Mauritius: Ile Aux Cerfs catamaran cruise Lunch with BBQ

Mauritius looks best from the water. This seven-hour catamaran cruise combines Grand River South East Waterfall, a snorkeling stop, a BBQ lunch, and time on Ile aux Cerfs for $59 per person. I like the easy mix of scenery and beach time, and I especially like that beer, wine, rum, soft drinks, juice, and water are included. The main caution is timing: boarding can be slow, and loud music may begin early in the day.

You meet at Trou d’Eau Douce fishing port around 9 a.m. for a 9:10 departure. The day suits you best if you want a social boat outing with food and music, not a quiet private sailing trip. Vegetarian and halal food are available, but you should request the vegetarian meal ahead of time.

Key points to know before booking

• A full seven hours on the east coast: The cruise runs roughly from 9:10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with several stops rather than one short boat ride.
• Waterfall, snorkeling, lunch, and beach time: You get four distinct parts to the day, so the trip feels varied.
• Drinks are included: Water, juice, soft drinks, beer, wine, and local rum are served on board.
• Ile aux Cerfs is the main beach stop: Expect white sand, palm trees, clear lagoon water, and time to visit the craft market.
• Mauritian Sega closes the day: Music, singing, and dancing provide a lively finish on the return trip.
• Arrive early and check the forecast: Boats leave at about 9:10 a.m., and rain can affect conditions, especially in November and December.

Setting out from Trou d’Eau Douce at 9:10

The day begins at Trou d’Eau Douce, a fishing port on Mauritius’ east coast. You need to be there around 9 a.m., giving yourself time to find the correct boat and get aboard before the 9:10 departure.

This matters more than it sounds. The meeting point is a working port, not a polished hotel lobby, and the early start is firm. One morning, the staff arrived shortly after 9, leaving some people unsure where to go. Another departure involved a long wait while everyone boarded. I would arrive early, keep your booking details handy, and ask where the catamaran is before the crowd gathers.

Once underway, the boat gives you a broad view of the coast and the island’s mountainous interior. The large catamaran offers a relaxed way to see Mauritius without spending the day in a car. You can sit back, watch the shoreline, and let the crew handle the route.

The atmosphere is social. Music may start early, and that can be fun if you want a party mood. If you prefer a peaceful morning at sea, bring that expectation down a notch. This is a shared excursion with entertainment, not a silent sailing lesson.

Grand River South East Waterfall by boat

The first major sight is Grand River South East Waterfall. The river meets the sea through a scenic channel, and the boat takes you toward the falls for a closer look.

The waterfall is not a long hiking stop. Its value comes from the approach by water, with rocky sides, greenery, and changing views as the catamaran moves inland. Keep your camera ready, but also watch the route itself. The short trip through the river gives you a different view of Mauritius than the open coast.

The stop can feel brief depending on the day’s timing. That is part of the wider issue with this cruise: the schedule includes several popular sights, and delays at the port may reduce time later. Still, the waterfall adds something important. Without it, the trip would be mainly a beach transfer with lunch. With it, you get a small nature excursion before the swimming portion.

Snorkeling and swimming in the lagoon

After the waterfall, the catamaran heads out toward the coast for a snorkeling and swimming break. This is your chance to get into the clear water and cool off before lunch.

The description promises crystal-clear water, but conditions can change with wind and weather. You may find the water calm and easy for swimming, or the sea may be less inviting on a rainy or windy day. Check the forecast before booking, especially in November and December, when rain and poor weather are more likely.

Bring swimwear, beachwear, sunglasses, and a camera. You will want to keep personal items secure and dry while swimming. The boat provides the setting, but the supplied information does not promise snorkeling equipment, so confirm what is available before departure if that matters to you.

This stop is also where a delayed morning can be frustrating. One person would have preferred more snorkeling time after waiting an hour to board. If water time is your top reason for booking, keep an eye on the schedule and ask the crew how long the swimming stop will last.

BBQ lunch with local drinks on board

Lunch is served on the catamaran after snorkeling. The meal includes a BBQ, with food prepared as part of the day rather than as a separate restaurant stop.

That makes the cruise feel efficient. You eat while staying close to the water, and you do not lose another hour getting off the boat, finding a table, and returning to the pier. The meal received strong praise for flavor, including from people who chose the vegetarian option.

Food is halal, and vegetarian meals are available on request. You should arrange the vegetarian choice in advance rather than assume it will be ready automatically. The meal is one of the strongest parts of the value here, particularly because the drinks are included too.

The drink selection covers water, juice, soft drinks, beer, wine, and local rum. That gives you plenty of choice during a long day under the sun. Drink sensibly, especially before swimming and while the boat is moving. The local rum adds a Mauritian touch, but it is not the only option.

The meal is not a private dining experience. You eat in a shared setting, with the crew serving food and keeping the mood lively. If you like informal meals with music and conversation, this works well. If you want a quiet lunch with a long menu, this is not that kind of outing.

Time on Ile aux Cerfs

The cruise then reaches Ile aux Cerfs, the island’s postcard stop. Here you get white sandy beaches, swaying palms, and a bright turquoise lagoon.

This is the part most people picture when they think about a Mauritius boat trip. You can walk on the beach, swim in the clear lagoon, and relax away from the catamaran for a while. The island gives you room to choose your own pace after the organized morning.

I like this contrast. The waterfall and snorkeling stops have a set rhythm, while Ile aux Cerfs lets you slow down. You do not need to keep sightseeing every minute. Find a patch of sand, take a swim, or simply enjoy the view.

