Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise to Ile Aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch

If you’re considering a day of sailing, swimming, and island exploring during your trip to Mauritius, this catamaran cruise to Ile Aux Cerfs offers a well-rounded and memorable experience. It combines stunning scenery, lively onboard atmosphere, and tasty food, all at a reasonable price. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, family, or group of friends, this tour offers plenty of opportunities for authentic island moments.

Two aspects we really appreciate are the beautiful scenery—particularly the waterfalls and beaches—and the delicious BBQ lunch with drinks onboard, which adds a relaxing, convivial touch. That said, the trip can feel a bit rushed at times, especially at the waterfall stop, so if you’re someone who loves a leisurely pace, plan accordingly.

This tour generally suits travelers who enjoy a mix of sightseeing, water activities, and local culture, all wrapped in a lively group setting. It’s especially good for those who value good value for money and a full day out on the water with plenty of photo opportunities and fun.

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

Key Points

• Stunning scenery and photo opportunities at the waterfall and on the beaches
• All-inclusive onboard lunch and drinks, including wine, beer, and local rum
• Snorkeling and swimming in clear waters along Mauritius’s coast
• Authentic local experience with lively music and friendly crew
• Visit to Ile Aux Cerfs with free time to relax or explore the island’s craft market
• Flexible options for hotel pickup and drop-off (if booked)
• Good value for money compared to many similar tours
• Potential for a busy, crowded boat experience during peak times
• Weather-dependent — a good weather window makes all the difference

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Experience

This full-day adventure begins on the east coast of Mauritius, departing from Trou D’eau Douce. From there, it’s a scenic sail aboard a catamaran—a vessel that promises stability and room to relax. The cruise combines natural beauty with lively entertainment, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.

The Journey and First Stop: Grand River South East Waterfall

The first real highlight is the Grand River South East Waterfall, affectionately called “Cascade Diamamouve”. We loved the way this stop offers a glimpse into the lush greenery along the riverbanks, with a chance to snap photos and spot monkeys that inhabit the trees. Reviews highlight the value of this stop, with one reviewer calling it “a great experience,” even if the overall trip is a bit rushed.

Here, you’ll get a chance to admire the cascading water from a small boat that takes you close to the falls. Expect a brief stay—just enough to capture some pictures and soak in the scenery. Keep in mind that during busy times, the waterfall area might be crowded and the time to enjoy it could be limited, as some reviews mention.

Snorkeling, Swimming, and Beach Time

After the waterfall, it’s out to the coast for some snorkeling and swimming in Mauritius’s famously clear waters. You’ll love the way the waters sparkle, revealing colorful fish and coral, especially if you’re a fan of underwater adventures. The reviews indicate that the snorkel stop often provides good visibility and a chance to see marine life.

Following the water activities, the boat drops anchor near Ile aux Cerfs—a small island famed for its pristine white beaches and swaying palm trees. Here, you’ll have free time to relax, swim in the calm lagoon, or take a quick walk along the sands. Many reviewers emphasize how beautiful the island looks, describing it as an idyllic spot to unwind.

The BBQ Lunch and Onboard Drinks

What makes this tour stand out is the onboard BBQ lunch—a generous spread that includes a mix of meat and vegetarian options, all halal. It’s a simple but tasty meal that hits the spot after a busy morning. The crew keeps the drinks flowing, with soft drinks, juices, water, beer, wine, and local rum, which helps everyone loosen up and enjoy the lively onboard atmosphere.

Reviewers frequently mention how much they enjoyed the friendly crew, who keep everyone entertained with music—most notably “Mauritian Sega”—and good humor. One traveler described the vibe as “immaculate,” making the entire experience feel relaxed and fun.

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Visiting Ile aux Cerfs

The highlight for many is the visit to Ile aux Cerfs, where you can stroll along the beach, shop at local craft stalls, or simply soak in the view. It’s worth noting that some reviews mention the island being quite busy and crowded, especially during peak times, which can detract from the tranquility. Still, the overall beauty and the opportunity for water activities make it a worthwhile stop.

