Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch

Ile aux Cerfs is the star here, but the best part of this day is the sailing itself. You glide through the calm lagoon off Mauritius’s wild east coast, stop for swimming and snorkeling, then eat a generous BBQ prepared on board. I like the easy pace and the friendly crew, who are repeatedly praised for attentive service. I also like the mix of sea, history, and food: this is more than a quick beach transfer. The main drawback is the weather. On a cold, windy, cloudy day, the boat can feel exposed and snorkeling may not be enjoyable.

The $111 price makes sense if you want lunch, drinks, a full day on the water, and the option of hotel transfers bundled together. You should bring a towel and strong sunscreen, leave valuables behind, and book the transfer option if you do not want to arrange your own way to Pointe Jerome.

Key Points

• A full day in Mauritius’s largest lagoon: The catamaran stays within the sheltered lagoon for much of the trip, with views of the historic east coast.
• Ile aux Cerfs by sea: You reach the island by catamaran, with time for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying its famous beach setting.
• A proper onboard BBQ: Lunch includes smoked marlin mousse, grilled fish, chicken, sausages, salads, bread, fruit, and coffee.
• Drinks are included throughout the day: Expect water, soft drinks, beer, and rum cocktails, with Jungle Juice and Mauritian coffee also available as popular choices.
• A waterfall and naval history: The route includes Grande Riviere Sud Est waterfall and views connected with the 1810 Battle of Vieux Grand Port.
• Weather matters: Strong wind, clouds, and low temperatures can change a relaxing sea day into a chilly one.

Setting Out From Pointe Jerome

The day begins at Pointe Jerome, near Mahebourg and the Blue Bay Marine Park. This is an important detail when planning the morning. Pointe Jerome is not in the center of Mauritius, so check your hotel’s distance before choosing your transport option.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available if you select that option when booking. The collection time depends on where you are staying and is confirmed the day before. If you choose the cruise without transfers, you are responsible for reaching the embarkation point yourself.

Pointe Jerome gives the outing a more local starting point than a simple resort beach departure. Mahebourg is one of the island’s older settlements, and the nearby Blue Bay area is protected under the International Ramsar Convention. That status reflects the value of the coastal wetland and marine environment, even though this trip is mainly about enjoying the water rather than studying wildlife.

The catamaran is a practical choice for this route. You have space to sit, move around, eat, and take in the scenery without being confined to a small motorboat. The lagoon also lets the crew sail in relatively sheltered water. That does not mean every day will be calm. Wind and cloud still matter, and the open deck offers little protection if conditions turn unpleasant.

Sailing Through the Turquoise Lagoon

The cruise follows the east coast within Mauritius’s largest turquoise lagoon. The color of the water changes with the light, depth, and weather, so sunny conditions make a real difference to the views.

I like this portion because it gives you time to settle into the day. There is no rush from one attraction to the next. You can sit with a drink, watch the coast pass, and enjoy the simple pleasure of being on the water.

Drinks are available throughout the cruise, including water, soft drinks, beer, and rum cocktails. That adds useful value to the price, especially on a warm day when you will want regular refreshments. Jungle Juice is a popular choice, and Mauritian coffee is another drink worth trying if you want something besides the usual rum-based option.

The crew is central to the feel of the outing. Service is described as warm and attentive, with the staff making an effort to keep people comfortable and supplied. This is not a formal luxury cruise, but the friendly atmosphere helps turn a long day at sea into a relaxed one.

Still, keep your expectations tied to the weather. A sea day is only as comfortable as the conditions allow. In June, one outing was affected by heavy wind, cloud, and cold temperatures. The passengers could not enjoy snorkeling and felt chilled for much of the day. That is a fair warning for anyone who assumes Mauritius is always hot and sunny.

Swimming and Snorkeling Before Lunch

The cruise includes time to swim and snorkel before the waterfall visit and meal. This gives you a chance to get into the water rather than spending all day looking at it from the deck.

