Mauritius does snorkel days right. This private catamaran loops you through lagoons and islands, with BBQ lunch built into the ride.

I love two things most: first, the chance to swim and snorkel in the blue lagoon inside the protection of the Eastern Reef. Second, the onboard meal package, which is more than a snack, with BBQ lunch plus unlimited drinks.

One drawback to think about: alcohol is handled a bit tightly. Drinks are served after snorkeling, and if you start with alcohol first, the team can cancel the snorkeling.

Key things I’d plan around

• Snorkeling timing matters, since alcoholic drinks are served after you’re done in the water
• Ile aux Cerfs beach time plus desserts onshore, not just lunch-and-go
• A reef-protected lagoon route through Trou d’Eau Douce Bay and the Eastern Reef
• Wildlife and viewpoints early on, with a stop at Grand River South East Waterfall
• Private group flexibility, including the possibility of an alternate sandbank spot if conditions on Ile aux Cerfs are crowded

A catamaran day that starts with water, not waiting

If you’re trying to do Mauritius without spending half your day in traffic or on someone else’s schedule, this is a strong pick. The day runs from Pointe Maurice Jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce and stays focused on water time, island breaks, and a proper meal aboard.

You’re also not stuck with a huge public cruise feel. This is a private group for up to 6 people, so the vibe is calmer and the captain and crew can manage the pace better.

Where the day actually begins, Pointe Maurice Jetty

Your meeting point is Pointe Maurice Jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce. There’s no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’ll want to plan your own ride to the jetty and give yourself time to park or transfer smoothly.

The tour is listed as a 6 hour experience, and you’re back in Trou d’Eau Douce by about 4 pm. That timing matters if you’re also trying to fit in dinner plans, because this kind of outing can easily run long in other places.

One more practical note: the activity says luggage or large bags aren’t allowed. Pack light for water, snacks, and a change if you want one.

Grand River South East Waterfall, a quick taste of Mauritius inland

Before the lagoon magic, you get a photo stop and visit at Grand River South East Waterfall, with wildlife viewing. This is a nice break from “just boat the whole time,” and it adds a bit of variety to the day.

Because it’s a photo stop, don’t expect a long hike. You’re there to see, look around, and then get back to the water route.

If you like spotting birds and movement near the greenery, this early stop is worth paying attention to. Even short wildlife viewing can feel more satisfying when you’re not rushing.

Ile aux Fouquets Lighthouse, aperitif and your first swim chance

Next comes Ile aux Fouquets Lighthouse. Here you’ll get an aperitif, free time, plus swimming and snorkeling.

This stop sets the tone for the rest of the day. The lagoon is the star, and the crew’s rhythm usually makes it easy to get in, get out, and enjoy the scenery without feeling like you’re racing the clock. If you’re the type who loves a first taste before the best part, this works well.

Bring a towel and set yourself up early with sunscreen. Once you’re on the water and busy eating salty snacks, it’s easy to forget how fast sun builds.

Ile aux Aigrettes, snorkel time where marine life is the point

Then you’ll head toward Ile aux Aigrettes for a photo stop, swimming and snorkeling, plus marine life viewing as you pass by.

This is exactly what I like about this itinerary. You get multiple chances to swim and snorkel, not just one rushed session. In other tours, snorkel time can feel like a checkbox. Here, it’s a main activity, repeated across stops.

If you’re hoping to see fish, the best move is to keep your snorkel mask on once you’re in the water and look slowly. Don’t thrash around. Let the water do the work.

Ilot Flamants, a breezy free-time interlude

Îlot Flamants is listed as free time with a pass-by. This is one of the more relaxed moments compared with the full-on snorkeling stops.

Think of it as a chance to reset, take photos, or just enjoy the boat ride views without always being in water gear. If you’ve been sunning and swimming hard earlier, this break can feel like a gift.

Île aux Cerfs, beach break plus the best food timing

Now you reach Île aux Cerfs, and this is where the day feels like a postcard. You’ll have break time, an aperitif, and beer and wine included, plus desserts.

One detail I really appreciate: lunch and meal time are arranged so you’re eating at anchor behind Ile aux Cerfs. That means your lunch moment isn’t stuck indoors or in a separate restaurant schedule. You’re in the place you came for.

There’s also mention of visiting the island for sunbathing and walking around for those photo moments, plus desserts on the private beach of Ile aux Cerfs. If you want a mix of swimming, sitting still, and short walks, this portion gives you that balance.

On the food side, the BBQ is repeatedly described as a highlight. One guest specifically called out lobster cooked just right, plus fish options. Even if you don’t eat seafood every day, BBQ days are a great fit for groups because everyone can find something they like.

Trou d’Eau Douce catamaran time, then back by late afternoon

After the Cerfs island segment, you’ll do about 1 hour on the catamaran back toward Trou d’Eau Douce, then arrive back at Pointe Maurice Jetty.

