Mauritius: Ile aux Cerf Catamaran w/Waterfall Visit & Lunch

Imagine a day spent sailing across shimmering waters, stopping to marvel at waterfalls, swimming alongside colorful fish, and relaxing on picture-perfect beaches. This is exactly what you get on the Mauritius: Ile aux Cerf Catamaran tour, a well-loved experience that offers a blend of scenic beauty, lively onboard atmosphere, and authentic Mauritian charm.

What we love most about this trip is the seamless combination of adventure and relaxation — from the vibrant snorkeling opportunities to the chilled-out lounging on white sandy beaches. Add in a delicious BBQ lunch and unlimited drinks, and you’ve got a great value day out.

One thing to consider is the somewhat long duration; the cruise runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a full day at sea. This is perfect if you’re craving a relaxed, fun-filled adventure with plenty of opportunities to explore and unwind. If you’re into scenic boat rides, lively guides, and tropical scenery, this tour will surely delight.

This experience made our article of Trou D Eau Douce’s 16 Best Tours & Things To Do: Which To Choose?.

Who should consider this tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers looking for a combination of scenic sailing, water activities, and island relaxation. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike will find plenty to enjoy, especially if they appreciate good value, authentic local atmosphere, and a mix of activities in one package.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Beautiful sailing: Cruise on a large catamaran with stunning views of Mauritius’s mountains and turquoise waters.
• Waterfall & wildlife: Visit the Grand River South East waterfalls and spot wild monkeys and fruit bats.
• Snorkeling & swimming: Multiple stops allow for snorkeling in coral reefs with tropical fish, offering memorable underwater sights.
• Authentic Mauritian experience: Enjoy local Sega music, friendly crew, and storytelling that add cultural flavor.
• All-inclusive: Unlimited drinks, snacks, and a tasty BBQ lunch provide great value and keep everyone refreshed.
• Flexible schedule: The full-day trip from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. allows plenty of time for activities and relaxation.

Detailed Review

Starting the Journey: Smooth Sailing from Trou d’eau Douce

Our hypothetical experience begins at the Trou d’eau Douce docking station, where you’ll find the boat waiting at around 8:30 a.m. The boat itself is a spacious catamaran, designed to comfortably hold a decent-sized group without feeling crowded. As you settle in, expect a warm Mauritian welcome from the crew — who are eager to share stories, jokes, and some local Sega music to set a lively tone.

The trip officially kicks off at 9 a.m., and from that moment, you’re treated to a journey through calm, crystal-clear waters. The early departure allows for a relaxed atmosphere, giving plenty of time for sightseeing, water activities, and enjoying the boat’s amenities. You’ll appreciate the attention to comfort with provided life jackets and bottled water, so you can focus on soaking in the scenery.

The Waterfall & Wildlife Encounter

One of the trip’s real highlights is the visit to the Grand River South East waterfalls. About 500 meters upstream, a quick speedboat ride takes you to a spot where lush trees and the sounds of nature surround you. The waterfalls themselves—though not massive—are scenic and offer a great photo opportunity.

Reportedly, if you’re lucky, you might see wild monkeys darting through the trees or Mauritian fruit bats resting in the branches. Several reviews praise this stop for its authenticity and the chance to witness local wildlife in their natural habitat, making it more than just a sightseeing stop—it’s an experience of nature in action.

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Cruising Inside the Lagoon & Snorkeling Breaks

After the waterfall visit, the boat resumes its sail across the lagoon’s calm waters, which are often described as “crystal clear” and perfect for water activities. The crew routinely stops for snorkeling and swimming, where coral reefs teeming with tropical fish await. Multiple reviews mention the breathtaking coral reefs, with some guests lucky enough to spot colorful fish or even dolphins.

Snorkeling here isn’t just about the scenery; it’s about the opportunity to float overhead and see the underwater world without needing a separate tour. You’ll love the way the water feels—refreshing but gentle enough for all ages. And after some time in the water, it’s common to see guests lounging on deck, sipping drinks and soaking up the sun.

The All-You-Can-Eat BBQ Lunch

The star of the onboard experience? The lunch. The tour offers a delicious BBQ featuring fresh fish, chicken, hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice. It’s served either on the beach or on the boat, depending on weather and preferences, and it’s described as “really good value for money” by past travelers. The food is plentiful and satisfying, perfect fuel for more beach time or watersports.

