REVIEW · CHAMAREL
Full-Day Catamaran Cruise to Île aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch
Book on Viator →Operated by Catamaran Cruises Mauritius · Bookable on Viator
Dolphins, snorkeling, and a sandbank beach day. This full-day catamaran cruise sails from Pointe Jérôme to Île aux Cerfs, with a lagoon swim stop, BBQ lunch, and plenty of time to relax. You’ll also get onboard Mauritian sega-style music and chances to spot dolphins at sea.
I love the BBQ buffet lunch setup, especially the pineapple dessert, plus the fact that local drinks keep coming all day. I also like that you get snorkeling equipment rather than having to figure it out on your own.
The main catch is that the experience level can vary with conditions. Snorkeling can be less colorful if the water isn’t cooperating, and the specific side where boats drop you can feel crowded or a bit basic.
In This Review
- Key highlights worth caring about
- Pointe Jérôme start: parking, timing, and what happens before the boat leaves
- Cruising past the nature reserve and looking for dolphins
- The lagoon snorkeling stop: equipment is included, but water conditions matter
- Île aux Cerfs time: the sandbank drop, barefoot relaxation, and parasailing options
- BBQ lunch and unlimited drinks: where the value really shows up
- The crew and onboard vibe: friendly hosts with names you’ll see in reviews
- Logistics you should plan for: no pickup, mobile ticket, and a 31-person cap
- Price and value: $81.10 for a full day with island time and unlimited drinks
- Should you book this Île aux Cerfs catamaran cruise?
- FAQ
- How long is the catamaran cruise?
- What time does it start, and where do we meet?
- Is hotel pickup included?
- What’s included with the BBQ lunch and drinks?
- Is snorkeling equipment provided?
- Do we have time to do parasailing on Île aux Cerfs?
- What are the cancellation rules?
Key highlights worth caring about
- Front-ladder drop onto the Île aux Cerfs sandbank, straight into knee-deep water time
- Unlimited drinks all day, including local rum, beer, wine, and soft drinks
- Snorkeling stop with provided gear, before you reach the island
- Dolphin spotting on the route, with the crew helping you look
- Small-group feel (up to 31 travelers), good for both couples and families
- Parasailing is available on Île aux Cerfs as an optional add-on
Pointe Jérôme start: parking, timing, and what happens before the boat leaves
Your day begins at Pointe Jérôme Embarkation Point in Pointe d’Esny. The tour starts at 9:00 am and runs about 7 hours, and it ends back at the same meeting point, so you don’t need to plan a separate return.
There’s no hotel pickup, which matters if you’re staying farther out. The good news: there’s free parking at the embarkation point for drivers using their own means, and it’s described as near public transportation.
Once you arrive, the flow is usually smooth. In the reviews, people talk about crew interaction early on, with coffee and sweet bread served right after departure—basically a calm runway into the day rather than a rushed scramble.
Cruising past the nature reserve and looking for dolphins
Out on open water, the catamaran ride is a big part of the appeal. You’ll sail past a nature reserve, and that ocean stretch is where your crew will cue you to look for wildlife—especially dolphins.
You shouldn’t expect a guaranteed sighting, but the vibe is actively geared toward spotting them. Several comments highlight that the captain and crew worked hard to help people get a look, and that alone can turn the cruise into a memorable story, even if you’re not a hardcore “watch wildlife” person.
Music is also part of the atmosphere. Reviews mention sega-style energy and a DJ feel, so it’s not silent sailing—it’s more like a relaxed party boat that still keeps things family-friendly.
The lagoon snorkeling stop: equipment is included, but water conditions matter
Before you reach Île aux Cerfs, you’ll stop at a snorkeling spot in the lagoon. This is where the provided gear becomes real value. You get snorkeling equipment included, so you’re not paying extra or spending your time hunting for masks and fins.
Also, think of this stop as flexible. The description emphasizes swim, snorkel, or simply sunbathe. That’s important because not everyone wants to snorkel for long stretches, and you won’t feel stuck.
One review note to keep in mind: if the conditions aren’t ideal, the snorkeling can look less colorful than you hoped. So if your goal is Instagram-level reef color, you may be slightly disappointed depending on the water on the day—but if you’re looking for a pleasant swim and a chance to see something underwater, it usually still delivers.
Île aux Cerfs time: the sandbank drop, barefoot relaxation, and parasailing options
Île aux Cerfs is the day’s centerpiece, and you get dropped right onto the famous sandbank. The most specific detail here is how you arrive: there’s a drop down ladder at the front of the catamaran, so you step down straight onto the sandbank. That’s a huge practical difference from boats that park offshore and send you in by smaller craft.
Once you’re there, you’ve got time to relax on the beach or wade in knee-deep water. This is the part of the day that feels like the classic Mauritius postcard—warm shallows, beach time, and that “I’m on my own little island” feeling without the planning headache.
