Private Catamaran Charter to Ile aux Cerfs

Mauritius looks best from a moving deck. This seven-hour private catamaran charter takes you from Pointe Jerome across the lagoon toward Ile aux Cerfs, with time for snorkeling, swimming, dolphin spotting, and a beach visit. I especially like the privacy of booking the entire 45-foot boat for your group and the easygoing route through calm turquoise water. The main catch is that food and drinks cost extra, so the advertised group price is not the final cost if you want lunch and refreshments included.

I also like the room this arrangement gives families and friends to set their own pace. The crew handles the sailing while you sunbathe, swim, or sit with a cold drink. Just remember that dolphins are wild animals, not a scheduled performance, and the snorkeling stop depends on sea conditions and the captain’s judgment.

Key points at a glance

• Private 45-foot catamaran: The boat is reserved for your group, with capacity for up to 31 people.
• Seven hours on the water: The route links Pointe Jerome, Mahébourg, Grand River South East, snorkeling areas, and Ile aux Cerfs.
• Dolphin spotting is possible: You may see dolphins in their natural habitat, but sightings are never guaranteed.
• Lunch is optional: A BBQ and drinks can be arranged for an additional charge rather than included in the base price.
• Snorkeling gear is supplied: You only need to bring your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun hat.
• Best for groups: The flat group price can make sense for a family reunion, wedding party, or large circle of friends.

Setting out from Pointe Jerome

Your day begins at the Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point, where you meet the captain and receive a safety briefing. This is the practical start to a relaxed day, but it is worth paying attention. You will spend much of the morning and afternoon on open water, and the briefing explains how to move around the catamaran safely.

The crew speaks English and French. The experience is operated by Catamaran Cruises Ltd, and the strongest praise has gone to the friendly service, good humor, and willingness to help. Pascal and Scott are two crew members singled out in the feedback, with one group describing their day with them as memorable and easygoing.

The catamaran is a 45-foot boat, large enough to give a private group room to spread out. You can sit in the sun, find shade, watch the water, and talk without sharing the boat with a crowd of strangers. That privacy is the central reason to choose this trip over a standard group cruise.

The boat can hold up to 31 people, but the value depends on how many people are in your party. At $1,354 per group, the cost is steep for two or three people. Split among a large group, though, the price becomes much more reasonable, especially since you get the boat and captain for seven hours rather than paying per seat on a short cruise.

Cruising across the Mahébourg lagoon

After the safety briefing, the catamaran sails from Pointe Jerome toward the Mahébourg area. This part of the route is about enjoying the movement of the boat and the changing views of Mauritius from the water.

The inner lagoon is the star here. Its calm, turquoise water makes the ride feel more like a floating afternoon than a demanding sailing trip. You can keep things active by moving around the deck, or simply settle in and let the crew handle the route.

I would not book this for serious sailing instruction. The information provided focuses on a private cruise with a captain, not on learning to sail or taking the controls. You are renting the boat with a professional at the helm, which is good news if your main goal is swimming, socializing, and seeing the coast from the water.

Bring a comfortable pair of shoes for boarding and moving around the boat. Large bags and oversize luggage are not allowed, so pack lightly. A small day bag with sunscreen, a towel, sunglasses, and a hat is enough for most of the day.

Looking for dolphins in open water

Dolphin watching is part of the route, and it can be one of the most exciting moments if the animals appear. You might spot them while sailing, giving you the rare chance to see dolphins in their natural setting rather than in a controlled attraction.

Keep your expectations sensible. The cruise offers a chance to see dolphins, not a guarantee. The captain can scan likely areas, but wildlife follows its own timetable. If you need a certain sighting to make the day worthwhile, this may not be the right activity for you.

The feedback includes a group that saw a large number of dolphins, along with another group that praised the combination of dolphins, snorkeling, food, and cheerful skippers. That combination explains the high overall rating, but the sightings remain a matter of luck.

You will get more from this part of the trip if you treat it as an added pleasure rather than the whole point of the cruise. Keep your camera ready, but do not spend every minute looking through a screen. The boat ride itself is part of the experience.

Swimming and snorkeling in calm water

The catamaran stops so you can swim and snorkel. The supplied snorkeling gear removes one small packing chore, and the calm lagoon water should make the stop appealing to confident swimmers and first-time snorkelers alike.

You can expect colorful reef fish beneath the surface, although the exact marine life and water clarity can vary. Snorkeling is included in the plan, but the details do not specify a guided lesson or a particular reef site. If you are an experienced snorkeler, think of this as a pleasant stop rather than a specialist marine excursion.

The water stop also gives non-snorkelers something to do. You can swim, sit on the boat, or stay dry and enjoy the sun. That flexibility is useful when a private group includes people with different energy levels.

Sun protection matters. The list of recommended items includes sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, and a towel. Apply sunscreen before boarding and keep it handy. Seven hours on the water can feel gentle while still delivering a strong dose of sun.

The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. The boat, water stop, and movement between the dock and catamaran require a level of physical mobility, so check carefully before booking for anyone with access needs.

Lunch near Grand River South East

The route includes a lunch stop around Grand River South East, with a BBQ available as an optional extra. This is an important cost detail: food and drinks are not part of the base price, even though several people praised the quality and generous portions of the food and drinks on their day.

If you want the BBQ, arrange the food option during booking or confirm the supplementary charge before departure. The crew prepares the meal on board, which keeps lunch connected to the cruise rather than turning it into a separate restaurant stop.

The reports of delicious food, generous drinks, and a friendly crew suggest that the meal can be a strong part of the day. Italian and German feedback especially praised the food and drinks, while another group said they brought their own provisions and had the crew keep them cool.

That last detail is useful, but do not assume every catering arrangement is automatic. The official information says food and drinks are available at an additional rate. Ask what is included in your chosen option, and ask whether bringing your own food is permitted for your booking.

A BBQ lunch is likely the easiest choice for a large party. Organizing individual meals for up to 31 people can become a nuisance, and an arranged meal lets everyone eat at roughly the same time. Smaller groups may prefer to compare the extra charge with bringing their own snacks and drinks.

Reaching Ile aux Cerfs by catamaran

Ile aux Cerfs is the main destination and the point where the day shifts from cruising to a beach visit. Once you reach the island, you have time to walk along the beach and enjoy the setting before returning to the catamaran.

The island stop is not presented as a long guided tour. You are there to walk, relax, and enjoy the shore. That makes it a good match for you if you want a simple beach break after the water activities, but less useful if you expect a detailed cultural tour or a packed schedule of organized activities.

The timing matters. With a seven-hour charter, the island visit shares the day with sailing, swimming, dolphin watching, and lunch. You should expect a pleasant stop rather than several hours of completely unstructured beach time.

I like this balance. A full day spent only on the beach can feel repetitive, while a day crammed with stops leaves little time to relax. Here, you get a mixture of movement and downtime, with your private group able to enjoy the boat between activities.

Still, Ile aux Cerfs can be the busiest-feeling part of a popular day on the water. The private catamaran gives you privacy on board, but it does not make the island itself private. If solitude is your main goal, spend more of your time on the boat and treat the beach walk as a scenic stop.

Sailing back to Pointe Jerome

After the island visit, you return to Pointe Jerome. The final part of the trip is made for sitting back, talking through the day, and enjoying one last drink if you arranged refreshments.

One piece of feedback describes a hotel return, but the standard information lists the return to Pointe Jerome as the endpoint. A private transfer can be added for an extra fee, with a maximum of four passengers per vehicle. If you need door-to-door transport, select the transfer option during checkout rather than assuming it is included.

The return transfer detail matters most for larger groups. One vehicle carrying four people will not solve transportation for a group of 20 or 30, so arrange your own transport plan if necessary.

The boat, captain, and snorkeling equipment are included. Food, drinks, and optional transport are additional. That makes the cruise easy to understand, but you need to add the extras before comparing the total price with other Mauritius excursions.

