Mauritius: Ile Aux Cerfs catamaran cruise Lunch with BBQ

Mauritius is at its best when you trade traffic and tight schedules for open water and big beach time. This catamaran day trip links the East Coast scenery with Île aux Cerfs and includes a BBQ lunch plus unlimited drinks on board.

What I like most is the combo of a real change of scenery during the day, from waterfall stop to lagoon swimming, and the onboard party vibe with Sega music later on. My one caution is logistics and timing: the whole day starts at 9:10, and on some departures you may feel the crew and boarding process runs a bit slowly, which steals minutes you might want for snorkeling.

If you want a laid-back day where the schedule is simple and the good stuff happens naturally, this fits. You’ll sail on peaceful waters with views of Mauritius hills, then get beach time at one of the postcard-favorite islands, with the convenience of food and drinks handled for you.

Key things to know before you sail

• 9:10 departure matters: get to Trou d’eau Douce early at the Debarcader fishing port so you do not lose time.
• A waterfall stop plus beach time gives you variety without changing tours mid-day.
• Snorkeling break is built in, so bring swim gear even if you think you might only watch.
• BBQ lunch and unlimited local drinks are part of the ticket value, including beer, wine, and local rum.
• Sega music on the return adds fun, but the volume can feel loud for some people.
• Not for everyone: the trip is not suitable for wheelchair users, pregnant women, or people over 70.

From Trou d’eau Douce to Île aux Cerfs: how the day really flows

This is a straightforward, 7-hour island cruise that runs along Mauritius’ East coast. You meet at Trou d’eau Douce Debarcader fishing port, with the cruise departing from there. The big practical point is to show up with padding. The boats leave the jetty at 9:10, and meeting time is effectively 9:00.

Once you’re on board, the day has a clear rhythm:

1) sail out and get settled

2) waterfall stop

3) snorkeling and swimming break

4) BBQ lunch and drinks on board

5) beach time at Île aux Cerfs, plus a possible craft market stop

6) sail back with Sega music and arrive onshore after

The value here is not that you see everything on a checklist. It is that you get several “Mauritius moments” in one day, without having to drive, hire a car, or coordinate meals. You are also paying for a day’s rhythm: water time plus food plus entertainment, all on one ticket.

Grand River South East waterfalls: the quick hit of Mauritius drama

One of the featured stops is the Grand River South East waterfalls. This is the kind of stop that makes the itinerary feel more than a simple beach day. Even if the waterfall time is not long, you still get the visual payoff of Mauritius’ wetter side, with water dropping through the landscape.

What to expect for this portion is mainly simple: you get a structured stop, then you move on. Wear comfortable clothing, because this is a day that includes both boat time and water time. Bring a camera, but also keep some time with your eyes up, not through a lens. The best waterfall photos tend to come when you stop moving and let the light and water do their thing.

Snorkeling and swimming break: where the lagoon feeling starts

After the waterfall stop, the cruise heads out to the coastline for a snorkeling and swimming break. This is where you’ll want to switch from sightseeing mode to water mode.

Here’s the practical reality: snorkeling breaks on cruises are usually time-limited, so you should be ready to go quickly once the crew signals it is your turn. If you are a confident swimmer, you can make it your goal to get in and explore. If you are newer to snorkeling, it still helps to get your mask on fast, take a few calm breaths, and let the water do the work.

You’ll also want the basics you already know, but it matters because the schedule is tight:

• Swimwear under your clothes so you do not waste minutes
• Sunglasses you do not mind getting wet
• A towel or quick-dry option you bring or plan to use
• Reef-friendly habits if you have them (even if you do not, avoid standing on anything)

If you hate waiting around, this is one of the parts that can feel frustrating if boarding felt slow earlier in the day. That is exactly why the departure time matters.

BBQ lunch and unlimited drinks on board: the value test

The lunch is served on the catamaran as a BBQ, and it comes with a selection of drinks. The drink list is part of the appeal because you are not buying cup by cup: soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum are included.

The BBQ itself is the kind of meal you usually appreciate most on a water day. You are warm from sun, your appetite is up, and the food is convenient. Importantly, vegetarian options are available upon request, and food is halal. That means if you have dietary needs, you still have a fair shot at not feeling like you will be stuck eating only bread and fruit.

A small note on timing and expectations: the lunch is not a restaurant experience with long courses. It is a functional, “fuel up and keep moving” meal that fits the pace of a cruise. If you want slow dining, this is not that day. If you want to eat well while life happens around you, it fits.

