Catamaran Cruise: Isle aux Cerfs, Including BBQ Lunch, in Mauritius

Sun, sea, and a full day afloat. This catamaran trip pairs Isle aux Cerfs with the Grand River South East waterfalls, snorkeling, an onboard BBQ, and unlimited drinks. I especially like the mix of river scenery and open-water time, plus the friendly Preskil crew praised in several comments. The main caution is that the meal may feel average if you expect a polished restaurant lunch, and the day can lose time if low tide delays departure.

The price is $82 per person, which is fair for roughly seven hours when you count lunch, snacks, drinks, boat transport, and snorkeling equipment. You need to arrange your own way to the meeting point at Preskil Island Resort near Pointe Jerome unless you choose a transfer option, and the listed tour details make clear that transfers are not included in the standard price.

Quick facts about the day

• A 30-person maximum keeps the catamaran from feeling enormous, though it is still a shared boat outing rather than a private charter.
• The Grand River South East stop adds more than beach time, with a short look at a gorge, waterfall, monkeys, and a giant bat colony.
• Snorkeling gear is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and equipment.
• Lunch is cooked and served on board, with a BBQ and an open bar offering unlimited drinks.
• Ile du Phare appears on the route to Isle aux Cerfs, adding another scenic marker before the main island stop.
• Low tide can affect the start, so avoid planning a tight appointment immediately after the cruise.

Starting at Preskil Island Resort near Mahebourg

The listed meeting point is Preskil Island Resort at Pointe Jerome, in the Mahebourg area. The activity returns to this same meeting point, so you are responsible for getting there and back unless you arrange a transfer separately.

That detail matters more than it first appears. A seven-hour cruise is easy to fit into a day, but only if your transport plan is settled before you arrive. The standard package says no hotel pickup and drop-off, so check your route to Pointe Jerome carefully. The experience is advertised as a cruise from Blue Bay, while the stated boarding point is at Preskil Island Resort. Confirm the exact boarding instructions after booking.

The scheduled operating information lists Monday through Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Because the experience depends on sea and tide conditions, I would leave extra room around the stated timing. One account describes a delayed start caused by low tide and says the crew handled the problem quickly and safely. That is reassuring, but it also means you should not treat the schedule like a railway timetable.

The crew receives some of the strongest praise attached to this outing. I would expect clear instructions at the start, help with the snorkeling stop, and a friendly approach throughout the day. The boat carries a maximum of 30 people, which gives the crew a reasonable chance to keep the outing organized without turning every activity into a queue.

Cruising toward Grand River South East

The first major sight is the mouth and gorge of Grand River South East, often shortened to GRSE. The listed stop is brief, around 10 minutes, but it gives the cruise a welcome change of pace from open water.

You can expect a view of a waterfall at the end of the gorge. The area is also noted for monkeys and a large bat colony. Those sightings are not guaranteed, and they depend on conditions and where the animals are at the time, but they add a bit of wild character to the river visit.

I like this stop because it keeps the day from becoming only a beach transfer with food. You get a glimpse of Mauritius from the water, with the river narrowing into a rocky gorge before reaching the waterfall. Still, keep your expectations sensible. Ten minutes is a short visit, so this is a photo stop rather than a long nature walk or a detailed wildlife outing.

If you are hoping for dolphins, keep your eyes on the water during the cruise. Dolphins have been seen playing in the catamaran’s wake, and one account described them as the highlight of the day. Sightings are never promised, so regard them as a lucky bonus rather than part of the fixed program.

Passing Ile du Phare on the way to Isle aux Cerfs

Ile du Phare is listed as a point along the way to Isle aux Cerfs. The information does not describe a separate long landing here, so I would treat it as a scenic passage rather than a full stop with time to explore.

That is still useful. Boat trips are partly about the spaces between formal stops. You can watch the coast change, take photographs, and settle into the rhythm of the catamaran. If you need a packed schedule of land visits, this part may feel light. If you enjoy a relaxed day on the water, it helps break up the journey.

The boat itself is the main attraction during this stretch. You have time to sit, take in the views, and use the included drinks and snacks. The open bar is a practical advantage on a hot day, especially because you do not need to keep buying refreshments as the cruise continues.

Arriving at Isle aux Cerfs for lunch

Isle aux Cerfs is the main destination, and the day includes an onboard BBQ lunch. The meal is served during the island portion of the trip, with the listed itinerary allowing about an hour for lunch.

The food appears to be plentiful and well cooked for many people, while another account found it average and wanted more variety and stronger flavors. That difference tells you exactly how to judge the meal. Expect a generous, casual BBQ designed to feed a boatload of people, not a refined dining experience.

I like the fact that lunch is included and prepared on board. You do not lose time searching for a restaurant, and you can keep the group together. Snacks and beverages are included as well, with unlimited drinks through the open bar. For an island day, that adds real value to the $82 price.

The meal may include choices that suit many tastes, but the supplied information does not give a full menu. If you have dietary restrictions, ask the operator before booking rather than assuming the BBQ will meet your needs. The tour description confirms lunch, snacks, and drinks, but not special meal arrangements.

