Catamaran days can be pure sunshine. This full-day shared cruise from Port Louis heads to Ile aux Cerfs, with a waterfall stop and plenty of food and drinks along the way. You get a real day of sea time on calm lagoon waters, plus an on-the-water BBQ lunch that keeps the mood easy.

I especially like the mix of scenery, from the lagoon reefs near Ile aux Cerfs to the Grand River South East waterfall area. The included lunch is not an afterthought either, with a 3-course BBQ menu and unlimited local drinks. One thing to consider is that the schedule and water activities can depend on conditions, and the shared-boat format means crowding and limited shade can be an issue.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• Ile aux Cerfs lagoon time with coral reefs and lots of colorful fish in the water around you
• Grand River South East waterfall visit by speed boat with a short 500m upstream excursion
• Included 3-course BBQ lunch plus unlimited soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum
• Helpful crew and easy on and off for people with mobility needs
• Weather and comfort reality checks, including possible limitations on snorkeling and sun exposure

Port Louis to Trou d’Eau Douce: how the day actually starts

This is a long, classic full-day “one boat, multiple moments” plan, scheduled for about 7 to 8 hours in total. The day starts with your meeting time at 8:30 am, and you’ll be picked up from your hotel when that option is included for your group. Expect the early start to be part of the bargain, because the cruise day is built around getting to Trou d’Eau Douce and then heading out by late morning.

What I like about this setup is how straightforward it feels once you’re on the move. There’s a clear departure point, and the itinerary keeps you busy, not waiting around for hours with nothing happening. You also get a mobile ticket, which helps you avoid last-minute paperwork stress.

What to watch for

The shared nature matters. Even if the maximum group size is 30 travelers, you should be prepared for a packed day when the boat fills up and the sun is strong. Bring sunscreen and plan on spending time in the water and sun, because shade is not guaranteed in the amount you might want.

Speed-boat waterfall stop at Grand River South East: short ride, animal sightings

After you board and get moving, the next big change of scenery is the Grand River South East waterfall area. This part is built around a quick speed-boat transfer and a short upstream walk or excursion, listed as about 500 meters upstream.

Here’s what you can genuinely hope to see: the riverbank environment can include playful monkeys hanging out in older trees, and you might spot fruit bats resting higher up near the waterfall zone. Even if animals decide to keep their day plans private, the river scene itself is worth it, and it breaks up the day nicely before you hit Ile aux Cerfs.

The value of this stop

This is not a stand-and-stare roadside waterfall. It’s closer to a mini outing within your boat day, and the speed-boat approach helps you experience more of the river area than you’d get from a long walk alone. It’s also one of the few spots where you can get away from pure beach time and experience a more tropical inland-feeling moment.

A potential letdown to consider

One caution I’d flag: the waterfall visit time is brief, and some people come away thinking they wanted more waterfall time. If your top priority is waterfall photography, go in with flexible expectations and focus on the river setting plus the chance for animal sightings.

Ile aux Cerfs catamaran time: lagoon views, reefs, and the BBQ that keeps it simple

Then comes the main event: Ile aux Cerfs. The catamaran glides through the crystal-clear lagoon waters, and the schedule gives you about 3 hours for the Ile aux Cerfs portion of the day.

This part is where you get the classic Mauritius feel. The plan includes time where you can see coral reefs and tropical fish from the water and around the boat areas. Mauritius is known for its reef life, and this tour leans into that idea with the kind of underwater viewing you can do without needing to be a diver.

The lunch: included, big, and built for a group day

Lunch is a real highlight here, and it’s one reason this tour earns repeat bookings. You get a 3-course BBQ meal with a mix of options:

• grilled garlic bread
• salad like vegetable and rice or pasta salads
• mains such as grilled chicken, sausages, and fresh fish
• grilled banana for dessert

On top of that, drinks are unlimited. The included list covers soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum. For many people, that changes the vibe of the day, from a logistics-heavy excursion into something more like a holiday ritual.

One important note: the lunch is listed as Halal food, so you should feel comfortable with that dietary accommodation within the included meal plan.

Snorkeling and water activities: what to expect

Watersports activities are listed as not included, so if you’re hoping for paid extras, you’ll need to arrange those separately. Also, conditions matter. When weather is rough, water activities like snorkeling can be limited or canceled, and that can affect how much time you spend in the water beyond casual viewing.

If clear-water swimming is your main goal, check the weather on the morning of your tour and plan for the possibility that you’ll enjoy the lagoon more from the boat than from long snorkeling sessions.

The comfort and crowding reality on a shared catamaran

This is where I try to keep your expectations grounded.

On the good side, the crew support seems to be a strong point. There’s specific mention of staff being very helpful for someone with mobility issues, especially with getting on and off the boat and keeping drinks accessible. That tells me the team is paying attention to comfort, not just pushing people along.

On the harder side, shade and crowding can be an issue. Some people have complained about a boat that feels crowded, especially when there isn’t enough covered space to escape the sun. If you’re heat sensitive, this matters. If you’re the kind of traveler who wants a lot of space to stretch out and take photos without bumping elbows, a shared catamaran day may feel tight.

A practical way to handle this

• Expect sun. Plan to spend time under whatever shade you can find, but don’t count on it.
• Time moves fast. You’ll be switching between a waterfall outing and the main lagoon period, so staying hydrated and eating lunch early in your Ile aux Cerfs window can help you feel more relaxed.
• If conditions reduce water activities, don’t panic. You can still enjoy the reefs and fish viewing as part of the boat experience.

Price and value: is $95.30 worth it?

At $95.30 per person, this tour sits in the mid-range for full-day experiences around Mauritius. The value question depends on what you want to get out of the day.

What you’re paying for, realistically:

• transportation including hotel pickup when offered
• a catamaran day to Ile aux Cerfs
• the waterfall admission and the waterfall-area visit included in the price
• a full 3-course BBQ lunch
• unlimited local drinks, including alcohol

If you were to pay separately for a boat trip, reef time, food, and drinks, the included package begins to make sense. The unlimited drinks add extra value, not because you need alcohol to enjoy the day, but because it removes a common stressor. You can focus on the scenery and timing rather than working out refreshment costs.

Who gets the best value

You’ll likely feel the price is fair if you like:

• long daylight on the water
• eating included meals with no extra planning
• a single-day mix of lagoon time plus a waterfall stop

You might feel less satisfied if you mainly want uninterrupted snorkeling or a boat that feels uncrowded and shaded from start to finish.

Should you book this catamaran to Ile aux Cerfs?

I’d book it if you want a straightforward, full-day “Mauritius highlights” day that mixes sea views, lagoon reef life, and a waterfall detour, and you’re happy with included food and drinks doing the heavy lifting. The menu and drink setup are genuinely a big part of why this tour works for many people.

I’d hesitate if your priorities are very specific. If you care most about long snorkeling sessions, keep in mind weather can limit water activities. And if you’re very shade- or space-sensitive, the shared setup might not match your comfort style, especially under strong sun.

If you do book, I’d go in with the right mindset: this is a shared boat day where the best payoff comes from enjoying the day’s flow, not from expecting unlimited private space or guaranteed water sports in every condition.

FAQ

How long is the Full Day Shared Tour Catamaran to Ile Aux Cerfs?

The tour runs about 7 to 8 hours.

Where does the tour take place?

It departs from Port Louis, Mauritius.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, pickup is offered.

What time does the tour start?

Start time is listed as 8:30 am.

Is a mobile ticket included?

Yes, the tour includes a mobile ticket.

What is included in the lunch?

Lunch is a 3-course BBQ meal with both vegetable and non-veg options. Halal food is noted, and you also get grilled garlic bread, grilled banana for dessert, and more items as listed in the meal description.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited local drinks are included, including soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum.

Is the Grand River South East Waterfalls admission included?

Yes, entry or admission for the Grand River South East Waterfalls is included.

Are watersport activities included?

No, watersport activities are not included.

What is the cancellation policy if weather affects the trip?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.