All inclusive CATAMARAN with BBQ : Ile aux cerf & GRSE waterfall

This is the kind of Mauritius day trip that tries to hit the best hits in one smooth loop, catamaran style, with Ile aux Cerf beach time plus the GRSE waterfall area for big photo moments. You start early, get picked up, and spend the day mixing ocean time with food, drinks, and music on board.

What I like most is that the package is truly all inclusive (BBQ lunch plus alcoholic drinks like rum, cocktails, and beer), and you also get practical extras such as snorkelling gear provided with an included stop. One thing to think about first though: this is a shared tour, and it can feel crowded in peak season, so if you want a quiet, luxury vibe, this may not scratch that itch.

Key things to know before you go

• Private round-trip pickup from your location in Mauritius, handled by certified drivers
• All inclusive BBQ lunch and drinks on board, including rum, cocktails, and beer
• GRSE waterfall photo stop in a popular but hard to access area
• Ile aux Cerf beach break for blue water and white sand time
• Snorkelling stop with included gear, plus toilets and music on board
• Smallish group cap of 35 travelers, start at 7:30 am, about 8 hours total

Meeting Port Louis morning: pickup, embarkation, and the vibe

You start with a private pickup, which is a big deal in Mauritius when you are trying to avoid the “where exactly do I meet?” stress. Start time is 7:30 am, and the tour runs about 8 hours. If you can, keep your morning plan flexible because timing depends on where you are picked up and traffic.

You are advised to reach Trou d eau douce by 9:15 am to avoid lateness cases, so treat that as your real anchor point during the day. Once you arrive at the embarkation area, you get directed to your catamaran, not left wandering around like it is a free-for-all.

On board, the captain gives a safety briefing and then the fun kicks in. Expect a steady flow of drinks, music, and a group energy that feels like a party that happens to be on the water. The boat also has toilets, which matters more than you think on an all-day outing.

The catamaran experience: music, food, drinks, and comfort

This is not presented as a quiet sightseeing cruise. Music is provided on board and you share the ride with other guests, so it tends to be upbeat and social. If you like days where you can chat, dance a little, and keep the momentum going, you will likely enjoy it.

Food and drinks are part of the package in a straightforward way. You get a BBQ lunch plus alcoholic options, including rum, cocktails, and beer, and you also have desserts included. There is continuous drink service, so you are not stuck waiting for a bar every time you want a refill.

One small practical note: a few people have described the catamaran as not truly “luxury” and mentioned crowding. With a maximum of 35 travelers, it is not huge, but in busy periods you may feel the boat is lively rather than spacious. If you are the type who wants lots of room to spread out, you might want to come with realistic expectations.

GRSE Waterfall: why it is worth the effort (and what to expect)

The GRSE waterfall stop is the centerpiece for photographers. It is a very popular destination and also one that can be hard to access, which is exactly why having a guided day plan matters. You get the chance to visit the area, and it is timed so you do not spend your whole day just getting there.

Here is the honest tradeoff: waterfall time on a day trip is always a mix of walking, standing around, and trying to catch the best angles before the group moves on. Because it is a shared outing, the timing depends on everyone’s pace, and crowds can affect how quickly you get photos and how long you personally get to linger.

The upside is that the GRSE area is known for strong visual payoff, so even if you only get a window to explore, you usually come away with usable pictures. If you care more about the photos than long unhurried hiking, this stop fits the plan well.

Ile aux Cerf beach time: blue water and white sand

After the waterfall stop, the day shifts toward ocean pleasure at Ile aux Cerf. This island is the big beach break in the program, with the catamaran stopping so you can enjoy the blue water and white sandy beaches.

What I like about this combo is that you get contrast. You go from a more active, photo-driven stop into a calmer beach phase where you can swim, relax, and reset. The boat ride continues as the day goes along, then later it returns to Mauritius, so you are not stuck figuring out how to travel between activities.

Just know that beach time on an all inclusive shared tour tends to be “enough time” rather than “all afternoon to yourself.” In peak periods, the vibe can get social and busy. If you want quiet beach solitude, you may find it hard to get away from the general flow of other groups.

Snorkelling stop with included gear: how to make it count

The tour includes a stop where you get snorkelling experience equipment, and the gear is provided. That turns the day from “pretty water from the boat” into something more hands-on.

To get the most from it, treat snorkelling as your active block. If you are the confident swimmer type, you will likely enjoy exploring near where you are dropped in. If you are less confident, keep it simple, go slowly, and enjoy seeing the underwater view without trying to win the day.

Also, because snorkelling is tied to the shared group schedule, how long the water time lasts may vary depending on how many people want to jump in. The key idea is that the operator gives you the chance and the gear, so you just show up ready.

