Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch

One day like this can reset your whole pace. This Mauritius catamaran trip delivers a smooth sail in a safe lagoon, plus snorkel time and an easygoing stop at Ile aux Cerfs, with food handled for you. What I really like is the calm day-at-sea feel and the practical mix of swimming, sights, and an on-board BBQ that keeps moving.

I also like that the route isn’t just scenery. You pass the Mahebourg area and Blue Bay, then head toward Grande Rivière Sud Est, where you can see older ramparts and hear the story behind the 1810 Battle of Vieux Grand Port. One possible drawback: if the weather turns windy and cloudy, the ride can feel cold and you may not enjoy snorkeling as much.

Key highlights at a glance

• Safe cruising in the lagoon on the protected turquoise waters around Mauritius
• Swim and snorkel before the main stop, so you’re not rushing once you’re ashore
• Grande Rivière Sud Est waterfall plus visible 18th-century ramparts
• BBQ buffet served on board with smoked marlin mousse, grilled fish, chicken, sausages, and salads
• All-day drinks including soft drinks, beer, water, and rum cocktails

Catamaran cruising in Mauritius’ protected lagoon

This is the kind of tour where the biggest effort you’ll make is deciding when to put on sunscreen. You sail on a catamaran along the wild east coast of Mauritius, staying within the safety of the largest turquoise lagoon in Mauritius. That matters, because it turns a “boat day” into a smoother, more relaxed outing instead of a white-knuckle transfer.

Once you’re out there, the pace feels intentionally slow. You get a full day rhythm: sail, swim, sight stop, then food and drinks on board. And yes, you’re not just handed a dry description of the day. Soft drinks, beer, water, and rum cocktails are available all day, which means your energy stays steady without needing to hunt for purchases.

For couples, friends, and anyone who wants a break from planning, the value here is in the flow. You spend less time figuring out logistics, and more time enjoying the water.

Pointe Jérôme departure: the Mahebourg + Blue Bay starting point

The day begins at Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point, near Mahebourg and the Marine Park of Blue Bay. That Marine Park is protected under the International Ramsar Convention, which is a fancy way of saying it’s been officially recognized for conservation value. In plain terms: this area is treated carefully, and you can feel that in how the experience is organized around the water.

If you choose the pickup option, you’ll be collected from your hotel, with the collection time confirmed the day before. If you don’t choose pickup, you’ll want to plan your own way to Pointe Jérôme. The good news is that the meeting point is clearly fixed, and the tour itself is built around a single, long day (about 8 hours).

One small but important detail: valuables aren’t allowed. That’s usually a sign the crew wants to keep the experience simple and reduce worry about personal belongings near the water. So travel light for the day, or keep things locked up at the start.

Snorkel and swim time where the lagoon does the work

The excursion includes time to swim and snorkel before you head to the waterfall stop. Because you’re sailing within the protected lagoon area, you’re not dealing with open-ocean conditions as part of the plan. That’s the big reason this trip works for many people who want water time without turning the day into a challenge.

How long you get in the water depends on timing and conditions, but the structure is clear: water first, then land and history. This sequencing helps. If you snorkel when you’re fresh and the boat ride hasn’t worn you out, it’s easier to focus on what you actually came for.

Now, the one caution I’d take seriously is weather. One recent experience described being pushed into the day under bad conditions with lots of wind and clouds, and it made people cold and limited snorkeling enjoyment. So if you’re deciding between days, pick the one that looks calmer and brighter. And if conditions are questionable, accept that the lagoon might still be safe, but it won’t feel comfortable the whole time.

Grande Rivière Sud Est: waterfall views plus old ramparts

After the water time, you visit Grande Rivière Sud Est waterfall and its natural setting. Even if you don’t get the kind of photo light you want, a waterfall stop gives you that land-based change of pace you need on an all-day cruise.

What makes this stop more interesting than a generic scenic stop is the history around it. You can still see 18th-century ramparts, linked to corsair activity and naval skirmishes. Then there’s the big named event: in 1810, the Battle of Vieux Grand Port took place here between French and English forces.

So you’re not just stepping off a boat for views. You’re stepping into a place with layered meaning. For me, that’s the sweet spot on tours like this: enough nature to feel relaxing, with enough context to make the stops memorable.

The drawback? You’ll likely spend less time wandering than on a pure land tour, since the day is anchored to the catamaran schedule. If you like long, slow exploring, you may feel the waterfall stop is more of a moment than a whole chapter. But for a 7–8 hour day, it’s a good balance.

The BBQ buffet on board: smoked marlin mousse and real refuel

The lunch is served on the catamaran as a BBQ buffet prepared and served on board by the crew. This is a big part of the appeal, because it keeps you from losing the best hours of the day to transfers, lines, and restaurant timing.

