Mauritius: Ile aux Cerfs Catamaran Cruise & Lunch, Hotel Pickup

Summary

Catamaran day trip from Pointe Jerome to Ile aux Cerfs with snorkeling and lunch

You’ll glide across Mauritius’ eastern lagoon by catamaran with hotel pickup included, snorkel in clear waters near Pointe Jerome, visit GRSE waterfall, and relax on Ile aux Cerfs island. Enjoy grilled lunch onboard with local flavors—and maybe catch your guide dancing if you’re lucky. It’s a day that lingers longer than you expect.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto the catamaran at Pointe Jerome just as the sun was warming up—someone handed me a coffee I didn’t know I needed. The crew joked around in Creole and English, and honestly, I felt like I’d stumbled into a local family’s weekend plan. The boat pushed off slow, gliding through that glassy blue-green water of the eastern coast. You could smell salt and sunscreen everywhere. I kept looking back at the shore shrinking behind us, thinking how different Mauritius looks from out here.

Our guide—Naveen—pointed out tiny islets as we sailed north through the lagoon (he said no sea sickness here, and he was right). When we stopped for snorkeling, I hesitated at first—the water looked colder than it was. Fish darted everywhere under the surface, flashes of yellow and silver. Someone nearby laughed when I tried to say “parrotfish” in French (I definitely butchered it). Afterward we drifted toward Grande Riviere Sud Est waterfall. It wasn’t huge but you could hear it before you saw it—a low rumble over the engine noise. There were birds calling from somewhere in the mangroves.

Ile aux Cerfs itself felt almost too postcard-perfect. We had about an hour to wander or just sit under casuarina trees—honestly, I just let my feet sink into the sand for a while. Lunch back on board was grilled chicken and fish with bread and salad (the banana flambé after was sticky-sweet and kind of addictive). At some point someone turned up sega music on a little speaker; even Naveen danced for a second before pretending he hadn’t.

The ride back felt slower somehow—maybe because nobody wanted it to end yet? Sun on my face, salt drying on my skin. Sometimes you don’t realize how much you needed a quiet day until you’re halfway through one. I still think about that view across the lagoon as we pulled in near 4:30pm…

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day catamaran cruise and island visit

• Hotel pickup at 7:30am
• Arrive at embarkation point at 9am
• Sail from Pointe Jerome through lagoon
• Snorkel in protected lagoon
• Visit Grande Riviere Sud Est waterfall
• Arrive at Ile aux Cerfs island
• Relax and explore Ile aux Cerfs for 1 hour
• Enjoy lunch on catamaran
• Sail back to Pointe Jerome
• Return to hotel by driver around 4:30pm

Top questions

What time does the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise start?

The cruise starts at 9:00 am from Pointe Jerome after hotel pickup around 7:30 am.

Is lunch included during the Mauritius catamaran day trip?

Yes, lunch is served onboard including grilled chicken, fish, sausage, bread, salad, banana flambéed dessert, massepain and cheese sticks.

Does this catamaran tour include snorkeling?

Yes, there’s a stop for snorkeling in a protected lagoon and use of equipment is included.

How long do we spend on Ile aux Cerfs?

You’ll have about one hour to explore or relax on Ile aux Cerfs island during the tour.

Are alcoholic beverages included in this Mauritius day trip?

Yes, alcoholic beverages are served onboard during the cruise.

Is transportation from my hotel included?

Yes, private transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off is part of your booking.

Is this catamaran cruise suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels since activities are relaxed and optional.

Will we visit any waterfalls during this tour?

Yes, there’s a stop at Grande Riviere Sud Est (GRSE) waterfall as part of the route.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off around 7:30 am; breakfast onboard; all alcoholic beverages; use of snorkeling equipment; halal food options; stops for snorkeling in a protected lagoon; time exploring Ile aux Cerfs; grilled lunch with chicken, fish and local treats—all before returning to your hotel late afternoon.