Swimming, snorkeling, and free time

After lunch, the itinerary allows about an hour at Isle aux Cerfs for relaxing and swimming. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the crew can point you toward the snorkeling area.

This is the most flexible part of the day. You can swim, snorkel, sit in the sun, or simply enjoy being off the boat for a while. I like that the tour does not force every minute into a formal activity. You get a clear plan, but you also have room to choose your own pace.

The main limitation is time. One hour passes quickly once you account for getting ready, swimming, and returning to the boat. If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, keep your expectations modest. This is a broad sightseeing cruise with snorkeling included, not a dedicated reef excursion.

The island portion also depends on the conditions of the day. The schedule can shift, and the beginning may be delayed by low tide. That is not necessarily a flaw, but it is a reminder to bring patience along with your swimwear.

What the crew adds to the experience

The crew is one of the clearest strengths of this cruise. Several comments describe the staff as friendly, professional, helpful, and good at explaining the program at the start. The crew also received praise for giving advice about the snorkeling stop and reacting well when low tide caused a delay.

That kind of service matters on a shared boat. You need clear directions when moving between swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and free time. You also want staff who take sea conditions seriously instead of rushing to keep the schedule.

The boat carries up to 30 people. That is not an intimate private sailing trip, but it is a manageable group size for a full-day excursion. I would expect a social atmosphere, shared seating, and some competition for the best viewing spots. If you want quiet solitude, a private charter would suit you better. If you like meeting people and having the day organized for you, the group format is useful.

Is $82 good value?

At $82, the price looks reasonable for the amount included. You receive approximately seven hours on the water, transport by catamaran between the sights, snorkeling equipment, snacks, a BBQ lunch, and unlimited drinks. The GRSE waterfall visit and the chance of seeing monkeys, bats, or dolphins add variety without separate admission charges.

The value is strongest if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, lunch, drinks, and snorkeling equipment. The open bar also helps keep the final cost predictable. You can plan around the advertised price rather than adding repeated purchases during the day.

The value is weaker if your priority is a high-end meal, long snorkeling time, or guaranteed dolphin watching. The food is casual, the snorkeling period is limited, and wildlife sightings depend on luck. The experience earns its price through the complete day and the range of stops, not through luxury.

Hotel transfers are not included in the standard package. That extra transport cost, if you need it, should be part of your calculation. The summary also mentions an upgrade for hotel transfers, so check the available booking option before assuming the $82 covers door-to-door service.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want one organized day that combines several Mauritius highlights. Families can benefit from the clear schedule, included food, and swimming time, though children must be accompanied by an adult. Most people can participate, according to the supplied information.

It also suits couples and friends who prefer a social boat day over arranging several separate excursions. The crew handles the basic planning, and you get scenery, food, swimming, and drinks in one package.

You may want another option if you dislike shared activities or need a very flexible schedule. The cruise has a maximum of 30 people, fixed meeting arrangements, and a program that can be affected by tide and weather. It also may not satisfy serious snorkelers who want hours in the water.

Bring swimwear, sun protection, and a way to protect your phone from spray. The information confirms snorkeling equipment is supplied, but it does not state that towels, lockers, or waterproof phone cases are available, so do not count on those extras.

Weather, cancellations, and practical planning

The cruise requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel the activity, you can receive a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.

Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refundable, and late changes are not accepted. The cut-off follows local Mauritius time. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability, so avoid building an important connecting plan around the cruise until your booking is confirmed.

The most useful planning tip is simple: keep the rest of your day open. Low tide can delay departure, and weather can change the schedule. The crew appears to put safety first, which is exactly what you want on a water excursion.

Final verdict: should you book it?

I would book this cruise if you want a well-rounded Mauritius boat day at a fairly controlled price. The combination of GRSE, Isle du Phare, Isle aux Cerfs, swimming, snorkeling, BBQ lunch, and unlimited drinks gives you plenty to do without arranging each part yourself.

I would skip it if your main goal is gourmet food, long snorkeling sessions, or a guaranteed dolphin encounter. The meal is casual, the island time is limited, and the wildlife is a bonus rather than a promise.

For most people, the strongest reason to book is the crew and the variety. You get a friendly, practical day on the water, with enough scenery and activity to make the seven-hour outing feel worthwhile. Just arrange your own transport to Pointe Jerome, allow for tide delays, and think of the BBQ as a generous picnic afloat rather than a restaurant meal.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately seven hours.

Where does the cruise start?

The stated meeting point is Preskil Island Resort at Pointe Jerome, Mahebourg, Mauritius.

Where does the cruise end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the standard package. The tour information mentions an option to upgrade for hotel transfers.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is included and served on board.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Beverages, snacks, and unlimited drinks from an open bar are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included.

Does the cruise visit Grand River South East?

Yes. The trip includes a short stop at the Grand River South East waterfalls, with views of the gorge and waterfall. Monkeys and bats may also be seen.

Is dolphin watching guaranteed?

No. Dolphins may play in the catamaran’s wake, but the experience does not guarantee a sighting.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If poor weather cancels the cruise, you can receive a different date or a full refund.