Mauritius: Ile aux cerfs, waterfalls and bbq Boat Day

REVIEW · TROU D EAU DOUCE

Mauritius: Ile aux cerfs, waterfalls and bbq Boat Day

  • 4.83 reviews
  • 1 day
  • From $64
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Operated by Saeta speedboat ile aux cerfs · Bookable on GetYourGuide

Mauritius does boat days right. This speedboat day pairs Ile aux Cerfs beach time with a GRSE waterfall stop and a proper BBQ lunch.

I like how the day gives you real breathing room. You’ve got hours on Ile aux Cerfs, not a rushed “stand here and take a photo” schedule. I also like the BBQ lunch: grilled fish and chicken, garlic-butter bread, pineapple, plus drinks like beer, wine, and rhum.

One thing to consider: this is a fixed-time day. You’ll need to be back for pickup around 12:30 and then again from about 3:00 to 3:30, so plan for timing, not lingering.

Key Highlights You’ll Feel Right Away

Mauritius: Ile aux cerfs, waterfalls and bbq Boat Day - Key Highlights You’ll Feel Right Away

  • Speedboat round-trip from Trou d’Eau Douce to Ile aux Cerfs
  • Beach time until 12:30, with a walk option toward Margenie island
  • GRSE waterfall visit plus monkey feeding
  • Beach BBQ lunch with grilled fish, chicken, salad, bread, pineapple
  • Drinks included: soft drinks, juice, water, beers, wine, and rhum
  • Monkeys plus scenery without needing extra tickets or gear

Why Ile aux Cerfs and GRSE Waterfall Fit Well Together

Mauritius: Ile aux cerfs, waterfalls and bbq Boat Day - Why Ile aux Cerfs and GRSE Waterfall Fit Well Together
This is the kind of day trip that makes sense in Mauritius. You get the classic beach island mood first, then you switch gears to a waterfall stop with monkeys. It’s a good mix of “relax mode” and “quick nature moment,” all in one coastal circuit.

What makes it work for your time is the pacing. You’re not bouncing from place to place every 20 minutes. Instead, you spend the middle chunk of the day on Ile aux Cerfs, then you move to GRSE, eat, and have more downtime before the ride back.

Also, the focus here is simple: sea, sun, sand, plus wildlife at the waterfall. If you want a day that feels like a vacation day—not a marathon—this pairing is a solid match.

You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Trou D Eau Douce

Getting There From Trou d’Eau Douce (and Staying on Time)

Mauritius: Ile aux cerfs, waterfalls and bbq Boat Day - Getting There From Trou d’Eau Douce (and Staying on Time)
The day starts with a 9:30 am departure from Trou d’Eau Douce. That matters because speedboats aren’t the kind of thing you can “sort of” show up late for. If you’re staying nearby, great. If you’re coming from farther off, I’d give yourself extra buffer so you’re not sprinting for the dock.

On the return side, you’re looking at pickup around 3:00 to 3:30. So this isn’t an all-day “sleep in and drift around.” It’s more like a full morning and afternoon plan, with a lunch break that’s built right into the beach rhythm.

The timing also helps you manage expectations. You’ll have a nice chunk of beach time without it turning into a whole second vacation day.

Ile aux Cerfs Time: Chill, Walk Toward Margenie, and Reset

Mauritius: Ile aux cerfs, waterfalls and bbq Boat Day - Ile aux Cerfs Time: Chill, Walk Toward Margenie, and Reset
Once you arrive at Ile aux Cerfs, you get time to settle in until 12:30. That’s when most of your beach experience happens. You can keep it easy—sit, swim, and enjoy the sea day vibe—or you can use part of that time for a walk.

There’s also an option to walk to Margenie island during your island time. The key is that you can choose your pace. If you’re feeling energetic, go for the stroll. If you’re not, no problem—you’re not forced into a long hike as the main event.

This part of the day is where your money feels real. A speedboat day can turn into constant transit, but here the mid-day block is long enough that you actually feel like you were on holiday, not in transit.

GRSE Waterfall and Monkey Feeding: Fun, But Use Common Sense

After the 12:30 pickup, you head to the GRSE waterfall. This is where you’ll get the “Mauritius nature” contrast to the earlier beach time.

The standout detail is the monkey feeding. Seeing monkeys up close is usually memorable, but you’ll want to be sensible. Keep your distance and don’t do anything that feels like you’re trying to handle them. If they’re feeding, they’ll act according to their own schedule—so you’re there to watch, not to play.

The waterfall stop also gives you something to do besides eating and sitting. If your beach time is relaxing, the waterfall time is the “moving and watching” moment. It’s a nice shift, especially in a single-day tour.

The Beach BBQ Lunch: What’s Included and Why It’s Worth Paying For

Lunch is where this trip earns its keep. You’ll be served a grilled spread that includes fish and chicken, plus potato salad, bread with garlic butter, and pineapple. On top of that, you get drinks: soft drinks, juice, water, beers, wine, and rhum.

Why this matters for value: many boat trips in island settings include snacks or a basic meal. Here, the menu is more substantial and the drinks list is much more generous than you’d expect at a single-day price. If you’re the type who hates spending extra money mid-day, this is a big plus.

After lunch, you also get another relax window until the speedboat comes back between 3:00 and 3:30. That means you’re not shoved out the moment you finish eating. You can cool down, digest, and still make the pickup without chaos.

What’s Included vs. What You Should Bring Yourself

Here’s the practical side—this tour covers a lot, but not everything.

Included:

  • Speedboat going and coming to Ile aux Cerfs
  • Waterfall visit and monkeys feeding
  • BBQ lunch and drinks

Not included:

  • Snorkeling and snorkeling gear
  • Towel
  • Keeway
  • Super alcoholic drinks

My advice: if you think you might snorkel, plan on bringing your own gear or arranging it elsewhere. Also bring a towel unless you already have one packed. And if you’re picky about alcohol strength, remember the included drinks list is specific—your “strongest pours” might cost extra.

Also note: it’s not suitable for a wheelchair. If mobility is an issue, you’ll want to check whether there’s an easier alternative that matches your needs.

Price and Value: Is $64 a Good Deal?

For $64 per person for a full day—boat transport both ways, an island beach block, a waterfall stop with monkey feeding, plus a BBQ lunch with multiple drinks—that price is fairly hard to beat. The day isn’t just “transport to a viewpoint.” It’s a structured experience with food and activities built in.

Even more telling: the verified feedback I saw scored it high on price-performance (one guest wrote Preis Leistung Top). In plain terms, that’s exactly what you’re hoping for with a single-day boat trip: you want to feel fed, entertained, and well-timed without extra surprises.

The main cost risk isn’t the tour price itself. It’s what you might add for gear, towels, or anything extra you decide to do. If you keep it simple and accept the tour’s plan, you’ll likely feel good about the value.

Who This Trip Suits (and Who Might Want a Different Day)

This works best for you if you want a classic Mauritius day: beach first, then nature, then lunch, then more relaxing before the ride back. It’s especially good for couples, small groups, and anyone who doesn’t want to plan logistics all day.

You’ll probably enjoy it if you like:

  • beach time with a real chunk of hours
  • a structured day with minimal decision-making
  • BBQ lunch plus included drinks

It may not be the best fit if you want a long, slow island exploration or you’re hoping for snorkeling with included gear. And if you need full wheelchair accessibility, this one isn’t designed for that.

Should You Book the Saeta Speedboat Ile aux Cerfs Day Trip?

If you’re choosing between a “quick boat ride” and a day that actually fills time, I’d lean toward booking this one. The mix of Ile aux Cerfs downtime, the GRSE waterfall stop, and an included BBQ lunch with drinks makes it feel like a true day out, not a rushed tour.

Book it if you want sea-and-sun with one memorable nature moment—and you’re fine sticking to the fixed pickup times. Pass if you’re trying to snorkel with provided gear or you need wheelchair-friendly access.

If your goal is a straightforward, good-value Mauritius day on the water, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

What time does the boat leave Trou d’Eau Douce?

The departure is daily at 9:30 am from Trou D’eau Douce.

How long do I stay on Ile aux Cerfs?

You can chill on the island until 12:30.

Can I walk to Margenie island during the free time?

Yes. You can have a walk until Margenie island during the time on Ile aux Cerfs.

When do I get picked up to go to the GRSE waterfall?

At 12:30, you’re picked up from the same place where the skipper drops you off.

What happens at the GRSE waterfall stop?

You visit the GRSE waterfall and can admire monkeys during the monkey feeding.

Is lunch included, and what’s it like?

Yes. Lunch is included and grilled, with fish, chicken, potatoes salad, bread with garlic butter, pineapple, plus soft drinks, juice, water, beers, wine, and rhum.

Does the tour include snorkeling and snorkeling gear?

No. Snorkeling and snorkeling gear are not included.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. A towel is not included.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. It is not suitable for wheelchair.

Is there a way to skip the ticket line?

Yes. The tour includes skipping the ticket line.

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