Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise to Ile Aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch

This cruise packs Mauritius’ east coast highlights into one easy day: a river waterfall, open-sea sailing, a barbecue lunch, and time on the white sands of Ile aux Cerfs. I especially like the friendly, attentive crew and the fact that lunch, drinks, and the main boat ride are included in the $64 price.

I also like the mix of scenery and activity. You can swim in the lagoon, snorkel from the catamaran, watch for monkeys by the river, and finish with Mauritian Sega music. The main caution is that the snorkeling and waterfall stops can feel short, and the beach departure area may be confusing or crowded.

Key points to know before booking

• The day begins at Trou d’Eau Douce, with an optional hotel pickup or a beach meeting point opposite Green Island Restaurant.
• Grand River South East Waterfall is reached by a smaller shuttle boat, with a short photo stop and possible monkey sightings.
• The BBQ lunch is served onboard, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian halal options plus a broad selection of drinks.
• Ile aux Cerfs gives you roughly two and a half hours, enough for swimming, beach time, photos, and a look at the craft market.
• Snorkeling quality can vary, and some departures stop at a modest reef with limited fish and little time in the water.
• Parking near the beach is limited, so hotel pickup or an early arrival may save you stress.

A six-hour taste of Mauritius by catamaran

At $64 per person, this is a good-value way to see several east-coast sights without arranging separate transport, meals, and boat trips. You are paying for a six-hour catamaran outing, the waterfall visit, a swimming and snorkeling stop, lunch, drinks, and access to Ile aux Cerfs.

That price matters because a do-it-yourself day can quickly become a collection of small costs. You would need to reach Trou d’Eau Douce, arrange a boat, find lunch, and organize a trip to the island. Here, the day has a clear shape and the crew handles the practical work.

The mood is social rather than quiet and private. Music plays on board, drinks are served through the day, and the crew keeps people involved. If you want a calm, nearly silent sail with only a few passengers, this is probably not your best choice. If you enjoy meeting people, swimming, eating outdoors, and having a bit of music with your scenery, the format works well.

The boat can feel crowded on some departures. One toilet is available, and inside space becomes tight if rain sends everyone under cover. On a sunny day, though, you can spread out more easily on the catamaran and enjoy the breeze.

Starting at Trou d’Eau Douce

The meeting point is on the beach opposite Green Island Restaurant in Trou d’Eau Douce. If you select hotel pickup, a driver collects you from your hotel reception or outside your accommodation. Pickup is available from several districts, including Flacq, Rivière Noire, Moka, Rivière du Rempart, Plaines Wilhems, Grand Port, Savanne, Pamplemousses, and Port Louis.

If you drive yourself, arrive early. The small parking area near the beach fills up, and you may need to park farther away and walk back. Several people found the beach queue confusing because multiple catamarans can leave from the same area. Ask staff which boat is yours and where to wait before settling in.

The transfer from the beach to the catamaran may involve a shuttle boat. If you use a wheelchair, the crew can assist, but you need to stand briefly to get on and off the shuttle. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, with that important limitation.

Once aboard, expect a friendly introduction and a lively start. Crew members named Yona and Cedric received special praise for their care and energy on different departures. Your exact crew will vary, but attentive service is one of the strongest features of this outing.

Grand River South East Waterfall and Cascade Diamamouve

The first stop takes you upriver to Grand River South East Waterfall, also called Cascade Diamamouve. The riverbanks bring a different mood from the open coast, with green trees, steep river edges, and the chance to spot monkeys in the branches.

You approach the waterfall by shuttle boat rather than taking the catamaran all the way into the narrow river. The stop is scheduled for about 30 minutes, but the actual time close to the falls can feel brief. Strong currents or heavy boat traffic can also affect the visit.

This is an attractive photo stop, but you should keep your expectations sensible. You may get only a short window near the waterfall before the boat turns back. At busy times, several boats compete for the same approach, and the guide may move quickly. One useful tip is to have your camera ready before reaching the falls rather than waiting until the last moment.

Weather and river conditions matter here. A departure has sometimes skipped the waterfall because of strong currents, with a refund or alternative date offered when the whole activity is canceled for poor weather. The waterfall is a key part of the outing, but it is not a guaranteed close-up under every condition.

Swimming and snorkeling along the east coast

After the river, the catamaran heads toward the coast for a swim and snorkeling break. The water is clear and often shallow enough for a confident child to stand with help, though this depends on the exact stopping point and conditions.

This is the least consistent part of the day. Some departures find clear water with colorful fish, turtles, or even sea snakes. Others stop at a reef close to the port where the coral looks damaged and fish are limited. A few people felt the crew used bread to attract small fish, which did not create the best natural snorkeling experience.

You may also find the time in the water shorter than expected. If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, do not treat this as a dedicated reef excursion. It is better understood as a pleasant swimming break added to a wider sightseeing day.

Bring your own snorkeling gear, along with a towel, sunscreen, swimwear, sunglasses, a hat, and a change of clothes. A waterproof phone pouch or small dry bag is also sensible, though it is not listed as an included item. Keep valuables to a minimum because you will be moving between the boat, shuttle, beach, and water.

The swimming stop still adds real value. You can cool off after the river ride, see the coast from the water, and take part at your own pace. Families may appreciate a shallow stopping area, while confident swimmers should ask the crew how long the water break will last.

A BBQ lunch with drinks on board

Lunch is one of the most praised parts of the outing. The meal is cooked and served on the catamaran, so you do not lose time going ashore to find a restaurant. The setup also keeps the day social, with people eating while the boat is surrounded by sea views.

