Trou D Eau Douce’s 16 Best Tours & Things To Do: Which To Choose?

Trou d’Eau Douce is a prime jumping-off point for exploring some of Mauritius’s most beautiful island attractions. Its calm waters, stunning beaches, and proximity to Ile aux Cerfs make it an ideal base for memorable boat trips and water-based adventures. Whether you’re into snorkeling, waterfall visits, or simply sailing in style, this small seaside village packs a punch.

One of our favorite options is the Trou d’Eau Douce: Southeast 5 Island Adventure, which offers a full day of exploring both the famous Ile aux Cerfs and lesser-known islands, all loaded with opportunities for swimming, sightseeing, and enjoying waterfalls.

If you prefer a more relaxed day with gourmet touches, the Ile Aux Cerfs Private Catamaran Cruise with Gourmet Lunch delivers a personalized experience with snorkeling and unlimited drinks. For those seeking a fun, active day on the water, the 5 Islands Speedboat with Snorkeling and Dolphin Watching combines adventure and wildlife in one outing.

Below, we’ll explore each of these tours in detail to help you pick the perfect way to soak up the beauty of Trou d’Eau Douce.

1. Trou d’Eau Douce: Southeast 5 Island Adventure

This full-day adventure is perfect if you want a bit of everything—beaches, waterfalls, and wildlife. It includes stops at Ile aux Cerfs, where you can relax on the white sand beaches or explore the water, as well as visits to two other islands of historical interest.

The tour highlights Grand Waterfalls, where you can marvel at the cascading waters, and discover the historic lighthouse island, offering both scenic views and a peek into maritime history.

What makes this tour stand out is its diverse itinerary and the chance to explore less-visited islands that come with their own stories and scenery. The reviews are glowing, with a 4.8/5 rating based on 861 reviews, emphasizing its value and variety. The tour is priced at $100 per person, which is reasonable given the full-day experience and multiple stops.

Bottom Line: A great choice for active travelers who want a comprehensive taste of Mauritius’s east coast and its islands, with plenty of photo opportunities and water fun.

2. Mauritius: Ile Aux Cerfs Catamaran Trip w/ Lunch & Transfer

This cruise offers a relaxing sail along Mauritius’s peaceful waters aboard a 42 ft catamaran, giving you spectacular views of the mountainous landscape. The highlight is a trip to Ile aux Cerfs, with plenty of time to sunbathe, snorkel, and swim in the lagoon. The tour also includes a delicious 3-course lunch served on board, paired with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

The catamaran cruise is praised for its comfort and scenic route, with a 4.2/5 rating from 1,444 reviews. It’s priced at $110 per person, making it a bit more upscale but well worth it if you want a more leisurely day on the water in style. Plus, a stop at the Grand River South East waterfalls adds a scenic waterfall visit to the itinerary.

Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a smooth, scenic cruise with great food and a laid-back vibe. Bring your snorkel gear and camera.

3. Mauritius: Catamaran Cruise to Ile Aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch

This tour takes the classic Mauritius catamaran experience and amps it up with a BBQ lunch and drinks onboard. Starting from Trou d’Eau Douce, you’ll set sail to Ile aux Cerfs, stopping at the Grand River South East Waterfall — a popular photo spot. Once at the island, there’s plenty of time for swimming and relaxing.

With a 4.2/5 rating from 520 reviews and a more affordable price of $64 per person, it offers excellent value. The BBQ lunch is a major draw, with plenty of local flavors and drinks to enjoy while lounging on the deck. The trip is also notable for the chance to snorkel and explore the beautiful coastline.

Bottom Line: This is a laid-back, affordable cruise perfect for those who want good food, water sports, and scenic coastline views all in one day.

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

Sail along the crystal-clear waters of Mauritius in this large catamaran from 08:30 to 16:00, with unlimited food and drinks. The tour includes a visit to the famous Grand River South East waterfalls and the picturesque beaches of Ile aux Cerfs. You’ll have plenty of opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing in the sun.

The tour features snacks, BBQ lunch, and unlimited drinks onboard, making it a full-day indulgence. The highlight is the visit to the Grand River South East waterfalls where you might see wild monkeys, adding a bit of wildlife spotting to your trip. With a 4.5/5 rating from 134 reviews, it’s highly rated for its comprehensive experience.

