Mauritius: Ile Aux Cerfs Catamaran Cruise with Lunch

This catamaran cruise is a fun way to see Mauritius’s east coast in one day, with salt air, sea time, and a couple of big highlights built in. I like the simple rhythm: sail out, swim and snorkel at Ile aux Cerfs, then cool off with a visit to the Grand River South-East Waterfalls. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that wind and tide can affect how easy the swim is and how the stops line up.

For about $64 per person for 7 hours, you get more than just a boat ride. You also get a proper 3-course BBQ-style lunch on board with drinks, plus live commentary in English and French. The main drawback is that the island time can feel tight if you want a long beach day, and there can be an extra pause for optional activities sold by a partner.

If you go in with the right expectations, this trip is a solid pick for a first or middle-stay day. Bring your sun protection, pack a change of clothes, and treat it as an ocean day with a few scheduled stops, not a slow laid-back beach retreat.

Key highlights at a glance

• Trou d’Eau Douce departure with scenic east-coast sailing and sea-breeze views
• Ile aux Cerfs swimming and snorkeling, with the clearest payoff when seas are calm
• Grand River South-East Waterfalls visit (GRSE), a memorable natural stop on the route
• 3-course BBQ lunch on board (chicken, fish, sausage, salad, dessert, drinks)
• Live guide in English or French, with a clear plan and flexibility for tide and depth

Trou d’Eau Douce to Ile aux Cerfs: the sailing day feel

The day starts in Trou d’Eau Douce, and the best part is that you get your vacation mood set early. Once you’re aboard, you’re out on the water while Mauritius’s east coast slips by. You’ll get panoramic views of the ocean and distant mountains, and the catamaran ride itself is the prelude to the day’s “main events.”

You’re on the water for about 7 hours total, with the itinerary designed around a balance of sailing, water activities, and food. That matters because you’re not stuck in one place all day, like you would with a land-only day trip. You’re also not rushing from one viewpoint to another with a cramped schedule.

The one thing you should mentally budget for is that the sequence of site visits can vary based on tide and water depth. That’s not a problem by itself. In fact, it’s often a sign they’re adjusting for what’s safe and doable in the moment. Just know that your timing for each stop might shift a bit from what you imagine.

Ile aux Cerfs swimming and snorkeling, plus the “bring your own snorkel gear” reality

Ile aux Cerfs is the star of the show here, and the cruise is built around time there. You’ll get the chance to swim and snorkel in the waters around the island. The marine world can look great when conditions are right, and this is the kind of stop where being in the water changes everything, not just the photos.

Here’s the practical detail that trips people up: snorkeling equipment is not included. If you want your own mask or fins for a better fit, bring them. If you don’t, you might still enjoy snorkeling, but you’ll rely on what’s available or what you can manage without your preferred gear.

You’ll also want to be ready for the “real world” factor: wind. When it’s gusty, the swim zone can feel less comfortable and even a little risky. The trip info says the order and conditions can change by tide and depth, and that lines up with what you’ll experience on the water. If you’re sensitive to choppy water or you want easy, calm entry points, aim for a day when seas are behaving.

What to bring makes a difference at Ile aux Cerfs:

• Beachwear and a change of clothes
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• A simple way to keep your stuff dry
• Anything you need for comfortable snorkeling, since equipment isn’t included

And yes, the on-island time is real, but it isn’t designed to be endless. Plan to enjoy the beach and water quickly and efficiently, then decide whether you want to keep going or just relax with shade and a snack.

The GRSE Waterfalls stop: quick, but worth planning around

The Grand River South-East Waterfalls (GRSE) visit is part of the plan. You’re not just hearing about it, you’re going to see cascading water in the area.

From a visitor’s perspective, this stop is all about the sensory contrast. You’re coming from sun and sea, then you get mist and cool air from the falls. It’s also a nice change of pace, especially if you’ve already been in the water.

But keep expectations practical. The time at the falls can be short on some days, and the cruise has other priorities too. If you’re the type who wants a long walk, this might feel fast. If you want a memorable waterfall moment without turning the day into a hike, it fits well.

A helpful mindset: treat the GRSE visit like a photo-and-breath-stop, not the main event of the day. It complements the ocean time rather than replacing it.

BBQ lunch on board: why it’s a real value add

Let’s talk about lunch, because for many people this is the make-or-break part of a day cruise. Here, you get a 3-course lunch on the catamaran: BBQ chicken, fish, sausage, green salad, dessert, and drinks. Drinks include water, soft drinks, and alcoholic options.

That’s a meaningful value point. On a boat day, you’d usually pay extra for food either through an overpriced menu or a quick roadside bite that doesn’t feel like a full meal. Here, you’re eating as part of the program, which keeps you from spending your precious time searching for lunch.

Also, the crew serving food while you’re still on the water means you can stay in vacation mode. You don’t have to “leave the experience” to eat. You just go from sailing to eating to back to sea.

Quick tip: even if you have drinks included, keep one hand on the reality that you’ll be in sun and water. Hydration matters, and sunscreen is not optional. I’d rather you spend effort on comfort now than spend the afternoon looking for shade later.

How the Ile aux Cerfs time actually feels: sun, wind, and comfort

Once you reach Ile aux Cerfs, the atmosphere shifts to beach time. Disembark onto the island, and you can unwind on the sand, then head back to the water when it’s comfortable.

