Ile aux Cerfs Catamaran Cruise

How a typical day runs

Most catamarans leave Trou d'Eau Douce around 9-9:15am (a few start at Pointe Jérôme near Mahébourg) and are back around 4pm. The route barely changes: across the south-east lagoon, a stop at the Grande Rivière Sud-Est waterfall, an anchorage for snorkelling, a BBQ lunch served on board with drinks, then time ashore on Ile aux Cerfs.

The waterfall sits at the end of a narrow estuary, so depending on the operator you either nose in with the catamaran or switch to a small speedboat. Time on the island ranges from roughly 1.5 to 3 hours. That is the biggest difference between offers, so ask before you book.

Prices and what's included

On a shared cruise without hotel transfers, expect about Rs 2,200 to 2,800 per adult (non-resident adult rate, checked October 2026). Packages sold on international booking sites, with hotel pick-up and a more elaborate lunch, cost considerably more. Chartering a whole catamaran runs into tens of thousands of rupees.

Usually included: BBQ (fish, chicken, salads), unlimited drinks and snorkelling gear. Usually extra: loungers, water sports on the island (parasailing, tube rides), lobster and sometimes the transfer.

Choosing an operator

Commercial pleasure craft must be registered and licensed by the Mauritius Tourism Authority, and a reputable operator will happily show you the licence. Ask about the maximum number of guests (20 aboard feels very different from 40), the real departure time and how long you stop on the island. Early departures reach the island before the midday shuttle crowds.

Weather, sea and comfort

From June to September the trade winds blow harder on the east coast, so the crossing is bumpier; bring seasickness tablets if you need them. The southern summer is warmer but wetter (about 220 mm of rain in January on the east coast). In rough seas operators reschedule or cancel, so check the refund policy.

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, reef shoes and some cash. Request children's life jackets in advance.

Pair it with

If you would rather have more beach time, the simple shuttle from Trou d'Eau Douce to Ile aux Cerfs is a much cheaper alternative. Other east coast ideas: the Undersea Walk at Belle Mare or a quiet morning at Palmar.