Bottom Line: An excellent option for those who want a full-day cruise with numerous activities, scenic waterfalls, and great food.

5. Trou d’Eau Douce: 5 Islands Tour with Snorkeling and BBQ

This speedboat tour hits all the high points: lighthouse island, Île de la Passe, Île aux Aigrettes, and more. It includes snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, especially near the Île aux Aigrettes, known for vibrant marine life. The trip also features a BBQ lunch on Île Mergène, where you can enjoy your meal with a view.

Rated perfect 5/5 from 22 reviews, this tour is a favorite for its intimate, fast-paced exploration. It also offers dolphin watching and visits to Deer Island and Phare Island, making it perfect for those who like a mix of wildlife, scenery, and water fun.

Bottom Line: Best suited for active travelers who want a compact, wildlife-rich day with snorkeling, dolphin spotting, and a tasty BBQ lunch.

6. 5 Islands Speedboat w/Snorkeling Sea Turtle + Lunch & Drinks

This VIP-style speedboat tour offers an all-inclusive open bar, BBQ lunch, and multiple snorkeling stops, including sea turtle sightings. You’ll cruise the largest lagoon in Mauritius, discovering famous islands and cascades along the way, all with hotel pick-up and drop-off available.

Rated 4.4/5 from 105 reviews, it’s a premium experience for those who want to combine wildlife encounters—like dolphins and turtles—with water sports and scenic cruising. The tour’s best feature is its luxurious, private feel for groups of four or more, making it ideal for families or small groups seeking exclusivity.

Bottom Line: If you’re after a VIP experience with wildlife, snorkeling, and a relaxed atmosphere, this tour delivers a lot of bang for your buck.

7. Ile aux Cerfs: Private Catamaran Cruise with Gourmet Lunch

This private cruise offers a luxurious day on the water, crossing Trou d’Eau Douce Bay and exploring the blue lagoon. The journey includes snorkeling, swimming, and discovering marine life, with gourmet BBQ and unlimited drinks onboard.

Rated 5/5 from 9 reviews, it’s designed for those wanting a personalized experience. This tour is perfect for special occasions or travelers seeking peace and privacy. The high price ($1,238 per group) reflects its exclusivity and tailored service.

Bottom Line: Best for couples or small groups craving a private, upscale cruise with excellent food and a tranquil setting.

8. Mauritius: Ile Aux Cerfs catamaran cruise Lunch with BBQ

Sail from 9:10 to 15:30 on a large catamaran, enjoying snacks, BBQ, and unlimited drinks. The trip includes a visit to Grand River South East waterfalls and the beautiful beaches of Ile aux Cerf. The focus is on a relaxed, fun cruise with great food and water activities.

Rated 5/5 from 6 reviews, this tour offers excellent value and a lively atmosphere, with some cultural dance included (Sega). It’s suited for travelers who want an affordable yet comprehensive day on the water.

Bottom Line: An excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers who want a lively cruise with delicious food and scenic stops.

9. Mauritius: Ile aux Cerfs Boat Tour with BBQ Lunch and Drinks

This speedboat trip is perfect for a full-day adventure. It includes visits to the Grand River South East Waterfall, Ile aux Margenie, and swimming in pristine waters. A 3-course BBQ lunch and drinks are part of the experience, with plenty of time to relax on the white sandy beaches.

Rated 4/5 from 91 reviews, it’s valued for its combination of scenic beauty and water fun. It’s ideal for those who want a quick, energetic day with good food and wildlife spotting.

Bottom Line: A balanced, straightforward option for travelers wanting a complete day of water and nature.

10. Catamaran Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs w/ Dolphins Watch & Lunch

This cruise combines dolphin watching with a full day of sailing around Ile aux Cerfs. The boat is comfortable and offers lunch and drinks onboard, with opportunities for snorkeling and marine life discovery.

Rated 4.5/5 from 17 reviews, the tour is popular for its wildlife encounters and scenic sailing. Watching dolphins in their natural habitat makes this a special experience, especially for families or wildlife lovers.

Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a nature-focused day with dolphin sightings and a relaxing cruise.

11. 5 Islands Speedboat Cruise, Snorkeling + Lunch & Open Bar

This 7-hour tour covers Ile aux Cerfs, Lighthouse, Île aux Fouqets, Île aux Aigrettes, and the Blue Bay Marine Park. It includes snorkeling, a BBQ lunch, and an open bar, making it a perfect adventure for those seeking variety.

Rated 4.8/5 by a small number of reviews, it’s valued for its comprehensive coverage and active pace. This tour is well-suited for travelers who want to see multiple islands and enjoy water sports.

Bottom Line: For energetic travelers who want to maximize island visits and aquatic activities, this tour offers great value.

12. Trou d’Eau Douce: Waterfall and Ile aux Cerfs Day Trip

This simple day trip combines a visit to the Grand River South East Waterfall with free time on Ile aux Cerfs. It includes a barbecue lunch with options for fish, chicken, or vegetarian dishes.

Rated 4.8/5 from 5 reviews, it’s great for travelers who want a more relaxed, less structured day but still see some key sights.

Bottom Line: Good for those on a budget who want a straightforward combination of waterfall viewing and beach time.

13. Ile aux cerfs: Private picnic, waterfall, BBQ beach lunch

This private, personalized tour offers an exclusive day exploring Ile aux Cerfs, including a visit to the longest river waterfall and ocean snorkeling. You’ll enjoy a tailored BBQ lunch with drinks, all customized for your group.

Rated 4.5/5 from 8 reviews, it appeals to couples or small groups seeking privacy and intimate service. The price ($349 per group) reflects its exclusivity.

Bottom Line: Perfect for special occasions or couples wanting a private, luxury experience with personalized touches.

14. Mauritius: 5 islands speedboat trip with snorkeling & BBQ

This tour combines dolphin watching, feeding monkeys, and snorkeling at colorful spots, finishing with a barbecue on the beach. It covers Ile aux Cerfs, waterfalls, and marine parks.

Rated 5/5 from a single review, it emphasizes wildlife encounters combined with water fun and food, ideal for active explorers.

Bottom Line: For travelers wanting a high-energy, wildlife-rich day on the water, this tour delivers.

15. Mauritius: Ile aux cerfs, waterfalls and BBQ Boat Day

A straightforward option that hits the highlights: Ile aux Cerfs beaches, Grand River Waterfall, and BBQ lunch on the boat. It’s a casual, relaxing day with scenic views.

Rated 4.7/5 from 3 reviews, it is suited for budget-conscious travelers after a simple, no-fuss day exploring the island’s best features.

Bottom Line: For those seeking a relaxed, all-in-one boat day with good food and easy access to beaches and waterfalls.

16. Ile Aux Cerfs: Catamaran Cruise, island, waterfalls, Lunch

This comprehensive catamaran day trip explores Ile aux Cerfs, the Grand River South East Waterfalls, and includes a BBQ lunch. It’s a full day on the water with snorkeling, sightseeing, and good eats.

Rated 3.9/5 from 9 reviews, it offers a solid all-round experience, especially for those wanting variety in a single trip.

Bottom Line: An all-in-one option for travelers who want to see the waterfalls, relax on the beaches, and enjoy a tasty BBQ.

How to Choose Your Perfect Tour

When selecting the right tour in Trou d’Eau Douce, consider your budget, interests, and the kind of experience you want. If you prefer a luxurious, private day, the Ile Aux Cerfs Private Catamaran Cruise is ideal.

Those after wildlife encounters and snorkeling should check out the 5 Islands Speedboat with Snorkeling and Dolphin Watching. For a full, active day with multiple stops, the Trou d’Eau Douce: Southeast 5 Island Adventure fits the bill.

Remember to book early, especially for high-demand tours like private cruises or sunset trips. Consider your fitness level—some tours involve snorkeling or walking— and check if transportation from your accommodation is included or available.

Final Thoughts

Trou d’Eau Douce offers a wide range of water-based tours and island excursions that cater to different tastes and budgets. For a well-rounded day exploring waterfalls and beaches, the Trou d’Eau Douce: Southeast 5 Island Adventure is hard to beat. If you’re after luxury and privacy, the Ile Aux Cerfs Private Catamaran provides a tailored experience.

For active travelers who love wildlife and snorkeling, the 5 Islands Speedboat delivers adventure and fun. No matter your style, booking early will ensure you secure the perfect trip for your Mauritian holiday.