Catamarans make Mauritius feel bigger. This 6-hour catamaran day cruise takes you to Ile aux Cerfs by sea (not by road), with snorkeling stops and a relaxed beach break built into the schedule. I especially like the fact that lunch and alcoholic drinks are included, and that snorkel equipment is provided so you can spend less time shopping and more time in the water.

One thing to keep in mind: timing can be tight. A couple of reviews mention a late departure and, in at least one case, less island time than expected due to how the day’s sequence played out.

Key highlights (the stuff that really matters)

• Ile aux Cerfs access by catamaran, including coastline views you simply can’t get from land
• Snorkeling with provided equipment at a wildlife-rich spot
• BBQ lunch plus soda, bottled water, and alcoholic drinks included
• GRSE waterfalls area stop for scenery (and possibly monkeys)
• Smallish group size with a maximum of 30 travelers
• Return to Trou d’Eau Douce around 16:00, making it easy to fit into your trip

Catamaran to Ile aux Cerfs: what you get for about $63

At $63.35 per person, this cruise is priced like a real activity, not just a ferry ride. You’re not paying extra for the “big ticket” items that many island day plans separate: the boat time, BBQ lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear.

That’s the value story here. If you’re the type who will snorkel and eat on the water, the inclusions make the price feel fair fast. If you’re only interested in a quick beach stop and you won’t touch snorkeling or alcohol, then you might feel like you’re paying for time you won’t use. Balance your expectations and you’ll enjoy it more.

Also, the day is designed to feel varied. You get scenery at the start, water time after, then a classic “beach island” finish.

From Trou d’Eau Douce at 09:30: GRSE waterfalls and first sightings

Most trips like this live or die by the morning flow, and this one starts with a clear plan. You set off from Trou d’Eau Douce around 09:30. The boat heads toward the GRSE waterfalls nearby, and that first stretch matters because it sets the tone.

What you’re looking for in this segment:

• Green scenery while you cruise
• A chance of monkeys greeting you, if you’re lucky

Even if you don’t see monkeys, this part works because you’re not stuck sitting in a resort. You’re moving across the lagoon and coastline, with sea air doing half the work for the mood.

Practical note: one review mentioned the experience timing didn’t match the ticket as written. So if your schedule is tight, build in a little buffer and don’t plan a “must be on time” dinner right after.

Snorkeling stops: why the sea route improves your odds

After the waterfall-area cruise, the catamaran slides through turquoise water to the snorkeling spot. This is where the “can’t-reach-by-land” promise becomes real.

The key details you should know:

• You’ll snorkel in wildlife-rich waters
• Snorkel equipment is included, so you don’t need to rent gear
• The boat format typically lets you choose the water with less hassle than doing it independently

For me, the best part of a setup like this is friction reduction. You show up, hop in, and go. No hunting for a place to park, no figuring out where the current is best, and no wondering if the rental shop closed early.

What you should do:

• Bring swimwear and a towel if you have one
• If you’re sensitive to sun, wear a shirt or rash guard; the day is half sun, half sea

Lunch on the water: BBQ, drinks, and a live music touch

Lunch comes soon after the snorkeling stop. Expect BBQ-style food and a proper drinks setup: alcoholic beverages, soda, and bottled water are all included.

Several reviews highlight the same theme: the crew keeps things moving and the food is genuinely good. One featured review specifically called out a singer/guitarist who accompanied lunch. Others described the vibe as upbeat, with music on board and a relaxed, social feel.

This is more than “free lunch.” It’s part of the pacing:

• You snorkel, then you eat while you’re still warm and buoyed up by the day
• You don’t waste an hour hunting for food on a tight island schedule
• The drinks inclusion helps you settle into island mode later

If you enjoy a lively day, this portion will likely be a hit. If you prefer quiet, you may find the on-board music a bit more “party boat” than “library cruise,” but it sounds generally friendly rather than chaotic.

Ile aux Cerfs beach time: the highlight, with a timing caveat

Once lunch is done, the anchor lifts and you head to Ile aux Cerfs, described as a famous paradise island. This is your land break: beach time where you can swim, wander, soak up sun, or just do nothing for a while.

Here’s what you can reasonably expect:

• You’ll arrive after lunch and spend time on the beach
• The day is long enough to feel like a mini getaway, not just a stop-and-photo

The caveat is time on the island can vary. One review described a situation where the trip ran behind schedule and island time ended up closer to about an hour, not the longer stretch they expected. Another mentioned an itinerary that felt like it got run in a different order than planned due to optional add-on activity requests.

