Catamaran cruise to Ile aux cerfs with bbq lunch

Mauritius does boat days well, and this one hits Ile aux Cerfs plus water-time you cannot do from land. What I like is the catamaran access to the coastline and snorkeling spots, and the fact that lunch plus alcoholic drinks and snorkel gear are included. One thing to keep in mind: the day can run a bit behind schedule, and when delays happen you may feel the island time gets squeezed.

You start from Trou d’Eau Douce, cruise past green scenery toward nearby waterfalls, then swap to snorkel before lunch. If you’re lucky, you might spot monkeys along the way, and I love that the crew keeps the day moving with a relaxed pace rather than constant hustle. The only drawback I’d plan for is that Ile aux Cerfs can feel a little short and busy depending on timing and how the day gets rearranged.

Key things to know before you go

• Ile aux Cerfs by catamaran: you reach areas that are hard or impossible to get to on land.
• Snorkeling stop for marine life: the route is set up for wildlife-rich water.
• BBQ lunch with drinks included: meals, soda/pop, bottled water, and alcoholic drinks come with the ticket.
• Crew-led onboard vibe: music during lunch is part of the experience, with a singer/guitarist in the mix.
• Small-ish group: up to 30 travelers, which helps the flow of the day.
• Island time can vary: delays or extra onboard options can reduce beach time.

Catamaran Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs: why this route feels worth it

This is the kind of day trip that works in Mauritius because the water is the star. A catamaran gets you out on the lagoon without turning your vacation into a bus-and-wait routine. You’re not just going to a beach and back; the day is built around three separate experiences: scenic cruising, snorkeling, and beach time at Ile aux Cerfs.

The value is strongest if you want a simple all-in-one plan. For about $63.35 per person for roughly 6 hours, you’re covering cruise time, snorkeling equipment use, and a full BBQ lunch with drinks. If you’ve ever paid for “just a boat ticket” and then realized snorkel gear and lunch cost extra, you’ll appreciate that this one is bundled.

That said, it’s still a scheduled tour. One review noted a delay of about an hour, and a few people felt the time on the island got tighter. So set your expectations for a flexible day. If you’re the type who hates schedule drift, plan your day with a little padding.

Morning start from Trou d’Eau Douce: what your timing should look like

The cruise departs around 09:30 from Trou d’Eau Douce (meeting point listed at Tino Boats, Route Royale, Le Maho). The itinerary then runs until about 16:00, with the activity ending back at the meeting point.

Two practical tips based on real-world feedback:

• Arrive early. Even if the ticket says one time, some days may start later.
• Treat 6 hours as an approximate total. When the day starts late, you’ll feel it more at the beach stop than on the boat.

Group size is capped at 30 travelers, which is a nice sweet spot. It’s not so tiny that you feel awkward. It’s also not huge enough that you spend the day trying to find your own space.

The GRSE waterfall area: the cruising portion you actually get to enjoy

Before the snorkel stop, the boat sails toward the GRSE waterfalls nearby. This isn’t a “get off and hike” moment. It’s more of a scenic stretch where the boat slows down enough for you to take in the green surroundings.

The payoff here is simple: you’re not rushing immediately into the main activity. You’re easing into the day with views and a sense of momentum. One review mentioned monkeys may come to greet you in the green scenery. I’d take that as a fun possibility rather than a guarantee, but it’s exactly the kind of surprise that makes a boat day feel alive.

If you’re prone to sea-sickness, this is the best time to settle in—before you’re focused on snorkeling. Keep your head steady, look at the horizon when possible, and sip water.

Snorkeling in wildlife-rich spots: what’s included and what to expect

After the waterfall-area cruise, the catamaran heads to a snorkeling spot described as wildlife-rich. This is the part where you’ll want to be ready to hop in when they call it.

Good news for planning: snorkeling equipment is included. That means you won’t need to track down a rental shop or bring your own gear. You also get bottled water and sodas, plus the drinks included later with lunch (so you’re not dealing with hydration on a completely empty schedule).

What you might see is hard to predict on any snorkeling trip. That’s why they aim for spots with wildlife potential. The boat setup also helps: you’re snorkeling with a guided team and not trying to time tides on your own.

Practical expectation: snorkeling time will be limited by the day’s schedule. If you’re a strong swimmer and want more water time, you may wish the snorkeling lasted longer. If you’re new to snorkeling, the short, guided session is often the right way to try it without overcommitting.

BBQ lunch on the water: value, food, and the onboard music

Lunch comes shortly after the snorkeling stop. It’s a BBQ style meal, and the big win is that it’s not “snack and hope.” You get a proper meal plus drinks: alcoholic beverages, soda/pop, and bottled water are included.

One of the most praised parts is the entertainment. Multiple reviews highlighted a singer/guitarist accompanying lunch, and the crew’s friendly service. People also called out that the crew kept things efficient and on time during the day’s rhythm.

I’d go one step further: onboard lunch is where this tour becomes a social experience. The catamaran format creates a shared moment. You’re not eating alone in a parking lot somewhere. You’re eating with the water all around you, and the music makes the vibe feel like a real day out rather than a checklist.

Food and drinks notes from feedback:

• Plenty of food was mentioned.
• Drinks kept flowing.
• Service felt proactive, not just reactive.

