Catamaran days in Mauritius feel like pure freedom. This full-day cruise runs from Trou d’Eau Douce to Ile aux Cerfs, with swimming and snorkeling, a stop at the Grand River South-East Waterfalls, and a BBQ lunch on board. I especially like the way the day mixes open-ocean sailing with a real sightseeing moment inland, so you are not stuck on one single beach the whole time.

I also really like that the price bundles the big stuff. You get a 3-course BBQ lunch on the water, plus water, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks, which is an easy win if you do not want to budget meal by meal. With a live guide in English and French, you also get context for what you are seeing, not just a ride from point A to point B.

One consideration: the best moments can depend on conditions and timing. Some people felt snorkeling did not match expectations, and others noted limited shade and a shorter-than-hoped island window, especially if the sea area or beach gets windy.

Key things worth your attention

• Trou d’Eau Douce departure gives you scenic east-coast sailing from the start, with mountains and ocean views during the trip out.
• Ile aux Cerfs swim and snorkel is the main beach play, but snorkeling equipment is not included, so plan accordingly.
• GRSE waterfall stop adds a misty photo moment, and the exact sequence can shift with tide and water depth.
• BBQ lunch and drinks on board keep your day comfortable, with a full 3-course meal and included beverages.
• The trip is not for everyone: it is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users.
• Rough-sea weather changes plans, with a reschedule or a full refund if conditions cannot be made workable.

Leaving Trou d’Eau Douce: why the morning start matters

This cruise is built around the east coast, starting at Trou d’Eau Douce. You are not stuck organizing multiple pieces, like separate transport plus lunch plus a tour, because the catamaran experience is the core of the day. The total duration is about 7 hours, and starting times can vary, so check what time you are assigned before you make other plans.

If you are staying off the east side, the biggest logistics point is that hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included. That matters because it can add time and cost if you need a taxi or another transfer just to reach the meeting point. If you are already near Trou d’Eau Douce, the day gets much simpler and better value.

Once you get on board, the pacing starts to feel like a vacation. You get the sea breeze, the movement of a sailing trip, and views of Mauritius’ east coast while you head toward the day’s first main anchor: Ile aux Cerfs.

What to do to make that first hour pleasant is pretty basic, but it pays off. Bring your beachwear, pack a towel, and plan for sun. You will be on a boat where shade can be limited, and even when the water looks inviting, you still want sunscreen ready.

Ile aux Cerfs: swimming, snorkeling, and managing expectations

Ile aux Cerfs is the star name on this trip for a reason. The day shifts into beach mode when you arrive, with time to swim and snorkel around the island. The water is a key part of the experience, and you are given a chance to get in and enjoy it rather than just looking from shore.

Two practical things make a difference here.

First, snorkeling equipment is not included. If you want a comfortable snorkel fit, plan to bring your own mask and snorkel (or at least your personal gear). You can still enjoy the water without snorkeling, but if snorkeling is your priority, do not assume the tour provides the full kit.

Second, the island time can feel short depending on the day. One guest reported about 1 hour 30 minutes on Ile aux Cerfs, while others focused more on the overall beach vibe. That is why it helps to think of Ile aux Cerfs time as “active beach time,” not a leisurely all-day hangout. Decide what you want most: swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the sand with a drink in hand.

Comfort can also vary. Some feedback pointed to limited shade and a feeling of crowded space on board, which often matters most on bright, windy afternoons when you are trying to stay out of direct sun. If you know you burn easily or hate being exposed, dress smart and keep moving to use both sun and shade.

Finally, there is the reality of sea and wind. At least one person felt the swim area was too windy and not safe-feeling. You cannot control the weather, but you can reduce risk by staying close to your comfort level, following crew guidance, and not forcing snorkeling if conditions make visibility or footing unpredictable.

GRSE Waterfalls: a quick stop with real photo payoff

The Grand River South-East Waterfalls visit is the sightseeing counterweight to all that time on the ocean. It is a chance to see something different from the shoreline, with cascading water that creates mist and a change of scenery.

Just note the pacing reality. One guest described the waterfall passage as extremely brief, around 3 minutes. That does not mean that is how it will be for you every time, but it does tell you the waterfall stop is likely not a long, sit-and-stroll kind of visit. Think of it as a stop for photos, a quick look, and a moment of scenery, then back to the sea.

Also, the tour sequence can change based on tide and water depth, so you might experience the order of stops differently than another day. That is normal for coastal timing, but it does reinforce the point: this tour is structured for a full day, not for lingering.

If you enjoy short, punchy stops where you still get a memorable view, the waterfall component works well. If you want a deep, slow sightseeing experience with lots of time to explore around the falls, you might find it a bit too quick.

Lunch on board: BBQ, desserts, and the drink part of the deal

Lunch is one of the strongest reasons this cruise feels like value. You get a 3-course meal on board: BBQ choices including chicken, fish, and sausage, plus green salad, dessert, and included drinks (water, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages). That is not just a perk, it is also a time-saver. You are already out on the water, so not having to find lunch in a new place keeps the day running smoothly.

