Full Day Shared Tour Catamaran to Ile Aux Cerfs

Thinking about a day on the water exploring some of Mauritius’ most beautiful spots? This full-day shared catamaran tour to Ile aux Cerfs offers a lively, scenic adventure that combines sailing, waterfalls, delicious food, and marine life. While it isn’t perfect for everyone, it delivers plenty of memorable moments—if you’re prepared for some variability.

What we genuinely appreciate about this experience is the chance to cruise Mauritius’s crystalline lagoons aboard a lively catamaran, with local music and friendly staff setting a relaxed tone. The inclusion of a 3-course barbecue lunch and unlimited drinks means you can indulge without worrying about extra costs. Plus, the visit to Grand River South East waterfalls offers a chance for a quick adventure away from the beach.

However, some reviews hint at inconsistencies — from unpredictable weather impacting activities like snorkeling, to occasional organizational hiccups with pickups. That said, if you’re someone who enjoys a social, scenic day out and isn’t overly concerned about a perfect itinerary, this trip could suit you well. It’s especially fitting for travelers seeking a value-packed, fun-filled Mauritian day with opportunities for swimming, sightseeing, and relaxing.

Key Points

• Scenic Catamaran Experience: Cruise through Mauritius’s beautiful lagoon with lively crew and local music.
• Inclusive Meal & Drinks: Enjoy a generous 3-course BBQ lunch with unlimited local beverages.
• Waterfalls & Underwater Views: Visit Grand River South East waterfalls via speedboat and admire vibrant coral reefs.
• Group Size & Flexibility: Designed for up to 30 travelers, creating a lively social atmosphere.
• Weather-Dependent Activities: Snorkeling and water-based activities may be affected by weather conditions.
• Practical & Convenient: Hotel pickup included, making logistics simpler and more comfortable.

What’s Included & What’s Not

This tour offers a pretty straightforward package with the essentials covered, making it easy for travelers to relax and enjoy the day. The included features, like the 3-course meal, drinks, and transportation, ensure you won’t need to worry about extra costs during the trip. However, watersport activities are not included, and tipping remains optional but appreciated.

The meals are designed to cater to various dietary preferences, with a halal option available, and the unlimited drinks cover soft drinks, juice, beer, wine, and local rum—perfect for those wanting to unwind and toast to a good day.

The Itinerary: From Trou d’eau Douce to Ile aux Cerfs

Departure and Embarkation

The trip kicks off early at 9:45 a.m. from Trou d’eau Douce, which is about an hour’s drive from the starting point. We liked the smooth pickup service, which takes the hassle out of logistics, especially for those not familiar with the area. Once on the boat, the crew sets a lively tone—playing local music, sharing stories, and helping guests settle into the day ahead.

Grand River South East Waterfalls

The first stop is the Grand River South East waterfalls, a quick 1-hour excursion. Guests hop onto a speedboat for a 500-meter upstream trip—a highlight for many. The reviews note that this part of the trip is quite special: “The waterfall was a bit of a let-down as well, and not enough time in Ile aux Cerfs but the crew were excellent,” said one traveler.

The riverbank is full of monkeys, and Mauritian fruit bats often hang around the tallest trees, making it quite the lively ecosystem. It’s a brief but refreshing change from the sunbathing on the boat and offers a chance to see some wildlife up close.

The Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs

After the waterfalls, the catamaran continues through crystal-clear lagoon waters, where you’ll witness vibrant coral reefs and marine life. As one reviewer put it, “The sea was very beautiful,” and the chance to see colorful fish makes snorkeling appealing—though weather conditions can sometimes spoil the experience.

Travelers should note that the duration at Ile aux Cerfs is approximately 3 hours, giving plenty of time for swimming, relaxing, or exploring the island’s sandy beaches. The tour emphasizes a laid-back, social vibe, with ample opportunity for lounging, swimming, or wandering the lush surroundings.

