Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise to Ile Aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch

The best part of this Mauritius catamaran cruise is the mix of river, sea, and island in one outing. You begin at Trou d’Eau Douce, travel toward Grand River South East Waterfall, then head offshore for swimming, snorkeling, a BBQ lunch, and time on Ile aux Cerfs.

I like the generous food and drink service, and I like the easy social mood created by the crew, music, and Mauritian Sega. The main caution is that the snorkeling stop can be short, and the waterfall visit may feel rushed when several boats arrive at once.

Key things to know before you book

• The waterfall comes first: A small boat takes you upriver toward Grand River South East Waterfall, also called Cascade Diamamouve, for photos and possible monkey sightings.
• Lunch is served at sea: Expect a three-course BBQ meal with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices, all halal, plus soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum.
• Ile aux Cerfs is the main beach stop: You get about two and a half hours to swim, stroll, visit the craft market, or choose optional water activities.
• The boat atmosphere is lively: Local music, dancing, and a friendly crew make this more of a social day out than a quiet sailing trip.
• Parking needs planning: The small car park near the Trou d’Eau Douce meeting point fills quickly, so hotel pickup or an early arrival may save you stress.
• Weather controls the day: Poor conditions can cancel the cruise, with a different date or full refund offered.

What this six-hour cruise is really like

This is a polished day on the water, but it is not a private sailing trip. You share the catamaran with a group, follow a set route, and move between several popular stops. That structure is exactly why the price works: for about $64 per person, you get transport on the catamaran, lunch, drinks, sightseeing, swimming, and beach time in one package.

I would choose this excursion if you want to see several east-coast highlights without arranging separate taxis, boats, meals, and beach stops. It suits couples, families, and groups who enjoy music and company. If your ideal boat day means silence, long snorkel sessions, and plenty of personal space, you may find the schedule and group setting less appealing.

The cruise lasts six hours, although pickup and return can add road time if you choose hotel transport. English and French are available, and hotel pickup and drop-off depend on the option you select. If you drive to Trou d’Eau Douce, plan carefully. Parking near the beach is limited, and you may need to arrive early or park farther away.

Starting at Trou d’Eau Douce

The meeting point is opposite Green Island Restaurant on the beach at Trou d’Eau Douce. This is a working departure area, not a formal cruise terminal, so the first few minutes may feel untidy when several boats are loading at once.

I would arrive early, especially if you need parking or are traveling with children. Finding the correct queue can take a little attention, and several catamarans may leave from nearby points. Hotel pickup removes much of this uncertainty, though one delayed pickup was enough to make a passenger worry about missing the boat. If you book transport, keep your phone available and allow extra time.

Once you are aboard, the mood changes quickly. The catamaran provides open seating for sun and views, with a more sheltered area if weather turns wet. The boat has been described as clean and comfortable, though larger groups can make it feel crowded, particularly when everyone moves inside during rain. There is also one toilet, so it is wise to use facilities before departure.

The crew is a major part of the experience. Names such as Yona and Cedric have been associated with warm, attentive service, and the overall style is friendly rather than formal. You can expect frequent drink service, help with activities, and music during the cruise.

Grand River South East Waterfall and Cascade Diamamouve

The first major sight is Grand River South East Waterfall, known locally as Cascade Diamamouve. The catamaran does not simply sail straight to the open ocean. Instead, the route follows the river, and a smaller boat takes you closer to the falls.

This section gives the day a useful change of pace. You pass riverbanks lined with trees, look for monkeys, and get a closer view of the falling water. It is also one of the more distinct parts of the outing because you are seeing Mauritius from the water rather than from a road or a crowded viewpoint.

Keep your camera ready, but keep your expectations practical. The stop is mainly for sightseeing and photographs, and the actual time close to the waterfall may be brief. Boats can gather near the entrance, and strong currents may prevent the crew from reaching the usual viewing position. On some departures, the waterfall visit has been skipped for safety.

When conditions are good, you may get close enough for a memorable picture. When traffic or current conditions are difficult, the stop can feel like a quick look rather than a full visit. I would treat the waterfall as a worthwhile bonus, not the sole reason to book the cruise.

Snorkeling in the coastal water

After the river section, the boat heads toward the coast for a swimming and snorkeling break. The water is generally clear and shallow enough at times for less confident swimmers or families to take part with care. Bring your own snorkeling gear, since it is listed among the recommended items to pack.

This is the part of the trip with the most variation. Some outings provide clear water, colorful fish, and sightings such as turtles or sea snakes. Other stops have been described as short, close to the port, or lacking much marine life. A few people felt the crew chose a poor reef area, while others were happy with the fish and calm water.

You may have less time in the water than the headline suggests. If the boat pauses for another activity, you might wait on board rather than swim continuously. I would bring your mask, keep your expectations modest, and enjoy the swim for what it is. This is not a specialist snorkeling trip, and the island, waterfall, food, and atmosphere carry equal weight.

Families can do well here. One shallow stop allowed a four-year-old to stand and practice with help. Still, open-water conditions can change, so children should remain close to an adult and follow the crew’s instructions.

A BBQ lunch with local drinks

Lunch is served on board after the water stop. The meal is one of the strongest reasons this cruise offers good value. You get a three-course BBQ lunch, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices, and all food is halal.