This is where you should consider your personal style:

• If you want swimming and snorkeling as a priority, focus on getting your water time early.
• If you want a calmer beach experience, choose a spot with some protection from wind and plan your snack and drink breaks.

Comfort on the catamaran matters too. The ship can feel crowded for shade, especially if the day is hot. One reason I’m mentioning this is simple: when a boat gets busy, people start moving with less space, and you can lose the “easy vacation” feeling. If you’re the kind of person who likes personal space, go in expecting it to be more “shared adventure” than “private charter.”

Also, time can feel tight. On some days, the island visit can be around 1.5 hours. That’s enough to enjoy the beach and do one solid round of swimming and snorkeling, but it’s not enough for a slow, long exploration if you’re hoping for hours of wandering.

The good news: if your expectations match the structure, you’ll probably feel like you got your money’s worth.

The pace, optional add-ons, and the long pause question

Catamaran days are rarely 100 percent nonstop. They need time for boarding, swimming sessions, meal service, and transfers connected to the route. Still, one detail you should know is that there can be a longer stop aimed at selling optional activities by a partner.

You might see things like parasailing-style rides and similar thrill options. This doesn’t have to ruin your day, but it can change the feel of the schedule, especially if you’re hoping for uninterrupted downtime.

My advice is to decide up front how you feel about optional activities:

• If you want to skip them, plan to use that time for shade, water, and regrouping.
• If you might do one, know you could lose some “quiet” time waiting for others or waiting for the activity flow.

This is also where the guide and crew’s choices matter. They’ll adjust to tide and depth, and they’ll manage the day under real conditions. A good day cruise doesn’t feel like a strict timetable, it feels like a coordinated sequence.

Value check: is $64 a good deal for this 7-hour plan?

At $64 per person, this is positioned as a value cruise, and you can see why. You’re paying for:

• A full day on a catamaran
• Visits that include Ile aux Cerfs and the GRSE Waterfalls
• Swimming and snorkeling time
• A filled-out 3-course lunch with drinks

The real question is whether you would spend similar money and time if you tried to DIY it. If you were to book a boat and then separately arrange food and transport to waterfall areas and the island, the price usually stops looking cheap fast. Even if some stops feel shorter than you might hope, the bundled package still tends to be efficient for a one-day visit.

One “value clarity” point: snorkeling gear is not included. So, if you already have your own mask, great. If you don’t, factor that into what you’re comfortable spending.

The trip is also more about a fun itinerary than about luxury comfort. If you’re expecting a private, spacious, always-calm experience, it may disappoint. If you want an ocean day with solid food and major sights, it’s a strong price.

Practical tips that make the day easier

A few small choices can make a big difference on a day like this.

Sun and comfort

• Wear sunscreen before you step on board. Reapply at Ile aux Cerfs.
• Bring a change of clothes so you can get dry and comfortable after swimming.
• Pack a towel, because you’ll want one once you’re off the boat.

Snorkeling setup

• Remember snorkeling equipment isn’t included, so plan accordingly.
• If you’re not a confident swimmer, stay near safer, calmer entry zones and keep a close eye on conditions.

Weather reality

• The trip can be rescheduled if conditions are unsafe. The policy mentions adverse weather excluding just rain, especially rough seas.
• Rescheduling means you’ll get another date, or a full refund if they can’t arrange a suitable one.

Language and guide

• You’ll have a live guide in English and French. That helps you understand what’s happening during the day and what to expect at each stop.

Getting there

• Hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included, though you may arrange it for an extra cost. If your hotel is far from Trou d’Eau Douce, this matters for planning your morning.

Who should book this catamaran day?

This cruise is a great match if you want:

• A single-day plan that mixes sea time, a waterfall stop, and a proper meal
• To enjoy Ile aux Cerfs without organizing transport on your own
• A group-friendly outing with a live guide and a clear schedule

It may not be the best fit if:

• You need wheelchair-friendly access or you have mobility limitations, since it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users
• You’re pregnant, since it’s not suitable for pregnant women
• You want long, uninterrupted island time or worry about potential wind affecting swim conditions

If you fall in the “ocean day” category, this is an easy yes, as long as you go prepared.

Should you book Mauritius: Ile aux Cerfs Catamaran Cruise with Lunch?

Book it if you want a well-priced day that delivers multiple highlights in one go, especially if you’re happy with a plan that can flex based on tide and depth. The lunch alone adds real value, and Ile aux Cerfs plus the GRSE waterfall gives you that classic “Mauritius in a day” mix without stress.

Skip it if your top priority is a long, carefree beach day with zero schedule pressure, or if you strongly depend on having snorkel gear provided. Also, consider your comfort in wind and water conditions, and plan your day accordingly.

If you want a day that feels like a vacation, not a project, this catamaran cruise is a solid choice. Just pack smart, set realistic expectations for timing, and focus on the parts that make this day work: the sea time, the island water, and that full lunch on board.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The trip lasts 7 hours.

Where does the cruise start and end?

It starts at Trou d’Eau Douce and returns to the same starting point at the end of the day.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You may be able to arrange it separately for an additional cost.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included.

What’s included in the lunch?

The lunch is a 3-course meal served on the catamaran, including BBQ chicken, fish, sausage, green salad, dessert, and drinks (water, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks).

What happens if weather conditions are unsafe?

If there are adverse weather conditions (excluding just rain) or rough seas, the trip can be rescheduled. An alternative date will be offered, and if a suitable date cannot be arranged, you receive a full refund.