Mauritius: Boat trip to Ile aux Cerfs with Lunch/waterslide

That waterslide changes your whole mood fast. This catamaran day trip pairs an east-coast sail with a snorkeling stop and a proper BBQ lunch served onboard, all topped off with waterslide time at sea. I especially liked the combo of Ile aux Cerfs free time and the onboard Sega-inspired music and crew entertainment—it’s not just sitting on a boat. One thing to consider: it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the itinerary involves getting on/off at the jetty and walking on the island.

You’ll start from Trou d’Eau Douce, cruise along Mauritius’ scenic coastline, then hit the water for snorkeling gear and a splashy lagoon stop. After lunch and drinks, you’ll reach Île aux Cerfs for beach relaxation, swimming, and a bit of island wandering. Expect a fun, mixed crowd: couples, families, and groups all seem to enjoy the “active plus food plus entertainment” rhythm.

Key things I’d circle before you book

• Onboard waterslide time right in the lagoon, fun for kids and grown-ups alike
• Snorkeling gear provided so you can just show up and get moving
• BBQ lunch plus unlimited drinks (beer, rum, soft drinks, and water) included
• Île aux Cerfs visit with free time for beach views, swims, and a short walk
• Local music and dancing onboard—Sega and traditional Mauritian performances

Trou d’Eau Douce to catamaran sailing: the day’s pace

This is a full-day outing built around movement, not museum hours. You’ll meet your crew at the end of the jetty next to the Mauritian Flag, then get settled on the catamaran for an easy start: a scenic sail along Mauritius’ east coast.

The ride out is about getting your bearings and enjoying the coastline from the water. The itinerary includes about an hour of sailing early on, so you’re not rushed immediately into activities. If you’re the type who likes to ease into the day, this schedule helps. If you want to be busy right away, you’ll still get your first big “let’s go” moment soon enough.

And yes, the vibe is party-adjacent in a family-friendly way—music, crew energy, and a waterslide that pulls people back to the deck like a magnet.

The onboard waterslide: fun factor, practical reality

The standout feature isn’t subtle: there’s a built-in waterslide, and you’ll have access onboard for the day’s water time. The idea is simple—hit the water, splash in, repeat. It’s the kind of activity where you don’t need to be an athlete or a swimmer to participate comfortably, because it’s designed for lagoon-style fun.

You’ll want to think practically, though. Bring swimwear you can handle multiple wears, and pack a towel you actually like using. Sandals matter too, since you’ll be moving around onboard and at the jetty. If you’re worried about sunscreen, use biodegradable sunscreen as recommended, since you’ll be in and around the water.

Also, plan your timing. The snorkeling stop and the waterslide stop both have their own windows, so it’s smart to follow what your crew recommends for the order of activities. That way you don’t end up trying to snorkel when you’re already sunburned and tired.

Snorkeling stop in the east-coast lagoon: what you should expect

Your snorkeling experience happens at a snorkeling spot reached by catamaran sail. You’ll have snorkeling gear provided, and guides are on hand to help. The schedule includes a swim window of about 40 minutes during the day’s main water portion.

What this means for you: you’re not responsible for finding equipment or figuring out where to go. You just get geared up and focus on seeing fish and coral life up close. The highlights describe exploring coral reefs in crystal-clear waters, so treat this as your “look at the sea up close” segment of the day.

A few practical notes so you enjoy it more:

• Wear your swimsuit under your clothes so you’re not hunting for a changing setup.
• Bring a towel and dry spot for after, because you’ll go from wet to lunch and island time.
• If you’re not a confident swimmer, rely on the gear and guidance right away—don’t wait until you’re already in the water.

And here’s a tip that saves time: once you’ve snorkeled, don’t linger in the gear too long. Jumping back to the slide or back onboard usually keeps the day flowing.

BBQ lunch and unlimited drinks: where the value really shows

One reason this trip works for a lot of people is that lunch isn’t an extra expense or a rushed snack. You get a BBQ lunch onboard with grilled meats, salads, and fruits, plus unlimited drinks: beer, rum, soft drinks, and water.

Unlimited drinks can be a double-edged sword on some tours, but here the structure helps: it’s tied to the lunch period while you’re onboard. That means you can eat, hydrate, and enjoy the music without turning it into an all-day boozy sprint.

Vegetarian options are available on request, so if that matters for you, make sure you plan ahead when booking. Even with meat-focused BBQ, salads and fruit still give you a proper meal base.

For value: consider what’s included. You’re paying for a full-day catamaran ride, snorkeling gear, waterslide access, island time, and lunch with drinks—not just a boat ticket. At $88 per person for a 6-hour day, it can pencil out well if you would otherwise pay separately for snorkeling gear rental, lunch, and island transport.