BBQ lunch on board: food options, alcohol, and what it feels like

Lunch is BBQ on the catamaran, and you can choose between options. Alcohol is part of the all inclusive package, with rum, cocktails, and beer mentioned as options. You also get desserts.

This kind of meal setup is one of the biggest value drivers in the whole experience. Instead of paying for a beach restaurant, a separate tour meal, and drinks, you already have food and alcohol handled while you are on the water. If you are traveling with friends or family, it also keeps everyone on the same schedule.

Food quality can vary on any boat day, but the overall point of this program is convenience and morale. Music, a continuous drink service, and a social lunch help the day feel like a party with stops.

That said, do not expect a quiet fine dining meal with wide spacing. Some people have said the boat felt busy and not truly luxury. If you are open to a lively environment, the BBQ lunch part usually lands well.

The ride back: more drinks and how the day usually ends

Once you are done with Ile aux Cerf, you head back toward Mauritius. Drinks continue on the return, and you get that end-of-day cruising feeling where you can relax without worrying about the next activity.

By the time you arrive back, your driver is waiting for the private drop off in a private car. That helps you close the day cleanly, without bargaining with taxis or hunting down transport after a full sun day.

If you are sensitive to heat or want to avoid the strongest sun, it helps to plan your day around water, shade, and timing. This outing starts early, so you get a head start, but beach time and waterfall photography still put you in direct sun.

Practical tips so you have a better day on a shared catamaran

• Bring swim essentials even if you think you will be fine. The day mixes beach time and snorkelling gear, so you want to be ready to hop in.
• Pack for sun and quick changes. Early start plus beach and waterfall equals lots of time outdoors.
• Arrive on time for the Trou d eau douce guideline. The advice is to be there by 9:15 am to avoid lateness issues.
• Pick your expectations. This is shared fun with music and drinks, not a silent, luxury yacht experience.
• Stay flexible with group timing. Waterfall and snorkelling stops depend on how the group moves.

One more real-world note from how people describe the day: the staff often stands out for friendliness and energy, including dance and music elements like sega mentioned in at least one account. If you enjoy that kind of island party atmosphere, you are in the right place.

Price and value: what you are really paying for

At $113.97 per person, this is not a “budget only” option, but the package includes several things that would otherwise cost extra. You get private pickup and drop off, an all inclusive BBQ lunch, and alcoholic drinks onboard. You also get access to the GRSE waterfall photo area, Ile aux Cerf beach time, and snorkelling gear for an included water stop.

That is the value math. Most boat excursions either charge you for drinks or for food or for snorkelling. Here, a big chunk of that is bundled, which can make the per-person cost feel more reasonable, especially if you would definitely buy drinks anyway.

Where value can feel weaker is when crowding affects comfort. If you are paying for a day that feels “tight” or “not luxury,” you might feel disappointed even if the core activities are delivered. In peak times, the group energy may be more noticeable.

With a 4.2 rating from 22 reviews, there is clear overall satisfaction, especially around staff and the day’s entertainment and food.

Who should book this tour, and who should skip it

This tour suits you if:

• You want a one day, many highlights plan, including waterfall photos and an island beach stop
• You like an upbeat group atmosphere with music and onboard fun
• You care about all inclusive basics like BBQ lunch, desserts, and alcoholic drinks
• You want snorkelling gear included without planning extra activities

You might want to skip it if:

• You prefer a quiet, spacious, luxury feel and would be unhappy in a lively shared boat
• You are very sensitive to timing and group pacing around waterfall and snorkelling stops

Also, if you are someone who really values transport convenience, the private pickup and drop off is a major plus. It removes a lot of friction and lets you start your day without stress.

Should you book Beguided Tours catamaran to Ile aux Cerf and GRSE?

If your idea of a great Mauritius day is water, photos, beach time, and a carefree onboard meal with drinks, I think this is a strong choice. The biggest reasons to book are the all inclusive package and the way it combines GRSE waterfall with Ile aux Cerf and snorkelling gear without making you manage logistics.

I would only hesitate if you are trying to avoid crowds or want a truly calm, high end feel. In that case, you may enjoy the sights but feel less happy about the shared, busy vibe.

If you go with flexible expectations and plan for sun and group timing, you are likely to have a memorable day on the water.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 7:30 am.

How long is the catamaran tour?

The duration is about 8 hours.

Is pickup and drop off included?

Yes. There is private pickup and drop off by certified drivers from your location in Mauritius.

What food and drinks are included?

You get BBQ lunch plus desserts. Drinks are continuously served on board, including alcoholic options such as rum, cocktails, and beer, with different choices available on the catamaran.

Is snorkelling included, and is gear provided?

Yes. The catamaran makes an included stop for snorkelling, and snorkelling gear is provided.

What destinations are included in the day?

You will visit GRSE Waterfalls (a popular photography area), and you will stop at Ile aux Cerf for beach time with blue water and white sand.