Île aux Cerfs: Private Catamaran Cruise with Gourmet Lunch

Tropical water, a private boat, and lunch at sea. This six-hour cruise from Trou d’Eau Douce combines lagoon swimming, snorkeling, island stops, and a barbecue meal into one polished day on Mauritius’ east coast. I especially like the private group setup, which gives up to six people their own catamaran, and the strong food-and-service record, including lobster, fish, and attentive crew members such as Sonia, Dario, and Marie-Lou.

The main catch is that Île aux Cerfs can feel crowded and commercial at busy times. The crew may adjust the plan, as happened on one trip when a sandbank replaced the island for snorkeling, but you should also expect to arrange your own transport to Pointe Maurice Jetty and leave large bags behind.

Why this private catamaran day deserves a place on your Mauritius plan

• A genuinely private boat for up to six people: You are not buying a seat on a large shared cruise, so the experience suits families, couples, or a small group of friends.
• Snorkeling comes before alcohol service: This is a useful safety rule, and it keeps the water activities at the heart of the day.
• The lunch is more than basic barbecue fare: Past menus have included lobster, fish, and other grilled food served aboard the catamaran.
• The route packs in several east-coast sights: You pass Grand River South East Waterfall, Ile aux Fouquets Lighthouse, Ile aux Aigrettes, Îlot Flamants, and Île aux Cerfs.
• The crew earns unusually strong praise: Sonia, Dario, Marie-Lou, and the wider team are repeatedly singled out for kindness, organization, and service.
• The price works best with six people: At $1,325 per group, a full group pays about $221 each before transport, while a couple pays much more per person.

Setting out from Trou d’Eau Douce

Your day starts at Pointe Maurice Jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce, on the east coast of Mauritius. The cruise lasts six hours, with a planned return around 4 pm, so you get a full morning and afternoon on the water without committing to a late evening.

The catamaran crosses Trou d’Eau Douce Bay and heads toward the protected waters behind the eastern reef. That reef matters because it shelters the lagoon from the open Indian Ocean, creating calmer water for swimming and snorkeling. Conditions can still affect the plan, but the route is designed around sheltered bays, reefs, sandbanks, and low-lying islands.

Because hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, you need to reach the jetty independently. That is not a problem if you already have a rental car or a nearby base, but it adds planning for anyone staying on another part of Mauritius. The meeting point is specific, so allow time to find Pointe Maurice Jetty rather than treating the departure as a casual beach pickup.

Bring your passport or identity card, swimwear, towel, high-SPF sunscreen, a hat, and a camera. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so pack lightly. A small day bag with only the essentials makes more sense than trying to bring a full beach kit.

Grand River South East Waterfall from the water

One of the first major sights is Grand River South East Waterfall. The stop includes a photo opportunity, a visit, and wildlife viewing, giving the cruise a little more variety than a simple sail to Île aux Cerfs.

Seeing the waterfall as part of a boat route is useful because it breaks up the time on the catamaran early in the day. You can take photographs, look for wildlife, and enjoy a different side of the east coast before the swimming stops begin.

The supplied details do not promise a long walk or an extended visit at the falls, so treat it as a scenic stop rather than a full waterfall excursion. If your main goal is hiking or spending a long time beside falling water, this cruise is not designed for that. Its strength is the combination of short visits and plenty of time on the lagoon.

Lighthouse views and the first swim

The route continues toward Ile aux Fouquets Lighthouse. Here, the schedule allows time for an aperitif, swimming, and snorkeling. The lighthouse gives the stop a recognizable landmark, while the surrounding water provides the first proper chance to cool off.

You should expect the crew to organize the order of activities around safety and conditions. Alcoholic drinks are served only after snorkeling. Management reserves the right to cancel snorkeling if alcohol has been consumed beforehand, so do not treat the unlimited drinks as an invitation to start drinking as soon as you board.

That rule is sensible. The most valuable part of the day is not the bar service, but the chance to see marine life inside the lagoon. Save the beer, wine, or other drinks until you are finished in the water, then settle back into the catamaran.

Snorkeling near Ile aux Aigrettes

Ile aux Aigrettes brings another photo stop and more time for swimming and snorkeling. The catamaran passes by the island while you look toward the surrounding marine area, and the program includes marine-life viewing.

The best way to think about the snorkeling is as a relaxed lagoon activity, not a specialist expedition. The point is to get into clear tropical water, look for fish and other marine life, and enjoy the reef setting without spending an entire day in heavy equipment or rough open sea.

Snorkeling quality depends on visibility, weather, and water conditions. The excellent ratings for this trip specifically praise snorkeling in the middle of the reef, but no excursion can guarantee the same visibility every day. Bring your own expectations down to earth and you will likely enjoy this part more.

A quieter moment around Îlot Flamants

Îlot Flamants is included as a pass-by and free-time stop. It may not have the name recognition of Île aux Cerfs, but that is part of the appeal. The day is not built around one single beach. You get a series of changing views, small islands, shallow water, and open stretches across the reef.

The exact amount of time at each stop can vary. A private cruise gives the crew more room to respond to conditions, crowding, and the group’s mood, but it does not mean every stop becomes a long shore visit. Some points are best appreciated from the boat.

That flexibility can work in your favor. One German booking party found Île aux Cerfs too crowded and was taken to a sandbank instead for snorkeling. The lesson is simple: the most memorable part of the day may be the quiet water between the famous stops, not the busiest beach.

Lunch at anchor behind Île aux Cerfs

The main meal is served aboard the catamaran while anchored behind Île aux Cerfs. This is a strong choice for a private cruise because you get the view and the water without having to search for a restaurant or leave the boat at lunchtime.

