Some days feel like pure sea time. This one pairs an Ile aux Cerfs private beach stop with reef snorkeling and a proper onboard BBQ, all wrapped into about a 7-hour day.
I especially like the way the crew keeps things practical and safety-first, including lifejackets or lifebuoys if you need them. I also love the variety: you get calm beach time, a lagoon snorkel, then a quick stop to see monkeys and birds at the waterfalls.
The only real drawback to plan around is weather. This cruise requires good conditions, and if it’s cancelled for poor weather you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
In This Review
- Key Things I’d Watch For
- Oceane Cruises Mauritius and the Océane Catamaran: What You’re Really Buying
- Getting on Board at Pointe Maurice (9:00 am) and Timing Your Day
- Ile aux Cerfs Private Beach Stop: Snorkel First, Then Unwind
- Trou d’eau Douce Lagoon Snorkeling: Coral, Fish, and Crew-Help if You Need It
- The Onboard BBQ Lunch: Fresh Fish, Chicken, and a Real Break
- Grand River South East Waterfalls: Monkeys, Birds, and a Quick Nature Hit
- Fond blanc or Eau bleu Snorkeling: A Second Reef Chance
- Price and Value: Is $77.82 a Fair Deal for This Full Day?
- Who This Cruise Fits Best (and Who Might Want Something Else)
- Should You Book the Oceane Full-Day Catamaran to Ile aux Cerfs?
- FAQ
- FAQ
- How long is the Oceane full-day catamaran to Ile aux Cerfs?
- What time does the cruise start?
- Where is the meeting point?
- How many people are on the cruise?
- Is lunch included?
- Do you pay for admission to the stops?
- What snorkeling is included during the day?
- Does the crew provide safety equipment for snorkeling?
- What happens if the weather is poor?
- Can I get a full refund if I cancel?
Key Things I’d Watch For
- A small group on a shared catamaran (max 35 people) means less crowding than you might expect
- Two snorkeling windows: one near Ile aux Cerfs and another at Trou d’eau Douce plus either Fond blanc or Eau bleu
- Lunch is included and cooked onboard (BBQ fresh fish and chicken with salads and garlic bread)
- Waterfall stop is short (about 30 minutes) so keep your camera ready and your expectations flexible
- Staghorn coral + fish you can spot like the elongated trumpet fish and the coachmen with a white dorsal fin
Oceane Cruises Mauritius and the Océane Catamaran: What You’re Really Buying
You’re not just buying a boat ride here. You’re buying a day designed around the coast—beach, lagoon snorkeling, then a quick nature break inland.
Oceane Cruises Mauritius operates as a pioneer catamaran charter company with over 37 years of experience, and that shows in how they describe the route and the focus on safety. They also flag eco-friendly operations and international-standard crew training, plus the company stresses a family spirit aboard the catamaran. In plain terms: it’s a well-run operation, not a chaotic party boat.
Your day lasts about 7 hours and is capped at 35 people, which is a sweet spot. Large enough to feel social, small enough that you’re not spending the day shouting over engines.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Mauritius
Getting on Board at Pointe Maurice (9:00 am) and Timing Your Day
The cruise starts at 9:00 am at Pointe Maurice (PQRV+VF2), in Trou d’Eau Douce. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not stuck figuring out transport at the end of the day.
Since it’s a morning start, I’d treat this as a full-day commitment, not a casual half-day. You’ll be on the water, out of the sun at times, then in it again, so plan for a rhythm: sunscreen, hat, and something light to wear that you won’t mind getting wet.
One more reality check: good weather matters. The operator explicitly notes the experience requires good weather, so if conditions are rough, the day could shift or be cancelled and refunded. That’s not their “policy,” that’s just how day-at-sea plans work here.
Ile aux Cerfs Private Beach Stop: Snorkel First, Then Unwind
The Ile aux Cerfs stop is built around an easy pattern: snorkeling time before you visit the island, then private beach time. The total time at this stop is about 1 hour 30 minutes, and admission tickets are free.
This is the part of the day that feels like the big payoff. Ile aux Cerfs has a reputation for beautiful water, and the way the stop is scheduled helps you get the best of it without turning it into an all-day commute.
The practical advantage? You’re not arriving late to the snorkel window. Going in first can mean calmer logistics and less “what did we miss” stress.
Possible drawback: it’s still a relatively short stop. If you’re the type who wants to wander slowly and linger for hours, you may find 1.5 hours goes quickly—especially once you’re out of the water and ready to grab a drink, snap photos, and relax on the sand.
Trou d’eau Douce Lagoon Snorkeling: Coral, Fish, and Crew-Help if You Need It
This is the most active segment of the day, and it’s where the cruise leans into nature rather than just scenery. At Trou d’eau Douce, you head out into the lagoon for snorkeling in clear waters.
The description calls out patches of staghorn coral, with small fish and species you can actually picture, including the elongated trumpet fish and the coachmen (named for the striking look, plus its white dorsal fin). That’s more interesting than generic “see fish” snorkeling, and it gives you something real to look for.
Safety and comfort are part of the plan. The crew equips you with a lifejacket or a lifebuoy if you should be uncomfortable in the water. That matters because it makes snorkeling less intimidating. You don’t have to be an Olympic swimmer to enjoy it.
