Mauritius: Ile aux Cerfs Catamaran Cruise & BBQ Lunch

Summary

Catamaran day trip to Ile aux Cerfs with waterfall stop

You’ll sail from Trou D’eau Douce by catamaran toward GRSE waterfall, with time for snorkeling in clear waters before enjoying a BBQ lunch on board. After lunch you’ll reach Ile aux Cerfs island to relax on white sand or swim in turquoise sea—ending your day sun-warmed and salt-tangled.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t forget to watch for monkeys — sometimes they steal the show,” our captain grinned as we pushed off from Trou D’eau Douce. The morning light was soft, almost sleepy, and everyone shuffled around barefoot on the deck, still waking up. I could smell sunscreen and coffee mixing in the air. The boat moved slow at first, just enough to hear the water slap against the hull. Someone pointed out a fisherman waving from his pirogue — he looked like he’d been up for hours already.

The ride to GRSE waterfall was quieter than I expected. Maybe it was the way the wind felt cooler out on the lagoon or how everyone got quiet when we saw those green cliffs coming into view. Our guide, Li, told us stories about how kids used to swim there after school — she laughed remembering it, and then we all craned our necks for monkeys (none today). The waterfall itself was louder than I thought it would be, even though it’s not huge. There’s this moment where you can’t hear anyone talk over it — just water and birds.

After that, we drifted to a snorkeling spot nearby. Honestly, I hesitated getting in — I’m not much of a swimmer — but the crew handed me a mask and said “just float.” The water was cool but not cold, and suddenly there were these flashes of yellow fish everywhere. Lunch came right after: grilled chicken that tasted smoky and sweet at once (maybe too much sauce? But I liked it), plus cold drinks passed around while people stretched out on towels. Some folks napped; others just stared at the sky for a while.

Ile aux Cerfs looked almost fake when we arrived — so bright it hurt my eyes at first. Kids ran straight for the water; I just sat in the sand with my feet buried deep until it was time to go back. On the return ride, sunburned and salty, someone played old Sega music from their phone and Li sang along under her breath. I still think about that view as we left: blue fading into blue, nothing else to do but watch.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Catamaran cruise and island visit

• Meet at 09:00
• Depart from Trou D’eau Douce at 09:30
• Sail to GRSE waterfall
• Visit GRSE waterfall
• Snorkel at nearby spot
• Enjoy BBQ lunch on board
• Sail to Ile aux Cerfs island
• Relax on beach or swim
• Depart Ile aux Cerfs at 15:00
• Return to Trou D’eau Douce at 16:00

Top questions

How long is the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts about 6-7 hours, departing around 9:30 AM from Trou D’eau Douce and returning by 4:00 PM.

Is lunch included during this Mauritius catamaran tour?

Yes, a BBQ lunch is served onboard after snorkeling.

Do you visit GRSE waterfall during this day trip?

Yes, there is a stop at GRSE waterfall before snorkeling.

Are drinks provided on this Ile aux Cerfs day cruise?

Soda, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages are included during the trip.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included in your booking.

Where does the catamaran depart from?

The boat departs from Trou D’eau Douce village in Mauritius.

Can infants join this catamaran cruise?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap during the trip.

What’s included

Your day includes departure from Trou D’eau Douce village by catamaran with all drinks—soda, bottled water, alcoholic beverages—plus use of snorkeling gear and a BBQ lunch served onboard before sailing onward to Ile aux Cerfs island for free time by the sea before returning late afternoon.