Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch

The lagoon is the star of this day. This 7 to 8 hour catamaran trip combines calm sailing, swimming, snorkeling, a waterfall stop, and a generous BBQ lunch near Mauritius’s wild east coast. I especially like the friendly crew and the fact that drinks, including beer and rum cocktails, are available throughout the day.

The second big plus is the setting. You sail within the largest turquoise lagoon in Mauritius, then reach Ile aux Cerfs, one of the island’s best-known beach stops. The main caution is the weather. On a cloudy, windy day, the boat can feel cold and snorkeling may not be enjoyable, so this is an outing that depends heavily on sea and sky conditions.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• A full day on the east coast: Allow about 7 to 8 hours from start to finish, with the trip based at Pointe Jerome near Mahebourg.
• Crew service is a major strength: The crew is repeatedly praised for being warm, attentive, and helpful throughout the day.
• Lunch is more than a snack: The onboard BBQ includes smoked marlin mousse, grilled fish, chicken, sausages, salads, bread, fruit, coffee, and drinks.
• Several stops break up the sailing: You can swim and snorkel, visit Grande Riviere Sud Est waterfall, and spend time at Ile aux Cerfs.
• Weather matters: Wind, cloud, and lower temperatures can limit swimming and snorkeling, even when the cruise still operates.
• Transfers cost extra: Hotel pickup and return are available only if you choose the transfer option when booking.

Leaving Pointe Jerome for the Mauritius Lagoon

Your day begins at Pointe Jerome, a boarding point near the village of Mahebourg and Blue Bay Marine Park. This part of Mauritius feels more local and less resort-focused than the beach districts farther north. It is also a useful base for reaching the protected waters of the southeast.

The catamaran sails through the large lagoon along the historic east coast. The protected water makes for a calmer ride than open-sea sailing, though wind can still affect the boat. I like this arrangement because you get the pleasure of being on the water without spending the whole day bouncing around in heavy swells.

The sailing itself is part of the attraction, not just transportation between stops. You have room to sit, watch the coastline, and settle into the pace of the day. The crew serves soft drinks, bottled water, beer, and rum cocktails, so you do not need to buy every drink separately as the trip goes on.

Still, I would not treat the lagoon as a guarantee of perfect conditions. One June departure had strong wind and heavy cloud, leaving the group cold and unable to snorkel properly. If the morning looks poor, bring a light layer in addition to your swimsuit. The official advice is to bring a towel and sunscreen, but a cover-up is sensible too.

Swimming and Snorkeling Before Lunch

The cruise includes time for swimming and snorkeling before the waterfall and island portions of the day. The exact quality of this part depends on the weather, water conditions, and how much time the crew can allow at the stop.

On a sunny day, this should be one of the most enjoyable parts of the trip. You can cool off in the lagoon, then return to the catamaran for a drink and some shade. The protected setting is especially appealing if you prefer a gentle swim to a rough open-water outing.

Do not expect a dedicated snorkeling expedition with long instruction sessions or specialist equipment details. The experience is built around a relaxed day at sea, with snorkeling as one part of a larger program. If underwater viewing is your main reason for booking, ask about conditions on the day and keep your expectations flexible.

Pack your own towel. Sunscreen is essential because the combination of sun, pale water, and time on deck can catch you quickly. The operator advises leaving valuables behind, which is good advice for any swim stop. A waterproof pouch for basic necessities may be useful, but do not bring items you cannot afford to get wet or lose.

Grande Riviere Sud Est Waterfall and the Old East Coast

The waterfall stop adds a change of scenery to the cruise. Grande Riviere Sud Est sits in a natural setting where river water meets the coastal area. You get a short break from the open deck and a chance to see one of the east coast’s better-known natural sights.

The stop also carries a bit of military and maritime history. Eighteenth-century ramparts remain in the area, linked to the corsair activity and naval clashes that shaped this coast. In 1810, the Battle of Vieux Grand Port took place here between French and English forces.

That historical detail gives the stop more weight than a quick waterfall photo opportunity. You are seeing a place that mattered during the struggle for control of Mauritius. The exact amount of time devoted to history depends on the guide and the pace of the day, but English and French guiding is available.

Do not expect a long land tour. The focus remains the catamaran outing, so the waterfall and historic remains are supporting stops rather than a full cultural program. If you want several hours of museum visits or detailed military interpretation, this is not the right product. If you enjoy adding a little local history to a day on the water, it is a welcome extra.

BBQ Lunch Served on the Catamaran

Lunch is one of the strongest practical reasons to consider this cruise. The crew prepares and serves the meal onboard, so you do not have to leave the water in search of a restaurant or settle for a packed sandwich.

The spread includes smoked marlin mousse, grilled fish, chicken, sausages, rice and potato salads, raw vegetables, freshly baked bread, fresh fruit, and coffee. That mix gives you both Mauritian seafood flavor and familiar choices for people who prefer grilled meat or simple salads.

The smoked marlin mousse is the distinctive item here. It gives the meal a local seafood touch without making the whole lunch feel unfamiliar. Fresh fruit and coffee finish things on a lighter note, while the beer, soft drinks, water, and rum cocktails keep the meal firmly in holiday mode.

I also like that the food is served by the crew rather than treated as a rushed buffet stop on land. It keeps the group together and makes better use of the catamaran. The tradeoff is that an onboard meal can feel informal and weather-dependent. Strong wind may make eating less comfortable, and the experience is not designed for people seeking a polished restaurant setting.

The crew receives especially high praise for its friendly service. Several comments highlight how attentive and willing the staff are to help. One German-speaking customer described the crew as unusually considerate, while another praised the food and service together. The crew’s attitude seems to be a central part of the day’s appeal.

Time at Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the main destination and the most recognizable part of the outing. The island sits within the broad lagoon and offers the tropical beach setting many people picture when they think of Mauritius: pale sand, clear water, and time away from the mainland.

The point of this stop is relaxation rather than structured sightseeing. You can enjoy the beach, swim, and take in the view. It is a good match for anyone who wants an easy island day without arranging several separate transfers.

There is a practical catch. Water sports and parasailing are not included in the price. If you want those activities, you will need to arrange and pay for them separately at Ile aux Cerfs. The cruise package is better understood as a sailing, swimming, food, and scenery day, not an all-inclusive water-sports package.

The island can also feel less peaceful if many groups arrive at the same time. The catamaran gives you a pleasant way to reach it, but the destination itself is a popular stop. If your main aim is complete seclusion, you may prefer a smaller private boat or a quieter beach plan.

What $111 Includes and What It Does Not

At $111 per person, the price is reasonable for a full-day outing if you value convenience. You are paying for the catamaran cruise, lunch, guiding in English or French, and a day that combines several east coast sights without arranging separate transport.

The drinks also improve the value. Water, soft drinks, beer, and rum cocktails are available during the day, which means you are not constantly reaching for your wallet after the initial booking. The onboard lunch is substantial enough to replace the cost and hassle of finding food elsewhere.

Hotel pickup and return can be added, but you must choose the option that includes transfers. Collection time depends on where you stay and is confirmed the day before. Make sure your hotel name is provided when booking, especially if you are not staying near Mahebourg or Pointe Jerome.

The price does not cover parasailing or other water sports at Ile aux Cerfs. It also does not remove the weather risk. You may receive good food and kind service on a gray day, but the sea portion will not have the same appeal as it does under clear skies.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most

I would recommend this for couples, families, and solo visitors who want a relaxed full-day introduction to Mauritius’s southeast coast. It suits people who like variety: a little swimming, some sightseeing, a good meal, and plenty of time on the water.

It is also a strong choice for a special holiday. One couple described it as a perfect end to a two-week honeymoon, with particular praise for the crew, the rum drink known as Jungle Juice, and the Mauritian coffee. Those extras give the day a festive feel without requiring a formal luxury cruise.

You should think twice if you dislike boat trips, get cold easily, or want guaranteed snorkeling. The cruise may continue in poor weather, and one departure became uncomfortable because of wind and cloud. Pregnant women are specifically advised not to take this activity.

The experience is wheelchair accessible, which is useful information for visitors who need accessible arrangements. Still, because the day involves a catamaran, swim stops, a waterfall visit, and movement between locations, ask the operator for current practical details before booking if you have specific mobility needs.

Booking Advice and Simple Packing Tips

Choose the transfer option if you want pickup from your hotel. The meeting point is Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point, and the operator confirms collection details the day before for those using hotel transport.

Bring:

• A towel
• Sunscreen
• A swimsuit
• A light cover-up for windy or cloudy weather

Leave valuables behind. You will spend part of the day around water, and the operator specifically advises against bringing them.

The activity allows cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available. Check the starting time when you select your date, since the full outing lasts about eight hours.

Should You Book the Ile aux Cerfs Catamaran Cruise?

Book it if you want a well-rounded day with a warm crew, generous food, open-water views, and several stops in one package. The combination of lagoon sailing, drinks, BBQ lunch, waterfall scenery, and Ile aux Cerfs gives you good value at $111, particularly when hotel transfers are useful.

I would be cautious if the forecast calls for strong wind and cloud. The crew may be excellent, but poor conditions can make the boat cold and reduce the chance to snorkel. For the best chance of enjoying the trip, choose a clear-weather date, pack a layer, and see the cruise as a flexible day at sea rather than a guaranteed beach-perfect schedule.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise leave from?

The cruise leaves from Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point in Mauritius, near Mahebourg and Blue Bay Marine Park.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours, with the full day generally taking about eight hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and return are available only with the option that includes transfers. Collection time is confirmed the day before and depends on your hotel location.

What languages are available?

The tour is guided in English and French.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is an onboard BBQ buffet with smoked marlin mousse, grilled fish, chicken, sausages, rice and potato salads, raw vegetables, bread, fresh fruit, and coffee.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Soft drinks, water, beer, and rum cocktails are available during the day.

Can I snorkel on the cruise?

Yes. The schedule includes time for swimming and snorkeling, although weather and water conditions can affect how enjoyable or practical this part is.

Are water sports included at Ile aux Cerfs?

No. Water sports and parasailing at Ile aux Cerfs are not included.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel and sunscreen. A swimsuit and light cover-up are also sensible, especially if the weather turns windy or cloudy. Leave valuables behind.

Is the cruise suitable for pregnant women?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for pregnant women.