Catamaran cruise to Ile aux cerfs with bbq lunch

Catch Mauritius from the water. This six-hour catamaran cruise pairs the GRSE waterfalls with snorkeling, a barbecue lunch, and time on Ile aux Cerfs. I like the mix of scenery and easygoing fun, especially the included food, drinks, and snorkel gear. The main caution is timing: a delayed departure or an added paid activity can reduce your time on the island.

The crew and onboard atmosphere earn the strongest praise. Music accompanies lunch, drinks keep coming, and the guides are often described as friendly, efficient, and attentive. At $63.35 per person, the package offers solid value, though Ile aux Cerfs itself may feel too commercial or short on time for anyone hoping to explore every corner.

Key points to know before you book

• GRSE waterfalls come first: You begin with green scenery, possible monkey sightings, and a look at one of the area’s best-known coastal sights.
• Snorkeling is included: Equipment, lunch, alcoholic drinks, soda, and bottled water are all covered in the price.
• The day runs from Trou d’Eau Douce: Meet at Tino Boats or Chez Tino, then return to the same area around 4:00 p.m.
• The cruise is social and musical: A singer and guitarist may accompany lunch, making this more than a quiet sailing trip.
• Time on Ile aux Cerfs can vary: The planned beach stop is a major draw, but delays or optional activities can shorten it.
• The group can reach 30 people: This is a shared cruise, not a private yacht outing.

A six-hour route through Mauritius’s eastern lagoon

This outing is built around a simple idea: see several eastern Mauritius highlights without arranging separate transport, meals, equipment, and boat trips. You meet at Route Royale in Trou d’Eau Douce, with the ticket redemption point listed at Chez Tino on B59. It is worth checking the exact meeting instruction before setting out, since both Tino Boats and Chez Tino appear in the location details.

The advertised start is 9:30 a.m., with a return around 4:00 p.m. That gives you roughly six hours on the water and at the stops. One important practical point is that the schedule may not always move like clockwork. A delayed departure was a source of frustration for one person, and another account described a later start than expected.

I would arrive early and keep the morning flexible. This is not the kind of trip where a 30-minute delay is harmless if you have dinner reservations, a second excursion, or a long journey back across the island.

The boat holds up to 30 people. That is small enough to feel manageable, but large enough for a lively group atmosphere. If you want quiet sailing and plenty of personal space, this may not be your ideal boat day. If you enjoy music, conversation, shared food, and a cheerful crew, the group format works well.

First stop: the GRSE waterfalls and coastal scenery

The cruise heads toward the GRSE waterfalls near the start of the day. The route gives you a different look at the eastern side of Mauritius, where green surroundings meet bright lagoon water. The waterfall stop is mainly about the view from the boat and the setting rather than a long land visit.

You may also see monkeys in the area, and one account described spotting bats and monkeys during the outing. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the possibility adds a little life to what could otherwise be a quick scenic stop.

This part of the route is useful because it breaks up the day early. You are not simply taken straight to the beach and left there. You get a short nature-focused visit before the boat moves out toward open water and the snorkeling stop.

Do not expect a long, guided wildlife experience. The exact time at the falls is not specified, and the boat may continue once everyone has had a chance to take in the view. Bring your camera, but keep your attention on the surroundings rather than waiting for a guaranteed animal sighting.

Snorkeling in clear lagoon water

After the waterfall area, the catamaran heads to a snorkeling spot. The water is described as crystal clear, and the cruise is designed to improve your chances of seeing marine life by taking you to places that are not reachable by land.

Snorkel equipment is included, which removes one common extra cost. You can get into the water from the boat, look around the lagoon, and then return aboard for lunch. The trip does not promise a particular species or a large amount of marine life, so I would treat the snorkeling as a pleasant chance to see the underwater setting rather than a specialist wildlife outing.

This stop suits confident swimmers and people who simply want a quick swim in beautiful water. The supplied information says most people can participate, but it does not describe special instruction or dedicated support for weak swimmers. If you are not comfortable in open water, ask the crew what options are available before getting in.

The order of the snorkeling and lunch may shift. The planned schedule places lunch just after the snorkeling stop, but optional paid activities or late arrivals have affected the timing on some departures. That can be harmless if you are relaxed about the itinerary, but it matters if your main priority is a long beach visit.

BBQ lunch with music and drinks

Lunch is one of the strongest parts of this experience. A barbecue is served on or around the catamaran, with food described as tasty and plentiful. The meal has included grilled meat and fish according to the available comments, though a full menu is not provided.

The package also includes alcoholic drinks, soda, and bottled water. That is a real part of the value at $63.35, particularly because drinks can add up quickly on a hot day by the sea. You do not need to budget separately for the basic refreshments listed in the package.

Music gives lunch a festive feel. A singer and guitarist have accompanied the meal, and the atmosphere is often described as young, friendly, and relaxed. This is not a formal dining cruise. It is a casual barbecue with drinks, music, and views from the lagoon.

I like that the food stop is part of the shared experience rather than an interruption to it. You can eat, sit in the sun, watch the water, and chat with the crew or others on board. The tradeoff is that a lively boat with music will not suit someone seeking a silent, private lunch.

The package does not list special dietary arrangements. If you have food restrictions, ask Tino Boats before booking rather than assuming the barbecue can be adjusted.

Ile aux Cerfs: beautiful beach, limited time

The final major stop is Ile aux Cerfs, the island that gives the cruise its name. This is where you can leave the boat, settle on the beach, swim, walk around, or simply enjoy the bright water and sand.

The island is undeniably scenic. Several parts of the day are designed to build toward this beach stop, and the setting is the classic tropical image many people expect from Mauritius. It is also the place where expectations need the most careful handling.

The planned schedule suggests about two hours on Ile aux Cerfs, but the exact time can change. One account described only about an hour on the island after a late start and a change in the order of activities. If you want a slow walk, a long swim, and time to sit quietly, even two hours can pass quickly. A shorter stop may feel rushed.

The island also does not appeal equally to everyone. Some people find it beautiful but overhyped, with limited things to do beyond the beach. That is useful advice. Book this cruise for the combination of boat ride, snorkeling, lunch, and scenery. Do not book it solely because you expect a full day of island exploration.

You can choose your pace here. Swim if conditions suit you, wander along the beach, or stay close to the water. The activity description does not promise guided exploration or a specific set of island attractions, so you should think of Ile aux Cerfs as a scenic beach break rather than a structured sightseeing visit.

What the crew adds to the experience

The crew is a major reason this cruise receives a 4.7 rating from 121 reviews, with 91 percent recommending it. The strongest praise centers on friendly service, steady attention to drinks, good organization, and a cheerful atmosphere.

Names mentioned in the available feedback include Tomi, Lori, and Adrienne, though the spelling may vary. The crew is described as professional, funny, and willing to help. One especially positive detail is that the staff kept checking that people had enough drinks without making the service feel formal.

Another good sign is the range of praise. The comments do not focus only on the beach. They also highlight the barbecue, music, snorkeling, waterfall stop, and overall flow of the day. That suggests the experience works because of its full package rather than one spectacular moment.

Still, service cannot fully fix a schedule problem. If passengers arrive late or choose an extra paid activity, the route may be rearranged. Ask the crew early how much time is planned for Ile aux Cerfs so you can set your expectations.

Is $63.35 good value?

For a six-hour outing, the price is reasonable if you want an all-in-one boat day. You receive the catamaran cruise, waterfall visit, snorkeling equipment, barbecue lunch, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and bottled water. You also avoid arranging separate boat transport to the island.

The value is strongest for anyone who would otherwise pay for lunch, drinks, and snorkel rental separately. The included alcohol is especially useful if you plan to spend much of the day relaxing on board.

The price does not include private transportation or hotel pickup and drop-off. The meeting point is in Trou d’Eau Douce, so you need to arrange your own way there. Some people have organized a transfer through the company, including hotel pickup by speedboat, but that service is not part of the listed price. Ask about the current cost before assuming it is available.

At this price, I would not expect a private charter, a small luxury group, or a highly customized itinerary. You are paying for a sociable, full-day-style package with several stops and generous refreshments. That is a fair deal if you enjoy a relaxed group cruise.

Who should book this catamaran cruise?

I would recommend it to couples, friends, and families who want a straightforward day on the water without having to plan every detail. It also suits anyone who values food, drinks, music, and scenery as much as formal sightseeing.

It is a good fit if you want to:

• See Ile aux Cerfs without traveling there by land
• Combine a waterfall stop, snorkeling, lunch, and beach time
• Swim in clear lagoon water
• Enjoy an informal social atmosphere
• Keep the cost predictable with food and drinks included

I would be more cautious if you want a quiet luxury cruise, a long snorkeling session, a private boat, or several unhurried hours on Ile aux Cerfs. The maximum group size is 30, and the timetable can shift.

The cruise also suits people who are happy to let the day unfold. If you need every stop to run exactly on schedule, build in extra time and confirm the departure details before you go.

Meeting point, booking, and weather notes

The listed start point is Tino Boats 5 Island Tour and Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs on Route Royale in Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius. The ticket redemption point is Chez Tino, B59, Trou d’Eau Douce. Confirm where you should check in, especially if you are using a taxi or public transport.

The activity is near public transportation, and confirmation is provided when you book. The tour runs daily during the stated operating period, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The advertised cruise itself is scheduled for roughly 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., so check the exact instructions on your confirmation.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. Poor weather may lead to a new date or a full refund.

My booking verdict

Book this if you want good food, open water, friendly service, and several Mauritian highlights in one day. The waterfall, snorkeling, barbecue, drinks, and beach stop make a well-rounded package, and the price is fair for what is included.

Skip it if Ile aux Cerfs is your only goal and you want long, quiet hours on the island. In that case, a shorter or more focused boat transfer may suit you better. For most people seeking a fun shared day rather than a private escape, Tino Boats offers a strong mix of scenery, swimming, food, and easygoing island time.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The experience lasts approximately six hours, with the planned day running from around 9:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Where does the cruise start?

The listed meeting location is Tino Boats on Route Royale in Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius.

Where does the activity end?

The cruise ends back at the meeting point in Trou d’Eau Douce.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A barbecue lunch is included in the price.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages, soda, and bottled water are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Private transportation and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the listed price.

How many people can join the cruise?

The maximum group size is 30 people.

Can most people take part?

Yes. The activity information says most people can participate, and it is near public transportation.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.