Ile Aux Cerfs Catamaran Cruise & Waterfalls- Lunch & Drinks

Mauritius does water-days well, and this one is built like a floating beach party with real stops. You get a catamaran ride over clear lagoons, a waterfall visit on the way, then time on Ile aux Cerfs for swimming and optional activities. It is a simple day plan that feels big, even though it is only 9 hours.

Two things I really like about it are the all-day onboard food and drinks, and the fact that the day is not just one scene. You start with light snacks, then a full BBQ lunch with unlimited alcoholic drinks and soft drinks, and you also get a proper snorkeling break.

One thing to consider: even though it is marketed as a small group, the boat may run fuller than the stated limit on some departures. If you want lots of elbow room or a quiet vibe, that is worth planning around.

Key Highlights You Should Know Before You Go

• Trou d’eau Douce to Ile aux Cerfs: A long catamaran day (08:30 to 16:00) along Mauritius’ east coast.
• Grand River South East waterfalls stop: You go by speed boat about 500 meters upstream for the view.
• Snorkeling and swimming break in the lagoon: Coral and tropical fish are part of the plan.
• BBQ lunch plus unlimited drinks: Beer, wine, local rum, plus juice and soft drinks all included.
• Ile aux Cerfs free time for beach time and options: Parasailing, tube riding, and an undersea walk are available.

A Catamaran Day That Actually Moves: Trou d’eau Douce to Ile aux Cerfs

The appeal here is the flow of the day. You check in early at Trou d’eau Douce, then spend the rest of the day bouncing between water, nature, and beach time, instead of sitting in one place all morning.

On the catamaran, you are not just looking out at scenery. You are living it, with onboard snacks at the start, a big BBQ lunch later, and a lagoon swim and snorkeling break when the water is at its clearest. The crew also brings local music and keeps things light, which matters on a full day like this when you want the vibe to match the setting.

A nice bonus is that you are not stuck with one rigid plan. After the waterfall segment, you sail into the lagoon and then stop for swimming and snorkeling. Later, on Ile aux Cerfs, you can keep it chill with beach time or add optional water activities if you want more adrenaline.

Timing, Check-In, and Why You Should Build in Buffer

The schedule is straightforward on paper: arrive at the docking station at 08:30, and the cruise runs until 16:00. The activity itself starts after boarding, with the catamaran departing around 09:00. That early start is helpful because you get your water time before the day gets too hot.

That said, one practical point: departure times can run later than advertised. If your day has other commitments, give yourself slack, especially around that first departure.

Also pay attention to the group size promise. The experience is described as a small group limited to 15 participants, but there have been departures where the count felt higher. If you hate crowded indoor space, look at your options for getting comfortable on deck. A catamaran can feel roomy when you are outside, but inside space can get tight.

Finally, hotel or Airbnb pickup is not included. If you are staying away from the east coast, you will need your own plan to get to Trou d’eau Douce on time. The tour includes life jackets and bottled water, so you do not need to buy those on site.

Grand River South East Waterfalls: The Nature Stop That Breaks Up the Sea Time

Before the island fun, the day includes a real nature moment: a visit to the Grand River South East waterfalls. You start on the catamaran, then when you reach the river area, you go by speed boat to get closer to the falls.

The distance is part of what makes it workable. The waterfalls are about 500 meters upstream, so this is not an all-day hike. It is a short, focused visit that gives you a break from saltwater and sun, while still feeling connected to the landscape of Mauritius.

This stop also has wildlife potential. As you approach the falls, you might see monkeys along the river banks and fruit bats perched high in trees. You are not guaranteed specific animals, but the crew’s local knowledge and the river location make it more than a quick photo stop.

A small practical note: this segment is still outdoors. Wear sunscreen and bring your camera, because the waterfall views and river activity can look surprisingly dramatic even in daylight.

Lagoon Snorkeling and Swimming Break: Where the Water Actually Shines

The lagoon portion is where the tour shifts from sightseeing to play. After sailing, the catamaran stops for a snorkeling and swimming break. This is built into the itinerary, so you do not have to negotiate or chase a separate boat.

The focus here is on coral and tropical fish. In plain terms, it is the kind of stop where snorkeling gear makes sense and where even casual swimmers can enjoy themselves if conditions are calm. Since you also have opportunities to snorkel during the day, you are not stuck with just one short window.

What I like about this structure is that it fits different comfort levels. If you want to snorkel, you can. If you want to relax in the water, you can. Either way, the catamaran and crew manage the rhythm, so you are not worrying about timing.

One thing to keep in mind is that the vibe onboard affects how enjoyable the water time feels. On some departures, there has been noise and heavy drinking from early in the day, which can make it harder to focus when you want quiet sea time. If you are sensitive to loud music, you may want to pick your spot on the boat strategically and bring ear protection if you use it.

