Snorkel gear and lunch are taken care of. This Mauritius catamaran day pairs an all-inclusive open bar and BBQ lunch with a two-stop route to Ile aux Cerfs and the GRSE waterfall. I also like the simple flow of the day, it feels planned without you needing to micro-manage anything. The one thing to keep in mind is private transport is not included, so you’ll want your own plan to reach Trou d’Eau Douce.

You’ll start at 9:00 am from Blue Alizé Catamaran in Trou d’Eau Douce, and the cruise loops back to the same meeting spot. The day runs about 6 hours, with a small max group size of 25, so it stays friendly instead of chaotic.

On board, the inclusions are the big deal: alcoholic beverages, bottled water, coffee or tea, snacks, and soda, plus the use of snorkeling equipment. Then you get a real break on land at Ile aux Cerfs, about 2 hours to swim, relax on a transat, and try optional watersports.

Key things I’d circle before you book

• All-inclusive food and drinks: BBQ lunch, snacks, soda, bottled water, plus an open bar
• Two locations in one half-day: Ile aux Cerfs time plus a waterfall stop at Grande Riviere Sud Est
• Snorkeling equipment included: you can gear up without extra charges
• Free admission at both key stops: GRSE waterfall viewing and Ile aux Cerfs entry are included
• Optional adrenaline add-ons: parasailing or tube riding are available on Ile aux Cerfs
• Maximum 25 travelers: it helps keep the vibe relaxed on a 6-hour cruise

A catamaran day in Mauritius starts with an easy rhythm

This kind of trip works because it does the hard part for you. You get the boat ride across the lagoon, the food and drinks show up, and the timing between stops is already set.

Ile aux Cerfs is where most people go to slow down. The GRSE waterfall stop is where you get a quick nature hit, then back to the water. You end up with a day that mixes beach time and sight time, without feeling like you’re packing and unpacking.

Also, starting in the morning helps. A 9:00 am departure gives you daylight for snorkeling and swimming, and you’re back in the same place later the same day, not stuck coordinating multiple transports.

Open bar and BBQ lunch: what all-inclusive really buys you

When a cruise says all-inclusive, you want to know what that means in real life. Here, it’s not vague. You’re covered for:

• alcoholic beverages through the open bar
• bottled water
• coffee and/or tea
• lunch (BBQ)
• snacks and soda

That matters because drinks on island tours can add up fast. If you plan to have a couple beers or a rum drink while you’re out on the water, this setup makes the day feel like one price, not a running tab.

I also like that coconut water is specifically mentioned, along with Mauritian beer and rum. It gives you a taste of local favorites without turning the day into a tasting tour.

Practical note: you’ll still want to pace yourself. A boat plus sun can sneak up on you, even when you feel relaxed. If you’re the type who likes to snack steadily, this tour makes that easy with the included snacks between lunch and downtime.

Stop 1: Grande Riviere Sud Est and the quick waterfall moment

Your first stop is Grande Riviere Sud Est, where you meet the waterfall that flows down to the Indian Ocean. The time on this stop is about 10 minutes, and the admission ticket is free.

Here’s the tradeoff: it’s short. That can feel too quick if your dream is a full hike or a long nature walk. But for many people, that’s exactly why it works. You get the wow factor of seeing a waterfall at the waterline, then you move on before the day drags.

What to expect during a short stop like this:

• You’ll likely focus on viewing rather than exploring.
• It’s a great photo and atmosphere stop, more than a deep sightseeing block.
• If weather or sea conditions affect the timing, this brief window keeps the overall schedule realistic.

If waterfalls are your main goal, you might still want extra time on land another day. But as part of a cruise that also includes Ile aux Cerfs time and snorkeling, the 10 minutes is a practical way to get variety.

Stop 2: Ile aux Cerfs for about 2 hours of sun, swim, and options

Ile aux Cerfs is your main break, with around 2 hours on the island. Admission ticket is free. This is where the day turns from “cruise” into “choose your own pace.”

On that island time, you can:

• relax on white sand
• swim in the turquoise waters
• snorkel using the included snorkeling gear
• use a transat to sunbathe
• try watersports like parasailing or tube riding (availability depends on what’s operating)

Two hours sounds simple, but it’s actually a smart amount of time for a cruise format. It’s long enough to swim, dry off, take a few photos, and try snorkeling if you want it. It’s not so long that you feel stuck waiting around if you’re not into watersports.

One more detail I’d keep in mind: you’re not planning your day on your own. That’s part of the value here. You show up, enjoy the island time, and return to the boat when it’s time to go.

Drawback to consider: if you want a slow, romantic beach day with zero schedule pressure, 2 hours will feel like a taste, not a full meal. In that case, you may want a separate beach day where you control the length.

Snorkelling on the tour: included gear, simple decisions

Snorkeling is baked into the experience, and the snorkeling equipment is included. That’s one of the best “quiet value” perks: you avoid last-minute rental hunts and you can decide to snorkel on the day based on how you feel.

