REVIEW · ÎLE AUX CERFS
Mauritius: Ile aux cerfs, waterfalls and bbq Boat Day
One day in Mauritius can feel like three different trips. This speedboat boat day blends Ile aux cerfs beach time, a GRSE waterfall stop with monkey feeding, and an included beach BBQ lunch. One drawback to plan around: it is not wheelchair suitable.
My favorite part is how the schedule gives you real downtime. You get hours on the beach, then you shift gears to waterfalls and animals, then you eat well without hunting for a restaurant. You’ll want to manage expectations too, because snorkeling gear and towels are not included and you will be mostly on your feet.
In This Review
- Key Things I’d Focus On
- Getting to Ile aux Cerfs by Speedboat from Trou d’Eau Douce
- Morning Beach Time at Ile aux cerfs (Plus a Margenie island walk)
- The GRSE Waterfall Stop and Monkey Feeding Moment
- BBQ Lunch on the Beach, With Drinks Included
- Return Cruise Timing, What to Do After Lunch
- Price and Value: Is $64 a Good Deal?
- What’s Not Included, and How to Pack Smart
- Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Prefer Another Option)
- Should You Book This Ile aux Cerfs, Waterfalls and BBQ Boat Day?
- FAQ
- What time does the tour depart from Trou d’Eau Douce?
- How long do I have on Ile aux cerfs?
- Do we visit a waterfall and see monkeys?
- Is snorkeling included, and do I need snorkeling gear?
- What is included in the BBQ lunch and drinks?
- Are towels, keeway, or super alcoholic drinks included?
- Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
- Can I reserve now and cancel later?
Key Things I’d Focus On

- Ile aux cerfs beach time from arrival until your return pickup
- GRSE waterfall visit with time to watch monkeys during feeding
- BBQ lunch that’s actually a meal, not a snack, plus drinks
- Straightforward day flow with clear pickup points
- Good value for a packed sea plus land day, especially at $64
- Skip-the-ticket-line helps you start moving sooner
Other crossings to Ile aux Cerfs, compared
Getting to Ile aux Cerfs by Speedboat from Trou d’Eau Douce

This day trip runs with a simple rhythm, and the boat is the point. You depart every day at 9:30 am from Trou d’Eau Douce, heading to Ile aux cerfs aboard Saeta speedboat ile aux cerfs. It is a great match for people who want that “Mauritius wow” without spending your whole trip on transport.
The value angle here is the combo. You are paying for a round-trip speedboat plus scheduled visits plus an included BBQ lunch. That matters because Mauritius can be pricey once you start stacking boat transfers, beach activities, and food out of pocket.
Do note the pace is active in chunks. You’ll move between boat, beach time, a waterfall visit, and then the return cruise. If you want a super relaxed, no-walking day, you might find the route a bit more structured than you’d like.
Morning Beach Time at Ile aux cerfs (Plus a Margenie island walk)

Once you arrive, you get a real window to enjoy the island. You can chill on Ile aux cerfs until 12:30, which is long enough to swim, relax, and wander without feeling rushed. If you like a short stroll, you can take a walk toward Margenie island during that downtime.
That free time is one of the best parts of this day. Organized tours often cram you into a tight schedule, but here the morning is built for “slow island mode.” I love itineraries that give you choices, because you can match the day to your energy level.
A practical note: your day is set around the 12:30 pickup. Plan your beach time so you’re not sprinting back to the boat last minute. Also, since snorkeling gear is not included, if you were hoping to do water activities beyond basic swimming, bring your own gear.
The GRSE Waterfall Stop and Monkey Feeding Moment

After the 12:30 pickup, you head to the GRSE waterfall. This is where the day switches from beach relaxation to a more lively nature stop, and it is also the highlight for animal lovers.
You will have the chance to admire monkeys during the visit, with monkeys feeding included as part of the experience. That can be fun, but it also means you should keep your behavior calm and follow staff guidance. Monkeys are curious by nature, and you do not want to treat this like a photo circus.
What makes this stop valuable is the contrast. Mauritius is famous for beaches, but a waterfall visit adds variety and gives you a break from pure sand and sun. Just be ready for uneven ground and real walking. The tour also is not wheelchair suitable, which hints that the waterfall area may be tough to navigate comfortably.
BBQ Lunch on the Beach, With Drinks Included
Then comes the part that keeps this tour from feeling like a snack-and-cope day: lunch is included and it is proper. You’ll enjoy a grilled BBQ lunch with options such as fish and chicken, plus potato salad, bread with garlic butter, and pineapple. You also get soft drinks, juice, water, and alcoholic drinks including beers, wine, and rhum.
This is a smart inclusion for value. If you had to buy lunch plus drinks in Mauritius on your own, costs add up fast. Here, the BBQ lunch is part of the package, so you can focus on enjoying the day rather than doing math in your head.
A quick reality check: towels are not included, and snorkeling gear is not included. That means you should think ahead about what you’ll need for the sea portion and for your comfort at the beach. If you have sensitive skin, pack sunscreen too, since you will be outside for hours.
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Return Cruise Timing, What to Do After Lunch
After lunch, you have more downtime before the speedboat picks you up. You can relax again until the return cruise around 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm. This is helpful because you are not forced to immediately rush off after eating, and you can ride the day instead of fighting it.
This “breather time” also gives you flexibility. If you swam earlier and feel tired, you can rest. If you want more beach time, you can squeeze in some last sun. Just remember you are on a schedule, so avoid anything that might delay you returning to the pickup spot.
Price and Value: Is $64 a Good Deal?
At $64 per person for a one-day sea and waterfall mix, the value depends on what you’d otherwise pay. In a place like Mauritius, boat transfers, beach access, and guided stops are rarely cheap when you piece them together.
Here’s why this price feels fair if you want the full combo:
- You get round-trip speedboat transportation to and from Ile aux cerfs
- The day includes a waterfall visit with monkeys feeding
- Lunch is a BBQ meal with a long list of drinks, not just juice
The cost is also easier to swallow because the included drinks reduce decision fatigue. If you were planning to buy lunch and a few beverages anyway, you’re already halfway to covering the tour price.
The main caution on value is personal preference. If you are not excited by monkeys or you want to snorkel and lounge only, you might feel the itinerary is a bit mixed. In that case, you may get better value with a simpler boat-to-beach plan where you control everything.
What’s Not Included, and How to Pack Smart
This tour is clearly designed around beach time plus BBQ plus the waterfall stop. It does not cover everything you might want for a full day at the water.
Not included items to plan for:
- Snorkeling and snorkeling gear
- Towel
- Keeway
- Super alcoholic drinks
That’s not meant to scare you off, it is just direction. If you want to snorkel, bring your own gear. If you want comfort, bring a towel and a change of clothes. And if you are the type who likes strong cocktails, remember the included alcohol is limited to what is listed, so you may have to pay extra for anything above that.
If you can, pack for both parts of the day: sun protection for the boat and beach, and shoes you’re comfortable walking in around the waterfall area.
Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Prefer Another Option)
This is a good match for people who want a one-day hits package. You get sea, sun, sand, plus a nature stop, plus a meal that is included. If you like having enough time to relax without waiting around all day, the mid-day schedule works well.
It is especially appealing if you want:
- A beach day on Ile aux cerfs
- A memorable nature moment at GRSE waterfall
- A stress-free BBQ lunch with drinks included
It might not be ideal if you:
- Rely on wheelchair access, since the tour is not suitable for wheelchair
- Want snorkeling as a main activity, since snorkeling gear is not included
- Prefer to choose restaurants and drinks completely on your own
Should You Book This Ile aux Cerfs, Waterfalls and BBQ Boat Day?
I’d book this if you want one day to cover the main Mauritius vacation cravings: beach time, animals, and a well-fed outing. The best reason is the structure: a morning on Ile aux cerfs, a waterfall stop with monkeys, and then an included BBQ lunch that keeps the day comfortable and low-stress.
I’d think twice if you are traveling with specific needs around access or if snorkeling is your top priority. In those cases, you might be happier with a more focused plan.
If you’re flexible and you want good value for a packed day, this is a strong choice.
FAQ
What time does the tour depart from Trou d’Eau Douce?
The tour departs daily at 9:30 am from Trou d’Eau Douce.
How long do I have on Ile aux cerfs?
You have time on Ile aux cerfs until 12:30. After that, you are picked up from the same place where the skipper dropped you off.
Do we visit a waterfall and see monkeys?
Yes. After the pickup at 12:30, you go to the GRSE waterfall, where you can also admire monkeys during monkey feeding.
Is snorkeling included, and do I need snorkeling gear?
No. Snorkeling and snorkeling gear are not included, so you should plan to bring your own if you want it.
What is included in the BBQ lunch and drinks?
Lunch includes grilled items like fish and chicken, plus potato salad, bread with garlic butter, and pineapple. Drinks included are soft drinks, juice, water, and alcoholic drinks including beers, wine, and rhum.
Are towels, keeway, or super alcoholic drinks included?
No. Towel, keeway, and super alcoholic drinks are not included.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair.
Can I reserve now and cancel later?
Yes. You can reserve now & pay later, and you have free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
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