Sun, sea, and island time in one day. I like the open bar vibe and I also really enjoy the snorkeling break, since it gives you a clear, easy way to see tropical fish without making the day complicated. One thing to consider: the pace can feel fast at sea for motion-sensitive people, so pack for comfort (and pick your spot on deck wisely).

This trip also strings together two of the East Coast’s best moods, waterfall views on the way in and sun-and-sand time at Ile aux Cerfs after. The timing matters here. You’ll want to arrive sharp, because once you miss the start, your whole flow gets messy.

On board, the day runs with casual fun: drinks refilled, a BBQ lunch served onboard, and the crew keeping the atmosphere upbeat with local music and jokes. If the weather turns rough, the operator may cancel and reschedule or refund, so your plan should stay flexible.

Key highlights that make this day trip feel complete

• Open bar all day: both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, so you’re not tracking down refreshments.
• Snorkel and swim stop in the lagoon: short but focused time over coral and tropical fish.
• Grand River South East Waterfall visit early: the day starts with the waterfall before the island time.
• Ile aux Cerfs includes free time: white-sand beach hours plus the chance to swim or snorkel.
• BBQ lunch onboard: a proper meal at sea, not just snacks between activities.
• Onboard entertainment: local Mauritian music and a crew that keeps energy up.

Entering The Day: The catamaran vibe near Trou D’Eau Douce

This is the kind of Mauritius trip that works best when you treat it like a full-day float, not a checklist. You’re on a 45-foot catamaran, so you get that stable, social feeling, and you can spend the day switching between sunning, photos, and short activity stops.

First, you meet the representative once you get to the dock area, then you board. The tour asks you to arrive on time, and I take that seriously because the route depends on it. If you’re late, you risk losing the waterfall timing and that’s the whole opening act.

If you choose optional pickup, you’ll coordinate your location when booking, and a driver will meet you at reception. One real-life example from the area: Yash, a Mauritius Taxi driver, was reported as friendly and good at communicating arrival times before the outing.

Language-wise, you should be fine if you speak English or French. Expect a guide/host onboard and some crew-driven storytelling and music as the day moves.

Getting to the waterfall: Grand River South East first, not last

The smartest part of this itinerary is that the waterfall comes early. You start with the Grand River South East Waterfall visit, then you set sail afterward for Ile aux Cerfs. If you like photos, this order helps because your energy is still high and the day’s momentum hasn’t burned through yet.

Here’s what to expect around the waterfall: you’ll see it near Grand River South East. The waterfalls are located about 500m upstream, so you’re not just staring at a far-off view from the boat. Based on an on-the-ground account, you may get a short speedboat transfer (around 10 to 15 minutes) to reach the waterfall area, and there may also be walking or repositioning involved depending on how the route is handled that day.

In at least one reported experience, people spotted monkeys during the waterfall stop. That kind of wildlife moment is exactly why this stop is worth doing in the first half of the day, before your schedule turns into sand-and-swim mode.

Time-wise, pay attention to your hunger. One review flagged that there wasn’t much time to eat between sailing and the waterfall, and they felt that more time would have made the day smoother. You’ll likely still enjoy the waterfall stop, but if you’re the type who needs a longer buffer before eating or activity, plan a light snack before you board.

Sailing the lagoon: your snorkel break for coral and tropical fish

After the waterfall, the day shifts into ocean mode. The catamaran sails through crystal-clear lagoon water, and you’ll get that classic Mauritius feel of bright light, calm-looking water, and lots of photo angles.

Then comes the snorkeling and swimming break. The plan is straightforward: you stop, you snorkel, and you swim in a lagoon spot where coral reefs and tropical fish are visible. In one reported version of the timing, the snorkeling break lasted about 20 minutes. That’s short enough that you should treat it like a focused window, not like an open-ended session.

If you’re newer to snorkeling, the lagoon stop is a good choice. It’s not a huge expedition where you feel rushed for hours. You get a burst of reef time and then you’re back onboard, refreshed, ready for lunch.

If you’re experienced, remember that the stop is time-limited. Go with a calm, efficient rhythm: mask adjusted first, lungs steady, then look around for movement rather than chasing every fish.

Also note the travel feel. One review suggested the operator used a speedboat instead of a catamaran on a segment and that the sailing felt too fast. If you know you’re sensitive to motion, bring a light layer for wind and consider sitting where the boat feels steadier and quieter.

BBQ lunch on board: not fancy, but it’s part of the value

Lunch is served onboard, and it’s a BBQ style meal. This is one of the biggest “value drivers” in the price, because you’re not paying extra for food while you’re changing locations all day.

One reported meal selection included chicken skewers, fish and chicken sausage, plus sides like rice, pasta, salad, and potato salad. That’s a lot more variety than you often get on island day trips.

Drinks are flowing too. The open bar includes both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. In one account, the selection included soft drinks, beers, and wine, served during the cruise. Translation: you can have lunch without breaking the day’s rhythm to go find a bar later.

If you have dietary needs, tell the organizer in advance. A vegetarian option is available, and you need to request it when booking.

Practical tip: if you’re the kind of person who gets seasick, don’t skip a proper lunch or keep your head too far above wind for long. A settled stomach plus a hat and sunscreen makes the rest of the itinerary feel way easier.

