Île aux Cerfs: Private Catamaran Cruise with Gourmet Lunch

A private catamaran day around Île aux Cerfs is interesting because you get the scenery and snorkeling without the usual crowds and shuffle. You cruise across the turquoise Trou d’Eau Douce lagoon, with the Eastern Reef acting like a natural shield. Then you anchor behind Île aux Cerfs for a full lunch and beach time, all set to a smooth 6 hour rhythm.

I especially love the snorkeling in protected, blue water and the way the crew keeps the day feeling cared for. A couple of highlights in the feedback stand out too, like Dario running the energy onboard and Sonia handling customer service with real attention, plus Marie-Lou and his team earning extra praise for food and pacing.

One thing to think about before you go: the tour rules say alcohol is served after snorkeling, and if you start drinking too early they can cancel the snorkeling part. Also, there is no hotel pickup, and you should travel light since luggage or large bags are not allowed.

Key takeaways before you pick a time

• Protected lagoon snorkeling inside the Eastern Reef, so the water is calmer and the experience feels easier
• BBQ lunch plus unlimited drinks served with real variety, including lobster called out in feedback
• Multiple island stops with swim and snorkel breaks, not just one long beach session
• A crew-led day plan that keeps things moving, and can adjust where you snorkel if conditions are crowded
• No hotel pickup and a meeting point at Pointe Maurice Jetty, Trou d’Eau Douce
• Alcohol timing rules (after snorkeling), so plan your day if you want to snack and sip early

A private catamaran day in Mauritius, built around the lagoon

This is the kind of outing that makes Mauritius feel simple. You start in Trou d’Eau Douce, then the catamaran glides across the bay while the water turns from shallow turquoise to open lagoon blue. The Eastern Reef matters here because it protects the area, which helps when you just want to float, swim, and look at fish without wrestling big waves.

Because it is private for up to 6, the day feels less like a bus tour and more like a schedule that bends around you. You are still seeing real places, but you are doing it at a calmer pace, with time to actually enjoy each stop instead of rushing through it.

Pointe Maurice Jetty to Grand River South East Waterfall, quick sights and wildlife time

You begin at Pointe Maurice Jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce. That start location is practical, since you are already in the east coast zone where the day’s water views happen fast.

The itinerary includes a stop at Grand River South East Waterfall. It is a photo stop plus some time to look around and spot wildlife if you are lucky. Since the stop is not described as a long hike, you should treat it as a “see it, breathe it in, grab a picture” moment. If you love nature on a timetable, it fits well without exhausting you before the water portion.

Ile aux Fouquets Lighthouse, aperitif, swimming, and reef snorkeling

Next you move toward Ile aux Fouquets Lighthouse, where you get an aperitif and free time. This is also one of the early swim and snorkeling windows. The value of doing this sooner is that you can get comfortable in the water before the day gets fuller.

In feedback, people strongly connected the snorkeling with the best memories, especially when it is clear and calm. That is the point of the reef-protected route: it makes the snorkeling feel like an easy part of the day instead of a risky bet.

If you are someone who likes a planned routine, this stop delivers it. You get a snack-like moment with an aperitif, then the water time starts. Bring your sunscreen early, because you will be sun-exposed for long stretches.

Ile aux Aigrettes and Ilot Flamants, marine life viewing in calmer conditions

Ile aux Aigrettes comes with another photo stop plus swimming and snorkeling time, plus marine life viewing. This is one of the places where the itinerary feels intentionally designed around the reef world, not just a beach break.

You also pass by Ilot Flamants, with some free time there. It is the kind of stop that can feel like a breather between bigger moments. If you like quiet water and light exploration, this part works well.

A good practical takeaway here: since you have multiple snorkel windows, you can choose when you want to go in. If you want to snorkel twice, you can. If you prefer one longer swim and one shorter look, you can. The day is flexible without turning into chaos.

Île aux Cerfs, the main break for beach time and that BBQ lunch feeling

Île aux Cerfs is where the day turns into a proper holiday. The schedule builds a break with an aperitif, beer and wine, dessert, and then the lunch portion served as part of the day anchored nearby. You also get time to enjoy the island itself, whether that means sunbathing or taking a walk for photos.

One detail worth knowing: Île aux Cerfs can get busy. A piece of feedback describes how, when the island was crowded, the crew shifted them to a sandbank for snorkeling. That suggests there is room for the team to manage comfort and water access when conditions change. You should still expect the main area to be popular, but your experience may feel more relaxed because the crew focuses on where the water time works best.

For you, the smart move is to treat this stop as two moods. First, enjoy the beach and food setup. Second, do a short island wander so you get the view without burning energy.

What lunch is like onboard, and why the BBQ matters

The lunch is a BBQ served on the catamaran, with meal time tied to the Île aux Cerfs break. The key point is not just that food is included, it is that it is part of the water day. You are not eating in a restaurant first, then leaving. You are eating with the sea around you.

Unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included, with one important rule: alcohol is served after snorkeling. The tour management can cancel snorkeling if alcoholic drinks are consumed beforehand, so if you want to snorkel and enjoy a relaxed pace, save the first drinks until you are back on board.

In the feedback, people specifically called out seafood quality, including lobster described as perfect. That is a strong signal that this is more than a basic BBQ. You should still go in with realistic expectations for a boat menu, but it sounds substantial and carefully done.

The catamaran pacing, and how you end back at Trou d’Eau Douce

After the main island time and the onboard food, you cruise back toward Trou d’Eau Douce for about an hour. Then you return to Pointe Maurice Jetty.

This structure matters for your day planning. You are not stuck in a long transit-heavy timeline. You get multiple scenic moments, then the tour resolves at a reasonable time, with return in time to still enjoy the rest of your Mauritius day.

Because the total duration is 6 hours, I would think of it as a half-day anchor experience. It pairs nicely with a later dinner plan, and it also works if you want a beach-free day elsewhere on the island.

Price and value for a group up to 6

The price is $1,325 per group up to 6, for a 6 hour private catamaran day with BBQ lunch and unlimited drinks. That sounds high if you compare it to a standard shared tour, but value is not about the headline number. It is about what you get for that number.

You are paying for a few specific things:

• Privacy and small group size that makes the day feel calmer
• Multiple water stops and repeated chances to swim and snorkel
• Food that is built into the experience, not tacked on
• Unlimited drinks, with the alcohol timing rule handled by the crew

For you, the best value scenario is when your group is actually using the full capacity. If you can fill close to 6 people, the cost per person drops a lot, and the “private boat” part becomes a real upgrade rather than a luxury add-on.

If you are traveling solo or as a couple, it can still be worth it, especially if you really want the snorkeling and the controlled pace. Just be honest with yourself about whether you will truly enjoy the private setup, or if you mainly want a quick public island stop.

Practical tips that make the day smoother

Here are the details that help you have less friction and more water time.

Bring what the crew expects

• Passport or ID card
• Swimwear
• Towel
• High SPF sunscreen
• Hat or cap
• Camera

Travel light

Luggage or large bags are not allowed. That means you should pack essentials only. If you bring a bag, keep it small enough to manage onboard without turning the boat into a storage problem.

Time your alcohol if you snorkel

Because alcohol is served after snorkeling, plan to snorkel first if you want the full experience. This is also for your comfort. If you eat, snorkel, and then drink, the day tends to feel more relaxed.

Expect English and French support

The host or greeter speaks English and French. If you want clearer guidance on when to get in the water, just ask early, and you should have no trouble following along.

Who should book this cruise, and who might not

This tour is a strong match if you want:

• Snorkeling inside a calmer, protected area
• A BBQ lunch experience on the water with unlimited drinks
• A private schedule that feels less rushed
• A mix of island time and reef time, not just one or the other

It might be less ideal if:

• You want early drinks before snorkeling (the rules come first)
• You prefer hotel pickup and door-to-door logistics, since there is no hotel pickup and you meet at Pointe Maurice Jetty
• You rely on wheelchair use, because the info includes conflicting notes about wheelchair suitability. If you need wheelchair access, you should double check before booking.

Should you book the Île aux Cerfs private catamaran with gourmet lunch?

Yes, I think you should book if you want your Mauritius day to feel like a real retreat: protected lagoon snorkeling, island breaks, and food that is part of the holiday mood. The repeated praise for the crew and the onboard BBQ quality, including lobster mentioned in feedback, suggests this is one of those tours where the basics are done well.

If your group can fill close to 6 people, it becomes even more attractive value because you are paying for privacy and multiple stops. And if snorkeling is your priority, just follow the alcohol rule so you do not risk losing that main activity.

If you want, tell me your travel month and whether you are snorkeling before, and I can help you pick the best time window and pack smart for comfort in the sun.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the cruise?

The meeting point is Pointe Maurice Jetty, Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius.

How long is the experience?

The duration is 6 hours.

Is BBQ lunch included, and are drinks included too?

Yes. The experience includes BBQ lunch and unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

When are alcoholic drinks served?

Alcoholic drinks are served after snorkeling. The management can reserve the right to cancel the snorkeling activity if alcoholic drinks are consumed beforehand.

What should I bring, and can I bring large bags?

Bring passport or ID card, swimwear, a towel, high SPF sunscreen, a hat or cap, and a camera. Luggage or large bags are not allowed.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.