Bring your own towel and sunscreen. The provided information does not list snorkeling equipment, so check the current arrangements when booking if having specific gear matters to you. The activity is not primarily a guided marine-life tour, and no particular fish or coral sightings are promised.

On a bright, calm day, this stop should be one of the most enjoyable parts of the outing. The lagoon setting provides a pleasant place to cool off, and the combination of swimming and sailing breaks up the day naturally.

The weak point is again the weather. Wind can make swimming less inviting, and cloud can make the water feel colder and the underwater views less appealing. If you are booking mainly for snorkeling, you should know that the cruise may continue in poor conditions rather than being automatically postponed. One disappointing day was caused not by the crew or food, but by the decision to sail in unpleasant weather.

This is also why you should pack more than just swimwear. A light cover-up or warm layer could make the difference between enjoying the deck and spending the afternoon trying to stay dry and warm.

Grande Riviere Sud Est Waterfall

The route includes a stop at Grande Riviere Sud Est waterfall, set in a natural coastal setting. The waterfall adds variety to the day and gives you a short break from the open sea.

The river is part of the east coast’s character. You are not simply being taken to a beach and returned. The cruise connects the lagoon, river, shoreline, and historic sites into one outing.

The waterfall stop may feel different depending on water levels and weather. The supplied details do not promise a particular flow or a long time ashore, so think of it as a scenic visit included in the day rather than a major hiking stop.

There are also traces of 18th-century ramparts in this area. They relate to the era of corsair activity and naval clashes around the coast. The location was connected with the Battle of Vieux Grand Port in 1810, when French and English forces fought in the area.

You do not need to be a military-history enthusiast to appreciate this context. It gives the coastline a sense of place. The water and beaches may look peaceful now, but this part of Mauritius once mattered to rival naval powers and trading routes.

Ile aux Cerfs and Its Beach Time

Ile aux Cerfs is the main destination and the reason most people choose this cruise. Reached by catamaran, the island gives you the classic tropical setting many visitors picture when they think of Mauritius: pale sand, bright water, and a day away from roads and hotel grounds.

The trip is designed to be relaxing rather than tightly scheduled. You can enjoy the island setting after the swimming and waterfall stops, with the cruise providing the main structure for the day.

Do note what is not included. Water sports and parasailing at Ile aux Cerfs cost extra. If you want a quiet beach day, that is no problem. If you are hoping for a package packed with activities, budget separately for those options.

The island can also be more exposed than the sheltered parts of the lagoon. Wind may affect how comfortable you feel on the beach and in the water. Good weather is the difference between a postcard day and a merely pleasant boat trip.

I would choose this outing for its combination of sailing and island time, not just for a guaranteed long stretch of beach. That distinction matters. If you want several uninterrupted hours on Ile aux Cerfs, a direct island transfer may suit you better. If you want a full day that includes the lagoon, swimming, a waterfall, lunch, and the island, this catamaran makes better sense.

The BBQ Lunch Served on Board

Lunch is prepared and served by the crew on the catamaran. The buffet includes smoked marlin mousse, grilled fish, chicken, sausages, rice and potato salads, crudités, fresh bread, fresh fruit, and coffee.

That is a substantial spread for a day on the water. The menu gives you several choices, which is useful after swimming and snorkeling. The smoked marlin mousse is the most distinctive item, while the grilled fish reflects the island setting better than a standard packed lunch would.

The meal is served buffet style, so the pace is flexible. You can eat without searching for a restaurant on Ile aux Cerfs, and you avoid losing part of your day to a separate lunch stop.

The food receives particularly strong praise, as does the crew’s service. That combination matters because a long cruise can feel less worthwhile if the meal is small or poorly organized. Here, lunch is a real part of the outing rather than an afterthought.

There is no need to treat this as fine dining. You are eating on a moving boat, with a casual buffet and a friendly crew. The appeal is freshness, quantity, and convenience, not a formal restaurant setting.

