Ile Aux Cerfs Catamaran Cruise & Waterfalls- Lunch & Drinks

Sea, waterfalls, barbecue, and rum make a full day. This cruise packs several of east Mauritius’s best-known sights into one outing, beginning at Trou D’Eau Douce and ending with time on the sandy shores of Ile aux Cerfs. I like the Grand River South East waterfall visit, reached by speedboat, and the generous food and drink service, with BBQ fish, chicken, salads, saffron rice, soft drinks, beer, wine, and local rum included. The main caution is group size: the experience is advertised for up to 15 people, but some departures have carried considerably more.

I also like the friendly crew, who play Mauritian music and keep the mood lively without turning the trip into a formal sightseeing lecture. Snorkeling, swimming, a beach stop, and a slow catamaran ride give the day a good mix of activity and rest. Still, you should know that the boat may leave later than the stated 9:00 a.m. departure, and loud partying can affect the peaceful feel some people want from a day at sea.

Key things to know before you book

• The day runs from about 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with boarding at Trou D’Eau Douce and roughly nine hours devoted to the cruise and stops.
• Grand River South East is reached by speedboat, taking you about 500 meters upstream to the waterfall.
• Lunch is a proper BBQ meal, with fish, chicken, hotdogs, salads, saffron rice, and vegetarian or vegan food available.
• Drinks are included all day, including water, juice, soft drinks, beer, wine, and local rum.
• The advertised group limit is 15, but you should confirm the expected number before booking if personal space matters to you.
• Ile aux Cerfs offers optional paid activities, including parasailing, tube riding, and an undersea walk.

Starting at Trou D’Eau Douce on Mauritius’s east coast

Your morning begins at the docking station in Trou D’Eau Douce. Boarding is scheduled for 8:30 a.m., with the catamaran due to leave at 9:00 a.m. The advertised cruise time runs until about 4:00 p.m., so plan for most of your day to be spent around the water.

The first part is easygoing. You settle into the catamaran, look across the lagoon, and let the crew set the tone. Mauritian music plays on board, and the crew may share local tales, jokes, and general information as the boat moves away from shore.

This is a social trip rather than a quiet sailing lesson. If you enjoy meeting other people, music, and a relaxed party mood, that can be part of the fun. If you want a silent morning with only the sound of the sea, the atmosphere may feel too lively, especially if a large local group is on board.

The cruise is offered with English, French, German, and Italian support. That is useful for a mixed international group, though the exact language used during the day can depend on the people booked.

One practical point matters here: some departures have left after 9:00 a.m., even though people arrived at the scheduled boarding time. A delay of 30 minutes or more may not ruin a nine-hour outing, but it can shorten time at the stops. If your day is tightly planned, allow flexibility.

The Grand River South East waterfall by speedboat

Before heading toward Ile aux Cerfs, the excursion visits the Grand River South East waterfall. The catamaran does not simply stop beside the falls. Instead, you transfer to a speedboat and travel about 500 meters upstream.

That short ride gives the stop a little more energy. You pass along the riverbanks and look into the older trees, where you might spot monkeys moving through the branches. Mauritian fruit bats may also be visible high in the trees, resting in the shade.

The waterfall itself is one of the better scenic moments of the day because it breaks up the open-water sailing. You get a close view of the river environment, not just a distant photo from the deck. The stop is still weather and wildlife dependent. Seeing monkeys or bats is possible, not promised.

The transfer also means you should listen carefully to the crew and keep track of where you leave your belongings. You will return to the catamaran after the waterfall visit, so this is not a long independent walk or a full river expedition. It is a compact, scenic stop folded into a larger day.

A snorkeling stop in the clear lagoon

After the waterfall, the catamaran heads through the lagoon toward a place suitable for swimming and snorkeling. The water is described as clear, with coral reefs and tropical fish visible during the stop.

This is a welcome change of pace. After sitting on the boat and riding the speedboat, you get to move around and cool off. Life jackets are provided, and bottled water is included, so you do not need to bring your own flotation equipment or drinking supply.

The length of the snorkeling stop can be a weak point for keen swimmers. One person found the break about 15 minutes too short, which is worth keeping in mind if snorkeling is your main reason for booking. This is not presented as a specialist reef trip with extended time in the water. It is one part of a packed day.

You might see tropical fish and coral, but sightings of turtles and dolphins are not guaranteed. Marine wildlife can be unpredictable, and the trip may simply offer a pleasant swim rather than a dramatic animal encounter. Bring sunscreen and a camera, as advised, but protect the camera carefully around the water.

BBQ lunch with fish, chicken, and local drinks

Lunch is one of the strongest parts of the experience. The menu includes fresh BBQ fish, BBQ chicken, grilled hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice. Vegetarian and vegan food is also available, which makes the meal more useful for mixed groups.

The BBQ may be served on the catamaran or on the beach, depending on the day’s arrangements. Either way, it is more substantial than a small snack. Light breakfast snacks are also included earlier in the day, helping you get through the morning before the main meal.

Drinks are available throughout the outing. The package includes bottled water, juice, soft drinks, beer, wine, and local rum. The unlimited service is a real part of the value, particularly if you expect to spend the whole day in the sun and would otherwise buy drinks separately.

Use some judgment in the heat. Unlimited alcohol can add to the party mood, but it can also make the boat noisier and less comfortable for people who want a calm day. One departure became loud from the start because some people drank and played music heavily throughout the trip. The crew received praise for being friendly and helpful, but they cannot fully control the mood of every group.