This stretch is useful if you’re the type who likes “finishing the trip feeling like you’re still on vacation.” You’re not forced into an immediate end right after the beach. You get a final glide across the water, which helps the day feel complete.

Because you’re back by around 4 pm, you can still do a low-key dinner without feeling totally wiped.

Price and value: what $1,325 buys for up to 6 people

At $1,325 per group up to 6, this is not a budget activity. But it also isn’t “pay for a single person on a big crowded boat” pricing.

Your value comes from three places:

• Private group setup, which changes the feel of the day
• A full half-day itinerary with multiple water moments, not one quick swim
• BBQ lunch plus unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, which adds up fast on an island day

If you split the cost among 4 to 6 people, it starts looking more reasonable. If you’re traveling solo or as a couple and still paying the group price, it’s more of a splurge. For groups, though, it can feel like the kind of day you remember for years because it combines water time, island time, and food time.

The snorkeling reality, and how to do it smoothly

Snorkeling is a core part of the experience, with swimming and snorkeling built into multiple stops. The overall idea is to get you into the lagoon, see marine life, and enjoy the reef environment while the Eastern Reef offers some natural protection.

Here’s the one rule that can surprise people: alcohol is served after snorkeling, and if you drink before getting in the water, the management can cancel the snorkeling activity. It’s a safety and coordination thing, and it’s better to plan for a clear head at the start.

Your best prep:

• Pack swimwear, a towel, and high SPF sunscreen
• Bring a hat or cap and your camera
• Keep your setup easy so you spend more time looking under the surface and less time fumbling

Also, the itinerary doesn’t treat snorkeling like a single event. If one stop is less ideal, the day still includes other chances, which helps if you’re sensitive to water visibility or just want more time.

Service and crew: the part people keep praising

The consistent praise is the crew and how they run the day. Multiple guests mention excellent service, attentive handling, and a friendly tone.

You’ll also see name drops in the feedback, including Sonia for customer service, Dario for the trip, and Marie-Lou with the crew. While you should never assume every crew member will be the same for every date, the pattern suggests you’re not signing up for a chaotic operation.

I like how this kind of team approach shows up in small ways. The day runs on time, you get fed properly, and the snorkeling and island breaks feel organized rather than improvised.

When Ile aux Cerfs is crowded, you might get a backup

One guest noted that if Ile aux Cerfs was too crowded, they were taken to a sandbank for snorkeling. That’s a smart example of operational flexibility.

You can’t guarantee the same exact outcome on every sailing, but the takeaway is good: the team seems willing to adapt to conditions to keep the water time meaningful. If snorkeling is your top priority, that adaptability is worth valuing.

Who this tour fits best

This is a great match if you want:

• A private group day at sea, not a cattle-style cruise
• Multiple chances to swim and snorkel in calm lagoon conditions
• A proper BBQ lunch experience with drinks, plus a real island break

It’s also a good fit for couples and friend groups who want a “Mauritius day” that includes both water and land time without stress.

A note about mobility and the wheelchair wording

The details include a wheelchair accessibility label, but it also says it’s not suitable for wheelchair users. That contradiction means you should check directly with Oceane Cruises Mauritius before booking if mobility is a concern.

If you use a wheelchair, the practical question is how you’ll board the catamaran and move during snorkeling and island stops. The safest move is to confirm step-by-step before you commit.

Should you book this private catamaran to Île aux Cerfs?

Book it if you’re aiming for a smooth half-day with multiple snorkeling stops, a real BBQ lunch, and actual time on Île aux Cerfs beach. The private-group setup and unlimited drinks make it feel like a full experience, not a quick tour.

Skip it or at least think twice if you’re hoping for a mellow day with no “water rules.” The alcohol timing and the potential cancellation of snorkeling if drinks come first may not fit everyone’s style. Also, if you’re traveling light and don’t want to manage sunscreen, towel, and swim gear, you’ll want to plan your pack anyway.

If you’re in a group of 4 to 6, this is the sweet spot for value.

FAQ

How long is the private catamaran cruise?

The duration is listed as 6 hours.

What is the meeting point?

You meet at Pointe Maurice Jetty, Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What’s included in the price?

The activity includes BBQ lunch and unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Do I need to bring anything?

Bring your passport or ID card, swimwear, and a towel. High SPF sunscreen, a hat or cap, and a camera are also recommended.

Are luggage and bags allowed?

No luggage or large bags are allowed.

Is snorkeling part of the trip?

Yes, snorkeling and swimming are included, with snorkeling stops at multiple islands.

When are alcoholic drinks served?

Alcoholic drinks are served after snorkeling. The operator reserves the right to cancel snorkeling if alcohol is consumed before snorkeling.

What is the return time?

You’ll be back in Trou d’Eau Douce by 4 pm.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

It is marked as wheelchair accessible, but it is also listed as not suitable for wheelchair users. Check with the provider before booking if wheelchair access is needed.