Île aux Cerfs beaches and lagoon swimming: the main payoff

Then you arrive at Île aux Cerfs, and the itinerary becomes more relaxed. This island is famous for its postcard beaches: pale sand, palm silhouettes, and lagoon water that looks almost unreal from the boat.

This is your chance to switch into vacation mode:

• relax on the sandy shoreline
• swim in the lagoon
• take the photos you came for
• enjoy the simple fact that there is nothing you need to plan for once you are there

You may also have time for a craft market visit, depending on how the day runs. If you like small souvenirs, this is usually the easiest spot to grab them without adding extra transport. My practical advice is to keep your shopping light, because you still need room for wet gear and towels.

Also, be honest with yourself about water shoes. The island feels sandy, but boat days mean you go from sun to water to changing surfaces, and it helps to have grip. Even basic footwear can prevent an aching day.

Sega music and the crew vibe on the return trip

One of the strongest impressions from the day is the energy onboard. The cruise includes Mauritian Sega music later, and the return portion is when the mood tends to become more festive. People love this part because it turns a transportation leg into an experience.

You should know one nuance: the music starts early enough that on some days it can feel loud, especially if you are trying to nap or you have a low tolerance for sound. If you want quiet time, bring earplugs.

Still, the core theme is that the crew’s personality makes the day feel warmer. When staff members are actively friendly and moving the vibe along, it changes how you experience the hours between stops. It can be the difference between “I went on a boat” and “I enjoyed the day.”

Price and value: is $59 really a fair deal?

At $59 per person, this catamaran cruise is priced like a budget-friendly way to get a high-impact day. The value is strongest when you price what is bundled, not just the seat.

What you are getting in one ticket:

• catamaran cruise round-trip
• Grand River South East waterfalls stop
• snorkeling and swimming break
• BBQ lunch on board
• unlimited drinks on board
• visit to Île aux Cerfs

If you tried to copy this day on your own, you’d pay separately for transport, boat access, meal planning, and the convenience of having drinks and lunch taken care of. Even if you do not drink much, the inclusion helps you feel the day is covered.

The main reason the value can feel uneven is also the main logistics theme: if boarding takes longer than expected, you may feel the schedule tightens. That does not cancel the value, but it can shift what you personally get out of snorkeling time versus beach time.

Timing, weather, and getting there on time (without stress)

This is a cruise that can be affected by conditions. If the tour is cancelled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. In November and December, rain and bad weather conditions are expected, so you should check the forecast before booking.

Now the “small but important” travel habit: be at the meeting point with time to spare. The port is your anchor. The cruise leaves the jetty at 9:10, and even with the best intentions, it is easy to underestimate how long it takes to find the correct dock, park, or get to the right spot.

A practical packing list is simple:

• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Camera
• Beachwear

And a couple of “don’t forget” rules:

• pets are not allowed
• fireworks are not allowed

Who this trip fits best, and who should skip

This experience works best if you want a structured day that stays fun, with water time and food without extra planning.

It is a strong fit for:

• couples and friends who want a relaxing beach day plus activities
• travelers who enjoy onboard entertainment and a social atmosphere
• people who want snorkeling and BBQ in one package

It is not suitable for:

• pregnant women
• wheelchair users
• people over 70

If you prefer total quiet or long meals, you might find the onboard vibe less comfortable. If you are sensitive to sound, consider earplugs for the Sega music.

Should you book this catamaran cruise with BBQ lunch?

Book it if you want an easy, all-in-one day: waterfall photo stop, snorkeling break, BBQ lunch with included drinks, then beach time at Île aux Cerfs. The strongest reason to book is the combination of convenience and included value. You pay once, then the day runs.

Skip it, or at least think twice, if your main goal is maximum snorkeling time or absolute punctuality at every step. On some departures, boarding can feel slower than you would like, and loud music can be an issue for light sleepers or anyone wanting quiet.

If you do book, I’d make the day work for you:

• arrive early to protect snorkeling time
• pack swim essentials so you can jump in quickly
• request vegetarian options if needed
• bring earplugs if you want quieter moments

FAQ

What time does the catamaran leave?

The cruises leave the jetty at 9:10. Aim to arrive at the meeting point around 9:00 so you are not rushing.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Trou deau douce Debarcader fishing port.

What is included in the BBQ lunch and drinks?

Lunch is BBQ on board. Drinks included are soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum.

Do they offer vegetarian options?

Yes, vegetarian options are available upon request.

Is the food halal?

Yes, the food is halal.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a camera, and beachwear. You should also plan for water and sun time during the snorkeling and beach stop.