Parasailing is available on the island. It’s mentioned as an option, which likely means extra cost and separate operator rules. If parasailing is on your must-do list, build in time to handle it efficiently because island days can get busy.
About crowds: one concern shows up in reviews. The side where the boat stops can feel crowded, and some people describe it as basic compared with their expectations. If you’re sensitive to noise and foot traffic, you may want to position yourself early on the sandbank and spend your best quiet time before the afternoon peak.
BBQ lunch and unlimited drinks: where the value really shows up
If you only care about one thing—food and drinks—this cruise is built for that. You’ll enjoy a BBQ buffet lunch onboard, and the day also includes morning tea and snacks.
The drink package is a major headline: local beer, wine, Mauritian rum, and soft drinks are included. Reviews repeatedly say the crew kept refilling drinks throughout the whole trip, which is exactly what you want on a long day—less waiting, more relaxing.
Food details that matter: lunch is described as a BBQ buffet, and pineapple is served for dessert. Coffee and/or tea are also included. One review calls out that vegetarian options were available, so if you avoid meat, you should feel looked after rather than stuck with salad.
One small reality check: alcohol policies and drink service depend on how the crew manages the boat, and you should follow their guidance. But based on the tone across the reviews, the service style is friendly and proactive, not stingy.
The crew and onboard vibe: friendly hosts with names you’ll see in reviews
A day like this lives or dies by the crew, and the tone here is consistently positive. People praise hosts for being accommodating and for keeping the day moving at a relaxed pace.
A few names come up in the feedback: Rowan, Rudi, and Scott are mentioned in relation to smooth service and hospitality. Other notes include Priscilla and Cathline helping when a guest arrived late due to a driver mix-up, and Miguel being helpful for another passenger’s situation.
There’s also a warm human story showing up in the reviews: one person accidentally dropped a phone into the water, and a crew member retrieved it. That’s not something you book for, but it does tell you the crew is watching out for guests in practical ways, not just handing out drinks.
Logistics you should plan for: no pickup, mobile ticket, and a 31-person cap
This tour uses a mobile ticket. That’s convenient, but make sure you have your phone charged and accessible—especially if you’re arriving from Mauritius traffic where timing can shift.
No hotel pickup means you need your own ride to Pointe Jérôme. If you’re driving, free parking helps. If you’re relying on public transit, it’s stated to be near transportation, but you’ll still want to arrive early because the day is structured around the 9:00 am start.
Group size is capped at a maximum of 31 travelers. That’s small enough to feel personal, but big enough to keep the boat lively. For families, that balance matters.
Children are allowed, but the rule is clear: kids must be accompanied by an adult.
Price and value: $81.10 for a full day with island time and unlimited drinks
At $81.10 per person, this cruise competes as a value option because it bundles several costly pieces into one ticket. You’re paying for:
- the catamaran day itself (about 7 hours),
- lunch onboard (BBQ buffet),
- morning tea and snacks,
- pineapple dessert,
- coffee and/or tea,
- snorkeling equipment,
- and unlimited local drinks (beer, wine, rum, soft drinks).
That’s a lot of “extras” that normally cost money on a typical Mauritius itinerary. Even if you don’t snorkel for long, you still get the island time and the included food and drinks.
That said, one review suggests the trip is not worth it if you can find a lower price. So treat price as flexible: if you can book when deals are available, it’s easier to feel like you “won” the day. If you pay full price, you should still consider it worthwhile if your priorities are relaxed sailing, beach time at Île aux Cerfs, and a worry-free all-day drink and lunch package.
Should you book this Île aux Cerfs catamaran cruise?
Book it if you want an easy, full-day ocean outing with minimal planning. You’ll likely enjoy it most if your ideal day includes a sandbank drop at Île aux Cerfs, a snorkeling stop with gear provided, and a BBQ lunch with drinks that don’t require constant decisions.
Skip it or adjust expectations if you’re chasing top-tier snorkeling color or you dislike any island-side crowding. Water conditions can affect snorkeling, and the boat-stop side of Île aux Cerfs may not feel like a private beach paradise.
Also consider your travel style: this is a chill cruise with options for extra activities like parasailing, not a rigid sightseeing tour. If you’re into that laid-back rhythm, you’ll probably love how straightforward the day feels.
FAQ
How long is the catamaran cruise?
The duration is about 7 hours.
What time does it start, and where do we meet?
It starts at 9:00 am and departs from the Pointe Jérôme Embarkation Point (HPGF+496), Pointe d’Esny. It ends back at the same meeting point.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
What’s included with the BBQ lunch and drinks?
You get a delicious BBQ buffet lunch, coffee and/or tea, morning tea and snacks, pineapple for dessert, and unlimited local drinks including beer, wine, Mauritian rum, and soft drinks.
Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.
Do we have time to do parasailing on Île aux Cerfs?
Yes, parasailing is available on the island as an additional activity option.
What are the cancellation rules?
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount you paid isn’t refunded. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available as stated above.
