Mauritius: Catamaran Day Cruise to lle aux Cerfs with Lunch

The best part of this Mauritius day cruise is the time spent simply moving across the clear east-coast lagoon, with music playing, drinks available, and plenty of room to sit or stretch out. The route combines the GRSE waterfalls, a snorkeling stop, a barbecue lunch, and Ile aux Cerfs without asking you to organize each piece yourself.

I like the friendly, attentive crew, with guide Aldo earning special praise for keeping families comfortable and involved. I also like the value: for $65, you get six hours on the water, snorkeling equipment, lunch, drinks, and stops at two of the east coast’s best-known sights.

The main thing to consider is the atmosphere. Music can be loud, alcohol is served from the morning, and the mood leans toward a cheerful party boat rather than a quiet sailing trip. The snorkeling stop can also be affected by current, while the waterfall visit is fairly brief.

Key points to know before booking

• The day begins in Trou d’Eau Douce: You meet at the Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs jetty, beside the Mauritius flag.
• The route covers three different experiences: You see the GRSE waterfalls, snorkel in the lagoon, and spend free time on Ile aux Cerfs.
• Lunch is cooked on board: Expect fish, chicken skewers, salads, garlic bread, pasta, rice, and fresh pineapple.
• Drinks are included: Water, soft drinks, beer, and wine are available, making this useful value for a full day on the water.
• The boat suits social holidaymakers: There is space to sunbathe and relax, but music and a party mood are part of the experience.
• Plan your own transport: Hotel pickup is not included, so you must reach Trou d’Eau Douce independently.

Setting off from Trou d’Eau Douce

Your meeting point is the jetty beside the Mauritius flag in Trou d’Eau Douce, on the island’s east coast. The boat is operated by Societe Fernand Lacour & Fils, with a professional licensed crew and guides speaking English and French.

The cruise lasts about six hours. The exact starting time depends on availability, and the order of the stops can change with the tide. That matters most for the GRSE waterfall visit, which may come before or after other parts of the day.

You do not get hotel pickup, so allow time to arrange a taxi or other transport to the jetty. One useful practical lesson comes from a past booking problem: the boat company helped sort out a return transfer when transport fell through. Still, do not rely on that as a standard service. Arrive with your transport plan settled.

Once aboard, you can choose a place on the broad catamaran deck. The open layout is one of the strongest parts of the trip. You can sit in the sun, find shade if available, talk with other people, or watch the coast slide past without being confined to a small speedboat.

Sailing past Ile aux Cerfs

The cruise heads toward the south and passes Ile aux Cerfs on the way. This first stretch is less about checking off a sight and more about enjoying the water.

The catamaran gives you a slower, easier ride than a speedboat. You feel the wind, see the changing shades of the lagoon, and have time to settle into the day. Several people who prefer a balance between lively music and relaxation have found this portion especially enjoyable.

If you want a calm sailing experience, sit farther from the speakers and make the most of the open deck. If you like a social setting, the music and drinks help create an easy holiday mood. The cruise works best when you accept that it is both a sightseeing trip and a shared day out.

A short look at the GRSE waterfalls

Grand River South East, usually shortened to GRSE, is reached by boat. The waterfall drops through a green river setting and is one of the signature sights on this side of Mauritius.

The approach can be memorable, particularly if monkeys appear near the falls. You get time for photographs and a quick look before the boat moves on. Do not expect a long nature stop. The waterfall portion may be only around 20 minutes, and the area can have several boats gathered at once.

That short stop is the clearest weakness in the schedule. If waterfalls are your main reason for booking, you may find the visit too quick. If you see it as one part of a water-based day, it works well enough and keeps the cruise moving.

The order of this stop depends on the tide, so the exact rhythm of your day may differ. Bring a camera, but do not count on a quiet, private view.

Snorkeling in the Mauritius lagoon

After the waterfall visit, the catamaran stops at a snorkeling site. Equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask or fins.

The water is clear, and you may see tropical fish and other sea life. Some people have found the stop enjoyable, while others felt the site was less colorful than places around Ile aux Cerfs. Strong current has also affected the experience at times.

That makes this a pleasant included extra rather than the main reason to book. If snorkeling is your top priority, keep your expectations measured. Conditions can change, and the crew may choose a site based on the day’s water conditions.

You should bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or pregnant women, so check those limits before paying.

Barbecue lunch on the catamaran

Lunch is served on board, which saves you from leaving the boat and gives the day a relaxed picnic feel. The spread includes grilled fish, chicken skewers, salads, garlic bread, pasta, rice, and fresh pineapple.

