One day in Mauritius that mixes sea time and real local fun. This catamaran outing pairs a built-in waterslide with a snorkel stop and a proper BBQ lunch on board. The main catch to know is simple, the fun is water-based, so it is not ideal if you have mobility limits.

I like that the pace is built around what you actually want on a warm island day, swim, snack, slide, then unwind on Ile aux Cerfs. You also get live entertainment with onboard music and crew energy, including Sega and traditional dance moments. If you prefer quiet, slow sightseeing, you may find the boat atmosphere a bit lively.

Key Highlights You Should Care About

• Built-in waterslide with unlimited access, straight into the lagoon water
• Snorkeling stop with gear provided, plus crew support for a smooth session
• BBQ lunch on board with vegetarian option available on request
• Unlimited drinks including beer, rum, soft drinks, and water
• Time on Île aux Cerfs for beach time, swimming, and optional water sports (extra cost)
• Sega and traditional music and dance as part of the onboard entertainment

Catamaran Day Trips in Mauritius: Why This One Works

Mauritius has no shortage of beach tours, but this one has a smart mix that fits families, couples, and groups. You get a full-day catamaran ride, a real swim-and-snorkel window, and then the payoff stop at Île aux Cerfs, where the sand and shallow lagoons are the headline.

The waterslide is the big attention grabber, and for good reason. It turns an ordinary boat day into a shared moment you can be part of without planning anything. You do not need to be a swimmer, you just need swimwear and the willingness to have fun.

The second reason this works is the food and drinks are built into the day. A lot of island excursions make you pay extra for lunch or keep meals basic. Here, you get a BBQ on board with unlimited drinks, which helps you stay in budget and saves time.

Setting Off From Trou d’Eau Douce and Getting Ready

The day starts around Trou d’Eau Douce, with pickup depending on the selected option. When you arrive, aim to get to the meeting point early so you are not doing last-minute scrambling.

Your team is at the end of the jetty next to the Mauritian Flag. That matters because this is a boat day, and boats do not wait around forever.

What you should bring is straightforward:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sandals
• Biodegradable sunscreen

That sunscreen detail is worth taking seriously. It aligns with the kind of reef and lagoon environment you are visiting, and it is also the difference between applying care and getting turned away at check-in.

Also, if you get sun easily, plan on reapplying during your free time at Ile aux Cerfs. You will be on the water for hours, and the sun here does not mess around.

The First Sail: East Coast Views Plus Local Snacks

Once you are on board, you cruise along Mauritius’ east coast. Expect about an hour of sailing with scenic views on the way, plus local snacks during the early part of the trip.

This portion is not the main attraction, but it is important. It is when you settle in, get your bearings, and start enjoying the sea air before the activity starts. If you like photos, this is often the easiest time to shoot, because the light is usually good and the water is open.

A practical tip: if you know you want a good spot for the waterslide and later snorkeling, you should get comfortable early. Once the first swim window starts, people naturally move around.

Grand River South East Swim and the River Boat Segment

After the initial sailing, you reach Grand River South East. Here you get about 40 minutes of swimming, which is your first real chance to get into the water and feel the day’s rhythm.

Then there is a 20-minute river boat segment. The format suggests you are transitioning through a waterway setting before you reach Île aux Cerfs. Even if you are not tracking every detail of the route, you should treat this like part of the scenery and movement. It is also a helpful pacing break between longer swims and later island time.

For this section, keep your expectations flexible. The exact vibe depends on conditions and the group. But as a concept, it is solid: you get water time without having to plan your own transfers.

Snorkeling Stop With Gear Included (and How to Use It Well)

Your day also includes a snorkeling stop in a lagoon with snorkeling gear provided and guides on hand. The goal is to explore colorful marine life around the reefs.

The best way to get value from a snorkeling stop like this is to treat it like a short lesson, not a long expedition. If gear is included, your focus should be fit and comfort. Make sure your mask sits well before you hop in and take a calm approach once you are in the water.

If you do not feel comfortable staying out long, that is fine. You can do several short looks rather than one long session. This is especially useful if you are traveling with kids or you are snorkeling for the first time.

Also, remember this is still a full-day schedule. Do not let snorkeling stretch so long that it makes the later Ile aux Cerfs beach time feel rushed.

Waterslide Fun on a Catamaran: The Part Everyone Remembers

Now for the headline feature: the onboard waterslide. It is built into the boat, and you get unlimited access during the cruise. That means you can repeat it, try it with different confidence levels, or just watch others and laugh a lot.

This is one of those activities that beats effort. You do not need to go find a beach suitable for slides, and you do not need to buy anything extra once you are on board. The slide is simply there, and the turquoise water waiting underneath is the payoff.

Two small practical thoughts:

1) Wear water-friendly sandals if you have them. You will move around the deck.

2) If you have long hair, tie it back before the slide. It will be damp, windy, and annoying otherwise.

The waterslide is also a social engine. It is one of the reasons this tour scores well for families and mixed groups. Even people who are not big swimmers tend to give it a try at least once.

BBQ Lunch on Board With Unlimited Drinks

After the water time, you settle in for lunch at Ile aux Cerfs. You get BBQ lunch on board, and there are vegetarian options available if you request them.

The meal is described as grilled meats, salads, fruits, and unlimited drinks including beer, rum, and soft drinks, plus water. That is a big deal for value. You can eat without searching for a restaurant, and you are not managing a separate tab.