Accompanying the meal are unlimited alcoholic and soft drinks, including beer, wine, local rum, juice, and water. This all-you-can-drink setup has earned high praise for its quality and variety. Guests often mention how the drinks help to keep spirits high and add a festive vibe to the day.

Ile aux Cerfs: Beach Bliss & Optional Activities

The island of Ile aux Cerfs is the tour’s crowning jewel. Approaching by catamaran, you’ll see swaying palm trees and white sands stretching into the distance—a postcard scene. Here, you get a few hours to unwind, with plenty of options.

While some guests simply relax on the beach, others take part in activities like parasailing, tube riding, or undersea walks. The reviews mention lots of fun and friendly staff helping with bookings. The beaches are described as gorgeous, and many travelers say it’s a great spot for a swim or just soaking in the sun.

The Return Sail & Overall Experience

After a few hours on the island, you’ll hop back onboard for the sail back to Trou d’eau Douce. The return leg offers more scenic views, relaxed music, and a chance to reflect on the day’s highlights. Many reviewers comment on the friendly crew, the stunning scenery, and the overall value for such a full day of activities.

Practical Details & Value

The trip runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., making it a full-day outing. The cost of $70 per person includes nearly everything—cruise, waterfall visit, snorkeling, lunch, drinks, and use of life jackets. Not included are hotel transfers, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point, search “Debarcader Trou d’eau Douce” on Google Maps for directions.

The experience is suitable for most travelers, with staff speaking English, French, German, Italian, Hindi, and Spanish. You can reserve your spot with the flexibility of paying later and canceling up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which adds peace of mind.

Authentic Traveler Insights

Many past travelers describe the crew as “friendly and helpful,” with one reviewer noting that “the team was so nice and helpful” and another emphasizing “the crew was amazing and very attentive.” The scenery draws repeated praise—“the views of the ocean and Mauritius from the sea are stunning,” and “sailing gently in turquoise waters with mountains and waterfalls in the background” is a common highlight.

The food and drinks consistently receive high marks. Reviewers mention the delicious BBQ and how the unlimited drinks kept spirits high without feeling rushed or limited. Several travelers enjoyed the onboard music and storytelling, adding to the lively atmosphere.

People also appreciate the flexibility of activities on the island, with options for relaxation or adventure. Some mention that the trip is “slow and relaxing”, perfect for unwinding, while others loved the water sports.

The Sum Up

If you’re after a full day of scenic sailing, water activities, and island relaxation, this tour offers fantastic value. The combination of stunning views, wildlife encounters, and a delicious BBQ lunch makes it a memorable experience. The friendly crew, lively atmosphere, and flexible schedule appeal to a wide variety of travelers.

This trip is especially well-suited for those who want to see Mauritius from the water, enjoy snorkeling in coral reefs, and spend time on a picture-perfect island without breaking the bank. Families, couples, and solo adventurers will all find something to love here.

However, keep in mind that it is a long day, so those who prefer a more relaxed half-day or are sensitive to boat travel might want to plan accordingly. For most, the joy of floating in clear waters, seeing waterfalls, and sampling local food will outweigh the minor inconveniences.

FAQ

What time does the trip start and end?
The cruise departs at 9 a.m. from Trou d’eau Douce and returns around 4 p.m., offering a full-day experience.

Is there any transportation included?
No, transportation to and from the meeting point must be arranged separately. The meeting spot is “Debarcader Trou d’eau Douce.”

What should I bring?
Bring your camera for photos, sunscreen to protect against the sun, and swimwear for snorkeling and swimming.

Is the experience suitable for children?
Yes, the trip is family-friendly, especially since it includes snorkeling, relaxing on beaches, and watching wildlife. Just ensure children are comfortable with boat travel.

Are drinks really unlimited?
Yes, the tour offers unlimited alcoholic and soft drinks, including beers, wine, local rum, juices, and water.

What activities are available on Ile aux Cerfs?
You can relax on the beach, or choose activities like parasailing, tube riding, or undersea walks, depending on your preference and availability.

What’s the food like?
The BBQ lunch features fresh fish, chicken, hotdogs, salads, and saffron rice, which many reviews describe as tasty and satisfying.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

Is there a limit on group size?
While not explicitly stated, the boat appears to accommodate a group that allows for a lively but intimate atmosphere, with plenty of room for activities and socializing.

This catamaran tour in Mauritius strikes a great balance between scenic beauty, fun activities, and relaxation, making it a top choice for travelers eager to enjoy the island’s natural wonders in a lively, friendly setting.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby