Ile aux Cerf day trip: Speed boat, undersea walk & waterfall

Speed boat, coral reef walk and a waterfall in one full day

A full-day activity from Trou d'Eau Douce combining speed boat rides to Ile aux Cerf, undersea walking through the coral reef, a 3-course lunch with unlimited drinks at Islet Margenie, and a stop at Grand River South East Waterfall on the way back. Hotel pickup is included. The guide speaks English, French or Hindi. Children from age 1 are welcome, though undersea walking is for adults and older children only.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day Ile aux Cerf tour

• Hotel pick-up and meet guide
• Travel to Trou d'Eau Douce village
• Speed boat ride to Ile aux Cerf
• Relax on white sandy beach
• Swim and snorkel in lagoon
• Undersea walking tour
• Barbecue lunch at Islet Margenie
• Watch sega dancers perform
• Free time on Ile aux Cerf beach
• Visit Grand River South East waterfall
• Speed boat ride back to shore
• Return to hotel

The experience

Seven to eight hours means you leave your hotel in the morning and return by late afternoon, leaving the evening free. The day starts with pickup at your accommodation anywhere in Mauritius, then a drive to Trou d'Eau Douce, a fishing village on the east coast. From there you board a speed boat for the ride to Ile aux Cerf, crossing the lagoon's clear water with the island's white sand beaches and palm trees ahead.

Once at Ile aux Cerf, you have time to swim and snorkel in the lagoon before the main event: undersea walking. You walk into the coral reef garden on the seafloor, staying upright and breathing normally while you move through the water surrounded by fish and marine life. It is not diving (you stay shallow and walk, not float), and the guide leads you through the reef. Around noon you head by speed boat to Islet Margenie for a 3-course lunch of grilled chicken, fish and salad, with unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks, water and local rum. You'll also watch live sega dancers perform. After lunch you return to Ile aux Cerf for free time on the beach or in the water.

On the return journey, the speed boat passes Grand River South East Waterfall, the longest river in Mauritius. You stop to see the waterfall and the river's banks, where you may spot fruit bats hanging from the trees and monkeys moving through the branches. The ride back to Trou d'Eau Douce includes high-speed runs and sharp turns in the 150 hp boat before you return to your hotel.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off at any accommodation in Mauritius.
• speed boat rides with a professional operator.
• undersea walking in the coral reef.
• 3-course lunch at Islet Margenie with grilled chicken, fish and salad.
• unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks, water and local rum.
• live sega dancer performance.
• Grand River South East Waterfall sightseeing.
• private air-conditioned vehicle transport.
• English, French or Hindi-speaking guide.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Senior (66 and older) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 10 years) · Infant (1 to 4 years): free

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish, French and Hindi

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Freshverde Holidays

Is this one for you?The seven to eight hour commitment fills most of a day but leaves your evening open. If you want to combine water activities, a meal and a waterfall without committing to a full overnight trip, this schedule fits. If you need to keep the afternoon free or prefer a shorter outing, look for a half-day speed boat or island option instead.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, French and Hindi.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (5 to 10 years); Infant (1 to 4 years): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly is undersea walking and how does it work?

Undersea walking is a guided walk on the seafloor inside the coral reef at Ile aux Cerf. You wear a weighted helmet that keeps your head above water so you can breathe normally while walking upright on the bottom, surrounded by fish and reef life. No diving certification is needed.

What is included in the lunch at Islet Margenie?

Lunch is a 3-course meal with grilled chicken, fish, salad and more, plus unlimited drinks: wine, beer, soft drinks, water and local rum. Vegetarian options are available if you request them when booking. You'll also watch live sega dancers perform during the meal.

How long is the speed boat ride and what is it like?

The speed boat ride from Trou d'Eau Douce to Ile aux Cerf crosses the lagoon with clear water and island views. The return journey includes high-speed runs, sharp turns and splashes in the 150 hp boat. The ride is described as fun and exhilarating, though the exact duration depends on sea conditions and the route taken.

Will I see wildlife at Grand River South East Waterfall?

Grand River South East is home to Mauritian fruit bats and monkeys that live along the river banks. You may see bats hanging from the highest trees as the boat approaches and monkeys moving through the branches, though sightings depend on the time of day and wildlife activity.

What should I bring for this full day on the water?

Bring your own towels and spare clothes, as you'll be swimming and getting wet multiple times during the day. Sunscreen, a hat and water shoes are practical additions. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and the vehicle is air-conditioned for the drive to and from Trou d'Eau Douce.