It also helps your schedule. If you have ever planned island days where lunch ends up being a problem, you know the relief of having food handled for you.

If you are drinking, pace it. The day has multiple water segments and sun exposure, and you will want energy for the island time after lunch.

Ile aux Cerfs: Free Time, Beach Walking, and Optional Water Sports

Then comes the star stop: Île aux Cerfs. You get about an hour of lunch time tied to the stop, then additional free time for relaxing, sightseeing, and walking.

This is where you shift gears. Instead of sliding and swimming, you slow down. The island is known for white sand beaches and shallow lagoons, and it is one of the easier places in the area to enjoy water without needing a complicated plan.

What you should do depends on your mood:

• If you want calm, choose a spot near the shallow lagoon and just hang out.
• If you want variety, take a walk and look for viewpoints and beach stretches.
• If you want action, there are optional water sports available for extra cost.

That last part matters because the core tour gives you the basics, but it also leaves room for you to add activities if you want. If you want to keep costs controlled, you can simply enjoy beach time and swimming.

Onboard Entertainment: Sega and Traditional Dance Moments

One of the most memorable parts of this tour is the onboard music and crew entertainment. The schedule includes Sega and traditional dance and music native to Mauritius.

In the reviews, this is where people often smile the most. The entertainment gives the boat ride a sense of place, not just transport. It is also a good way to keep kids engaged while adults soak up the atmosphere.

You do not need to be a culture expert to enjoy it. The key is to let it happen. Treat it like part of the day’s rhythm, not a performance you have to analyze.

If you care about photos, consider moving a bit closer during these moments. The lighting is usually good on a moving boat, and it is more fun when you are not stuck far away.

Return Sailing to Trou d’Eau Douce With Coastline Views

After Ile aux Cerfs, you cruise back toward Trou d’Eau Douce. The day includes sailing time again, about an hour, with stunning views of the coastline.

This return sail is a great moment to cool down and regroup. You may be a little sun-baked, a little tired, and very happy. It is also when the group energy often shifts from active to relaxed.

If you want one last drink on board, this is usually the time. Just stay mindful of sun and hydration. Mauritius heat plus boat sun can sneak up on you, even when you are in and out of the water.

Price and Value: Is $88 a Good Deal?

At $88 per person, you are paying for a full package: a catamaran cruise, snorkeling gear included, BBQ lunch on board, unlimited drinks, access to a waterslide, and a visit to Île aux Cerfs with free time.

Many “boat days” in tourist areas separate these things. You pay for the boat, then you pay for food, then you pay for drinks, then you pay for activities. Here, you get the bundle up front.

Is it a bargain compared to doing everything independently? It can be, especially because boat access and waterslide time are not “add-ons” you can easily replicate on your own without extra logistics.

When it might not be the best deal is when you mainly want quiet beach time and zero structure. If that is you, you might prefer a simple beach day on your own. But if you want an organized day with built-in fun and included meals, this price makes more sense.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Prefer Something Else)

This works especially well for:

• Families with kids who will enjoy the waterslide
• Couples who want an easy day plan with food and activities included
• Groups who like shared entertainment and music onboard
• Snorkel-friendly travelers who want gear provided and a guided stop

It might not be ideal for:

• Anyone who needs mobility support, because this activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments
• People who prefer very quiet experiences without music, crowds, or scheduled water time

Practical Tips That Make the Day Smoother

These small choices matter on a schedule like this:

• Bring a towel you actually want to use. You will leave the water and need it.
• Use biodegradable sunscreen and plan for reapplication during your free time on Île aux Cerfs.
• Keep sandals handy, but expect wet decks, so choose footwear you trust.
• If you snack early, you might feel better for the later lunch. The day is active.
• If you are snorkeling, get the mask fit right away so you are not wasting time.

Also, mentally plan for the day to be “activity plus chill,” not just one or the other. That is the secret to enjoying it.

Should You Book the Ile aux Cerfs Boat Trip With Waterslide and BBQ?

If you want a straightforward Mauritius day that mixes sea fun, snorkeling gear, BBQ lunch, and waterslide time, this is a strong pick. The unlimited drinks and onboard music add real comfort and energy, and Île aux Cerfs free time gives you a proper beach payoff.

I would book it if your ideal day includes water-based activities and you do not mind an organized schedule. If you need quiet, minimal physical activity, or mobility support, look for another option.

Bottom line: for many people, this tour is memorable because it does the hard parts for you, and the waterslide makes it feel like more than a standard boat trip.

FAQ

What is the duration of the boat trip to Ile aux Cerfs?

The tour runs for about 6 hours.

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from Trou d’Eau Douce, with pickup depending on the selected option.

Where is the meeting point?

Your team meets at the end of the jetty next to the Mauritian Flag.

Is snorkeling included, and is the gear provided?

Yes. There is a snorkeling stop with snorkeling gear provided, and guides are on hand.

What kind of food is included?

You get BBQ lunch served on board, with grilled meats, salads, and fruits. Vegetarian options are available on request.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks are unlimited and include beer, rum, soft drinks, and water.

Is the waterslide included?

Yes. You have access to the onboard waterslide during the cruise.

How much free time do you get on Ile aux Cerfs?

You get free time on Île aux Cerfs for relaxing, sightseeing, and walking.

Are there optional activities on Ile aux Cerfs?

Optional water sports may be available for an extra cost.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No, it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.