Private Catamaran Charter to Ile aux Cerfs

Sun, sea, and your own floating schedule. This private cruise from Pointe Jerome to Ile aux Cerfs gives you seven hours aboard a 45-foot catamaran, with time for snorkeling, dolphin spotting, swimming, a barbecue lunch option, and a walk on one of Mauritius’s best-known beaches. I especially like the private boat and captain, since your group does not have to share the day with strangers. I also like the chance to carry your own food and drinks, which gives you more control over the cost.

The main catch is simple: the advertised price covers the catamaran, captain, and snorkeling gear, but food and drinks cost extra. That matters because several past customers praised the onboard barbecue and drinks, yet you need to confirm the meal option before paying. Also, the boat is not suited to wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

Key things to know before booking

• A 45-foot catamaran for your private group: The boat can accommodate up to 31 people, so the per-person value improves sharply with a larger family or friend group.
• Seven hours on the water: You have enough time for sailing, snorkeling, dolphin watching, lunch, and a stop at Ile aux Cerfs without rushing every activity.
• Pointe Jerome departure: You meet at the Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point, with an optional private transfer available for up to four passengers per vehicle.
• Bring your own provisions if you wish: Past customers carried food and drinks that the crew kept cool, although a barbecue and drinks can also be arranged at an additional cost.
• Snorkeling gear is included: You do not need to rent basic equipment separately, but you should still bring a towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes.
• Dolphins are possible, not guaranteed: The crew may look for dolphins in their natural setting, but sightings depend on luck and sea conditions.

Why this private boat day works well

The best feature here is control. On a shared cruise, the timetable and mood belong to the whole boat. With a private charter, your group has the captain and catamaran to itself, up to the stated capacity of 31 people. That makes this a practical choice for a family reunion, birthday, wedding party, or group of friends who want a full day together.

The 45-foot boat gives you room to spread out, sit in the sun, or find a quieter place to enjoy the ride. It is not a tiny speedboat where everyone sits shoulder to shoulder. You still need to remember that this is a boat day, not a resort day. Shade, seating preferences, and comfort can vary depending on where you settle.

I also like the seven-hour length. A shorter outing might give you a quick swim and a photo stop, but this schedule allows several different parts of the southeast coast to fit into one day. You sail from Pointe Jerome, pass through the waters around Mahébourg, stop for snorkeling, look for dolphins, eat near Grand River South East, and visit Ile aux Cerfs before returning.

That variety is the point. You are not paying only for a beach transfer. You are paying for a full day that combines open-water sailing, reef time, wildlife watching, lunch, and an island visit.

Pointe Jerome and the first safety briefing

Your day begins at Pointe Jerome, the stated meeting and departure point. Before the boat gets underway, the crew gives a safety briefing. This is useful rather than ceremonial, especially if children or first-time boat passengers are in your group.

The captain is responsible for the catamaran and the route, while the host team can communicate in English and French. The available information does not promise a particular captain for every departure, but past feedback specifically praised friendly, helpful crew members, including Pascal and Scott on one outing.

From Pointe Jerome, the boat sails toward Mahébourg. This first section gives you time to settle in, find your preferred place on deck, and get used to the rhythm of the catamaran. Keep your sunglasses and hat close, but secure them well. Wind on the water has a talent for taking small items on unscheduled trips.

Sailing around Mahébourg and the inner lagoon

The route includes sailing through turquoise waters in an inner lagoon. These calmer waters should make the ride more comfortable than a rough open-sea crossing, though conditions can still change. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where you can see the horizon and avoid arriving with an empty stomach.

The boat ride is one of the quieter pleasures of the day. You have room to watch the coast, talk with your group, and enjoy the sense of distance from land. Because this is a private charter, you can focus on your own company instead of adjusting to the habits of a large mixed group.

The word private is important here. You are renting the catamaran with a captain, not booking a seat on a standard shared excursion. That means the $1,354 group price needs to be viewed as a boat rate, not a per-person ticket. For two people, it is expensive. For a large group of 15, 20, or more, the calculation becomes much more attractive.

Snorkeling in calm water

A snorkeling stop forms one of the day’s main active sections. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you can swim in calm water while looking for colorful reef fish. This is a good setup for families and mixed-age groups because people who want to swim can get in, while others can remain on the catamaran and enjoy the sun.

The experience is not presented as a specialist snorkeling expedition. You should expect a pleasant reef stop rather than a guaranteed wildlife spectacle. Water clarity, fish activity, weather, and your exact anchorage can affect what you see.

Bring your own towel and sunscreen. Comfortable shoes are also recommended, particularly for moving around the boat and walking on Ile aux Cerfs later. I would apply sunscreen before leaving Pointe Jerome and reapply during the day, since seven hours on reflective water can catch you off guard.

If your group includes small children, keep in mind that the activity is not described as a supervised children’s program. Adults should stay responsible for children in the water and around the boat.

Dolphin watching with realistic expectations

Dolphin watching is part of the route, and the crew may spot dolphins in their natural habitat. This is an appealing addition because it makes the sailing feel more like an encounter with the sea than a simple transfer between two points.

Still, dolphin sightings are never guaranteed by the information provided. Treat this as a lucky possibility, not the central promise of the day. Past customers have reported seeing many dolphins, while others focused on the snorkeling, food, and friendly service. Your best approach is to enjoy the boat ride even if the animals stay out of sight.

The dolphin stop also adds a little unpredictability. Wildlife does not follow a clock, so the exact timing may shift with conditions and sightings. That flexibility is part of the appeal, but it means you should not expect every minute to follow a rigid schedule.

Lunch near Grand River South East

The itinerary places lunch around Grand River South East. A barbecue can be prepared by the crew, and past feedback praised the food as delicious, generous, and well served. Drinks were also described positively, so the onboard meal can become a real part of the experience rather than a quick snack between stops.

But check the cost carefully. Food and drinks are not included in the basic charter price. They are available at a supplementary rate, and the supplied details also indicate that you may bring your own provisions. One past customer carried personal food and drinks, which the crew stored cool, then praised the day for its friendly service and flexibility.

That choice gives you two sensible approaches. Pay for the barbecue if you want the easiest option and do not want to organize lunch for a large group. Bring your own supplies if you want to control the menu and keep the total cost down. If you choose the second option, confirm what storage is available before departure.

The lunch setting also matters. Eating on the water gives the day a relaxed, social feel, but it is not the same as dining in a restaurant with a broad menu and fixed seating. Wind, sun, and boat movement are part of the package.

Ile aux Cerfs, the main beach stop

Ile aux Cerfs is the destination that gives the trip its postcard appeal. After the sailing, snorkeling, dolphin search, and lunch, you have time to go ashore and walk along the beach. The island stop provides a change of pace: you can stretch your legs, look around, and enjoy the shore instead of spending the whole day afloat.

Do not think of the island visit as a long independent tour. The supplied schedule simply promises a visit and a beach walk before the return to Pointe Jerome. The exact amount of time on land is not specified, so if Ile aux Cerfs is your main reason for booking, ask the operator how the day’s timing is handled.

The island works best as part of a varied day. You get the pleasure of arriving by private catamaran, rather than simply appearing at the beach by road. After several hours at sea, even a straightforward walk feels welcome.

Remember to keep your belongings light. Oversize luggage and large bags are not allowed, and there is no reason to bring them for a seven-hour outing anyway. A small day bag with sunscreen, a towel, water, and personal items is the practical choice.

The return to Pointe Jerome

After the Ile aux Cerfs stop, the catamaran sails back to Pointe Jerome. The return offers a final chance to relax with a chilled drink, assuming you have arranged drinks through the crew or brought your own.

The day ends where it began at the Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point. A private transfer can be arranged for an additional charge, but the transfer option is limited to a maximum of four passengers per vehicle. That is useful for a couple or small family, but a larger private group will need to arrange transportation differently.

The return journey is also a good reason not to overpack the schedule. A seven-hour day on sun and water can be tiring, even when the mood is easygoing. Leave some energy for the ride home.

What the $1,354 price really means

The listed price is $1,354 per private group of up to 31 people. That price includes the catamaran, captain, and snorkeling gear. It does not include food, drinks, or the optional transfer.

For a couple, the price is hard to justify unless privacy is your top priority. For a large group, the math changes. At 10 people, the base cost is about $135 per person. At 20 people, it is about $68 per person. At the full capacity of 31, it works out to roughly $44 per person, before food, drinks, and transportation.

That makes this a strong value for a large group that would otherwise need several shared bookings. You are also buying flexibility and private space, not simply a seat. A smaller group should compare the cost with a shared catamaran cruise before booking.

The high praise for the crew, boat, food, and service is encouraging. Still, do not assume barbecue and drinks are part of the quoted price. Ask for the current supplement and confirm what the meal includes.

Who should book this charter?

I would recommend this experience to:

• Families who want a private day with swimming and beach time
• Groups of friends splitting the boat cost
• Celebrations where privacy matters
• People who want snorkeling, dolphin watching, and Ile aux Cerfs in one outing
• Visitors who prefer bringing their own food and drinks
• English-speaking or French-speaking groups

I would be more cautious if you are traveling alone or as a couple on a tight budget. The private boat cost is difficult to spread across only one or two people.

This is also not a good fit for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. The activity involves boarding a catamaran, moving around a boat, swimming or snorkeling, and walking on a beach. The operator specifically says it is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

For comfort, pack comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, towel, and plenty of sunscreen. Pets, oversize luggage, and large bags are not allowed. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available, which helps if your plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the cost and want a full private day rather than a simple beach outing. The combination of a 45-foot catamaran, snorkeling gear, dolphin watching, barbecue option, and Ile aux Cerfs gives you plenty to do without changing boats or arranging separate activities.

Before paying, confirm three points: the food and drink supplement, the expected time on Ile aux Cerfs, and transportation to Pointe Jerome. If the barbecue is important, reserve it rather than assuming it is included.

For a large family or friend group, this looks like one of the more sensible ways to enjoy Mauritius’s southeast waters. For a small party, compare prices carefully. The boat is the value, and the more people who share it, the better the deal becomes.

FAQ

How long is the private catamaran charter?

The experience lasts seven hours, including sailing, snorkeling, dolphin watching, lunch, the Ile aux Cerfs visit, and the return to Pointe Jerome.

Where does the catamaran leave from?

The starting and ending point is the Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point.

Is food included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the basic price. A barbecue lunch and drinks are available at an additional cost, and you may also bring your own food and drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included with the private catamaran charter.

Can I book a transfer to the departure point?

Yes. An optional private transfer can be arranged at an additional cost. Each vehicle can carry a maximum of four passengers.

Is the experience suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.