Ile aux Cerfs comes with a plan. This full-day catamaran trip strings together the GRSE Waterfall speedboat visit and a relaxed onboard day with BBQ lunch and unlimited drinks. The only real drawback to keep in mind is that the snorkeling experience can vary from what you hope for, depending on conditions and what’s available on the day.

You’ll start early from Trou d’Eau Douce or Pointe Jerome (board time usually lands around 9:15am), then you’re back by about 4:00pm. The group stays capped at 30 travelers, which is a real plus for questions, drinks, and getting guidance—if you like a social vibe without it feeling like a packed ferry.

Key takeaways before you go

• Catamaran day with multiple highlights: waterfall + lagoon snorkeling + Ile aux Cerfs beaches in one long loop.
• Open bar and 3-course BBQ lunch onboard: wine, beer, rum, and soft drinks are included.
• A small-group feel: capped at 30 travelers, so you should get more personal attention than big buses.
• Snorkeling depends on real water conditions: sometimes it’s great, sometimes it’s more basic than advertised.
• Optional add-ons cost extra on Ile aux Cerfs: parasailing, tube rides, and undersea walk aren’t included.

A full-day route from Trou d’Eau Douce to Ile aux Cerfs

This is a true all-day outing built around movement by sea. After your hotel pickup in Mauritius, you ride to Trou d’Eau Douce or Pointe Jerome and board the catamaran. The day is designed around three “anchors”: the Grand River South East waterfall area, a snorkeling/swimming break in the lagoon, and Ile aux Cerfs—the island most people picture when they think Mauritius east coast.

One reason the route works is that it mixes animal-and-nature stops with classic beach time. On the water, you get views from a higher vantage than a beach path, and the island break is long enough to actually do something besides just walk around. It’s also built for comfort: the vehicle is air-conditioned, and onboard you’re not spending the day juggling transfers.

The timing matters too. You’re looking at roughly 7–8 hours overall, and you return around 4:00pm. That makes it a good use of a vacation day if you want big scenery and food without losing the evening.

GRSE Waterfall by speedboat: what you’ll actually see

The day kicks off with the Grand River South East waterfall visit, and it’s not just a roadside viewpoint. You go by speedboat along the river to reach waterfalls located about 500 meters upstream. That extra step is key because you’re closer to the river corridor and the action.

This part of Mauritius is also about wildlife cues. As you approach, you might spot monkeys along the river banks and you may even see fruit bats perched high in the trees. Even if you don’t catch animals on cue, the river setting is still the point: it’s a changing scene, not a single photo stop where you stand around waiting for a perfect waterfall angle.

How long do you get? About 30 minutes. That’s enough for a quick look, short pacing, and taking in the river character, but it also explains why some people wish the waterfall portion lasted longer. If waterfalls are your main reason for booking, you should temper expectations: it’s a highlight stop, not a full hiking day.

Snorkeling breaks plus BBQ lunch and unlimited drinks on board

Here’s where the day can either feel like a great value or a mild letdown—depending on what you want from snorkeling.

The trip includes stops for snorkeling and swimming in the lagoon area around Ile aux Cerfs, plus a snorkeling stop back on the water near Trou d’Eau Douce lagoon. In calm ideal conditions, this is the classic setup: clear water, coral reefs, and schools of tropical fish. The marine-life promise is part of the pitch, and when water is cooperative, it can deliver.

But you should know what can go wrong. Some past guests report that snorkeling didn’t match the expectations set by the advertising—things like limited visibility, less impressive coral life, or snorkeling feeling closer to a quick dip than a reef show. There are also mentions of crowded boats at times and strong currents affecting participation. Translation: don’t bank on a guaranteed, step-by-step guide swim with dramatic reefs in every single outing.

Now for the onboard payoff. Lunch is a 3-course BBQ menu served on the catamaran, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available. Drinks are a standout: you get unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic options onboard, including wine, beer, and rum, plus soft drinks. For many people, that turns the day from a snorkeling tour into a full “sea day” with food and a floating hangout.

Practical note: bring your own towels and spare clothes. This is one of those tours where you’ll likely get wet, and being ready makes the rest of the day much easier.

Ile aux Cerfs 3 hours: beaches and optional water sports

The heart of the trip is Ile aux Cerfs, and you get about 3 hours there. That’s enough time to swim, walk a bit, find a beach spot, and take in the turquoise lagoon views that come with the island approach. As the boat gets close, you’ll see palm trees and white sand against bright water—exactly the look most people come for.

At Ile aux Cerfs, your time isn’t locked to a single activity. You can relax on the beach, take a stroll, and if you want more action, there are optional water sports. Parasailing and tube riding are available, and there’s also an undersea walk option—but they’re additional charges, not included in the base price. So if you’re trying to keep the trip budget-friendly, plan on using the included beach and swim time and skip the paid add-ons.

This is also where the day can feel either rushed or just right, depending on how the earlier stops run. If there’s any delay at the start or the boat schedule shifts, your island time can feel tighter. Still, when everything runs smoothly, 3 hours is a workable window to enjoy the island instead of just passing through it.

Back on the water: return to Trou d’Eau Douce around 4pm

After Ile aux Cerfs, you sail back to Trou d’Eau Douce or Pointe Jerome and are expected to arrive back around 4:00pm. Then your driver drops you at your hotel.

This timing is useful because it leaves room for an actual dinner plan that night, instead of feeling like you’re rushing to catch a restaurant before a late airport transfer. Also, because the trip includes unlimited drinks onboard, the return sail is usually more of a relaxed wind-down than a tense “hurry back” moment.

One small warning based on real-world experiences: when boats run busier than expected, the overall vibe can swing toward a louder party atmosphere. If you’re the type who wants calm sightseeing over music volume, it’s worth keeping your expectations flexible.

Price and value at about $127.76 per person

At $127.76 per person, the value comes from what’s bundled—not just the boat ride.

You’re getting:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Air-conditioned vehicle transport
• Unlimited drinks onboard (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
• 3-course BBQ lunch
• Waterfall visit at Grand River South East
• Ile aux Cerfs island time
• A snorkeling stop on the lagoon

That’s a lot of paid components wrapped into one outing. For many people, the included lunch + open bar alone make it feel like a full-day deal, especially if you’d otherwise pay separate costs for boat transport, meals, and attractions.

Where value can slip is when snorkeling doesn’t live up to the reef fantasy. If your main goal is serious snorkel viewing, you might be happier pairing this trip with extra shore-time snorkeling later or choosing a tour where the reef location is more consistently impressive. And if crowds happen on a particular day, that can also reduce your comfort even if the itinerary stays the same.

Who should book this catamaran adventure (and who should skip)

This tour makes the most sense if you want a classic Mauritius “sea day” with variety. I’d point you here if you like:

• A mix of waterfall + beach + lagoon in one long schedule
• Onboard convenience—lunch is handled, drinks are handled
• A small-group feel (max 30 travelers)

I’d think twice if you’re a snorkeling purist who expects showpiece coral and marine life on command. In that case, snorkeling quality can be the weak link, and you don’t want to feel stuck paying a premium for an experience that becomes more basic than you planned.

It’s also a good match for couples and small groups who want a shared day on the water without complicated logistics. Solo travelers can do fine too, but you’ll likely be happiest if you enjoy meeting people on the catamaran.

Should you book the catamaran adventure?

I’d book it if your priority is a fun, all-in-one day: waterfall scenery, island time at Ile aux Cerfs, a real BBQ lunch onboard, and unlimited drinks while you’re on the water. The setup is strong, and the overall flow is designed so you’re not stuck waiting around all day.

I’d be cautious if snorkeling is your main reason for coming. Check your expectations: this is a lagoon swim and snorkeling break, not a guaranteed private guide reef safari. If that’s okay with you, you should have a very enjoyable day.

If you do book, plan to bring towels, dress for getting wet, and be ready for an early start. Then put your focus where it’s easiest to win: Ile aux Cerfs beaches, the waterfall river scene, and the simple fact that you’re living the Mauritius coastline from a catamaran.

FAQ

What does the trip include?

The package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned private transportation, unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks onboard, a 3-course BBQ lunch, visits to Ile aux Cerfs and the Grand River South East waterfall, plus a snorkeling stop at Trou d’Eau Douce lagoon.

How long is the catamaran day?

The experience runs about 7 to 8 hours total, with a start time of 7:00am. You’re expected to return around 4:00pm.

Is snorkeling guaranteed and how many snorkeling stops are there?

The schedule includes snorkeling and swimming breaks in the lagoon area and a snorkeling stop at Trou d’Eau Douce lagoon. The exact snorkeling experience can vary with conditions on the day.

Are water sports on Ile aux Cerfs included?

No. Parasailing, tube riding, and the undersea walk are listed as optional activities and cost extra.

Do you offer vegetarian meals?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available—make sure to mention it at booking. You can also advise of any food allergies or illness.

What happens if weather is bad?

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. In cyclone or torrential rainfall alerts, you receive a full refund if cancellation is made by the operator.

You Might Also Enjoy

Amalfi Coast: Kayak, Snorkeling, Pandora Cave & Hidden BeachKoh Lanta: Phi Phi Islands Tour w/ Maya Bay, Snorkel & LunchSand Dollar Half Day Snorkel TripTulum, Snorkeling with Sea Turtles, Cenote and Beachside Lunch