Is $1,354 a fair price?

The price is $1,354 for a private group of up to 31 people. Per-person value improves sharply as your group grows:

• For 2 people, the cost is $677 each before food and drinks.
• For 10 people, it is about $135 each before extras.
• For 20 people, it is about $68 each before extras.
• For 31 people, it is about $44 each before extras.

These figures are only a guide, since the actual value also depends on your food choices and any transfer costs. For a couple, the private charter is a luxury purchase. For a large family or organized group, it can be a practical way to secure a full day on the water without sharing the boat with strangers.

The strongest praise centers on the boat, service, food, and crew attitude. People describe the catamaran as beautiful or luxurious, and Pascal, Scott, and the wider team receive credit for being helpful, friendly, and fun. That matters on a private charter because the crew shapes the mood of the entire day.

I would compare the price with the cost of booking several smaller boats or individual seats before deciding. The key question is not simply Is this expensive? It is How many people will share the cost, and how much do privacy and flexibility matter to us?

Who should book this charter?

This trip suits families with children, groups of friends, and larger celebrations. One family with small children had a particularly good experience, which suggests the private format can work well when your group needs more flexibility than a fixed public cruise usually allows.

It also suits people who want several Mauritius highlights in one day: lagoon sailing, swimming, snorkeling, possible dolphins, a BBQ, and Ile aux Cerfs. You get variety without changing boats or arranging separate excursions.

You should think twice if you dislike sun, boat movement, or unstructured time. The day is built around being outdoors on the water for seven hours, and the itinerary does not promise a detailed guided tour at every stop.

It is also a poor fit for wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments. Pets, large bags, and oversize luggage are not permitted.

The private group format makes the most sense when you want control over the company you keep. If you are traveling alone or as a couple and mainly want the lowest possible price, a shared cruise may offer better value.

What to bring and what to confirm

Pack a small, useful kit rather than a suitcase:

• Comfortable shoes
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Swimsuit and a small change of clothes

Confirm the lunch and drink arrangements before the day begins. The BBQ is optional and costs extra, and the base price does not include food or drinks.

Also confirm your meeting point and transport plan. The cruise begins and ends at Pointe Jerome unless you arrange the optional private transfer. English and French are available, and the free cancellation policy allows a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Mauritius schedule is still changing.

Final verdict: a strong choice for a full private day

I would book this catamaran for a medium or large group that wants a relaxed day with several memorable parts rather than one single activity. The combination of a private 45-foot boat, calm lagoon sailing, snorkeling gear, possible dolphin sightings, an optional BBQ, and time at Ile aux Cerfs gives you a lot to work with.

I would be more cautious as a couple, since the flat $1,354 price becomes hard to justify before extras. I would also avoid booking it if a guaranteed dolphin encounter, a fully guided snorkeling program, or wheelchair access is essential.

For the right group, this is a well-rounded Mauritius outing. Keep the lunch budget in mind, pack light, protect yourself from the sun, and treat the dolphins as a lucky bonus. The private boat and consistently praised crew are the real reasons to choose it.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise begin?

The cruise begins at the Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point in Mauritius.

How long does the activity last?

The private charter lasts seven hours.

Is the boat private?

Yes. The catamaran is chartered privately for your group, with a capacity of up to 31 people.

What type of boat is used?

The cruise uses the 45-foot Island Hopper catamaran.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included with the private charter.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the base price. A BBQ lunch and drinks are available for an additional charge.

Can I see dolphins?

You may see dolphins in their natural habitat while sailing, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Does the cruise visit Ile aux Cerfs?

Yes. The route includes time at Ile aux Cerfs for a beach walk and a visit before returning to Pointe Jerome.

Is hotel transportation included?

No. A private transfer can be arranged for an additional cost. Each vehicle can carry a maximum of four passengers.

What languages does the crew speak?

The host or greeter service is available in English and French.

Can wheelchair users join the cruise?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

Can I bring a large suitcase or oversized bag?

No. Pets, oversize luggage, and large bags are not allowed.