Mauritius: Catamaran Day Cruise to lle aux Cerfs with Lunch

A catamaran is one of the best ways to see Mauritius’ east coast. You get a broad deck, open sea views, time to swim, and a relaxed route that links Ile aux Cerfs with the Grand River South East waterfalls. The day is as much about sailing, music, lunch, and sunshine as it is about sightseeing.

I like the generous food and drink service, and I like that you get plenty of room to sit, sunbathe, and eat onboard. The crew also earns strong marks for friendly service. The main catch is the atmosphere: music can be loud, alcohol is served from the morning, and the waterfall and snorkeling stops may feel brief or crowded.

Key points to know before booking

• The day begins at Trou d’Eau Douce: You meet beside the Mauritius flag at the Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs jetty.
• Ile aux Cerfs gets about two hours: That is enough for a beach break, but not enough for every water sport and every beach on the island.
• Lunch is a proper BBQ: Expect fish, chicken skewers, salads, garlic bread, pasta, rice, and fresh pineapple.
• Drinks are included: Water, soft drinks, beer, and wine are available, making the $65 price especially attractive.
• The cruise has a social mood: Music and a party feeling suit outgoing groups better than people seeking silent sailing.
• Snorkeling depends on conditions: Strong current has affected some departures, and the coral and fish life can be less impressive than expected.

Setting out from Trou d’Eau Douce

Your meeting point is the Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce, on Mauritius’ east coast. Look for the jetty beside the flag of Mauritius. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the village.

The six-hour schedule usually starts in the morning. Once aboard, you have time to settle into the catamaran, find a comfortable place on deck, and watch the coast open up. The boat has enough space for people to sit and eat without feeling packed in, a detail that matters on a long day at sea.

I would bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and some extra cash. The first three items are essential. Cash can be useful on Ile aux Cerfs, where additional activities may cost extra and some water sports are available.

The catamaran is not simply transport between stops. Sailing time forms a large part of the experience. You can sunbathe, listen to music, have a drink, and watch the lagoon change color as the boat moves along the east coast.

Sailing past Ile aux Cerfs

The route passes Ile aux Cerfs early in the day, with about an hour set aside for sailing and views on the way. This gives you a first look at the island before the longer beach stop later.

Ile aux Cerfs is known for pale beaches and clear water. From the boat, the views are often more satisfying than a quick rush from one attraction to another. You get to see the island as part of the lagoon, with the catamaran moving across the open water rather than stopping only for a shore visit.

This is also where you begin to understand the pace of the tour. It is not a packed sightseeing circuit. The crew leaves room for conversation, drinks, music, and time on deck. If you want a quiet, formal sailing trip, this may not be your match. If you like a friendly boat with an easy social mood, the format works well.

The Grand River South East waterfalls

The next major sight is Grand River South East, commonly shortened to GRSE. The waterfall stop lasts around 20 minutes and is mainly for passing by and taking photos.

The approach is scenic, and you may see monkeys near the falls. The waterfall itself is attractive, but expectations matter. It is not a long exploration stop, and several boats may be in the same area. Some departures have found the visit too short, especially when the water is busy with other catamarans.

I would treat GRSE as a pleasant part of the route, not the main reason to book the cruise. You get a quick look, some photographs, and a change of scenery before the swimming stop. The day’s real strengths are the time on the catamaran, the lunch, and Ile aux Cerfs.

Snorkeling in the Mauritius lagoon

After the waterfall, the boat stops for swimming and snorkeling for about 40 minutes. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins.

The water can be clear and warm, including during the Mauritian winter. Fish and sea life are possible, and the stop gives you a welcome chance to cool off after time in the sun. You can also swim without snorkeling if you prefer.

Conditions can change the experience. Strong current has made snorkeling less comfortable on some departures, and one stop may not show the most colorful fish or healthiest coral in the area. The crew chooses the location according to conditions, but this is still a short stop rather than a dedicated marine-life excursion.

I would book this tour for a pleasant swim with a chance to see fish, not for serious snorkeling. If underwater scenery is your main goal, you may want a tour built around several snorkeling sites. Here, the water stop is one part of a broad day out.

BBQ lunch, drinks, and the onboard mood

Lunch is served on the catamaran while the boat continues toward Ile aux Cerfs. The BBQ includes fish, chicken skewers, salads, garlic bread, pasta, rice, and fresh pineapple. Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available if requested in advance.

The food is practical rather than formal. The portions are described as plentiful, and the fish receives particularly strong praise. Fresh pineapple gives the meal a light finish, while the salads and rice make it easy to build a plate that suits you.

Drinks are included. You can expect water, soft drinks, beer, and wine, with some departures also offering an afternoon samosa. This makes the price easier to justify, especially if you would otherwise spend extra on lunch and drinks during a day at the beach.

