Mauritius: Ile aux cerfs, waterfalls and bbq Boat Day

A day that mixes Ile aux Cerfs beach time with a quick nature stop at the GRSE waterfall is a smart way to see more of Mauritius without burning a whole week. You get sea, sun, and sand, then you swap beach lounging for waterfall views and a monkey-feeding moment.

Two things I really like about this trip are the pace, and the value. The schedule gives you real downtime on the island, and the BBQ lunch is included with drinks, so you do not get nickel-and-dimed mid-day.

The one drawback to consider is that it is not set up for everyone, and it is also not a snorkeling day. If you were hoping for snorkeling gear or wheelchair access, you will need to plan around that.

Key things I’d focus on

• Speedboat ride both ways to cut travel time and get you onto Ile aux Cerfs fast
• Free island time until 12:30, plus an optional walk toward Margenie island
• GRSE waterfall visit with monkeys feeding during the stop
• BBQ lunch on the beach with grilled fish and chicken plus sides
• Drinks included with beer, wine, and rhum served at lunch
• Snorkeling gear not included, so bring your own if you want to snorkel

A beach-and-waterfall day that stays practical

This is the kind of day trip that makes sense when you want variety but still want to relax. You start the morning on a speedboat, land at Ile aux Cerfs, and spend a big block of time enjoying the island before heading to the waterfall area.

What makes it work is the balance between free time and fixed highlights. You can chill on your own schedule, then you join the group for the structured waterfall stop and the included BBQ. It is a nice fit for people who like freedom on one part of the day, but also want a guide-driven experience for the nature portion.

And it is not just a short photo stop. You get hours on the beach, then a second stretch of downtime after lunch, before the return pick-up in the afternoon.

Getting to Ile aux Cerfs from Trou D’eau Douce (the 9:30 am start)

The day runs from 9:30 am, departing every day from Trou D’eau Douce. That early start matters because it buys you more beach time and keeps the day feeling like an actual getaway instead of a rush job.

The operator for the speedboat is Saeta speedboat ile aux cerfs. You also skip the ticket line, which is a small thing, but on a day trip it can save you time and keep the whole morning moving.

You should come ready for a boat day. Even if seas are calm, you are hopping between spots on a schedule, so pack smart: sun protection, water, and something to keep your phone safe from sand.

Your Ile aux Cerfs time: chill until 12:30, then head out

Once the speedboat drops you at Ile aux Cerfs, you can stay there until 12:30. That is a good chunk of time to do the basics properly: swim if you feel like it, wander the shoreline, or simply sit back with the sea breeze and no agenda.

During that window, you can also take a walk toward Margenie island. That option is great if you like exploring on foot, but still want to be back on time for the group pick-up.

One detail I appreciate here is that the plan is clear about return timing. At 12:30, you are picked up from the same place where the skipper originally dropped you off. So you are not playing guessing games or trying to track down a hidden meeting point.

Practical note: because this is a beach day with a set pick-up time, I would set a soft alarm on your phone for the moment you want to start heading back. It is easy to lose track of time when you are by the water.

GRSE waterfall and monkeys: the stop that breaks up the beach

After your morning on Ile aux Cerfs, you go to the GRSE waterfall area. This is where the day gets more interesting beyond sun and sand.

You get to admire the waterfall, and you also have a chance to see monkeys feeding. That combination is a big part of why people book this: you trade a bit of beach time for a living, moving scene, then you get back to lunch without the day turning into a long, tiring tour.

What I would keep in mind is that animal moments are rarely fully controllable. Plan for unpredictability, keep your distance, and do not put hands out near monkeys. Keep food secured and act like you are sharing space, not taking over someone else’s environment.

Also, because the waterfall is built into a structured flow, you should not expect this stop to feel like a long hike. It is a visit, meant to be memorable but time-managed, then you continue to lunch.

Lunch BBQ on the beach: what you actually get

Lunch is a BBQ and it is included. After the waterfall stop, you head to your meal and then you get another relax window before the speedboat picks you up to return at 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm.

The BBQ menu is clearly spelled out:

• grilled fish
• grilled chicken
• potatoes salad
• bread with garlic butter
• pineapple
• soft drinks, juice, water
• beers, wine, rhum

This is one of the best value parts of the day. Many beach excursions include food, but the drink list here is generous for a one-day trip. You also do not have to stop somewhere else later just to eat or chase caffeine.

