Catamaran Trip to Ile au Cerfs with Lunch and GRSE waterfall

A catamaran day in Mauritius feels like a reset. You start with the Grand River South East Waterfall, then sail on a 45-foot catamaran to the postcard beach of Ile aux Cerfs, with a lagoon snorkeling break and a BBQ lunch in the middle of it all. It’s a full, east-coast hit of sea time without needing to plan a thing.

I especially like the mix: you get both active time (snorkeling and swimming) and easy time (beach lounging on Ile aux Cerfs). The onboard open bar also makes the day feel like a proper treat, with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks flowing.

One thing to consider: timing and transfers can make the day feel a bit jumpy. You need to arrive sharp or you can miss the excursion, and on at least one schedule there’s a speedboat hop to the waterfall area instead of a long, steady catamaran glide the whole way.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Grand River South East Waterfall first for the best chance of getting clear views early in the day
• Snorkeling in the lagoon where you can spot coral and tropical fish (and sometimes dolphins)
• BBQ lunch onboard with multiple choices, plus sides that keep you fueled for beach time
• Ile aux Cerfs breaks up the day with real beach time and access to water-sport options
• Open bar included so you’re not budgeting for drinks mid-cruise
• Pacing may vary since the waterfall portion can involve speedboat transfers on some days

A 45-Foot Catamaran Day Built for Sun, Salt, and Easy Fun

This trip is designed around one simple idea: a long day on the water, with enough variety that nobody’s bored. The catamaran portion gives you that breezy cruising feeling—crystal-clear water views, horizon time, and plenty of chances to take photos without having to rush from one stop to the next.

The crew approach also matters. Even on days when the weather is less than perfect, the vibe tends to stay upbeat thanks to onboard music and entertainment, plus the kind of local talk—tales and jokes—that helps pass the sailing stretches. If you’re the type who likes your day to feel organized but not stiff, this format usually works well.

You’re also getting a time-efficient package. Instead of separately booking a boat ride, a waterfall outing, and a beach transfer, you roll them into one 6–7 hour block. And because lunch and drinks are part of the day, you avoid the classic problem of spending your vacation budget on small extras you didn’t plan for.

Grand River South East Waterfall: Early Stop and Short-Form Adventure

You begin with a visit to the Grand River South East Waterfall area, and the schedule is built so you reach the waterfall before the day gets too hot and crowded. The viewing point is described as being about 500 meters upstream from the Grand River waterfalls, which is why the experience can feel like a quick but scenic detour rather than an all-day hiking mission.

In practice, there can be a short transfer involved during the waterfall portion. One itinerary included moving from the catamaran onto a speedboat for about 10–15 minutes to reach the waterfall area, and that’s also where you might spot things like monkeys. If you’re motion-sensitive, it’s worth knowing that you may not be on the catamaran for every second of the waterfall segment.

The payoff is the sense of variety. A waterfall visit gives you a break from just open-ocean time, and it adds a different kind of scenery—greenery and river energy—before you shift back into lagoon swimming and beach lounging.

Tip: wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting a little damp, since you’re still near the sea even before the main sailing gets going.

Cruising the Lagoon to Ile aux Cerfs: Snorkeling Break That Actually Feels Worth It

After the waterfall stop, you head back to the water and sail into the lagoon. This is the part of the day where the catamaran does its job: you cruise through clear water, take in the coast, and then you get a snorkeling and swimming break.

Snorkeling is the big highlight here. The goal is simple: coral reefs and tropical fish are the focus, and the stop is timed so you can get in the water without turning the trip into a full-day training course. One participant described snorkeling and swimming for around 20 minutes, which is long enough to see fish and coral detail without getting exhausted.

The best-case moment: you might see dolphins during the sailing/snorkel phase. That’s not promised, but it shows what kind of wildlife-viewing potential you could get when the water is clear and the marine area is active.

What I’d recommend you do during this break:

• Bring sunscreen and reapply if you’re in the water longer than you planned.
• Keep your pace easy. If you rush, the water time shrinks fast.
• Have your towel ready because you’ll likely want to cool off right after.

BBQ Lunch on Board and Open Bar: Why This Portion Matters

Lunch onboard is a big part of the value. It’s not just a snack—you get a BBQ-style meal served on the catamaran, and it’s paired with open bar service so you can match your energy level without stopping for a restaurant.

Food options can vary, but at least one menu included chicken skewers plus choices like fish and chicken sausage, with sides such as rice, pasta, salad, and potato salad. That mix is actually practical: you’ll have something filling if you went hard in the water, and something lighter if you just want to refuel.

Drinks are the other major win. The day includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. If you’re keeping it non-alcoholic, you’ll still have choices like soft drinks, and you won’t feel stuck with only water for hours.

Two practical notes:

• If you have food allergies or illness concerns, notify the operator ahead of time, since a vegetarian option is available but needs to be arranged in advance.
• Eat early in the lunch window if you want the least rushed feeling. Some schedules include a wait before the waterfall portion, so the whole day can feel like it has pockets of downtime and pockets of action.