The atmosphere is part of the meal. Music plays onboard, and the crew encourages a sociable, cheerful mood. Some groups love this balance of food, drinks, sunshine, and music. If you prefer quiet conversation or a peaceful sail, sit farther from the main music area if possible, though the boat is not designed as a silent cruise.

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Service is described as attentive and welcoming, with staff making an effort to keep people comfortable. Guide Aldo has been singled out for being especially helpful and attentive, though the guide on your departure may be different.

Two hours on Ile aux Cerfs

The main island visit gives you about two hours of free time. That is enough to walk, swim, sit on the beach, and enjoy the setting without rushing straight back to the boat.

Ile aux Cerfs has several attractive stretches of sand, and walking farther along the beach can help you find smaller coves and quieter corners. You may also find water sports such as parasailing available during the visit. These activities are not included in the $65 price, so carry extra money if you want to add one.

Two hours sounds generous, but it passes quickly. You need to allow time to leave the catamaran, get your bearings, walk to a beach area, swim, and return to the meeting point. Some people would happily spend another hour here, especially if they want to combine beach time with a paid activity.

There is also an important value point. Ile aux Cerfs can be expensive once you add optional activities. The catamaran cruise includes the island visit, lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and the waterfall stop, but not parasailing or other water sports. Think of the included cruise as the core day, with extras priced separately.

The return sail to Trou d’Eau Douce

After the island stop, you return to the catamaran for roughly an hour of sailing back to the jetty. This is often the most relaxed part of the day because the main stops are finished and you can simply enjoy the ride.

When conditions allow, the crew may raise the sails for part of the return. Music continues, and you can use the time to talk with other people onboard, finish a drink, or sit back in the sun.

The return is also when the social character of the cruise becomes clearest. This is not a private yacht charter or a quiet nature trip. It is a shared catamaran day with a friendly, sometimes lively crowd. That can make the boat feel warm and fun, but it will not suit every style of holiday.

Is $65 good value?

At $65 per person, this is strong value if you want several experiences in one day. The price covers the catamaran cruise, the crew, drinks, snorkeling equipment, BBQ lunch, Ile aux Cerfs, and GRSE waterfalls.

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, lunch, and drinks. You also avoid having to organize several stops yourself. The crew handles the route and meal while you focus on the sea and beaches.

The price is less compelling if you mainly want a long visit to Ile aux Cerfs or high-quality snorkeling. The island time is limited, the waterfall stop is brief, and the snorkeling location may not be the best in the region. Optional water sports cost extra as well.

For a six-hour outing with food and drinks included, I consider the price fair and often very good. It becomes an especially sensible choice for couples, families, and groups who want an easy day without paying luxury yacht rates.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend this trip if you want a social day on the water with a mix of sightseeing, swimming, food, and beach time. It suits people who enjoy music, casual conversation, and a crew that takes an active role in creating a good mood.

Families can also find plenty to like, provided everyone is comfortable boarding a boat and swimming in open water. Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available when requested, which helps with group planning.

This cruise is less suitable for pregnant women and people with mobility impairments, as stated in the activity information. It is also not ideal for anyone who wants a quiet sail, a long waterfall visit, or serious reef snorkeling.

The lack of hotel pickup matters. You need to reach Trou d’Eau Douce on your own, and the meeting point is at the jetty beside the Mauritius flag. Plan that part before the morning departure rather than treating it as an afterthought.

My verdict on the full six-hour experience

I like the way this cruise combines the best parts of a Mauritius boat day without making you arrange every detail separately. You sail, swim, eat a generous lunch, see GRSE, and get beach time on Ile aux Cerfs. The crew’s friendly service adds real value, especially when the boat is lively and full.

The weak points are clear: the waterfall visit is short, the snorkeling can be affected by current, and the island may feel rushed if you want to explore every beach. Music and alcohol from the morning also make this a party-leaning cruise, even though it can still feel relaxed.

Book it if you want an easy, sociable, good-value day on Mauritius’ east coast. Skip it if your priority is silence, a private boat, extended snorkeling, or a full day based only on Ile aux Cerfs.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

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

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts six hours, including sailing, the waterfall visit, snorkeling, lunch, and time on Ile aux Cerfs.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What food is served for lunch?

The BBQ includes fish, chicken skewers, salads, garlic bread, pasta, rice, and fresh pineapple.

Are vegetarian or gluten-free meals available?

Yes. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available when requested in advance.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and wine.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the activity price.

How much time do you get on Ile aux Cerfs?

The schedule allows about two hours on Ile aux Cerfs for free time, beach visits, and sightseeing.

Is the cruise suitable for everyone?

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments. The cruise also has music and a social atmosphere, which may not suit people seeking a quiet boat trip.