The menu can vary, but fish and grilled food have received particularly warm attention. Dorado has been singled out as a tasty choice when available. The portions are described as generous, and the crew keeps service moving without turning the meal into a rushed affair.

Drinks include water, soft drinks, juice, beer, wine, and local rum. The selection is unusually broad for a cruise at this price, and refills are part of the easygoing onboard routine. If you prefer not to drink alcohol, there are plenty of non-alcoholic choices.

You can sometimes pay extra for lobster on the day. I would ask for the current price before ordering. One person considered an addition costing about 3,000 Mauritian rupees good value, while another felt it was not worth the extra money. The standard BBQ is the safer choice if you want to keep the total cost near the advertised price.

Food quality is generally a strength, though not every meal will impress equally. A few people found the lunch average, while most descriptions point to fresh, tasty, plentiful food. I would book this cruise for the whole package, not for a restaurant-level meal.

Ile aux Cerfs, white sand, and free time

The final major stop is Ile aux Cerfs, one of the most photographed beach areas on Mauritius. Palm trees, white sand, and bright lagoon water make this the visual high point of the day.

You have about two and a half hours here, enough time to swim, walk along the beach, take photographs, or visit the local arts and crafts market. This longer stop helps balance the shorter waterfall and snorkeling sections. After several hours on a moving boat, you can slow down and choose your own pace.

The island is beautiful, but it is also popular. Conditions can vary by beach, and one departure found litter and poor toilet conditions in parts of the area. Do not expect every stretch of sand to look like a private resort photograph. The experience is best when you accept that this is a well-known public stop with other boats and day visitors nearby.

The captain may drop you off without a detailed island orientation. I would listen carefully to where and when to return, then use the free time simply. If you want parasailing or another water sport, those activities are optional and are not included in the cruise price.

The craft market gives you a chance to browse local souvenirs, but it is not essential. I would prioritize a swim, a walk, and a little shade before shopping.

Music, Sega, and the sail home

The return trip brings the group back together. Mauritian Sega music creates a relaxed party mood, and the crew may encourage singing or dancing. This is not background entertainment in the polished resort sense. It feels more like a shared boat outing, with people from different countries enjoying the ride home.

I like this part because it gives the cruise a sense of place. You are not only being moved between attractions. You are hearing a local music style and spending time with a Mauritian crew whose humor and hospitality shape the day.

The mood will suit you if you like lively company. If you want a quiet sunset sail, choose your seat away from the music area and treat the ride as a chance to watch the coastline. Departure and return are usually reasonably close to schedule, though weather, currents, loading, and road traffic can affect timing.

How good is the $64 value?

At $64 per person, this is a strong package if you use most of what is included. The price covers the catamaran, the waterfall visit, a snorkeling and swimming stop, lunch, a wide drink selection, Ile aux Cerfs, and local entertainment. Add hotel transportation if that option is available and useful for your location.

The value is especially clear for families and couples who would otherwise pay separately for a boat, lunch, drinks, and transport. Infants from one to four years old go free, which can make the total more attractive for some families.

The tradeoff is control. You do not choose the snorkeling reef, decide how long to stay at the waterfall, or get a private beach area. Some departures can feel crowded, and the day depends on the conditions at sea. Think of the price as paying for a full, organized day rather than a premium, low-capacity cruise.

What to bring and who should book

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, comfortable shoes, a change of clothes, and your camera. I would also bring snorkeling gear, even though the activity includes a snorkeling stop, because your own mask may fit better and save time.

This outing is a good match for you if:

• You want several east-coast sights in one day.
• You enjoy a social boat with music and drinks.
• You are traveling with family and want swimming plus beach time.
• You appreciate halal meal choices.
• You want hotel pickup as an option.
• You value a broad package at a moderate price.

I would think twice if your priority is serious reef snorkeling, a quiet sailing experience, or a carefully guided walk around Ile aux Cerfs. The excursion is at its best as an all-round Mauritius day, not as a single-activity specialist tour.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The cruise needs suitable weather. If conditions force cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Wheelchair users can take part, but they need to stand briefly when boarding and leaving the shuttle boat, with crew assistance.

Should you book this Mauritius catamaran cruise?

I would book it if you want an easy way to combine Grand River South East Waterfall, coastal swimming, a generous BBQ, music, and Ile aux Cerfs for $64. The crew, food, drink service, and overall mood are the reliable strengths.

Book with realistic expectations about the weak points. The waterfall can be rushed or missed in strong currents, snorkeling quality can vary, parking is awkward, and popular parts of Ile aux Cerfs may need better care. Arrive early, bring your own mask, confirm your pickup details, and treat the day as a flexible island outing.

For a first visit to Mauritius, this is a practical and enjoyable choice. It gives you plenty to do without forcing you to organize each piece yourself.

FAQ

How long is the Mauritius catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts six hours. Hotel pickup and drop-off, if selected, add travel time before and after the boat outing.

Where does the cruise leave from?

The meeting point is opposite Green Island Restaurant on the beach at Trou d’Eau Douce. Pickup from your accommodation is available if you choose the applicable option.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A three-course BBQ lunch is served on board. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available, and all food is halal.

What drinks are included?

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

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling is part of the activity, but you are advised to bring snorkeling gear. You should also bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a change of clothes.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

The activity requires good weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.