Ile Aux Cerfs Catamaran Trip w/ Lunch, Drinks & Transfer

The best part of this outing is the mix of waterfall, reef, and beach in one long day. You begin at Trou d’Eau Douce, cruise across the east coast lagoon, stop at Grand River South East, then reach the white sands of Ile aux Cerfs with lunch and drinks already sorted.

I like the included hotel transfer and the easygoing onboard service, especially when the driver helps you find the correct boat and the crew explains the plan in English and French. I also like the value: at $115, you get transport, the cruise, food, drinks, snorkeling time, and a full eight-hour day. The main caution is weather, since bad conditions can lead to cancellation or a change from catamaran to speedboat.

Key points to know before booking

• Grand River South East comes first: You travel upstream by speedboat to see the waterfall, with possible monkey and fruit bat sightings along the riverbanks.
• The drinks are included: Soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum are available throughout the outing.
• Lunch is a proper BBQ: Expect fish, chicken, grilled hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices.
• Ile aux Cerfs is the main beach stop: You get time for swimming, walking, sunbathing, and optional paid activities such as parasailing and tube riding.
• Bring water shoes: Coral and sea urchins can be underfoot near the island and snorkeling areas.
• The schedule is long but efficient: Pickup leads to an 8:30 arrival, a 9:00 departure, and a return to Trou d’Eau Douce around 4:00 p.m.

Why this east-coast day works well

Mauritius has plenty of boat trips, but this one gives you several different settings without asking you to arrange each part yourself. You start on land in an air-conditioned vehicle, move onto a catamaran, switch briefly to a speedboat for the waterfall, stop for snorkeling, eat onboard or on the beach, and finish with time on Ile aux Cerfs.

That variety matters. A simple beach transfer can feel repetitive after a few hours, while this outing keeps changing the scenery. You’ll see river forest, open lagoon, coral water, palm-lined sand, and the mountainous views of Mauritius from offshore.

The atmosphere is social rather than formal. The crew plays local Mauritian music, shares jokes and local stories, and keeps drinks moving. You should expect a shared boat experience, not a quiet private sailing trip. If you want music, conversation, and an easy day with little planning, that is a plus. If you want silence and plenty of room to yourself, a private charter would suit you better.

Getting to Trou d’Eau Douce by 8:30 a.m.

Pickup is included from hotels and Airbnbs in listed areas including Grand Baie, Pereybere, Cap Malheureux, Triolet, Trou-aux-Biches, Pointe aux Piments, Pointe aux Biches, Mon Choisy, and Balaclava. The driver uses an air-conditioned vehicle, and the stated pickup service is handled by a certified driver.

The early start is worth noting. You should be ready before the planned 8:30 arrival at Trou d’Eau Douce, with the exact pickup time depending on your accommodation and route. The transfer saves you from arranging a taxi to the east coast, which is useful if you are staying in the north.

One especially helpful part of the service is the handoff at the jetty. The driver is expected to make sure you have the correct tickets and board the right boat. That small detail can prevent the usual morning confusion when several boats leave from the same area.

The listed schedule has the catamaran departing at 9:00 a.m. and returning to Trou d’Eau Douce around 4:00 p.m. Your driver then takes you back to your hotel or Airbnb. It is an eight-hour activity, but the total time away from your room will be longer once road transfers are included.

Grand River South East and its short speedboat ride

The first stop is Grand River South East, one of the more scenic parts of the day. Rather than taking the full catamaran upriver, you transfer to a speedboat and travel roughly 500 meters upstream to the waterfall.

The ride gives you a closer look at the riverbanks and older trees. Keep your camera ready because monkeys may be moving through the branches, and Mauritian fruit bats can be seen resting high in the trees. These sightings are not guaranteed, but they add a touch of wildlife to what could otherwise be a quick waterfall stop.

The waterfall itself is attractive, though you should keep your expectations sensible. This is a short viewing visit, not a long hike or a full river excursion. The speedboat transfer is part of the appeal, but it also means getting on and off another boat, so secure loose belongings and expect some spray.

After the waterfall, you return to the catamaran and continue toward the lagoon. This sequence is smart: the river visit comes while the day is fresh, leaving the middle and later hours for swimming, lunch, and Ile aux Cerfs.

Snorkeling in clear lagoon water

The catamaran stops for a swimming and snorkeling break before reaching Ile aux Cerfs. The water is described as clear, with coral reefs and tropical fish visible in the snorkeling area.

This is a chance to get into the water without paying for a separate excursion. Life jackets are included, which is useful if you are more comfortable floating than swimming. Snorkeling equipment is not specifically listed among the included items, so confirm the arrangement before booking if you need gear supplied.

You should bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera. A waterproof phone pouch is also sensible, though it is not listed as provided. Use reef-friendly sunscreen where available, and avoid standing on coral.

Water shoes are one of the most useful things to pack. Underwater coral and sea urchins can be present around Ile aux Cerfs, making bare feet a poor choice in shallow water. Shoes also help when walking from the beach into the lagoon.

The snorkeling stop is weather dependent. Wind, current, or visibility can affect how enjoyable it is, and a boat crew may change the timing for safety. Treat it as a valuable part of the day, but not as a dedicated marine biology trip.

BBQ lunch with fish, chicken, and local drinks

Food is one of the stronger practical features here. Lunch includes fresh BBQ fish, BBQ chicken, grilled hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available, and the food is halal.

The meal may be served on the beach or aboard the catamaran, depending on the day’s setup. That flexibility is useful because weather and boat position can affect where the crew prepares and serves lunch.

The menu is straightforward and suited to a mixed group. You are not booking a fine-dining cruise, but you are getting a hot, filling meal without needing to buy lunch on Ile aux Cerfs. That saves both time and money, especially during a full-day outing.

