Day Trip at Ile aux Cerfs and other Gems of the South.

Ile aux Cerfs is one of those Mauritius days where the sea view is the main event, and the schedule actually supports it. This small-group boat trip starts at Chantauvent Guesthouse in Blue Bay and gives you real time on the water, plus lagoon snorkeling.

Two things I like a lot. First, the option to feel more private, since you can privatize the boat for your group size. Second, the lunch setup: a beach BBQ on the island, while you still have time to swim. The main consideration is simple, it’s a 6-hour outing on the water, so plan for sun and bring the basics (hat, towel).

Key things to know before you go

• Small-group vibe (max 10), and you can add extra privacy by privatizing the boat
• About 3 hours at Ile aux Cerfs, enough time to actually enjoy the beach, not just arrive and rush
• Multi-stop sailing with lagoon viewpoints and stops focused on marine life
• Snorkeling gear included, plus time built into the day for getting in the water
• Beach BBQ lunch with free wine on the island, but the wine type is limited unless you pay extra
• Optional upgrades, like a lobster meal add-on for an extra cost and cool-box customization

Why Ile aux Cerfs from Blue Bay feels like a real day out

This trip is interesting because it’s not built like a quick bus-to-a-beach situation. You’re on the water early, you get multiple chances to look at the lagoon from different angles, and you end with a proper chunk of time on Ile aux Cerfs itself.

I also like that the team leans into the “day on the sea” rhythm. You don’t just watch, you snorkel, swim, and eat where you are. The guides keep it practical too, with live help in English and French and a friendly tone on board. In recent outings, guides like Lucas and skippers like Sebastian have been singled out for being attentive and professional, which matters when you’re juggling kids, snorkel stops, and a boat schedule.

One more plus is the flexibility you get with the experience. You can privatize the boat, and there’s an option to customize your cool box. That’s useful if you have picky eaters, specific drink preferences, or you just don’t want to rely on whatever comes with the default setup.

From Chantauvent Guesthouse to the first sailing stretch

Your day starts at Chantauvent Guesthouse, also known as Maison d’Hotes, in Blue Bay. You’ll want to check in with the reception first, then follow their direction to Chantauvent’s Beach House. The guide will be waiting there.

The first sailing part is short, about 15 minutes. Think of this as the warm-up, a quick hop from land into boat time. It also sets the mood: you’ll see the water change as you leave the shore and head toward the island chain in the south.

Practical note: you’ll be on a schedule. So if you’re the kind of person who likes to wander for 30 minutes before a tour starts, set an earlier buffer. The whole day flows around sailing times, including the longer stay at Ile aux Cerfs.

Multi-stop lagoon time: where snorkeling fits into the day

What makes this trip better than a one-island ferry run is the multi-stop approach. On the way to Ile aux Cerfs, you make several stops to explore the lagoon and its fauna, plus island viewpoints in the south.

You’ll typically get snorkeling gear included, so you can get straight into the water when the boat pauses. This is one of the strongest parts of the day for me because the lagoon isn’t just a backdrop. It’s the place where you get to see coral and marine life up close, and snorkeling is the easiest way to do that without turning your day into a whole separate activity.

You can also use these stops as low-pressure breaks. Even if you’re not a confident snorkeler, you can still enjoy the water through a mask briefly, float, or just watch what’s happening around the boat.

Sometimes, routes also include snorkeling around locations like l’ile aux Aigrettes. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins at a distance from the water. These aren’t guaranteed, but the day is set up so the chance feels real, not random.

Ile aux Cerfs: the long beach block, the swim time, and the BBQ lunch

The big reason to pick this trip is the time you actually get at Ile aux Cerfs: about 3 hours. That’s plenty for a slow swim, a proper beach break, and snorkeling without feeling like you’re racing the clock.

The beach time works best if you do it in the right order. I’d start with water time early, before the sun angle gets too intense. Then switch to enjoying the island at a relaxed pace. You’ll have the option to snorkel in the lagoon area too, so you can choose how active you want to be.

Lunch is a highlight. You’ll get a BBQ in a beach setting, with food served while you’re surrounded by sea views. If you want to keep things easy, this is the kind of meal that makes the trip worth it. It saves you the stress of finding lunch later, and it keeps the whole experience connected to the water and island vibe.

A few details to keep in mind for the BBQ:

• Free wine during lunch on the island, but it’s only one type
• If you want your preferred wine, you can request it with an additional fee
• If you’re craving a fuller lobster meal, there’s an add-on cost of 600 rs per person

So yes, it’s a BBQ lunch. No, it’s not just “whatever is on a plate.” You’ll have enough time to eat properly, then head back into the water after.