The BBQ format also tends to fit a catamaran rhythm. You are likely to eat in a window that supports swimming time rather than replacing it. The flip side is that you will not have “choose-anywhere” flexibility. If you are the kind of traveler who needs long breaks between activities, you may feel the day is more scheduled than spontaneous.

One more pacing note from feedback: at least one person described a long waiting point linked to a partner activity like parasailing and a floating buoy. I cannot confirm the exact duration or how common it is, but it is smart to understand what it implies. If you are hoping for constant motion and zero interruptions, this style of stop may feel annoying. The practical move is to go in expecting some waiting, and to stay hydrated and prepared so you are not stuck feeling bored under the sun.

The drink inclusion can also shape your perception of the timing. Alcoholic drinks are part of the package, and when people are hot, tired, and waiting, drinks can turn discomfort into a more relaxed mood. If you prefer non-alcohol time, pacing yourself helps you stay comfortable and focused.

The 7-hour flow: what the day usually feels like

Even without a minute-by-minute schedule, you can picture the tour as a sequence of “ocean time, activity time, eating, then back to beach time.” Starting from Trou d’Eau Douce, you sail along the east coast, reach Ile aux Cerfs for swimming and snorkeling, and build in the GRSE Waterfalls stop. Lunch lands in the middle of the action.

Because the order can shift based on tides and water depth, your best plan is to pack for a day that includes:

• sun exposure,
• time on a boat,
• water time,
• a quick stop for photos at the waterfall,
• and a full lunch on board.

If you go in with that mindset, surprises feel smaller. If you come with a tight schedule for other activities later that evening, it is safer to leave buffer time, since you are returning to the starting point at the end of the cruise.

What to pack so your day stays comfortable

The tour lists what to bring, and these are the items that matter most on a catamaran day:

• Change of clothes
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Beachwear

You will be changing between wet and dry, and you will want your own towel because boat towels are never a given. Sunscreen matters even if you think you will be too windy for sunburn. Between boat shade and sun patches, people still get caught.

Also think about the snorkeling gap. Since snorkeling equipment is not included, bring your own if you have it, and keep your expectations realistic if you do not. If snorkeling is a must, showing up without gear can turn a dream day into a compromise.

Finally, if you are sensitive to motion, catamaran trips can feel different depending on sea conditions. Weather can also cause rescheduling, so pay attention to any updates on the day.

Price and value: is $64 a smart buy?

At $64 per person, the headline value depends on what you would otherwise pay for if you built the day yourself. This cruise bundles:

• a catamaran trip,
• a visit to Ile aux Cerfs,
• a visit to GRSE Waterfalls,
• swimming and snorkeling (with equipment not included),
• and a 3-course BBQ lunch plus drinks.

If you are comparing this to the cost of getting out to the east coast, arranging a boat day, and paying for lunch and drinks, this starts to look like a bargain. You are buying the overall package, not just a single viewpoint.

But it is not an automatic “yes.” If you care most about:

• long, flexible snorkeling time,
• a lot of shade and room on board,
• or extended island time,

then you might feel shortchanged on certain days. The feedback includes examples of limited shade, a short time on Ile aux Cerfs, and snorkeling not living up to expectations for some people.

So my practical take: this is a good value when you want an organized full-day experience with included food and drinks, and you are flexible about timing. It is less ideal when you are very picky about comfort, snorkeling conditions, or how many hours you get on the beach.

Who this Mauritius catamaran tour is best for

This trip is best suited to travelers who like a structured day with multiple highlights. It is a great match if you want:

• ocean-focused time,
• a guided experience in English or French,
• a main beach stop at Ile aux Cerfs,
• and at least one inland photo moment with the waterfalls.

It is also a good fit for people who like being active, because the day includes swimming and snorkeling time rather than only sightseeing.

On the other hand, it is not suitable for:

• pregnant women,
• people with mobility impairments,
• wheelchair users.

That matters for your safety and comfort. Catamarans and beach landings often involve steps, uneven surfaces, and limited space for assisted movement.

Should you book this Ile aux Cerfs catamaran with lunch?

I would book it if you want a fun, organized day that combines sailing, a beach highlight, and an included BBQ lunch with drinks. For the money, the 3-course meal and included beverages are a big part of why this can feel like a win, especially if your other plans are limited by how much you want to spend.

I would think twice if your top priority is snorkeling that is guaranteed, or if you need a long, relaxed stretch of island time. The experience can depend on wind, sea conditions, and the day’s timing. Also, since snorkeling equipment is not included and shade can be limited, you should plan like comfort is on you.

If you are flexible, pack well, and treat it as a busy beach-and-sun day with a quick waterfall photo stop, it can be an excellent Mauritius highlight.

FAQ

How long is the Mauritius Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise with lunch?

The duration is 7 hours. Starting times vary based on availability.

What does the lunch include on board?

Lunch is a 3-course meal with BBQ chicken, fish, and sausage, plus green salad, desserts, and drinks. Drinks include water, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included, though swimming and snorkeling are part of the experience.

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. They may be arranged separately for an additional cost.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If there are adverse weather conditions (excluding just rain) or rough seas, the trip can be rescheduled. If a suitable date cannot be arranged, you receive a full refund.

What languages is the live guide available in?

The live tour guide is available in English and French.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments, and it is also not suitable for pregnant women.