This is a full day of sun, sea, and wildlife on one boat ride. You get Ile aux Cerfs beach time, plus a Grand River South East waterfall stop, and the day runs from morning sailing to an afternoon return. My favorite bits are the mix of on-water fun (snorkel breaks in clear lagoons) and the included BBQ lunch with unlimited drinks. One thing to consider: the small-group limit can slip in busy periods, and on at least one trip the boat left later than the stated departure time.

If you like a day that’s “do a little of everything” without planning details yourself, this works well. It’s also the kind of outing where the crew matters: when they’re on form, the whole day feels smooth and upbeat. Just be ready for a lively boat vibe at times, especially if you’re hoping for maximum quiet in the water.

Key Takeaways Before You Board

• Ile aux Cerfs + snorkeling breaks: you get time in the lagoon for swimming and seeing tropical fish around coral areas
• Waterfalls with a speed-boat moment: you reach the Grand River South East falls area about 500m upstream
• Unlimited drinks all day: beer, wine, local rum, plus juice, soft drinks, and water
• BBQ lunch included: fish, chicken, grilled hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice, with veg/vegan options
• Small-group promise may not always hold: the operator advertises up to 15, but I’ve seen reports of bigger loads
• No hotel pickup included: you’ll need to make your own way to Trou D’eau Douce

Trou D’eau Douce to Ile aux Cerfs: What the 9 Hours Really Adds Up To

This is a 9-hour outing built around three “anchors”: a waterfall visit, a lagoon swim/snorkel break, and beach time on Ile aux Cerfs. The sailing portion matters because it’s where you get that easy, holiday pacing—no constant switching between buses, tickets, and separate tours.

The day starts at the dock area around 08:30, and the catamaran cruise gets underway at 09:00 from Trou D’eau Douce on Mauritius’s east coast. The return is set for about 16:00, so you’re looking at a late-morning start and a full afternoon to enjoy the island.

For value, the big deal is that lunch and drinks are bundled in. That can be a comfort in Mauritius, where island days can add up fast once you factor in meals and refreshments. Here, you’re mostly paying for the whole flow: transport by sea, the major stops, snorkeling time, and the food.

Boarding, Timing, and the Reality of Group Size

On paper, this is a small group (up to 15), and you’ll enter through a separate entrance. In real life, two practical things can affect your comfort:

1) Departure timing can drift. One reported trip left closer to 09:30 rather than the stated 09:00. That doesn’t automatically mean a bad day—crew professionalism can still be strong—but it does mean you should plan to be flexible.

2) Group size may be higher than advertised. There are reports of around 25 people onboard instead of 15. A larger group can mean less space inside and a louder vibe—especially if you prefer quiet, roomy lounging.

What I’d do: show up early, not at the last second. If you can, treat your first hour as a “relaxed settle in” window. And if you know you’re sensitive to crowding, aim for a boat day where you can spend time outside on deck and in the water, not just inside.

Grand River South East Waterfalls: Wildlife, Water, and a Short Upstream Hop

The waterfall stop is one of the most interesting parts of the day because it mixes scenery with animals. You start by going from the catamaran route toward the Grand River South East area, then transfer to a speed boat to see the falls from about 500m upstream.

This isn’t just a quick photo stop. You’re given time in a river setting where you might spot:

• monkeys jumping through trees along the banks
• fruit bats perched high in trees as you approach the waterfall area

Those details are the kind of thing that makes a tour feel less “standard checklist” and more like a moving nature moment. Even if you don’t see every animal, the river-to-falls approach gives you variety compared with tours that only do one viewpoint.

One consideration: you’ll be moving between boat types. That’s normal for this kind of day, but if you’re prone to motion discomfort, it helps to keep that in mind and plan accordingly.

Snorkel Breaks in the Lagoon: Coral Views Without Needing to Be an Expert

After the waterfall portion, the catamaran sails into crystal-clear lagoon water for swimming and snorkeling breaks. The focus is on seeing the marine life right there in the water—coral areas and tropical fish are specifically part of what you’re meant to enjoy.

What you’ll like most is that this isn’t one rushed dip. The structure builds in time to actually enjoy the sea, and the snorkeling break is the part of the day where you can slow down mentally. You can float, watch fish, and reset before lunch and island time.

Practical tips from how these days tend to work:

• Bring sunscreen and reapply if you’re out in strong sun for long stretches.
• Use your camera for the water moments, but keep it dry-ish where possible.
• Don’t overthink it. Life jackets are provided, and the snorkeling part is meant to be accessible.

BBQ Lunch on Board: Included Food That Actually Makes the Day

Lunch comes after snorkeling, and it’s served as a fresh BBQ either on the beach or on the catamaran (depending on conditions). The menu is clearly laid out:

• fresh BBQ fish
• BBQ chicken
• grilled hotdogs
• salades
• saffron rice

There are also veg and vegan options, which is a big plus for groups with mixed eating needs.

Now for the best part: unlimited drinks. You get soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum. That means you can treat lunch like a real meal rather than a “grab something and run” stop. It also makes the earlier waterfall and snorkeling segments feel easier to enjoy—you’re not rationing your water bottle like it’s survival week.

A balanced note: one issue that pops up on similar boat days is that the party energy can start early if there are people onboard who are in party mode. If you’re sensitive to loud music or want the calmest sea time possible, pick a mindset for “fun boat day,” not “silent nature cruise.”

Ile aux Cerfs: Beaches, Optional Adrenaline, and Time to Do Your Own Thing

This is where the day shifts from guided sightseeing to pure vacation. As you approach Ile aux Cerfs by catamaran, you’ll see swaying palms and white beaches set in turquoise water. The island is known for being a classic picture-postcard place, and you’ll get enough time to actually enjoy it—not just sprint from spot to spot.

Once you arrive, you have options. There are optional activities available such as:

• parasailing
• tube riding
• an undersea walk

Those aren’t listed as included, so assume you’ll pay extra if you choose them. Still, having the options matters because you can match the island time to your energy level—relax and swim, or go for the more adrenaline-heavy stuff.

Even without the extras, you can do the simple things well:

• stroll and take in the natural setting
• sit back on sandy beach time
• jump in for a swim when the mood hits

This is also a nice “break from decisions” portion of the trip. You don’t need to figure out where to go. The tour does the major handoff: boat to island, then a return sailing back to Trou D’eau Douce.

Drinks and Crew Energy: Why This Tour Can Feel Great or Just Okay

Across the experience, the crew shows up as the make-or-break element. When things go smoothly, the tone is friendly and attentive, and the day feels well run: snacks, BBQ, and drinks are handled during the long stretch so you’re not waiting around.

One positive pattern is the focus on making the day feel cared for—people talk about the crew being helpful and the captain even making adjustments to increase the odds of seeing wildlife at sea (like dolphins or rays mentioned in feedback). That kind of responsiveness can turn a normal stop into a memorable one.

The other pattern is that group energy can vary. Some people want loud music and early partying; others want quiet. If your ideal day is calm and peaceful, you may want to mentally prepare for a mixed atmosphere onboard.

Price and Value: Is $70 Worth It for This Mauritius Day?

At $70 per person for a 9-hour outing, the value looks solid if you want a bundled day:

• catamaran sailing (not just land transport)
• waterfall visit
• snorkeling/swimming time
• BBQ lunch
• unlimited alcoholic and soft drinks
• life jackets and bottled water

This is the kind of tour where your money buys convenience and a full schedule. If you planned it yourself, you’d likely pay for some combination of transport to Trou D’eau Douce, boat access to Ile aux Cerfs, and the food/drink situation on top.

The two “watch-outs” for value are:

• Pickup/drop-off isn’t included, so you must factor in getting to the dock area yourself.
• Crowding can happen if the boat carries more people than the advertised cap, which affects comfort even if everything else runs well.

If you’re okay with that tradeoff (a fun, social boat day with a schedule), this price can feel fair for what you get.

Who Should Book This Catamaran Cruise—and Who Might Prefer Something Else

This fits you best if you want:

• a single-day plan that includes waterfalls + island beach + snorkeling
• an easy day where food and drinks are handled
• a social, outdoorsy outing with a crew that keeps things moving

It might not fit as well if:

• you’re very sensitive to crowding or want a lot of personal space onboard
• you’re trying to keep the day very calm and quiet from start to finish
• you don’t want the chance of a delayed departure

If you fall into the first group, you’ll likely enjoy the “one ticket, many highlights” feel. If you fall into the second group, I’d weigh alternative tours that emphasize smaller vessels or more controlled pacing.

Should You Book This Ile aux Cerfs Catamaran Day?

I think this is worth booking if you’re after a classic east-coast Mauritius day: see the Grand River South East waterfalls, spend real time at Ile aux Cerfs, and make the lagoon time count with snorkeling and a proper BBQ lunch. The included drinks and the fact that lunch is built into the day are strong points.

Before you hit reserve, I’d do two quick checks in your own head:

• Can you get to Trou D’eau Douce on time without pickup?
• Are you fine with the possibility that the boat may run bigger than the “15 maximum” idea and still have a fun, lively atmosphere?

If your schedule is flexible, you can also take advantage of the fact that free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. That gives you an easy safety net if the rest of your Mauritius plans shift.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The experience runs for about 9 hours, with sailing scheduled from 08:30 to 16:00.

What’s included in the price?

You’ll get the catamaran trip, visits to Ile aux Cerfs and the South East waterfalls, breakfast light snacks, unlimited alcoholic and soft drinks, and an included BBQ lunch. Life jackets and bottled water are also included, and veg and vegan food are available.

Where does the tour depart from?

The cruise departs from Trou D’eau Douce on Mauritius’s east coast, starting around 09:00, with arrival at the docking station around 08:30.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Yes. The tour includes unlimited alcoholic drinks along with soft drinks, juice, and water.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Optional hotel/Airbnb pickup and drop-off with transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle is not included.

How big is the group?

The tour states it is limited to a small group of up to 15 participants, though the experience can run with larger numbers at times.