Snorkeling near Ile aux Cerfs: Catamaran, waterfall & lunch

Waterfall, reef, and a hot meal on the water

A full-day catamaran snorkeling trip from your Mauritius hotel takes you past the Grand River Southeast Waterfall, then to a reef near Ile aux Cerfs where you swim and snorkel, with a barbecue lunch and drinks served aboard. Private hotel pickup and dropoff are included, and the crew speaks English and French. Bring your own snorkeling gear. The boat does not provide it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Catamaran cruise and island visit

• Hotel pickup and transfer
• Pass by Grand River Southeast Waterfall
• Spot monkeys and fruit bats
• Catamaran sails near Ile aux Cerfs
• Swim and snorkel near island
• Enjoy barbecue lunch and drinks onboard
• Relax, stroll, and suntan on island
• Sunbathe and enjoy music on catamaran
• Return transfer to hotel

The experience

The catamaran picks you up from your hotel and heads toward the Grand River Southeast Waterfall, where the crew points out the monkey families in the vegetation along the banks and the giant fruit bat colony hanging in the treetops. After passing the waterfall, the boat moves to a shallow reef near Ile aux Cerfs where the water is calm enough to enter and snorkel without a guide in the water. You're on your own with the reef. The crew stays aboard and keeps an eye on swimmers from the deck.

Once you've had your time in the water, the catamaran serves lunch: grilled fish, grilled chicken brochettes, mixed salad, potato salad, rice salad, garlic bread, and fresh fruit for dessert. Drinks run to mineral water, juices, soft drinks, beers, rum, and wine, all included. You can eat on the boat or take your plate to the white sand beach of Ile aux Cerfs if you want to walk and explore the island. The return to your hotel takes the same route, and the whole day runs seven hours from pickup to dropoff.

The one thing to know: snorkeling gear is not provided, so bring your own mask, fins, and snorkel or rent them before you board. The crew is professional and the boat is stable, but this is a full day on the water with no shade except what the catamaran's canopy offers, so plan for sun and bring sunscreen.

What’s included

• Private hotel pickup and dropoff in an air-conditioned taxi or minibus.
• barbecue lunch aboard the catamaran with grilled fish, grilled chicken brochettes, mixed salad, potato salad, rice salad, and garlic bread.
• fresh fruit for dessert.
• mineral water, juices, soft drinks, beers, rum, and wine throughout the day.
• time to swim and snorkel at the reef near Ile aux Cerfs.
• time to walk and relax on the beach of Ile aux Cerfs if you choose.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to2d before

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish and French

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 12 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Bonjour Mauritius

Is this one for you?The seven-hour day is full water time with no rushed schedule, so it suits anyone who wants a long, unhurried morning and afternoon on the reef and the island. Bring your own snorkeling gear or arrange a rental beforehand, since the boat does not provide masks and fins.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and French.

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 do I actually do when we reach the reef near Ile aux Cerfs?

You enter the water and snorkel on your own at a shallow reef spot. The crew watches from the boat but does not guide you underwater. You can spend as long as you want in the water, then return to the catamaran or wade to the beach of Ile aux Cerfs to walk and relax on the sand.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

Yes, you must bring your own mask, fins, and snorkel. The catamaran does not provide snorkeling gear, so arrange a rental before the tour or pack your own.

What happens at the Grand River Southeast Waterfall?

The catamaran passes by the waterfall so you can see it from the boat. The crew points out the monkeys living in the vegetation along the river banks and the giant Mauritian fruit bat colony in the treetops. You do not stop to swim or walk there. It is a viewing stop only.

Is the barbecue lunch included, and what if I have dietary needs?

Lunch and all drinks are included in the price. The menu is grilled fish, grilled chicken brochettes, salads, rice, garlic bread, and fresh fruit. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, contact the operator before booking to discuss options.

What time does the catamaran leave, and how long is the whole day?

The catamaran picks you up from your hotel at a time arranged when you book, then returns you to your hotel seven hours later. The crew speaks English and French.