Mauritius: Catamaran Day Cruise to lle aux Cerfs with Lunch

This is the kind of day that feels like a vacation shortcut. You’ll cruise the East Coast lagoons on a spacious catamaran, with Ile aux Cerfs on the agenda and swim time built in. I love that the day mixes big scenery (waterfalls and island views) with simple beach time, and I also like the onboard BBQ lunch and drinks that keep the day from turning into a hunt for food. One thing to consider: the vibe can lean social, with loud music and plenty of alcohol, so it’s not a silent, watch-the-sky-only kind of trip.

The best part for me is the balance of effort and payoff. You’re out on the water, you stop to look, then you get to actually relax—sunbathing on deck, a dip in warm lagoon water, and a proper lunch while you’re sailing toward your next stop.

The only real caution is timing and conditions. The snorkeling spot and the overall waterfall experience can depend on the day’s water movement, and the waterfall stop can feel brief if you’re hoping for a long, slow look.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Ile aux Cerfs is the main beach payoff, with free time to wander and swim
• GRSE waterfalls are included, with a plan shaped by the tide and sea conditions
• Snorkeling happens for a set stretch of time, with gear provided on board
• A full onboard BBQ lunch plus drinks means you won’t spend the day budgeting snacks
• The atmosphere can be more upbeat than quiet, especially around music and bar service

A Six-Hour Catamaran Day Cruise: What You’re Really Buying

For $65 per person, you’re paying for three things at once: a catamaran day on Mauritius’ East Coast lagoon, entry to two signature sights (Ile aux Cerfs and Grand River South East waterfalls), and a meal plan that doesn’t require a restaurant detour. In practice, that bundle matters because Mauritius trips often get expensive fast once you add boat transport, food, and paid activities.

This cruise is also designed for “good day planning” without feeling like a checklist tour. You get several moving parts—sailing, a waterfall stop, snorkeling, then beach time—yet the schedule is compact enough that you’re back the same day.

The duration is about 6 hours, so your best strategy is to treat it like a half-day of island highlights plus relaxation. If you’re the type who loves a full itinerary, you may find it fast. If you want one great day on the water, it’s a strong fit.

Trou d’Eau Douce Start: From Jetty to Open Water

You meet at the Blue Alizé Catamaran at the Trou d’Eau Douce jetty, next to the Mauritius flag. Since hotel pickup isn’t included, show up ready—have your swimwear on and your towel packed, because the day starts from the dock.

Once you cast off, the trip quickly shifts into “easy mode.” You’re out on a spacious catamaran deck, so even if you don’t want to swim right away, you still get value from the sailing itself: sun on your shoulders, wide lagoon views, and plenty of room to settle in.

A practical note: bring sunscreen and something to cover your shoulders if you burn easily. You’ll be under strong sun while sailing between stops, and it’s not the kind of day where you’ll want to keep running for shade.

Ile aux Cerfs: Beach Time That Actually Lets You Do Stuff

Ile aux Cerfs is the big headline for a reason. It’s iconic Mauritius—clear water, beachy scenery, and that “one island away from everywhere” feeling that makes the East Coast special.

You’ll get about 2 hours on the island for visit time and sightseeing. That’s enough to do a meaningful wander, pick a beach spot, and still have time to jump in when you find a comfortable patch of sand and water.

Also, don’t over-plan your exact route. The island is more about finding your own rhythm—walking along the shoreline, relaxing near the water, and enjoying the simple pleasure of being out there without rushing between photo stops every few minutes.

If you want to add activity, you may find paid water sports available on the island. Some past riders talk about trying things like parasailing, so if you’re curious, keep a little extra cash on hand for optional add-ons.

Passing the Iconic Island Views (Without Being Stuck)

Even before you dock, the sail gives you a chance to take in the famous silhouette of Ile aux Cerfs. The cruise route includes time sailing and scenic viewing on the way, so you’re not just staring at the horizon while waiting.

This matters because it sets the tone. You’re on the water from early in the day, so the experience feels continuous rather than a sequence of “bus to boat, boat to bus” moments.

For photographers, this is a good window for wide shots. Light off the water tends to look great, and you’ll get multiple angles as you cruise along.

GRSE Waterfalls: Great Photos, But It’s a Short Visit

The Grand River South East waterfall stop is included, and the plan is shaped by the sea conditions. You’ll take a photo stop and pass by this area, which sounds quick—because it is—but it can still be worthwhile if you care about seeing the contrast between ocean and rainforest-style terrain.

One of the charming touches is the possibility of seeing monkeys on the way to the waterfall area, if you’re lucky. That kind of surprise is part of why people enjoy this cruise beyond the checklist sights.

Now for the realistic side: the waterfall experience can be brief, and some visitors feel it’s not enough time for a slow, long look. If you want to stand and stare for a long stretch, adjust expectations. Think of it as a “see it, appreciate it, snap a few photos” stop rather than a full nature hike.

It can also be busy because this is a popular kind of day trip. If you’re sensitive to crowding, keep your mood flexible and focus on what you came for—sea sailing and a beach island day.

Snorkeling in Warm Lagoon Water (and Why the Spot Matters)

The cruise includes snorkeling with snorkeling equipment provided. You’ll have about 40 minutes in the water, which is a decent chunk for a first-timer snorkel or for people who just want a relaxed swim and some fish spotting.

A key detail: the snorkeling location is chosen based on conditions—so it’s not always perfectly protected. On some days, current can affect comfort and visibility, and the spot may not look like a postcard.

But even when conditions aren’t ideal, Mauritius lagoons tend to reward you with sea life close to the surface. This is the kind of activity that doesn’t require expertise—just a steady breath, calm movements, and a willingness to enjoy whatever you see.

Bring your swimsuit and use sunscreen. If the water is warm enough, you might spend longer in and out than you planned—so protect your skin like it’s an all-day beach outing, because it basically is.

BBQ Lunch and Drinks on Board: Real Value Here

Food is one of the reasons this cruise earns such strong ratings. You get a BBQ lunch onboard with options including fish and chicken skewers, salads, garlic bread, pasta, rice, and fresh pineapple. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available on request, which is a helpful detail if you have dietary limits.

You also get drinks. That might sound like a minor add-on until you’re actually on the boat for hours. Having drinks available keeps the day smooth—no searching for a café, no figuring out meal timing between stops.

I like that the lunch isn’t presented as fancy fine dining. It’s solid, beach-trip food made for people who have been in the sun and are ready to eat. The real win is that it’s timed so you can enjoy it while you’re sailing rather than losing an hour to logistics.

A tip: eat like you’ll be in the sun again afterward. Even if lunch is filling, the best part of your day is still the island and swimming, so don’t go too heavy or you’ll feel sluggish on the beach.

Music, Social Energy, and How to Choose Your Mood

This is where expectations matter most. Some people love the upbeat feeling: music on board, a party-leaning atmosphere, and alcohol served from early in the day. If you enjoy a lively crowd and don’t mind louder sound, you’ll likely find the vibe fun and easy.

If you want a quiet, nature-focused sailing day, you may find it less peaceful than you hoped. The best approach is to decide what you want before you go. This cruise isn’t billed as a silent sailing retreat.

The good news? Even with a social vibe, you still get physical space. It’s a catamaran, so you can find deck areas to sit, sunbathe, and take a breather between active moments.

Timing and Route: How the 6 Hours Feel

The day moves in a simple loop: sail from Trou d’Eau Douce, cruise past Ile aux Cerfs, stop by Grand River South East for photos/passing, snorkel, eat a BBQ lunch onboard, then spend time on Ile aux Cerfs, and return by catamaran.

That sequence is actually smart. It gives you:

• ocean time early (so you feel like you’re on vacation fast),
• a nature sight in the middle (waterfall stop),
• snorkeling plus lunch before you hit the beach,
• then beach time while you still have energy.

The trade-off is that nothing is a full deep-water session. Snorkeling is timed. The waterfall stop is short. Ile aux Cerfs isn’t an all-day island camp. You’re choosing variety over maximum time at one location.

For a lot of people, that’s exactly the point of a 6-hour cruise: you leave with several strong memories, not one single highlight that eats up your whole schedule.

Price and Value: Does $65 Make Sense in Mauritius?

At $65 per person for a 6-hour catamaran day, this is often a strong value because it includes multiple categories that usually cost extra when booked separately:

• catamaran transport on the lagoon,
• snorkeling equipment,
• BBQ lunch with multiple dishes,
• drinks,
• a guided experience in English or French,
• and visits to both Ile aux Cerfs and GRSE waterfalls.

If you were to assemble the day yourself—boat ride, guided stops, gear rental, lunch, and drinks—costs can climb quickly. Here, the price bundles it so you can focus on enjoying the day.

Is it “cheap”? No. But for what’s included, it feels like the kind of deal that’s worth it if you want an easy, all-in-one experience. If you’re the type who only cares about one thing—like long snorkeling or a long beach day—then you might find better match-ups elsewhere with a different schedule. But as a balanced “best-of” day, this is priced in the sweet spot.

Who This Cruise Fits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This cruise is a good match if you want:

• a short, structured day on the water,
• real beach time at Ile aux Cerfs,
• snorkeling without planning,
• and a BBQ lunch with drinks so the day stays effortless.

It may not fit if you need a quiet environment or very long stops at each highlight. Also, it’s not suitable for pregnant women and people with mobility impairments, based on the activity’s constraints.

If you’re traveling with family, couples, or friends and you enjoy social energy, you’ll probably have an easier time settling in. If you’re traveling solo and want conversation and a fun onboard mood, this can feel like a friendly group outing.

If you hate crowds, you’ll want to mentally prepare for a popular waterfall area and a popular island. The right move is focusing on the sea time and keeping your expectations realistic for stop durations.

Should You Book This Ile aux Cerfs Catamaran Day Cruise?

I’d book this cruise if you want a single, easy Mauritius day that combines sailing, snorkeling, an island beach, and food all together. The onboard BBQ lunch, provided snorkeling gear, and included visits make it feel like strong value for your time.

I wouldn’t book it if you’re chasing a quiet, slow nature day with minimal music and long, deep stops. Also, if your priority is lots of time at just one spot, the schedule may feel too compact.

If you go, do it with the right mindset: pack like you’re going to a beach day, keep your day flexible around tide and sea conditions, and treat GRSE waterfalls as a scenic stop rather than a long excursion. Then you’ll get what this trip is best at—an efficient slice of Mauritius that still feels like a proper escape.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The duration is 6 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at the Blue Alizé Catamaran jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce, next to the Mauritius flag.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup is not included.

What’s included in the price?

The cruise includes the full day catamaran cruise on the East Coast lagoon, drinks, snorkeling equipment, BBQ lunch, and visits to Ile aux Cerfs and GRSE waterfalls.

Can I request vegetarian or gluten-free options?

Yes. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available on request.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.