, and wine. This helps explain the value of the $65 fare, especially when you add the catamaran, crew, snorkeling equipment, and two major sightseeing stops.

The alcohol policy shapes the mood. You can have a refreshing drink while sailing, but alcohol is available from the morning. Families and people looking for a gentle day should know that the atmosphere can become more lively as the hours pass.

Two hours on Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs receives about two hours, making it the longest stop of the day. This is the place for a beach walk, a swim, a little sunbathing, or simply a break from the boat.

The island is known for its pale beaches and clear water, and you have time to wander instead of rushing straight back after a photograph. A useful tip is to walk farther along the beach. One person found smaller coves and quieter spots after continuing about 20 minutes down the shore.

Do not expect two hours to feel unlimited. The island has beaches and water activities, and time can disappear quickly if you want to explore, swim, and relax. Some people wished for another hour, while others thought the stop was enough for a good taste of the island.

You may also find water sports available around Ile aux Cerfs, including parasailing. These activities are not included in the $65 price. Prices and duration can differ from the options on the island, so compare before paying. One past booking found the parasailing arranged near the cruise to be more expensive and shorter than the island alternative.

The extra cost is not necessary for a satisfying day. I would first use the included time to walk the beach and swim. Add a paid activity only if you specifically want it and have checked the price.

The ride back to Trou d’Eau Douce

The final hour is spent returning by catamaran. This can be one of the most enjoyable parts because the pressure of the schedule is over. You have already eaten, swum, and visited the island, so you can settle into the deck and watch the lagoon slide past.

On some trips, the sails are raised for part of the return. Music continues, drinks remain available, and the crew keeps the mood sociable. This is not a silent, traditional sailing lesson. It is a relaxed boat ride with the chance to sit back and enjoy the water.

If you want a peaceful seat, try to claim one away from the speakers. If you enjoy meeting people and a lively soundtrack, stay near the central social area. The catamaran works well because you can choose how involved you want to be, within the limits of the group setting.

What the $65 price really buys you

At $65 per person, this is good value for a six-hour east-coast outing. The fare covers the boat, crew, drinks, snorkeling equipment, barbecue lunch, Ile aux Cerfs, and GRSE waterfalls. Adding those parts separately would usually make the day more complicated, even before you account for the time saved.

The price does not include transport to Trou d’Eau Douce, beach activities, or parasailing. You should also carry money for any purchases or water sports on Ile aux Cerfs, where prices can feel high.

The strongest value comes from the catamaran itself. You are not simply buying a transfer to the island. You get several hours of open-water sailing, food served on board, and a social setting that many people considered the best activity of their Mauritius holiday.

The weaker value appears if you want a specialist snorkeling trip or a long waterfall visit. The snorkeling location can be affected by current, and the GRSE stop is brief. For those priorities, a more focused excursion may suit you better.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want a simple, sociable day that combines several Mauritius highlights without constant transfers. Families can appreciate the included meal and gear, couples can enjoy the open deck and beach time, and groups will find plenty of room for conversation and music.

It also suits you if the journey matters as much as the destinations. The catamaran lets you sunbathe, sip a drink, and enjoy the lagoon between stops. The crew’s hospitality is a major strength, with repeated praise for helpful service and a welcoming mood.

I would hesitate if you want a quiet, refined sailing experience. The music is often prominent, and the drink service gives the day a party edge. I would also think twice if you are pregnant or have mobility impairments, since the activity is specifically not recommended for those conditions.

The snorkeling may not satisfy serious underwater photographers or reef fans. The waterfall stop is also short enough that you should not book this solely for GRSE.

Practical details before you go

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. You will have time in the water and on the beach, and shade may not be available wherever you choose to sit.

Request vegetarian or gluten-free food before the trip. The meal includes fish and chicken as standard, but alternatives are available on request.

Plan your own transport to the Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs meeting point. The dock is at Trou d’Eau Douce, next to the Mauritius flag. Hotel pickup is not part of the package.

The operator allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve while paying later. Starting times vary, so check availability when choosing your date.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want the best all-round mix of beach, lagoon sailing, lunch, snorkeling, and friendly entertainment for one moderate price. The crew, roomy boat, plentiful food, and included drinks make this an easy day to recommend.

Skip it if your ideal outing means silence, serious reef snorkeling, or a long, uncrowded waterfall visit. For everyone else, this is a well-priced way to see the east coast, with Ile aux Cerfs rightly taking center stage and the boat ride making the journey part of the fun.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise leave from?

The meeting point is Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs at the jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce. It is next to the flag of Mauritius.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to make your own way to the Trou d’Eau Douce meeting point.

How long is the cruise?

The activity lasts six hours. Starting times depend on availability.

What food is included for lunch?

The barbecue includes fish, chicken skewers, salads, garlic bread, pasta, rice, and fresh pineapple. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available on request.

Are drinks and snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and wine. Snorkeling equipment is also included.

Is the cruise suitable for everyone?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments. The crew speaks English and French.