Ile Aux Cerfs Catamaran Trip w/ Lunch, Drinks & Transfer

A day trip like this is interesting because it mixes Mauritius coastline time with a proper island day at Ile aux Cerfs, all with a single smooth schedule. You get a catamaran cruise on the east side, then a full beach break on one of the island’s most famous shores.

I especially like that the day includes both BBQ lunch and unlimited drinks on board, so you are not stuck hunting for food with sand in your shoes. The crew also keeps things moving with clear planning and local music, which makes the whole trip feel organized.

The main drawback to keep in mind is that this is an outdoor, sea-based day, so weather can affect timing and sometimes the actual ride plan. Also, while snorkeling is part of the day, extra water activities at Ile aux Cerfs are optional and cost extra.

Key highlights that make this trip worth considering

• Cruise from Trou d’Eau Douce to Ile aux Cerfs during a full day window (08:30 to 16:00), with onboard snacks
• Grand River South East waterfalls visit, including a speed-boat transfer upstream (about 500m)
• Snorkeling and swimming break in the lagoon, where coral and tropical fish can be seen
• BBQ lunch plus unlimited local drinks (beer, wine, local rum, plus soft drinks, juice, and water)
• Beach time at Ile aux Cerfs on photo-postcard white sand, with optional add-on activities like parasailing
• Practical help from the team and transfers so you are not stressing about tickets, boat location, or getting home

The vibe: a full day on the water, not a rushed island stop

This is the kind of trip that works when you want a lot packed into one day, but you still want it to feel like a vacation. You start on the east coast at Trou d’Eau Douce, then you sail out toward Ile aux Cerfs and spend the middle of the day in the lagoon and on the island beaches.

The tone is relaxed. You are there for sea views, swimming time, and food that comes to you. The crew also brings the day to life with local music and jokes, and they explain the plan in multiple languages, including English and French.

And you will notice a real focus on keeping people comfortable and fed. Even the smaller stuff, like light snacks early on and plenty of drinks throughout, matters in the real world when you are in the sun.

From pickup to boat: how the morning flow works

Pickup is included, with multiple start points across Mauritius. Your driver meets you, handles the logistics, and gets you to Trou d’Eau Douce on schedule. One of the best practical touches is that the driver helps make sure you have the right tickets and board the correct boat.

You arrive around 08:30, which gives you a buffer before the cruise start at 09:00. That buffer matters, because you want time to get settled, grab water, and figure out where to store stuff before you are underway.

Once everyone is onboard, the crew runs the day like a checklist. You get introduced to the schedule, you are kept updated on what comes next, and drinks start flowing early enough that nobody is waiting around thirsty.

Grand River South East waterfalls: the highlight that adds variety

Most catamaran days are just sea and beaches. This one adds a land-and-water moment with the Grand River South East waterfalls.

After the catamaran sails as planned, you make a special stop at the river area. Then you go by speed boat to reach the waterfalls, which are found about 500m upstream. That transfer makes the stop feel more like an excursion than a quick photo stop.

The setting is the kind of place where nature is part of the experience. You might spot monkeys in the trees near the river banks, and you can also watch fruit bats perched high in the branches as you approach the falls.

This stop is not about collecting a hundred “I was here” photos. It is about getting off the water for a bit and seeing a different side of Mauritius, with a short, interesting route that still keeps the day moving.

The lagoon break: snorkeling and swimming time that fits real bodies

After the waterfalls, you head back toward the catamaran and then you sail into the lagoon. This is where the trip shifts into classic “just relax” mode.

You stop for a snorkeling and swimming break, and the waters are described as clear enough that coral and tropical fish can be seen. In other words, you are not just floating around hoping for something to appear. You get actual underwater viewing time.

A quick reality check: snorkeling experiences vary with conditions like water clarity and where the boat anchors. Still, the trip is built around this pause, so it is worth bringing gear or at least being ready to hop in when the moment comes.

Also, you are provided life jackets, which is a comfort factor for anyone who prefers a little extra safety margin while you enjoy the water.

Onboard food and drinks: BBQ lunch plus steady hydration

This is a big reason the trip has strong value. You get light snacks and bottled water, then later a BBQ lunch, and drinks are included in unlimited quantities.

Lunch is described with a mix that works for most appetites: fresh BBQ fish, BBQ chicken, grilled hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice. The trip also offers vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, and the food is halal.

If you like to keep things simple, this is one less meal decision. You do not have to hunt for a restaurant near the beach, and you do not have to calculate costs once you get there.

On the drinks side, the included list is generous: soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum. The practical win is that you can pace yourself without worrying about running out of included beverages at the worst possible moment.

Ile aux Cerfs island time: beaches, sea urchins, and optional add-ons

Once you reach Ile aux Cerfs by catamaran, the day turns into beach time. The island is known for white sand beaches and turquoise waters, and you get real time to just walk around, swim, and relax.

