Catamaran Cruise: Isle aux Cerfs, Including BBQ Lunch, in Mauritius

Waterfalls, snorkel, BBQ in one day. This catamaran cruise from the Preskil area is built for an easy hit of Mauritius views: Isle aux Cerfs, the GRSE river gorge, plus snorkeling with gear and a BBQ lunch on board.

I love the no-stress mix of sightseeing and swimming time, with a scheduled stop at Isle aux Cerfs that’s long enough to actually enjoy the island (not just pose and rush). I also like the unlimited drinks and BBQ lunch at sea—good for value and great for settling in once you’re out on the water.

The main drawback to plan around is logistics and timing: there’s no transfer included by default, and the day can shift for safety if conditions like tide or weather aren’t right. If you’re time-crunched, you’ll want to leave yourself room.

Key highlights worth knowing before you go

• GRSE gorge stop: a quick, scenic look at the waterfall area linked to the Grand River South East
• Wildlife viewing around the river mouth: monkeys and bat sightings are part of the plan when conditions cooperate
• Snorkeling from the boat: snorkeling gear is provided, so you’re not scrambling for equipment
• Isle aux Cerfs time that feels real: lunch on board plus an extra island break for swimming and relaxing
• BBQ lunch with an open bar vibe: drinks are unlimited during the trip
• Small-group feel: the cruise caps at 30 travelers, which helps keep it relaxed

Starting at Preskil Island Resort: what your day actually looks like

This trip starts at Preskil Island Resort, Pointe Jérôme, near Mahebourg. That’s important because it tells you the cruise is designed around a straightforward seaside departure, not a long bus ride. You’ll also want to treat it like a proper daytime outing. The activity runs within a set window (Monday to Wednesday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM), and the total cruise time is about 7 hours.

Check-in is typically simple with a mobile ticket, and you should get confirmation within about 48 hours of booking (as long as there’s space). Once you’re on board, the day flows like a classic catamaran outing: out to the sights, a bit of wildlife viewing, a snorkeling slot, then island time with lunch and swimming.

One practical note: if you’re staying far from Mahebourg, confirm transport early. Without transfers included, the value only stays strong if you can get to the meeting point without stress.

Boat day comfort: how a 30-person cruise changes the feel

A cap of 30 travelers matters more than it sounds. Smaller groups tend to move better at each stop: less waiting, fewer bottlenecks when it’s time to snorkel, and a smoother rhythm for lunch. You’ll still be on a working cruise schedule, but it’s not the chaos of a big coach-and-boat combo.

The other comfort factor is that the tour keeps you on the water longer than a quick “look from the shore” style excursion. That’s great if you like the simple pleasures: sun, breeze, and watching the coastline pass while the crew runs the day.

Grand River South East Waterfalls: quick stop, big payoff

The Grand River South East (GRSE) waterfall area gets a short viewing stop, around 10 minutes. It’s not long, but it’s the kind of stop that works because the goal is a first impression of the gorge and the waterfall scene at the mouth area—enough time to get photos, soak in the view, and be back on board for the next segment.

What makes this part of the day interesting is that it’s not only scenery. The river mouth area is where you might also see monkeys and spot a bat colony. Wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, but the timing and location are chosen specifically for that chance.

Also, the GRSE stop has free admission, so you’re not paying extra on the day to see the waterfall viewpoint. That helps keep the $82 price feel more “all-in.”

Ile du Phare on the way: the in-between sight you’ll appreciate

There’s an additional island stop in the routing: Ile du Phare is on the way to Isle aux Cerfs. This is the sort of detail that can turn a long cruise day from purely scenic into something with little milestones. Even if it’s brief, it breaks up the ride so you don’t feel like you’re just waiting for the main stop.

If you like boats for the journey (not only the destination), these in-between moments can be a quiet win.

Snorkeling from the boat with included gear

Snorkeling is one of the best reasons to choose this cruise. The tour includes snorkeling gear, which matters because it removes one annoying step: finding masks, fins, and straps before you leave home.

Here’s how I’d think about it before you go:

• You’re snorkeling from the boat, so you’ll likely enter and exit with the crew’s help and in time with the trip schedule.
• Since the tour runs on water conditions, you should be ready for the snorkeling slot to be guided by what the captain deems safe and workable.
• Bring a towel and water-friendly sandals or swim shoes if you have them. The listing doesn’t promise any specific shore facilities, and you’ll appreciate having something grippy when you’re moving around.

If you’re a beginner, this is generally the style of trip that keeps things simple: gear is included and the day has a structured rhythm. If you’re an experienced snorkeler, you may still enjoy the outing, but you should remember it’s a shared cruise day—not a long, private reef session.

Isle aux Cerfs: lunch, swimming, and that let-it-go feeling

Once you reach Ile aux Cerfs, you get about 1 hour for lunch on board. It’s followed by another 1 hour of free relaxing time and swimming. That two-part structure is smart. You don’t burn your whole island time trudging around first and then eating afterward. You refuel, then you can actually enjoy the water and the shore.