Because the tour includes both boat time and island time, snorkeling can fit naturally into the rhythm. If the water looks good, you go for it. If you’re more in a lounging mood, you can skip it without feeling like you wasted a rental.

What I’d do if I were booking this with snorkeling as a priority:

• Plan to go when you’re least rushed, usually early in the island time.
• Use sunscreen first, then keep an eye on comfort and buoyancy.
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, take it easy at first on the boat and bring a calm mindset for the water.

Parasailing and tube riding: adrenaline without extra planning

One of the fun things about Ile aux Cerfs time is that it’s flexible. You can stay chill, or you can go for adrenaline.

Parasailing and tube riding are listed as options, which is great if your group has mixed tastes. The person who wants speed can do it, while the person who wants calm can just enjoy swimming and sun.

Just one practical consideration: the price for these activities is not listed in the provided tour details. So if you’re budget-conscious, ask onboard how much these extras cost before you commit.

If you’re traveling with kids or teens, this kind of optional activity can be a win. It lets everyone participate at their own comfort level, without forcing a single plan for the whole group.

Meeting point and timing: what matters for a smooth day

This cruise runs from 9:00 am and lasts about 6 hours. You start and end at the Blue Alizé Catamaran at Trou d’Eau Douce.

Your agent meets you at the Debarcadère in Trou d’Eau Douce for embarkation. That means you’re not just wandering around hoping to find the boat. You’ll have a handoff point.

Because private transportation is not included, you’ll want to build your day around getting to Trou d’Eau Douce on time. If you’re using a taxi or ride service, plan for buffer time. Boats do not wait forever, and you don’t want your vacation stress to be the main event.

What to bring (simple and useful):

• swimsuit and a dry layer for later
• sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
• reef-safe sunscreen if you have it
• water shoes if you like extra grip around sand or rocky spots

Value check: is $111.02 per person a good deal?

At $111.02 per person for about 6 hours, the main question is what you’re actually getting for the price. Here, the big value drivers are:

• open bar plus lunch: you’re not paying separately for food and drinks
• included snacks, soda, bottled water, and coffee or tea
• snorkeling equipment provided
• two locations packed into one schedule
• free admission at the waterfall viewing stop and at Ile aux Cerfs

If you were doing this day in pieces, you’d likely pay for boat transport, then for lunch, then for drinks, then for snorkeling gear. Even if you personally only drink a little, having lunch and snorkeling covered reduces the number of decisions you have to make.

This is also a good price point for Mauritius, where “half-day by boat” can quickly become more expensive once you add extras. The key is that this one is built to feel like one complete package.

My rule of thumb: if you want sun, water, and a few drinks without tracking spending all day, this format makes sense.

Who this Mauritius catamaran cruise suits best

This tour is a strong fit if you want:

• a simple plan with minimal organizing
• a beach break at Ile aux Cerfs with time to snorkel
• a waterfall viewing stop without a long excursion
• an all-inclusive approach to food and drinks

It’s also a solid match for groups with different energy levels. One person can snorkel and swim. Another can take a watersport option. Everyone still shares the same boat day.

If you’re traveling solo, the small group size (max 25) helps it feel social without feeling crowded. If you’re a couple, the mix of lagoon cruising and island time gives you romance plus downtime.

Less ideal for you if:

• you want an all-day beach and lots of land exploration
• you want a longer hike at the waterfall
• you don’t like weather uncertainty, since this type of outing requires decent conditions

A quick reality check on weather and flexibility

This experience requires good weather. If the cruise can’t run due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s a fair setup, because the main parts you care about, water access and cruising, depend on conditions.

If you’re booking near the start or middle of your Mauritius trip, you’ll usually have an easier time shifting plans. If this is your only day with free time, consider booking with flexibility in mind.

Should you book this cruise?

Yes, if you want a well-paced Mauritius water day that feels set up from the start. I’d book it if you care about included drinks, don’t want to hunt for snorkeling gear, and you like the idea of seeing both Ile aux Cerfs and the GRSE waterfall in one run.

I’d skip it or look at alternatives if you want a long land-based waterfall experience or if you’re hoping for a full day at Ile aux Cerfs. Two hours on the island is great for swimming, relaxing, and optional watersports, but it won’t replace a dedicated beach day.

FAQ

What is the duration of the catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts about 6 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends at Blue Alizé Catamaran, Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius.

What time does the cruise depart?

The start time is 9:00 am.

Are meals and drinks included?

Yes. The tour includes lunch (BBQ), snacks, soda, bottled water, coffee and/or tea, and an open bar with alcoholic beverages.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, with no extra charges mentioned.

Do Ile aux Cerfs and the GRSE waterfall stop have admission tickets?

Admission tickets are free for both the Grande Riviere Sud Est waterfall stop and Ile aux Cerfs.

Is private transportation included?

No. Private transportation is not included.

What is the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of 25 travelers.