Salt air, clear water, and a tiny boat. I like how this small-group day trip mixes real time on the water with stops that actually show lagoon life, then tops it off at Ile aux Cerfs for swimming and snorkeling. One thing to consider: it is a boat day, so if you are sensitive to waves, bring what you need to stay comfortable.

You start right at Chantauvent Guesthouse in Blue Bay, so you do not waste time with complicated transfers. And the optional private-boat setup can be a big value if you are traveling with your own crew and want the route to feel unhurried.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Small-group vibe: limited headcount keeps the day from feeling crowded or rushed
• Privatize the boat option: great if you want a more private pace and less waiting
• Multi-stop lagoon cruising: short stops along the way to see fauna and coastal sights
• Snorkeling included: time in the lagoon to spot coral and marine life
• BBQ lunch on the island: you eat beachside, not just on a timeline
• Flexible add-ons: customize a cool box, and lobster is an extra paid option

From Chantauvent Beach House to Ile aux Cerfs in one smooth 6-hour loop

This is the kind of day trip that feels built for comfort and flow. You meet at Chantauvent Guesthouse, and your guide is waiting at Chantauvent’s Beach House. If you are staying in Blue Bay, that matters. Less hassle getting to the dock means more daylight for snorkeling and beach time.

The day itself is short enough to feel easy, but long enough that it does not become a rushed checklist. The total duration is 6 hours, with a quick sail early on, a long stretch around Ile aux Cerfs, and then time to head toward another nearby stop before returning to Chantauvent.

If you like a schedule where you can look around, swim when you want, and still eat something that feels like a proper lunch, this format works.

The boat time: why the multi-stop route is more fun than one straight shot

A straight transfer to one beach can be okay. This one is better because it breaks the trip into segments. Along the way, you make multi-stop exploration to uncover lagoon fauna and coastal features, so the ride is part of the experience, not just transportation.

What I like about this structure is that it gives you chances to:

• look for marine life in calmer waters when you stop
• stretch your legs on the boat and then get back into the water
• get little “pause points” so the day stays varied

The itinerary shows you sail to the Ile aux Cerfs area, then later continue toward Lighthouse Island. Realistically, you get that “south coast from the sea” feeling without having to spend all day on a large, generic tour boat.

Ile aux Cerfs: the swimming, snorkeling, and BBQ lunch that make the day worth it

Most people come for Ile aux Cerfs, and for good reason. This is where the day’s core time sits, with about 3 hours in the area. That is the sweet spot. Long enough to swim, get your snorkel time in, and still enjoy lunch without eating in a hurry.

Snorkeling and lagoon life

Snorkeling is included, and the goal is simple: you get to explore the underwater world of the lagoon, with colorful coral and marine species as the main draw. The practical win here is that the day is built around water time. You are not doing snorkeling as an afterthought or as a 10-minute stop.

If you are a beginner, take it slow. Spend a little time near where it feels easiest to breathe and float, then venture out a bit once you are confident. The lagoon environment often rewards calm, steady movement.

Beach BBQ lunch in a real island setting

Then comes food, and this is one of the most liked parts of the day. You do a chill and BBQ lunch on the island. The vibe is beach-first and plate-second, which is exactly how a Mauritius boat day should feel.

A few useful details you can plan around:

• Wine is free during lunch on the island, but it is only one type
• If you want your favorite wine, you can bring a preference for an additional fee
• If you are thinking big seafood, a full lobster meal is an extra cost of 600 rs per person

Also, you can customize your cool box, so if you have preferences for drinks or extras, you can tailor the lunch moment instead of just accepting whatever is there.

A note on timing and comfort

Because you are spending time on an island beach and then snorkeling afterward, you will want to think about comfort in advance. Bring and use your towel. Sun protection matters too, since you will be outside for most of the day.

Lighthouse Island: the extra stop that changes the view of the south

After your main time at Ile aux Cerfs, you head toward Lighthouse Island with about 45 minutes sailing time in the plan. This is the part that makes the trip feel more like a tour than just one long beach afternoon.

What does that mean for you? You get another angle of the south from the sea, and you break up your day with a change of scenery. Even if your main swimming is at Ile aux Cerfs, that extra segment helps you leave feeling like you saw more than one postcard.

