Catamaran Trip to Ile au Cerfs with Lunch and GRSE waterfall

The best part of this outing is that it packs several east-coast highlights into one easy day: a Grand River South East waterfall visit, a swim and snorkel stop, a barbecue lunch, and time on Ile aux Cerfs. You get the scenery without having to arrange separate boat trips, meals, and transport.

I like the generous drinks service, with soft drinks, beer, wine, and other beverages available onboard. I also like the relaxed mix of activities: you can snorkel, stroll on white sand, swim, listen to Mauritian music, or simply sit back while the boat moves through the lagoon.

The main consideration is that the day may not always follow the advertised catamaran plan exactly. One booking included a speedboat instead of a catamaran, and the timing around lunch and the waterfall felt too long for that passenger. If you want a quiet, tightly timed cruise, this may feel loose around the edges.

Key points at a glance

• A full east-coast day for $69: The price covers the boat trip, waterfall visit, BBQ lunch, open bar, guide, music, and Ile aux Cerfs.
• The Grand River South East waterfall comes early: You reach the river and continue about 500 meters upstream, sometimes using a smaller speedboat from the main vessel.
• A short lagoon snorkel stop: The boat pauses for swimming and snorkeling over coral and tropical fish, with around 20 minutes reported on one departure.
• Lunch is cooked and served onboard: Expect BBQ chicken, fish, chicken sausage, rice, pasta, salad, and potato salad, with vegetarian food available if requested ahead.
• Ile aux Cerfs is the relaxation stop: You get time for beaches, swimming, snorkeling, and optional water sports on one of Mauritius’ most photographed islands.
• Pickup can save a lot of hassle: Hotel transfer is optional, and the driver meets you at your accommodation reception if you provide the location when booking.

What this Mauritius catamaran day is really like

This is a social boat excursion rather than a private sailing trip. The 45-foot catamaran gives you room to sit, eat, talk, and move around while the crew keeps drinks flowing and plays local music.

You should plan on six to seven hours from start to finish. That is long enough to feel like a proper day out, but not so long that you are committed to the boat from morning until dark. The exact start time depends on availability, so check the date carefully before booking.

The trip begins at the meeting point, where a representative briefs you before boarding. If you choose hotel pickup, the driver comes to the reception area. One pickup from Grand Baie was handled by Yash of Mauritius Taxi, who contacted the passenger in advance and helped keep the transfer clear. That small bit of communication matters, especially when you need to reach the dock on time.

Arrive promptly. The instructions are blunt for a reason: if you miss the departure, the boat will not wait.

Grand River South East waterfall by boat

The first major sight is the Grand River South East waterfall, usually called GRSE. The river cuts inland from the east coast, and the waterfall is found about 500 meters upstream from the main river area.

You do not simply look at the falls from the catamaran. The usual arrangement involves a short transfer to a smaller speedboat, which takes you farther upriver. This gives you a closer view and makes the waterfall visit feel like a separate little excursion rather than a quick photo stop from the main boat.

The trip can also provide a chance to spot monkeys near the river. That possibility was noted on one departure, but wildlife is never guaranteed, so treat it as a bonus rather than part of the promise.

Timing here can be a little uneven. The planned route begins with the waterfall, but the order or length of stops may change. One passenger found there were roughly two hours available for eating before moving on to the waterfall and felt that 60 to 90 minutes would have been enough. If you prefer a brisk schedule, ask the crew about the day’s order once you arrive.

Snorkeling in the clear east-coast lagoon

After the river portion, the boat heads into the lagoon for a swimming and snorkeling break. This is one of the most useful parts of the trip because it breaks up the sightseeing with time in the water.

The lagoon is described as clear, with coral reefs and tropical fish visible below the surface. You should bring your own towel and sunscreen, and comfortable clothing makes getting in and out of the water easier.

Do not expect a full snorkeling expedition. On one departure, the stop lasted about 20 minutes. That is enough for a quick look and a swim, but it may feel short if snorkeling is your main reason for booking. The quality of what you see will also depend on water conditions and visibility on the day.

A few passengers have seen dolphins from the boat, but that is an occasional sighting rather than a scheduled part of the outing. Keep your camera ready, but do not measure the value of the trip by wildlife encounters.

BBQ lunch with drinks onboard

The onboard lunch is a strong part of the package. A typical spread includes chicken skewers, fish, chicken sausage, rice, pasta, salad, and potato salad. One meal was described as delicious, and the range is broad enough to suit people who want a filling plate rather than a light snack.

Vegetarian food is available, but you need to request it when booking. You should also report food allergies or illness in advance. The meal is served on the boat, so you do not lose sightseeing time searching for a restaurant or waiting for a table.

The open bar includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Specific service can vary, but the drinks available on one trip included soft drinks, beer, and wine. This makes the $69 price more appealing for people who expect to purchase drinks during a long boat day.

There is one practical catch: dining on a moving catamaran is not the same as eating at a waterfront restaurant. If the sea is choppy, keep your plate secure and take the meal at a comfortable pace. The schedule may also give you more lunch time than you need, depending on the day’s running order.

Ile aux Cerfs, beaches, and free time

Ile aux Cerfs is the main destination and the reason many people book this cruise. The island sits near Mauritius’ east coast and is known for white sand, clear water, and broad beach areas.

Your time here is flexible. You can walk along the beach, swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or use some of the island’s water sports facilities. The excursion does not lock you into one activity, which is useful if you are traveling with people who have different ideas of fun.

