Marvelous Ile aux Cerf island: Speed Boat, Parasailing, Lunch & GRSE waterfall

Exploring the waters and beaches of Mauritius through this tour offers a blend of adventure, relaxation, and scenic beauty. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, detailed reviews and itineraries paint a picture of a lively, well-rounded experience suited for those eager to enjoy both water sports and tranquil island scenery.

What makes this tour stand out? Firstly, it combines thrilling water-based activities like parasailing and speedboat rides with cultural highlights like the GRSE waterfalls. Secondly, it offers a delicious barbecue lunch with drinks and live entertainment, creating a festive atmosphere. Lastly, its small-group setup promises more personalized attention from guides, enhancing the overall experience.

A possible consideration? The tour’s schedule can be quite packed, which might leave some travelers wishing for a bit more downtime. It’s best suited for those who love a mix of adventure and scenic exploration rather than a purely relaxing beach day.

This trip is ideal for active travelers, families, or anyone keen to see the highlights of Ile aux Cerfs and nearby attractions in one go. If you’re looking for a balanced mix of excitement, good food, and natural beauty, this tour could be just right.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Combines water sports, sightseeing, and a gourmet BBQ lunch.
• Small-group benefit: Offers more personalized guidance and a friendly atmosphere.
• Scenic rides: Speed boat and parasailing give stunning panoramic views.
• Cultural and natural highlights: Visits to GRSE waterfalls and island beaches.
• Value for money: Includes transportation, activities, and lunch, making it a well-rounded day.
• Potential drawback: The schedule can be busy, with little downtime between activities.

What to Expect from the Tour

This full-day adventure from Trou d’Eau Douce is designed to pack in as much as possible into roughly 7 to 8 hours. The journey kicks off with a hotel pickup, making it convenient for travelers staying on the island. Once in Trou d’Eau Douce, you’ll hop aboard a speed boat for the short but exhilarating ride across the crystal-clear waters to Ile aux Cerfs.

The Speedboat Ride and Arrival at Ile aux Cerfs

Travelers love this part — the boat glides swiftly over turquoise waters, offering breathtaking views of pristine beaches and swaying palms. Several reviews mention the boat ride as a highlight, with one reviewer calling it “sailing through the crystal-clear water of the east coast lagoons with breathtaking scenery all around.” It’s a lively, fun way to start the day and get a taste of the island’s natural beauty.

Island Relaxation and Water Sports

Once on Ile aux Cerfs, the focus shifts to enjoying the white sandy beaches and the inviting waters. Many guests have commented on how perfect the beaches are for swimming and relaxing. The small-group size ensures you’re not lost in a crowd, allowing for a more personal experience.

The highlight for many is parasailing, which offers a bird’s-eye view of the island and lagoon. This activity is described as both peaceful and adrenaline-pumping, providing a lifelong memory of Mauritius from above. According to reviews, the parasailing duration is around three minutes, which is typical for such activities but might feel brief for some thrill-seekers. Kids can participate depending on their parents’ discretion, but the activity depends on individual comfort levels.

Lunch at Islet Margenie

Midday, you’re transported to Islet Margenie for a barbecue feast. The menu includes grilled chicken, fish, salads, and more — a true Mauritian-style barbecue. The food is generally described as delicious and plentiful, with reviews praising the variety and quality of the meal. Soft drinks, beer, wine, and local rum are all included, perfect for soaking up the holiday vibe.

Guests often mention the live dance performances, which add a lively cultural touch to the meal. The timing of the lunch, around noon, provides a welcome break to refuel after the morning’s activities.

Visiting the GRSE Waterfalls

On the way back to land, the tour makes a stop at the Grand River South East Waterfall, one of Mauritius’ natural gems. The longest river in Mauritius ends in a waterfall that’s easily accessible by boat. Guests might see monkeys jumping along the riverbanks or Mauritian fruit bats roosting in the trees, adding a wildlife element to the scenic visit.

