Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise to Ile Aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch

The lagoon is only half the story. This six-hour catamaran trip from Trou d’Eau Douce combines the Grand River South East Waterfall, a swimming and snorkeling stop, lunch at sea, and several hours on Ile aux Cerfs. At $64 per person, I like the generous food and drink service, plus the friendly crew who keep the day moving with music and good humor.

I also like the variety. You get river scenery, a short boat ride to the waterfall, open-water cruising, a BBQ meal, beach time, and the chance to browse a craft market. The main drawback is that popular stops can feel rushed or crowded, especially the waterfall and snorkeling area.

The experience is best for you if you want a social day on the water rather than a quiet private cruise. The atmosphere can be lively, and the catamaran may feel cramped when everyone comes inside. Still, the strong 4.3 rating from 925 bookings reflects what this trip does well: it delivers a lot for the price, with attentive service and very few dull stretches.

Key details to know before you book

• Waterfall first: Travel upriver from Trou d’Eau Douce to Grand River South East Waterfall, also called Cascade Diamamouve, for about 30 minutes of sightseeing and photos.
• Food and drinks included: The onboard BBQ includes vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices, all halal, with soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum.
• Two kinds of water time: You get a separate snorkeling and swimming stop, then more time to swim in the lagoon at Ile aux Cerfs.
• Allow time for beach crowds: Ile aux Cerfs is beautiful, but the shore can be busy and some areas may need better care.
• Parking can be awkward: If you drive to Trou d’Eau Douce, arrive early. The small car park near the beach fills quickly.
• Hotel pickup is optional: Pickup and return are available in selected options across several Mauritius districts.

Setting out from Trou d’Eau Douce

The trip begins at the beach opposite Green Island Restaurant in Trou d’Eau Douce, on Mauritius’s east coast. If you do not choose hotel transportation, this is where you meet the driver or guide. Several boats may leave from the same beach, so take a moment to confirm which catamaran is yours.

The beach meeting area can be busy. Finding the right queue has caused confusion, especially when multiple catamarans are loading at once. Crew members assist with boarding, but you will have an easier start if you arrive early and ask for directions rather than joining the first line you see.

Driving yourself is possible, but parking is limited. One useful tip is to plan extra time for parking and the walk back to the shore. A few people have found the process stressful, while hotel pickup has generally been more straightforward. One pickup was reported to be more than an hour late because of a puncture, so if you rely on transport, keep the provider’s contact details handy and avoid scheduling anything immediately after the cruise.

The boat transfer can matter if you use a wheelchair. The catamaran is wheelchair accessible, but you need to stand briefly while boarding or leaving the shuttle boat, with crew assistance.

Grand River South East Waterfall, or Cascade Diamamouve

The first major stop takes you upriver to Grand River South East Waterfall. The riverbanks offer a different view of Mauritius from the open coast, and you may spot monkeys in the trees. The waterfall itself is best seen from the water, with a short stop for photographs.

This is a scenic introduction, not a long waterfall visit. The listed stop is around 30 minutes, and the actual time close to the falls can be much shorter when several boats are waiting. Some people have had only a brief moment for photos after the small boat reaches the viewing area.

Strong currents can also prevent the boat from getting close. That is a sensible safety decision, but the waterfall is a central part of the advertised route, so the crew should explain clearly when conditions change. If the current is too strong, you may receive an alternative date or a full refund if the whole activity is canceled because of poor weather.

My advice is to treat this as a quick scenic stop rather than the main event. Keep your camera ready, take photos as you approach, and do not count on a long pause directly in front of the falls.

Snorkeling and swimming along the coast

After the river section, the catamaran heads toward the coast for swimming and snorkeling. The water is clear, and the stop is shallow enough in some conditions for a young child to stand with help. You should still bring your own confidence and caution, since this is open water rather than a swimming pool.

The snorkeling quality is the least consistent part of the outing. Some people have seen colorful fish, turtles, and even sea snakes. Others found the stop too short or said the reef looked damaged, with limited fish. A few felt the crew chose a spot close to the port instead of a better area farther along the coast.

That means you should book this trip for the full combination of activities, not for serious snorkeling. The stop is a pleasant chance to cool off and see some marine life, but it may not satisfy an experienced snorkeler looking for a healthy reef and a long swim.

Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a change of clothes. Snorkeling gear is listed among the recommended items, so bring your own if you prefer a better fit. A hat and comfortable shoes are also useful, especially for time on the island.

BBQ lunch, local drinks, and the social side of the cruise

The onboard meal is one of the strongest parts of the trip. Lunch is served as a BBQ with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices, and all food is halal. The selection of drinks includes water, juice, soft drinks, beer, wine, and local rum.

The crew keeps drinks coming throughout the day, which helps explain why the $64 price feels strong. You are not paying only for transport to an island. You are also getting a meal, several drinks, a waterfall visit, a boat-based swim stop, and entertainment.

Food quality can vary slightly, but most reports describe the BBQ as tasty and plentiful. Dorado has received special praise when available. The regular meal is generally considered good, though one person found it average. A lobster addition may be offered for an extra 3,000 Mauritian rupees, but the value is debatable. Some people loved it, while others felt the supplement was too high.

The setting matters here. You eat on the catamaran while the coast passes by, rather than stopping at a standard restaurant. The meal is part of the day’s social rhythm, with music and an enthusiastic crew. This is a good fit if you enjoy chatting with people from different countries and do not mind a communal atmosphere.

The boat can become crowded. When rain sends everyone inside, the space feels tighter, and there is only one toilet. If you prefer peace, personal space, and a quiet meal, a smaller private boat would suit you better.

Arriving at Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the visual prize of the trip. Palm trees, white sand, and clear turquoise water create the classic Mauritius postcard scene. The catamaran gives you time to swim in the lagoon, walk along the beach, take photos, and visit the local arts and crafts market.

The schedule separates the island visit into roughly 1.5 hours of beach and swimming time, followed by about 2.5 hours to explore Ile aux Cerfs. In practice, the exact flow can depend on boat movements and water conditions. You may be dropped off with only a general sense of direction, so listen carefully when the crew explains where and when to return.

The island is not an untouched beach. It is a popular stop, and several boats may arrive around the same time. One part of the shore has been criticized for litter and poor toilet habits, so do not expect every stretch to look like a private resort beach. Still, the main scenery is beautiful, and the island offers enough space and water activity options for a worthwhile stop.

Optional activities at Ile aux Cerfs cost extra. Parasailing and tube rides have been enjoyed by some people, but they are not included in the $64 price. If you want to keep the day simple, you can swim, walk, browse the craft market, and enjoy the scenery without adding another charge.

The beach is also where expectations matter. Promotional photos may show an especially polished section of the island, while your boat may use a busier landing area. I would judge the stop as a pleasant public island visit, not as a private beach escape.

Music, return sailing, and the crew

The return trip includes Mauritian Sega music, a local style known for its lively rhythm. The music and crew interaction give the final sailing a festive feel. Birthdays are particularly well suited to this atmosphere, and the crew has helped make celebrations feel special.

Named crew members are not consistently listed, but Yona and the team received special praise for their warmth and care. Cedric was also singled out for friendly service. The repeated strength of this cruise is not a single attraction. It is the way the crew looks after people, keeps drinks available, serves lunch efficiently, and creates a relaxed mood.

That friendliness is valuable because the schedule has several moving parts. You board from a busy beach, transfer through the river section, stop for swimming, eat onboard, visit the island, and return on time. A capable crew makes the day feel easy.

There are limits. Boat loading at the start can be disorganized, and the group size may feel large. The best staff in the world cannot create more room on a full catamaran. If you want the most relaxed experience, consider going outside the busiest holiday periods, though weather and crowd levels can never be guaranteed.

Is $64 good value?

At $64 per person, this is a strong package if you want a full outing rather than a single boat transfer. The price includes the catamaran, waterfall visit, snorkeling and swimming stop, BBQ lunch, a broad drink selection, Ile aux Cerfs, and optional hotel transportation if you choose that version.

The value improves if you would otherwise pay separately for lunch, drinks, and a boat ride. Unlimited or plentiful beverages were repeatedly praised, and the meal portions are generally satisfying. You also get six hours of activity, not simply a short cruise followed by a brief beach stop.

The price is less attractive if your main goal is excellent snorkeling, an uncrowded beach, or a long waterfall visit. The snorkeling can be short, the waterfall viewing may be rushed, and Ile aux Cerfs can feel busy. Optional water sports and lobster cost extra, so set a spending limit before boarding.

For families, the trip offers a lot in one day, and infants aged 1 to 4 go free. For couples, it can be a fun birthday outing, though not a private romantic escape. For solo visitors, the social setting makes it easy to meet people, but you should be comfortable sharing space.

What to pack and how to prepare

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a camera, comfortable shoes, and dry clothes for the ride home. Pack snorkeling gear if you have equipment you trust. Protect your phone and camera from spray when moving between the river, sea, and beach.

Arrive early if you are driving. The parking area near Green Island Restaurant is small and can fill quickly. If you select hotel pickup, confirm the pickup option and location at booking, since transportation is not included in every version.

English and French are the guiding languages. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian food are available, and all food is halal. The cruise requires suitable weather, so poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this trip if you want Mauritius highlights in one well-priced day: a waterfall, a catamaran, swimming, lunch, drinks, music, and Ile aux Cerfs. The attentive crew and generous refreshments are the clearest reasons to book.

I would think twice if you want a quiet boat, serious snorkeling, or a carefully guided island walk. You may find the waterfall stop short, the snorkeling ordinary, and the beach busier than the photos suggest.

For families, groups of friends, first-time visitors, and anyone who enjoys a sociable boat day, this is an easy recommendation. Book it with realistic expectations, arrive early, and treat the waterfall and snorkeling as short highlights within a larger six-hour outing. That is where the value is.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise to Ile aux Cerfs?

The experience lasts about six hours. The schedule includes the waterfall, a snorkeling and swimming stop, lunch onboard, time at Ile aux Cerfs, and the return sail to Trou d’Eau Douce.

Where does the cruise start?

The meeting point is on the beach opposite Green Island Restaurant in Trou d’Eau Douce. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available if you select an option that includes transportation.

What food and drinks are included?

The cruise includes a BBQ lunch with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices. All food is halal. Drinks include soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling and swimming are included, but the practical information advises you to bring snorkeling gear. Bring your own equipment if you want a particular mask or fit.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

The catamaran is wheelchair accessible. However, wheelchair users need to stand briefly to board and leave the shuttle boat, with crew assistance.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you will be offered another date or a full refund.