Mauritius: Ile Aux Cerfs Catamaran Cruise with BBQ & Drinks

Summary

Catamaran day trip to Ile Aux Cerfs with BBQ lunch and river waterfall

You’ll drift along Mauritius’ east coast by catamaran with a friendly crew, stop for snorkeling in clear lagoons, see monkeys at GRSE Waterfall, and enjoy a fresh BBQ lunch with unlimited drinks before relaxing on Ile Aux Cerfs’ famous beaches. Expect laughter, island flavors, and plenty of time to just let go — sometimes that’s all you need.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Catamaran cruise and island relaxation

• Board catamaran at Trou d’Eau Douce
• Cruise along Mauritius’ east coast
• View GRSE Waterfall and riverbanks
• Swim and snorkel in lagoon
• Enjoy barbecue lunch and drinks
• Relax and explore Île aux Cerfs
• Optional water sports on island
• Cruise back to Trou d’Eau Douce
• Unwind with drinks on deck

Top questions

How long does the catamaran cruise to Ile Aux Cerfs take?

The full day trip lasts several hours including stops for snorkeling and lunch before returning in the late afternoon.

Is snorkeling equipment provided during the tour?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included for all guests on this catamaran cruise.

Are drinks included on the Mauritius catamaran tour?

Unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are served throughout the day trip.

What food is served for lunch on board?

The BBQ lunch includes chicken, sausage, fish, garlic bread, salad and vegetarian options if requested.

Is transportation wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible for this tour.

Can I book optional water sports at Ile Aux Cerfs?

Yes, activities like parasailing or tube rides are available at extra cost once on Ile Aux Cerfs island.

Where does the Mauritius catamaran trip start?

The cruise departs from Trou d’Eau Douce on Mauritius’ east coast.

What’s included

Your day covers pickup at Trou d’Eau Douce before sailing along Mauritius’ east coast with a local crew; all snorkeling equipment is provided; enjoy unlimited soft drinks, beer, wine and rum; snacks throughout; plus a freshly prepared barbecue lunch with chicken, sausage or fish (vegetarian options available) served either onboard or on the beach depending on weather before cruising back late afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

By the time we’d left Trou d’Eau Douce, I’d already lost count of how many times someone on the crew laughed or handed me a cold drink. The catamaran moved slow enough that you could really watch the east coast of Mauritius slide by — turquoise water, little fishing boats, that kind of thing. There was this light music playing (not too loud), and honestly, it set the mood better than I expected. I caught myself just staring at the water for a while, not thinking about much.

Our guide (I think his name was Ravi?) pointed out monkeys in the trees as we cruised up the GRSE River — which I didn’t even know existed before this day trip to Ile Aux Cerfs from Mauritius. The waterfall surprised me; it’s not massive but there’s something about seeing it tumble into all that green. There was this earthy smell near the riverbanks, almost sweet. Someone tried to spot crabs but I just watched the spray catch sunlight for a minute.

Snorkeling off the catamaran was easy — warm water, shallow enough not to panic if you’re not an expert (I’m definitely not). The crew handed out gear and kept an eye out for us; one guy joked about “finding Nemo” which made half of us laugh and half roll our eyes. Lunch came right after: barbecue chicken and fish, garlic bread still hot in my hands. Rum punch too — maybe too much if you’re not careful. I still think about that smoky flavor mixed with salt air.

Ile Aux Cerfs itself is almost cartoon-bright — white sand, blue water, people scattered everywhere doing their own thing. Some folks went for parasailing or those tube rides (not included), but I just walked along the edge where shells crunch underfoot. It’s busy but somehow you can still find your own quiet spot if you want it. Heading back later in the afternoon felt slower somehow; everyone a bit sunburned and sleepy, drinks in hand, nobody really talking much anymore. That last hour on deck — yeah, I’d do that again without thinking twice.