Lighthouse Island stop: quick, scenic, and timed well

After your Ile aux Cerfs time, the day shifts to a second stop, Lighthouse Island, with about 45 minutes there.

This is a short window, so you’ll want to treat it like a scenic photo and a quick explore. Use it to stretch legs, look back at the islands you already visited, and soak up the views from the water and coastline. Since the time is limited, this isn’t the moment for long wandering plans.

Still, it’s a useful stop because it breaks up the day and adds variety. You’re not just repeating the same beach scene twice. You’re getting a different angle of the south coast from a different island setting.

Price and value: when $412 per group makes sense

The price is listed as $412 per group up to 4, and the experience is also described as a small-group outing with limits (including the ability to privatize).

Here’s how I’d think about value in plain terms. You’re paying for:

• a boat day in the south
• a live guide
• snorkeling gear
• multi-stop sailing time
• a beach BBQ lunch (plus free wine during lunch)

For a group of up to four, the “per group” model can be a strong deal because you’re essentially splitting the cost across people instead of paying per person. And if you privatize the boat, you’re buying comfort and control, which can be worth it if you’re traveling with kids or you just hate crowded tours.

If you’re a solo traveler or a couple, it can still be a good fit. The key question is whether the included lunch and the longer Ile aux Cerfs time feel worth it to you compared to cheaper, shorter boat options. If you want real beach time plus snorkeling, this one is designed for that.

What to bring (and what to plan around)

The basics are listed for a reason. Bring:

• sunglasses
• a hat
• a towel

Because the day is on the water and includes beach time, these items make a noticeable difference. Sunglasses help the glare off the sea. A hat is your best defense against an unplanned sunburn day. A towel is your comfort tool once you’re done swimming and ready to eat.

Also consider how you’ll handle snorkeling time. If you’re bringing your own stuff, the trip already provides gear, so you don’t need to pack snorkeling equipment unless you have a specific preference.

One more practical thing: the cool box can be customized. If you have a strong preference for drinks or snacks, ask about customizing it. The “cool box” part matters because it helps you keep the day comfortable between swims and lunch.

Who this tour is best for

This day trip suits people who want a mix of water time and island time without a complicated plan.

It’s especially good for:

• Adventure seekers who still want a comfort stop for lunch
• Nature-focused travelers who want snorkeling included
• Friends and family looking for a fun, structured day
• People who want the south coast experience from the sea, with enough time to enjoy it

Families with young kids also seem like a natural match. Some recent trips included families with children, and the guides worked to keep things smooth, including making time feel manageable for different ages.

If you hate being rushed, this one helps. The Ile aux Cerfs block is long enough that you can actually relax.

Should you book this Ile aux Cerfs and South Gems day trip?

Book it if your priority is a true boat day with time on Ile aux Cerfs plus snorkeling and a BBQ lunch where you’re already relaxing. The multi-stop approach makes it feel like you’re doing more than “one island, one meal, one quick swim.”

Skip it or consider another option if you know you dislike sun exposure and you prefer tightly scheduled, land-based sightseeing. This tour is built around being outside on the water. You can enjoy it even if you’re not super sporty, but you are still outdoors a lot.

If you’re traveling as a small group and you can privatize the boat, I’d lean toward booking. It’s one of those choices that turns a standard tour into your own day, with the added benefit of having the guide and snorkeling setup handled for you.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at Chantauvent Guesthouse, also called Maison d’Hotes, in Blue Bay. Ask the reception to guide you, and the guide will be waiting at Chantauvent’s Beach House.

What languages are the live guides?

The live tour guide speaks French and English.

How long is the day trip?

The duration is 6 hours.

How big is the group?

It’s a small group, with a limit stated as 10 participants. The trip also offers the option to privatize the boat.

Is snorkeling included, and do I need to bring gear?

Snorkeling is included, and the trip provides snorkeling equipment. The listed items to bring are sunglasses, a hat, and a towel.

What’s included in lunch, and what isn’t?

Lunch includes a BBQ on the island. Wine is free during lunch on the island, but it’s only one type. A full lobster meal requires an additional 600 rs per person. If you want your favorite wine type, there may be an additional fee.

Can I customize the boat or what I bring for drinks?

Yes. You can privatize the boat and customize your trip. It’s also possible to customize your cool box.

Is there free cancellation and pay-later booking?

There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later.