The meal is described as a barbecue, and the most enthusiastic food comments mention lobster, fish, and other grilled dishes. That makes the food a real part of the experience rather than a minor convenience. You can eat on board, keep the sea around you, and avoid losing time to a separate lunch stop.

Unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included. Beer and wine are specifically listed, and an aperitif is part of the day. Again, the timing matters: drinks come after snorkeling, not before. If someone in your group is mainly interested in cocktails and a party atmosphere, the safety rule may feel restrictive. If you want swimming and snorkeling to remain the priority, it is exactly the right order.

Food quality can never be guaranteed to suit every palate, but the repeated praise for the barbecue is encouraging. The mentions of lobster being cooked well are especially useful because seafood is often where boat lunches become hit or miss. You should still tell the provider about any dietary needs before booking, since the supplied details do not specify alternative menus.

Time on Île aux Cerfs

After lunch, you can visit Île aux Cerfs for sunbathing, a walk, and photographs. The island is famous for its bright water and picture-friendly scenery, so it delivers the classic Mauritius postcard moment.

It is also the stop most likely to test your patience. At busy times, the island can feel crowded and tourist-focused rather than peaceful. That does not make it worthless, but it changes how you should use the time. Go for a short walk, take your photographs, enjoy the beach, and avoid expecting a deserted island.

Dessert is enjoyed on the private beach of Île aux Cerfs. That small detail gives the stop a pleasant finish. You can have something sweet by the water instead of rushing directly back to the boat after lunch.

The private nature of the cruise helps here. You are not locked into a large group schedule, and the crew may be able to adjust the stop if conditions or crowds make another sandbank or snorkeling area a better choice. Flexibility is one of the clearest reasons to choose this boat over a cheaper shared cruise.

What the private format is really worth

The advertised price is $1,325 for a group of up to six. With six people, that works out to roughly $221 per person. With four people, it is about $331 each, and for two people, around $663 each.

That makes the cruise good value for a full small group, but expensive for a couple. The price includes the catamaran, barbecue lunch, and unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Hotel transfers are not included, so add your own transport costs and planning time.

I would compare the price with what matters to your group. If you want privacy, a flexible route, a meal on board, and personal space for six people, the cost is easier to justify. If you mainly want a quick swim near Île aux Cerfs, a shared boat could be more economical.

The perfect audience is a family group, a small party of friends, or a couple celebrating a special occasion who values the boat itself as much as the destinations. The private setting also gives you room to enjoy the day without being tied to strangers’ pace or noise.

Crew service and the human side of the day

The strongest praise goes to the crew. Sonia is singled out for excellent customer service, while Dario receives thanks for a well-organized experience and a properly cooked lobster. Marie-Lou and the crew are also praised for being wonderful when the group was moved away from a crowded Île aux Cerfs.

You should not book this only for a famous island and ignore the people running the boat. On a six-hour cruise, crew attitude shapes the whole day. Friendly service matters when you need help with snorkeling, want to understand the route, or hope to adjust plans because a stop is too busy.

English and French are the listed working languages. That makes the experience practical for many international visitors, but you should ask questions before departure if you need information in another language.

Who should book this catamaran cruise?

I would choose this experience if you want several east-coast sights in one day and prefer a private boat to a large shared outing. It works especially well for up to six people who can split the fixed price.

You should also like being on the water for most of the day. The route includes stops, but this is still a catamaran cruise, not a land tour with long guided visits. Bring swimwear and a towel, and plan to spend time moving between the boat, the lagoon, and the islands.

This is less suitable if you dislike snorkeling, do not want to arrange your own way to the jetty, or expect Île aux Cerfs to be quiet and untouched. It is also not the right pick if your main interest is drinking before water activities.

The accessibility information needs checking before you reserve. The activity details describe the catamaran as wheelchair accessible, but also state that it is not suitable for wheelchair users. Those points conflict, so contact Oceane Cruises Mauritius directly and explain your needs before paying.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those options help if your east-coast plans are not fully settled, but they do not replace checking the weather or transport arrangements.

Should you book it?

Book this private Île aux Cerfs catamaran cruise if your group can share the cost and you want a polished day with good food, attentive service, and real time in the water. The combination of waterfall views, reef snorkeling, island stops, lunch, dessert, and drinks gives you a lot in six hours.

I would be more cautious for a couple on a tight budget, or for anyone seeking an empty beach. In that case, the price may feel steep and Île aux Cerfs may disappoint at busy times. For a group of six that values privacy and flexibility, though, this is one of the stronger ways to experience the east coast without turning the day into a rushed checklist.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The meeting point is Pointe Maurice Jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts six hours and is scheduled to return to Trou d’Eau Douce around 4 pm.

How many people can join the private catamaran?

The price covers a private group of up to six people.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own transport to and from Pointe Maurice Jetty.

What food is included?

A barbecue lunch is included and served aboard the catamaran while anchored behind Île aux Cerfs. The experience also includes dessert.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included. Beer and wine are specifically listed.

Can I drink alcohol before snorkeling?

No. Alcohol is served after snorkeling. The management may cancel snorkeling if alcoholic drinks are consumed beforehand.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport or identity card, swimwear, a towel, high-SPF sunscreen, a hat or cap, and a camera.

Can I bring luggage or a large bag?

No. Luggage and large bags are not allowed on the catamaran.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

The provided information is contradictory. It labels the activity wheelchair accessible but also says it is not suitable for wheelchair users, so you should confirm your specific needs with the provider before booking.

What languages are available?

The host or greeter speaks English and French.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.