Full-Day Catamaran Cruise to Île aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch

The best part of this day is the combination of easygoing sailing and time in the water. You cruise from Pointe Jerome across the lagoon, stop to swim and snorkel, eat lunch aboard, then reach Île aux Cerfs by the front ladder of the catamaran. It feels more like a full day at sea than a rushed island transfer.

I like the generous food and drink package, especially for the price. BBQ lunch, pineapple, coffee, tea, local beer, wine, Mauritian rum, and soft drinks are included. I also like the friendly, hands-on crew, with Rudi, Rowan, Scott, and Miguel all singled out for helpful service. The main drawback is that Île aux Cerfs can feel crowded and basic at the drop-off beach, while snorkeling conditions and fish life can vary.

Key points to know

• Seven hours on the water: Start at 9 a.m. and return to Pointe Jerome after sailing, snorkeling, lunch, and island time.
• Drinks are included: Beer, wine, rum, sodas, coffee, and tea are served during the day.
• Snorkeling comes before the island: Equipment is supplied, and the stop gives you a chance to swim in the lagoon.
• Dolphins are possible, not guaranteed: The captain may adjust the route to look for them.
• Île aux Cerfs is a beach stop, not a quiet wilderness escape: Parasailing and other water activities are available separately.
• Bring your own transport plan: Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, but free parking is available at Pointe Jerome.

A Full Day From Pointe Jerome to Île aux Cerfs

This trip starts at the Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point near Pointe d’Esny, with departure scheduled for 9 a.m. The meeting point has free parking, which is useful if you have a rental car or are making your own way across Mauritius.

The location matters. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to arrange a taxi, rental car, or other transport. One person arrived early enough to watch the sunrise from the area, but do not count on an early arrival being part of the organized experience. The important thing is to reach the correct embarkation point with time to spare.

The catamaran carries a maximum of 31 people. That is not a private charter, but it is a smaller group than many large sightseeing boats. You get enough people for a sociable day without the feeling of being on a giant ferry.

The seven-hour schedule gives the outing a relaxed pace. You are not simply transported to Île aux Cerfs and left to find your own way around. The cruise itself is a major part of the day, with music, drinks, scenery, food, and stops along the route.

The Morning Cruise Across the Mauritian Lagoon

Once aboard, the boat heads out from Pointe Jerome and sails past the nature reserve. The early part of the cruise is a good time to settle in, take photographs, and find a comfortable place on the catamaran.

Coffee and tea are included, and one account also describes sweet bread being served early in the trip. Snacks and pineapple are part of the food service as well. This is useful if you tend to get hungry before lunch, though the precise timing of every snack is not specified.

The mood is informal. Mauritian sega music is played during the cruise, and the crew keeps the drinks moving. Local beer, wine, Mauritian rum, and soft drinks are included, so the day can quickly become a social one. If you want a quiet boat ride, bring that expectation down a notch. Music and conversation are part of the experience.

The scenery is the real reason to choose a catamaran instead of simply taking a boat transfer to the island. You see the lagoon from the water, with time to watch the coastline and the changing colors around the nature reserve. The ride is generally smooth, though conditions at sea can change, and the tour depends on good weather.

Snorkeling Before the Island Stop

The snorkeling stop comes before Île aux Cerfs. Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins unless you prefer using familiar gear.

This stop is well suited to casual swimmers. You can swim, snorkel, or stay aboard and sunbathe. The water is described as especially attractive by many people who enjoyed the trip, but you should keep expectations realistic. Marine conditions are natural, not controlled, and one account found little colorful fish life.

That makes this a pleasant lagoon swim rather than a dedicated reef expedition. If your main goal is serious snorkeling with a large variety of fish, this probably should not be your only water activity in Mauritius. If you want a short swim in a scenic setting during a broader day cruise, it fits well.

Keep your equipment organized and listen carefully when the crew explains the schedule. The island stop has a fixed return time, and the tide can affect where the catamaran waits. A clear understanding of when and where to return is important, particularly if you leave the boat for an activity.

Watching for Dolphins in Open Water

Dolphin spotting is included as a possibility, not a promise. The captain may look for dolphins during the cruise, and some departures have had good sightings. When it happens, it adds a memorable wildlife moment to the day.

You should treat this as a bonus. Dolphins are wild animals, and no responsible operator can guarantee that they will appear. Keep your camera ready, but do not judge the whole cruise by whether you see them.

The captain has been praised for making an effort to give people a chance to see dolphins. That is a useful distinction. The crew can search and adjust the route when conditions allow, but the animals decide whether the sighting happens.

BBQ Lunch, Pineapple, and an Open Bar

Lunch is one of the strongest parts of the package. The onboard meal is a BBQ buffet, followed by pineapple for dessert. The food is served while you are still enjoying the boat, which saves you from giving up more beach time to find a restaurant.

Food quality can vary from one departure to another, but the overall package is generous for $81.10 per person. Several people particularly enjoyed the lunch, and vegetarian food has been available. If you have a serious dietary restriction, the supplied information does not state how special diets are handled, so ask before booking.

The drinks add real value. Local beer, wine, Mauritian rum, and soft drinks are included, along with coffee and tea. You can have a soft drink and keep the day alcohol-free, or enjoy a beer or glass of wine while the catamaran moves through the lagoon.

This is also where the crew’s service makes a difference. Rudi, Rowan, Scott, and Miguel have been praised for helping with swimming, food, drinks, and general comfort. The crew has also assisted with small problems, such as retrieving a lost hat and helping recover a phone dropped into the water at the dock.

