Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise to Ile Aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch

The best part of this Mauritius day out is the mix: a small-boat ride to Grand River South East Waterfall, open-water swimming, a BBQ lunch, and several hours on the white beaches of Ile aux Cerfs. I like that the price includes food and a broad choice of drinks, and I like the warm, musical crew-led atmosphere, often with Mauritian Sega playing on the return sail. The main catch is crowding. Boat boarding can be disorganized, and the snorkeling stop may be short or underwhelming.

I especially appreciate the practical value here. At $64 per person, you get the catamaran, waterfall visit, swimming and snorkeling, lunch, local drinks, Ile aux Cerfs, and optional hotel transport. Just allow extra patience at the beach, arrive early if driving, and do not expect a private cruise or a pristine reef at every stop.

Key points to know before booking

• Waterfall by shuttle boat: The catamaran travels upriver, then a smaller boat takes you close to Grand River South East Waterfall, also called Cascade Diamamouve.
• Six hours on the water: The day combines roughly 30 minutes at the waterfall, a short water stop, lunch, and about two and a half hours at Ile aux Cerfs.
• Food and drinks included: Expect a halal BBQ lunch with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices, plus soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum.
• The crew shapes the mood: Names praised in the feedback include Yona and Cedric, with music, dancing, jokes, and steady attention from the onboard team.
• Snorkeling is the weak link: Some outings find clear water and colorful fish, while others stop near damaged reef with little to see.
• Parking takes planning: The small car park near the Trou d’Eau Douce meeting point fills quickly, so a taxi or hotel pickup can be easier.

Setting out from Trou d’Eau Douce

Your meeting point is on the beach opposite Green Island Restaurant in Trou d’Eau Douce, on Mauritius’s east coast. If you choose hotel pickup, the driver collects you at your accommodation or hotel reception. Pickup is available from several districts, but you need to select that option when booking.

If you drive yourself, arrive early. The small parking area near the beach can fill up, and you may end up parking farther away and walking back. The beach can also be confusing at first, with several boats and queues forming at once. Give yourself time to find the right crew instead of arriving at the last minute.

Boarding is by shuttle boat, not always directly from the sand onto the catamaran. This is one of the least polished parts of the morning. The process can feel crowded and loosely organized, especially when several boats are loading at once.

The catamaran itself is described as comfortable and well kept, but space depends on the number aboard. One toilet serves the boat, and the inside area can feel cramped when rain sends everyone under cover. On a sunny day, the open deck is the place to sit, with better views and more room to enjoy the ride.

Grand River South East Waterfall and Cascade Diamamouve

The first major stop takes you upriver to Grand River South East Waterfall. The falls are known locally as Cascade Diamamouve, and the riverbanks may offer views of monkeys in the trees.

You do not simply sail past the waterfall on the catamaran. A smaller shuttle boat carries you closer, which gives you a better angle for photographs and lets you feel the spray and power of the falls. The setting is attractive, with green riverbanks and steep rock around the falling water.

This stop can be brief. The formal timing allows about 30 minutes, but actual time near the falls may feel much shorter if several boats are waiting their turn. Some people have had only seconds to take photographs after waiting to get close. Strong currents can also force the operator to skip the waterfall, so treat it as weather-dependent rather than guaranteed.

The crowd is another factor. Several boats may gather around the same viewing point, which can turn a quiet natural stop into a busy one. Still, this is an unusual addition to a beach cruise, and I think it gives the day more variety than a trip focused only on sand and swimming.

Snorkeling in the coastal water

After the river visit, the boat heads toward the coast for a swimming and snorkeling break. Bring your own mask and fins if you have them, as snorkeling gear is listed among the suggested items to bring. The water can be clear and shallow enough for a confident child to stand and practice, though the stop takes place in open water.

The snorkeling is the most uneven part of the experience. Some outings have produced colorful fish, turtles, and even sea snakes. Other stops have been close to the port, with damaged reef, few fish, and little variety. One useful detail is that crew may attract small fish with bread, but that does not replace a healthy reef or a longer swim.

Time can also be limited. If you are expecting a full reef excursion, you may feel rushed. In some cases, people have waited on the boat while other water activities took place rather than swimming continuously.

I would treat snorkeling as a pleasant bonus, not the main reason to book. The best reason is the complete day on the water. If marine life is your priority, ask the crew on the day how long the stop will be and where you will swim.

BBQ lunch, local drinks, and the social side

Lunch is served on board after the water stop. The meal is described as a three-course BBQ with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices, and all food is halal. Reports consistently describe generous portions, fresh BBQ food, and plenty of drinks.

The included selection covers soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum. Several people found the drinks effectively unlimited during the cruise, although the formal description simply promises a selection of local drinks. You should expect regular service, but drink availability can depend on the day and the crew.

The food receives strong praise overall, though one person found it average. A dorado fish option has been singled out as particularly tasty when available. Some people also paid extra for lobster, with mixed feelings about the value. One person considered the lobster addition excellent, while another did not think the additional 3,000 rupees was worthwhile. I would decide after seeing the portion and price offered on your sailing, rather than paying automatically.

This is a social cruise, not a quiet yacht charter. The crew often keeps the energy up with music and jokes, and birthdays can receive special attention. Yona and Cedric are among the crew members praised by name, but the team can change. You may find singing, dancing, and easy conversation with people from different countries.

For families, the setup can work well. One family managed the snorkeling with a four-year-old in shallow water, and infants aged one to four go free. The boat is not private, though, and young children need close supervision around the railings, shuttle boat, and swimming areas.

Ile aux Cerfs, beaches, and free time

Ile aux Cerfs is the visual payoff: white sand, palm trees, and a bright lagoon. The island stop lasts about two and a half hours, giving you time to swim, walk, take photographs, and visit the local arts and crafts market.

The beach is attractive, but do not expect complete solitude. The island is a popular stop for boat trips, and some areas can become crowded. One report also noted litter and poor cleanliness in parts of the beach and bushes. Conditions can vary, so I would carry your own small bag for rubbish and choose your swimming area carefully.

The boat may drop you at the island without a detailed walking route. If you want to explore beyond the landing point, you may need to get your bearings yourself. Optional activities are not included, so budget separately if you want to add water sports such as parasailing or a tube ride.

The free time matters because the rest of the schedule can feel brisk. The waterfall visit may be short, and the snorkeling stop may not last as long as expected. Ile aux Cerfs gives you the best chance to slow down, swim, and enjoy the setting at your own pace.

The return sail and Mauritian Sega

After the island, you return to Trou d’Eau Douce by catamaran. The final stretch often includes Mauritian Sega music, a local style built around rhythm and movement. This is not a formal cultural performance, but it adds a genuine local note to an otherwise familiar beach excursion.

The crew is a major part of the return journey. People have praised the friendly service, humor, music, and attention to birthdays and celebrations. If you prefer a calm, silent ride, the lively tone may be more than you want. If you enjoy a sociable boat with drinks and music, it is likely to be one of the day’s best parts.

The schedule is generally reasonably punctual, though transport problems can cause stress. One pickup arrived more than an hour late after a puncture, nearly causing a missed departure. Hotel transport adds convenience, but leave a little margin if you are connecting to another activity afterward.

What $64 buys you

At $64, this is strong value if you want several Mauritius highlights in one outing. You are not paying separately for the catamaran, waterfall transfer, lunch, drinks, island visit, and basic swimming and snorkeling stops. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only with the applicable option, so check the total price rather than assuming transport is covered.

The value is strongest for couples, families, and first-time visitors who want an easy east-coast day without arranging several transfers. You get a mix of scenery, food, swimming, and beach time. The drink package also makes the price easier to justify compared with paying for lunch and refreshments separately.

The value is weaker if you want privacy, serious snorkeling, or a carefully guided island walk. The boat may be crowded, the reef stop may disappoint, and the waterfall timing can feel rushed. This is a broad sightseeing day with a social atmosphere, not a specialist wildlife or sailing trip.

Accessibility, weather, and what to bring

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but there is an important qualification. Wheelchair users need to stand briefly to board and leave the shuttle boat, with crew assistance, before reaching the catamaran.

The trip requires good weather. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Strong currents can also change the waterfall portion even when the wider cruise goes ahead.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a change of clothes, comfortable shoes, a camera, and snorkeling gear. A dry bag would be sensible for phones and cameras, though it is not specifically listed. You should also bring patience for the beach boarding process and enough time to find parking if you are driving.

The guides speak English and French. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and reserve-now-pay-later booking is available, which helps if your weather plans are still moving around.

Who should book this cruise?

I would book this if you want an active but easy day with plenty included. It suits people who enjoy a friendly boat, music, swimming, a substantial lunch, and a famous beach stop. Families can use it well, provided children are comfortable around boats and open water.

I would also recommend it for a birthday or group outing. The crew has a clear talent for creating a festive mood, and several celebrations have received personal attention. The mix of local rum, Sega music, and shared lunch feels more social than a standard transfer to a beach.

I would hesitate if your main goals are solitude, long snorkeling sessions, or a spotless, quiet beach. In that case, the crowds, short water stop, one toilet, and occasional litter at Ile aux Cerfs may bother you.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran trip?

Book it if you want a good-value introduction to Mauritius’s east coast and you understand the compromises. The food, drinks, friendly crew, and full range of stops make this a well-rounded day for $64.

Arrive early, use hotel pickup if parking sounds difficult, bring your own snorkeling gear, and regard the reef and waterfall as changeable parts of the day. If you can accept a shared boat and a lively atmosphere, this cruise offers a lot for the money. If you want a private sailing experience or expert underwater time, choose something more focused.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran cruise last?

The experience lasts about six hours, including the waterfall, snorkeling and swimming stop, lunch, time at Ile aux Cerfs, and the return sail.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The meeting point is opposite Green Island Restaurant on the beach at Trou d’Eau Douce.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available if you select the applicable transport option. Pickup may be arranged from several districts.

What food is included?

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?

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

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling gear is listed among the items to bring, so you should bring your own equipment.

Is the waterfall visit guaranteed?

No. The waterfall visit depends on conditions, including currents and weather. Strong currents may prevent the boat from reaching it.

Are additional water activities included at Ile aux Cerfs?

No. Optional activities at Ile aux Cerfs are not included in the tour price.

Is the activity suitable for wheelchair users?

It is listed as wheelchair accessible, but wheelchair users need to stand briefly to board and leave the shuttle boat. Crew members assist with this transfer.

Can I cancel the booking?

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