BBQ Lunch & Drinks

The highlight for many is the mouthwatering BBQ lunch served on the beach or onboard. The menu features vegetable and rice or pasta salads, grilled garlic bread, chicken, sausages, fresh fish, and even grilled bananas for dessert. Reviewers agree that the food is a definite high point—“The BBQ food was delicious,” said one guest.

Unlimited drinks, including soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum, mean you can toast your islandside meal without worry. This all-inclusive approach offers great value, making it easy to relax without constantly reaching for your wallet.

Return Journey

After a leisurely afternoon, the boat sails back to Trou d’eau Douce. The return trip usually takes about an hour, and guests are then transported back to their hotels. Reviewers mention that the timing feels relaxed and unhurried, perfect for unwinding.

Authentic Experiences & Considerations Based on Reviews

While many travelers praise the friendly guides, stunning views, and delicious food, there are important caveats. Some reviews mention organizational issues, such as late pickups or difficulty reaching the company by phone, which can create frustration. One reviewer noted, “Do not book — the company is known for not turning up,” highlighting that logistical hiccups can happen.

Weather can also impact the experience—particularly snorkeling, which some travelers were excited about but couldn’t enjoy due to poor conditions. Others found the water quality at certain bays less than ideal, with some areas reported to have rubbish and foamy water, so managing expectations about pristine underwater scenes is wise.

Finally, although the tour is lively and social, the large group size (up to 30) might not suit travelers seeking a more intimate or exclusive experience. But for those who enjoy buzz and communal fun, this is part of the charm.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is great for adventurous travelers who want a full day of sightseeing, swimming, and socializing on the water. It’s ideal if you’re happy with some unpredictability and appreciate the value of an all-inclusive package. Families, groups of friends, or solo travelers looking to meet others will find the lively atmosphere appealing.

Those seeking pristine snorkeling or a quiet day might want to consider other options, as weather and water conditions can vary. Also, if you’re sensitive to organizational hiccups, it’s worth noting some reviews mention logistical issues.

Final Thoughts

The Full Day Shared Catamaran to Ile aux Cerfs offers a lively, scenic way to enjoy some of Mauritius’s best sights, with good food, drinks, and plenty of opportunities for fun. It’s a well-rounded experience for travelers looking for a social, value-packed day that combines sailing, waterfalls, and beach time.

While not perfect—occasional weather issues and logistical uncertainties do exist—the trip’s highlights, like the friendly crew, delicious BBQ, and stunning lagoon views, make it a worthwhile adventure. If you’re seeking a relaxed, upbeat day on the water with opportunities for swimming and sightseeing, this tour fits the bill.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup is included, making it easy to start your day without extra arrangements.

What is the duration of the trip?
The total experience lasts around 7 to 8 hours, including transportation, stops, and meals.

Can I participate if I have mobility issues?
Yes, the staff on the boat is reported to be very helpful, and the trip is suitable for most travelers, including those with mobility issues.

Are snorkeling activities guaranteed?
Snorkeling depends on weather conditions, so if the weather isn’t suitable, you might not be able to snorkel at the scheduled spots.

What kind of food is served?
A 3-course BBQ lunch with vegetable and rice or pasta salads, grilled garlic bread, chicken, sausages, and fish. Halal options are available.

Are drinks included?
Yes, unlimited soft drinks, water, juice, beer, wine, and local rum are included.

What should I expect from the waterfalls stop?
A brief 1-hour visit involving a speedboat upstream to see the waterfalls, with opportunities to spot monkeys and fruit bats. Some reviews mention the waterfall area can be less impressive if not maintained well.

In summary, this tour offers a lively, scenic, and mostly relaxing day on Mauritius’s waters. It’s perfect for social travelers who value good food and abundant drinks, and who aren’t too fussed about perfect weather or pristine snorkeling conditions. For those looking for a fun, inclusive day with plenty of opportunities to unwind and enjoy the island’s natural beauty, this trip can be a highlight of your Mauritius holiday.