If you care about pacing: you’ll likely feel the day has a natural structure now—snorkel first, then eat and relax, then head to Ile aux Cerfs.

Ile aux Cerfs beach time: paradise island, with a reality check

After lunch, the anchor is raised and the cruise takes you to Ile aux Cerfs. This is your main land-time stop, and you can generally choose how to spend it: swim, snorkel, wander, or just relax on the beach.

Here’s the balanced part: Ile aux Cerfs is beautiful, and beach time is the point. But one review suggested it can feel slightly overhyped and offers less than some people expect. My takeaway for you: treat it as a gorgeous beach day, not as a once-in-a-lifetime “only-if-you-do-this” destination.

Also, time on the island may vary. One negative review said that after a delay and some onboard extra options (paid but optional), island time felt shorter than expected—around an hour rather than the hoped-for longer stay.

So before you go, decide what matters most to you:

• If your priority is the catamaran ride plus snorkeling plus BBQ, you’re set even if beach time is brief.
• If your priority is maximum time on the island, you’ll want to plan for schedule bumps and keep your expectations flexible.

If you love wildlife surprises, there are mentions of bats and monkeys in the day’s highlights. Again, not guaranteed, but it matches the sense that this area isn’t just pretty—it’s alive.

Crew and service from Tino Boats: the day’s real engine

This trip is run by Tino Boats, and the crew gets a lot of the credit. People repeatedly praised friendliness, professionalism, and keeping activities moving on schedule.

Names that came up in feedback include Tomi, Lori, and Adrienne (spelling may vary). There’s also mention of the singer/guitarist at lunch. Those details matter because they show the staff isn’t just handing out towels and moving on. They’re involved in the whole flow—snorkel timing, meal service, and keeping people happy with drinks.

Value often comes down to service. On days like this, the best crew prevents chaos: you find out what happens next, you’re not waiting forever, and you feel taken care of even if the sea is doing its thing.

Price and value: what $63.35 gets you in real terms

Let’s talk value in a way that helps you decide.

For about $63.35 per person, you’re getting:

• A half-day catamaran cruise (about 6 hours)
• A snorkeling stop with equipment included
• BBQ lunch
• Alcoholic drinks plus soda/pop and bottled water

The big question is: would you otherwise pay separately for boat time, snorkel gear, and lunch/drinks? In Mauritius, those add-ons can add up fast. This tour bundles them into one price, which is why it scores high for people looking for a straightforward experience.

The trade-off is that you’re paying for a “guided structure.” You can’t control sea conditions, island-time changes, or timing if a delay occurs. That’s normal in the real world. But with a capped group size of 30, it doesn’t feel like an overcrowded free-for-all.

Who this tour suits best (and who should think twice)

This cruise is a great fit if you:

• Want a classic Mauritius mix of boat, snorkeling, and beach
• Prefer an all-in-one ticket over piecing together transport and meals
• Like a light party-ish vibe at lunch (music is part of it)
• Enjoy being guided but still want freedom on the island

Consider other options if you:

• Need strict timing and hate schedule drift
• Want many hours on Ile aux Cerfs specifically
• Are sensitive to the idea that an onboard “extra activity” might be proposed (one review mentioned a paid option being offered and the schedule feeling reordered)

In other words, this is best as a relaxed day out. It’s not a tightly controlled itinerary where everything is guaranteed down to the minute.

Practical tips to make your day smoother

A few smart moves make a big difference on a catamaran day:

• Bring sun protection. You’ll be out on open water and on the beach.
• Hydrate early. Even with water available, sea air and sun can sneak up on you.
• Plan for a delayed start. If you have dinner reservations later, book something flexible.
• Keep an eye on what’s optional. If they offer an additional paid activity, ask what it costs and how it affects your island time.
• Have your meeting point nailed. This ends back at the meeting point, so you’ll want to know where you’re going before you step off the boat.

Also remember: hotel pickup and drop-off are listed as not included. You’ll meet at Tino Boats / Chez Tino area in Trou d’Eau Douce. Some visitors say they arranged extra transfers through the provider or by taxi, but don’t assume hotel pickup is part of your ticket.

Should you book this Ile aux Cerfs catamaran with BBQ?

Book it if you want an efficient, good-value day that combines snorkeling + BBQ lunch + drinks with the standout perk of reaching Ile aux Cerfs by boat. The price makes sense for the bundle, and the crew/service reputation is consistently strong.

Don’t book (or at least adjust expectations) if you’re the type who counts on perfect timing or you mainly care about long island hours. The one consistent caution is that delays and extra options can squeeze beach time.

If your vacation style is: get outside, eat well, swim, and don’t over-plan—this is exactly the kind of Mauritius day trip that usually lands well.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise to Ile aux Cerfs?

It runs for about 6 hours (approx.), with the cruise departing around 09:30 and returning by about 16:00.

Where do we meet and where do we end?

You start at the Tino Boats meeting point in Trou d’Eau Douce (Route Royale, Le Maho). The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The tour includes the use of snorkeling/snorkelling equipment.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch is included (BBQ), along with alcoholic beverages, soda/pop, and bottled water.

Is hotel pick up included?

No. Private transportation and hotel pick up/drop-off are not included, so you’ll plan to get yourself to the meeting point.

What is the cancellation policy if weather is bad?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.