The fish receives especially strong praise, and portions are described as plentiful. This is not a formal restaurant meal, but it is a satisfying barbecue after a swim and several hours in the sun. Water, soft drinks, beer, and wine are included, adding real value to the $65 price.

Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available if requested in advance. Make that request when booking rather than waiting until lunch. A samosa has also been served on the return journey on some outings, though it should be treated as a possible extra rather than a guaranteed part of the advertised meal.

The lunch setup benefits from the boat’s size. There is room to sit and eat without everyone being packed into a narrow space. If you want a particular seat, it makes sense to pay attention when boarding, but the available seating arrangement is not specified.

Two hours at Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the main beach stop, with about two hours set aside for free time. You can walk along the sand, swim, sit under the sun, or simply enjoy the view before returning to the catamaran.

This is the part of the day where the schedule feels tight. Two hours sounds generous, but once you leave the boat, find a comfortable spot, swim, and walk around, the time passes quickly. One useful tip is to walk about 20 minutes farther along the beach. You may find smaller coves and quieter stretches away from the busiest landing area.

The island also offers optional water sports, including parasailing. These activities are not included in the $65 price, and you should carry extra cash if you want to add them. Prices can be high, and the parasailing arranged through the boat may cost more and last less time than an option on Ile aux Cerfs itself.

That is worth keeping in mind. Book the cruise for the catamaran, scenery, lunch, and island visit. Treat parasailing as an optional add-on, not part of the value calculation.

The return sail and onboard atmosphere

After Ile aux Cerfs, you return to the catamaran for the trip back to Trou d’Eau Douce. On some outings, the crew raises the sails for part of the return journey, adding a pleasant change from motor-powered cruising.

Music often continues, and the mood can become more social as drinks flow and people settle into the final hour. The crew is frequently praised for being warm, helpful, and good at keeping the day moving. Aldo is one guide singled out for being attentive and making sure everyone was comfortable.

The atmosphere is not completely predictable, but the pattern is clear. This is not a silent yacht charter. It is a shared catamaran outing with music, alcohol, swimming, food, and conversation. Couples looking for uninterrupted peace may prefer a smaller private boat. Families and groups who enjoy a friendly communal setting will likely find the tone a good fit.

What $65 gets you

At $65 per person, this is strong value if you plan to use the included features. You receive:

• Six hours on the east coast lagoon
• A spacious catamaran cruise
• A licensed professional crew
• English and French guidance
• GRSE waterfall visit
• Ile aux Cerfs visit
• Snorkeling equipment
• Barbecue lunch
• Water, soft drinks, beer, and wine
• Vegetarian or gluten-free food on request

The value is particularly good if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, lunch, drinks, and snorkeling equipment. The included alcohol and meal make the price easier to justify.

The value is weaker if you want long, quiet stops or serious snorkeling. The waterfall visit is short, the snorkeling conditions are variable, and Ile aux Cerfs may feel rushed if you want to explore every beach. You are paying for a full, social day on the water rather than extended time at one site.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want several Mauritius highlights in one easy day. It works well for families, groups of friends, couples who enjoy a lively setting, and anyone who likes swimming and sunbathing more than detailed cultural commentary.

It also suits people who want a boat day without paying for a private charter. The open deck, included drinks, and barbecue create a holiday feel from the moment you leave the jetty.

You may want another option if you dislike loud music, do not drink, or want a quiet connection with the sea. The cruise does offer relaxing stretches, but the party element is always close by.

It is also not a good fit for anyone with mobility limitations or anyone who is pregnant, based on the stated restrictions. Bring sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, and extra money only if you are interested in optional water sports on the island.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a well-priced day that combines sailing, swimming, lunch, drinks, waterfalls, and beach time. The crew’s hospitality is the strongest part of the experience, and the catamaran gives you more room and comfort than a small speedboat.

Go in knowing that the GRSE stop is brief, snorkeling depends on conditions, and the music may be too loud for a quiet-minded sailor. For most people seeking a relaxed but social Mauritius boat day, $65 is a sensible buy. If you want solitude, lengthy snorkeling, or careful time on Ile aux Cerfs, choose a more specialized trip instead.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The meeting point is Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs in Trou d’Eau Douce. Meet at the jetty beside the Mauritius flag.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts six hours, including the catamaran ride, waterfall visit, snorkeling, lunch, Ile aux Cerfs, and the return sail.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What food is served for lunch?

The barbecue includes fish, chicken skewers, salads, garlic bread, pasta, rice, and fresh pineapple.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks include water, soft drinks, beer, and wine.

Can I request vegetarian or gluten-free food?

Yes. Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available on request. Make your dietary request in advance.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the cruise price.

What languages are spoken by the guides?

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

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also lets you hold a place without paying immediately.