Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise to Ile Aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch

The best days in Mauritius involve water. This six-hour catamaran cruise brings together three strong reasons to go: the Grand River South East Waterfall, a barbecue lunch with drinks, and free time on the white sands of Ile aux Cerfs. I especially like the friendly crew and the amount included for $64, though the snorkeling stop can feel short and the beach departure may be confusing.

I also like that you get both scenery and relaxation rather than one long boat ride. You can watch for monkeys near the waterfall, swim in the lagoon, listen to Mauritian Sega music, and eat aboard the boat without paying separately for each soft drink or alcoholic drink. The main caution is crowding. At busy times, the catamaran can feel cramped, and only one toilet was noted on some departures.

Key points before you book

• Three different water experiences: Travel upriver to Cascade Diamamouve, stop to snorkel and swim offshore, then spend about two and a half hours around Ile aux Cerfs.
• Food and drinks are included: The onboard meal includes a BBQ, vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices, and halal food, with soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum.
• The crew earns strong praise: Friendly, funny, attentive staff help create a lively atmosphere, with particular praise for crew members such as Cedric and Yona.
• The waterfall stop can be brief: Strong currents may prevent access, and when several boats arrive together, photo time can be very limited.
• Parking needs planning: The small car park near Trou d’Eau Douce fills quickly, so a taxi or hotel pickup may be easier than driving yourself.
• Ile aux Cerfs is beautiful but busy: The lagoon and palm-lined sand are the star attraction, while the craft market and optional water activities add variety.

Setting off from Trou d’Eau Douce

The cruise begins at Trou d’Eau Douce on Mauritius’s east coast. If you choose transport, pickup and drop-off can be arranged from your hotel or accommodation, depending on the option selected. You may also meet the driver outside your accommodation or at reception.

If you drive, allow extra time. The meeting point is opposite Green Island Restaurant on the beach, and parking nearby is limited. A small car park is available, but it can fill up quickly. Several people found the beach area confusing because multiple catamarans were loading at once, so arriving early is sensible.

The first part of the experience may involve a short shuttle boat from the beach to the catamaran. Wheelchair users can join, but you need to stand briefly while boarding and leaving the shuttle boat. Crew members assist with this transfer.

Once onboard, the mood is generally informal and social. Music, sea views, and a crew ready with drinks set the tone. This is not a quiet private sailing trip. It is better suited to you if you enjoy meeting people, eating together, and having a little music with your scenery.

Up the river to Cascade Diamamouve

The boat first travels upriver toward the Grand River South East Waterfall, also called Cascade Diamamouve. This is one of the most distinctive parts of the day because the trip changes from open sea to green riverbanks and moving freshwater.

The catamaran itself does not always approach the falls. A smaller shuttle boat may take you closer, depending on conditions. From the water, you can take photographs and look for monkeys in the trees along the riverbanks.

Keep your expectations realistic here. The waterfall stop is often more of a quick look than a long visit. Some departures allow only a short time near the falls, and several boats may gather in the same area. Strong currents can also make the visit unsafe, in which case the stop may be shortened or skipped.

I would treat the waterfall as a bonus rather than the sole reason to book. It is a memorable change of scenery, but the day’s strongest features are usually the catamaran ride, food, swimming, and Ile aux Cerfs.

Swimming and snorkeling along the coast

After the river visit, the boat heads back toward the coast for a swimming and snorkeling stop. The water is clear, and the crew may choose a shallow area where you can stand, which helps families with younger children.

Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them, though snorkeling gear is listed among the recommended items. The stop gives you a chance to cool off and see small fish close to the boat. Some people have also spotted turtles and sea snakes, although wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

This is the part of the trip that varies most. Some departures find clear water with colorful fish. Others stop near the port or over a damaged reef where there is less to see. The snorkeling time can also feel shorter than expected, particularly if the waterfall visit runs late or other water activities are taking place.

I would not book this cruise as a dedicated snorkeling excursion. Think of the water stop as a pleasant part of a wider day. If the sea conditions are good and the crew finds a strong location, it can be excellent. If not, you still have the island, meal, music, and boat ride.

BBQ lunch on the catamaran

Lunch is served onboard after the water stop. The meal is described as a three-course BBQ, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices. All food is halal, which is useful for anyone who needs halal meals while on holiday.

The food receives strong praise overall, especially for fresh BBQ portions and generous servings. Dorado has been singled out as particularly tasty when available. Some people find the meal simply good rather than special, so I would set your expectations at a satisfying included lunch, not a restaurant tasting menu.

Drinks are one of the clearest value points. The selection includes water, juice, soft drinks, beer, wine, and local rum. You do not need to keep counting the cost of each refreshment, and the crew generally keeps the drinks moving throughout the day.

An optional lobster addition may be available for an extra charge. It has been praised for flavor, but opinions on its value are mixed. I would ask the price before ordering, especially since the included BBQ is already considered generous by many people.

The dining area can become crowded when the boat is full. This matters if you want a calm, spacious lunch. On a quieter departure, eating on the water with the coast passing by is one of the most enjoyable parts of the trip.

