Mauritius Catamaran Cruise to Ile Aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch

Catamaran day trips make Mauritius feel effortless. This outing runs from Trou d’Eau Douce up to the Grand River South East Waterfall, then out to Ile aux Cerfs for a swim, snorkeling break, and a 3-course-style BBQ lunch with drinks onboard.

Two things I really like: you get the waterfall scene first, so the day starts with something moving and scenic instead of only beach time. And your lunch is handled for you on the boat, with a big drink selection that can include beer, wine, and local rum (plus the usual soft drinks, juice, and water).

One thing to weigh: the day is weather-sensitive. If conditions are rough, snorkeling can be canceled, and some reviews also hint that timing and space can feel hectic depending on the group and day.

Quick take on what makes this trip worth your time

• Trou d’Eau Douce cruise vibe with a day that stays active instead of only hopping between stops
• Cascade Diamamouve waterfall photo stop with a chance to spot monkeys along the riverbanks
• Snorkeling and swimming break in clear water (but it can be canceled for weather)
• BBQ lunch onboard + drinks including halal food and a wide drinks list
• Ile aux Cerfs beach time with lagoon swimming and an arts & craft market option
• Local Mauritian Sega music on the way back, for a more “Mauritius” feel

From Green Island Beach Restaurant to a Full Day at Sea

Most days start at Green Island Beach Restaurant (B59 Coastal Road, La Pelouse, Trou d’Eau Douce) with a 9:30 am start. The tour runs about 6 to 7 hours, which is long enough to feel like a real outing but short enough that you won’t lose your whole day.

This is also a practical tour format: you’re not trying to self-navigate boats, transfers, and timing. You’re picked up if you choose the pickup option, and you end back at the same meeting point. The tour operator provides a mobile ticket, and you’ll get confirmation at booking.

The pace is intentionally “day-tour fast.” You’ll sail, stop, swim, eat, then relax again. If you like structure but still want some freedom on the island, this fits.

The Waterfall Run: Cascade Diamanamouve and a Riverbank Photo Moment

The first stop is the Grand River South East Waterfall, known as Cascade Diamanamouve. You travel upriver from Trou d’Eau Douce and plan for about one hour here.

Why this stop matters: it breaks up the day. Instead of only chasing beaches, you get a lush, moving backdrop for photos and a short stretch where you can look around without worrying about life jackets or where to buy lunch.

One of the coolest details is the wildlife possibility. The plan includes trying to spot monkeys along the riverbanks. It’s not guaranteed, but it’s exactly the kind of “Mauritius feels alive” moment that makes a half-day cruise more memorable than a basic boat transfer.

Practical note: this is also where photos happen. If you’re the type who likes getting a clean shot, try to get your bearings quickly and don’t wait until you’re already halfway down the viewing spot.

Snorkeling and Swimming Break: Clear Water Time (When Conditions Allow)

After the waterfall, the tour shifts to water time. You’ll have a snorkeling and swimming break in crystal-clear water, and this is tied to your main island period before the BBQ meal.

Two realities here. First, snorkeling is included in the experience plan, so you should pack as if you’ll snorkel. Second, weather can change the schedule. Some people reported that snorkeling was canceled due to conditions, which makes sense for safety and visibility.

If snorkeling is your top goal, I’d treat the experience as a “swim and water-play day” rather than a guarantee of perfect reef time. Even if snorkeling is canceled, you can still expect lagoon swimming later at Ile aux Cerfs.

Also, keep in mind that this is a cruise-style trip. Expect quick transitions: get in, swim, then move on. You won’t have the slow, private feel of a charter.

BBQ Lunch Onboard: Halal Food and a Serious Drinks List

This tour doesn’t do the usual empty-boat thing. Lunch is built in as a BBQ onboard meal, and it’s paired with drinks service.

The day includes a selection of local drinks: soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum. Food is listed as Halal, which is a big plus for anyone who needs clear dietary confidence.

Why this matters for value: at $59 per person, the “included” portion is the heart of the pricing. You’re essentially buying the boat time, the island visit, snorkeling/swim access, and a full meal package in one go. If you’re trying to budget in Mauritius, it’s one less meal to hunt down once you’re already away from your hotel.

The onboard vibe is also part of the appeal. Multiple reviews praise the crew’s friendliness and hospitality, and people mention that the food and drink flow felt generous.

One caution from the less-positive reviews: service expectations can vary day to day. If you’re the type who wants lots of guidance and lots of explanation, you might find that the trip is more “hands-on logistics” than lecture-style sightseeing.

Ile aux Cerfs: White Sand, Lagoon Swims, and Optional Extras

Ile aux Cerfs is the reason most people buy this itinerary. You’ll spend around 3 hours on the island, with time to relax on white sandy beaches and swim in the lagoon. There’s also room for a craft browsing stop, with an arts & craft market where you can grab souvenirs.

