Ile aux Cerfs Catamaran · Updated July 2026
Best Catamaran Cruises to Ile aux Cerfs
Five boat tours ranked by value, experience, and who they are best for. All depart from Trou d'Eau Douce on the east coast.
Ile aux Cerfs is the most famous islet in Mauritius, and the catamaran cruise from Trou d'Eau Douce is the best way to reach it. But not every tour is the same. Some are built for families, others for adventure seekers, and some are designed for travellers who want to see as much as possible in one day. This guide ranks the five best boat tours to Ile aux Cerfs based on real value, guest feedback, and the quality of the experience.
Quick comparison: See all tours side by side with prices, durations, and inclusions in one table.
Ile aux Cerfs Catamaran Cruise
Best for Families & Couples
This is the signature east coast experience and the tour most guests choose. A spacious catamaran departs Trou d'Eau Douce at 9:30 AM and follows a relaxed itinerary: GRSE waterfall excursion, coral reef snorkeling, BBQ lunch cooked fresh on board with open bar, and two hours of free time on Ile aux Cerfs. Hotel transfers from anywhere in Mauritius are included. The wide, stable deck makes it ideal for families with young children, older guests, and anyone who wants shade and space. Non-swimmers feel safe because the crew provides life jackets and stays nearby during the snorkel stop.
View Full Details & Book5 Islands Tour Mauritius
Best for Explorers & Repeat Visitors
If you have already done a standard catamaran cruise or you want to see more than one island, this is the best tour in Mauritius. The 5 Islands Tour visits Ile aux Aigrettes for snorkeling, Ile de la Passe for history, and includes a wild dolphin watching session with roughly 50 percent sighting odds. The BBQ lunch is served on the beach at Ile aux Margenie, and the tour finishes with free time at Ile aux Cerfs. It costs more than the catamaran but covers twice the ground. History enthusiasts and families with older children love this tour.
View Full Details & BookIle aux Cerfs Speedboat Tour
Best for Adventurers
The speedboat tour is the adrenaline option. You feel the wind and spray as the boat cuts across the turquoise lagoon at speed. It visits the GRSE waterfall, includes a snorkel stop, and serves BBQ lunch on the beach at Ile aux Margenie. The speedboat reaches snorkeling spots faster, which means more time in the water and less time sailing. It is cheaper than the catamaran but bumpier, so it suits confident swimmers, teenagers, and couples who want excitement over relaxation. Hotel transfers are optional add-ons.
View Full Details & BookPrivate Catamaran Charter
Best for Groups & Special Occasions
A private charter gives you the entire boat. Wedding parties, corporate groups, and large families use this option to control the schedule, music, and menu. You can add champagne, request a specific snorkeling spot, or extend time at Ile aux Cerfs. The per-person cost drops significantly for groups above 15. A full-day private charter includes everything the shared catamaran offers plus total flexibility. Contact us on WhatsApp for a tailored quote based on your group size and preferences.
Ask About Availability on WhatsAppSunset Catamaran Cruise
Best for Romance
Not every Ile aux Cerfs experience needs to be a full day. A sunset cruise departs in the late afternoon and sails the east coast lagoon as the sky turns gold and pink. These are usually private bookings for honeymooners and anniversary couples. The tour includes sparkling wine, canapes, and a slow drift past Ile aux Cerfs as the sun drops below the horizon. Because it is shorter, the price is lower, but the memories are just as strong. Available on request during the summer months.
Ask About Availability on WhatsAppHow we ranked these cruises
This ranking is based on 15 years of operating east coast tours and feedback from 50,000+ guests. We evaluate value for money, itinerary quality, guest comfort, snorkeling conditions, food quality, and transfer convenience. The catamaran cruise takes the top spot because it balances all factors at the best price point. The 5 Islands Tour ranks second because it offers the most comprehensive experience, even at a higher cost. The speedboat wins on adrenaline and price but loses on comfort. Private charters and sunset cruises rank lower not because they are worse, but because they serve narrower audiences.
Why depart from Trou d'Eau Douce
Trou d'Eau Douce is the closest mainland point to Ile aux Cerfs. The boat ride is shorter, the lagoon is calmer, and the GRSE waterfall is on the direct route. Some operators depart from Mahébourg further south, which adds travel time and rougher water. Booking a tour from Trou d'Eau Douce means more time at the destinations and less time getting there.