Mauritius: Ile Aux Cerfs Catamaran Trip w/ Lunch & Transfer

Monkeys, coral, and a full lunch day. This Mauritius Ile aux Cerfs catamaran day trip from Trou d’Eau Douce strings together big highlights: Grand River South East waterfalls, a lagoon snorkel break, and white-sand beach time on Ile aux Cerfs. Hotel pickup and drop-off mean you can stay in holiday mode from the first car ride to the last.

I especially like how the day is paced. You get a proper waterfall stop with speedboat views upstream, then you shift into relaxed sailing through clear water with shade and sun on the 42 ft catamaran. I also love the food setup: a true 3-course onboard lunch plus a selection of drinks (including local rum).

One thing to keep in mind: your time on Ile aux Cerfs can feel tight if you want to do multiple paid water activities like parasailing or an undersea walk. If you’re goal-driven, plan to pick your top 1 or 2.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Care About

• A 42 ft catamaran ride with plenty of room to sit, sunbathe, and switch up your view as you cruise
• Waterfalls near the Grand River South East with a speedboat run upstream for close-up sights and monkey chances
• Short, clear-water snorkel break where you can swim with tropical fish over coral reefs
• 3-course onboard lunch plus beer, wine, local rum, and soft drinks
• Real beach time on Ile aux Cerfs with optional extras like parasailing, tube riding, and an undersea walk

The Route: Trou d’Eau Douce to Ile aux Cerfs in One Smooth Sweep

This is a 7-hour, east-coast Mauritius outing designed around a simple idea: get you from hotel to boat fast, show you the good natural stuff, then return you without stress. The day starts with hotel pickup anywhere in Mauritius, then a drive to Trou d’eau Douce. Arrival is typically around 09:15, and the cruise departs at 09:30.

That timing matters because it puts you on the water before the day heats up too much. You’ll also notice something practical once you’re underway: the catamaran layout encourages you to move. You can sit inside if you want a break from sun, or spread out on the nets and open areas when you’re chasing that wide ocean feeling.

The itinerary also has an intentional rhythm. After the waterfall visit, the day shifts from “see stuff” to “float, snorkel, eat, repeat.” It’s not a marathon tour with constant sprinting between stops. It’s a long, pleasant day.

Grand River South East Waterfalls: Close-Up Views (and Monkey Odds)

The waterfall portion is one of the main reasons to pick this trip. Before the cruise settles into lagoon sailing, you head to the Grand River South East area. Then you go by speedboat to reach the waterfalls located about 500 meters upstream.

This is the part that tends to feel most dramatic. From the boat, you get that Caribbean-and-Mauritius mix of green riverbanks and steep, sculpted rock. And because the river corridor is lively, the chances of seeing wildlife are real.

Here’s what to watch for:

• Monkeys along the riverbanks. If you’re lucky, they’ll be active near the big old trees.
• Fruit bats perched high as you approach the waterfall area.

A lot of the charm here is how close you get compared to typical “look from a distance” sightseeing. Also, the speedboat segment usually adds a bit of adrenaline without turning the day chaotic.

Practical tip: bring a light layer or a towel you don’t mind getting damp. Speedboat transfers can be splashy, and you’ll appreciate having something ready after.

The Catamaran Ride: 42 Feet of Space and a Crew That Keeps the Vibe Going

The boat is a 42 ft catamaran, and the feel on board is part of the value. Unlike some day tours where you’re stuck in one cramped seating zone, you can choose your own micro-mood: shaded seating, sunning on deck, or lounging where you can watch water and coastline slide by.

You’ll also get a live guide onboard, typically in English, French, and Hindi. The crew tends to mix practical check-ins with storytelling and music, which is great if you want the day to feel social but not forced.

From the experience details and how the day is run, the emphasis is on comfort. People describe the crew as attentive, and you’ll often find drinks and food being offered without having to hunt for someone’s attention.

One more thing I like for first-timers: you don’t have to be an expert sailor or swimmer. The catamaran setting is relaxed. Your job is basically to look up, breathe, and remember sunscreen.

Snorkeling in the Lagoon: Clear Water, Short Stop, Big Payoff

After the waterfall visit, you sail into the lagoon and stop for a snorkeling and swimming break. The focus is coral reef scenery and tropical fish in clear water.

The snorkeling stop tends to be relatively short, roughly around 25 minutes based on the way the day is commonly paced. That can be a drawback if you’re the type who wants a long, slow swim. But the trade-off is that you’re not stuck underwater all day. You get to snorkel enough to feel the magic, then you bounce back into the rest of the experience.

If you want the best shot at enjoying it:

• Wear your swimsuit under your clothes so you’re ready fast.
• Bring a towel and change of clothes (it’s on the provided packing list for a reason).
• If you have your own mask or snorkel gear, consider bringing it. The tour includes life jackets, but comfort is easier with familiar gear.

Also, keep your eyes open. Some days include dolphins or other sea life sightings on the way back, and clear-water conditions can make marine moments more likely.