Here’s what’s included in the buffet:

• Smoked marlin mousse (a signature item)
• Grilled fish
• Chicken and sausages
• Rice and potato salads
• Crudités
• Freshly baked bread
• Fresh fruits
• Coffee

That lineup matters. It’s not just filler carbs. You get a mix of protein, salads, bread, and fruit, which is ideal after time in the sun and water. It also fits different appetites without making you choose between a few small portions.

Drinks are handled too. Soft drinks, beer, water, and rum cocktails are available all day. One tip from the experiences: the rum cocktails are worth trying, and jungle juice was specifically recommended. If you’re curious about local-style serving, this is the moment.

Also, coffee is part of lunch, and one person pointed out enjoying Mauritian coffee with the meal. If you take your coffee seriously, this is a good chance to try it without planning anything extra.

What’s included (and what to plan for separately)

This tour is built with a clear set of inclusions:

• Catamaran cruise
• Lunch (BBQ buffet on board)
• Optional hotel pickup and drop-off if you pick that variant

And then there are a few things that are explicitly not included:

• Water sports or parasailing at Ile aux Cerfs are not included.

So if you’re hoping for extra paid activities like parasailing, you’ll need to arrange those separately. The core experience here is sailing plus swimming/snorkeling plus the waterfall stop and BBQ.

There’s also a practical rhythm to it: about 8 hours, with enough time to enjoy the main moments but not enough to turn the day into a long hike or full on resort day. If you want an active water day, this works well. If you want multiple big shore activities, you may find the schedule a bit tight.

Who this catamaran day trip fits best

This trip tends to suit people who want a relaxed, well-paced day on the water. It’s especially good for anyone who:

• likes swimming and snorkel time but doesn’t want to spend the day handling gear and transport
• wants history mixed into a nature day (those ramparts and the Battle of Vieux Grand Port story)
• appreciates a plan that provides lunch and drinks, so your budget stays predictable

There are also clear boundaries. It’s not suitable for pregnant women. The good to know practical detail is that it’s listed as wheelchair accessible, so it’s designed to accommodate mobility needs better than many small boat experiences.

Language is English and French with a live tour guide. That helps if you want to understand what you’re seeing at the waterfall and ramparts instead of just taking in sights silently.

One more thing: valuables aren’t allowed. If you’re the type who carries lots of camera gear, keep it minimal or make a plan for safe storage before you get on the water.

Price and value: what $111 buys you in real terms

At $111 per person, this isn’t a bargain “snack cruise.” You’re paying for a full day package: catamaran time, lunch cooked and served on board, and all-day drinks (soft drinks, beer, water, rum cocktails). In other words, you’re not just buying a ride. You’re buying a controlled schedule where food and beverages are handled.

You also get a couple of decisions taken off your plate. Hotel pickup is optional, but if you choose it, your start and end are simpler. If you don’t choose pickup, at least the meeting point at Pointe Jérôme is straightforward.

For me, the value hinges on two things:

1) whether you’ll actually use the included water time (swim/snorkel), and

2) whether you’ll enjoy the on-board meal enough that you don’t feel like you missed out on a better restaurant elsewhere.

If you want a day that feels like one smooth unit, this price starts to make sense quickly.

Should you book this Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a low-stress Mauritius day with real time on the water, an on-board BBQ that’s more than a token lunch, and a stop that adds history to the scenery. It’s also a strong choice if you’re traveling with someone who wants the same day to include both relaxing moments and a few story-driven sights.

Think twice if you’re sensitive to wind and cold, because the experience can turn uncomfortable when conditions are rough, and snorkeling enjoyment may drop. And if you specifically want parasailing or other water sports at Ile aux Cerfs, you’ll need a different add-on plan.

If your ideal day looks like sail, swim, waterfall, then good food under friendly crew service, this one fits.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise to Ile aux Cerfs?

It runs for approximately 8 hours.

Where does the tour depart from?

The meeting point is Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point, Mauritius.

What’s included in the price?

The package includes the catamaran cruise, lunch, and (if you choose the option) hotel pickup and drop-off.

Are parasailing or other water sports included?

No. Water sports or parasailing at Ile aux Cerfs are not included.

What language is the guide?

The live tour guide is available in English and French.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Who should not book this tour?

The tour is listed as not suitable for pregnant women.

FAQ

What should I bring for the day?

Bring a towel and sunscreen.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is hotel pickup optional?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are optional, and collection time is confirmed the day before.

Are valuables allowed on board?

No, valuables are not allowed.

What’s the BBQ lunch like?

It includes smoked marlin mousse, grilled fish, chicken and sausages, rice and potato salads, crudités, freshly baked bread, fresh fruits, and coffee.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Soft drinks, beer, water, and rum cocktails are available all day.