Ile aux Cerfs
The east coast's iconic lagoon island: white sandbanks, translucent water and coconut palms make it the dream setting for catamaran trips. 18-hole golf course and every water sport.
Tip: Boat shuttle from Trou d'Eau Douce (~Rs 450-800 return, speedboat costs more) or catamaran day with BBQ. Walk away from the jetty to find quiet coves.
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What the island is like
Ile aux Cerfs has no roads and no cars: you step off a jetty onto a spit of white sand wrapped in a shallow lagoon. There is no entrance fee for the island itself; you pay for the boat, sunloungers and activities.
Beach restaurants, lounger rentals and water sports (parasailing, tube rides, kayaks, glass-bottom boats) cluster around the landing point. Much of the island is taken up by an 18-hole course designed by Bernhard Langer, open to visitors by reservation, with the boat transfer included in the green fee.
Boat options from Trou d'Eau Douce
The shared shuttle (taxi-boat) is the easy way over. Boats leave the Trou d'Eau Douce waterfront in regular rotations from roughly 8:30-9am, and the crossing takes about 10 minutes. Expect around Rs 450 to 800 return per adult depending on the operator and package; some include a drink and a lounger, others lunch. The last boat back usually runs between 4 and 5pm, so confirm the exact time and the boat's name when you pay (prices checked October 2026; they are set freely and vary).
Private speedboats are negotiated on the same seafront and can add the Grande Rivière Sud-Est waterfall. Full-day catamaran cruises leave from Trou d'Eau Douce or Pointe Jérôme near Mahébourg and bundle the waterfall, snorkelling, an onboard BBQ and a stop on the island.
Getting there and timing
By car, Trou d'Eau Douce is about an hour from Port Louis or Grand Baie and around 1.5 hours from Flic en Flac. Park near the jetty; touts will approach you from the car park, so take your time and compare.
Catch one of the first boats: the beach is far quieter before the catamarans and tour groups arrive. Weekends, public holidays and Mauritian school holidays are the busiest. The east coast is much wetter in the southern summer (about 220 mm of rain in January versus 55 mm in September) and windier from June to September.
Practical tips
Walk 15 minutes along the shore away from the jetty to find quiet coves. Bring reef shoes (coral, sea urchins), sun protection and cash for loungers and snacks. Swim in the marked zones, well clear of boat lanes and jet skis.
Pair it with
The Grande Rivière Sud-Est waterfall fits into the same morning by boat. Then stay on the east coast: grilled fish in Trou d'Eau Douce and a late afternoon on Belle Mare or Palmar beach.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the boat to Ile aux Cerfs?
The shared shuttle from Trou d'Eau Douce costs roughly Rs 450 to 800 return per adult, depending on the operator and what is included (October 2026). A full-day catamaran cruise is more like Rs 2,200-2,800 per adult.
Is there an entrance fee for Ile aux Cerfs?
No, access to the island is free. You only pay for the crossing, loungers, food and water sports.
How long is the boat ride?
About 10 minutes by shuttle from Trou d'Eau Douce. From Pointe Jérôme near Mahébourg the trip is considerably longer.
Can non-hotel guests play golf on Ile aux Cerfs?
Yes, the 18-hole course takes visitors by reservation, and the green fee includes the boat transfer from the club's private jetty.
How much time do I need on Ile aux Cerfs?
Half a day covers the beach and a swim; plan a full day if you add the GRSE waterfall, a water sport and lunch on the island.
