If you want turquoise water and real island time, this cruise delivers. I love the mix of Ile aux Cerfs beaches and lagoon snorkeling, and I also really like the BBQ lunch with an open bar onboard. One watch-out, based on a small number of bad experiences, is day-of reliability, so you should show up early and confirm the right representative at Pointe Jérôme.

This is a full day at sea on a 42 ft catamaran, with a clear schedule that starts at 09:00 and typically gets you back around 16:30, depending on tide and wind. The pace is relaxed. You’ll have sun time, swim time, and a few nature stops that are more interesting than the usual sightseeing checklist. Still, because it runs on sea conditions, the trip can be rescheduled if things get too rough.

What you will notice fast on this Ile aux Cerfs cruise

• 09:00 departure from Pointe Jérôme, with an on-the-water plan that’s built around snorkeling and tide timing
• A stop around 11:00 in the lagoon for snorkeling and swimming with included gear
• Grand River South East views that include a lookout over a giant bat colony area and monkeys by the river bank
• BBQ lunch onboard plus beer, rum, cocktails, and soft drinks during the cruise
• Drop-off to the white sand bank of Ile aux Cerfs after lunch, plus tea, coffee, and cake on the way back
• A 42 ft catamaran layout with showers, toilets, shaded seating, and sunbathing trampolines

Pointe Jérôme to open ocean: how the day starts

The day begins at Pointe Jérôme, on the south-east side of Mauritius. You’ll board a 42 ft catamaran designed for day charters, and the moment you’re on board the day shifts from travel mode to vacation mode. The crew serves drinks from an open bar, and the vibe is easy, with local sega music that helps the group settle in.

I like that the boat setup feels practical for a day in the sun. There’s a shaded cockpit with seating, plus comfortable trampolines for sunbathing. And yes, having showers and toilet facilities on board is a big deal on a day like this. It means you can rinse off after swimming instead of waiting until you’re home.

The route also makes sense. You’re not just staring at the horizon for hours. The cruise is structured so the most active parts happen at specific times, especially the lagoon swim.

The 11:00 snorkeling break: where the water turns from pretty to wow

Around 11:00, you’ll stop for snorkeling and swimming in the island’s largest lagoon area. This is the moment many people remember most because it’s when the water goes from scenic to seriously fun. You’ll be in warm, clear water with coral and colorful tropical fish.

Snorkeling gear is included, so you’re not stuck improvising with whatever you packed. You’ll also have enough time in the water to actually enjoy it, not just do a quick look and get pulled back on board.

One practical consideration: snorkeling spots can depend on conditions. Even if the plan stays the same, visibility and wave action can change. If you’re new to snorkeling, go slow, keep your mask stable, and focus on breathing first. If you’re experienced, you’ll still appreciate the relaxed, easy pacing rather than a hard push to “cover everything.”

Ile aux Cerfs: the white sand time that justifies the day

After snorkeling, the catamaran keeps moving along the east coast, then the schedule shifts into island mode. Lunch comes next, and after that you get the most classic prize of all: time on Ile aux Cerfs.

On Ile aux Cerfs, the main point is simple. You get white sand beaches surrounded by turquoise water, plus a lagoon that invites a swim or snorkel right off the beach area. Even when the day gets busy, it still feels like a real island break rather than a quick stop photo op.

Some important nuance: the time on the sand is built after the lunch and sailing segment. That means you arrive when you’ve already had food and breaks, so you’re not rushing hungry to get into the water.

Also, the cruise drops you off at the world-famous sanctuary area through a canal between Ile aux Cerfs and Anahita, before you reach the famous white sand bank. The boat portion matters here, because it frames the island with that big watery scenery you don’t get from land.

What to do with your time on Ile aux Cerfs: plan for a mix. Spend part of your time just walking and getting shade. Then pick a swim window. If you want to snorkel more, save your energy until you feel settled. The island is popular for a reason, and it can feel even better when you’re not rushing.

Grand River South East: bats, monkeys, and the waterfall from the river mouth

One of the more nature-forward parts of the day is the stop along the Grand River South East. After snorkeling and continuing along the coast, the catamaran goes up the river’s mouth to see two things people don’t expect on a beach-focused trip: a giant bat colony area and monkeys living on the river bank.

You’re also going to see the Grand River South East Waterfall, though you’ll mostly view it from a distance while the boat is positioned for the best sightline. This is less about getting a hike and more about adding variety. The sound and shape of water moving through a natural river mouth hits different after hours of open ocean and beach views.

Why this stop feels worth it: it breaks up the day. If your Mauritius memories are mostly about resorts and beaches, this gives you a quick snapshot of the island’s living landscapes. It’s not a long excursion, but it gives the day texture.

Reality check: wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. But if you’re even a little curious about nature, it’s still a fun change of pace. Keep an eye out on the river bank when the boat slows, because that’s when activity is easiest to notice.

BBQ lunch onboard: better than it sounds on paper

Food is one of the strongest parts of this cruise, and it’s not just because it’s included. The onboard BBQ lunch is cooked and served by the crew, and it tends to get praised as one of the better meals you can find on Mauritius day trips.

Lunch happens after the river and waterfall segment, so you’re eating while the day is still in motion. That helps you avoid the common problem where island time starts, then everyone spends the first hour looking for food and shade. Here, you’re fed before you’re dropped on the beach.

The drinks are part of the meal experience too. You get unlimited open bar access for alcoholic options like beer, rum, and cocktails, plus non-alcoholic drinks like soft drinks and juice. On the return trip, tea and coffee are served along with slices of cake, and the open bar stays running.

If you’re vegetarian, you should tell the operator in advance so the chef can cater to your needs. That’s worth doing early, especially if you don’t want to gamble on what’s available last-minute.

One thing to bring your own mindset about the BBQ: think of it as a solid beach-day meal, not a fine dining experience. The value comes from timing, comfort, and the fact that it’s genuinely enjoyable on the water.

The boat itself: comfort, shade, and why it matters on a full day

A lot of cruise reviews talk about scenery. I’m going to talk about comfort for a minute, because a full seven-hour outing can either feel great or feel long depending on the setup.

This one runs on a 42 ft catamaran with a huge shaded cockpit and seating. There are also showers and toilet facilities. That combination changes everything if you swim a lot, stay in the sun, and then want to rinse off without stress.

The catamaran also has trampolines for relaxing and sunbathing. That’s a nice touch if you like the idea of a slow day where you can move between shaded seating and open deck sun.

Small sailing caution: sea movement can be real. One review noted that the management of tides mattered, and the hull rubbed at times. That’s not the kind of thing you want to ignore if you’re sensitive to motion, but it sounds like it’s tied to sea conditions and how the boat positions itself. If you get seasick easily, consider taking motion-sickness precautions ahead of time.

Price and value: is $60 worth it

At about $60 per person for a 7-hour catamaran day, the value comes from three bundled things you would otherwise piece together separately: boat transport, a structured day at multiple locations, and included food plus snorkeling gear.

Here’s the quick way to think about it:

• You get a full day on the water rather than an hour-long tour.
• Snorkeling equipment is included, and the lagoon stop is built into the schedule.
• The BBQ lunch and drinks are included, including alcoholic beverages like beer and rum plus cocktails.

Also, you’re not paying extra for the core activities. Optional add-ons exist, like parasailing, tube riding, and undersea walk, but you can keep the day simple.

This is especially a good fit if you want the famous Ile aux Cerfs beach experience without the hassle of arranging separate boats and transport on your own.

Who this cruise suits best (and who should pick something else)

This cruise fits best if you want:

• A beach day with real time on sand at Ile aux Cerfs
• A snorkeling break with included gear
• A relaxed day on a catamaran where food and drinks are handled
• A bit of nature variety with the Grand River South East stop

It may be less ideal if you hate sea conditions or if you need totally predictable timing. The return time depends on tide and winds, and the trip can be rescheduled if the sea is extremely rough.

