Ile Aux Cerfs Catamaran Cruise & Waterfalls- Lunch & Drinks

The best part of this day is the mix of waterfall, lagoon, and island beach in one outing. You start at Trou D’eau Douce, ride by speedboat to Grand River South East, then sail across clear water for snorkeling, a BBQ lunch, and time on Ile aux Cerfs.

I like the attentive crew and the fact that drinks really are available throughout the day, alcoholic or not. I also like the food setup: grilled fish, chicken, hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice, with vegetarian and vegan choices available. The main caution is group size. The tour is advertised for up to 15 people, but some departures have carried 25, which can make the catamaran feel crowded.

Key points to know before booking

• Grand River South East by speedboat: The waterfall lies about 500 meters upstream, so you leave the catamaran for a closer look.
• A full day on the water: The outing runs from about 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., with sailing, swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and island time.
• Drinks are included: Beer, wine, local rum, juice, soft drinks, water, and bottled water are available.
• BBQ lunch with choices: Expect grilled fish, chicken, hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice, with vegetarian and vegan food also offered.
• Group size needs checking: The stated limit is 15, but some departures have been larger.
• Optional hotel pickup costs extra: Transport from your hotel or Airbnb is not included in the $70 price.

Starting at Trou D’eau Douce on Mauritius’s east coast

Your morning begins at the docking station around 8:30 a.m. The catamaran is scheduled to leave at 9 a.m., though one departure did not get moving until after 9:30. If your day depends on a strict timetable, build in some patience at the start.

Trou D’eau Douce is the natural launch point for this eastern Mauritius route. Once the boat leaves, the pace is easy. You are not rushing from one inland attraction to the next. Instead, the day unfolds from the water, with the island’s mountain shapes and shoreline changing as you sail.

The crew plays local Mauritian music and keeps the mood social. They also share local stories and jokes, so this is not a silent sightseeing cruise. That suits you if you like a friendly boat with some energy. If you want a quiet, private sailing experience, the music and party atmosphere may be more than you want, especially on a busy departure.

The boat is described as wheelchair accessible, but the trip includes a speedboat transfer, snorkeling, swimming, and time on a sandy island. Ask for practical details before booking if you use a wheelchair or have limited mobility.

Grand River South East and the 500-meter waterfall trip

The first main stop is Grand River South East, one of the most popular sights on Mauritius’s east coast. The catamaran does not simply pause offshore. You transfer to a speedboat and travel roughly 500 meters upstream to see the waterfall.

That short boat ride changes the feel of the stop. You move into the river rather than viewing the falls only from the sea. Look into the old trees along the banks for monkeys. Fruit bats may be resting high above the river, too. Sightings are not guaranteed, but the ride gives you a chance to watch the riverbank as well as the falls.

This stop is fairly brief compared with the time spent on the catamaran. It is best treated as a scenic introduction to the day rather than a long nature walk. You return to the catamaran after the waterfall visit and continue toward the lagoon.

The transfer also means you should keep your camera ready but secure. You may want a waterproof bag for phones and cameras, especially during the speedboat ride. The official advice is simple: bring a camera and sunscreen. I would add a swimsuit and clothing that can handle spray, though those items are not formally listed in the supplied details.

Sailing the lagoon and the snorkeling break

After the waterfall, the boat sails through the clear lagoon. This is one of the more relaxing parts of the day. You have time to sit, listen to the music, watch the water, and enjoy the views without needing to get off the boat at every stop.

The snorkeling break gives you a chance to see coral reefs and tropical fish. You can also swim in the lagoon, making this a useful stop for anyone who wants more than a sightseeing cruise. Life jackets are provided, which is helpful for less confident swimmers.

Keep your expectations sensible. A snorkeling stop is included, but the exact quality of visibility, marine life, and water conditions can change. One departure had a shorter snorkeling break than expected, and no turtles or dolphins appeared. Another had a fortunate wildlife encounter, with dolphins, two rays, and a school of squid. That tells you what this outing can offer, but not what it can promise.

If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, ask how long the stop is expected to last. The cruise is built around several attractions, so it is not a dedicated reef trip. You are getting a taste of the lagoon rather than a long session in one snorkeling area.

BBQ lunch, saffron rice, and drinks on board

Food is one of the strongest parts of this experience. Lunch includes fresh BBQ fish, BBQ chicken, grilled hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice. Vegetarian and vegan food are also available, which makes the meal more useful for mixed groups.

The BBQ may be served on the beach or on the catamaran. That flexibility matters because conditions and timing can affect where the meal takes place. You can expect a casual meal rather than a formal restaurant service. It fits the day: swim, dry off, eat, and return to the sea.

The drinks package is unusually generous for a $70 excursion. Unlimited options include beer, wine, local rum, juice, soft drinks, and water. Bottled water is included as well. The practical value is clear. You do not need to buy each drink separately while spending the day on the boat.

