Mauritius: Ile aux cerfs, waterfalls and bbq Boat Day

A full day on Mauritius waters starts here. This speedboat outing combines Ile aux Cerfs, the GRSE waterfall, monkey feeding, and a beach BBQ for $64 per person. I like the clear route and the generous lunch, especially the fish, chicken, drinks, pineapple, and rum. The main drawback is that snorkeling and equipment cost extra, and the trip is not suitable for wheelchair users.

I also like the relaxed pace. You have time on Ile aux Cerfs before the waterfall visit, then more time by the beach after lunch. The possible catch is timing: the day runs to a set schedule, so you cannot linger wherever you wish. With only three ratings so far, the 4.8 score is encouraging, though still based on a small sample.

Key points at a glance

• Ile aux Cerfs first: You get free time from arrival until 12:30, with the option to walk toward Margenie Island.
• GRSE waterfall stop: The route includes a waterfall visit and the chance to see monkeys being fed.
• Beach BBQ included: Fish, chicken, potatoes, salad, bread with garlic butter, pineapple, and drinks are part of the meal.
• Speedboat transport: The boat takes you to Ile aux Cerfs and returns you from the beach after lunch.
• Good advertised value: At $64, the price covers transport, sightseeing stops, food, and a wide choice of drinks.
• Bring your own swim gear: Snorkeling and snorkeling equipment are not included, and towels are also excluded.

Starting at Trou D’eau Douce at 9:30

The experience begins at 9:30 am from Trou D’eau Douce, on Mauritius’ east coast. This is the meeting point for the speedboat to Ile aux Cerfs, so you need to arrive ready for a boat-based day rather than a long road tour.

The schedule is simple. You travel by speedboat to the island, spend the first part of the day there, return to the agreed pickup point at 12:30, visit the GRSE waterfall, eat lunch, and then return by boat around 3 pm to 3:30 pm.

The advertised duration is one day, though the active itinerary runs for roughly six hours. That makes it useful for you if you want several major east-coast sights without committing your entire evening. It also means the schedule matters. Keep an eye on the pickup time at Ile aux Cerfs, since missing the boat could disrupt the rest of the day.

Free time on Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the main attraction for the first part of the outing. You can relax by the sea and sand, enjoy the sun, or take a walk toward Margenie Island before the 12:30 pickup.

That open time is a real strength. Instead of rushing from one photo stop to another, you have a chance to choose your own pace. You can use the island portion for quiet beach time, a walk, or a swim if conditions suit you. The schedule does not list organized water activities, so the experience here is mainly about enjoying the island at leisure.

You should not expect snorkeling to be part of the price. Snorkeling and equipment are specifically excluded. If that is important to you, ask about availability and cost before booking, or bring suitable gear if you already have it. Towels are also not provided, so pack one.

A practical point: your free time ends at 12:30 at the same place where the skipper drops you off. Make a mental note of the meeting point when you arrive. Ile aux Cerfs time is flexible, but the pickup is not.

The GRSE waterfall and monkey visit

After the island stop, the speedboat continues to the GRSE waterfall. This adds a change of scenery to the day. You move from open beach time to a shorter nature stop, with monkeys also part of the visit.

The information provided describes the monkeys as being fed. That gives you a clear reason to include the stop, especially if you want more than beaches from your Mauritius day. It also makes this section suitable for families and anyone interested in seeing local wildlife at close range.

Still, keep expectations practical. The stop is one part of a packed itinerary, not a full nature excursion. The schedule does not state how long you stay at the waterfall, so you should expect a focused visit rather than unlimited time for exploring or photography.

The waterfall stop also depends on the boat schedule and the day’s flow. If you prefer long walks, quiet nature time, or a slow visit at every stop, this may feel brisk. If you want several highlights in one outing, the combination works well.

A generous BBQ lunch on the beach

Lunch is one of the strongest parts of the value. The included BBQ features grilled fish, chicken, potatoes, salad, bread with garlic butter, and pineapple. That is a substantial spread for a boat day, not just a quick snack between stops.

Drinks are also included. You can expect soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and rum. The listing notes that super alcoholic drinks are not included, so do not assume every type of alcohol is covered. The included selection is broad enough for most people, but you may want to confirm exactly what is available if you have particular preferences.

The beach setting adds to the appeal. After eating, you have another period to relax until the speedboat picks you up. This gives the afternoon a slower rhythm: lunch first, then time to sit, swim, or enjoy the shore before the return ride.

