Exclusive Private Catamaran to Ile Aux Cerfs with Lunch

A private catamaran day to Ile aux Cerfs is one of those Mauritius plans that feels simple, but delivers big payoff: you spend your day on the water, then land on one of the island’s most famous white-sand stretches. I love how much beach time you get, without the usual group-travel shuffle.

I also like that the day is built around real sea moments, including a snorkel break around 11:00 with equipment and a proper onboard BBQ lunch with drinks. One possible drawback to keep in mind: timing can shift with tide and winds, and at least one past customer flagged issues like the boat interior not being very clean and no coffee or tea being available.

Key things to love about this Ile aux Cerfs catamaran day

• Private 42ft catamaran for up to 10 people, departing from Pointe Jerome in the South East
• Snorkeling break around 11:00 in the island’s largest lagoon, with equipment provided
• Grande Riviere Sud Est river mouth stop for a chance to see giant bat colonies and monkeys, plus waterfall views from afar
• BBQ lunch and drinks onboard including beer, rum, and cocktails, plus non-alcoholic options
• White sand time at Ile aux Cerfs, reached by cruising through the canal area near Anahita
• Trampolines for sunbathing so you can actually relax between swims and meals

Private 42ft catamaran, real freedom with a clear 7-hour rhythm

This isn’t a “sit on a boat and hope for the best” cruise. The day is designed for day charters, which usually means the schedule is flexible enough to feel relaxed, but structured enough that you still get the highlights.

You’ll be on a 42ft catamaran, and the private-group cap of up to 10 is a big part of the value. With a smaller group, the vibe stays friendly instead of chaotic, and you’re more likely to enjoy the deck time, the snorkeling stop, and the beach drop-off without feeling like cattle.

The big practical upside

You start with a light breakfast and an open-bar feel right from the time you board. That matters because a full day at sea is long, and you want the energy early, not right when you’re tired.

The one rhythm risk

Your return time is expected around 16:15, but it depends on tide and winds. That’s not a deal-breaker, but it does mean you should avoid booking anything else right after 16:15 unless you’re okay with a delay.

Pointe Jerome departure at 09:00, what it means for your morning

The cruise leaves at 09:00 from the Pointe Jerome Embarkation Jetty in the South East of Mauritius. Getting on the water by late morning is a sweet spot for most people. You avoid the early wake-up chaos, but you still beat the day’s biggest weather and crowd buildup.

You’ll also have a clear meeting point: a representative meets you at the jetty area and you’ll recognize them by their uniform and a One Island Cruiser badge. If you like things organized, this helps you get your bearings fast.

Plan for the weather, not just the clock

Warm weather and cool water are part of the promise, but sea days still swing with breeze. If you burn easily, sunscreen before you board saves time later.

Breakfast, open bar, and how to pace a full day at sea

The day starts with a light breakfast, then you’re in the cruising rhythm with an open bar service from the moment you board. The “open bar” part is more than a perk. It’s what keeps the day feeling like a vacation instead of a series of activities you have to squeeze in.

For many people, the most enjoyable catamaran days are the ones where you do less between the highlights. That’s why the trampolines for sunbathing are worth noting. They give you a place to stretch out while the catamaran moves between swimming moments.

What’s included for drinks

After lunch you’ll have more sailing time with onboard drinks. The included selection specifically mentions beer, rum, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options. That’s a good range for a day charter, especially since you’re not paying extra to keep hydrated and comfortable.

A small heads-up from prior feedback

One past customer mentioned no coffee or tea was available. Coffee habits vary, so if that’s a must for you, I’d plan as if you won’t have it onboard.

Snorkeling around 11:00 in the island’s largest lagoon

Around 11:00, you’ll stop for snorkeling in the island’s largest lagoon, with equipment provided. This is a key part of the value because equipment is a common add-on on some tours, and here it’s built in.

This stop is about seeing underwater life. The tour is described as a chance to enjoy superb corals and brightly colored tropical fish. Even if you’re not a hardcore snorkeler, a lagoon setting usually feels easier than choppier open-water conditions.

What to expect from the water time

You’ll get a swim break, not a “keep going for hours” experience. That’s ideal for most visitors who want fun underwater time without blowing the rest of the day.

How to make snorkeling easier

Bring a towel and a change of clothes, because you’ll be wet after the snorkel. Also, sunglasses are worth packing, since glare off the water can be strong even when conditions feel mild.

If you wear contact lenses, consider what you do in salt water and windy spray, and plan accordingly.

Grande Riviere Sud Est: bats, monkeys, and waterfall views from afar

After snorkeling, the catamaran sails along the east coast and heads toward the mouth of Grande Riviere Sud Est. This is where the day gets more interesting than just beach and swimming.

You’ll have a chance to see a giant bat colony and monkeys living on the river bank. You’ll also see the waterfall from afar. That from-afar part matters, and it’s a good expectation to set: you’re not doing an extended hiking or viewpoint scramble, you’re seeing it by water as part of the cruise route.

Why this section is worth your time

Seeing wildlife along Mauritius waterways is a different kind of memory than another photo on sand. It’s also a nice break from the heat cycle. You’re moving through scenery instead of standing in one place all day.

A realism note

Wildlife watching is never guaranteed. But the experience is built around the area where these animals live, so it’s a better odds play than random sightseeing stops.

Ile aux Cerfs drop-off: white sand time without the crowds grind

After cruising into the canal between Ile aux Cerfs and the sanctuary of Anahita, you’ll be dropped off on the famous white sand bank of Ile aux Cerfs. This is the day’s postcard moment, but the real win is the time you’re given there.

Once you’re on the sand, you can do what beach days are for: swim, walk, relax, and take photos without rushing every ten minutes. The catamaran crew makes sure you re-embark when your window ends, so you get freedom without losing track of time.

What makes Ile aux Cerfs special for a day charter

The big advantage here is the approach. You arrive by water, and you spend the middle of the day in a place that’s hard to access casually. It feels like you earned it, even though it’s a straightforward day out.

Bring the basics, then stop thinking

Once you’re dropped off, you’ll be focused on water and sand. Keep it simple: sunscreen, sunglasses, a towel, and your camera.

Also, pack a spare layer or change of clothes. Even if you’re staying beach-mode, getting comfortable for the ride back is a small but real comfort upgrade.

BBQ lunch onboard: filling, social, and part of the value

Lunch is one of the strongest points of this cruise. A BBQ lunch is prepared onboard by friendly crew members, and it’s described as one of the best catamaran lunches in Mauritius.

Along with the BBQ, you get selection of beverages on board, including alcoholic drinks like beer, rum, and cocktails, plus non-alcoholic options. That’s a big deal because meals and drinks can quietly add up on sea tours.

Vegetarian and allergies

A vegetarian option is available, but you need to advise the team at booking. The instruction also asks you to share any food allergies or illness. That’s the only way to make sure the chef can cater properly, so don’t skip it.

A note about desserts

One past customer said a simple dessert like fruit or ice cream was missing. That might be personal preference, but it’s a good reminder to not assume dessert will be part of the lunch routine. If you want something sweet after eating, bring the idea in your head and plan accordingly.

The canal cruise near Anahita, plus why trampolines matter

After snorkeling and before the Ile aux Cerfs drop-off, you’ll cruise into the canal between Ile aux Cerfs and the sanctuary of Anahita. Even if your main goal is beach time, the canal passage is useful. It keeps the day moving and gives you more scenery variety between swim stops.

Onboard, trampolines for sunbathing and relaxing are included. This is one of those details that changes how you feel after a long day. If you can lie out comfortably, the return sail back won’t feel like punishment.

What the crew adds to the mood

The crew members will tell local tales and jokes, and they play local Mauritian sega music to lift the spirits. This matters more than you might think. Sea days can be calm, but a little humor and music keeps energy up, especially if the weather turns breezier.