A smart way to approach it: pace yourself. You have been in the sun, you will likely be walking some, and then you have a full lunch with alcohol options. If you want to stay comfortable for the afternoon, go easy on the rhum and keep water close by.

You should also note what is not included: snorkeling and snorkeling gear, towel, keeway, and super alcoholic drinks. So if you plan to snorkel or want extra comfort items, plan ahead instead of assuming everything is provided.

Price and value: is $64 a good deal?

At $64 per person for a full one-day outing, this trip is priced like a package. The key is what you get bundled together.

You are paying for:

• speedboat going and coming
• the waterfall visit plus monkeys feeding
• a full BBQ lunch
• and drinks, including beers, wine, and rhum

The price starts to make more sense when you think of it as transportation plus experiences plus lunch all in one. If you tried to piece it together yourself, you would still have the cost of getting out to Ile aux Cerfs, then paying separately for a guided stop and a catered meal.

Where the value can shrink a bit is if you were hoping for snorkeling. Since snorkeling and gear are not included, you might need to spend extra if snorkeling matters to you. But if your main goal is beach time plus waterfall and a stress-free lunch, the package is strong for the price.

One more value point: the schedule is tight but not rushed. Departure at 9:30 am, a big beach block until 12:30, then waterfall and lunch, then an afternoon unwind. That is the kind of day flow that works well when you only have a limited window in Mauritius.

Who should book this Ile aux Cerfs speedboat day

This is a great match if you want:

• a beach-focused day with time to chill
• a second highlight beyond the beach, like GRSE waterfall and monkeys feeding
• a packaged lunch where you do not need to think about ordering and paying
• a simple, repeatable schedule starting at Trou D’eau Douce

It may not be your best choice if:

• you need wheelchair access (it is not suitable)
• you want a dedicated snorkeling experience with gear included
• you prefer totally unstructured days with no group timing at all

In terms of vibe, it feels like a sun-and-sight day trip. You get freedom on Ile aux Cerfs, then you switch gears for the nature stop. For most people, that is exactly the right mix.

What to bring so the day feels easy

Even though the essentials are handled for lunch and boat transport, you still want to arrive prepared for the beach and the heat.

Bring:

• sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
• water, since you will be in the sun, even with drinks included at lunch
• something for sand and comfort, since you will be on a beach
• your own snorkeling setup if snorkeling is on your personal plan (gear is not included)

And if you plan to relax properly, remember that towel is not included. Plan for that before you leave your accommodation.

Should you book this Mauritius boat day?

If you want an efficient one-day mix of Ile aux Cerfs beach time, GRSE waterfall, and an included BBQ lunch with drinks, I think this is a smart booking. The standout strength is how much the package covers: boat transport, two major experience moments, and a full lunch all wrapped into a simple timetable.

I would pass if your trip depends on snorkeling gear being included, or if wheelchair access matters for your group. Otherwise, this is exactly the kind of day trip that lets you leave Mauritius with real memories, without turning your schedule into a checklist.

If you are looking at it and thinking Preis Leistung top, you are reading the situation correctly. For a one-day speedboat outing with food and drinks built in, it offers solid value for the time you spend on the island.

FAQ

What time does the boat depart?

The departure is daily at 9:30 am from Trou D’eau Douce.

Where does the day start?

It starts from Trou D’eau Douce.

How long do we have on Ile aux Cerfs?

You can chill on Ile aux Cerfs until 12:30.

Can we walk to Margenie island during the stop?

Yes, during the time on Ile aux Cerfs you can have a walk until Margenie island.

When is the speedboat pick-up for the next part of the day?

At 12:30, you are picked up from the same place where the skipper dropped you off.

What happens at the GRSE waterfall stop?

You visit the GRSE waterfall and you can admire monkeys feeding.

What is included in the BBQ lunch?

Lunch includes grilled fish and chicken, potatoes salad, bread with garlic butter, pineapple, and soft drinks, juice, water, beers, wine, and rhum.

Is snorkeling included, and is snorkeling gear provided?

No. Snorkeling and snorkeling gear are not included.

What is included in the price besides lunch?

The included items are the speedboat going and coming to Ile aux Cerfs, the waterfall visit with monkeys feeding, and the BBQ lunch and drinks.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. It is not suitable for wheelchair.

When do we return to the boat for the trip back?

The speedboat pick-up for the return comes at 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm.