Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch

Ile aux Cerfs is the headline, but the sailing day is the real experience. You leave Pointe Jerome near Mahebourg and move through Mauritius’s largest turquoise lagoon, with the wild east coast and open water around you. Along the way, there is time to swim and snorkel, a stop at Grande Riviere Sud Est waterfall, and a generous BBQ served by the crew.

I especially like the all-day drinks, including beer, soft drinks, water, and rum cocktails, and the food sounds more substantial than the usual boat lunch. Smoked marlin mousse, grilled fish, chicken, sausages, salads, bread, fruit, and coffee make this a proper meal. I also like the easy pace: no packed sightseeing schedule, just water, lunch, and a famous island stop.

The main caution is weather. Wind, clouds, and cool conditions can turn a warm-water outing into a chilly day, and snorkeling may become unpleasant or impossible. This is also not the right choice if you are pregnant, and water sports or parasailing at Ile aux Cerfs cost extra.

Key points to know before you book

• Pointe Jerome departure: You sail from the Mahebourg area, close to Blue Bay Marine Park and the historic village of Mahebourg.
• A full lagoon day: Plan on roughly 7 to 8 hours, not a quick boat ride.
• Swimming and snorkeling included: These activities take place before the waterfall and island visits, weather permitting.
• A real BBQ lunch: The menu includes smoked marlin mousse, grilled fish, chicken, sausages, salads, fruit, bread, and coffee.
• Drinks are part of the day: Water, soft drinks, beer, and rum cocktails are available on board.
• Hotel pickup is optional: Choose the transfer option if you want collection from your hotel in Mauritius.

Setting off from Pointe Jerome near Mahebourg

Your day begins at Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point, near Mahebourg in southeastern Mauritius. This is a useful departure area if you are staying near the island’s southeast coast or near Blue Bay. The nearby Blue Bay Marine Park is protected under the International Ramsar Convention, which gives this part of Mauritius added environmental importance.

If you are staying elsewhere, hotel pickup can be added when you book. The pickup time depends on your hotel location and is confirmed the day before. Pay attention to the option you select: hotel collection is not automatic with every booking.

Once aboard, the catamaran takes you along the historic wild east coast. You are not simply being ferried from one beach to another. The boat ride gives you a broad view of the lagoon, shoreline, and open water, with plenty of time to settle into the day.

The catamaran offers a calmer way to see the coast than a fast motorboat. You can sit, talk, take in the scenery, and let the crew handle the route. Still, remember that this is a full day at sea. If you prefer short activities with constant movement, the relaxed format may feel slow. If you want a break from road traffic and hotel pools, it works well.

Swimming and snorkeling before Ile aux Cerfs

The first active part of the day is time for swimming and snorkeling. This gives you a chance to get into the water before lunch and before the main island stop. Bring a towel and sunscreen, and keep valuables at home or secured elsewhere, since the instructions specifically advise against bringing them.

The quality of this part depends heavily on the weather. In clear, calm conditions, the lagoon setting is the reason to book the trip. You can enjoy warm water, open views, and a refreshing break from the boat. In rougher conditions, the crew may still take you out, but swimming and snorkeling can lose much of their appeal.

One June outing was affected by heavy wind, thick cloud, and cold conditions. The day became uncomfortable, and snorkeling was not possible. That is a useful warning, not a minor footnote. Mauritius is famous for warm weather, but a boat trip is exposed to wind and rain in a way that a land tour is not.

Pack sunscreen even if the morning begins cloudy. Pack a towel, too. A light cover-up may also be useful, though the listed essentials are a towel and sunscreen. The supplied information does not promise snorkeling equipment, so check the current booking details if having gear provided matters to you.

Grande Riviere Sud Est waterfall and the old coast

The cruise includes a visit to Grande Riviere Sud Est waterfall, set in a natural riverside setting. This is a change of pace from the open lagoon. Instead of looking out across broad water, you get a closer view of the river and surrounding greenery.

The waterfall stop also carries a piece of Mauritius’s past. Eighteenth-century ramparts remain in the area, connected to the corsair activity and naval clashes that shaped this coast. In 1810, the Battle of Vieux Grand Port between French and English forces took place here.

You should not expect a long history lesson or a large museum visit. The value is in seeing a scenic place that also helps explain why the southeastern coast matters. It adds context to what could otherwise be just a beach-and-lunch cruise.

The stop is also a reminder that this excursion is not limited to Ile aux Cerfs. If you only want to reach the island as fast as possible, a direct boat transfer may suit you better. Here, the slower route is part of the day’s appeal.

Ile aux Cerfs, the main beach stop

Ile aux Cerfs is the destination most people have in mind when they book. The island sits within the lagoon and is known for pale sand, bright water, and a classic tropical-island setting. The catamaran gives you time to enjoy the island after the earlier water activities and waterfall visit.

The exact balance of time between stops is not specified, so you should expect the day to follow the crew’s operating schedule rather than your own. The total outing lasts about eight hours, which leaves room for several stages but does not mean unlimited time on the beach.

Water sports and parasailing at Ile aux Cerfs are not included. If you want those activities, budget separately and check availability on the day. The included experience is the cruise, swimming and snorkeling opportunities, the waterfall stop, lunch, and the drinks served aboard.

This distinction matters when comparing prices. At $111 per person, you are paying for much more than access to the island. The package combines transport by catamaran, a guided day on the water, a substantial meal, and drinks. If you would use all of those elements, the price is easier to justify. If you mainly want two hours on Ile aux Cerfs, it may be more than you need.

What comes off the grill at lunch

Lunch is prepared and served on board by the crew. The menu includes smoked marlin mousse, grilled fish, chicken, sausages, rice and potato salads, crudités, freshly baked bread, fresh fruit, and coffee.

That is a strong spread for a boat excursion. The smoked marlin mousse is a distinctly Mauritian touch and gives you something beyond standard grilled meat. Fish, chicken, and sausages offer several main-course choices, while salads, bread, and fruit make the meal feel complete.

The meal is a buffet, so you can choose what suits you. However, the information does not specify vegetarian, vegan, allergy-friendly, or halal arrangements. If you have dietary needs, ask the provider before booking rather than assuming the buffet can be adjusted.

Drinks are one of the better inclusions. Water, soft drinks, beer, and rum cocktails are available throughout the day, and a popular mixed drink is referred to as jungle juice. Mauritian coffee is also served. I would still pace yourself with alcohol, especially under strong sun and after swimming. Water matters more than the rum cocktail, even on a holiday.

The crew’s service is a key part of the meal. The experience provider is Turquoise Voyages / Samtours, and the available feedback repeatedly praises the friendly, attentive crew. One German-language comment describes a team that was very considerate and quick to respond to requests. That fits the format: on a small boat, a helpful crew can make the difference between a pleasant day and a disorganized one.

The crew and the pace of the day

The tour includes live guiding in English and French. No individual guide names are provided, so you should not book expecting a particular host. The crew handles the sailing, food service, and the day’s stops.

The best reports focus on the crew’s warmth and practical care. A honeymoon couple described the outing as a fitting end to a two-week holiday and singled out the crew as fantastic. Another outing included a memorable monkey sighting, showing that the day can bring small surprises beyond the planned stops.

The pace is designed for relaxation rather than intense sightseeing. You will spend substantial time on the catamaran, with stretches for swimming, the waterfall visit, Ile aux Cerfs, and lunch. That makes it a good choice for couples, families, and anyone who wants a simple day at sea without organizing several separate activities.

It is less suitable if you dislike boats, need a tightly controlled schedule, or want a high-energy water-sports day. The catamaran is the main venue, not just the transport between attractions.

Is $111 good value?

At $111 per person, this sits above a basic boat transfer but includes a full-day program. Your price covers the catamaran cruise, lunch, and, if selected, hotel pickup and drop-off. The drinks also add value because you are not paying separately for every bottle of water or soft drink during the day.

I see the strongest value in the combination of time and inclusions. You get roughly eight hours, several stops, a cooked buffet, and drinks. Booking separate transport to Pointe Jerome, a cruise, lunch, and drinks could easily become less convenient, even if the total price were similar.

The value is weaker if bad weather affects the central activities. You may still receive the cruise and meal, but wind and cloud can spoil snorkeling and make the deck uncomfortable. The operator’s cancellation terms allow you to cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, which gives you some flexibility when checking the forecast. You can also reserve now and pay later.

Hotel pickup is another value question. If you are staying far from Pointe Jerome, the transfer option saves planning and local transport. If you are near Mahebourg or can reach the departure point easily, you may prefer to meet at the embarkation point.

Who should choose this catamaran cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want a single, easy day that combines sea time, food, swimming, and scenery. It suits couples celebrating a special trip, families who enjoy the water, and visitors who want to see Ile aux Cerfs without arranging every detail themselves.

It is also a good fit for people who like a social boat atmosphere and do not mind spending much of the day aboard. The crew’s English and French service makes the outing accessible to many international visitors.

Think twice if you are highly sensitive to cold, wind, or motion. The deck is exposed, and poor weather can affect both comfort and snorkeling. Pregnant women should not book this activity, and anyone with mobility concerns should confirm the current access arrangements even though the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Bring a towel and sunscreen. Do not bring valuables. If parasailing or other water sports are important to you, treat them as optional extras rather than part of the package.

Practical booking advice before you go

Choose the transfer-inclusive option if you want hotel pickup. Enter your hotel name accurately, then wait for the confirmed collection time, which is provided the day before.

Check the weather before your cancellation deadline. The cruise can still operate under gray or windy skies, but the experience changes sharply when you cannot snorkel or stay comfortable on deck.

Keep your booking flexible if your schedule allows. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying at once, and cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.

Finally, think about what you value most. The best reason to book is not simply the name Ile aux Cerfs. It is the full package: a scenic lagoon cruise, a river waterfall, a substantial BBQ, drinks, and a crew that appears to take service seriously.

Should you book it?

Book this catamaran cruise if you want an uncomplicated full-day outing with a good meal and plenty of time on the water. The food, drinks, crew service, and mix of lagoon, waterfall, and island stops make the $111 price reasonable for many visitors.

I would avoid booking it on a day when the forecast points to strong wind and heavy cloud if you have flexibility. The sunny version of this trip can be a holiday highlight. The wet, chilly version may leave you wishing the boat had stayed at the dock.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart from?

The meeting point is Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point in Mauritius, near Mahebourg and the Blue Bay Marine Park area.

How long does the excursion last?

The cruise lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours, with the tour information describing it as about 8 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available only if you choose the transfer option when booking.

When is the hotel pickup time confirmed?

The collection time is confirmed with you the day before the tour and depends on where you are staying in Mauritius.

What languages are spoken on the tour?

Live guiding is available in English and French.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The BBQ buffet lunch is included and is prepared and served on board.

What food is served at lunch?

The buffet includes smoked marlin mousse, grilled fish, chicken, sausages, rice and potato salads, crudités, freshly baked bread, fresh fruit, and coffee.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Water, soft drinks, beer, and rum cocktails are available during the day.

Are water sports and parasailing included?

No. Water sports and parasailing at Ile aux Cerfs are not included in the price.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel and sunscreen. The tour information advises you not to bring valuables.

Is the activity wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Can pregnant women take this tour?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for pregnant women.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, according to the tour conditions.

Can I reserve now and pay later?

Yes. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you book without paying immediately.