Catamaran Trip to Ile au Cerfs with Lunch and GRSE waterfall

Sun, sea, waterfalls, and lunch all fit here. This 6 to 7 hour Mauritius outing combines a visit to Grand River South East Waterfall with a sailing trip to Ile aux Cerfs, a snorkeling stop, a barbecue lunch, and drinks served onboard. I like the easy mix of activity and downtime, and I especially like that the price includes the meal, open bar, island visit, guide, and entertainment.

The main catch is that the schedule can feel uneven. One recent outing used a speedboat instead of the advertised catamaran, and one passenger found the ride too fast. The waterfall stop can also take longer than expected, so arrive on time and confirm the boat arrangement if the catamaran itself matters to you.

Key points to know before booking

• Grand River South East comes first: You visit the waterfall roughly 500 meters upstream, using a smaller boat transfer from the river area.
• Snorkeling is a proper part of the day: The catamaran stops for about 20 minutes in one recent account, giving you time to swim and look for tropical fish.
• Lunch is more than a light snack: The onboard barbecue can include chicken skewers, fish, chicken sausage, rice, pasta, salad, and potato salad.
• Drinks are included throughout the cruise: The open bar offers alcoholic and nonalcoholic options, including soft drinks, beer, and wine.
• Ile aux Cerfs is the relaxation stop: You get time for white sand, swimming, snorkeling, and optional water sports.
• Pickup costs extra: Hotel pickup and drop-off are optional, and you need to provide your accommodation location when booking.

Why this East Coast day works so well

Mauritius has plenty of beautiful beaches, but a boat outing gives you a different view of the island. From the water, you see the coast, lagoons, pale sand, and changing shades of blue without spending the day in a vehicle.

This tour is built for variety. You do not spend six hours doing only one thing. The day moves from river scenery to open water, then to snorkeling, lunch, and beach time. That makes it a good choice if you want a single organized outing that covers several classic East Coast sights.

I also like the social nature of the trip. Music plays onboard, the crew shares local tales and jokes, and drinks are available while you sail. This is not a silent nature cruise. It is a cheerful boat day, with enough structure to keep things moving and enough free time for you to relax.

The listed price is $69 per person. That is a fair package price when you count the waterfall visit, boat trip, snorkeling stop, barbecue meal, drinks, guide, entertainment, and Ile aux Cerfs access. It becomes less attractive if you do not drink, dislike organized group outings, or mainly want a quiet beach day. In that case, you may be paying for features you will barely use.

Meeting the boat at Trou D’Eau Douce

The trip begins at the meeting point, where a representative briefs you before boarding. The main departure area is Trou D’Eau Douce, on the East Coast.

The instructions are simple but important: arrive sharply on time. Missing the departure could mean missing the whole excursion. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and keep your towel, sunscreen, and camera close by rather than buried in a large bag.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are optional. If you choose it, provide your hotel or accommodation location when booking. The driver is expected to meet you at reception. One pickup from the Grand Baie area was handled by Yash from Mauritius Taxi, who contacted the passenger ahead of time and communicated the pickup schedule clearly.

That kind of advance communication matters in Mauritius, where a long transfer can affect your day. It is worth confirming the pickup time and asking where the vehicle will meet you. If you arrange your own transport, allow enough time to reach the dock before boarding.

Grand River South East Waterfall by smaller boat

The first sightseeing stop is Grand River South East Waterfall. The falls are about 500 meters upstream from the river entrance, so you do not simply view them from the main boat. You travel into the river area, generally by a smaller speedboat, for a closer look.

This gives the waterfall stop a different feel from the rest of the outing. The catamaran is broad and open, while the smaller boat can take you farther upriver. The river setting also brings a change of pace before the open-water sailing begins.

You may see monkeys around the waterfall area. The stop is not designed as a long hike or a major inland excursion. It is a short boat visit to a scenic river feature, so set your expectations accordingly.

Timing can vary. One account described about 10 to 15 minutes on the speedboat to reach the falls, while another found that roughly two hours were available for eating before moving on to the waterfall. That may reflect a different order or operating plan, but it points to a useful practical issue: the schedule is not always as tightly paced as the headline itinerary suggests.

If you prefer a busy day with constant movement, extra time around the river and meal may feel slow. If you like a relaxed pace, it gives you room to eat without rushing.

Sailing into the lagoon and snorkeling

After the waterfall visit, the boat heads into the lagoon. This is the scenic heart of the trip. The water is clear, the coast opens around you, and the catamaran gives you space to sit in the sun or enjoy the shade.

The snorkeling stop is intended as a short break rather than a full marine excursion. One recent description gave about 20 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. That is enough to get into the water, look for tropical fish, and cool off, but it is not a long session for serious snorkelers.

The trip information refers to coral reefs and tropical fish, and one outing also had dolphins in the area. Dolphins are never guaranteed, so treat that as a lucky possibility rather than part of the promised program.

Bring your own towel and sunscreen. You should also pack a camera, but protect it from spray and keep a firm grip when moving around the boat. Comfortable clothing is more useful than anything formal. You will want to go from deck to water to beach without fuss.

The sea conditions affect this section. In good weather, the lagoon can be the best part of the morning. In rain or strong wind, the water may be less inviting. The excursion can be canceled and rescheduled, or refunded, in extreme bad weather.

Barbecue lunch with drinks onboard

Lunch is served on the catamaran after the snorkeling stop. The meal is described as a barbecue, with recent food details including chicken skewers, fish, chicken sausage, rice, pasta, salad, and potato salad.

That is a substantial meal for a boat day. You are not expected to leave the water and search for a restaurant on Ile aux Cerfs. Eating onboard also keeps the day moving and lets you enjoy the views while you have lunch.

A vegetarian option is available, but you need to request it at booking. You should also report food allergies or illness in advance. Do not assume the crew can adjust the meal at the last minute.

Drinks are available throughout the trip. Options include alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, with soft drinks, beer, and wine specifically noted. This is useful because a hot day on the water calls for regular hydration, even if you choose not to drink alcohol.

The open bar is part of the value, but it also helps define the mood. This is a festive cruise, not a hushed sailing experience. Music and entertainment continue onboard, and the crew may share local stories and jokes during the return journey.

Ile aux Cerfs: beach time after lunch

Ile aux Cerfs is the main destination and the place where the day opens up. The island is known for white sand beaches, clear lagoon water, and space to relax in the sun.

You can stroll along the beach, swim, snorkel, or simply sit with the view. A range of water sports is also available on the island, though the supplied tour details do not specify which activities are included in the $69 price. If you want to try something beyond swimming or snorkeling, ask about the extra cost before signing up.

The island works best as a flexible stop. You do not need to fill every minute. After the boat ride, waterfall visit, and lunch, many people will appreciate having time to slow down.

Still, Ile aux Cerfs is a popular destination, so do not expect a private beach. The appeal is the setting and the easy access, not solitude. If you want a remote island experience, this may feel too organized. If you want a postcard beach without arranging separate transport, it is a practical choice.

The island’s location also makes the boat ride worthwhile. You get the pleasure of arriving by water rather than treating it as just another beach reached by road.

The return sail to Trou D’Eau Douce

After the island visit, the boat returns to Trou D’Eau Douce. The return is a chance to sit back, enjoy the coast, and listen to the music onboard.

The crew’s entertainment is part of the final stretch. Local tales, jokes, and Mauritian music help keep the return lively. You can expect a sociable atmosphere, especially if the group is in the mood to sing, chat, or enjoy a drink.

Boat type is worth clarifying before you go. The experience is presented around a 45-foot catamaran, but one recent outing used a speedboat to transfer passengers onto the catamaran, and another person said the speedboat replaced the catamaran for the trip. That does not necessarily mean every departure works this way, but it is a real consideration if you are choosing this specifically for a catamaran ride.

If you are sensitive to speed or rough movement, ask the operator what boat will be used and how much time you will spend on any speedboat transfer. The catamaran should offer a steadier, more spacious ride, while a speedboat is faster and more exposed to jolts.

What the $69 price really covers

At $69 per person, this is a good-value package for a full East Coast day. The price includes:

• Visit to Grand River South East Waterfall
• Catamaran cruise, subject to operational changes
• Snorkeling and swimming stop
• Barbecue lunch
• Alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks
• Guide services
• Visit to Ile aux Cerfs
• Music and onboard entertainment

Hotel pickup and drop-off are optional rather than included in the base price. Extra water sports on Ile aux Cerfs may also cost more, since they are described as available but not listed as part of the package.

The strongest value comes from convenience. You do not need to arrange a separate river trip, boat cruise, beach transfer, lunch, and drinks. You get a complete day plan in one booking.

The weakest value appears for people who want maximum control. You cannot set your own time at the waterfall or island, and the boat substitution issue means the exact transport may not always match your expectation. The rating of 4.1 from 25 reviews suggests a generally positive experience with some room for inconsistency.

Who should book this trip?

I would recommend this tour to you if you want an easy, social day on the water and enjoy variety. It suits couples, families, and groups who like swimming, a beach stop, a casual barbecue, and drinks without arranging each part separately.

It is also a good fit if you are staying in Mauritius for a short visit and want to cover several East Coast highlights in one day. The waterfall, lagoon, snorkeling stop, and island visit give you a broad taste of the region.

You may want to choose another option if you need a quiet, private cruise or a guaranteed catamaran-only experience. Serious snorkelers may also find the approximately 20-minute water stop too brief. And if a fast boat makes you uncomfortable, confirm the transport plan before paying.

The weather matters. One outing remained enjoyable despite cloudy, rainy conditions, but sunshine will make the beach and water sections more rewarding. Bring sun protection even if the morning starts cloudy.

Final verdict: a strong all-round boat day

I would book this trip for the combination of scenery, food, swimming, and simple logistics. The best parts are the clear lagoon, the relaxing Ile aux Cerfs stop, the generous barbecue lunch, and drinks served onboard.

I would book with two questions in mind: Is the catamaran guaranteed for the full cruise, and how is the day timed between lunch and the waterfall? If the answers suit you, $69 is a sensible price for a full package.

Choose it for an upbeat East Coast outing, not for solitude or a tightly controlled schedule. Pack a towel, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and patience for the occasional timetable change. That is the right formula for enjoying the day.

FAQ

How long does the Ile aux Cerfs boat trip last?

The experience lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the Grand River South East Waterfall visit, barbecue lunch, alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks onboard, guide services, the Ile aux Cerfs visit, music, and entertainment.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are optional. If you request pickup, provide your hotel or accommodation location when booking. The driver is expected to meet you at reception.

Where does the trip meet?

The meeting point is in the Trou D’Eau Douce area. A representative will brief you before you board the boat.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. The boat stops for snorkeling and swimming in the lagoon, where you can look for coral reefs and tropical fish.

Is a vegetarian lunch 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 clothing.

Can the trip be canceled because of weather?

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