Paradise Cruise to Ile Aux Cerf Island from Trou d’Eau Douce

Introduction

If you’re dreaming of a day spent soaking up sunshine, exploring crystal-clear waters, and enjoying good food and drinks, the Paradise Cruise to Ile aux Cerf from Trou d’Eau Douce might catch your eye. This boat trip offers a balanced mix of scenic cruising, water activities, and laid-back leisure—making it a popular choice for travelers wanting a slice of island life.

What we love about this tour is its convenient hotel pickup, the delicious barbecue lunch, and the opportunity to snorkel in calm, inviting waters. The cruise also delivers fantastic views of mountain ranges and the Grand River South East waterfall, perfect for capturing memories.

A potential drawback? The group size can reach up to 25 travelers, which might mean less intimacy for those seeking a more private experience. Still, if you’re after a fun, sociable day on the water, this trip ticks many boxes. It’s best suited for visitors who enjoy a relaxed pace, good food, and scenic excursions.

Key Points

• Convenient pickup from Trou d’Eau Douce hotels makes planning easier.
• Scenic highlights include mountain views and the Grand River South East waterfall.
• Water activities such as swimming and snorkeling add an adventurous touch.
• The barbecue lunch with tropical flavors provides a satisfying midday break.
• An open bar with wine, beer, rum, soda, and water keeps the drinks flowing.
• The tour is suitable for most travelers, but group size and tour duration are worth considering for a personalized experience.

The Experience in Detail

The Departure and Pickup

Your day begins with a hotel pickup in Trou d’Eau Douce, usually between 7:00 and 8:00 AM, depending on your location. The tour provider, Eco Holidays, ensures a smooth start with round-trip transportation, so you won’t need to worry about logistics. The group is limited to 25 travelers, which strikes a good balance—enough to make it lively but still manageable.

The Boat and the Cruise

Once aboard the boat, you’re likely to notice the friendly guide and crew—reviewers mention guides who are both knowledgeable and personable. The vessel itself is a catamaran, providing stability and ample space for relaxing or socializing.

The cruise lasts about 6 hours, bringing a relaxed pace to the experience. Many travelers appreciate this duration—it’s enough to enjoy the day without feeling rushed. You’ll cruise towards Ile aux Cerf, a well-known island with stunning beaches and a lively atmosphere.

Scenic Highlights: Waterfalls and Mountain Views

One of the biggest draws of this trip is the chance to see the Grand River South East waterfall and mountain ranges. Reviewer Tejas_B highlighted that the scenery was fantastic, with memorable photo opportunities. You can expect to see lush greenery, rugged peaks, and the cascading waterfall, offering perfect backdrops for your photos.

Water Activities: Swimming and Snorkeling

Once you arrive in the calm lagoon around Ile aux Cerf, the waters are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and just floating around. Reviewers mention that the water is crystal clear and inviting, making it easy for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike to enjoy. Use of snorkeling equipment is included, so no need to bring your own gear unless you prefer to.

Lunch and Drinks

Midday, the boat halts for a barbecue lunch, which reviewers say is quite tasty. Expect grilled chicken and fish, accompanied by salads, potatoes, and tropical fruits. The food is described as delicious and plentiful, a good value for the price of the tour.

The open bar is a hit, with wine, beer, local rum, soda, and water available. Many reviewers appreciated the quality of the drinks and the friendly service. One reviewer mentioned that the wine selection was good, adding a touch of sophistication to the midday meal.

Additional Highlights

The boat cruise also offers photo opportunities of the waterfall and mountain scenery, as well as a chance to unwind on deck. The atmosphere tends to be lively, with some reviews mentioning live music and a fun, social vibe during the trip.

The Return and Drop-Off

After a relaxing day, you’ll be dropped back at your hotel in Trou d’Eau Douce, usually around 3:00 to 4:00 PM. The easy logistics and smooth transfer are often appreciated, allowing you to unwind after your adventure.

What Travelers Say

Reviews range from glowing to critical, but most agree on the good value and beautiful scenery. One reviewer loved the friendly guide Rick, who made the pickup process smooth and fun, adding a personal touch. They also enjoyed the live music and food, which made the trip memorable.

However, not everyone found the tour romantic or intimate. Jennifer E shared that with 30 people on a mid-sized catamaran, the experience felt more like a lively group outing than a romantic cruise. She pointed out that the duration was about 6 hours, which might be too long for those seeking a more secluded, quiet escape.

Practical Considerations

• Price Point: At around $113 per person, the tour offers a balanced mix of scenery, water fun, and good food. When you consider the included lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and transport, it’s a reasonable deal for a day out.
• Group Size: With a maximum of 25 travelers, it offers a semi-intimate experience, but larger groups might find the vibe more energetic than private.
• Timing: The tour starts at 9:00 AM, with pickup between 7:00-8:00 AM, so be prepared for an early start—perfect for maximizing your day.
• Accessibility: Open to most travelers, but children must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum drinking age is 18.
• Vegetarian Options: Available if requested beforehand, ensuring dietary needs are met.
• Booking in Advance: Most travelers book about 86 days ahead, indicating good demand and popularity.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise is ideal for families, groups of friends, or solo travelers looking for a hassle-free day with scenic views, water activities, and a good meal. It’s perfect if you enjoy socializing over drinks, lounging on deck, or exploring an island with lush landscapes.

However, if you prefer more intimate or private experiences, or are seeking a quieter, more romantic trip, this might feel a bit crowded or lively. The duration and group size mean it’s better suited for those wanting a lively, social atmosphere rather than solitude.

The Sum Up

The Paradise Cruise to Ile aux Cerf from Trou d’Eau Douce offers a well-rounded day for those wanting scenic views, water fun, and tasty food in Mauritius. With a smooth pickup, stunning scenery, and a generous open bar, it provides excellent value for a relaxed island escape.

While some travelers may find the group size a bit large for a romantic getaway, it’s a fantastic choice for anyone who enjoys a lively, social vibe combined with beautiful natural sights. The included snorkeling gear and delicious barbecue make the experience both fun and satisfying.

Overall, if you’re looking to combine scenic beauty, water activities, and a laid-back atmosphere, this cruise ticks many boxes. It’s especially suitable for travelers who want a full day of adventure and relaxation without complicated planning.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 9:00 AM, with hotel pickups happening between 7:00 and 8:00 AM, depending on your location.

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off in Trou d’Eau Douce are included.

How long is the cruise?
The entire experience lasts about 6 hours, providing ample time for water activities and sightseeing.

What is included in the price?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, beverages (including wine, beer, rum, soda, and water), use of snorkeling equipment, and a driver/guide.

Can I snorkel?
Absolutely. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the calm lagoon makes it suitable for all levels.

Is vegetarian food available?
Yes, vegetarian options can be requested when booking.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 25 travelers, which helps maintain a lively but manageable atmosphere.

Are there any age restrictions?
Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum drinking age is 18.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Is the experience suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but those seeking a quieter, more private experience might prefer smaller, more intimate tours.

In summary, this cruise offers a lively, scenic day out that balances water adventures with great food and drinks. It’s a solid pick for travelers wanting a fun, relaxed Mauritius experience with plenty of photo-worthy moments.