Return Journey and the Cultural Touch

On the way back, you’ll enjoy some local Sega music, a lively finale that wraps up the day on a cheerful note. It’s a great way to experience some authentic Mauritian culture in a relaxed setting.

Practical Details and What to Expect

The itinerary is designed to offer a balance of sightseeing, water fun, and relaxation. Expect to depart early from Trou D’eau Douce, with flexible options for hotel pickup and drop-off if you choose that add-on. The cruise lasts approximately full day, with most reviews indicating a good balance between activity and leisure.

The group size can be lively, especially on peak days, so if you prefer a more intimate experience, try to book early or look for small-group options. The cost, at around $64 per person, offers excellent value, considering the included activities, lunch, drinks, and transport.

What You Need to Bring

Be sure to pack comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunglasses for sun protection, along with swimwear, a towel, and snorkeling gear if you have your own. Don’t forget your camera to capture the scenic views and lively moments, and apply sunscreen liberally. The tour operators suggest bringing a change of clothes, especially after swimming, to stay comfortable.

Weather and Cancellation

This experience is weather-dependent. If the weather turns poor, your trip might be canceled, but you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. So, it’s best to keep an eye on the forecast and book with some flexibility.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

Many travelers rave about the friendly crew and guides, describing them as welcoming, helpful, and attentive. One review called the staff “brilliant,” while another appreciated the good organization and quality of the BBQ.

The scenery and water clarity also receive consistent praise. Several say the waterfalls and beach stops are worth the price, with the overall experience being “beautiful,” “amazing,” or “wonderful.”

Some minor downsides noted include crowding at the waterfall, the short time spent there, and the limited snorkeling spots — but these are balanced by the overall positive sentiments about the fun atmosphere and value.

The Sum Up

This Mauritius catamaran cruise to Ile Aux Cerfs offers a lively, scenic, and affordable way to experience some of the island’s best sights and flavors. It’s a good choice for travelers who want a full day of water fun, culture with local music, and a tasty BBQ meal—all in one package.

If you prefer a well-organized trip that combines natural beauty with lively social vibes and excellent onboard service, this tour checks those boxes. Be prepared for a potential crowd, especially at popular spots, and for a busy schedule that’s designed to maximize your time on the water and on the island.

For those new to Mauritius or looking for a memorable, value-packed day trip that offers both adventure and relaxation, this cruise delivers a genuine taste of island life with plenty of photo-worthy moments.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a catamaran cruise, visit to Grand River South East Waterfall, snorkeling and swimming breaks, a BBQ lunch on board, a selection of drinks, and a visit to Ile aux Cerfs Island. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you select that option.

How much does the tour cost?
It costs around $64 per person, which is considered good value given the activities, food, and drinks provided.

What should I bring with me?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, a camera, sunscreen, and snorkeling gear if you have your own. A change of clothes is also recommended for after swimming.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, infants aged 1 to 4 go free, and reviews suggest that children around that age enjoy the trip. However, the experience may be more suited for older children who can handle the boat and water activities comfortably.

What is the best time to go?
Since the trip is weather-dependent, good weather ensures a better experience. Check the forecast before booking and be aware that poor weather may lead to cancellation or rescheduling.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately a full day, from departure to return, allowing plenty of time for sightseeing, water activities, and relaxing on the beaches.

Can I customize the experience?
Optional activities at Ile aux Cerfs are not included—these might be available for an extra fee. The main tour includes the core stops and activities.

Is there any vegetarian food available?
Vegetarian options are available, and all food served is halal, catering to dietary preferences.

What about crowd levels?
During peak times, the boat can be busy, and spots like the waterfall might be crowded. Booking early can help ensure a more comfortable experience.

In all, this cruise offers a lively, scenic, and tasty slice of Mauritius’s coastal charm. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a full, fun-filled day that mixes adventure, culture, and relaxation—all on a budget.

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