Free time on Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the visual centerpiece. The island has palm trees, bright white sand, and a clear lagoon that invites swimming. You get around two and a half hours here, enough time to stretch your legs, take photographs, swim, and browse the local arts and crafts market.

The island is beautiful, but it is not always peaceful. Several boats can arrive at once, and popular beach areas may have litter or limited facilities. You may also be dropped off without a detailed explanation of where to go, so take a moment to get your bearings before wandering away from the landing area.

This stop works best if you use it at your own pace. Swim first if the weather is good, then walk along the beach or visit the market. Optional water activities are available at an extra cost, but they are not included in the $64 price.

The photos used to promote the island may show a particularly attractive section of beach, so do not expect every part of Ile aux Cerfs to look identical. The lagoon and sand are still appealing, but the condition of the beach can vary from one area to another.

Music, crew, and the ride home

After the island visit, the catamaran returns toward Trou d’Eau Douce. Mauritian Sega music helps turn the journey home into part of the experience rather than a simple transfer.

The crew is one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise. Staff are repeatedly praised for being attentive, cheerful, and willing to help. Crew members named Cedric and Yona have received special appreciation, while the wider team is often credited with keeping birthdays and other celebrations fun.

This is a social boat day, and the crew leans into that. You may find music, dancing, jokes, and people celebrating special occasions. If you prefer silence and space, this energy may feel like too much. If you enjoy a friendly holiday atmosphere, it adds real value.

Hotel transfers can also make the day easier. Drivers have been praised for being prompt and friendly, though one serious delay caused by a puncture nearly made a passenger miss the departure. I would confirm your pickup time and avoid relying on a last-minute transfer if your accommodation is far from Trou d’Eau Douce.

What the $64 price really covers

At $64 per person, this is a strong value if you want a full day of varied activities. The price includes the catamaran cruise, waterfall visit, swimming and snorkeling stop, BBQ lunch, drinks, and time on Ile aux Cerfs. Those inclusions remove many small costs that can quickly add up on an island excursion.

The value is best for families, couples, and groups who want an easy day with plenty of structure. Families benefit from the shallow swimming area, free admission for infants aged one to four, and the included lunch. Couples may enjoy the scenery and celebratory atmosphere, although this is not a private romantic cruise.

You should budget separately for optional activities at Ile aux Cerfs and possibly for the lobster addition. Transport is also only included if you choose the pickup option. If you drive, factor in the practical problem of parking.

The main trade-off is space. A full catamaran can mean crowded seating, a busy loading area, and a single toilet. The price remains reasonable, but you are paying for a popular shared excursion, not an intimate sailing charter.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it if you want to see several east-coast highlights in one day without organizing separate taxis, meals, and boats. It suits you especially well if you value friendly service, included drinks, swimming, and an upbeat group atmosphere.

It is also a good choice for families. The schedule offers short bursts of activity rather than one demanding adventure, and the water may be shallow enough for children during the snorkeling stop. Still, keep children close during transfers and open-water swimming.

I would be more cautious if your top priorities are serious snorkeling, a quiet boat, or a long waterfall visit. The reef stop may be modest, the falls can be rushed, and the island may feel crowded or untidy in places.

Weather matters. The cruise requires suitable conditions, and poor weather can lead to a different date or a full refund. Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, comfortable shoes, a change of clothes, and a camera. A dry bag would also be sensible for phones and valuables, though it is not specifically listed as required.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise?

Yes, if you want a well-priced, sociable day that combines river scenery, sea time, lunch, drinks, music, and a famous island beach. The crew and food are the most dependable strengths, and the overall schedule gives you plenty for the money.

Book with two expectations in mind: the waterfall and snorkeling stops may be brief, and a busy departure can feel crowded. Arrive early, plan parking carefully, and choose hotel pickup if available. With those points understood, this is a practical way to enjoy Mauritius’s east coast without spending your day arranging every detail yourself.

FAQ

How long is the Mauritius catamaran cruise?

The experience lasts approximately six hours, including the waterfall visit, swimming and snorkeling stop, lunch, time on Ile aux Cerfs, and the return sail.

Where does the cruise start?

The meeting point is opposite Green Island Restaurant on the beach at Trou d’Eau Douce. Hotel pickup is available if you select an option that includes it.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included only with the applicable transport option. Otherwise, you meet the driver or guide at the stated meeting point.

What food is served?

The cruise includes a BBQ lunch described as a three-course meal. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices are available, and all food is halal.

Are drinks included?

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

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling gear is listed among the items to bring, so you should bring your own equipment. The cruise includes a snorkeling and swimming stop.

Can children join the cruise?

Yes. Infants aged one to four go free of charge. The experience is also described as suitable for families, although children need supervision during boat transfers and swimming.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, but wheelchair users need to stand briefly to board and leave the shuttle boat. The crew assists with this transfer before you reach the catamaran.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Are activities at Ile aux Cerfs included?

Optional activities at Ile aux Cerfs are not included. Swimming, beach time, sightseeing, and the craft market visit are part of the scheduled island stop.