Trou d'Eau Douce
A picturesque fishing village turned gateway to Ile aux Cerfs without losing its Creole soul. Waterside church, colourful boats and grilled-fish eateries.
Tip: Compare boat prices along the seafront rather than booking at the first stand.
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A village before it was a jetty
Trou d'Eau Douce, in the Flacq district, is named after a freshwater spring that seeps into the lagoon; passing ships stopped here for water as far back as the Dutch period. Fishing still supports part of the village today, and the painted boats are moored right in front of the church.
Tourism grew on top of that without erasing it: between the boat stands you still see fishermen mending nets, small corner shops and simple tables serving the day's catch, grilled. For lunch it is usually simpler and cheaper than eating on the island: grilled fish, a curry or a vindaye, with a view of the boats.
Catching a boat to Ile aux Cerfs
The waterfront is lined with counters selling shuttles, speedboats and catamaran days. Shared shuttles run from roughly 8:30-9am, and the crossing takes about 10 minutes. Budget around Rs 450 to 800 return per adult depending on the package (prices checked October 2026; they are set freely and vary).
Before you pay, ask exactly what is included (lounger, drink, lunch, waterfall stop), when the last boat back leaves, usually between 4 and 5pm, and the boat's name. The best deals are rarely at the first stand by the car park.
Getting there
The village sits on the east coast road, about 15 minutes from Belle Mare. Allow roughly an hour from Port Louis or Grand Baie and 1.5 hours from Flic en Flac. Park along the seafront or near the jetty, and come early in high season.
Best time to wander
Around 8am the village wakes up as the first shuttles leave: good light for photos of the boats and the church. In the late afternoon, once the boats are back, the seafront empties and feels like a village again. Weather follows the east coast pattern: windier June to September, wetter January to March.
Pair it with
Trou d'Eau Douce is the natural starting point for Ile aux Cerfs, the Grande Rivière Sud-Est waterfall and the Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise. On land, Belle Mare and Palmar beaches are minutes away, and Flacq market livens up Centre de Flacq, inland.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the boat from Trou d'Eau Douce to Ile aux Cerfs?
Around Rs 450 to 800 return per adult in October 2026, depending on the operator and what's included. Compare a few stands before paying.
What time do boats leave Trou d'Eau Douce?
Shuttles start around 8:30-9am and run continuously. The last boat back from the island is usually between 4 and 5pm; confirm it when you board.
Is there parking in Trou d'Eau Douce?
Yes, along the seafront and near the jetty. In high season and at weekends, arrive early.
Is Trou d'Eau Douce worth a visit on its own?
It deserves an hour: the waterside church, the fishing boats and a plate of grilled fish at one of the small local spots.