This stop is often praised for its beautiful views and natural serenity, providing a peaceful contrast to the earlier adrenaline-filled activities. It’s a great spot for photography and soaking in the lush greenery.

Speed Boat and Return Journey

The return trip is marked by high speeds and fun spins, making it an exciting end to the day. The boat ride back to Trou d’Eau Douce offers more impressive views, with many reviewers mentioning the thrill of the speedy ride.

The Experience from Review Insights

The reviews paint a mixed but mostly positive picture. Many travelers praise knowledgeable guides who share interesting tidbits about the islands and natural sites, enhancing the overall experience. One reviewer mentioned their guide was “an archaeologist,” adding a layer of expertise to the journey.

Others highlighted the delicious food, with some noting the bountiful meal and good drinks. The scenic views during boat rides and parasailing are consistently praised, confirming that this tour delivers on visual wow-factor.

However, some reviews point out organizational hiccups like long waiting times and confusing schedules, especially regarding parasailing and the timing of activities. One guest expressed disappointment, saying, “This trip is not organized well,” noting the lack of clear instructions and the need to go back and forth between locations. These issues seem to be the exception rather than the rule but are worth considering if you prefer a very structured experience.

Practical Details and Tips

• Price: At $138.60 per person, the tour offers good value considering transportation, activities, and a hearty lunch included.
• Duration: Expect about 7 to 8 hours, so bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, and sunscreen.
• Group Size: Limited to a maximum of 12 travelers, increasing the chance of personalized attention.
• What to Bring: Towels, spare clothes, sunscreen, and cash for optional extras. The guide suggests bringing your own towels and an extra set of clothes.
• Accessibility: Pickup is offered from any hotel on the island, making it convenient.
• Children: Kids can participate in most activities but parasailing depends on parental discretion; children pay only for the speedboat seat.
• Weather: The tour is weather-dependent; cancellations are possible in case of cyclones or heavy rain, with full refunds offered if that happens.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is best suited for adventurous travelers eager to combine water sports, scenic views, and a lively social atmosphere. Families with children who’re comfortable with boat rides and activities will enjoy the mix of fun and natural beauty. It’s also excellent for those wanting to tick off multiple highlights of Mauritius in one day without sacrificing comfort, thanks to the included transportation.

If you’re someone who appreciates good food, vibrant scenery, and a touch of adrenaline, this tour hits many of those marks. But if you’re seeking a peaceful, slow-paced beach day, you might prefer a less activity-packed alternative.

FAQ

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup is offered from your hotel, anywhere on Mauritius.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs for approximately 7 to 8 hours, from pickup to drop-off.

What activities are included?
Speedboat ride, parasailing, barbecue lunch with drinks, and a visit to the GRSE waterfalls.

Can children participate in parasailing?
Parasailing depends on the parents’ discretion, and it is not included for children in this package.

What should I bring?
Bring towels, spare clothes, sunscreen, and cash for optional extras or souvenirs.

Is the tour suitable for anyone with health issues?
Most travelers can participate, but if you have any health concerns, especially related to water activities, check with the tour provider.

What’s the price for children?
Children pay only for the speedboat seat, making it an affordable family option.

What happens in case of bad weather?
If weather conditions aren’t suitable, the tour will be canceled with a full refund or rescheduled for a different day.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded day on the waters and beaches of Mauritius, blending adrenaline, scenic beauty, and good food into a single package. It’s an activity-rich experience that delivers memorable moments, especially if you love water sports and natural sights. The small-group setup and inclusive pricing add to its appeal, providing a personalized, hassle-free adventure.

While some organizational hiccups have been noted, they seem manageable compared to the overall value and enjoyment. Perfect for active travelers, families, or couples looking to make the most of a day in Mauritius with a mix of fun, relaxation, and culture.

If you’re after an authentic, lively experience on Ile aux Cerfs with plenty of photo-worthy moments, this tour could make your Mauritius trip truly unforgettable.