That said, unlimited alcohol can change the mood of a boat. Most people will find the music and social atmosphere fun, but this is not the right pick if you want a silent, private sail.

Two Hours on Île aux Cerfs

The main island stop lasts about two hours. The catamaran reaches the famous sandbank and drops you near the beach, with access by a ladder at the front of the boat.

You can spend the time on the sand, wade in knee-deep water, swim, or sit in the sun. For many people, this is the visual centerpiece of the trip. The shallow water makes it easy to enjoy the setting without planning a strenuous activity.

Parasailing and other water activities are available on the island, but they cost extra. Parasailing is a fun add-on if you want to see the lagoon from above, though it will use part of your limited island time. Since the standard tour includes only about two hours here, decide quickly if you want to add an activity.

The island is also the most important point to judge honestly. It is attractive, but it is not entirely secluded. The beach where the catamaran stops can feel crowded and basic. One useful tip is to walk toward the other side of the island, which can feel more pleasant than staying right beside the main drop-off area.

You also need to keep an eye on the return time. The crew gives instructions before you leave the boat, and the catamaran may need to depart because of tide conditions. Do not rely on a water-sports operator to tell you when the boat is leaving. Return directly to the catamaran at the stated time.

The Ride Back With Sega Music

After the island stop, you return to the catamaran and sail back to Pointe Jerome. The trip continues with music and included drinks, so the ride home remains part of the entertainment rather than a simple trip back to shore.

Mauritian sega music gives the return a local touch. You are not just sitting on a boat with a generic playlist. The music, food, and rum help create a distinctly Mauritian holiday atmosphere, though the tone remains casual and party-friendly.

The return is also a good time to slow down. After snorkeling, sun, swimming, and island activities, many people will simply want a seat, a drink, and a view. If you are prone to sunburn, keep applying sunscreen throughout the day. There is plenty of sun exposure, and the catamaran’s open areas offer little protection at certain times.

How the $81.10 Price Holds Up

At $81.10 per person, this is a strong-value day if you plan to use the inclusions. You receive approximately seven hours on the boat, snorkeling equipment, a BBQ buffet, snacks, pineapple, coffee, tea, and unlimited local drinks.

The price also covers more than a basic boat ride. You get the snorkeling stop, the chance to search for dolphins, time on Île aux Cerfs, music, and a crew that handles the practical details. A comparable day assembled separately could cost more once you add food, drinks, boat transport, and equipment.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a quiet beach day. The island stop is only about two hours, and the busiest part of the beach may not feel special enough to justify the price on its own. In that case, the cruise, lunch, and drinks are what make the outing worthwhile.

The tour is booked an average of 18 days ahead, so planning early is sensible if your Mauritius dates are fixed. The booking includes free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. Poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund, and the same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

Who Will Enjoy This Catamaran Day

I would suggest this cruise to couples, families, and friends who want a simple all-day outing with most costs handled upfront. It works particularly well for people who like mixing light activity with plenty of sitting, eating, swimming, and music.

It is a good match for you if you want:

• A social boat ride rather than a private charter
• A full meal and drinks included in the price
• A short snorkeling stop without bringing your own equipment
• A chance to see dolphins
• Beach time with optional parasailing
• A relaxed schedule with no need to plan lunch

Families should note that children must be accompanied by an adult. Most people can participate, but you should be comfortable boarding a catamaran and using a ladder to reach the beach area. Anyone with mobility concerns should ask the provider for current boarding details before booking, since the supplied information does not give specific accessibility guidance.

There is also one serious conduct complaint connected to a crew member named Pascal. The provider apologized and said it was investigating. Most available comments about the crew are positive, but this complaint is important to acknowledge if respectful staff conduct is a major concern for you.

Practical Advice Before You Go

Arrive at Pointe Jerome with time to spare and confirm that your driver knows the exact meeting point. A past pickup mistake caused one person to nearly miss the boat, and the agency arranged another boat after being contacted, but you should not rely on a last-minute rescue.

Pack swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, sunglasses, and a dry bag for your phone. You will be around water for most of the day, and the snorkeling equipment supplied does not protect your personal belongings.

Keep your valuables secure when you climb through the front ladder onto the beach. The catamaran is close to the sandbank, but your phone, sandals, and camera can still end up in the water.

Listen carefully to the return instructions at Île aux Cerfs. Write down the meeting time if needed, and return early rather than cutting it close. Tide conditions may require the boat to leave on schedule.

Should You Book It?

Book this catamaran cruise if you want a well-fed, social day on the water with snorkeling, drinks, music, and a taste of Île aux Cerfs. The price is fair because the BBQ, equipment, refreshments, and island visit are bundled together, and the cruise itself is often more enjoyable than the final beach stop.

Skip it if your priority is an empty beach, serious reef snorkeling, or a quiet private sail. Île aux Cerfs can be crowded, the snorkeling may be modest, and parasailing costs extra. For most couples and families, though, this is an easy way to fit several classic Mauritius experiences into one day without organizing every detail yourself.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

The meeting point is HPGF+496 Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point in Pointe d’Esny, Mauritius.

What time does the cruise start?

The scheduled start time is 9 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately seven hours and ends back at the Pointe Jerome meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must arrange your own transport.

Is parking available at the meeting point?

Yes. Free parking is available at the Pointe Jerome embarkation area for people arriving independently.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ buffet lunch is included, along with pineapple for dessert and snacks.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Local beer, wine, Mauritian rum, soft drinks, coffee, and tea are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available for use during the snorkeling stop.

Is dolphin watching guaranteed?

No. The crew looks for dolphins, but sightings depend on natural conditions and are not guaranteed.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded or accepted.