Ile aux Cerfs: beach time with options, not just a stop

Once you reach Ile aux Cerfs, the trip becomes the relaxing part. This island is near Mauritius’s east coast, and it’s known for white sand beaches and calm, sunny views. The idea is simple: you get real time to unwind, swim, or snorkel.

You can also choose between just sitting on the sand and using the island facilities for more activity. The tour description mentions water sports options, so this isn’t only a “walk a bit and leave” island stop.

One review described the island view as breathtaking and the atmosphere as relaxing. That matches what this itinerary is trying to deliver: you spend the morning and early afternoon doing “movement,” then you shift into “pause time.”

How long you get depends on the day’s pacing, but you should expect that the island portion is your main beach block. Pack like you’ll be in sun for hours, not minutes: sunscreen and a towel are explicitly recommended.

And if you’re chasing sea life again, note that there’s a chance to swim or snorkel around the island too. It’s not identical to the lagoon snorkel stop, but it extends your water time without adding new complicated logistics.

The return sail: music, jokes, and a slower finish

After Ile aux Cerfs, you sail back toward Trou D’Eau Douce. This is when the vibe usually shifts from “activity mode” to “enjoy the cruise home.”

The crew adds local Mauritian music and entertainment onboard, and they’ll share local tales and jokes. That kind of light, local energy matters more than it sounds. It helps the day feel like a shared outing rather than a strict schedule where everyone goes quiet after each stop.

If you want photos, the return sail is a solid time to shoot. Light can be softer later in the day, and everyone’s relaxed enough to stop rushing. You might also get one last look at the coast from the water before you dock.

Price and value: how $69 stacks up for what you get

At about $69 per person, this day trip competes with a lot of other Mauritius excursions. The big question is value: are you paying for a boat day and getting boat-day benefits, or are you paying mainly for transport?

Here’s what you get that supports the price:

• Waterfront sightseeing with a Grand River South East Waterfall visit
• Ile aux Cerfs island time
• A BBQ lunch onboard
• An open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
• A snorkeling and swimming break in the lagoon
• A guide/host experience plus music and entertainment onboard

You’re paying once for a day that would normally require multiple separate stops, separate meals, and separate drink spending. If you actually use the bar and you eat the onboard BBQ rather than buying elsewhere, the math starts to look very reasonable.

The only “value risk” is timing. If the day starts feeling rushed for you, or if you personally don’t enjoy snorkeling, you might not use enough of the inclusions. That doesn’t make the trip bad, it just means it’s best for people who like water time and don’t want to organize separate activities.

Who should book this, and who might not love it

This tour fits you best if you want:

• A sun-and-sea day with a simple routine
• Snorkeling that’s short, manageable, and built into the schedule
• A proper BBQ lunch included in the ticket
• Island time at Ile aux Cerfs without complicated planning
• A social boat atmosphere with drinks and crew entertainment

You might think twice if:

• You get motion sick easily and you dislike fast-feeling sailing (one report suggested it could feel too fast)
• You need extra buffer time for meals around the waterfall portion (one report mentioned only about two hours to eat before the waterfall, and they felt 1 to 1.5 hours would have been enough)

If you’re okay with a busy but relaxed day, you’re likely to have a great time. One of the most consistent signals from the experiences is that the food was tasty, the crew was friendly, and the island portion felt worth it for the beach time.

Should you book this catamaran day trip?

Book this tour if you want an efficient, all-in-one Mauritius day: waterfall stop, lagoon snorkeling, BBQ lunch, and Ile aux Cerfs beach time, plus drinks onboard. It’s the kind of outing where you can spend the day doing what most visitors come for, without spending time coordinating transfers between separate companies.

Skip or choose a different format if you hate boats or you know you’re very sensitive to speed or motion. Also, if your ideal day is slow and unstructured, watch the day pace. This one is full, and that’s the point.

If you do book, come prepared for sun and water: towel, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and comfortable shoes. Arrive on time, and consider bringing a plan for motion comfort if you need it. Then sit back, let the crew handle the flow, and enjoy the mix of waterfall views and beach hours that makes Ile aux Cerfs such a crowd favorite.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran trip?

The duration is listed as 6 to 7 hours.

Where does the tour include stops during the day?

It includes a visit to Grand River South East Waterfall and a visit to Ile aux Cerfs Island, plus a snorkeling and swimming break in the lagoon.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is served onboard.

Is there an open bar?

Yes. Open bar services are included with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks onboard.

Do I get time for snorkeling?

Yes. There is a snorkeling and swimming break to explore coral reefs and tropical fish.

When do you visit the Grand River South East Waterfall?

The day starts with a visit to the waterfall at Grand River South East before sailing onward.

What food options are available?

A vegetarian option is available if you notify the provider at the time of booking. You should also notify them of any food allergies or illness.

Do you offer pickup from my hotel?

Hotel pickup and drop off are optional. Pickup is available if you mention your hotel or accommodation location at booking, and the driver meets you at reception.

What languages are supported?

English and French.

What should I bring with me?

Bring comfortable shoes, a towel, a camera, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes.