Mauritius: Catamaran Day Cruise to lle aux Cerfs with Lunch

The lagoon is the star of this six-hour outing. From Trou d’Eau Douce, you cruise the east coast of Mauritius on a broad catamaran, stopping at Grand River South East, a snorkeling site, and Ile aux Cerfs. I like the generous space on deck and the friendly crew, especially guides such as Aldo, who has been praised for keeping families comfortable. I also like that the $65 price includes lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and the main coastal sights.

The main catch is the party atmosphere. Music may be loud, and beer and other drinks are served from the morning, so this is not the best choice if you want a quiet sailing day. The waterfall stop can also feel brief, while the snorkeling depends heavily on tide, current, and sea conditions.

Key points to know before you book

• Ile aux Cerfs gets about two hours: You have time for a beach walk and a swim, but not a full island day.
• The catamaran has plenty of room: There is space to sit, eat, sunbathe, and move around without feeling tightly packed.
• Lunch is a proper BBQ: Expect fish, chicken skewers, salads, garlic bread, pasta, rice, and fresh pineapple.
• The mood leans social: Music, drinks, and a cheerful crew make this more lively than a quiet nature cruise.
• Snorkeling is included but not guaranteed to be spectacular: Strong current can affect visibility and comfort.
• You must reach Trou d’Eau Douce yourself: Hotel pickup is not included, and the meeting point is beside the Mauritius flag at the jetty.

Why this east coast cruise is good value at $65

At $65 per person, this cruise gives you a lot for one day on the water. The price covers the catamaran, crew, snorkeling equipment, lunch, drinks, Ile aux Cerfs, and Grand River South East. You are paying for a full coastal outing rather than a short boat transfer to the island.

That matters because Ile aux Cerfs can become expensive once you arrive. Extra activities such as parasailing are not included, and one account found the parasailing stop pricier and shorter than expected. Bring extra cash only if you want optional water sports or purchases on the island.

The value is strongest if you want variety. In roughly six hours, you get open-water sailing, a waterfall visit, a swim, snorkeling, a cooked meal, and beach time. If your main goal is a long, quiet afternoon on Ile aux Cerfs, booking a direct transfer or island-focused excursion may suit you better.

The day is also easy to understand. You meet at the Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs departure point in Trou d’Eau Douce, then return to the same jetty. Since hotel transport is not included, plan your taxi or other transport carefully. One difficult arrival involving a missing taxi was eventually handled well by the boat company, but it is still wiser to leave plenty of time.

Setting out from Trou d’Eau Douce

Trou d’Eau Douce sits on Mauritius’ east coast and is the launch point for this lagoon cruise. At the jetty, look for the Mauritius flag and the Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs meeting point.

Once aboard, you can settle on the deck as the catamaran moves across clear coastal water. The open layout is one of the best parts of the experience. You can sit in the sun, find a shaded place, or watch the shoreline pass while the crew prepares the day.

This is not a small, silent sailing boat. The mood is friendly and social, with music and drinks helping set the tone. Several people enjoyed the balance between a party boat and a relaxing cruise, but one honest warning is worth taking seriously: the music can be loud, and alcohol is available early. If you want a calm morning with only the sound of the sea, this may feel too lively.

The crew earns much of the praise. Hospitality is a major strength, and the staff are described as attentive, helpful, and well organized. Guide Aldo has been singled out for checking that everyone was comfortable and enjoying the day. That kind of attention matters on a shared boat, particularly for families and first-time snorkelers.

Sailing past Ile aux Cerfs

The first major sight is Ile aux Cerfs, which you pass by before continuing toward Grand River South East. The approach gives you broad views of the island and its pale beaches, framed by clear lagoon water.

This part is less about a formal stop and more about settling into the rhythm of the boat. You have roughly an hour of scenic sailing in the schedule. Use it to take photographs, stretch out on deck, and enjoy the scenery before the busier parts of the day begin.

The catamaran is a good match for this stretch. It moves at an easy pace, giving you more time to enjoy the water than a fast motorboat would. A speedboat can cover ground quickly, but the catamaran makes the journey itself part of the experience.

If you are prone to seasickness, choose a stable spot and keep your eyes on the horizon. The information provided does not specify the boat size or seating arrangement beyond describing a broad, well-appointed catamaran, so the most useful approach is to arrive ready to move around and find the place that feels best for you.

Grand River South East and the waterfall stop

Grand River South East, often shortened to GRSE, is reached by boat for a photo stop and a pass by the falls. The route may offer a chance to spot monkeys near the waterfall, which adds a bit of wildlife interest to the outing.

The waterfall is attractive, but keep expectations realistic. The stop is scheduled for about 20 minutes, and the boat does not linger for a long walk or extended viewing. Some people find this part too short, especially when several boats gather in the same area.

That crowding is the main weakness of the stop. GRSE waterfalls are a standard part of east coast boat tours, so you should expect other catamarans nearby. I would treat the falls as a scenic pause, not the main reason to book this trip.

Have your camera ready before the boat arrives. With only a short time in the area, you will get more from the stop if you focus on the view rather than waiting for a perfect position. If monkeys appear, enjoy the sight from the boat and follow the crew’s instructions.

Snorkeling in the Mauritius lagoon

After the waterfall, the catamaran heads to a snorkeling location. Equipment is included, and you get about 40 minutes for swimming and seeing marine life.

