All inclusive CATAMARAN with BBQ : Ile aux cerf & GRSE waterfall

Sun, sea, and a rum cocktail await. This full-day Mauritius trip combines a GRSE Waterfall visit, an Ile aux Cerfs beach stop, snorkeling, a BBQ lunch, drinks, music, and private hotel transfers for $113.97 per person. I like the simple all-in-one plan, especially if you want a busy day without arranging separate taxis, boats, meals, and beach time.

I also like the friendly drivers and the chance to see Mauritius from the water. The main concern is that this is a shared catamaran, not a quiet luxury cruise. Crowding, delayed boarding, and uneven organization can affect the day, particularly during the busy December and January period.

Key points to know before booking

• Private pickup and drop-off across Mauritius: A certified driver collects you from your chosen location and returns you in a private air-conditioned car.
• GRSE Waterfall by boat: This scenic stop is difficult to reach independently, making it one of the more useful parts of the itinerary.
• BBQ, desserts, and drinks included: Lunch is served on board, with beer, rum, cocktails, soft drinks, and other options available.
• Ile aux Cerfs beach time: You get time to enjoy clear blue water and white sand after the boat portion.
• Snorkeling stop included: Equipment is provided, though the time in the water can vary with group size.
• Shared boat with up to 35 people: Expect music and a social mood rather than a private, peaceful sailing trip.

The day begins with an early pickup

The tour starts around 7:30 a.m., with pickup arranged at your location in Mauritius. That is a valuable part of the package. You do not need to find a taxi to the east coast, negotiate a one-way fare, or worry about getting back after a day of drinks.

Your driver takes you toward Trou d’Eau Douce, the departure area for the boat. The operator advises reaching the area by 9:15 a.m. to avoid delays, so the morning transfer can be long depending on where you are staying. The driver is also meant to explain parts of Mauritius along the way, which adds some local context before you reach the water.

The transfer receives some of the strongest praise connected with this outing. One particularly good driver helped make the day feel personal and kept the transportation side running smoothly. That matters because a shared boat trip can feel impersonal, while a warm and capable driver gives you a more comfortable start.

Still, allow extra patience at the meeting point. Boarding can take time, especially when food, drink supplies, equipment, and people all need to be organized. A delay of more than an hour has occurred, so do not plan an important evening activity immediately after the advertised eight-hour schedule.

Boarding the catamaran at Trou d’Eau Douce

Once you reach the departure area, you are assigned to your catamaran. The maximum group size is 35 people, although the exact feel of the boat depends on the day and how full it is.

The captain gives a safety briefing before the boat gets moving. Toilets are available on board, and drinks are served throughout the day. Music plays during the cruise, creating a party atmosphere rather than a silent sailing trip.

That mood is a major part of the appeal. You might hear Sega music, see people dancing, and find the boat full of conversation. If you want a sociable day with music, lunch, and a drink in hand, this setup works well. If you are hoping for a small, refined sailing trip with long stretches of quiet, you may find the catamaran too busy.

The description uses the word private for the road transfer, not for the boat. Your ride to and from the catamaran is private, but the water portion is shared with other paying customers. Keep that distinction in mind when comparing this trip with a private charter.

Seeing the GRSE Waterfall from the water

The first major sightseeing stop is GRSE Waterfall. The falls are popular for photographs and are difficult to reach by land, so visiting by boat gives this package a clear advantage over a basic beach cruise.

You can expect the boat to approach the waterfall area while you take pictures and enjoy the setting from the water. The stop is not presented as a long walk or an inland trek. It is a boat-based visit, which makes it accessible to most people who can take part in a normal catamaran outing.

This is one of the moments when the price begins to make sense. You are not simply paying for transport to a beach. You are combining a hard-to-reach natural attraction with a full day at sea, food, drinks, and transfers.

Photography is a strong reason to care about this stop. Bring a phone or camera that you can handle safely around spray and movement. The most useful shots will likely come from the boat itself, so staying alert as the catamaran approaches is better than waiting until the last moment.

