Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise to Ile Aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch

The best part of this six-hour catamaran cruise is the mix of river, sea, beach, food, and music in one easy outing. You begin at Trou d’Eau Douce, ride up to Grand River South East Waterfall, then head out for swimming and snorkeling before lunch and time on Ile aux Cerfs.

I like the generous food and drink service, and I like the crew-led atmosphere, which often includes Mauritian Sega music on the return. The main caution is that the snorkeling stop can be short and underwhelming, while the waterfall area may feel rushed when several boats arrive together.

Key points

• Waterfall by boat: Cruise upriver to Grand River South East Waterfall, also called Cascade Diamamouve, with a chance to spot monkeys in the trees.
• Three-course BBQ lunch: Eat onboard with vegetarian and non-vegetarian halal choices, plus soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum.
• Two kinds of water time: Swim and snorkel from the catamaran, then enjoy the lagoon and beach at Ile aux Cerfs.
• Strong crew service: Guides and crew members such as Yona and Cedric have been praised for friendly, attentive service.
• Useful transport option: Hotel pickup and drop-off can be selected, though self-drivers should plan carefully for limited parking at Trou d’Eau Douce.
• Good value at $64: The price covers the catamaran, lunch, drinks, waterfall visit, island stop, and optional transfers.

A Catamaran Day That Packs In Mauritius

At $64 per person, this trip is built for people who want a lot from one day without arranging separate taxis, boats, meals, and beach stops. In roughly six hours, you get a river excursion, a coastal cruise, a meal, drinks, snorkeling, swimming, and time on one of Mauritius’s best-known beach islands.

That convenience matters. You can simply get on the boat and let the crew manage the route, lunch, music, and water stops. The tradeoff is that the day follows a fixed schedule, so none of the stops gets unlimited time.

This is a social boat outing rather than a quiet private charter. Some departures feel relaxed and spacious, while others can be crowded. One toilet is available on board, so a busy boat can feel tight, especially if rain drives everyone under cover.

The crew is a major part of the experience. Names that come up in the feedback include Yona and Cedric, while driver Shafiq has been praised for being prompt and welcoming. You should expect a lively, friendly tone, with drinks served through the day and music helping keep the ride cheerful.

Starting at Trou d’Eau Douce

The meeting point is opposite Green Island Restaurant on the beach at Trou d’Eau Douce. If you choose the hotel transfer, pickup and drop-off are available from a range of districts, including Flacq, Moka, Black River, Grand Port, Savanne, Port Louis, and others.

If you drive yourself, arrive early. The small car park near the beach can fill up, and you may need to park farther away and walk to the departure area. Finding the right queue can also be confusing when several catamarans are loading at once.

That beach departure has a practical wrinkle. You may first board a smaller shuttle boat before reaching the catamaran. Anyone using a wheelchair needs to stand briefly for this transfer, with crew assistance. The activity is described as wheelchair accessible, but it is worth considering this step before booking.

The exact departure time depends on availability. Bring a towel, swimwear, a change of clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a camera. Comfortable shoes help at the beach and around the boarding area. You can bring snorkeling gear, though the trip information also lists snorkeling equipment among the things to bring, so confirm what is supplied when booking.

Grand River South East Waterfall by Boat

The first major stop takes you upriver to Grand River South East Waterfall, known locally as Cascade Diamamouve. The waterway narrows as the boat approaches the falls, creating a very different setting from the open sea later in the day.

You get a photo stop and a short sightseeing visit, planned for about 30 minutes. The riverbanks are wooded, and monkeys may be visible in the trees. Keep your camera ready, but do not count on a long, quiet look at the falls.

This is one of the trip’s most attractive ideas, yet timing can vary. Strong currents may prevent the boat from getting close, and on busy days several boats may be waiting in the same area. Some departures allow only a quick look and a few photographs before returning to the catamaran.

That is worth knowing if the waterfall is your chief reason for booking. It is a scenic addition to the cruise, not a long waterfall hike or an extended nature visit. Weather and river conditions can change the plan, and poor conditions may mean the stop is skipped.

The upside is that you see the falls from the water, with no long walk or difficult approach. If you enjoy short scenic stops and photography, it fits well. If you want time to explore the riverbank, this will feel too brief.

Snorkeling and Swimming Along the Coast

After the river visit, the catamaran heads out toward the coast for a swimming and snorkeling break. The water is generally clear enough for a pleasant swim, and several people have reported seeing fish, with one outing also noting turtles and sea snakes.

The setting is easy for families because the boat has stopped in a shallow area on at least some departures. A four-year-old was able to stand with help during one snorkeling stop. Still, this is open-water swimming, so young children need close supervision and anyone unsure in the water should stay near the boat.

The main weakness is the snorkeling itself. The stop may be short, and the chosen site is not always the best available area. Some visitors found the reef damaged or saw only a small number of fish. At times, bread was used to attract fish, which adds to the spectacle but is not the same as visiting a healthy reef.

I would treat snorkeling as a pleasant extra, not the centerpiece. If you are an experienced snorkeler hoping for a long session over colorful coral, this trip may disappoint. If you mainly want a refreshing swim in clear water, you will likely be satisfied.

Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have preferred equipment. A towel and dry clothes are especially useful after this stop, since lunch follows onboard and the catamaran ride can be breezy.

BBQ Lunch With Plenty to Drink

Lunch is one of the strongest parts of the outing. The crew serves a three-course BBQ meal on the catamaran, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices. All food is halal, which is useful for many visitors and removes one common concern when booking an all-day boat trip.