The water is described as clear and warm enough for swimming even during the Mauritius winter season. The snorkeling can be rewarding, with fish and sea life visible in the water. Still, this is not a specialist reef trip, and conditions are not fully within the crew’s control.

Strong current has affected the snorkeling for some people. One stop was considered less protected than ideal, while another was praised for having plenty of sea life but not the most colorful fish around Ile aux Cerfs. Coral damage is also part of the wider picture, so do not arrive expecting a perfect aquarium.

For you, the best way to judge this stop is to see it as a pleasant swim with a chance to spot fish, not a guaranteed underwater highlight. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes, bring a towel, and apply sunscreen before boarding. If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the crew and stay within the area they recommend.

The snorkeling equipment is included, which saves you from packing your own mask and fins. You still may prefer personal equipment if you care about fit, but the supplied gear makes the stop simple for most people.

BBQ lunch, drinks, and the social side of the boat

Lunch is served aboard the catamaran, usually while the boat continues toward Ile aux Cerfs. The menu includes fish, chicken skewers, salads, garlic bread, pasta, rice, and fresh pineapple. Vegetarian and gluten-free meals are available on request, so make that request ahead of time rather than waiting until lunchtime.

The food receives some of the strongest praise. Fish is a favorite, portions are described as plentiful, and the meal gives you a proper break from swimming and sun. It is a casual BBQ, not a restaurant meal, but that fits the setting well.

Drinks are included, with water, soft drinks, beer, and wine available. This helps explain the cheerful atmosphere and strengthens the value of the package. A later samosa has also been mentioned as a welcome extra on one outing, though you should not rely on it as part of the fixed menu.

There is enough room to sit and eat comfortably, which is important on a cruise built around a shared lunch. One of the better details here is that the boat does not seem designed only for standing at the rail or squeezing onto a tiny bench. You can make the meal a relaxed part of the day.

The trade-off is clear. Drinks and music are part of the appeal for social groups, couples, and friends who want to meet people. They may be less appealing if you are traveling with young children who need a quiet break, or if you simply want a peaceful sail.

Two hours on Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the main event for many people. The island is known for pale beaches, clear water, and easy beach time, and the cruise allows roughly two hours to explore and relax.

You can stroll along the sand, swim, find a place to sit, or simply enjoy being away from the boat. One useful tip is to walk farther along the beach rather than stopping at the first attractive spot. Small coves and quieter stretches may appear farther down the shore.

Time management matters. The advertised schedule gives you two hours, but the stop can feel closer to an hour and a half once landing, gathering, and reboarding are taken into account. That is enough for a swim and a short walk, but not enough for every activity on offer.

The island can also be more expensive than expected. Extra water sports are separate from the $65 cruise price, so bring cash if you are considering parasailing or another paid activity. The parasailing location used by the boat has been criticized as more expensive and shorter than the option on Ile aux Cerfs itself, so compare before paying.

I like that the island visit comes after lunch and snorkeling. You can spend the final shore stop doing very little, which is exactly what many people want after an active morning. If beach time is your priority, sit where you can keep an eye on the departure time and avoid using the whole stop on a paid activity.

The ride back to Trou d’Eau Douce

The return trip gives you about an hour back to the jetty. This is often when the cruise becomes most relaxed. You can dry off, listen to music, have another drink, and watch the lagoon change in the afternoon light.

The crew may raise the sails on the way back, adding a traditional sailing touch to an otherwise motor-assisted day. Do not expect a silent sailing lesson, though. The return remains social and music-led rather than technical or educational.

By the time you arrive at Trou d’Eau Douce, you have had a full sequence of experiences without needing to arrange several separate excursions. That is the strongest argument for this trip: it lets you sample the east coast in one straightforward outing.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to you if you want a sociable day with scenery, swimming, food, and beach time. It works especially well for couples, families who enjoy an active schedule, and friends looking for music and drinks alongside the sightseeing.

You will likely be happy if you value:

• A spacious catamaran rather than a fast boat
• A friendly and attentive crew
• Lunch and drinks included in the price
• A mix of water activities and time on land
• A relaxed beach stop at Ile aux Cerfs
• The convenience of seeing several east coast sights in one day

I would hesitate if you want a quiet cruise, serious reef snorkeling, or a long uninterrupted visit to Ile aux Cerfs. Pregnant people and those with mobility impairments should not book this activity according to the stated restrictions.

Bring swimwear, a towel, and strong sunscreen. Ask ahead for vegetarian or gluten-free food. English and French are offered, and the crew is licensed and professional.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want good value and a cheerful day on the water. For $65, the combination of catamaran sailing, drinks, BBQ lunch, snorkeling equipment, GRSE waterfalls, and Ile aux Cerfs is hard to dismiss.

Go in with the right expectations. The waterfall stop is short, snorkeling conditions vary, Ile aux Cerfs time may feel limited, and the music can be loud. If those trade-offs sound fine, this is a well-priced way to see Mauritius’ east coast and spend a day in the sun.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran cruise last?

The activity lasts six hours, including sailing, the waterfall visit, snorkeling, lunch, time on Ile aux Cerfs, and the return to Trou d’Eau Douce.

Where does the cruise start?

It starts at Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs in Trou d’Eau Douce. The meeting point is at the jetty next to the Mauritius flag.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What food is served for lunch?

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

Are vegetarian or gluten-free meals available?

Yes. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available on request.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks are included. The available selection includes water, soft drinks, beer, and wine.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the cruise price.

What languages does the crew speak?

The tour is offered in English and French.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.