Full-Day At Ile Aux Cerf: Speed Boat, GRSE, Lunch On A Private Island & Transfer

A full-day speedboat outing to Ile Aux Cerf is a smart way to turn Mauritius’ east-coast lagoons into your main event, not a side quest. You get a long beach block, then a private 3-course Mauritian BBQ lunch, and you finish with a boat cruise past the Grand River South East (GRSE) waterfalls.

Two things I especially like: you’re not just stuck on a dock, the ride itself is part of the fun, and the lunch is set up so you can actually relax. One possible drawback to keep in mind, especially if you want a very tailored language experience, is that English interpretation can be limited on some days.

Key things to know before you go

• Small-group size (max 12), which usually means less waiting around and more time enjoying the water
• Speedboat transfers plus lagoon cruising for turquoise views on the way to and from Ile Aux Cerf
• Private 3-course lunch with unlimited drinks (including wine, beer, and local rum)
• Dietary options: vegetarian BBQ can be arranged if you tell the operator in advance
• GRSE waterfalls from the water with a real chance to spot monkeys and fruit bats if you’re lucky
• Water sport add-ons cost extra (parasailing and tube riding are not included)

Why Ile Aux Cerf feels different from a normal beach day

Most beach days are, well, a beach day. This one has built-in travel energy. You’re switching locations by speedboat, then returning by speedboat, which gives the whole day a sense of momentum even when you’re doing nothing but sunbathing.

Ile aux Cerf itself is the star. Expect white sand and clear lagoon water, with palm trees framing the view as you arrive by boat. It’s also set up for comfort: you’ll have chairs and parasols provided during your time on the island, so you can settle in without immediately hunting for shade.

The other big difference is the pace around lunch and sightseeing. You don’t just grab something quick and move on. You get a planned private-island meal around midday, then you shift gears to the GRSE waterfalls cruise, which changes the scenery from beach to river, trees, and wildlife.

Getting picked up and starting at Trou d’Eau Douce

The day starts at 9:00 am. Pickup is offered from your hotel or accommodation, and you travel in a fully air-conditioned vehicle with a certified guide/driver.

Your first stop is Trou d’eau Douce, a fishing village on Mauritius’ east coast. The schedule gives it about 15 minutes, which is more of a reset and meeting point than a full cultural stop. Still, it’s a nice way to start the day in a more local setting before heading out to the lagoon and island.

Two practical tips for the morning:

• Bring a plan for motion and sun. You’ll be on boats later, and the island sun can hit fast.
• If you have food allergies or specific dietary needs, tell the operator when booking. The meal is part of the tour flow, so last-minute changes can be harder.

The lagoon speedboat run, where the views do most of the talking

From Trou d’eau Douce, you board the speedboat for the ride to Ile aux Cerf. The schedule sets aside about 5 hours on the island, but the trip to get there is not treated like a boring transfer.

This is the part that makes the whole day feel “special.” The route cruises through the east-coast lagoons, where the water looks clear enough to spot color changes over sandbars. As you approach, you’ll see palm-lined shoreline and bright turquoise water against white sand.

Comfort note: this is a speedboat day. Even if you’re not getting soaked, you should expect spray. The tour also includes a later return ride described as “wet and wild,” so pack like you’ll need to refresh your clothes at some point.

Ile Aux Cerf free time: beach lounging, swimming, and snorkeling

Once you arrive, you get a long stretch of free time on Ile aux Cerfs. The tour schedule gives you around five hours on the island, and the suggested options include:

• swimming
• snorkeling
• lagoon wandering and strolling
• just relaxing on the beach

This is where the tour works best for most people: you can match the day to your mood. Want a calm beach rhythm? You’re set. Want to do a little active water time? You can.

One thing to watch, based on real-world experience: sun comfort can mean different things. The tour states chairs and parasols are provided, but some visitors have found that additional sunbed costs may pop up on-site. My advice is simple: arrive ready to use what’s included, and if you care about a specific kind of loungers, confirm on the day what’s included in your area.

Water sports are optional, but add-on prices apply

If you want more than beach time, there are water sport activities like parasailing and tube riding, but they’re not included. The schedule labels them as extra charges.

So think of your day in two layers:

• included core: beach time, chairs and parasols, swimming and snorkeling opportunities
• optional extras: pay-on-top water sports

If you’re traveling with kids or you’re motion-sickness prone, it’s still a good day, just keep expectations realistic about what you can do comfortably.

Private BBQ lunch on a small-island setup with unlimited drinks

Around noon, the tour shifts from beach to meal. You head to a private island where a 3-course lunch is served. Vegetarian meals can be arranged, specifically noting that a BBQ veg lunch can be provided if you inform the operator in advance.

This is also where the “value” argument gets stronger. You’re not just buying lunch, you’re buying a whole small-island break that includes:

• unlimited drinks during lunch
• soft drinks and water
• wine (red, rosé, white)
• beer
• local rum
• and a local dessert at the end

If you like a casual beach meal that feels like it’s part of the outing, this is the part you’ll remember. It’s scheduled right in the middle of the day, which prevents the classic beach-trap problem where you get hungry and end up paying more for less later.

A practical note: unlimited drinks are great, but pace yourself. You still have the GRSE waterfalls cruise and then a fast return ride. If you’ll be drinking, I’d plan to keep it light so you can enjoy the rest without feeling wiped out.

GRSE waterfalls cruise: sea meets river, and wildlife is possible

After lunch, the tour goes to Grand River South East (GRSE) Waterfalls by speedboat. This is a short stop, about 30 minutes, designed mainly for sightseeing from the water.

What makes it special is the setting: land and sea merge through a canal-style approach. The boat cruises along the waterfalls’ canal, giving you viewpoints that you wouldn’t get from a typical roadside stop.

The description also hints at wildlife you might spot:

• monkeys jumping along the river banks and trees
• fruit bats perched high in trees

You should treat wildlife as a bonus, not a promise. But the timing and approach matter. Being on the water in that environment can make sightings more likely than a distant viewpoint on land.

Earplugs and a calm playlist mindset

One downside that showed up in real-life feedback is that sound levels on the boat can be a bit much. If you’re sensitive to loud music, it’s worth packing earplugs. It’s a small item that can save your day.

Also, bring your eyes up, not just down. This stop is easy to miss if you’re busy photographing your own group. Watch the banks and treetops too.

The final speedboat return: full throttle ride back to your hotel

Around 15:30, you board the speedboat again for the return leg. The description leans into the “thrilling” and “wet and wild” feel, with high speeds and sharp twists and turns. The engines listed are 150 HP Yamaha or Mercury outboards, which tells you this isn’t a slow scenic cruise.

This return run is the kind of finish that either feels like the best part of your day, or like a lot if you’re already tired or sunburned. So think ahead:

• if you’re prone to motion sickness, take precautions before you get on
• if you’ve stayed in the sun too long, drink water and give yourself a few minutes before the ride
• keep spare clothes accessible, not buried deep

After the ride, you transfer back to your accommodation.

Price and value: does $110.38 make sense?

At $110.38 per person, this isn’t a bare-bones beach ticket. The price makes more sense when you price out the day as separate components.

Here’s what you’re getting for the money, based on what’s included:

• hotel pickup and drop-off
• air-conditioned private transportation
• professional guide/driver service
• round-trip speedboat time (to Ile aux Cerf and back)
• GRSE waterfalls sightseeing by boat
• a private 3-course lunch
• unlimited drinks during lunch (water, soft drinks, wine, beer, local rum)
• chairs and parasols during beach time

What’s not included is mostly the “choose-your-own-adventure” items. Water sports like parasailing and tube riding are extra charges, and you’re expected to bring your own towels and a spare outfit.

So the value depends on your style:

• If you want a full day that’s already planned for you, includes lunch and drinks, and saves you the hassle of arranging boat time, it can be a good deal.
• If you prefer to spend money only where it’s your choice, or you don’t care about alcohol or a private BBQ lunch, you might find a cheaper DIY beach option appealing.

Either way, it’s best to go in expecting a day that’s part relaxation, part motion.

Who should book this tour, and who should skip it

This tour fits best if you want:

• an organized full-day beach escape with speedboat time built in
• a midday meal with real effort behind it, including dietary options if you plan ahead
• a nature add-on that’s not just a quick stop, the GRSE waterfalls cruise is short but focused
• a small-group feel (max 12)

It might not be your best match if:

• you need a highly English-first guided experience, since interpretation can vary
• you dislike loud music or prefer quiet sightseeing, the boat environment can be noisy at times
• you’re extremely sensitive to motion or sun, because the speedboat rides and full sun beach time can be intense

If you fall in the middle, you can still have a great day. Just pack smart: sunscreen, water, earplugs if you’re bothered by sound, and a spare set of clothes.

Should you book this Ile Aux Cerf speedboat day with GRSE waterfalls?

Yes, if your idea of a perfect Mauritius day includes a big lagoon moment, a relaxed beach chunk, and a lunch that doesn’t feel like an afterthought. The blend of Ile aux Cerf beach time plus the GRSE waterfalls cruise gives you two scenery types in one day, without requiring you to drive or plan boat logistics.

Book it with two realistic expectations:

1. You’re sharing space with other people at a small-group level, but it can still feel busy in peak periods.
2. It’s a speedboat day, plan for spray, wind, and the wet-and-fast return ride.

If you can do that, you’ll likely come away feeling like the day had structure, comfort, and real payoff.

FAQ

How long is the Ile Aux Cerf full-day tour?

The duration is about 7 to 8 hours.

What time does the tour start, and is pickup included?

The start time is 9:00 am, and pickup is offered from your hotel or accommodation. The vehicle is air-conditioned.

What does the lunch include, and are vegetarian meals available?

Lunch is a 3-course Mauritian BBQ-style meal served on a private island. Vegetarian options are available, including a BBQ veg lunch if you inform the operator in advance.

Are drinks included during lunch?

Yes. The lunch includes unlimited drinks such as water, soft drinks, wine, beer, and local rum.

Are water sports like parasailing included?

No. Parasailing and tube riding are not included and have additional charges.

How many people are in the group?

The maximum group size is 12 travelers.