Île aux Cerfs free time: beaches, swimming, and short walks

After your main onboard fun and lunch phase, you cruise toward the iconic Île aux Cerfs. This is where you shift from “activity schedule” to “pick your pace.”

The plan gives you about an hour of free time on the island, plus sightseeing and a walk. The vibe on Île aux Cerfs is built around white-sand beaches and shallow lagoons, which are exactly the kind of conditions that make swimming easy and relaxing. You can spend the time lounging, taking in the view, or going for a swim.

There are optional water sports too, but they come at an extra cost—so think of them as add-ons if you want more adrenaline beyond snorkeling and the waterslide.

One small drawback to keep in mind: the free time is limited, so if you’re the type who wants hours of beach wandering, you may feel a little “time flew” once you’re back on the boat. For most people though, this amount of island time hits the sweet spot—enough to enjoy Île aux Cerfs without losing the rest of the day’s fun.

Local Sega dancing and crew entertainment on the return sail

The return sail isn’t just a commute. Your day includes onboard music and crew entertainment, including a Sega dance and traditional Mauritian dance and music.

This is one of the most praised parts of the experience. People talk about the staff and the energy, and the performances include local music and singing. That matters because it turns the cruise from a simple sightseeing ride into something more social and memorable—especially if you’re traveling with kids or you just like a little spectacle with your sea view.

If you’re more reserved and prefer quiet, you can always step back, grab a spot to watch the coastline, and let the music be background. But it’s worth staying around for at least part of the show, because it’s one of those Mauritius moments you don’t get just by being on land.

Price and logistics: why $88 can feel fair

Let’s talk straight value. At around $88 per person for a 6-hour catamaran experience, you’re getting several components in one bundle:

• Full-day catamaran cruise time
• Snorkeling stop with gear provided
• BBQ lunch onboard
• Unlimited drinks (beer, rum, soft drinks, and water)
• Onboard waterslide access
• Île aux Cerfs visit with free time
• Onboard music and crew entertainment

If you priced these separately—transport to the boat area, snorkeling gear, lunch, and island time—the total could easily add up. The waterslide also changes the equation: many boat tours might give you swimming time, but this one gives structured, onboard water fun.

The biggest logistics consideration is timing and mobility. The tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the schedule includes jetty boarding and island walking. For everyone else, the flow is fairly straightforward: sail out, water activities, lunch, island time, then return sail.

Who this tour is best for (and who should skip it)

This trip fits well if you want a single day that checks multiple boxes: sea views, snorkeling, waterslide fun, a real meal, and island time.

It’s especially good for:

• Families with kids who will actually use the waterslide
• Couples who want romance without turning the day into a strict schedule
• Groups who enjoy shared energy, music, and good food onboard

You might rethink it if:

• You need a fully accessible experience (it’s not suitable for mobility impairments)
• You want a slow, quiet beach day with lots of unstructured hours on land
• You’re expecting a private or extremely calm boat setting

What to bring (so you don’t waste your day)

The packing list is short, but it matters:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sandals
• Biodegradable sunscreen

I also suggest you wear practical clothing that dries quickly between snorkeling and island time. The day mixes water and deck time, so comfort beats style here. If you’re prone to sunburn, bring sunscreen you trust and apply it before you spend extended time on the water.

Booking sanity check: should you book this one?

If you want an active Mauritius day that doesn’t require planning equipment, managing transport, or hunting for lunch spots, I’d book it. The best reasons are simple: waterslide fun, snorkeling gear included, and BBQ lunch with unlimited drinks that keeps the day satisfying even when the activities are energetic.

I’d only skip it if accessibility is a concern for you or if you strongly prefer quiet, long beach time. For most people, the structure hits a nice balance: you get enough Île aux Cerfs time to enjoy the place, and you still leave the day feeling like you did more than just look at the water.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip?

The duration is about 6 hours.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is at the end of the jetty next to the Mauritian Flag. Pickup can depend on the selected option.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is provided, and guides are on hand to help during the snorkeling stop.

How long is the swimming/snorkeling portion?

The schedule includes a swimming stop of about 40 minutes.

What’s included for lunch?

You’ll get a BBQ lunch onboard with grilled meats, salads, and fruits.

Are there vegetarian options?

Vegetarian options are available on request.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited drinks are included: beer, rum, soft drinks, and water.

Is there an onboard waterslide?

Yes. You have access to the onboard waterslide and can splash into the water from it.

How much time do you get on Île aux Cerfs?

There’s free time on Île aux Cerfs, plus sightseeing and a walk. The island portions are scheduled for about 1 hour total for the lunch/BBQ period and then additional free time.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No, it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments.