Mauritius: Catamaran Day Cruise to lle aux Cerfs with Lunch

Mauritius’ east coast is at its best from the deck of a catamaran, with warm sea air, broad views, and stops at Ile aux Cerfs, GRSE waterfalls, and a snorkeling site. I especially like the generous onboard lunch and the relaxed sailing time, which gives you more than a quick speedboat transfer between attractions.

I also like the friendly crew, including guide Aldo, and the amount of space on the boat. At $65, the trip bundles lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and several major east-coast sights into six hours. The main caution is the atmosphere: music can be loud, alcohol is served from the morning, and the snorkeling and waterfall stops may feel brief.

Key points to know before booking

• Ile aux Cerfs is the main event: You get about two hours to enjoy the beach and explore beyond the busiest area.
• The BBQ is filling: Fish, chicken skewers, salads, garlic bread, pasta, rice, and fresh pineapple are served onboard.
• The boat favors comfort over speed: You have room to sit, eat, sunbathe, and enjoy the crossing.
• The mood can turn lively: Music and drinks are part of the experience, so this is not a quiet sailing trip.
• The snorkeling stop depends on conditions: Currents can affect the experience, and the site may not offer the most colorful reef in Mauritius.
• Bring your own transport plan: Hotel pickup is not included. Meet at the Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce.

Sailing from Trou d’Eau Douce into the east-coast lagoon

The day begins at the Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs meeting point in Trou d’Eau Douce, on Mauritius’ east coast. Look for the jetty next to the Mauritius flag. Since hotel pickup is not included, you need to arrange your own way to the dock and allow enough time to find the correct departure point.

Once aboard, you settle into a broad catamaran with open deck space and room for lunch. This is a useful distinction from a fast boat excursion. You are not simply being transported from one stop to another. A good part of the experience is the crossing itself, with time to sit in the sun, watch the water, and talk with the crew and other people onboard.

The sailing schedule can change with the tide. GRSE waterfalls may come before or after the snorkeling stop, so do not expect every group to follow the same order. That flexibility makes sense on this coast, but it also means the exact rhythm of the day is not fixed.

The mood is generally social. Music plays, drinks are available, and the crew encourages a cheerful atmosphere. Several people have enjoyed this balance of sailing and light party energy, but you should choose another outing if you want silence, long guided talks, or a purely peaceful cruise.

GRSE waterfalls, monkeys, and a short scenic stop

Grand River South East, usually shortened to GRSE, is reached by boat. The catamaran makes a photo stop near the waterfalls, where river water drops through a green, rocky setting toward the sea. If conditions are right, you might also spot monkeys near the shore.

This is a scenic pause rather than a long shore visit. You will view the falls from the water, take photographs, and then move on. The location can become crowded with several boats, which takes away some of the sense of discovery. The waterfall stop has also been described as short, so keep your expectations in check.

I would treat GRSE as a pleasant extra, not the reason to book the trip. The view is worthwhile, especially if this is your first time on Mauritius, but the catamaran ride and Ile aux Cerfs provide the stronger parts of the day.

Snorkeling in the lagoon

The snorkeling stop lasts about 40 minutes. Equipment is provided, so you do not need to pack your own mask and snorkel. You can get into the warm water and look for tropical fish and other sea life in the lagoon.

Water conditions matter here. A strong current can make swimming less comfortable, and the boat may stop at a site that is less sheltered than you would prefer. Some people find plenty to see, while others feel the reef is not as colorful as places elsewhere around Ile aux Cerfs.

That makes this stop best viewed as a chance for a refreshing swim with fish, not a specialist reef excursion. If you are a confident swimmer, you may enjoy the freedom. If you are less comfortable in open water, take the current seriously and listen to the crew.

The provided information does not describe a dedicated swimming instructor or a private snorkeling cove. I would bring your own sense of comfort and avoid treating the stop as compulsory. You can enjoy the boat, the sun, and the views even if you spend only a short time in the water.

A generous BBQ lunch served on the catamaran

Lunch is one of the strongest practical reasons to choose this cruise. The BBQ includes fish, chicken skewers, salads, garlic bread, pasta, rice, and fresh pineapple. Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available if requested in advance.

The food is served onboard, so you do not lose beach time searching for a restaurant or buying an expensive meal on Ile aux Cerfs. The portions are described as plentiful, and the fish has received particular praise. The cooking is straightforward rather than refined, but that suits a day on the water.

Drinks are included as part of the outing. The available selection has been described as water, soft drinks, beer, and wine. One useful detail is that a samosa may also be served later in the day, although you should not treat that as a guaranteed menu item unless the operator confirms it.

Lunch is also when the social side of the cruise becomes most obvious. You eat in the open air, with music and the sea around you. This works well for couples, families, and groups who enjoy chatting. It may feel less comfortable if you want a quiet meal or have strong dietary needs that were not arranged ahead of time.

Two hours on Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the trip’s main destination, and you receive roughly two hours of free time there. The island is known for pale sand, clear water, and a choice of beach areas. You can swim, walk, stretch out in the sun, or explore farther along the shore.

Do not stay only beside the first landing point. One useful tip is to walk about 20 minutes farther along the beach, where you may find smaller coves and a calmer place to sit. You will need to watch the time, since the boat will not wait indefinitely.

Two hours is enough for a taste of the island, but it is not enough for a leisurely full-day beach visit. If you want to explore every beach, snorkel at length, and try several water activities, the schedule will feel tight. Some people have also found that prices on the island can be high, so carry extra money if you plan to buy something or arrange an optional activity.

Parasailing may be available during the day, but it is not included in the $65 price. The cost and length of the activity can vary, and the parasailing stop away from the island has been criticized as shorter and more expensive than the option on Ile aux Cerfs. Ask for the current price before committing.

The island stop works best when you decide in advance what matters most. If you want a quiet beach, walk first and settle later. If you want water sports, check the time and cost before leaving the catamaran. If you simply want sand and swimming, the two hours should do the job.

The return sail and the boat’s social atmosphere

After Ile aux Cerfs, you return to the catamaran for the trip back to Trou d’Eau Douce. The final hour is a chance to dry off, enjoy another drink, and watch the coast from the water. When wind conditions allow, the crew may raise the sails, adding a more traditional sailing touch to the return.

This part of the day often becomes more relaxed. You have already seen the main sights, eaten lunch, and spent time in the water. Some people find the return sail their favorite part because they can simply sit back without needing to get anywhere quickly.

Music remains an important part of the experience. The playlist and friendly crew help create a party-boat mood, but the sound can be loud. If you want a quiet sailing day, ask about the atmosphere before booking. For anyone who enjoys a social boat with music, beer, wine, and dancing energy, this is likely to feel more fun than formal.

The crew receives the strongest praise throughout the available feedback. Their hospitality, organization, and willingness to help are recurring strengths. Aldo is specifically noted for being attentive and checking that people were comfortable. That personal attention matters on a boat day, where small things such as finding a seat, arranging a dietary meal, or getting help with equipment can shape the whole experience.

What the $65 price really covers

At $65 per person, this is good value if you plan to use most of what is included. You receive a six-hour catamaran cruise, drinks, snorkeling equipment, a substantial BBQ lunch, professional crew, and visits to both GRSE waterfalls and Ile aux Cerfs.

The price also saves you from arranging separate transport between the waterfall, snorkeling site, and island. More important, the catamaran gives you a comfortable base throughout the day. You can return to the boat for shade, food, drinks, or a place to sit instead of carrying everything around an island.

The value is less clear if you mainly want an undisturbed beach day. In that case, the scheduled snorkeling and waterfall stops may feel like interruptions, and two hours on Ile aux Cerfs may not be enough. The trip is strongest as a mixed day of sailing, swimming, food, and scenery.

Hotel pickup is not included, so factor your transport to Trou d’Eau Douce into the real cost. You should also budget for any paid activity or purchase on Ile aux Cerfs. The operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option, which helps if your plans are still changing.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want several east-coast highlights in one day and prefer a boat with space to relax. It suits couples, families, and groups who like a friendly crew, shared meals, music, and a little party energy.

It is also a strong choice if you want an easy way to combine:

• A catamaran ride
• Swimming and snorkeling
• A BBQ lunch
• GRSE waterfalls
• Ile aux Cerfs beach time
• Drinks served onboard

You may want a different experience if you are pregnant or have a mobility impairment, since the activity is not suitable for those conditions. You should also think twice if loud music and alcohol service from the morning would spoil your day.

The cruise is not aimed at serious snorkelers. The stop can be affected by current, and the reef may not be the most impressive around Mauritius. It is better for a casual swim and a glimpse of tropical sea life.

What to pack for a comfortable six hours

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. You will spend time on the open deck and in the water, so sun protection is not an optional extra.

I would also bring a secure bag for small personal items and a little extra cash for Ile aux Cerfs. The island can be expensive, and optional activities such as parasailing are not part of the tour price.

Request a vegetarian or gluten-free lunch before the day of departure. Do not wait until everyone is being served, since the special meal needs to be arranged in advance.

English and French are the tour languages. The crew is licensed and professional, and the personal style can be warm and attentive. Still, this is a shared excursion rather than a private charter, so the pace and atmosphere are shaped by the whole group.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want good value and a full day of variety rather than a quiet, private sailing. The crew, plentiful BBQ, included drinks, spacious boat, and Ile aux Cerfs stop make the $65 fare easy to justify.

Go in with realistic expectations. GRSE may be crowded, snorkeling conditions can be mixed, and the island visit is short for anyone who wants to explore at length. The music and morning drinks give the cruise a social edge.

For most people who want a relaxed Mauritius day on the water, I would book this trip. Choose it especially if you like sitting in the sun, meeting other people, eating a casual lunch, and fitting several east-coast sights into one outing.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise begin?

The meeting point is the Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce, next to the Mauritius flag.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to arrange your own transport to Trou d’Eau Douce.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts six hours. Departure times vary, so check availability when booking.

What food is included?

The BBQ includes fish, chicken skewers, salads, garlic bread, pasta, rice, and fresh pineapple. Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available on request.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks are included. The available selection has been described as water, soft drinks, beer, and wine.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the snorkeling stop lasts about 40 minutes.

Can I cancel the booking?

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