Mauritius does its best work in daylight, and this one is on a boat. The route mixes Ile aux Cerfs postcard beach time with a snorkeling break in a big lagoon, plus a very satisfying BBQ lunch onboard. One thing to keep in mind: onboard quality can be inconsistent, and you may want to plan around the fact that coffee or tea is not guaranteed, based on past guest notes.

The schedule is built for a smooth day on the water, starting with a light breakfast and an open bar once you step aboard. You’re set up to leave at 09:00 from Pointe Jérôme Embarkation Jetty, then come back around 16:15, depending on tides and winds.

Beyond the sea and beach, you also get a wildlife and scenery moment along the Grande Riviere Sud Est route, with the chance to see a giant bat colony and monkeys on the river bank, plus waterfall views from afar. That mix is what makes this feel more like a day adventure than just a beach transfer.

Key highlights worth knowing

• Private 42ft catamaran with trampolines for sunbathing so you can relax without fighting for space
• Snorkeling in Ile aux Cerfs lagoon around 11:00 with equipment included for corals and tropical fish
• Grande Riviere Sud Est wildlife stop aimed at bats and monkeys, with the waterfall in the background
• BBQ lunch plus beer, rum, cocktails, and soft drinks served onboard by the crew
• Drop-off on the white sand bank at Ile aux Cerfs after sailing through the Anahita canal area

From Pointe Jérôme at 09:00, a day that runs on island time

Your day starts at the Pointe Jérôme Embarkation Jetty in the south east of Mauritius. The meeting point is handled in person by a representative in uniform with a One Island Cruiser badge, which makes it easier if you are not sure where to stand.

Once you board the 42ft catamaran, the pace feels relaxed right away. You start with a light breakfast to take the edge off the morning, then settle into a cruise where the main job is enjoying the view, not following complicated instructions. There is also an open bar service once you are onboard, so it is a true day-from-start-to-finish experience.

One practical tip: bring a towel and a change of clothes. Even if you plan to snorkel only briefly, a beach stop on Ile aux Cerfs means you will likely end up wet and salty before the return trip.

Snorkel around 11:00, where the lagoon does the work

The catamaran typically makes its snorkeling stop around 11:00. This is timed so the water is usually lively, and you are not racing to fit everything in before lunch.

What I like about this setup is that it is not a long, stressful swim. You snorkel inside the island’s largest lagoon, with equipment included, and you’re set to look for superb corals and brightly colored tropical fish. Even if you are not a confident swimmer, this kind of protected lagoon stop often makes it easier to enjoy the water.

Expect conditions to vary with tides and wind, since the day return time depends on those factors. If you get motion sensitive on boats, keep an eye on how you feel during the handoff from open water to snorkeling area. Your best move is to choose a spot on the boat where you feel stable before you put your face in the water.

Also, take a quick moment to decide what you want from snorkeling. If your goal is coral viewing, stay calm and watch the water close to the surface. If your goal is fish spotting, move slowly rather than trying to cover ground fast.

Grande Riviere Sud Est, bats, monkeys, and waterfall views from afar

After snorkeling, the cruise continues along the east coast and heads up the river’s mouth of Grande Riviere Sud Est. This is one of the most interesting parts of the day because it adds “nature sightings” without turning the trip into a hike.

The plan focuses on seeing a giant bat colony and monkeys living along the river bank. You do not need to do anything special here beyond being ready with your camera and paying attention when the crew points things out. The waterfall is included in the route as a sight from afar, so you get the dramatic effect without committing to a full detour.

This is a good reminder that Mauritius day trips can feel similar unless the itinerary includes at least one “wow” that is not just water and sand. For many people, the bat and monkey segment is that extra layer, and it gives you something to talk about after the beach fades into memory.

BBQ lunch onboard, drinks included, and what to check beforehand

Lunch is served onboard, and it is a BBQ prepared by the crew. I like this kind of meal on a catamaran because it keeps you in the middle of the experience. You are not waiting for a restaurant, not searching for food options, and not losing precious beach time.

The menu is built around BBQ lunch plus a selection of beverages, including beer, rum, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks. If you want a simple day where meals and drinks are handled, this fits.

There is also a vegetarian option available. You just need to advise at the time of booking, and if you have any food allergies or illness, you should communicate that too so the chef can cater appropriately.

A heads-up based on past feedback: you might want to plan your expectations around what is served beyond the listed drinks. One guest noted that there was no coffee or tea onboard, and the general vibe was that the crew did not add extra touches like simple dessert. That does not mean it will be the same for every trip, but it is smart to assume the core offer is the BBQ lunch and the beverage selection already described.

Ile aux Cerfs white sand, drop-off on the famous postcard beach

After lunch, the catamaran cruises into the canal between Ile aux Cerfs and the Anahita sanctuary, then drops you off on the famous white sand bank of Ile aux Cerfs. This is where the whole day becomes visually obvious: bright sand, clear water, and that classic “postcard beach” feeling.