Overall, this is one of those rare boat days where lunch feels like part of the experience, not a rushed afterthought.

Ile aux Cerfs Island: White-Sand Beach Time With Real Options

Once you reach Ile aux Cerfs, the mood shifts into pure relax mode. This island sits near the east coast of Mauritius, and the promise is simple: white sand beaches, azure-like sea color (even when the sky is overcast), and a chance to swim or snorkel right where you’re spending your leisure time.

What makes Ile aux Cerfs more than just a photo stop is what you can do once you’re there. The island offers a range of facilities and various water sports activities. The exact activities aren’t listed here, but the important point for you is that you’re not limited to lying on a towel if you want more movement.

Even if you do nothing active, the island time is still useful. After snorkeling and cruising, it’s good to have a long stretch where the schedule stops nudging you forward. You can pick your pace: swim, snorkel, stroll the shoreline, or just let the sun do its thing.

Reality check: beach time is only as good as your expectations. If you’re looking for a quiet, empty island like a private resort, you might be disappointed. If you’re happy with a fun, day-cruise vibe and want that classic east-coast postcard moment, this stop usually delivers.

Return Sail to Trou D’Eau Douce: Music, Jokes, and a Softer Landing

The return to Trou D’Eau Douce is where the day cools down. By this point, you’ve done the main activities, so the catamaran becomes more of a moving lounge than a nonstop thrill ride.

Entertainment onboard is part of the plan. You can expect music and light interaction from the crew—local tales, jokes, and a generally cheerful attitude that helps everyone ease into the end of the trip. This matters more than you’d think, because it turns the return ride into a nice buffer instead of an awkward waiting period.

If you tend to get seasick, try to sit where you feel the motion least and keep your eyes on the horizon. The trip is catamaran-based, which can feel steadier than smaller boats, but ocean conditions still vary.

Price and Logistics: Getting the Value Without the Headache

At $69 per person for a 6–7 hour day, you’re paying for a bundle: waterfall visit, Ile aux Cerfs access, onboard BBQ lunch, snorkeling/swimming time, guide services, music/entertainment, and open bar (alcoholic and non-alcoholic). The optional extra is hotel pickup/drop-off.

That package can be good value if you’d otherwise pay for separate transport and food. Also, drinks included sounds small until you realize a full-day boat trip adds up fast when you start buying refreshments one by one.

Logistics to get right:

• Arrive at the meeting area sharp. The day can move quickly, and missing your window can mean missing the excursion.
• The meeting point is at the dock area where a representative briefs you for boarding.
• If you choose pickup, it’s optional. In one example from the Grand Baie area, pickup was arranged through Mauritius Taxi Service and coordinated by a driver named Yash, who communicated times and kept things smooth.

Weather is another factor. If conditions are extreme, the excursion can be canceled and rescheduled or refunded. On less severe days—like a cloudy or rainy day described in one experience—the trip still ran and the water was impressive, so don’t assume bad weather automatically ruins everything.

Who Should Book This Catamaran and Waterfall Day

I’d think about booking if you want:

• A single-day plan that combines waterfall scenery, snorkeling time, and a beach on Ile aux Cerfs
• A boat day where lunch and drinks are handled
• A group-friendly atmosphere with a crew that keeps things moving and fun

It’s especially fitting for couples and friends who want variety without switching taxis every hour. If you’re the type who enjoys a clear schedule but still wants downtime, this itinerary hits that sweet spot.

If you dislike speedboat transfers or you’re very sensitive to motion, plan mentally for the possibility of short transfer legs during the waterfall portion, since at least one itinerary used a speedboat for that segment.

Should You Book This Tour?

Yes, if you like your Mauritius days to include sea time, a real meal on a boat, and at least one “main character” moment—waterfall viewing in the morning and Ile aux Cerfs beach time later.

Skip it or choose carefully if:

• You’re extremely sensitive to changes in pace or motion (catamaran sailing with possible speedboat hops)
• You need a long, uninterrupted stretch on one boat with no transfers
• You want a deeply educational, slow-travel experience rather than a well-paced day tour

For most people looking for value and variety in 6–7 hours, this is a strong pick.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran trip?

The duration is listed as 6 to 7 hours.

Where does the trip start?

You meet a representative at the dock after arriving there, and you’ll get a briefing to board the catamaran.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is served onboard.

Are drinks included?

Yes. There is open bar service with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks onboard.

Is there snorkeling during the tour?

Yes. There is a snorkeling and swimming break in the lagoon.

Do I get to visit Ile aux Cerfs?

Yes. The itinerary includes a visit to Ile aux Cerfs Island.

Do you stop at the waterfall?

Yes. The trip includes a visit to the Grand River South East Waterfall, with waterfalls located upstream near about 500 meters.

Is vegetarian food available?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available if you notify the operator at booking time.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, but pickup is optional.

What happens if the weather is extreme?

If there is extreme bad weather, the excursion will be canceled and rescheduled for a convenient date or you’ll be entitled to a full refund.