Do not expect a private waterfall visit. The boat may need to share space with other boats, and the time available can depend on the day’s schedule. The overall route includes several stops, so the visit is part of a larger outing rather than a long, quiet stay at the falls.

Snorkeling with equipment provided

The catamaran makes a snorkeling stop, and the necessary gear is included. This saves you from packing or hiring equipment separately and gives you a chance to get into the water during the cruise.

The time available for snorkeling can change according to how many people want to swim. That is a practical point worth taking seriously. With a full boat, getting everyone into the water, using the equipment, and returning safely may take longer than expected.

I would treat snorkeling here as an included bonus rather than the central reason to book. The available information does not promise a particular reef, marine species, or long guided session. Conditions in the water and the number of people taking part will shape the experience.

You should also listen closely to the captain’s instructions. The trip includes a safety briefing, and the crew has to manage swimmers as a group. If you are not a confident swimmer, you should decide carefully before entering the water and follow the boat team’s directions.

BBQ lunch, desserts, and drinks on board

Food is served on the catamaran, so you do not need to leave the route in search of lunch. The package includes a BBQ meal, dessert, and a range of drinks. Alcoholic choices include rum, cocktails, and beer, with different options available on the boat.

The continuous drink service is a big part of the outing’s value. A separate beach trip could easily require you to pay for lunch, drinks, and transport on top of the admission cost. Here, the major daytime expenses are grouped into one booking.

That said, food service on a busy catamaran is not the same as dining at a restaurant. One poor account described slow organization before departure, with food crates taking time to reach the boat. Another gave high praise to the meal and the crew. Both points can be true: the food may be enjoyable, while the process of serving a large group can feel untidy.

If you have strict dietary needs, check with Beguided Tours before booking. The supplied details identify BBQ food and desserts but do not list vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free, or allergy-specific choices.

Alcohol also changes how you should plan the day. Drinks are included, but the boat still has a schedule, swimming activities, and a return transfer. Pace yourself, drink water when available, and remember that you need to remain comfortable on a moving boat.

Ile aux Cerfs brings the beach time

After the waterfall, food, and water activities, the catamaran heads toward Ile aux Cerfs. This is the part of the trip built around classic Mauritius scenery: blue water, white sand, and time on an islet.

The stop gives you a chance to get off the boat and enjoy the shore rather than spending all eight hours afloat. You can take photographs, walk along the sand, or simply sit near the water. The schedule does not promise a specific number of hours on the island, so do not assume you will have an entire afternoon there.

Ile aux Cerfs is likely to be the most familiar-looking part of the day. The waterfall feels more unusual because access is harder, while the beach stop delivers the postcard setting many people expect from Mauritius.

The tradeoff is that popular beach stops can feel busy. The catamaran carries other people, and the island is not reserved for your group. If you want an isolated beach with no other visitors, this is not the right type of excursion. If you want an easy way to add a famous beach stop to a full day on the water, it does the job.

The return cruise keeps the party going

After the Ile aux Cerfs stop, you return to the catamaran for the trip back toward Mauritius. More drinks may be served, and music continues as the boat heads to the landing area.

This final stretch can be relaxed and social. You have already seen the waterfall, eaten lunch, and spent time at the beach, so the return ride gives you space to talk, listen to music, or watch the coast from the boat.

The end of the day depends heavily on how smoothly the group has kept to schedule. Snorkeling time, boarding, food service, and the island stop all affect the return. A late finish is possible if the morning starts slowly, so keep your evening plans flexible.

On arrival, your driver should be waiting to return you to your resort or chosen location in a private air-conditioned car. That last transfer is a strong convenience, especially after a full day in the sun.

Is $113.97 good value?