The BBQ lunch is on board, and the drinks are unlimited. That combination often makes a big difference for how you remember the day. When lunch is handled for you, you can stay in vacation mode instead of treating meals like another task.

During the island break, you’ll want to focus on the simple stuff:

• Get into the water while you’re fresh.
• Keep an eye on the time so you don’t lose your spot for the return.
• Take a few photos, but don’t let pictures steal your swim time.

This is also where the trade-off shows up. If you’re hoping for a long, full island experience like you would with a dedicated shore excursion, the total time is limited. But for most people, it hits the sweet spot: enough beach time to enjoy, enough schedule to see GRSE and wildlife too.

BBQ lunch and unlimited drinks: where the value really lands

Let’s talk food. You’re getting a BBQ lunch plus unlimited drinks and snacks during the cruise.

In real life, this is usually the part of the day people either love or shrug at. When it’s working well, the BBQ feels plentiful, and the open drinks keep everyone in good spirits. When it’s not, you might find the flavors and variety don’t hit every preference.

Based on typical cruise feedback, the BBQ is generally a highlight when it’s cooked fresh and served hot, and the crew tends to keep things moving. Still, if you’re a picky eater who expects restaurant-level variety, you should go in with the right mindset: you’re eating on a boat during a multi-stop day.

My advice: eat earlier rather than later, and stay hydrated. Unlimited drinks are great, but the sun is real. You’ll enjoy swimming more if you don’t get behind on water.

Dolphins and wildlife: what to hope for without getting crushed

Dolphins are listed as a possible sighting. In the real world, that kind of wildlife experience is often hit-or-miss. The good news is that the cruise is designed to create the conditions for it—open water, time outside, and the chance of seeing dolphins playing in the catamaran’s wake.

Even if dolphins don’t show up, you still have multiple wildlife angles: the GRSE river mouth area for monkeys and bats, plus the overall “life on the water” factor.

If you’re traveling with kids or you just enjoy nature, this portion adds a layer of surprise. It’s the kind of day where you might end up talking about the wildlife long after the food and photos fade.

Timing, weather, and tide: the part that can change your day

This cruise needs good weather. If it’s canceled because of poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Also pay attention to the water conditions on the day. There can be delays for safety when the tide is low. That doesn’t mean anything is wrong with the company—boats have to follow safety rules. If you’ve got a tight itinerary after your cruise, build in buffer time.

The best approach is simple: treat this as the anchor plan for the day and keep your other activities flexible.

Price and logistics: is $82 a smart deal?

At $82 per person, you’re paying for a lot of the hard stuff: a full-day catamaran outing, sightseeing stops at GRSE and Isle aux Cerfs, snorkeling gear, and a BBQ lunch with snacks and unlimited drinks.

So the value depends on one key factor: how easy it is for you to get to the meeting point. Since hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included (unless you upgrade), you’ll want to budget for transport costs or plan your day around the Preskil area.

For many people staying near Mahebourg or the Preskil zone, this price feels fair because you’re not paying extra for transport and you’re getting a full day of activities. For people elsewhere, the deal can shrink fast if you have to add taxis for the round trip.

Who this cruise suits best (and who should choose something else)

This is a strong fit if you want a day that mixes:

• Snorkeling with gear handled for you
• Two scenery types (waterfall gorge area and a beachy island)
• A relaxed schedule where you’re fed and watered on board

It’s also a good pick for small groups and people who like being out on the water without signing up for something overly intense.

You might want to skip or consider a different style of excursion if:

• You need exact timing tied to a hotel schedule far away (because there’s no included transfer)
• You expect a long, deep island experience instead of about two hours total on Isle aux Cerfs
• You’re very food-specific and dislike BBQ-style meal formats

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Most people can participate, and with a max group size of 30, it’s not usually the kind of tour where you feel lost in a crowd.

Should you book this Isle aux Cerfs catamaran cruise?

I’d book it if you want a fun, efficient day that hits the main Mauritius coastal highlights—GRSE viewpoints, island swimming time at Isle aux Cerfs, and snorkeling with gear—while staying comfortable and fed on board. The $82 price works best when you’re already near the Preskil meeting point or you can reach it without hassle.

I wouldn’t book it if your priorities are private experiences, long shore time, or strict dietary control. Also, if your schedule is too tight for the possibility of weather or tide adjustments, choose a plan with more built-in flexibility.

If you’re the type who likes sunlight, water, and a well-run day on a small catamaran, this one fits nicely.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The experience runs for about 7 hours (approx.).

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Preskil Island Resort, Pointe Jérôme, Mahebourg, Mauritius. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup or drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, though an upgrade for hotel transfers may be available.

What’s included in the price?

You get snacks, unlimited drinks, and a BBQ lunch. Snorkeling gear is also included.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. The tour includes the chance to snorkel from the boat with included gear.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.