The 3-Course Lunch and Drinks: Why Food Is a Real Selling Point Here

Many island excursions feed you something. This one builds lunch into the experience in a way that’s actually worth talking about.

Lunch is served as a 3-course menu onboard, and it’s paired with a selection of drinks:

• soft drinks, juice, and bottled water
• beer and wine
• local rum

You also get an onboard BBQ-style meal feel, and the lunch itself may happen on the beach or on the catamaran depending on conditions and the day’s flow.

What makes this valuable for you is timing. You’re fed while you’re still in the middle of sailing and sightseeing. That means less scrambling for food later, less chance of getting stuck hungry before the beach portion.

Dietary notes you should know:

• Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available.
• Food is halal.

If you have allergies, this is the kind of tour where it helps to tell the crew clearly when you board so they can support you.

Ile aux Cerfs Beach Time: White Sand, Optional Activities, Real Relaxation

Eventually, the catamaran reaches Ile aux Cerfs, a picture-postcard island on Mauritius’ east coast with turquoise water and white sandy beaches. This is your decompression moment.

At Ile aux Cerfs, you can relax and swim, but you can also pay extra for activities if you want more adrenaline. The optional options mentioned include:

• parasailing
• tube riding
• undersea walk (optional)

This is where you should make a decision early in the island portion. If you try to do everything, beach time can shrink. If you choose one activity plus swimming plus a slow stroll, you usually get the best balance.

A smart strategy: do your activity first, then settle into the beach. That way you’re not rushing while everyone else is trying to take photos on the same stretch of sand.

Also, consider bringing cash for extras. The tour includes food and drinks, but island activities are not included.

Transfers Matter: Hotel Pickup, Timing, and Getting Back Without Drama

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, and that’s one of the biggest “value” drivers in real life. Mauritius travel can mean long drives, especially if you’re staying far from the east coast. Having pickup organized for you cuts out a lot of logistics headaches.

Most people describe transfers as smooth and punctual, and the vehicles are air-conditioned. There’s also a practical handoff process between drivers and boat staff, including clear meeting points.

One detail that comes up often in how the day is managed: communication is handled ahead of time, so you’re usually not guessing when to show up. Names like Kavi, Sam, and Qasid appear in accounts of drivers who are friendly and clear with instructions, but the bigger point for you is this: you should expect proper coordination if the provider is running the day well.

Price and Value: How $110 Per Person Stacks Up

At about $110 per person for a ~7-hour day, this tour is priced like a “full package,” not just a boat ride. The value comes from the mix of included elements:

• catamaran cruise on a larger boat (42 ft)
• hotel transfers
• waterfall experience connected to the river area
• snorkel and swim stop in the lagoon
• 3-course lunch
• drinks including beer, wine, and local rum
• life jackets and bottled water

If you were to book these parts separately, the transfer + boat + meals combination usually costs more than you expect. Here, the bundle is the point.

The only part you should budget extra for is water sports on the island (parasailing, tube riding, undersea walk) since they are not included.

Who This Catamaran Trip Fits Best

This is a good fit if:

• you want a single-day highlight without bouncing between too many locations
• you like a laid-back boat vibe where you can lounge and still see nature sights
• snorkeling is on your list, but you don’t need a deep training program
• you want a trip where lunch is genuinely part of the day

It may be less ideal if:

• you’re chasing a long, extended snorkeling session and plan to do hours in the water
• you want lots of time on Ile aux Cerfs beyond beach walking and optional extras
• you need wheelchair-friendly logistics. The information is mixed: it mentions wheelchair accessible, but it also notes it is not suitable for wheelchair users. If this matters to you, ask the operator directly before booking.

Should You Book This Ile aux Cerfs Catamaran Day Trip?

Yes, I think this is a smart booking for most first-time Mauritius visitors. The mix is strong: waterfalls with close views, lagoon snorkeling, and a real onboard lunch with included drinks. The day is also structured enough that you won’t spend half the trip figuring things out.

Before you book, do two quick checks:

• Are you okay with island time that may be best used for one activity plus relaxation?
• Do you want snorkeling but understand it’s a short break, not a whole training session?

If that sounds right, you’ll likely feel like you squeezed a lot of Mauritius into one calm, enjoyable day.

FAQ

How long is the Mauritius Ile aux Cerfs catamaran trip?

The duration is listed as 7 hours.

Where is the catamaran departure point?

The cruise departs from Trou d’eau Douce, on Mauritius’ east coast (with boarding around 09:30).

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and the pickup can be anywhere in Mauritius.

Is lunch included, and what kind?

Yes. You get a 3-course lunch onboard, with options for vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals. Food is halal.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Included drinks include soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. There is a snorkeling and swimming break in the lagoon. Water sports are not included.

What activities are available at Ile aux Cerfs?

On the island, you can do optional water activities such as parasailing, tube riding, and an undersea walk. These are not listed as included.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

The information says wheelchair accessible, but it also states it is not suitable for wheelchair users. If accessibility is important for you, confirm details with the operator before booking.