Still, the open drinks policy shapes the atmosphere. One departure became a loud party from the start to the finish, which made it hard for some people to enjoy peaceful time at sea. The crew was praised for being kind and helpful, but the mood depends partly on the group aboard that day.

I would choose this cruise if you enjoy a social boat and do not mind music and drinking around you. If you want a calm day for reading, quiet photography, or close attention to birds and sea life, a smaller sailing trip may suit you better.

Arriving at Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the day’s main beach stop. As the catamaran approaches, you see white sand, palm trees, and bright turquoise water. This is the familiar Mauritius postcard scene, and it is the place where the schedule opens up for relaxation.

You can swim, walk along the beach, or sit in the sun. The island also offers optional activities such as parasailing, tube riding, and an undersea walk. These activities are not included in the $70 price, so plan to pay extra if you want them.

The island is not only for active people. If you spent the morning snorkeling and riding in a speedboat, you may prefer to find a quiet place, cool off in the sea, and enjoy the scenery. The combination of included activities and free time gives you some control over the afternoon.

There is a tradeoff. Ile aux Cerfs is a popular destination, and this cruise is designed to bring you to its well-known beaches rather than to a remote, empty shore. The appeal is easy access to classic tropical scenery and optional water activities. The drawback is that the beach experience can feel less private, especially when the boat carries more people than advertised.

How the group size changes the experience

The advertised group size is limited to 15 people, but this has not always been the reality. One departure carried 25 people and felt cramped, with limited room inside. Another larger group found the boat big enough that the extra numbers did not cause a problem.

That difference is important. A catamaran can handle more people than a small motorboat, but comfort depends on how much time you spend seated, how crowded the serving area becomes, and how many people want the same snorkeling or beach space.

Ask the provider to confirm the expected group size before you pay. If the answer is close to 15, this is a more attractive option for a relaxed day. If the boat may carry 25 or more, prepare for a livelier and less spacious outing.

The group also affects the social tone. A small group can make it easier to speak with the crew and find a comfortable place on deck. A larger group can bring more music, conversation, and drinking. Neither is automatically better, but you should choose with your own travel style in mind.

What the $70 price really covers

At $70 per person, the price is strong if you use the included elements. You receive the catamaran trip, waterfall visit, snorkeling and swimming stop, Ile aux Cerfs visit, breakfast snacks, BBQ lunch, unlimited drinks, bottled water, and life jackets.

The food and drinks are the biggest value points. A full day on the water can become expensive when you add lunch, beer, soft drinks, and bottled water separately. Here they are bundled into one fee, along with several major sights.

The price does not include hotel or Airbnb pickup and drop-off. You need to arrange your own transport to the docking station unless you pay for the optional air-conditioned transfer. That extra planning matters if you are staying far from Trou D’eau Douce or do not have easy access to a car or taxi.

The cruise also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. These terms make it easier to fit the outing around changing weather or other plans, but check the final booking conditions when you reserve.

Who should book this catamaran day

This is a good match for you if you want several Mauritius highlights in one day and prefer a social setting. Families, couples, and friends can all find something here: a waterfall, swimming, snorkeling, a substantial lunch, beach time, and optional water activities.

It is especially useful for a first visit when you want a broad taste of the east coast without arranging separate transport for each stop. The mix of included food and drinks also makes budgeting easier.

You may want another option if your priority is silence, privacy, or serious snorkeling. The boat can be crowded, the music can be loud, and the snorkeling period may feel short if you want a long time in the water. The advertised small-group format should also be confirmed before booking.

English, French, German, and Italian are available, so you can select the language that works best for your group. The tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the speedboat transfer and beach setting deserve a practical check in advance.

My call: book it if the atmosphere suits you

I would book this cruise for a full, easygoing day that combines Mauritius’s east-coast scenery with food and drinks included. The crew’s friendliness, the well-liked BBQ, and the care shown during the trip are strong reasons to consider it.

Before you commit, ask two questions: How many people are expected on the catamaran, and how long will the snorkeling stop last? If you are comfortable with a lively boat and the group size is reasonable, $70 offers good value. If you want a quiet escape, choose a smaller cruise and treat Ile aux Cerfs separately.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran cruise last?

The activity lasts about nine hours. Boarding begins around 8:30 a.m., the catamaran is scheduled to leave at 9 a.m., and the day generally finishes around 4 p.m.

Where does the cruise depart?

The catamaran departs from Trou D’eau Douce on the east coast of Mauritius.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes fresh BBQ fish, BBQ chicken, grilled hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice. Vegetarian and vegan food are also available.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited drinks include beer, wine, local rum, juice, soft drinks, water, and bottled water.

What places will I visit?

You will visit Grand River South East waterfall, stop for swimming and snorkeling in the lagoon, and spend time at Ile aux Cerfs Island.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel or Airbnb pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle are optional and are not included in the $70 price.