Mauritius: 3 Activities + Ile aux Cerfs Boat tour w/ BBQ

Getting a good sense of what a tour offers can make or break your holiday plans, especially in a place as lush and lively as Mauritius. This particular experience combines water thrills, scenic nature, and a tasty BBQ, making it a strong candidate for travelers craving a full day of fun along the east coast.

Our review of this tour highlights its energetic start with water sports at Belle Mare, a scenic boat trip to Ile aux Cerfs, and a delicious meal on Ile aux Margenie. It’s a well-rounded package for those seeking an active day with plenty of picturesque stops. While it offers a lot, it’s worth noting that the experience can be impacted by weather, group size, and logistical organization.

It’s best suited for active travelers who want to enjoy Mauritius’s natural beauty and don’t mind a flexible itinerary. Families with older kids, adventure lovers, and those eager for a taste of island life will appreciate the variety. However, it’s not ideal for very young children, pregnant women, or anyone with serious health concerns.

Key Points

• Water Sports Excitement: Parasailing, Underseawalk, and Tube Ride deliver adrenaline and great views.
• Scenic Nature: The Grand River South East Waterfall and riverbank monkey sightings add a natural charm.
• Island Relaxation: White sandy beaches and lagoons at Ile aux Cerfs offer perfect downtime.
• Culinary Experience: A 3-course BBQ lunch with local drinks on Ile aux Margenie gives a taste of island hospitality.
• Logistics Matter: The tour involves two locations, so transport planning is essential.
• Authentic Encounters: Guides are praised for their attentiveness and cheerful attitude—adding value to the day.

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A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

The Morning Water Activities at Belle Mare

Your day kicks off with a burst of energy at Belle Mare, a stunning stretch of white beach with crystal-clear waters. Here, the focus is on water sports—parasailing, underseawalk, and tube rides—each offering a different way to enjoy the lagoon’s calm, inviting waters.

Parasailing gives you a gentle lift above the sea, offering panoramic views of the coast and lagoon. It’s not overly intense but provides a sense of adventure and stunning scenery—perfect for first-timers and thrill-seekers alike. Underseawalk is practical for kids over 9 years old with broad shoulders, allowing you to walk along the seabed with a helmet and breathing apparatus—an easy way to see marine life without snorkeling or diving.

The Tube Ride adds some splashy fun, especially if you’re with a group. It’s lively, loud, and action-packed, offering a taste of Mauritius’s playful side. We loved how these activities set an upbeat tone for the day, though the experience can be crowded, so expect some wait times.

Transition to Trou D’eau Douce and the Speedboat to Ile aux Cerfs

After a few hours of water fun, it’s time to move to Trou D’eau Douce, about 15 minutes away by car. Here, your group will board a speedboat—a quick, exciting way to hop between islands. The crew is generally friendly and professional, though some reviews note a lack of detailed commentary during the trip.

From Trou D’eau Douce, the boat whisks you off to your main destinations: the Grand River South East Waterfall and Ile aux Cerfs. The boat ride itself offers scenic views of the coast and is a highlight for many, especially if you enjoy a breezy cruise with the soundtrack of lively music.

The Grand River South East Waterfall

Known locally as “Cascade Diamamouve,” this waterfall is a natural highlight. We loved the way the boat approaches the waterway, giving you a chance to witness the lush surroundings and the waterfall up close. The guides are praised for their skill and attentiveness, making the experience informative and safe.

One of the most charming parts? The chance to spot monkeys along the riverbank. As one reviewer pointed out, the guide didn’t specifically mention the monkeys, but seeing them swing through the trees adds a spontaneous wildlife touch to the adventure. It’s a reminder of the unspoiled nature Mauritius has to offer.

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The BBQ Lunch on Ile aux Margenie

After the waterfall visit, it’s time for a delicious BBQ lunch on Ile aux Margenie. The setting is simple but beautiful—laid-back, with a view of the turquoise water and surrounding islands. The three-course meal is plentiful and satisfying, featuring local flavors and grilled meats, complemented by a selection of drinks—soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum.

While some travelers describe the lunch as “simple and plentiful,” others appreciate the authentic vibe and the chance to relax without rushing. The meal is a highlight for many, offering a genuine taste of Mauritian hospitality.

Ile aux Cerfs – The Island Paradise

The final leg is the visit to Ile aux Cerfs, often described as Mauritius’s postcard-perfect island. As you approach, the iconic palm trees sway, and the white sandy beaches invite you to unwind. You’ll have ample time to swim in the lagoon, sunbathe, or just soak in the panoramic views.

Many travelers mention the crystal-clear water and sandy beaches as the main attractions. It’s an ideal spot for relaxing after the more active parts of the tour. Some reviews note that the boat driver didn’t provide much commentary about the sights, but the views speak for themselves.

Return Journey and Overall Timing

The boat trip back to Trou D’eau Douce usually wraps up in the afternoon. The entire tour lasts around a full day, but the timing can vary based on weather, group size, and logistical factors. Some reviews mention feeling rushed or disappointed when plans change unexpectedly, as in the case of not reaching Ile aux Cerfs due to crowding or delays.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best for adventure seekers and water lovers who enjoy a mix of adrenaline and nature. The water sports are a definite highlight, ideal for those eager to feel the thrill while enjoying stunning scenery. If you’re someone who appreciates a good beach and delicious local food, the BBQ lunch and time on Ile aux Cerfs will hit the spot.

Families with older children or teenagers will likely find this tour engaging, especially with the variety of activities. However, it’s less suitable for young children under 8, pregnant women, or anyone with mobility or health issues, given the physical nature of some activities and the boat travel.

Travelers who value a well-organized, guided experience with friendly staff will generally be pleased. But, keep in mind that some reviews point out logistical hiccups, especially related to timing and group size. Being prepared for potential delays or changes will help you enjoy the day more.

The Value of This Tour

At $124 per person, this experience offers a solid combination of adventure, scenery, and cuisine. The mix of activities—watersports, waterfall visits, island time—delivers good value for those wanting a comprehensive day without multiple separate bookings. While some may wish for more personalized commentary or fewer crowds, the overall package provides a memorable taste of Mauritius’s coastal treasures.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included? No, you’ll meet at the Aquasea Watersports office between Long Beach hotel and Emperror Restaurant. You should arrange your transport to this meeting point.

What should I wear? Comfortable clothes suitable for water activities, swimwear, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a towel are recommended. You might get wet, especially on the speedboat or during activities.

Can children participate? Underseawalk is practical for kids over 9 with broad shoulders. However, the tour is not suitable for children under 8, and activities require a certain level of fitness.

How long does the tour last? It’s a full-day experience, typically around 8 hours, including transit, activities, meals, and free time.

What if the weather is bad? Activities canceled due to bad weather will be partially refunded. Be prepared for potential schedule changes.

Are drinks included? Yes, a selection of local drinks—including soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum—is provided with lunch.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a lively and scenic way to experience some of Mauritius’s highlights in a single day. The combination of thrilling water sports, spectacular natural sights, and a relaxing island lunch makes it appealing to those who want a mix of adventure and relaxation.

While logistical hiccups can occur—especially with crowds or weather—the professionalism of guides and the stunning settings tend to leave a lasting impression. It’s a good fit for travelers who don’t mind a busy schedule and want to maximize their day with memorable activities.

If you’re after a taste of Mauritius’s vibrant coast, this trip delivers plenty of excitement and scenic beauty—all at a reasonable price. Just remember to plan your transport to and from the meeting point and wear suitable gear to get the most out of your island adventure.

In essence, this tour is best for active, curious travelers eager to enjoy Mauritius’s water and island scenery in one energetic, well-organized day.

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