Ile Aux Cerfs Catamaran Cruise & Waterfalls- Lunch & Drinks

Clear water, warm food, and a full day at sea. This cruise links the Grand River South East waterfalls with Ile aux Cerfs, adding snorkeling, a barbecue lunch, and unlimited drinks for $70 per person. I like the mix of nature and easygoing beach time, and I especially like that vegetarian and vegan food is available. The main caution is crowd size: the trip is advertised for 15 people, but some departures have carried as many as 25.

The crew gets strong praise for being friendly, attentive, and willing to make the day fun with Mauritian music, jokes, and local stories. I also like the open drinks policy, which includes beer, wine, rum, soft drinks, juice, and water. If you want quiet time on the water, though, the mood can turn lively, with loud music and plenty of drinking on some sailings.

Key things to know before you book

• The day begins at Trou D’eau Douce: Board from 8:30 a.m. on Mauritius’s east coast, with sailing planned for 9 a.m.
• The waterfall visit uses a speedboat: From the river entrance, a short boat ride takes you about 500 meters upstream to Grand River South East Falls.
• Lunch is a proper barbecue: Expect fish, chicken, hotdogs, salads, saffron rice, and plant-based choices.
• Snorkeling is built into the route: You get a lagoon stop for swimming, coral viewing, and tropical fish.
• Ile aux Cerfs is the relaxed finale: Use the white beaches and clear water for swimming and a walk, or pay separately for activities such as parasailing.
• Group size needs checking: The advertised small group is limited to 15, but larger groups have been reported.

A nine-hour day from Trou D’eau Douce

This is a full-day outing, not a quick boat ride. The planned schedule runs from about 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., giving you time for a waterfall stop, snorkeling, lunch, Ile aux Cerfs, and the return sail.

You meet at the docking station at 8:30 a.m. and board the catamaran. The listed sailing time is 9 a.m., although departures have sometimes left later. If you have an evening dinner reservation or airport connection, leave plenty of extra time after the stated 4 p.m. finish.

The starting point, Trou D’eau Douce, sits on the east coast of Mauritius. From here, the catamaran heads toward the Grand River South East area before continuing through the lagoon to Ile aux Cerfs. The route makes sense geographically, since the river and island are both major attractions on this side of Mauritius.

The catamaran is large enough for a social day, with space for eating, sitting, and enjoying the music. Still, space becomes a real issue if the boat is filled beyond the stated limit. I would confirm the expected passenger count before booking if room to move matters to you.

Grand River South East Falls by speedboat

The first major stop is Grand River South East Falls. You do not simply view the waterfall from the catamaran. After reaching the river, you transfer to a speedboat for the short trip upstream, roughly 500 meters, to the falls.

That transfer adds a little excitement and lets you see the river banks from a closer angle. The route passes old trees where you might spot curious monkeys. Fruit bats may also be resting high in the branches. These sightings are not guaranteed, but they give the river section more character than a simple photo stop.

The waterfall itself is not a long hiking visit. It is mainly a boat-based viewing experience, so this part suits you if you want scenery without a strenuous walk. The speedboat ride also means you should be ready for a quick change between vessels and follow the crew’s instructions.

After the waterfall, you return to the catamaran. This is when the trip settles into its main rhythm: music, drinks, open water, and the slow approach to the lagoon.

Snorkeling in the clear lagoon

The catamaran stops in the lagoon for swimming and snorkeling. Here, you can look for coral reefs and tropical fish in clear water, with a life jacket available if you prefer extra support.

This is one of the most useful parts of the day because it breaks up the beach and boat time. You get a chance to cool off and see some of the marine life around Mauritius rather than viewing the coast only from above the water.

Set your expectations sensibly. The snorkeling stop is not presented as a specialist reef expedition, and one person felt it could have lasted about 15 minutes longer. Encounters with turtles and dolphins are possible but not promised. Marine life can be unpredictable, so enjoy the stop for the swim and reef views first.

Bring sunscreen and a camera, but protect the camera from splashes. If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, ask how long the stop is expected to last. If you mainly want a refreshing swim, the available time should fit comfortably into the wider day.

Barbecue lunch with drinks included

Lunch is served after the snorkeling stop, either on the beach or aboard the catamaran. The meal includes fresh barbecue fish, barbecue chicken, grilled hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice. Vegetarian and vegan food is also available, which is important to request clearly when arranging your booking or boarding.

Food is one of the strongest parts of this experience. The barbecue is more substantial than a tray of packaged snacks, and eating outdoors suits the relaxed style of the trip. Light breakfast snacks are also included earlier in the day, along with bottled water.

Drinks are available throughout the outing. The package includes beer, wine, local rum, soft drinks, juice, and water, with alcoholic and nonalcoholic options served without a separate charge. That can make the $70 price look much better, especially if you would otherwise buy lunch, several drinks, and boat transport separately.

There is one practical point to consider. Unlimited alcohol can shape the mood on board. Some departures have been calm and well managed, while others became party-focused from the start, with loud music and continuous drinking. If you want a quiet nature cruise, this may not be the right atmosphere. If you enjoy a social boat day, the music and open bar are part of the appeal.

Sailing toward Ile aux Cerfs

After lunch and snorkeling, the catamaran continues through the lagoon toward Ile aux Cerfs. The approach is a major visual moment, with palm trees, white sand, and clear turquoise water around the island.

Ile aux Cerfs is best understood as a beach and leisure stop rather than a remote wilderness visit. It is a popular place with facilities and optional activities, so you can make the stop as active or lazy as you like.

You can swim, walk along the beach, sit in the sun, or simply take in the island from the shore. This flexibility helps the tour work for mixed groups. One person can relax with a drink while another pays for an activity.

Optional activities include parasailing, tube riding, and an undersea walk. These are not included in the $70 price, so budget separately if you want to add one. The package gives you the island visit itself, not a full menu of paid water sports.

I would avoid trying to cram every activity into the stop. The day already includes a waterfall, a boat ride, snorkeling, lunch, and sailing. Ile aux Cerfs works best when you leave time to swim, stroll, and enjoy the beach without watching the clock every minute.

The crew makes a big difference

The crew is a major strength of the outing. They are described as friendly, helpful, and attentive, with a willingness to tell local stories, play Mauritian music, and keep the day moving.

Good crew service matters on a boat trip because several small transitions can otherwise feel confusing. You move from catamaran to speedboat, then back again, later stop for snorkeling, eat on board or at the beach, and continue to the island. A caring crew helps those changes feel easy.

The best days also include room for small surprises. On one sailing, the captain altered course briefly after dolphins, two rays, and a school of squid were spotted. That sort of response can turn a standard route into a memorable day, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

The crew cannot control every factor. If the boat is carrying more than the advertised 15 people, even an excellent team cannot create extra seating. The same is true of loud groups. Staff quality remains a reason to book, but it does not erase the need to check capacity and preferred atmosphere.

Is $70 good value?

At $70 per person, this is a strong package if you want several east-coast highlights in one day. The price covers the catamaran trip, waterfall visit, Ile aux Cerfs, light breakfast snacks, barbecue lunch, unlimited alcoholic and soft drinks, bottled water, and life jackets.

Buying those elements separately would be difficult, and the drinks alone can add up quickly. The price is especially appealing for people who want a social day with food already arranged rather than a quiet private charter.

Value drops if you dislike crowded boats, loud music, or paid add-on activities. The optional parasailing, tube riding, and undersea walk are extra, and the advertised small-group format may not hold on every departure.

Hotel or Airbnb pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle is not included. You need to arrange your own way to Trou D’eau Douce unless you add transportation separately. That matters if you are staying far from the east coast or do not have a rental car.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and lets you reserve while paying later. Those terms add flexibility, but the more important booking question is practical: ask about the expected group size and pickup options before committing.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to you if you want a busy but relaxed day that combines several classic Mauritius experiences. It suits couples, friends, and families who like swimming, scenery, barbecue food, and a sociable boat atmosphere.

It is also a good fit for mixed-interest groups. You can snorkel, swim, sit with a drink, explore the beach, or pay for a water activity. Nobody has to spend the entire day doing the same thing.

The trip may also work for wheelchair users because the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. Still, boat transfers and the speedboat visit involve practical movement, so ask the provider for exact details before booking if you need specific assistance.

I would hesitate if your priority is silence, a very small group, or a carefully controlled schedule. The late departure reports and larger-than-advertised groups are not minor points for someone with limited time or a strong preference for personal space.

What to bring and how to prepare

Bring sunscreen, a camera, and clothing suitable for swimming. You will be around bright water and open sky for much of the day, so sun protection matters even when the breeze makes the temperature feel comfortable.

You should also bring a way to keep valuables dry. The provided information does not specify storage arrangements, so it is wise to carry only what you need on the boat.

Wear something comfortable for a boat deck and beach walking. The trip includes a speedboat transfer, snorkeling, swimming, and time on sand, so a simple beach outfit is more useful than anything formal.

Languages offered are English, French, German, and Italian. A live guide is included, and the small-group format is intended to keep the outing more personal, though actual numbers should be confirmed.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want good food, open drinks, friendly service, snorkeling, and Ile aux Cerfs in one east-coast day. The combination offers solid value, and the crew’s care is a real advantage.

Before paying, confirm the group size and ask about the planned departure time. I would also decide honestly what mood you want. If Mauritian music, alcohol, and a lively boat sound like fun, this could be one of your best-value days in Mauritius. If you want peace and quiet, look for a smaller private or more tightly limited sailing instead.

FAQ

How long does the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise last?

The experience lasts about nine hours, with the main catamaran program planned from approximately 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where does the cruise depart from?

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

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes barbecue fish, barbecue chicken, grilled hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice. Vegetarian and vegan food is also available.

Are drinks included in the price?

Yes. Unlimited alcoholic and soft drinks are included, including beer, wine, local rum, juice, soft drinks, and water.

Are parasailing and other Ile aux Cerfs activities included?

No. Parasailing, tube riding, and the undersea walk are optional activities and are not included in the listed price.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel or Airbnb pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle is not included.