Drinks are unlimited and include water, soft drinks, juice, beer, wine, and local rum. The crew aims to make sure everyone has something suitable, from a cold beer or rum drink to a nonalcoholic option.

Drink service can make the boat feel festive, but pace yourself. The sun, sea air, and alcohol are a reliable combination for dehydration. Alternate alcoholic drinks with bottled water, use sunscreen, and remember that you still have swimming and a boat ride ahead.

Ile aux Cerfs, the main beach stop

Ile aux Cerfs is the visual high point of the outing. As you approach, you see palm trees, white sand, and clear turquoise water. The island is built for a relaxed beach day, with room for walking, swimming, and sitting in the sun.

The island is also popular and developed for activities, so do not expect a deserted castaway beach. Optional activities include parasailing, tube riding, and an undersea walk. These are not included in the $115 price, so budget separately if you want to add them.

You can also skip the paid activities. A stroll along the sand, a swim, or time under the sun may be all you need after the morning’s river and snorkeling stops. The island gives you a change of pace from the boat, though you should keep track of the meeting time so the return sail is not delayed.

This is a good stop for mixed groups. One person can relax on the beach while another pays for a water sport, and children or less confident swimmers can enjoy the shallow shore area with suitable supervision. The exact swimming conditions can vary, so follow the crew’s advice.

The catamaran ride and onboard mood

The catamaran is the main setting for much of the day. You sail across calm, clear lagoon water with mountainous views inland and open water around you. The large boat offers a more relaxed ride than a small speedboat, though the day still includes a few transfers and movement between stops.

The crew speaks English and French, with German and Italian also listed as available tour languages. The onboard announcements and instructions are intended to keep the group aware of the day’s plan.

Local Mauritian music gives the return journey a holiday feel. The crew also shares local tales and jokes, which adds personality to the trip. This is not a silent nature cruise, and the music may not suit everyone, but it helps the day feel social and informal.

A good seat can matter on a boat. You may prefer an open area for views and photos, while a more sheltered spot is useful when the sun is strong. Bring sunscreen and a hat if you have one, even though only sunglasses are specifically listed among the suggested items.

What $115 gets you

At $115 per person, the price is reasonable if you use most of what is included. You are paying for round-trip hotel or Airbnb transport, the catamaran cruise, the waterfall visit, snorkeling time, lunch, bottled water, unlimited drinks, and access to Ile aux Cerfs.

The value is strongest for people staying in the northern pickup areas. A separate taxi to Trou d’Eau Douce, a boat ticket, lunch, and drinks could quickly add up, while this package keeps the day in one booking.

The price is less compelling if you do not drink, dislike shared group activities, or only want a few hours on Ile aux Cerfs. You are paying for the complete combination, not simply for an island transfer.

Water sports are extra. If parasailing, tube riding, or an undersea walk is important to you, check the added cost before you commit. The included itinerary already fills a full day, so optional activities may also reduce your time to swim or relax.

Weather, cancellations, and the main drawbacks

Weather is the biggest uncertainty. The outing has been cancelled and rescheduled in poor conditions, and a weather decision can be frustrating if you have arranged other plans around it. Another day may be offered, but you should leave some flexibility in your Mauritius schedule.

A cancellation is particularly disappointing because the island may still look reachable from shore on a day when the operator decides conditions are unsuitable. Boat safety depends on wind, waves, visibility, and the route being used, so the decision can differ from what you see elsewhere on the coast.

The published cancellation terms allow a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours ahead. If the operator cancels, contact the booking provider promptly and keep confirmation of any refund or rescheduled date.

Another possible drawback is that the boat used may not always match the advertised catamaran plan. One outing operated by speedboat instead, while still including the main stops and beach visit. If the sailing experience itself is your top priority, confirm the vessel and conditions on the day.

Who should book this outing?

I would choose this tour if you want a full east-coast day with transport, food, drinks, and several stops handled for you. It suits couples, families, and groups of friends who like a social boat atmosphere and do not want to organize separate taxis, boats, and meals.

It also works well for a first visit to Mauritius. You get a quick taste of river scenery, lagoon snorkeling, a famous island beach, local music, and Mauritian food in one outing.

You may want another option if you prefer a private boat, a quiet sailing trip, serious snorkeling, or a flexible schedule. The day follows a group timetable, and Ile aux Cerfs is only one part of a broader program.

Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a towel, camera gear, and water shoes. Bring a little extra money for optional water sports, and keep drinking water in hand even when the bar is open.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip depart from?

The catamaran departs from Trou d’Eau Douce on the east coast of Mauritius. The planned catamaran departure is at 9:00 a.m., after arrival at the departure point around 8:30 a.m.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and return transport are included from hotels or Airbnbs in listed areas such as Grand Baie, Pereybere, Cap Malheureux, Triolet, Trou-aux-Biches, Pointe aux Piments, Pointe aux Biches, Mon Choisy, and Balaclava.

What food is included?

Lunch includes BBQ fish, BBQ chicken, grilled hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available, and the food is halal. Light breakfast snacks are also included.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited drinks include soft drinks, juice, bottled water, beer, wine, and local rum.

Are water sports included in the price?

No. Parasailing, tube riding, and the undersea walk are optional activities and are not included.

What languages are available on the tour?

The activity is available in English, French, German, and Italian. The crew also uses local Mauritian music and shares local stories during the cruise.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran trip?

Book it if you want the easy, all-in-one version of an east-coast Mauritius day. The strongest reasons are the included transport, generous food and drinks, waterfall stop, snorkeling break, and unhurried time on Ile aux Cerfs.

Go in with realistic expectations. This is a shared, weather-dependent outing with optional paid activities and a lively onboard mood. If that sounds like your kind of day, $115 buys a useful mix of scenery, swimming, food, and beach time without much planning on your part.