Timing-wise, this stop is about 1 hour, and admission tickets are free. In that kind of time window, the best move is to focus on a steady routine: breathe calmly, keep your fins controlled, and enjoy the coral patches as your “target points.”
The Onboard BBQ Lunch: Fresh Fish, Chicken, and a Real Break
After snorkeling, lunch kicks in onboard with a BBQ grill. The menu is described clearly: fresh fish and chicken, plus a selection of salads and garlic bread.
I like this setup because it’s not a sad sandwich break. You’ve just spent time in the water and sun, and a hot BBQ meal helps you recharge fast. It also keeps the day flowing. There’s no “go find lunch somewhere nearby” delay.
One consideration: you’re eating on a boat, so expect a simpler service rhythm than a restaurant. You’ll still get a solid meal, but the day moves like a day at sea—efficient, not formal.
Admission for this segment is free as well, so you’re getting lunch included as part of the experience rather than paying extra.
You can also read our reviews of more sailing experiences in Mauritius
Grand River South East Waterfalls: Monkeys, Birds, and a Quick Nature Hit
Next comes a land break at the Grand River South East Waterfalls. This stop is about 30 minutes, and the admission ticket is free.
The key perk is the chance to see monkeys and birds. That makes it more than a quick photo stop—though yes, it’s still quick. If you love watching wildlife, 30 minutes can feel both satisfying and a little too short.
Here’s how to make it work: keep your time grounded. Spend a few minutes scanning for motion, then commit to one or two good photo spots instead of sprinting from viewpoint to viewpoint.
Also, since it’s a waterfall visit, I’d assume you may be near damp ground. Wear shoes you’re comfortable walking in and keep your phone protected if you’re near spray.
Fond blanc or Eau bleu Snorkeling: A Second Reef Chance
The final water-based highlight is another snorkel stop back at Trou d’eau Douce, with a choice of locations: Fond blanc or Eau bleu. This segment lasts about 45 minutes, and again, admission is listed as free.
A second snorkeling session is a smart design. If the first snorkel felt too short or you didn’t get the hang of it, this gives you a better chance to settle in. It also adds variety without turning the schedule into chaos.
The only “watch this” part is that the location may vary (Fond blanc or Eau bleu). That’s not a problem if you’re flexible, but it does mean you shouldn’t plan the day like you’re guaranteed to see the exact same viewpoint twice.
If you’re unsure about snorkeling, this second slot can still be worthwhile—especially because the crew emphasizes safety support and lifejacket or lifebuoy assistance.
Price and Value: Is $77.82 a Fair Deal for This Full Day?
At $77.82 per person, this cruise stacks up well if you value a full, structured day with real inclusions. The price covers a catamaran day out (about 7 hours), two snorkeling opportunities, a BBQ lunch, and multiple stops where admission tickets are free.
What makes it good value is not just that “lunch is included.” It’s that lunch is scheduled right after you’re active, and the day isn’t built around extra paid add-ons. Also, the group is capped at 35 people, so you’re not paying low prices and then stuck in a mega crowd.
If your goal is a no-stress day that hits beach time, snorkeling, and a waterfall wildlife moment, the cost feels aligned with what you’re getting.
Who This Cruise Fits Best (and Who Might Want Something Else)
This is a strong match if you want:
- A catamaran day without complicated planning
- Snorkeling that’s guided with support (lifejackets/lifebuoys available)
- A mix of reef time and land nature time (waterfalls with monkeys and birds)
- A clear, set-day experience starting and ending at the same place
It might be less ideal if you:
- Hate boat time or get motion-sensitive
- Expect long beach wandering or lengthy sightseeing
- Need a plan that ignores weather. This one depends on good conditions.
Should You Book the Oceane Full-Day Catamaran to Ile aux Cerfs?
If you’re heading to Mauritius and want one high-quality “day out” that feels active but still relaxing, I’d say yes, book it—with one condition: go in with a flexible weather mindset. When conditions are good, you get a well-shaped day with snorkeling, a real BBQ lunch, and a memorable wildlife waterfall break.
I’d especially recommend it if you’re excited by the details of snorkeling—staghorn coral patches, and the chance to spot specific fish—because this cruise is clearly built for that kind of attention. And if you’re a first-time snorkeler or a bit unsure, the emphasis on crew assistance is a comfort.
FAQ
FAQ
How long is the Oceane full-day catamaran to Ile aux Cerfs?
It runs for approximately 7 hours.
What time does the cruise start?
The start time is 9:00 am.
Where is the meeting point?
It starts at Pointe Maurice (PQRV+VF2), on the Unnamed Road, in Trou d’Eau Douce.
How many people are on the cruise?
The tour has a maximum of 35 people.
Is lunch included?
Yes. Lunch is served onboard with a BBQ, including fresh fish and chicken, salads, and garlic bread.
Do you pay for admission to the stops?
Admission tickets are listed as free for Ile aux Cerfs, Trou d’eau Douce, Grand River South East Waterfalls, and the snorkel stops at Fond blanc or Eau bleu.
What snorkeling is included during the day?
There is snorkeling before the Ile aux Cerfs island visit, snorkeling at Trou d’eau Douce in the lagoon, and another snorkeling stop at either Fond blanc or Eau bleu.
Does the crew provide safety equipment for snorkeling?
Yes. The crew can equip you with a lifejacket or lifebuoy if you should be uncomfortable in the water.
What happens if the weather is poor?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Can I get a full refund if I cancel?
Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
