A day like this makes Mauritius feel easy. You get a catamaran cruise plus a speedboat run to the Grand River South East waterfall, then you finish on Ile aux Cerfs with snorkeling and a proper BBQ. It is a smooth, full-day mix of motion, water time, and beach time without you juggling a rental car.

Two things I especially like: the free-flowing drinks with lunch and the chance to see coral and tropical fish during multiple snorkeling stops. One fair caution is that snorkeling quality can be hit or miss, and the island can feel busy if you want a total escape from other people.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• GRSE waterfall by speedboat: the remote stretch of cascading water is reached by boat, so the scenery feels more special than roadside stops
• Modern 42ft catamaran comfort: a spacious, full-serviced ride with a crew that tends to pay attention to passengers
• Snorkeling gear is provided: bring your own if you want a better fit, especially if you are picky about masks
• BBQ lunch plus unlimited drinks: chicken, fish, sausages, salads, fries, fruit, and dessert, paired with water, soda, beer, and local rum
• Ile aux Cerfs time is yours: beaches, short nature trails, and on-island activities, with downtime built in

A Day That Feels Like a Two-for-One in Mauritius

If you want a full-day activity that stitches together Mauritius highlights without too much stress, this one works. You do not just go out on a boat and come back. You also get a quick-water adventure at the GRSE waterfall first, then switch gears to snorkeling and island time.

Price matters here. At $65 per person, you are paying for transport by catamaran, speedboat transfer to the waterfall, lunch, and unlimited drinks. That is the kind of package value that makes budgeting easier on a longer trip, especially if you would otherwise spend money on separate boat tours and a standalone meal.

Getting There: Speedboat to GRSE Waterfall From Trou d’Eau Douce

The day usually starts at Trou d’Eau Douce. Timing is either 07:00 with pickup or 09:00 without pickup, and you are back by 16:00. If you are staying outside the easiest reach of the pier, confirm whether pickup applies to your exact accommodation, because the schedule is built around it.

You then take a speedboat to the Grand River South East (GRSE) waterfall area. This is the part that feels different from the usual waterfall photo stop, because the location is described as remote and accessible by boat. You may even catch glimpses of monkeys or fruit bats along the river setting, which adds that wild Mauritius feeling.

One practical tip: if you are the type who gets seasick, plan ahead. This is still a speedboat segment, so keep your eye on weather conditions and consider a prevention routine you already use. No details are promised, so your best move is to be proactive.

Catamaran Cruising Along the East Coast, Then Multiple Snorkeling Stops

After returning to Trou d’Eau Douce, you shift to the catamaran and begin the cruise toward Ile aux Cerfs. The ship travels along Mauritius’s east coast, with the skipper stopping at multiple points to swim and snorkel.

This is where the tour can either feel perfect or slightly disappointing, depending on conditions and what you expect from snorkeling. The itinerary is designed around giving you solid views of coral and fish, and snorkeling gear plus swim jackets are included. Still, one lower-rating experience described snorkeling as disappointing, with algae and few fish sighted, which tells me visibility or water conditions can change.

If snorkeling is a top priority for you, bring your own mask if you have one you trust. The tour provides equipment, but fit and comfort matter. A snug mask also helps you stay calm and focused, even if the water is not crystal-clear.

What I’d Aim For While You Are in the Water

• Spend time looking for coral structure rather than only chasing fish.
• Keep movements slow and steady near the reef, so you do not spook wildlife.
• If you are cold easily, pay attention to how long each stop lasts and plan your swim accordingly.

The BBQ Lunch Aboard: What You Actually Get

Lunch is served after you reach Ile aux Cerfs, and it is prepared fresh by the crew. You get a BBQ buffet style meal, with options including BBQ chicken, fish, and sausages plus sides like french fries and pasta salad. There are also salads and vegetarian options, and dessert is included.

The big win for value is that lunch is not a sad afterthought. It is a real meal, and drinks are part of the deal, not an extra expense. Unlimited drinks include water, juice, soda, local rum, and beer, so you can pace yourself without counting each glass.

One review highlighted the grills as excellent, and another praised the delicious food and accommodating crew. That lines up with what I look for in a day trip: you should feel fed and cared for, not like you are just being moved from stop to stop.

Ile aux Cerfs Island Time: Relax, Wander, or Stay Busy

Once on Ile aux Cerfs, you get a few hours to do your own thing. The island is a leisure spot with white sand beaches and options that suit different moods. You can wander beaches, take nature trails, join water activities available on site, or simply relax.

This is also where crowd levels can swing your opinion of the day. One review complained the beach area felt touristy and overcrowded, while others praised the island as beautiful and family-friendly. So if you want serenity above all else, go with a flexible mindset and embrace the fact that Ile aux Cerfs is a popular target.

If you travel with kids, this is a strong point. At least one family review described the trip as suitable for a day with an 11-year-old, and the schedule gives enough energy breaks to keep everyone from burning out.

How to Use Your Island Hours

Plan two blocks: one for beach time and one for walking. If you want a bit more nature, choose a trail portion you can finish comfortably, then return for lunch and shade. And if you feel like you are spending too much time in the sun, rotate, because you will have already been out on the water earlier.

Crew and Boat Vibe on a 42ft Catamaran

The catamaran is 42ft and described as spacious and full-serviced. That matters more than it sounds. A stable, comfortable boat makes the day feel like a relaxing cruise instead of a long transport.

The crew quality is also one of the most consistently praised parts. Multiple positive comments mention attentive, warm staff and a friendly atmosphere on board, with music playing during the cruise. If you prefer quiet, you may want to bring earplugs and pick a spot where you can hear yourself think. If you like a lively mood, this part of the experience is likely to match your vibe.

One caution is operational. A very poor experience mentioned difficulty getting in touch with the provider and offered a strong warning not to use them. Another mid-range review talked about check-in confusion at the pier and a wait while sorting out responsibilities. That does not mean your trip will go sideways, but it does mean you should arrive early and keep your booking details handy.

Price, Value, and the Small Tradeoffs

For $65 per person, you are buying a package that bundles transport, water activities, and food. In Mauritius, that is often the difference between spending half your day arranging logistics and actually enjoying the day.

Here is the tradeoff side, based on the range of experiences:

• Snorkeling quality can vary. Even with the same stops on paper, water conditions and visibility can change.
• Island popularity can show up. Ile aux Cerfs is not a private, empty beach.
• Check-in can be smooth or messy. If you want zero waiting, build in extra buffer time.

On the plus side, the drinks and meal are genuinely part of the value. Unlimited beer, soda, water, and rum means you can keep your budget steady. And if you love staff attention, the better reviews suggest the crew tends to be helpful.

Who This Trip Fits Best

This cruise is a great match for you if you want:

• A full-day water and beach program without planning every leg
• A BBQ lunch with vegetarian options and dessert
• A balance of cruising, snorkeling, and island time
• A group day experience that can work for families

It is less ideal if:

• You are a serious snorkeler who expects consistent, top-tier visibility
• You hate any hint of crowds
• You are extremely sensitive to timing and do not want any possibility of waiting at check-in

If you are in the middle, this tour often lands perfectly. You get a lot of value for the money, and you can still have a strong day even if snorkeling is not the best it could be.

Should You Book This Ile aux Cerfs Catamaran Cruise?

My honest take: book it if you want an affordable, well-fed, water-focused day and you can accept that snorkeling conditions are part of nature’s mood. The day structure is solid, the included lunch and drinks are a real perk, and the island time lets you recover even if the morning is active.

Do a quick self-check first. If you care most about swimming with exceptional marine life and crystal-clear water, consider going in with your own snorkeling kit and a flexible expectation. If you mainly want sun, sea, coral time, and a comfortable crew-led day, this is a strong value pick at $65.

If you do book, show up early and keep your booking details ready for check-in. That small move can protect your schedule.

FAQ

What time does the full-day tour run?

It runs from 07:00 with pickup or 09:00 without pickup, and it finishes at 16:00.

Is hotel pickup and dropoff included?

Hotel pickup and dropoff are not included in the price, but they can be arranged for an extra fee after booking.

Where does the speedboat to the waterfall leave from?

The speedboat departs from Trou d’Eau Douce to reach the Grand River South East (GRSE) waterfall area.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and swim jackets are provided, and you are welcome to bring your own.

What is included in the lunch?

A fresh BBQ buffet lunch is included, including BBQ chicken, fish, sausages, french fries, pasta salad, other salads (including vegetarian options), fruit, and dessert.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited drinks are included: water, juice, soda, beer, and local rum.

What should I bring with me?

Bring a towel and sunscreen.