You can also visit the local craft market for Mauritian souvenirs. It is a useful option if you want something beyond photographs, though you should compare prices and remember that the main attraction is the coast, not shopping.

Watersports at Ile aux Cerfs are not included. If you want to add an activity there, expect to arrange and pay for it separately. This is worth knowing before you arrive, since the advertised price covers the cruise, food, drinks, waterfall, snorkeling stop, and island visit, not every activity on the island.

The amount of time at Ile aux Cerfs depends partly on the day’s operation. Since boarding delays have occurred, I would not assume every minute of the planned schedule will be spent on the beach. The island is still a valuable stop, but it is best viewed as one part of a busy day.

Mauritian Sega on the return journey

The trip back to Trou d’Eau Douce includes local music, singing, and dancing. This is usually the most distinctly Mauritian part of the cruise.

Sega is a traditional Mauritian music and dance style with a strong island identity. On this outing, the crew uses it to turn the return sail into a celebration. Some people particularly enjoy the singing and dancing at the end, and the friendly crew helps create the festive mood.

The sound level is worth considering. Music can be loud, sometimes from the morning onward. If you enjoy a party boat, that is a plus. If you want a calm ride back after swimming and lunch, it may feel like too much.

The crew receives the most consistent praise. They are described as friendly, attentive, funny, and eager to help. That personal service makes a difference on a shared boat trip. The route and food matter, but the crew determines whether the day feels warm and easy or merely functional.

What $59 includes, and where value changes

At $59 per person, the package gives you a lot for a full day: the catamaran ride, Grand River South East Waterfall, a swimming and snorkeling stop, BBQ lunch, a broad range of drinks, Ile aux Cerfs, and live Mauritian entertainment.

The value is strongest if you plan to use several parts of the package. A couple who wants a simple day with scenery, swimming, food, and music can spend the morning and afternoon without arranging separate transport, meals, or boat tickets. The included drinks also help keep the total cost predictable.

The value is less clear if you mainly want snorkeling. Delays may reduce time in the water, and equipment details are not specified. It is also not the best deal for someone who dislikes group entertainment, loud music, or a fixed timetable.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, though they may be arranged separately. You are responsible for reaching Trou d’Eau Douce fishing port unless you add another transport arrangement. Add that cost to your budget before comparing this with other excursions.

At this price, the trip is not a private charter and should not be judged by that standard. You are paying for a broad, social day that bundles the major costs together. For many people, that is exactly the point.

Who will enjoy this catamaran day

I would recommend this cruise to couples, friends, and families who want a friendly day on the water with plenty happening. The itinerary has enough variety to prevent the day from feeling repetitive: river scenery, a waterfall, swimming, lunch, a beach, shopping, and music.

It is also a good match if food matters to you. The BBQ is included, vegetarian meals can be requested, and the food is halal. The drink selection is generous for a day excursion.

You may want another option if you are pregnant, use a wheelchair, or are over 70, since the activity is listed as unsuitable for those groups. It may also be a poor fit if you need a quiet boat, guaranteed snorkeling time, or a private itinerary.

Weather should guide your decision. Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund, but the day itself will naturally be less enjoyable in heavy rain. November and December are specifically noted as months when rain and bad weather may occur, so check the forecast before you book.

The tour is offered in English and French. That is useful if you want basic guidance and explanations in either language, though the day’s appeal comes more from the scenery and activities than from lengthy commentary.

Practical advice for a smoother morning

Arrive before 9 a.m. at Trou d’Eau Douce fishing port. The boat leaves at about 9:10, and late arrival could mean missing the departure.

Wear swimwear beneath your clothes and bring beachwear for the island stop. Pack sunglasses and a camera, but protect electronics around the water. Sunscreen is a sensible addition, even though it is not specifically listed among the required items.

Ask in advance about the vegetarian meal if you need one. The food is halal, but a special meal should be requested before the day of the cruise.

Keep the cancellation terms in mind when planning. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. If poor weather cancels the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund.

The experience provider is Sunset Getaway Tours Ltd. The overall rating is 4.6 from 12 ratings, with the highest praise focused on the crew, food, friendly service, and Sega performance. The less positive feedback centers on early boarding organization and music volume, which are useful warnings rather than reasons to dismiss the whole day.

Should you book this Mauritius cruise?

Book it if you want an affordable, full-day introduction to Mauritius from the water. The combination of Grand River South East Waterfall, a lagoon swim, BBQ lunch, included drinks, Ile aux Cerfs, and Sega music gives you a lot of variety for $59.

I would make the booking after checking the forecast and confirming your transport to Trou d’Eau Douce. Arrive early, request vegetarian food ahead of time, and expect a lively shared boat rather than a quiet escape.

Skip it if your priority is a private atmosphere, long snorkeling sessions, or complete control over the schedule. For everyone else, this is a cheerful and practical way to fit several east-coast highlights into one day, with a crew that appears to be the trip’s biggest strength.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Trou d’Eau Douce fishing port, also called the Trou d’Eau Douce debarkation port.

What time should I arrive?

You should arrive around 9 a.m. The catamaran leaves the jetty at about 9:10 a.m.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is served on board the catamaran.

What drinks are included?

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

Is a vegetarian meal available?

Yes. Vegetarian food is available upon request. Food served on the cruise is halal.

Are watersports at Ile aux Cerfs included?

No. Watersports at Ile aux Cerfs are not included in the cruise price and must be arranged separately.