Sailing toward Ile aux Cerfs

Once lunch and the water stop are over, the catamaran continues toward Ile aux Cerfs. The approach is the classic Mauritius scene: palm trees, pale sand, and clear turquoise water around the island.

Ile aux Cerfs is not an isolated beach with nothing else around it. It is a popular day-out destination with several optional activities and plenty of room for a walk, a swim, or time in the sun. The island gives you a chance to leave the boat and enjoy the coast at your own pace.

You can choose to relax on the beach or look into activities such as parasailing, tube riding, and the undersea walk. These options are not included in the $70 price, so ask about costs before committing. If you are happy with swimming and beach time, you can keep the day within the advertised price. If you add several activities, the total cost will rise quickly.

The island’s popularity is both its appeal and its limitation. You get easy access to beautiful beaches and facilities, but you should not expect a private desert island. For many people, that is a fair trade. The catamaran, food, drinks, waterfall, and island visit make the outing convenient, even if the destination itself is well known.

How the crew shapes the day

The crew is a major strength of this cruise. People who enjoyed the trip described the staff as attentive, friendly, and willing to help. One especially good moment came when the captain altered course slightly after spotting marine life, including a dolphin, two rays, and a school of squid.

That kind of response gives the trip a human touch. The crew is not simply following a rigid route with a stopwatch. When conditions allow, they may pause or adjust the route for an interesting sight.

You should also keep expectations realistic. The crew can make the day warmer and more enjoyable, but they cannot guarantee dolphins, turtles, or perfect snorkeling conditions. They also cannot always prevent a boat from feeling crowded when more people are aboard than expected.

The advertised small-group format is listed as a maximum of 15 people. However, some departures have carried more than 15, including one reported count of 25. A larger catamaran may still have enough room, but space becomes tighter inside and around the seating areas. If you care about a genuinely small group, contact Mauritius Luxury Tours & Transfer before paying and ask for the expected headcount on your date.

Is the $70 price good value?

At $70 per person, the cruise offers a lot for a full day. You receive the catamaran ride, the waterfall visit, a snorkeling and swimming stop, time on Ile aux Cerfs, light breakfast snacks, BBQ lunch, unlimited drinks, bottled water, and life jackets.

That combination is the main reason the price works. You do not need to arrange separate transport between the river, the lagoon, and the island. You also avoid paying for each meal and drink during the day.

The value is strongest for you if you want a ready-made beach day with food and a social atmosphere. It is less attractive if you only want a short, quiet sail or if you plan to spend most of the time snorkeling. The experience gives you several highlights, but none receives the same depth as a dedicated waterfall trip, reef excursion, or private boat charter.

Hotel or Airbnb pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to arrange your own way to Trou D’Eau Douce, unless you purchase an optional transfer with an air-conditioned vehicle. That extra cost should be included in your budget when comparing this trip with hotel-based excursions.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend this outing to couples, families, and groups of friends who want an easy day with several activities built in. It suits people who like music, a friendly crew, casual swimming, beach time, and drinks served without having to keep reaching for a wallet.

It is also useful for first-time visitors to Mauritius who want to see more than one east-coast attraction in a single day. The waterfall and Ile aux Cerfs provide variety, while lunch and transport between stops keep the schedule simple.

You may want a different option if you dislike loud music, crowded boats, or a party atmosphere. The occasional larger group can change the character of the trip. A private charter or a smaller sailing experience would give you more control, though likely at a higher price.

The trip is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the provided information does not explain the exact transfer arrangements between the catamaran, speedboat, beach, and water. If you use a wheelchair, ask the operator for specific boarding and transfer details before booking.

Booking advice and final verdict

Book this cruise if you want a full day of Mauritius highlights for one set price, and you are comfortable sharing the boat with a social group. The crew, BBQ lunch, unlimited drinks, waterfall stop, and Ile aux Cerfs visit form a strong package.

Before you book, confirm two details: the expected number of people on your departure and the likely departure time. Those points matter more than the standard itinerary. A group of 15 and a group of 25 can feel like different experiences, and a late start may reduce time at the stops.

I would choose it for a relaxed, sociable day rather than a quiet nature outing. For the right person, $70 is good value. Just bring sunscreen, a camera, a swimsuit, and some patience for the possibility of a crowded boat or a lively soundtrack.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart?

The cruise departs from Trou D’Eau Douce on the east coast of Mauritius.

What time does the experience start and finish?

Boarding is scheduled for 8:30 a.m., with the catamaran planned to leave at 9:00 a.m. The cruise runs until about 4:00 p.m. and lasts around nine hours.

Does the trip visit Grand River South East waterfall?

Yes. You take a speedboat about 500 meters upstream from the Grand River to view the waterfall before returning to the catamaran.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. The itinerary includes a snorkeling and swimming stop in the lagoon, with life jackets provided.

What food is included?

Light breakfast snacks and a BBQ lunch are included. Lunch features fish, chicken, grilled hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice. Vegetarian and vegan food is also available.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited water, juice, soft drinks, beer, wine, and local rum are included.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel or Airbnb pickup and drop-off are not included in the standard price. Optional transport in an air-conditioned vehicle may be available.

How many people are on the catamaran?

The experience is advertised as a small group with up to 15 participants. Some departures have carried more than 15, so confirm the expected group size before booking.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also allows you to hold a place without paying immediately.