I like this part of the schedule because it gives the day a slower finish. The waterfall and snorkeling stops are active and fairly structured. Ile aux Cerfs lets you spread out and choose your own pace.

Still, do not expect an untouched desert island. It is a popular excursion stop with facilities and water activities. The appeal is convenience and scenery, not solitude. If you want a remote beach with no organized activity, this is not that kind of place.

You should also keep an eye on the clock. The island is only one part of a six to seven-hour program, and the boat must return to Trou D’Eau Douce. Arriving back late could affect the sailing time and your return arrangements.

Sailing back with music and Mauritian character

The return to Trou D’Eau Douce is meant to be easygoing. The crew plays local Mauritian music, shares jokes and local tales, and keeps the mood social.

The crew members on one departure spoke several languages, and the listed host languages are English and French. That is helpful if you need to ask about the route, lunch, snorkeling, or the return time.

The atmosphere is part of the value here. You are not just being transported between stops. The boat itself is the main setting for much of the day, and the open bar, music, and shared lunch make this feel more like a casual party cruise than a silent sightseeing boat.

That can be a benefit or a drawback. If you want conversation and entertainment, the setup works well. If you want a peaceful sailing experience with no music, you may find the onboard mood too active.

Catamaran or speedboat? Read the details carefully

The experience is advertised around a 45-foot catamaran, but boat arrangements can change. One booking used a speedboat instead of the catamaran, and another passenger was moved by speedboat from the dock to the catamaran.

This matters for comfort. A catamaran generally gives you more room to sit, eat, and move around. A speedboat can feel faster and more exposed, particularly if the driver travels quickly. One passenger felt the speedboat was going too fast, even though the rest of the day went well.

I would ask the representative what boat will operate the trip when you arrive. You may not be able to control the substitution, but knowing ahead of time helps you set expectations. If you are sensitive to fast boat movement, bring only what you need on the smaller transfer and keep your belongings secure.

What the $69 price includes

At $69 per person, this is a solid package if you plan to use most of what is included. You are paying for a six to seven-hour outing with:

• A visit to Grand River South East waterfall
• A catamaran sailing experience
• A snorkeling and swimming stop
• BBQ lunch onboard
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
• A qualified guide
• Time at Ile aux Cerfs
• Music and entertainment

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise pay separately for a boat ride, lunch, drinks, and a visit to Ile aux Cerfs. The included food and beverages also make budgeting easier.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are optional, so they may cost extra. This is worth considering if your hotel is far from the meeting point. A cheaper self-arranged plan can lose its advantage if you need to organize a taxi at both ends, particularly for an early departure.

The package is less attractive if you mainly want high-quality snorkeling. The snorkeling stop may be brief, and the tour has several other goals. It is best understood as a broad east-coast sampler, not a specialist reef trip.

Who should book this excursion?

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a convenient mix of water, scenery, food, and beach time in one booking. It suits couples, families, and groups who prefer a day with several activities instead of a single long swim or a quiet sail.

It is also useful for first-time visitors to Mauritius. You see the waterfall, river, lagoon, boat route, and Ile aux Cerfs without needing to coordinate several local operators.

You will probably enjoy it most if you are comfortable with a social group setting and a flexible timetable. The open bar and music encourage a lively atmosphere, and the crew appears willing to chat and entertain.

Think twice if you need strict timing, dislike boat substitutions, or want a long snorkeling session. The day can include waiting around, and the waterfall, lunch, and boat sequence may not match the advertised order perfectly.

What to bring and how to prepare

Pack light, but bring the things that make a water day easier:

• Comfortable shoes for the dock and island
• A towel
• Sunscreen
• A camera
• Comfortable clothes
• Any required medication
• Notice of food allergies or dietary needs

Use waterproof protection for your phone and camera. You may transfer between the catamaran and a speedboat, and the snorkeling stop puts your belongings near water.

Request a vegetarian meal when booking. Also mention any food allergy or illness before the day begins. Do not wait until lunch service, when the crew has already prepared the food.

The weather matters. In extreme bad weather, the excursion may be canceled and rescheduled, or you may receive a full refund. Cloud and light rain do not necessarily ruin the outing, though they can reduce the impact of the beach and snorkeling stops.

You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran trip?

Book it if you want good variety for $69: waterfall, lagoon, BBQ lunch, drinks, music, and an island beach in a single six to seven-hour outing. The tasty meal, friendly crew, clear water, and relaxed Ile aux Cerfs stop are the strongest reasons to go.

I would not book it solely for snorkeling, quiet sailing, or a perfectly controlled schedule. Boat changes and loose timing are possible, and the snorkeling break may be short.

For most people, this works best as a broad introduction to Mauritius’ east coast. Arrive early, ask which boat is operating, state your food needs, and treat the timetable as flexible. With those expectations, you get a fun and practical day rather than a rushed checklist of stops.

FAQ

How long does the excursion last?

The trip lasts about six to seven hours. Check the available start times for your chosen date.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes the Grand River South East waterfall visit, BBQ lunch onboard, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, a qualified guide, Ile aux Cerfs, music, and entertainment.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Hotel pickup is optional. You should provide your hotel or accommodation location when booking, and the driver will meet you at the reception area.

What languages are available?

The host or greeter service is available in English and French.

Is vegetarian food available?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available, but you need to request it when booking. You should also report food allergies or illness in advance.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, a towel, a camera, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes.

What happens in bad weather?

In extreme bad weather, the excursion may be canceled and either rescheduled for a convenient date or fully refunded. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.