Mauritius: Catamaran Day Cruise to lle aux Cerfs with Lunch

Mauritius’ Ile aux Cerfs day trips are popular for a reason, but this one adds a big, practical twist: you spend the day moving across the lagoon on a spacious catamaran, not just bouncing between stops on a speedboat. I like the mix of beach time and BBQ lunch on board, and I also love that the schedule gives you sailing views from the East coast instead of only land time.

The one drawback to keep in mind is the onboard vibe. This cruise leans social, with music and drinks starting early, so if you want a quiet, whisper-only day, you may find it more party-leaning than expected.

Key Points Before You Go

• Trou d’Eau Douce start at the Blue Alizé Catamaran jetty next to the Mauritius flag
• Ile aux Cerfs island time plus cruising past the island on the way out
• GRSE waterfalls stop for photos, timed with the day’s sea conditions
• Snorkeling gear included, with a planned dip plus time in the water
• BBQ lunch and drinks onboard, with vegetarian or gluten-free options on request
• Attentive crew, including guide Aldo mentioned in feedback

Cruising the East Coast Lagoon the Easy Way

If your idea of a perfect Mauritius day is sun, sea, and limited decision-making, a catamaran cruise works. You get a full block of time on the water, and the day is built around the two headline moments most people come for, Ile aux Cerfs and the Grand River South East (GRSE) waterfalls area. It feels like a true half-day escape, not a quick stop with no time to soak it in.

The best part for me is how the boat changes the experience. From the deck you see the coastline and islands as you move, and you can keep doing the same simple routine: sit, sunbathe, cool off in the water, repeat. When the schedule includes snorkeling and a proper lunch on board, you are not scrambling for meals or transport.

Getting There: The Blue Alizé Catamaran Meeting Point

This is a self-arrival style activity. There’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll want to plan your own trip to the dock.

You meet at Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux cerfs, at the jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce, next to the flag of Mauritius. If you’re using a taxi, ask for the jetty by name and try to arrive a bit early so you can settle in, get sunscreen on, and find your spot before departure.

Bring your basics: swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. You’ll be in and out of the water, and having your towel makes the turnaround after snorkeling much less annoying.

Passing Ile aux Cerfs, Then the GRSE Waterfalls Photo Stop

After morning departure from Trou d’Eau Douce, the cruise heads through the lagoon with scenic views of Ile aux Cerfs along the way. That first sailing segment is a nice warm-up. You’re already on the water, the light is great for photos, and you start building that vacation rhythm.

Then you get a stop connected to the GRSE waterfalls. You’ll have time for a photo stop and a pass-by moment in the GRSE area. One thing to calibrate your expectations: this is not a long hike or a long viewing session. The time is designed to keep the day moving so you still have a meaningful chunk later for island relaxation.

Also, this stretch can include wildlife sightings depending on conditions, with monkeys sometimes seen in the broader area around the stops. Don’t count on it, but it’s a fun possibility.

Snorkeling Time in the Lagoon: What to Watch For

A major reason people book a catamaran cruise like this is the chance to swim and snorkel without the logistics. Here, snorkeling equipment is included, and you get about 40 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.

What matters in real life is the water and the conditions. With a lagoon setting, you can expect warm, clear water. But the snorkeling stop can still be affected by the day’s sea state. In particular, a strong current can make things feel less gentle than a perfectly protected cove. If you’re a confident swimmer, that might be fine. If you want a laid-back float-and-watch session, keep your expectations realistic.

The good news: even if the snorkeling is not the main show, the total day still delivers because you’re on a boat with deck time, ocean views, and a real lunch break in the middle.

BBQ Lunch and Drinks On Board: The Midday Reset

Food on a boat can be hit or miss, but this day is set up for a proper break. Lunch is a BBQ meal on board, served around the middle of the schedule so you can refuel after swimming.

The menu includes fish and chicken skewers, plus salads, garlic bread, pasta, rice, and fresh pineapple. There are also vegetarian and gluten-free options available on request, which is an important detail if you travel with dietary needs.

Drinks are included, and what you’ll likely notice onboard is the social pacing. Water, soft drinks, and alcohol like beer and wine are part of the drinks experience, and the atmosphere tends to feel festive, not formal. One review even highlighted how music and drinks can start early, so if you’re someone who prefers calm, pace yourself and use breaks on the shade deck when you need it.

Ile aux Cerfs: Beach Time With a Real Clock

The payoff stop is Ile aux Cerfs, where you get about two hours. That’s enough time to do something with intention, like find a good beach spot, take a swim, and wander a bit.