The food is described as a three-course BBQ, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices. All food is halal, which makes this a useful option for Muslim visitors who want clear meal arrangements while sightseeing.

The quality is generally good, though it is not perfectly uniform. Most people found the portions generous and the BBQ fresh and tasty. A few found the food average, so I would book this for the overall day rather than for a gourmet meal.

Drinks include soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum. The crew is known for keeping refreshments available, and several departures had more than enough to go around. Drink service is a major reason the price feels fair, especially compared with a boat trip where every bottle costs extra.

Some departures offer an optional lobster addition for an extra charge. A few people loved it, while another found the added cost of 3,000 Mauritian rupees hard to justify. I would treat lobster as an optional splurge, not a necessary part of the experience. The standard BBQ is the safer value choice.

Ile aux Cerfs: beautiful water, busy shore

Ile aux Cerfs is the main beach stop, with white sand, palm trees, and a clear lagoon. You have around two and a half hours to swim, walk, take photos, and visit the local arts and crafts market.

This is where the outing feels most like a classic Mauritius postcard. The water around the island is striking, and the beach gives you a proper chance to get off the boat and stretch your legs. If the weather is good, this may be your favorite part of the day.

You are mostly free to explore rather than following a detailed island tour. That suits people who want to choose between swimming, sitting on the sand, shopping, and taking photos. It can be less satisfying if you want a guide to explain exactly where to go or to lead you around the island.

The island is not untouched or empty. Several boats may arrive at once, and some areas can feel busy. One departure found litter on the beach and poor cleanliness near the bushes. Conditions can change by day and by beach area, but you should not expect a private island.

Optional water activities are not included in the $64 price. You may find choices such as parasailing or a tube ride at the island, but you will pay extra and need to judge the available time carefully. Since your stop is limited, I would decide in advance if you want a paid activity or simply want to swim and enjoy the beach.

Sailing back with Mauritian Sega music

The return sail brings the day to a cheerful close. Mauritian Sega music plays on board, and the crew often encourages singing, dancing, or simply enjoying the ride. The tone is informal and festive, not polished or formal.

I like this ending because it gives you a taste of local culture without turning the whole excursion into a staged show. Sega is part of Mauritius’ musical identity, and hearing it on the water makes the return trip feel distinct from a standard sightseeing transfer.

The schedule is generally well managed, with departures and returns reasonably close to the planned time. Still, allow flexibility around the advertised six hours. Weather, loading the shuttle boats, beach queues, and water conditions can all affect the exact timing.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

This is a strong choice for first-time visitors who want a broad sample of the east coast in one booking. You get river scenery, a waterfall, ocean views, a meal, swimming, beach time, and local music without having to coordinate each part yourself.

Families can also do well here. Infants aged one to four travel free, and the crew can assist with wheelchair boarding under the stated conditions. A four-year-old was able to enjoy a shallow snorkeling area with parental help, though you should still watch children closely around the shuttle boat, catamaran edges, and open water.

Couples and birthday groups will find plenty of atmosphere. The crew has made birthdays feel special on past departures, and the combination of music, drinks, and a shared meal works well for a celebration.

I would hesitate if your priorities are serious snorkeling, a quiet sailing experience, or a private beach. The reef stop may disappoint a keen snorkeler, the boat can be crowded, and Ile aux Cerfs can be busy and untidy in places.

What to bring and how to make the day easier

Wear comfortable shoes for the beach and shuttle transfers. Pack swimwear, a towel, a change of clothes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera.

Bring snorkeling gear if you have it. The activity includes snorkeling, but the instructions specifically advise you to bring your own gear, so do not assume a full set will be supplied.

If you drive, plan parking before you leave. The beach area can be hard to navigate, and arriving early is wise. Hotel pickup removes that problem and can be worth selecting, especially if you are staying far from Trou d’Eau Douce.

The activity runs in English and French. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian halal meals are available. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, useful if your weather plans are still moving.

Should you book this Ile aux Cerfs cruise?

Book it if you want a friendly, social day that covers several Mauritius highlights for one reasonable price. The crew, BBQ lunch, drinks, music, and overall value are the strongest reasons to go.

Book with realistic expectations about the waterfall and snorkeling. The waterfall stop may be quick, the reef can be ordinary, and the island is not always spotless or quiet. If you can accept those limits, this is an enjoyable way to spend six hours on the east coast, especially for families, first-time visitors, and anyone who prefers an organized day over arranging several separate trips.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise to Ile aux Cerfs?

The activity lasts six hours. The schedule includes the waterfall, a swimming and snorkeling stop, lunch on board, time at Ile aux Cerfs, and the return sail to Trou d’Eau Douce.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is opposite Green Island Restaurant on the beach at Trou d’Eau Douce. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available if you choose the applicable option.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is optional rather than automatic. It is available from your hotel reception or outside your accommodation when you select the pickup option.

What food is served on the boat?

A three-course BBQ lunch is served on board. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices are available, and all food is halal.

What drinks are included?

The included drinks are soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

The activity includes a snorkeling and swimming stop, but the information advises you to bring snorkeling gear. Pack your own equipment if you want to snorkel.

How much time is spent at Ile aux Cerfs?

The Ile aux Cerfs visit lasts about two and a half hours. You can swim, relax on the beach, take photos, and visit the local arts and crafts market.

Is the activity suitable for wheelchair users?

It is listed as wheelchair accessible, but wheelchair users need to stand briefly to board and leave the shuttle boat. The crew can assist with this transfer.

Can I cancel the booking if the weather is bad?

The activity requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.