So my advice: treat Ile aux Cerfs time as flexible. If you go in expecting a perfect, unchanging schedule, you’ll be disappointed when boats and mixed groups do what mixed groups do. If you go in expecting a beach break that’s still fun even if it’s slightly shorter, you’ll enjoy it.

Also, one review said Ile aux Cerfs felt a bit overhyped and didn’t offer much for them. That doesn’t mean it’s not beautiful—it means it’s not a secret island with endless quiet corners. Go for the water, beaches, and the sea access, not for a “nobody is here” vibe.

Crew service and how the day stays easy

This tour is capped at 30 travelers, which is a big deal in a place where bigger groups can feel like cattle. A smaller group usually means the crew can keep an eye on everyone—especially when snorkeling gear, drinks, and timing are all in motion.

Reviews repeatedly praise the crew for:

• Friendly, professional service
• Keeping activities on track
• Ensuring you have enough drinks

Some names came up in the reviews, which helps make it feel real: Tomi, Lori, and Adrienne were mentioned with gratitude for service. Another review credited the company’s team for pro service and an all-inclusive concept.

Bottom line: if you like being looked after without doing paperwork or coordinating vendors, this style of day trip fits you.

Price and value math: when this cruise is a smart buy

Let’s talk value using what’s actually included.

For $63.35, you get:

• Catamaran cruise time
• A scenery stop near GRSE waterfalls
• Snorkeling equipment
• Lunch (BBQ)
• Alcoholic drinks + soda + bottled water

That’s a lot of “extras” bundled. It’s also not just food and drink—having snorkel gear included removes a common hassle cost.

Where you get the best value:

• You snorkel (even for a short, guided-style session)
• You want lunch without searching
• You’ll enjoy a few drinks while cruising

Where value might feel weaker:

• You only care about the beach and won’t snorkel
• You’re strict about alcohol and plan to avoid it entirely

Still, even if you skip alcohol, the meal and snorkel gear usually make the price easier to swallow.

Practical tips before you go

A few practical ideas will help you get the most from a 09:30–16:00 day.

Plan around sun and water

Bring or wear:

• Swimwear under clothes
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, or a cover-up)
• Reef-safe habits if you have them (not required by the data, but it’s a good habit)

Use the right expectations for the island

Ile aux Cerfs is beautiful and the beach time is a big payoff. But it’s still a known island, so the goal is enjoying the water and shoreline, not finding absolute silence.

Watch your timing buffer

The schedule is listed as departing around 09:30 and back around 16:00, but real-world timing can slip. If you’re catching another transport right after, don’t book something that leaves no room for a delay.

Have a simple day plan

Since pickup isn’t included (more on that below), you’ll want a clear way to get to the meeting point.

Who should book this cruise (and who should skip it)

This catamaran day trip is a great fit if you want:

• A sea-first way to reach Ile aux Cerfs
• A combo day: scenery + snorkeling + BBQ + beach
• A laid-back group outing with crew service doing the heavy lifting

It may be less ideal if:

• You need a strict, guaranteed island time down to the minute
• You dislike any possibility of schedule changes (late departures or reordered segments have happened for some groups)
• You’re looking for a super-quiet, off-the-grid beach day

Should you book this catamaran cruise to Ile aux Cerfs?

I think you should book it if your “perfect day” in Mauritius looks like this: you start in the morning, get real water views, snorkel with gear already handled, eat a good BBQ while drinks are flowing, then end with beach time at Ile aux Cerfs.

I’d pass or look for an alternative if timing precision is your top priority, or if you only want the island and plan to skip snorkeling and the included meal.

If you do book, go in flexible. The boat day format is part of the charm—and the best results come when you treat it like a relaxed cruise, not a rigid checklist.

FAQ

What is the duration of the catamaran cruise to Ile aux Cerfs?

The tour lasts about 6 hours.

Where does the tour depart from?

It departs from Tino Boats 5 island tour & Catamaran Ile aux cerfs, Route Royale, Le Maho MU, Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius.

What time does the tour leave and return?

The sailing is described as departing around 09:30 and returning by about 16:00.

What is included in the price?

Lunch, snorkeling equipment, alcoholic beverages, soda/pop, and bottled water are included.

Are hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Private transportation and hotel pick up & drop off are not included.

Do I get snorkeling gear with the tour?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included.

How many people are on the tour?

There is a maximum of 30 travelers.

Is the tour suitable for most travelers?

Yes, it states most travelers can participate.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance. If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

When will I receive confirmation after booking?

Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.

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