This island visit can feel very different from the boat. On the boat, everything is movement and sea air. On the island, you’re switching to walking, beach sitting, and short bursts of exploring. Two hours is a useful window, but it also means you should choose your plan quickly once you land.

A practical tip: after you hop off, spend a few minutes figuring out which side of the beach feels calm and comfortable, then commit. The best beach time is rarely the time spent deciding what to do next.

The Onboard Experience: Spacious Deck, Busy Mood

The crew is a big part of why this cruise scores well. You’ll have a professional, licensed crew and a live guide in English and French. Guide Aldo is specifically mentioned as attentive and helpful, which matches the overall pattern of the day: people feel looked after.

In terms of comfort, the boat is described as having ample space onboard and not feeling overcrowded. That matters because on some island cruises you feel crammed. Here, it’s easier to find a seat for the morning sailing and a comfortable spot for lunch.

The vibe is not quiet. It’s more of a party-meets-relaxation style day, with music and frequent drinks service. One helpful way to think about it: you’re not doing a silent nature cruise, you’re doing a social lagoon day with plenty of genuine downtime built in.

Price and Value: Is $65 a Good Deal?

At around $65 per person for a 6-hour catamaran cruise, the value question comes down to what you get bundled in.

This ticket includes:

• Catamaran cruise in the East coast lagoon
• Drinks
• Snorkeling equipment
• BBQ lunch with multiple dishes, plus fresh pineapple
• Ile aux Cerfs visit
• GRSE waterfalls stop
• Professional, licensed crew
• Vegetarian or gluten-free available on request

For Mauritius, that bundle is the point. You’re not paying separately for transport to a beach, gear rental, and lunch. If you were to do those pieces on your own, the day would usually cost more in time and logistics even before you factor in the cost.

Also, the boat style matters for value. Reviews consistently highlight the “enough space” feeling, and that can make the difference between a fun day and a day you just survive.

Who This Cruise Fits Best (And Who Should Skip It)

This works best for people who want a classic Mauritius day: sea time, island scenery, a planned swim, and a filling lunch without cooking or searching.

It may not fit if:

• You need a very quiet outing, due to the music and social vibe
• You are pregnant or have mobility impairments, since it’s noted as not suitable

If you’re traveling with family, the structure of the day can help because everything is planned around key stops, and meals are taken care of.

If you’re traveling as a couple or solo, the onboard space and crew attention can still make it feel easy, and the island time gives you a chance to slow down.

Small Tips That Make This Day Smoother

A few practical things will help you enjoy the cruise more, especially if you’re sensitive to sun and water conditions.

• Wear sunscreen before you board and reapply later, because you’ll be on deck and in the sun for multiple blocks.
• Bring your towel even if you feel tempted to skip it. Getting dry quickly is part of feeling comfortable.
• If you care about snorkeling, be ready for variable conditions. Current can change how relaxed the swim feels.
• Bring a little extra cash. The island can have paid extras, and it’s smart to not be stuck when you suddenly want a souvenir or a snack beyond lunch.
• If you want shade, plan for it. Spending the day on a boat means you can switch between sun and shade without losing your day.

Should You Book This Ile aux Cerfs Catamaran Cruise?

Yes, I’d book it if you want a straightforward, good-value Mauritius lagoon day with Ile aux Cerfs beach time, snorkeling, and a BBQ lunch included in the ticket. The bundle of food plus drinks plus gear plus two major sightseeing moments is a strong deal for a six-hour schedule.

Skip it if quiet is your top priority. This one has a lively mood, with music playing and a social atmosphere that’s part of the experience. And if you expect a long, drawn-out waterfall viewing session, you should know the GRSE part is brief and focused on photos rather than a full excursion.

If you match the vibe and you’re okay with a time-managed itinerary, this cruise is one of the simpler ways to get a memorable East coast Mauritius day without overplanning.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The experience lasts about 6 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at the Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux cerfs jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce, next to the flag of Mauritius.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup is not included.

What’s included in the price?

The cruise includes the full day catamaran outing in the East coast lagoon, drinks, snorkeling equipment, BBQ lunch, visits to Ile aux Cerfs and the GRSE waterfalls, and a professional, licensed crew.

Is snorkeling included, and do I get equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and there is a scheduled snorkeling and swimming time.

Do they offer vegetarian or gluten-free meals?

Yes. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available on request.

What time at Ile aux Cerfs do you get?

You get free time on Ile aux Cerfs for about 2 hours.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

It is not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments.

What languages is the guide available in?

The live tour guide is available in English and French.