The menu can include grilled fish and other BBQ items, and one particularly popular choice is dorado when available. A lobster addition can be purchased on the day, though the extra cost has received mixed reactions. Some people considered it well worth trying, while others felt the price, reported as about 3,000 Mauritian rupees, was too high for the portion.

The standard meal is the safer value. At $64, the package already includes lunch and a broad drink selection: soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum. Drinks are served throughout the cruise, and the crew is often attentive about topping people up.

Food quality is not perfectly consistent. Most feedback describes the BBQ as tasty, fresh, and plentiful, but one assessment found it average. Expect a good boat lunch rather than a special restaurant meal, and you will set the right expectation.

The open-air setting adds to the enjoyment. You eat while the catamaran moves between stops, with views and music around you. If rain arrives, the dining area can feel crowded, since everyone tries to find shelter at once.

Ile aux Cerfs: Beautiful, Busy, and Easy to Enjoy

The final major stop is Ile aux Cerfs, where you have about two and a half hours to walk, swim, relax, and look around. The island is known for white sand, palm trees, and clear turquoise water. It is the classic beach portion of the trip, and the photos can make it look more polished than the experience feels on a busy day.

Your time here is mostly free. You can swim in the lagoon, sit on the sand, walk along the shoreline, or visit the local arts and crafts market for souvenirs. Optional water activities are not included, so budget separately if you want to add them.

This freedom is useful after the organized boat schedule. You can slow down, take photographs, and choose your own pace. It is also a good place for families, since not everyone has to snorkel or join an activity.

There are two things to keep in mind. First, the boat may not give a detailed explanation of where to go once you arrive, so pay attention to your meeting instructions and remember where you were dropped off. Second, the island can be crowded and some areas have had litter and poor toilet habits. The beach is attractive, but do not expect a deserted island.

The island stop is still a strong part of the day because it gives you time off the boat. If you have never visited Ile aux Cerfs, the combination of lagoon swimming and bright sand is memorable. If you are seeking a quiet beach with no commercial activity, you may find it too busy.

The Ride Back With Mauritian Sega

After Ile aux Cerfs, the catamaran returns to Trou d’Eau Douce. This is usually the most relaxed stretch of the trip, with music, drinks, and views from the water.

Mauritian Sega music gives the return a local touch. The crew may encourage singing and dancing, and birthdays are often made more festive by the team. This is not a formal cultural performance, but it does give you a taste of the island’s social energy rather than simply playing background music.

The atmosphere depends on the group. One departure may be calm and easygoing, while another becomes lively and crowded. I would choose this trip if you enjoy meeting people and sharing a boat, not if you want silent sailing.

The schedule is generally reasonably punctual, though transfer delays can happen. One hotel pickup arrived more than an hour late after a puncture, creating a stressful rush to the boat. If you select pickup, keep some margin before departure and contact the operator quickly if the vehicle is late.

What the $64 Price Really Covers

The value is strong because the $64 price includes the boat ride, the waterfall stop, snorkeling and swimming, lunch, a range of drinks, Ile aux Cerfs, and possibly hotel transport if you choose that option. Booking these pieces separately would take more planning and could cost more.

The best value comes if you want a full schedule. You get a lot of moving parts for one price, and the crew handles the food and drinks. The trip is also suitable for a birthday or family day because the boat provides a ready-made setting with music and a festive mood.

The value is less clear if your priorities are premium snorkeling, solitude, or a long waterfall visit. The snorkeling can be brief, the waterfall stop may be rushed, and Ile aux Cerfs can be crowded. Optional water sports cost extra, so the advertised price is not the final cost if you add activities or lobster.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now-pay-later booking add useful flexibility. The trip depends on good weather, and a cancellation caused by poor conditions offers a different date or a full refund.

Who Should Book This Catamaran Cruise?

I would recommend it to families, couples, birthday groups, and first-time visitors who want a simple taste of several Mauritius highlights. It suits you if you enjoy a friendly crew, regular drinks, music, and a full day with plenty happening.

It is also a good choice if halal food matters, since both vegetarian and non-vegetarian halal meals are available. Young children can take part, though you should supervise them closely around the water and during boarding.

I would hesitate if you mainly want serious reef snorkeling or a quiet, uncrowded beach. In that case, search for a smaller boat with a longer snorkeling stop. You should also think twice if crowded loading areas, limited parking, or a busy island beach will bother you.

Should You Book It?

Book this trip if you want good all-round value and a cheerful day on the water. The waterfall, beach, food, drinks, and Sega music create a satisfying mix, and the crew service is often the reason the day feels special.

Go with realistic expectations about the weak points. The waterfall may be a quick photo stop, the snorkeling site may lack marine life, and Ile aux Cerfs is not always pristine or peaceful. With those limits in mind, the $64 price is fair, and this is one of the easier ways to combine several east-coast sights in a single outing.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The experience lasts about six hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Where does the cruise depart?

The meeting point is opposite Green Island Restaurant on the beach at Trou d’Eau Douce.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available when you select the applicable option. You can meet the driver or guide at your hotel reception or outside your accommodation.

What food and drinks are included?

The trip includes a three-course BBQ lunch with vegetarian and non-vegetarian halal choices. Drinks include soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

The activity information recommends bringing snorkeling gear. You should confirm equipment arrangements when booking and bring your own mask and snorkel if you prefer.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The cruise requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.