Price, group size, and whether it’s good value for you

The price is listed at $1,001 per group up to 10, for a duration of about 7 hours. That pricing structure is where the math gets interesting.

• If you book with a full group of 10, you’re roughly at $100 per person.
• If it’s just 2 people, it’s about $500 per person.

So the value depends heavily on how many people you can gather. If you’re traveling with friends or family who want a private day at sea, this can be a smart splurge. If you’re solo or a couple, it’s still a great experience idea, but it becomes a premium ride rather than a budget one.

What makes the price easier to justify

You get a lot bundled: cruise on a 42ft catamaran, light breakfast, snorkeling with equipment, Ile aux Cerfs, visit to the river area with bat colony and monkeys, BBQ lunch, and drinks. When you compare that to paying separately for boat time, beach transfer, and a meal, it starts to feel like a complete package.

Costs that can add up

Pick-up and drop-off are additional charges. Watersport activities like parasailing and tube riding are also extra. If you’re planning to do those, factor them into your total day budget.

What to bring (and what to expect) so the day feels smooth

Here’s how to pack for this kind of day charter without overthinking it.

You should bring:

• Sunglasses
• Change of clothes
• Towel
• Camera
• Sunscreen

The tour also specifically asks you to bring your own towels and another spare clothes. That’s consistent with the wet swim reality, especially after snorkeling and when you’re sitting on beach sand.

A quick comfort checklist

If you hate carrying things, use a dry bag or a waterproof pouch for your phone and wallet. If you’re prone to motion discomfort, keep it in mind during the sailing segments, especially when winds pick up.

Also, set your expectations on onboard drinks and meals. Drinks like beer, rum, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options are included, but coffee and tea were not mentioned in the included items, and one past customer noted the absence.

Who this catamaran day is best for

This is a great fit if you want:

• A private-group feel with up to 10 people
• A day that mixes snorkeling, beach time at Ile aux Cerfs, and a wildlife and waterfall sighting approach
• A full onboard meal with drinks, so you are not scrambling for food between stops
• A crew that adds local stories and sega music to keep the mood light

It’s also a smart choice for people who don’t want a marathon schedule. You get a few major experiences, with plenty of relaxed time around them.

Should you book this private Ile aux Cerfs catamaran with lunch?

If you’re coming to Mauritius for the water days, this is a strong booking choice. The combo of snorkel time, white sand at Ile aux Cerfs, and a BBQ lunch with drinks onboard makes it feel like a complete day rather than a checklist.

I’d book it especially if you can fill more seats, because the per-person value improves a lot when the group is near 10. If you’re a small party, you can still justify it, but treat it as a premium private experience.

One last decision tip: if you care about small creature comforts like coffee or tea, don’t assume they are onboard. Also, bring your own towel and extra clothes to stay comfortable. If you do those simple things, you’re setting yourself up for a smoother, more enjoyable sea day.

FAQ

What time does the cruise leave and return?

The catamaran departs at 09:00 from the Pointe Jerome Embarkation Jetty. The expected arrival back to the hotel is 16:15, depending on tide and winds.

Where is the meeting point?

Your representative meets you at the Pointe Jerome Embarkation Jetty area in Pointe Jerome. Look for a uniform and a One Island Cruiser badge.

What is included in the lunch and drinks?

Lunch is a BBQ onboard, plus drinks are included. The selection includes alcoholic beverages such as beer, rum, and cocktails, along with non-alcoholic drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. There is a snorkeling break with equipment included, with the snorkeling stop scheduled around 11:00.

Can the cruise cater to vegetarians?

Yes, a vegetarian option is available. You should advise the operator at booking, and share any food allergies or illness as well.

What happens if there is cyclone or torrential rainfall alert?

If there is a cyclone or a torrential rainfall alert, you will receive a full refund if cancellation is made by the operator.