This is also where you should think like a beach day planner. If you want to swim, do it early in your beach time while you still feel fresh. If you want photos, look for angles that include both the sand and the waterline, since that contrast is what makes the beach pop in pictures.

You also get a comfortable waiting area on the catamaran before the drop-off, thanks to sunbathing trampolines designed for relaxing. Use that time to stretch out and reset your energy before beach time, especially if you snorkeled earlier.

One practical note: you should bring sunscreen and sunglasses. The trip includes a lot of open-sun moments, and Mauritius light can feel stronger than you expect when you are busy staring at the sea.

How much is it worth, and who it suits best

This is priced at $1,001 per group, up to 10 people, for a total duration of about 7 hours. That pricing structure matters. If you are traveling as a small group that fills the boat, your cost per person drops fast. If you are booking as just two people, you are paying more for privacy and the whole-boat experience.

So what are you really buying for that price?

You are getting:

• a private catamaran experience (not sharing with a large mixed crowd)
• snorkeling equipment included for the lagoon stop
• BBQ lunch plus a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks onboard
• visits to Ile aux Cerfs and the Grande Riviere Sud Est area (including waterfall views from afar)
• comfortable onboard seating areas and trampolines for sunbathing

What is not included:

• lobster lunch, with additional charges
• pick-up and drop-off, also additional
• watersport extras like parasailing and tube riding, with additional charges

That list makes it pretty clear how to judge value. If you want a “food and drinks handled, snorkel done, then beach” day, the included items cover the big-ticket comfort factors. If you are the type who wants to add parasailing or upgrade to lobster, budget those extras so they do not surprise you later.

Meeting logistics and what to bring so the day stays easy

The meeting point is Pointe Jérôme Embarkation Jetty, and your representative is recognizable by uniform and a One Island Cruiser badge. There is no pick-up included in the standard offer, so you will want to plan your own trip to the jetty.

Here’s what to pack, based on what the day typically requires:

• sunglasses
• change of clothes
• towel
• camera
• sunscreen

Even if you think you will only wade in the water, bring that change of clothes. It makes the end of the day far more comfortable when you are returning to shore.

If you have any allergies or dietary needs, tell the operator at booking so they can ask the chef and plan the vegetarian or special catering properly. This is one of those small steps that keeps the whole day feeling smooth.

Crew energy, local music, and the small touches that affect the mood

One of the underrated parts of a private day charter is how the crew sets the tone. In this case, the crew aims to keep things light and fun, sharing local tales, jokes, and playing Mauritian sega music during the ride. That matters because it turns the trip from just transportation into an actual experience with personality.

There are also language options: the crew is described as English and French. If you prefer one over the other, it is worth planning around that communication comfort.

If you want your day to feel like a relaxed celebration rather than a strict schedule, this is exactly the kind of atmosphere you are hoping for on a sea day.

Should you book this private catamaran to Ile aux Cerfs?

I think this trip is a strong choice if you want a private, food-included catamaran day with clear snorkeling time and a real beach landing at Ile aux Cerfs. The combination of snorkel lagoon, wildlife views on the Grande Riviere Sud Est route, and the postcard beach stop makes it feel like a full day of variety, not a one-note excursion.

Book it especially if:

• you will travel as a group closer to the 10-person limit, so the per-person value makes sense
• you care about having snorkeling gear and lunch handled onboard
• you want a relaxed pace with open bar during the cruise

Skip it or temper expectations if:

• you are picky about onboard finishes and cleanliness, because one guest previously flagged cleanliness issues
• you specifically want coffee or tea, since at least one past guest reported it was not available

If you go in with the right expectations, this is the kind of Mauritius day that delivers big scenery, real swim time, and a straightforward meal plan, all on a private boat.

FAQ

What is the duration of the private catamaran to Ile aux Cerfs?

The cruise lasts about 7 hours.

What time does the catamaran depart and when do you return?

It departs at 09:00 from Pointe Jérôme Embarkation Jetty, and the expected return time is 16:15, depending on tide and winds.

Where is the meeting point?

The representative meets you at Pointe Jérôme Embarkation Jetty, at Pointe Jérôme in the south east of Mauritius, recognizable by uniform and a One Island Cruiser badge.

Is snorkeling included, and do you get equipment?

Yes. There is a snorkeling break with equipment included.

Does the tour include a visit to Ile aux Cerfs and lunch?

Yes. You visit Ile aux Cerfs, and BBQ lunch plus drinks are included onboard.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Yes. The onboard selection includes beer, rum, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks.

Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available if you advise the operator at the time of booking.

What are the main activities that cost extra?

Lobster lunch, pick-up and drop-off, and watersport activities like parasailing and tube riding are listed as additional charges.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring sunglasses, a change of clothes, a towel, a camera, and sunscreen.