At $113.97 per person, this is not the cheapest way to visit a beach in Mauritius. It is also not just a boat ride. The price covers private round-trip transportation, the catamaran, the waterfall visit, snorkeling equipment, BBQ lunch, desserts, alcoholic drinks, other beverages, music, and the Ile aux Cerfs stop.

I see the best value in the combination. If you would otherwise need a taxi to Trou d’Eau Douce, a separate boat booking, lunch, drinks, and transport back to your hotel, the package could save both money and planning effort.

The value drops if you only want a quiet beach day. You may pay for activities you do not care about, including music, alcohol, snorkeling, and the waterfall visit. It also becomes less attractive if you dislike sharing a boat with a large group.

The private vehicle transfer is important here. A lower-priced boat-only option may look tempting, but you would still need to arrange transport at both ends. For visitors staying far from the east coast, the included pickup can justify part of the higher cost.

What the mixed feedback means for you

The overall rating is 4.2 from 22 ratings, but the experience is not equally strong in every area. The most consistent praise goes to the drivers, the boat crew, the scenery, the food, and the music.

The weaker points are organization, crowding, and expectations. One person found the catamaran too crowded and felt that the boat did not match a luxury standard. Another described the overall operation as disorganized, with a long wait while supplies and people came aboard.

There was also a serious complaint involving a canceled catamaran day and a disputed experience with the boat operation. The company responded that it investigated the matter and arranged a private boat in that case. You should read this as a reminder that the operator’s response to a problem may help, but it cannot fully replace a smooth original plan.

The company also explained that late December and January can be especially busy. If you are booking during that period, expect more people and potentially slower boarding. For a calmer feel, a less busy travel date may be preferable, though the operator does not promise a small group.

Who should book this catamaran trip?

I would recommend this trip if you want to pack several Mauritius highlights into one day. It suits couples, friends, and families who enjoy music, social boat rides, beach time, and an open bar-style setup.

It is also a good fit if you are staying away from the east coast and value door-to-door transport. The private car removes much of the usual hassle, and the driver can provide information during the journey.

You should think twice if you want luxury, privacy, strict timing, or a quiet sea outing. The catamaran may carry up to 35 people, and the schedule can be affected by boarding and group activities. This is a cheerful group day, not a private sailing charter.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. If poor weather cancels the trip, you should be offered another date or a full refund. Since the outing requires good weather, this policy is useful when planning around Mauritius’s changing conditions.

Final decision: book it for variety, not solitude

I would book this tour if I wanted an easy, full-day introduction to Mauritius’s east coast, especially with private hotel transport included. The waterfall, Ile aux Cerfs, snorkeling, BBQ, drinks, and music create a generous list of inclusions for the price.

I would not book it expecting a luxury catamaran or a carefully timed small-group cruise. Go in ready for shared facilities, a lively boat, and possible delays. Arrive at Trou d’Eau Douce by the advised 9:15 a.m. target, keep your evening open, and you will be better prepared to enjoy what this outing does best: a sociable day that covers a lot of ground with very little planning from you.

FAQ

What is included in the Mauritius catamaran tour?

The tour includes private pickup and drop-off, a catamaran trip, a visit to GRSE Waterfall, an Ile aux Cerfs stop, snorkeling equipment, BBQ lunch, desserts, alcoholic drinks, other beverages, music, and toilets on board.

How long does the experience last?

The advertised duration is approximately eight hours. The exact return time can change if boarding, snorkeling, or other group activities take longer than planned.

What time does the tour start?

Pickup begins around 7:30 a.m. You are advised to reach Trou d’Eau Douce by 9:15 a.m. to avoid being late.

Is the catamaran private?

No. The boat is a shared experience with a maximum of 35 people. The private part refers to the road transfer in an air-conditioned car.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. The catamaran stops for snorkeling, and equipment is provided. The length of the snorkeling session can depend on how many people take part.

Are drinks and lunch included?

Yes. BBQ lunch, desserts, and drinks are included. The available alcoholic options include rum, cocktails, and beer.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you should be offered another date or a full refund.