What the $111 Price Buys You

At $111 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Ile aux Cerfs. You are paying for a 7 to 8 hour outing, the catamaran cruise, lunch, drinks, crew service, and the chance to combine several east-coast sights in one day.

The value improves if you use the hotel transfer option. Getting to Pointe Jerome from another part of Mauritius can take time and add transport costs. Pickup times vary by hotel location, so confirm the hotel name when booking and check the collection details the day before.

The included drinks also help. Water, soft drinks, beer, and rum cocktails throughout the day would add to the cost if purchased separately. Lunch includes several main dishes and sides, not just a sandwich or snack.

You should not count water sports or parasailing as part of the price. Those are separate costs at Ile aux Cerfs. Also, if the main reason you are booking is snorkeling, the value depends heavily on weather and sea conditions.

For someone who wants a full day with minimal planning, the package is reasonable. For someone who only wants a few hours on the beach, it may be more time and money than necessary.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most

I would recommend this day to couples, families, and first-time visitors who want an easy introduction to Mauritius’s east coast. The pace allows for sightseeing, swimming, food, and downtime without requiring you to arrange each part separately.

It also suits people who enjoy the social side of a boat outing. The crew creates a friendly mood, and drinks are available all day. A honeymoon couple described it as a strong finish to a two-week holiday, which makes sense if you want a celebratory day that feels special without being formal.

The cruise is less suitable if you dislike open water, need guaranteed sunshine, or want a quiet, private boat. It is also listed as unsuitable for pregnant women. Wheelchair access is available, but you should still confirm the practical details of boarding and movement on the catamaran before booking.

If you are sensitive to cold, pack a cover-up even in Mauritius. Wind on the water can feel much cooler than the temperature on land.

Practical Details Before You Book

The activity lasts approximately eight hours, with availability depending on the selected date and starting time. English and French are spoken, and a live guide is provided.

You should bring:

• A towel
• Sunscreen
• A light layer for windy or cloudy conditions
• Swimwear that you can change into comfortably

The operator advises leaving valuables behind. That is sensible for a day involving swimming, salt water, and movement around a boat.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is useful if you are still arranging your Mauritius schedule.

The experience provider is Turquoise Voyages, also known as Samtours. The crew is the part of the operation that earns the strongest praise, especially for kindness, attention, and keeping the day pleasant.

Should You Book This Ile aux Cerfs Cruise?

Book it if you want a full east-coast day that combines sailing, swimming, a waterfall, island scenery, drinks, and a proper BBQ. The crew service and food add real value, and hotel pickup can simplify the logistics.

Think twice if your plans depend on perfect snorkeling conditions or if you dislike wind and changing weather. The cruise may still operate on a cloudy day, and that can make the boat feel cold and limit time in the water.

My practical advice is to book during a period when the forecast looks settled, choose hotel transfers if Pointe Jerome is inconvenient, and pack a warm layer along with your towel and sunscreen. For a relaxed day at sea with plenty included, this is a strong choice, provided you accept that the weather is part of the deal.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart from?

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

How long does the activity last?

The cruise lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours, with the full duration usually around eight hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available only if you select the option that includes transfers. The collection time depends on your hotel location and is confirmed the day before.

What languages are spoken on the cruise?

The live tour guide service is available in English and French.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is a BBQ buffet served on board the catamaran.

What food is served at lunch?

The buffet includes smoked marlin mousse, grilled fish, chicken, sausages, rice and potato salads, crudités, fresh bread, fresh fruit, and coffee.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Water, soft drinks, beer, and rum cocktails are available throughout the day.

Are water sports and parasailing included?

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

What should I bring?

Bring a towel and sunscreen. It is also sensible to bring a light layer for windy or cloudy conditions. Valuables are not allowed.

Is the cruise suitable for pregnant women?

No. The activity is listed as not suitable for pregnant women.

Can I cancel the booking?

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