What makes this island stop special is the mix: you’re not only lounging. You can swim, explore a little, and then decide whether to add optional activities.

Optional add-ons aren’t included, but they’re available if you want more thrill:

• Double parasailing listed at about Rs 2,500
• Underseawalk listed at about Rs 2,000

If you’re traveling with kids, this is often an easy win because there’s a beach-and-water payoff. If you’re traveling as adults who prefer quiet: you’ll still get the lagoon and beach time, but go early in your island block if you want a calmer pocket of sand.

And if you like a bit of culture without turning it into a museum day, the craft market is a nice low-pressure way to pick up something local without losing your beach time.

The Hectic Parts: Pickup Timing and Catamaran Space

This is where you should pay attention before you click buy.

First, pickup timing. One review complained about a driver being about an hour late. That kind of delay can feel rough when the day is already planned tightly around boat schedules.

Second, boat space. Another review described crowding on the catamaran beyond what they expected, noting the maximum people per boat (including crew) and feeling that their group ended up pushing that limit.

Third, tour pacing. Several reviews use words like hectic or fast-moving. That’s not necessarily a dealbreaker, but it does mean you should go in knowing you’ll spend time moving between boats and stops, not just staying seated and relaxing.

On the positive side, one review named a driver, Avish, as great. So quality seems variable but often friendly. My take: the experience is best if you treat it like a guided, social day out, not a private luxury cruise.

Price and Value: Why $59 Can Make Sense

At $59 per person, you’re paying for a bundle: catamaran cruise, a waterfall stop, island time, snorkeling/swimming access, BBQ lunch onboard, and a drinks selection.

If you price these items separately in Mauritius, you’d quickly spend more than that once you add transport, meal costs, and day-trip fees. That’s why this tour appeals to value-minded travelers.

It’s also booked about 31 days in advance on average, which suggests it’s popular. Popular can mean better availability, but it can also mean you’re more likely to encounter a fuller schedule.

So, here’s the fair way to judge value:

• If you’re happy with a group day, a solid meal, and a beach-and-water payoff, this likely feels like a good deal.
• If you want lots of explanation, lots of quiet, and lots of space, you may find another style of private charter more satisfying.

Small Tips That Make This Day Trip Feel Easier

If you do this kind of cruise once, you’ll learn quickly what matters. Here’s what I’d do:

• Wear swim-ready clothes early. You’ll have transfers and a snorkeling swim window, and changing takes time.
• Bring a light layer for the boat. Even in warm weather, sea breezes can make you feel cooler than you expect.
• Plan for sun and quick photos. The waterfall stop is limited and the best moments go fast.
• If you’re offered pickup, confirm total costs. One review specifically warned about pickup fees, suggesting you compare against what a taxi would cost to the port.
• Have realistic expectations about snorkeling. It’s included, but weather can cancel it. The island swimming still tends to be the main payoff.
• Use the arts & craft market as a souvenir anchor. It’s better to buy with time set aside than to sprint later.

Should You Book This Mauritius Catamaran Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs?

Book it if you want a one-day, high-payoff experience: waterfall views, lagoon beach time, and an onboard BBQ lunch with drinks, all organized for you from Trou d’Eau Douce. The value at $59 is strongest when you’re flexible about weather and you’re okay with a group schedule.

Think twice if you’re very sensitive to crowding, timing delays, or you need a slow-paced, heavily guided experience. The itinerary is structured and the day can feel hectic. Also, snorkeling is not fully guaranteed if conditions aren’t right.

If your priority is beach + swimming with a simple day-tour structure, this is a solid choice. If your priority is perfect snorkeling and a calm private vibe, you might want a different format.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise to Ile aux Cerfs?

The tour lasts about 6 to 7 hours.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Green Island Beach Restaurant, B59 Coastal Road, La Pelouse, Trou d’Eau Douce 42207, Mauritius.

What time does the tour begin?

The start time is 9:30 am.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you choose the pickup option.

What does the price include?

It includes the full catamaran cruise, the waterfall visit, snorkeling and swimming break, BBQ lunch onboard, drinks onboard, and a visit to Ile aux Cerfs.

Is the food Halal?

Yes, the BBQ lunch is listed as Halal.

Are snorkeling and swimming guaranteed?

Snorkeling and swimming are part of the plan, but the activity requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What optional activities are available on Ile aux Cerfs?

Parasailing (double) is listed at about Rs 2,500, and the underseawalk is listed at about Rs 2,000. They are not included in the price.

How many people are on the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 35 travelers.

Is there free cancellation?

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