Ile aux Cerfs Lunch on the Beach, Then More Beach Time

Food is a core part of this experience, not a minor add-on. You start with light breakfast snacks onboard, then later you get a BBQ lunch with a real menu: fresh grilled fish, BBQ chicken, grilled hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice. There are also veg and vegan options, which is genuinely important on day trips where plans are often centered on one standard meal.

The lunch setting can be either on the beach or on the catamaran, depending on how the day is running. Either way, you get a proper meal break instead of just snacks.

The drinks are a big part of the value math here. Unlimited alcoholic and soft drinks are included for the day, including water, juice, beer, wine, and local rum. That means you can budget less on the day and spend more time actually enjoying the experience.

And then you get the main event: Ile aux Cerfs. Approaching the island by catamaran is one of those “wow, this is for real” moments, with white sand and the turquoise lagoon coming into view. Once you arrive, the island time is for relaxing, swimming, and beach strolling.

If you want activity, Ile aux Cerfs offers optional experiences like parasailing, tube riding, and an undersea walk. Those cost extra, but they are there if you feel like going beyond lying on the sand.

Crew Service, Music, and Wildlife-Friendly Flexibility

Most of the strongest praise goes to the crew. People consistently describe them as attentive, friendly, and quick to take care of details. On a long day, that matters more than fancy claims, because it shapes everything from meal timing to how smoothly the snorkeling stop runs.

I also like that the crew keeps the atmosphere light with local Mauritian music. It makes the day feel less like a checklist and more like a shared outing.

One special kind of moment that shows up in the experience is wildlife flexibility. There are days when the captain makes a course adjustment to follow animals in the water, like dolphins, rays, or even a school of squid, with the crew trying their luck to catch one. You should not plan your day around seeing a specific animal, but it is a comforting sign when the captain is willing to look for moments rather than only follow a tight script.

Price and Value: Does About $70 Add Up?

At around $70 per person, this trip is in the “good day out” category, not a luxury private charter. The value depends on what you care about.

If you would normally pay for:

• transport to a beach activity,
• a catamaran day,
• a BBQ lunch,
• and drinks,

then the package starts to make sense. Unlimited drinks and a full BBQ lunch reduce the hidden costs that often make tours feel more expensive at the end.

The biggest value boosters are also the least glamorous on paper: the snorkeling break, the waterfall stop, and the fact that you get a full day on the water instead of a quick half-trip.

The caution is the fit. If you are paying for a small-group feel and you end up in a crowded departure, it can feel like the money is not doing what you expected. One person called out the difference between the small-group limit and a higher headcount, including feeling cramped inside. So for the best value, think about your personal comfort, not just the itinerary.

Who This Tour Suits Best

This is a great match if you want an easy, structured day in Mauritius with:

• catamaran time on calm water,
• a waterfall viewing stop,
• snorkeling without extra planning,
• and a filled-in lunch with drinks.

It is also a solid choice for groups of friends and couples who can relax in a social setting.

If you prefer quiet, highly controlled pacing, you might want to be careful. Loud music and heavy partying can happen on some departures, especially with locals joining in. When that happens, it can change the feel of the snorkel and swim time.

My Booking Advice: Should You Book This Ile aux Cerfs Day?

Yes, I would book it if you want a classic Mauritius sea-and-sun day and you like having food and drinks handled for you. The mix of waterfalls plus lagoon plus island beach time is the sweet spot, and the included BBQ lunch and unlimited drinks help it feel like a true day activity rather than a long commute to a single stop.

I would think twice if your top priority is space and quiet. The boat is described as small-group, but some departures can feel fuller, and onboard partying can impact the calm you might be imagining.

If you book, do two things to set yourself up for success:

• arrive on time for the 08:30 check-in so the day runs smoothly,
• and plan to spend most of your time outside on deck, especially if you care about comfort.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The experience runs for about 9 hours, with the catamaran trip scheduled from 08:30 to 16:00.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The catamaran departs from Trou d’eau Douce on the east coast of Mauritius.

What meals and drinks are included?

You get light snacks, a BBQ lunch (fish, chicken, grilled hotdogs, salads, saffron rice, plus veg and vegan options), and unlimited alcoholic drinks and soft drinks, including water, juice, beer, wine, and local rum.

Is snorkeling included, and where does it happen?

Yes. There is a snorkeling and swimming break in the lagoon, where coral reefs and tropical fish are part of the experience.

Are there vegetarian and vegan meal options?

Yes. Veg and vegan food are available as part of the included lunch.

Is hotel or Airbnb pickup included?

No. Optional hotel or Airbnb pickup and drop-off with transportation is not included.

What languages is the live tour guide?

The live tour guide is available in English, French, German, and Italian.