I would still pack a few basics. Bring a towel, sun protection, and anything you need for the beach. Since neither towels nor snorkeling gear are included, the price works best when you arrive prepared.

Returning by speedboat around 3 pm

The final pickup is scheduled for around 3 pm to 3:30 pm. The speedboat brings you back, completing the transport included in the price.

This is more than a minor convenience. You are not left arranging separate transfers between the island, waterfall, lunch stop, and Trou D’eau Douce. The boat is the backbone of the itinerary, linking the main stops in one straightforward outing.

The return time also leaves the evening open, although the exact arrival can vary within the stated window. I would avoid booking a fixed evening commitment that begins immediately after 3 pm. The schedule is clear, but boat days are best treated with a little flexibility.

Is $64 a good price?

At $64 per person, the package offers solid value if you want a mix of transport, sightseeing, food, and drinks. The price includes the speedboat to and from Ile aux Cerfs, the waterfall and monkey visit, and the full BBQ lunch with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

That matters because the outing is not charging only for access to one beach. You are paying for a connected route with several stops. The lunch alone includes multiple main food items and drinks, while the speedboat removes the need to arrange separate transportation.

The value is weaker if your main goal is snorkeling. Since snorkeling and gear are excluded, you may need to pay more for that activity. It is also not the best choice if you only want a quiet beach day, because part of the schedule is reserved for the waterfall and monkey stop.

The rating of 4.8 from three reviews is a positive sign. A booking from Nico in Germany on August 28, 2025, praised the value for money. That matches the practical strengths of the package, though the small number of ratings means you should treat the score as an early indication rather than a complete record.

Who will enjoy this Mauritius boat day?

I would recommend it to you if you want a well-priced island sampler rather than a single-activity tour. The route gives you beach time, a waterfall, wildlife, a BBQ, and a boat ride in one day.

It should suit couples, families, and small groups who enjoy a relaxed but organized schedule. The included drinks and lunch also make it easier to manage costs during the day.

It may not suit you if you use a wheelchair, since the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. It is also less suitable if you need a long, unstructured beach visit, want extensive snorkeling, or prefer to avoid alcohol being part of the lunch setting.

The experience is operated by Saeta speedboat ile aux cerfs. The available information does not provide a guide’s name or a group size, so you should not book expecting a named private guide or a guaranteed small boat.

Booking details and what to pack

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. Availability should be checked for the exact start time, even though the stated departure is 9:30 am every day.

The activity offers skip-the-ticket-line access, which may make the start more direct. The available information does not specify the operating language, so confirm that if language support is important to you.

Pack a towel, swimwear, sun protection, and any snorkeling equipment you plan to use. Plan to bring only what you can handle comfortably on a speedboat, and keep track of the 12:30 island pickup.

Should you book this Ile aux Cerfs tour?

Book it if you want strong all-round value and like the idea of combining Ile aux Cerfs, the GRSE waterfall, monkeys, and a beach BBQ in one organized day. The food and drinks make the $64 price especially attractive, while the free time on the island keeps the outing from feeling like a nonstop checklist.

Skip it if snorkeling is your priority, if you need wheelchair access, or if you want a private and highly flexible schedule. For most visitors seeking a straightforward east-coast boat day, this is an appealing package with a sensible route and few surprise costs.

FAQ

Where does the activity start?

The activity departs every day at 9:30 am from Trou D’eau Douce in Mauritius.

How long does the outing last?

The activity is described as lasting one day. The stated schedule runs from the 9:30 am departure until approximately 3 pm to 3:30 pm.

Is speedboat transport included?

Yes. Speedboat transport to and from Ile aux Cerfs is included.

How long can I stay on Ile aux Cerfs?

You can stay on Ile aux Cerfs until 12:30. The pickup is at the same place where the skipper drops you off.

Can I walk toward Margenie Island?

Yes. During your free time on Ile aux Cerfs, you can take a walk toward Margenie Island.

Is the waterfall visit included?

Yes. The itinerary includes a visit to the GRSE waterfall and the chance to see monkeys being fed.

What food and drinks are included?

The BBQ includes fish, chicken, potatoes, salad, bread with garlic butter, and pineapple. Soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and rum are also included.

Are snorkeling equipment and towels provided?

No. Snorkeling, snorkeling equipment, and towels are not included. Super alcoholic drinks are also excluded.