Catamaran to Ile aux Cerf with Parasailing, Tube Riding & Lunch

A day on a Mauritian catamaran that mixes Ile aux Cerfs beaches with real water sports is an easy way to pack a lot of fun into one shift. Two highlights I really like are the included parasailing (big view from above) and the chance to snorkel where coral and tropical fish are the main event. One drawback to keep in mind: like any sea day, timing can get messy if conditions change and some activities may be swapped or delayed for safety.

If you can handle a typical all-day schedule with a couple of transitions by boat and vehicle, this one can feel like a proper island day. I also like that the trip includes hotel pickup, lunch, and unlimited drinks, so you are not constantly reaching for your wallet. Just don’t book if you are expecting a quiet, ultra-high-end private charter, because this experience runs with a maximum of 30 people.

Key things to know before you go

• Parasailing and tube riding are included, so you are not paying extra for the main thrill moments once you arrive.
• Unlimited drinks with lunch includes wine, beer, soft drinks, water, and rhum, which can seriously improve the value.
• The morning builds in a waterfall sightseeing stop at Grand River South East before the sea portion.
• Your time on Ile aux Cerfs is designed for sun, swimming, and activity blocks, not just a quick photo stop.
• The plan is weather-dependent, and the operator can adjust if conditions are unsafe.
• Bring your own towels and spare clothes, since you will likely get wet.

Ile Aux Cerfs, plus parasailing and tube riding, all in one day

This is the kind of tour that works well when you want Mauritius to feel active, but not stressful. You get the catamaran cruise, lagoon time, and then a clear shift into water sports on Ile aux Cerfs. If your ideal vacation day is sun plus adrenaline and then food served without you chasing it around, you will probably appreciate the structure.

The standout combo here is that parasailing and tube riding are both part of the package. Parasailing tends to deliver that classic wow factor fast, because you see the coastline and water from above. Tube riding is the opposite vibe, faster and louder, and it is basically designed for people who want to feel the spray and bounce.

Price and value: what the $161.44 actually covers

At $161.44 per person, the biggest value question is whether you are getting enough “included” experiences to justify one full day away from your hotel.

Here is what you typically get without extra fees:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off (anywhere in Mauritius, per the info provided)
• Air-conditioned private transport
• Parasailing plus tube riding
• A 3-course lunch (veg and non-veg options)
• Unlimited drinks with lunch (wine, beer, soft drinks, water, and rhum)
• Waterfall sightseeing at Grand River South East
• A snorkeling stop in the lagoon area linked to Trou d’eau Douce

And you should know what is not included:

• Lobster lunch is available as an add-on for extra cost.

When a day tour includes transportation, food, and the two main thrill activities, it usually pencils out better than piecing things together yourself. Still, because the tour is weather-dependent and timing can vary, the best value comes when the day runs as advertised.

Pickup and timing: start early, but plan for real life

The trip starts with a pickup window that can vary by where you are staying. The start time is listed as 8:30 am, and one itinerary plan has you arriving at Trou d’eau Douce around 9:15 am, boarding the catamaran for a 9:30 am departure.

Practical tip: try to be ready a little earlier than you think you need. Even when everything is well run, you are dealing with morning traffic, guides coordinating multiple pickup points, and a schedule that depends on tides and weather.

Also, this is a tour where order can matter. When weather or sea conditions shift, the operator may swap the sequence of activities to keep things safe. If parasailing is your top priority, you should confirm the safety criteria and what happens if conditions worsen before the activity slot.

Stop at Trou d’eau Douce: the launch point

Trou d’eau Douce is the East Coast fishing-village setting that gets you out onto the water smoothly. When you arrive, you meet the guide, board the vehicle, and then you shift over to the catamaran.

One thing I appreciate about this start is that it is not trying to rush you through a dozen mini-stops. You settle into the day, then the sea portion begins. If you like a calmer first hour before the water fun, this approach helps.

Grand River South East waterfall: monkeys, bats, and a quick nature hit

Before the catamaran gets fully underway, you visit Grand River South East for waterfall sightseeing. The plan includes a look at the waterfall area, then returning to the catamaran.

This stop is short, so manage expectations. You are not going on a long hike. You are getting a snapshot of East Coast nature, and the appeal is the chance to see wildlife along the river banks. The itinerary mentions monkeys and fruit bats, and that is exactly the kind of “small but memorable” wildlife moment you can miss if you skip the inland portion entirely.

The catamaran cruise and lagoon snorkeling break

Once you are at sea, the day shifts toward the water itself. The cruise is meant to pass through lagoon areas, then stop for a snorkeling and swimming break. The lagoon snorkeling part is the place where coral and tropical fish become the main focus.

This is why the tour can be worth it even if you do not want to do every water sport. Snorkeling gives you a chance to slow down. You are not forced to stay on the tube or strapped into parasailing gear the whole time.

If you snorkel, bring a basic plan:

• Keep your eyes on your time. Snorkeling slots are usually short.
• Wear something you can get wet in.
• If you want underwater photos, avoid relying on quick hand movements, since you might be busy with air bubbles and buoyancy.

Lunch on Ile aux Cerfs: 3 courses, unlimited drinks, and quick recovery time

Lunch is one of the best reasons to pick a packaged day trip like this. The information provided says you get a delicious 3-course lunch and unlimited drinks including wine, beer, soft drinks, water, and rhum.

You have a couple of lunch possibilities depending on the flow of the day, since lunch can be served on the catamaran or on the beach setting. Either way, the intent is simple: refuel after the morning cruise and before the main afternoon activities.

Two practical notes:

• If you know you get thirsty while active, this lunch setup is a big comfort win.
• If you are sensitive to alcohol, treat the unlimited drinks as optional. You might want water breaks between activities.

Lobster lunch exists as an extra-charge add-on, but the standard meal is part of the deal. Vegetarian options are available if you tell the operator when booking, so you can eat without improvising.

Ile aux Cerfs beach time: sun, swimming, and a real break from motion

When you arrive at Ile aux Cerfs, you get a relaxation block with beaches, swimming, and the chance to snorkel again depending on the day’s timing. The vibe here is straightforward: palm-framed views, white sand, and time to cool down before or after water sports.

This part matters because the tour is not only about thrills. If you spend the morning at sea and then do parasailing or tube riding, you will want that “sit still and reset” window. Ile aux Cerfs delivers that without adding another complicated itinerary layer.

Parasailing: the signature adrenaline moment

Parasailing is included, and it tends to be the tour’s emotional highlight. The described experience is about viewing the marine panorama from above the sea, and it gives you a totally different perspective from the deck.

What to expect:

• You will feel safely “guided through it,” but you still need to follow crew instructions.
• This is not a long ride style of activity in every case. It is about the viewpoint moment.
• If you are nervous around height or harnesses, tell the staff first. They can usually coach you through the process.

If you really care about parasailing, prioritize it during your time on Ile aux Cerfs and do not assume you can always reschedule it later if the day gets delayed.

Tube riding: fast fun, rough water, and banana-shaped gears

Tube riding is the other included thrill. The description is clear about the energy level: a tube pulled through a speedboat, then thrilling rides over large banana-shaped gears with surfing through rough waves.

This is the adrenaline section. If you love speed and water spray, you will probably feel like this is the reason you booked. If you are prone to motion sickness, you may want to go in with a plan, since the ride is designed for impact and wobble.

Also, expect to get wet, even if the activity feels short. Your “spare clothes” bag is not optional.

Underwater walking (sea walk): confirm what you’ll actually do

The tour information mentions underwater walking as one of the possible water activities. But in the practical reality of a day like this, what you do can depend on sea conditions and how the operator schedules activities.

So here is what I suggest you do:

• When you get confirmation, check whether the underwater walking is actually included in your specific package slot.
• On the day, ask the crew what is next and whether anything has changed due to weather.

That way you are not standing around hoping it will happen while the day moves on. When underwater walking is available, it can be a unique add-on to snorkeling since you are working in deeper underwater visibility zones.

Getting wet and staying comfortable: bring these, or regret it

This is a full day where dry clothes are more like a fantasy than a guarantee. The information provided specifically says to bring your own towels and another spare clothes, which is excellent advice.

I would also add common-sense items that match what this day requires:

• A swimsuit you are okay getting soaked
• Sunscreen (you will be in the sun for hours)
• A waterproof phone pouch if you want photos but not chaos
• Sunglasses with a strap if you hate losing them in water

Group size and vibe: it can feel lively, not private

The tour has a maximum of 30 travelers, which is big enough for a fun atmosphere and small enough for people to still feel part of a group activity.

The catamaran experience is described as having crew music and a party-like vibe. One review style summary included music and a good energy level, and that fits the overall “day out” character of the boat.

If you want a quiet, low-key day with minimal crowding, you might find moments where you are sharing space. If you want energy, a bit of music, and a straightforward group flow, this tends to work.

Who should book this catamaran day trip

This tour is a good fit if:

• You want both parasailing and tube riding, not just one thrill
• You like snorkeling and want coral and tropical fish time
• You prefer a packaged day with pickup, lunch, and drinks handled
• You enjoy active afternoons followed by beach relaxation

It may be a poor fit if:

• You need a fully private, quiet boat experience
• You are booking as a solo traveler. The package requires a minimum of 2 people per booking, and solo arrangements can be an issue depending on operator rules.
• You have strict expectations for an exact itinerary order. Weather can change plans, and the operator may adjust for safety.

Should you book this Ile aux Cerfs catamaran with water sports?

If your goal is a classic Mauritius East Coast day, with the big beach payoff at Ile aux Cerfs plus serious included water activities, this is a strong option. The included lunch and unlimited drinks make it feel more complete than many “just get on a boat” trips.

My decision rule for you:

• Book if you want a fun, all-in-one day with parasailing and tube riding as core priorities.
• Consider booking on a day when you are not relying on a tight schedule back at your hotel.
• Ask upfront what happens to underwater walking or any activity if weather changes, so you can shift your expectations fast.

Do this, pack your spare clothes, and keep your schedule flexible. Then you’ll be set up for the kind of day that makes Mauritius feel like it belongs to the sea.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour start time is listed as 8:30 am, and pickup time can vary depending on where you are staying.

Where does the catamaran depart from?

The catamaran portion starts from Trou d’eau Douce, with the cruise departing around 9:30 am in the itinerary provided.

What activities are included?

Parasailing and tube riding are included. The tour description also mentions underwater walking as an available activity, and there is a snorkeling stop in the lagoon area.

Is lunch included?

Yes. You get a full lunch with a 3-course menu, with vegetarian option available if you advise at booking.

Are drinks included with lunch?

Yes. Unlimited locally available drinks are included, including wine, beer, soft drinks, water, and rhum.

What should I bring?

Bring your own towels and another spare set of clothes. You should expect to get wet.

What if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are water sports included for children?

Water sport activities are not included for children in this package. Children pay only for the catamaran seat.