One smart way to use this stop: keep it flexible. If you feel energized, take a good look around, take photos, and soak in the sea views. If you feel done with sun, use the shade when you can and focus on enjoying the ride back.

Guides and the private-boat value: when the small details matter

This is a small-group experience, and that is not just marketing. You have a live tour guide in English and French, and the smaller headcount tends to mean the day runs with less awkward waiting and more actual attention.

The human factor shows up in the details people talk about: friendliness, professionalism, and caring for kids when families are onboard. Names that come up include guides like Lucas and Sebastian, and what stands out is that they treat the boat time as a service, not just a schedule.

If you are thinking, should I prioritize private? Here is the real logic. Your price is $412 per group up to 4, and you can also privatize the boat and customize your trip. For couples, that can be good value when you want your own space. For families or small friend groups, it can be the difference between everyone relaxing versus taking turns waiting your turn.

If you are traveling alone, a private setup might be less efficient unless you are meeting up with others. But the overall size is kept small, so even non-private departures should feel manageable.

Price and value: what you are really paying for

Let’s talk money in a way that helps you decide. The price is $412 per group up to 4 for a 6-hour day trip, plus snorkeling and BBQ lunch are part of the included experience.

You are not only paying for entry to a beach. You are paying for:

• the boat time and the route planning
• snorkeling time as an integrated activity
• BBQ lunch on the island
• a guide who handles the flow of stops

Where the value gets even better is if you will actually use the included items. If you plan to snorkel, eat the beach BBQ, and enjoy the multi-stop sailing route, then you get a lot packed into one day without having to coordinate multiple separate plans.

Where the value might not feel as strong is if you only want one small chunk of time on the water and would rather spend the rest of the day elsewhere. In that case, you might choose a simpler beach day.

What to bring so the day feels easy

The basics are simple, and you should follow them:

• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Towel

Because this is a boat-and-beach day with snorkeling, also think practically about sun and salt. The itinerary keeps you outside and in the water, so the hat and towel do real work, not just photo work.

If you are sensitive to waves, plan ahead for that too. Nothing in the plan suggests a protected, calm-water only route.

Who this trip is best for (and who should pick something else)

This day trip fits best if you want a mix, not a single-theme day.

You will likely love it if you are:

• chasing Ile aux Cerfs specifically, but want more than just beach time
• the type who enjoys short stops and looking for marine life
• traveling as a couple, small family, or small group where private-boat space matters
• looking for a guided day where lunch is handled for you

You might want to consider a different option if:

• you dislike boats or get motion sick easily
• you want a long, slow day on one shore and do not care about snorkeling
• you are hoping for a very strict food program beyond the BBQ and the stated extras

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs south day trip?

If you want an efficient, well-paced south Mauritius boat day that includes snorkeling and an island BBQ lunch, this one makes a lot of sense. The biggest selling points are the small-group feel, the chance to snorkel in the lagoon, and the fact that the day is not only about one stop.

Book it if you want to maximize your time on the water and keep your day organized without sacrificing flexibility. Skip it if your priorities are strictly sunbathing on one beach for hours, or if you need a trip that avoids open-water movement entirely.

If you are unsure, check whether the departure you choose works for your group size, and decide early if you want the privatize the boat option. That choice can turn the day from a nice tour into a very personal experience.

FAQ

Where do I meet for this boat trip?

You meet at Chantauvent Guesthouse (Maison d’Hotes) in Blue Bay. Ask the reception for guidance, and your guide will be waiting at Chantauvent’s Beach House.

How long is the day trip to Ile aux Cerfs?

The trip lasts 6 hours.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes, snorkeling is included as part of the itinerary, with time spent exploring the lagoon’s underwater world.

What is included in the lunch?

Lunch is a beach BBQ in the Ile aux Cerfs area. Wine is free during lunch on the island, but it is only one type.

Can I add extras like lobster or customize what I bring?

You can customize your cool box. For a full lobster meal, there is an additional cost of 600 rs per person. If you want your preferred wine, you can provide your choice with an additional fee.

What languages are the guides available in?

The live tour guide speaks French and English.