Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise to Ile Aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch

This Mauritius day trip is interesting because you get two big natural hits in one go: a river waterfall stop called Cascade Diamamouve and then beach time on Ile aux Cerfs, with a snorkeling break in between. It is the kind of outing that feels like a complete day, not just a quick boat ride.

I love how much is included for the money. The onboard BBQ lunch is a true sit-down meal, and the drinks include beer, wine, local rum, plus soft drinks, juice, and water. I also like the vibe from the crew, including standout service like Cedric being singled out for attention and friendliness.

One drawback to keep in mind: this is a schedule-driven day. The waterfall stop is short, snorkeling can be brief, and if the sea and currents are off, you might see less than you hoped.

Key Things I’d Bookmark Before You Go

• Short waterfall photo stop up the river: Aim to keep your camera ready, because the window is tight.
• Snorkeling in clear water, but reef variety can vary: It is often good, not always a fish-fest.
• Three-course BBQ plus all-day drinks: Beer, wine, rum, and non-alcoholic options are part of the package.
• Two time blocks on Ile aux Cerfs: Beach time, swimming, and an arts and crafts market.
• Crew energy matters here: People repeatedly highlight attentive service and fun onboard atmosphere.
• Weather and crowding are real factors: Go early, plan for a full boat, and bring a backup mindset.

Trou d’eau Douce Pickup, Meeting Point, and Getting There Without Stress

The trip starts from Trou d’eau Douce, on Mauritius’ east coast. If you pick the option with pickup, you will be collected from your hotel or accommodation and driven to the beach area. If you are self-arranging, you meet opposite Green Island Restaurant, right on the beach.

Here is the practical part I would not skip: parking and beach queues can be messy. One review flagged the car park as busy, so if you are driving yourself, get there early. If you do not want that headache, a taxi or private car drop-off can save you time and stress, especially when several boats are loading at once.

Also, the catamaran day can feel long once you add getting everyone to the water and back. The total duration is about six hours, so you want to be on time at the meeting point, not ten minutes later with sandy flip-flops and no plan.

The River to Cascade Diamamouve Waterfall: What You Actually See

After departure, you travel upriver to the Grand River South East waterfall, known as Cascade Diamamouve. Expect a photo stop plus a visit and sightseeing, about thirty minutes, where you can get close enough to appreciate the falls.

This waterfall stop is the “wow moment” on paper, and it can deliver big time. You can also try to spot monkeys along the riverbanks, which makes the short stop more fun than a quick look-and-leave.

But here is the honest consideration: water conditions can change what is possible. One guest noted that they could not see the waterfall due to strong current conditions, and that it would have helped to get a clearer explanation. So if Cascade Diamamouve is a top reason you booked, go with a flexible expectation and focus on the overall day.

One more tip: crowds build around this stop fast. There are also moments where other boats compete for access to a good viewing angle. I would treat the waterfall as a quick, dramatic moment, not an all-day scenic stop.

Snorkeling and Swimming Break: Clear Water With a Short Time Window

After the waterfall stop, the cruise heads out along the coastline for a snorkeling and swimming break. The pitch is crystal-clear water, and when the conditions are right, the visibility can be excellent.

What you should plan for is time. The snorkeling window is not a long reef session. Several people felt it was short, and a few said the snorkeling spot could have been better. One person even described the reef as damaged and not much to see.

Still, the day is not doomed if you care about marine life. Guests reported seeing turtles and sea snakes, and one mentioned dolphins spotted during the day. So you might get lucky, and the water can be very appealing even if the fish variety is not guaranteed.

Practical gear advice matters here:

• Bring your own snorkeling gear if you have it. The tour supplies the activity, but your comfort level is personal.
• Wear sunscreen before you get in the water. Reapplying once you are wet is harder.
• Bring a towel and change of clothes. You will come back salty and sandy.

For families, there is a helpful silver lining. One review described snorkeling in shallow enough water where a child could stand and get support. If you are traveling with kids, that kind of setup can turn a scary open-water moment into something manageable.

Ile aux Cerfs Arrival: Beaches, Lagoon Swimming, and a Real Sense of Escape

When the catamaran reaches Ile aux Cerfs, the vibe changes fast. You get white sand beaches lined with palm trees and water that looks bright turquoise from shore.

This is not just a photo stop. You have time to swim, relax, and do beach-hang things. The itinerary splits the island time into two parts. You first get about one and a half hours on Ile aux Cerfs with the lunch element and time for swimming and snorkeling activity. Then you return for a longer island stretch, about two and a half hours, which includes arts and crafts shopping.

The best way to use your time on Ile aux Cerfs is simple:

• Spend your first island chunk orienting yourself, finding shade, and getting a swim in.
• Use the second chunk for the craft market and slower exploring, instead of treating it like a sprint.

The lagoon swimming is a big draw here. When the water is calm, it is an easy place to float, swim, and enjoy the simple pleasure of being on an island without needing to plan a thing.

Also, wear shoes you can tolerate on sand and rough patches. Reef and rock edges can be unpredictable around beaches. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, and do not trust that clouds mean you are safe from strong sun.

Onboard Three-Course BBQ and Drinks: Where the Value Really Shows

If you are deciding between multiple Mauritius excursions, the onboard food and drinks are a big reason this one ranks well. You get a three-course BBQ lunch on the catamaran with a selection of drinks.

The drink list is wide for a half-day-ish experience: soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum. People repeatedly describe the drinks as plentiful and kept coming, and the crew often stays attentive about topping you up.

On the food side, you can choose vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Halal food is also mentioned as available, which is a real plus if that matters in your group.

Now, a balanced note. A couple of people said the food quality was only average, and one wished it could improve. Still, most comments describe the BBQ as good, delicious, and satisfying.

If you see an optional lobster add-on during the day, consider it if you like seafood. One guest said paying extra on the day was worth it and mentioned a cost of about 3000 rupees. Another mentioned trying dorado if it is offered. This is not required, but it can turn a standard BBQ into a standout meal.

One more practical detail: the boat can feel crowded. If rain hits and everyone moves inside, space can get tight. One toilet also means you want to do bathroom runs at natural breaks, not when everyone rushes at once.

And yes, there is onboard music. On the return, you may hear local Mauritian Sega tunes, which adds to the feeling that the cruise has its own rhythm, not just transport.

Arts and Crafts at Ile aux Cerfs: Souvenirs Without the Overbuying Pressure

The longer island segment includes time to visit an arts and crafts market. This is where you can pick up small souvenirs that feel tied to the place, not mass-produced trinkets.

You do not need to treat this like a shopping mission. You have enough time to browse, see what is being offered, and decide what you actually want to carry home. If you prefer swimming and beach time, you can spend more energy there and only do a quick look around.

One good approach is to set a mini budget in your head before you go. That keeps you from impulse buying when the stall layout and island energy tempt you.

Crowds, Timing, and Weather: The Three Things That Can Make or Break Your Day

This trip depends on weather, because water activities are part of the plan. If conditions are poor, the experience can be canceled and you may get another date or a full refund. That is the right kind of safeguard for a day built around swimming and snorkeling.

Crowds are the other variable. Some guests said the catamaran was crowded and cramped, especially when rain pushed people inside. There were also comments about chaos when getting numbers from the beach to the catamarans, with multiple boats around.

You can reduce that stress:

• Arrive early if you are self-driving or walking to the meeting area.
• Keep your day bag light: towel, sunscreen, change of clothes, and a waterproof phone solution if you have one.
• Choose where you sit early, especially if you want shade later.

Finally, treat the waterfall stop like a quick, dramatic moment. If you expect a leisurely, cinematic viewpoint, you might feel rushed. Several comments point to the fact that the access is short and busy. If you frame it as part of a fast, fun day rather than your only “main attraction,” you will enjoy it more.

Who Should Book This Catamaran Cruise From Trou d’eau Douce

This is a strong fit for people who want an efficient day that mixes sights, water time, and a real meal. If you are staying on Mauritius and want a straightforward way to reach Ile aux Cerfs without complicated planning, this works well.

It also suits:

• Families, because snorkel breaks can be made manageable in shallower areas and the pace includes breaks for food and beach time.
• Groups of friends who like a social boat atmosphere and consistent service.
• First-time snorkelers who want easy access to clear water without organizing gear or permits.

A note for accessibility: the experience is wheelchair accessible, but guests using wheelchairs need to stand briefly to get on and off the shuttle boat, with crew assistance. If that is a concern, message the operator ahead of time so you know what to expect.

And yes, babies can be less expensive. Infants aged one to four go free of charge.

Price and Value at Around $64 Per Person

At about $64 per person for a six-hour outing, the value comes from what is bundled together. You are not just paying for a boat. You are getting:

• Catamaran cruise
• Waterfall visit stop
• Snorkeling and swimming break
• Ile aux Cerfs beach time
• Arts and crafts market time
• A three-course BBQ lunch
• A wide range of drinks including beer, wine, rum, soft drinks, juice, and water
• A live guide in English and French
• Pickup and drop-off if you choose that option

If you tried to stitch this together separately, the total cost would usually climb fast, especially once you factor in transport to the east coast, boat time, lunch, and drinks.

So this price makes sense if you are the type of traveler who uses the inclusions, not just “wants to see a beach.” If you want a long waterfall viewing session or a top-tier snorkeling reef with tons of variety, you may prefer a more specialized snorkeling tour, because this one is built as a balanced day, not a single-activity deep dive.

Should You Book This Tour to Ile aux Cerfs?

I would book it if your goal is a fun, easy Mauritius day: waterfall photos, a swim in clear water, and relaxing beach time on Ile aux Cerfs, with a three-course BBQ and drinks handled for you. The repeated praise for friendly, attentive crews, plus the all-day drink experience, makes this a good choice for people who want comfort and value.

I would think twice if:

• Cascade Diamamouve being visible is non-negotiable for you, since currents can affect what you see.
• You care most about snorkeling variety, because several people felt the snorkeling stop was brief and reef quality was not always ideal.
• You dislike crowds. The boat can feel full, and the loading area can be chaotic.

If you do book, you can stack the odds in your favor by arriving early, bringing swimwear plus a spare dry outfit, and treating the waterfall and snorkeling as key chapters in a bigger day, not as unlimited time blocks.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the catamaran cruise?

Meet opposite Green Island Restaurant on the beach in Trou d’eau Douce. If your chosen option includes pickup, you will be collected and dropped off at your accommodation instead.

How long is the tour?

The total duration is about 6 hours.

What is included in the price?

The package includes the catamaran cruise, the visit to Grand River South East Waterfall (Cascade Diamamouve), a snorkeling and swimming break, a BBQ lunch on board, drinks, time on Ile aux Cerfs, and a guide. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only if you select that option.

What drinks are served during the day?

You get a selection of local drinks including soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum.

Is food vegetarian or halal available?

Yes. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available, and halal food is also provided.

How much time do you spend at Ile aux Cerfs?

You have two blocks of time on the island, including swimming and a visit to the arts and crafts market, for a total of about four hours on Ile aux Cerfs.

Is there snorkeling gear provided?

The tour experience includes snorkeling, and you are advised to bring snorkeling gear if you have it. You should pack swimwear and a towel as well.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, camera, and sunscreen. Snorkeling gear is also recommended.

What happens if weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.