There are also optional activities if you want more than sunbathing. The trip notes parasailing, tube riding, and an undersea walk as options. Since these are listed as optional, assume you pay extra for them.

One very practical tip from real-world experience: bring water shoes. The reason is simple. There can be sea urchins and coral underfoot, so bare feet can turn a fun beach day into a painful one.

If you want a “slow island day,” this is where the trip delivers. You can keep it simple with swimming and a stroll, or you can burn energy with the optional rides.

What to pack for a comfortable day in Mauritius sun

You are going to be out on the water and on a beach for most of the day. Packing the basics makes the difference between a great day and a slightly uncomfortable one.

Bring:

• Sunglasses
• Towel
• Camera
• Sunscreen

And add one thing that I strongly recommend based on the experience of getting around Ile aux Cerfs: water shoes. They are not listed in the official packing list, but they are a common real-world lifesaver on stony or reefy shorelines.

If you like a tidy day, keep your towel, sunscreen, and phone in a waterproof bag or dry pouch. That way, you do not spend island time playing storage roulette.

Transfers and timing: how you get there and back without stress

This is an 8 hour experience, and the sailing window is listed from 08:30 to 16:00. You are expected to arrive back at Trou d’Eau Douce around 16:00, and then the driver drops you back to your accommodation.

That end-to-end timing matters. Mauritius traffic can be unpredictable, so having a planned return helps you avoid the common problem of “we will figure it out later.”

The driver also plays a real role at the start, including ticket handling and making sure you are on the right boat. That kind of attention reduces stress, especially if you are staying in a smaller resort area and you are not familiar with the harbor.

Price and value: what you are really paying for

At $115 per person for an 8 hour day, you are paying for the combination, not any one thing. The included package covers:

• Pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle
• Catamaran cruise
• A stop at Ile aux Cerfs
• Grand River South East waterfalls visit (including the speed-boat upstream transfer)
• Snorkeling and swimming break in the lagoon
• BBQ lunch and light snacks
• Unlimited drinks (soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, local rum)
• Bottled water and life jackets

If you tried to do these pieces separately, you would spend time coordinating boats, tours, meals, and transport. Here, you get one scheduled day with food and drinks built in. That is why the price can feel fair, especially if you plan to drink and stay out all day anyway.

The value gets weaker only if you are not interested in the island beach time or you prefer no alcohol and no included drinks. Still, lunch and transport alone help justify the day trip, and the snorkeling break is typically the big “extra” that makes it feel like more than a simple ferry ride.

Who should book this tour (and who might skip it)

This is a good match if you want:

• A full day at sea and on a famous beach without doing extra planning
• A structured day with food included
• The chance to add snorkeling and swimming without hauling your day kit around all day

You might consider a different option if:

• You hate any possibility of weather changing timing, since it is a sea-and-island day
• You are only interested in one tiny slice of the experience, like waterfalls or snorkeling, and would rather stay flexible on your own

Overall, it fits couples, friend groups, and families who want a predictable day with a clear schedule and fewer decisions.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran day trip?

If you like the idea of a water-and-beach day with lunch and drinks included, this is one of the more complete ways to do Ile aux Cerfs in a single shot. The waterfalls stop and the lagoon snorkeling break make it feel like more than just “sit on a boat and arrive at a beach.”

My biggest advice is practical: pack sunscreen and towels, and add water shoes. And plan mentally for the fact that the ocean decides some of the pace.

If that sounds like your kind of Mauritius day, book it and enjoy the laid-back mix of river, reef, and sand.

FAQ

How long is the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran trip?

The duration is listed as 8 hours, with the cruise window running about 08:30 to 16:00 and a return to Trou d’Eau Douce at around 16:00.

Where are pickup and drop-off offered?

Hotel or Airbnb pickup and drop-off are included, with multiple pickup options such as Pointe aux Biches, Grand Baie, Pointe aux Piments, Balaclava, Pereybere, Triolet, Mon Choisy, Cap Malheureux, and Trou-aux-Biches. Drop-off is offered at several of those same areas.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included as a fresh BBQ meal, with options such as BBQ fish, BBQ chicken, grilled hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks are unlimited and include soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum.

Is snorkeling included?

The schedule includes a snorkeling and swimming break in the lagoon. Water sports are listed as not included, so plan on snorkeling time being part of the day, while other activities may cost extra.

Do you visit waterfalls on this trip?

Yes. You visit the Grand River South East waterfalls. You travel by speed boat to reach the waterfalls, which are about 500m upstream.

What optional activities are available at Ile aux Cerfs?

At Ile aux Cerfs, optional water activities are listed, including parasailing, tube riding, and an undersea walk.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a towel, a camera, and sunscreen. Life jackets are provided as part of the trip.