It can also be a tough match if you’re the type who needs everything to feel perfectly managed, because a small number of reports describe organizer no-shows or issues at the meeting point. These sound like rare but serious failures, so don’t ignore the practical side.

Meeting up at Pointe Jérôme without stress

The official meeting point is at Pointe Jérôme. When you arrive at the boarding area, you should look for a representative dressed in a blue teal shirt with a badge for Mauritius Taxi Service. That rep guides you to the catamaran.

This sounds straightforward, and most days it probably is. But if you’re worried about day-of reliability, here’s what helps:

• Arrive early enough that you’re not stuck at the gate at the exact departure moment.
• Get a clear photo of the meeting point signage if you can.
• Confirm you have the right operator and your details are correct before the scheduled start time.
• If you don’t see the representative, keep calm and try again quickly, then escalate using any contact method you were given when booking.

I’m mentioning this because when an organizer doesn’t show, the whole day gets disrupted. On the positive side, many experiences describe the crew as friendly and attentive once everyone is on board, including upbeat moments like jokes and sega music keeping the mood light.

Quick tips so your day runs smoothly

Bring the basics and you’ll enjoy the cruise more:

• Change of clothes and a towel for after swimming
• Sunscreen and sun hat for long deck time
• A camera for wide water views and island beach moments
• Comfortable shoes, especially if you’re walking on sand or slippery areas near the boat

If you’re planning to snorkel, consider bringing your own comfort items too, like an extra mask strap if you use one. Snorkeling equipment is included, but personal comfort matters.

Also, plan your energy. You have a beach segment after a river and waterfall viewing and lunch. That’s a lot of movement. Eat well, hydrate, then enjoy the sand.

Should you book this Ile aux Cerfs catamaran from Pointe Jérôme?

I’d book this cruise if your priorities are Ile aux Cerfs beaches, snorkeling in clear water, and a full-day experience where lunch and drinks are handled. At the price point, the included BBQ, open bar, and time on the island are a strong deal.

I would think twice if you cannot handle uncertainty around meeting point procedures or if you’re very sensitive to sea conditions. Because the timetable depends on tide and wind, you should be the kind of traveler who expects small adjustments and keeps a flexible attitude.

If you want an authentic Mauritius day that feels like you’re actually spending time on the coast, this one is hard to beat. Just show up early at Pointe Jérôme, look for the Mauritius Taxi Service rep in the blue teal shirt, and enjoy the day as it unfolds.

FAQ

What time does the catamaran depart from Pointe Jérôme?

It departs at 09:00 from Pointe Jérôme.

How long is the cruise?

The activity duration is 7 hours, with an expected return time around 16:30 depending on tide and winds.

Is lunch included?

Yes. You’ll have a BBQ lunch served onboard.

Are drinks included?

Yes. There’s an open bar with alcoholic options (beer, rum, cocktails) and non-alcoholic drinks (soft drinks, juice). Tea and coffee plus cake are also served on the return.

Is snorkeling included, and is equipment provided?

Yes. There is a snorkeling and swimming break in the lagoon, and snorkeling equipment is included.

Do you visit Ile aux Cerfs?

Yes. You visit Ile aux Cerfs and get dropped off on the famous white sand bank to enjoy time on the beach.

Do you see the waterfall and wildlife?

Yes. The cruise includes views from the river’s mouth of Grand River South East Waterfall, and you also go up to see a giant bat colony and monkeys on the river bank.

Where do I meet the tour staff?

You meet at Pointe Jérôme. A representative wearing a blue teal shirt with a Mauritius Taxi Service badge guides you to the catamaran once you arrive.

Are pick-up and drop-off included?

No. Pick up and drop off are optional.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring change of clothes, a towel, camera, sunscreen, sun hat, and comfortable shoes. If you’re vegetarian, advise the operator so the chef can prepare accordingly.