Mauritius: Ile Aux Cerfs catamaran cruise Lunch with BBQ

Mauritius: Ile Aux Cerfs Catamaran Cruise Lunch with BBQ — A Full-Day Adventure on the Water

If you’re dreaming of a day spent sailing across Mauritius’s calm, turquoise waters and soaking up sun on pristine beaches, this Ile Aux Cerfs catamaran cruise might be just the ticket. We haven’t personally been on this exact tour, but from what travelers report, it offers a well-balanced mix of scenic views, cultural moments, and delicious food — all at a very reasonable price.

What we really like about this experience is its combination of adventure and relaxation: you get to see the famous waterfalls, snorkel in clear lagoon waters, and unwind on picture-perfect beaches. Plus, the onboard BBQ lunch and unlimited drinks make the whole day feel indulgent without breaking the bank. The only potential hitch? The tour begins promptly at 9:10 a.m., so arriving on time is essential.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy being on the water, appreciate good food, and want a full-day taste of some of Mauritius’s best sights. Families, couples, and groups who dislike long transfers or high-cost excursions will find this a practical choice. It’s also ideal if you’re curious about local culture, thanks to the Sega dance and local craft market visit.

Key Points

• Scenic sailing on a large catamaran across crystal-clear waters
• Visit to Grand River South East waterfalls and snorkeling stops
• Relax on Ile aux Cerfs’s stunning beaches and swim in turquoise lagoons
• All-you-can-eat BBQ and unlimited drinks onboard
• Cultural entertainment with Sega dance
• Convenient meeting point and flexible booking options

You can check availability for your dates here:

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

An Authentic Day on the Water in Mauritius

This full-day cruise begins early, with most travelers meeting at the Trou deau Douce fishing port around 8:45 a.m. We appreciate that this allows for a relaxed start to what turns out to be a packed day. Departure is at 9:10 a.m., and from there, your journey across the calm waters begins.

We loved the way the tour combines engaging sights with leisurely moments. The boat itself is described as spacious — perfect for a group — with plenty of room to lounge, take photos, or just enjoy the view. As the catamaran glides out, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of Mauritius’s lush mountains as they rise from the coastline.

Visiting the Grand River South East Waterfalls

One of the tour’s highlights is the stop at the Grand River South East waterfalls. It’s a popular photo spot, and for good reason: the sheer volume of water cascading down the rocks is impressive. From the reviews, visitors find the guides knowledgeable and friendly, eager to share local stories and make sure everyone gets a good look.

Snorkeling and Swimming Breaks

After the waterfall visit, the boat pulls into calmer waters for snorkeling and swimming. The clear lagoon is perfect for spotting marine life, and you can expect to float in warm, inviting water, with equipment provided. Travelers have noted how relaxing and fun this part is — a chance to cool off and enjoy the vibrant underwater world.

The Onboard BBQ Lunch and Drinks

Perhaps the most talked-about feature is the delicious BBQ lunch served on board. The menu is simple but satisfying — grilled meats, possibly vegetarian options upon request, and a variety of local drinks, including soft drinks, juice, beer, wine, and local rum. The value here is notable: unlimited eats and drinks for just $59 per person really can’t be beaten, especially considering the quality of the food and the laid-back atmosphere.

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Visiting Ile aux Cerfs

Post-lunch, everyone heads to Ile aux Cerfs, renowned for its swaying palm trees, white sandy beaches, and bright turquoise waters. Here, you’ll have time to lounge on the beach, swim in the lagoon, or stroll through the local craft market, where you can pick up souvenirs. Reviewers have enjoyed this segment, noting how perfect the scenery is for relaxing or snapping those iconic vacation photos.

Evening Entertainment

The trip wraps up with a sail back to Trou deau Douce, and the crew entertains guests with traditional Sega music. This cultural touch adds a lively, authentic ending to the day. The whole experience lasts roughly 6 hours, giving you plenty of time without feeling rushed.

What Travelers Say — Authentic Experiences from Reviews

Multiple reviews praise the friendly and knowledgeable crew, calling them “fantastic” and “great,” which makes a big difference on a day-long tour. One traveler noted, “Tutto perfetto! Personale ottimo, gentilissimi simpaticissimi e hanno reso tutto ancora più bello,” highlighting the warm hospitality.

Food is another highlight, with guests commenting that the BBQ is “very good,” and the on-board entertainment “perfect” for a relaxed day. The earlier part of the day, especially the waterfall visit, is also appreciated for its scenic beauty. Some travelers mentioned slight hiccups, like the crew arriving slightly later than scheduled, but overall, the reviews are glowing.

Practical Details and Tips

Timing matters — arriving promptly at 8:45 a.m. ensures you won’t miss the departure at 9:10 a.m. The meeting point is the Trou deau Douce Debarcader fishing port, which is accessible and straightforward to find.

What to bring? Pack your sunglasses, swimwear, camera, and beachwear. Light and comfortable clothing is advised, and don’t forget sun protection — Mauritius can be very sunny. The tour does not include hotel transfers, but they can be arranged separately.

Price point: At $59 per person, this tour offers fantastic value considering the boat ride, multiple stops, BBQ lunch, drinks, and cultural entertainment. The all-inclusive nature means you won’t be surprised by extra costs during the day.

Accessibility: This tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those over 70, due to physical activity and boat conditions. Children and active travelers will find it manageable and enjoyable.

Weather and cancellations: If the weather turns poor, the tour can be rescheduled or refunded. Always check the forecast and be flexible if possible.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This cruise is perfect for travelers seeking a balanced day of adventure and relaxation. It’s especially suited to those who enjoy being out on the water, appreciate good food and drinks, and want to see some of Mauritius’s most scenic spots without complicated logistics. Families with kids, couples, and groups will find the itinerary flexible and engaging.

If you’re looking for a cultural touch, like Sega music or local markets, it also delivers. And with a friendly crew and a straightforward booking process, it’s accessible for most travelers wanting a hassle-free day on the sea.

The Sum Up

For anyone wanting a memorable, well-rounded day in Mauritius, this Ile Aux Cerfs catamaran cruise delivers. You’ll enjoy beautiful scenery, a refreshing swim, and a tasty BBQ lunch, all on a comfortable boat with friendly hosts. The stops at waterfalls and beaches give the day variety, and the onboard entertainment offers a touch of local culture.

While it’s not a high-adrenaline adventure, it’s a thoughtfully curated experience for those who value scenic beauty, good food, and authentic moments. At a reasonable price, it offers excellent value, especially for first-time visitors looking to tick off key sights in a single day.

Perfect for travelers who want to see the highlights without overloading their schedule or budget, this tour promises a laid-back yet engaging day on Mauritius’s waters.

FAQs

Does this tour include hotel pick-up and drop-off?
No, hotel transfers are not included, but they can be arranged separately if needed.

What should I bring with me?
Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a camera, and beachwear. Sun protection is recommended to enjoy the day comfortably.

What happens if it rains?
If the weather turns poor, the tour can be rescheduled or refunded — check the cancellation policy for details.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, vegetarian meals can be requested when booking.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While it’s generally family-friendly, it’s not recommended for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those over 70.

Can I purchase souvenirs on the island?
Yes, there’s a local craft market at Ile aux Cerfs where you can buy souvenirs and local crafts.

This full-day catamaran cruise offers a fantastic way to enjoy Mauritius’s natural beauty, culture, and cuisine in one easy, enjoyable package. Whether you’re after stunning beaches, scenic waterfalls, or simply a relaxing day on the water, this tour ticks all the boxes.

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