Turquoise water and BBQ on a catamaran cruise. I love the easygoing sailing to Ile aux Cerfs and the way the crew keeps things fun with all-day drinks, and I also like that the BBQ lunch is served right on board. The main drawback to consider is weather, since wind and clouds can make the day colder and can limit snorkeling enjoyment.

This trip is built for a relaxed day at sea. You get calm time on the water in the lagoon, a swim or snorkel window, then a break on land for the waterfall area and nearby historical sights before returning for lunch and hanging out on deck.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• Sail inside the lagoon for a calmer ride compared with open water
• Swim and snorkel before heading to the Grande Riviere Sud Est waterfall area
• All-day drinks onboard, including rum cocktails along with soft drinks, beer, and water
• BBQ buffet lunch served on board, with smoked marlin mousse and grilled fish
• Historic stops near the waterfall, including ramparts tied to corsairs and the Battle of Vieux Grand Port
• Crew is the real engine of the day, based on repeat praise for being attentive and friendly

From Pointe Jerome to Ile aux Cerfs, With the Island’s East Coast in View

The cruise starts at Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point in Mauritius, near the village of Mahebourg and close to Blue Bay Marine Park, which is protected under the International Ramsar Convention. That matters because it frames the day: you’re not just touring one beach. You’re gliding along a stretch of coastline that’s known for marine life and dramatic scenery.

If you choose the transfer option, you’ll be picked up from your hotel, with the pickup time confirmed the day before. If not, you’ll handle getting to Pointe Jerome yourself. Either way, the goal is simple: get you onto the catamaran without stress, then let the lagoon do the work.

For a first-timer, this departure setup is a plus. Mahebourg is a real working part of the island, not a resort bubble, and it gives the day a grounded feel. The overall pace also fits the catamaran format: slow sailing, room to relax, and time to enjoy the water rather than rushing from one place to another.

The Lagoon Sail: Why This Ride Feels Different

The big selling point is that you sail within the safety of the largest turquoise lagoon in Mauritius. Translation: you’re more likely to get that smooth, floating feeling rather than battling chop. That makes the day better for people who want comfort and views, not a white-knuckle boat experience.

On board, you’re not stuck without options. You’ll have access to soft drinks, beer, water, and rum cocktails all day. This is one of those rare tours where the drinks feel like part of the experience, not a last-minute add-on. It also makes the long stretch between stops feel easier, since you can hang out on deck, cool off, and settle into the rhythm of the day.

There’s also a practical angle here. Being inside the lagoon means you can plan around swimming and snorkeling more realistically. Still, keep an eye on the weather, because the lagoon helps, but it doesn’t erase wind.

Snorkel and Swim Time, Then Grande Riviere Sud Est Waterfall

The day includes a swim and snorkeling window on the water before heading to shore. This is the part you’ll want to prioritize if you care about seeing marine life, since it’s a focused block in a longer day. If the conditions are good, you’ll get that classic Mauritius moment where the water looks bright enough to be edited.

After that, you visit the Grande Riviere Sud Est waterfall area. The setting is the point: a natural water feature in a landscape that feels less like a landscaped attraction and more like you’re viewing the island as it is. It’s not only pretty, either. This is also a history stop.

Near the waterfall area, you can still spot 18th-century ramparts tied to corsair activities and naval skirmishes. The area connects to the Battle of Vieux Grand Port in 1810, when French and English forces fought here. Even if you’re not a full-time military-history fan, this kind of stop gives your day a sense of place. You’re not just floating and eating, you’re seeing why the island mattered to people long ago.

A helpful way to think about the itinerary is this: the water time satisfies your senses quickly, then the waterfall area shifts you into slower sightseeing mode. That pacing is exactly what makes a 7 to 8 hour outing feel manageable.

BBQ Lunch and All-Day Drinks: What’s Included and Why It Works

Lunch is a major part of why this cruise feels like a value. The BBQ is prepared and served on board, so you’re eating while staying in the island mood rather than scrambling for a restaurant stop.

The buffet includes:

• Smoked marlin mousse
• Grilled fish
• Chicken and sausages
• Rice and potato salads
• Crudités and freshly baked bread
• Fresh fruits
• Coffee

That mix is smart for a mixed group. You’ve got both seafood and meat, sides that actually fill you up, and lighter items if you just want something simple after swimming. You’re not limited to one “theme” ingredient.

Then there are the drinks. You’ll have soft drinks, beer, water, and rum cocktails all day. In one standout comment from a honeymoon trip, the reviewer recommended trying the rum drink they called jungle juice, and they also highlighted Mauritian coffee. Even without treating it like a tasting event, this is a good signal: the day isn’t just about food, it’s also about lingering on deck with something in hand.

One caution: you’re on a boat, so treat drinks as part of the experience, not a plan to ignore sun and dehydration. Mauritius sun can be intense, especially around open water.

Weather and Comfort: When the Day Can Feel Cold

This is the one factor that can change the whole experience. On a bad-weather day, wind and clouds can make the boat time feel chilly, especially while you’re waiting around for the snorkeling window. One reviewer specifically mentioned feeling cold for most of the excursion, which meant they didn’t get to enjoy snorkeling as much.

So what should you do with that information?

• If you’re booking, keep expectations flexible. This is a sea day, and the ocean controls comfort.
• Bring a towel and use sunscreen ahead of time. Those two items sound basic, but they help you recover quickly after swimming and reduce the chance that you’ll spend the rest of the day feeling uncomfortable.
• Dress for layers if you run hot only in the sun. The tour is about 8 hours, so even if it starts okay, conditions can shift.

The lagoon helps with stability, but it cannot guarantee warmth.

What’s Not Included, and How to Plan Around It

This tour focuses on cruising, swimming or snorkeling, a waterfall visit, and lunch. It does not include water sports or parasailing at Ile aux Cerfs. That’s actually useful to know in advance because it keeps the day simple and predictable.

If you’re the kind of traveler who wants action on a schedule, you may feel a little limited. But if you want a smoother day on the water with time to relax, this “no extra activities pressure” approach is a win.

Also note that the tour is not suitable for pregnant women. That’s important for safety and comfort, and it means you should choose a different Mauritius water activity if you’re traveling with someone who’s pregnant.

Value for Money: Is About $111 Per Person Fair?

At around $111 per person for a 7 to 8 hour catamaran outing, you’re paying for four things bundled together:

1. Catamaran cruise on a protected lagoon route
2. A land stop at the waterfall area with historical ramparts nearby
3. A full BBQ buffet lunch
4. All-day drinks, including rum cocktails, beer, water, and soft drinks

When you break it down that way, the price makes sense for Mauritius, where private experiences and boat days can add up fast. The lunch spread also helps justify the cost. If you’ve ever been on a boat where lunch is basically an afterthought, that’s not what this one sounds like, since it lists smoked marlin mousse, grilled fish, and multiple sides plus coffee and fruit.

So for value, I’d say this is a strong option if you want a single ticket to cover the day and you’ll actually use the included drinks and snorkeling time.

If you’re traveling with someone who doesn’t drink and won’t swim or snorkel, the value may feel less compelling, because you’ll be paying mostly for the cruise and BBQ.

Who This Mauritius Catamaran Trip Fits Best

This trip is a good match if you want:

• A peaceful sailing experience with time to relax
• A day that mixes water play with an onshore sight stop
• A simple structure, not constant movement

It also works well for couples and honeymooners. One reviewer described it as a great ending to a long honeymoon holiday, with praise for the crew and the overall vibe.

Where you might hesitate:

• If you hate boat rides or get motion sick easily, you should think carefully. The lagoon is calmer than open water, but the day is still on a boat.
• If you’re extremely weather-sensitive, be aware that wind and cold can show up and shrink snorkeling enjoyment.
• If you need parasailing or other water sports, plan a separate activity.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Day on Board

Here are the small things that help you enjoy this kind of day without fuss.

What to bring:

• Towel
• Sunscreen

What to remember:

• Valuables are not allowed, so travel light. Keep only what you truly need for the day.
• If you selected hotel pickup, confirm you’re ready at the agreed pickup time, since collection is arranged based on where you stay.

If you’re aiming for the best snorkeling window, be ready early for the swim time, because later can be affected by conditions and your energy level after sailing.

Should You Book This Ile aux Cerfs Catamaran BBQ Cruise?

I’d book it if your ideal Mauritius day looks like: calm lagoon sailing, a chance to snorkel, a waterfall stop with history around it, and lunch and drinks handled for you. The strong points are the combination of protected lagoon cruising, a real BBQ buffet served on board, and a crew that people consistently describe as attentive.

I’d skip or rethink if weather is a big deal for your group, since cold wind can reduce comfort and snorkeling time. Also skip if you’re planning to do parasailing or other water sports, since those are not included.

If you want one ticket that turns into a full day of “sit back, eat well, and enjoy the water,” this is exactly that. Just dress for the possibility of wind, bring your towel and sunscreen, and you’ll set yourself up for a great day on the lagoon.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran cruise to Ile aux Cerfs?

The duration is approximately 7 to 8 hours.

Where does the tour depart from?

The meeting point is Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point, Mauritius.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ buffet lunch is included and served on board.

What drinks are available during the day?

The tour includes soft drinks, beer, water, and rum cocktails all day.

Is snorkeling included?

You can swim and snorkel before visiting the waterfall area.

Are water sports or parasailing included at Ile aux Cerfs?

No. Water sports or parasailing at Ile aux Cerfs are not included.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is optional. If you choose it, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, with the pickup time confirmed the day before based on where you are staying.