Ile aux Cerfs Catamaran · Updated July 2026
Catamaran vs Speedboat to Ile aux Cerfs
Both tours reach paradise. The right choice depends on your group's pace, budget, and sense of adventure.
Every day-trip to Ile aux Cerfs starts with the same question: should you take a catamaran or a speedboat? The answer changes depending on who you are travelling with, how much you want to spend, and what kind of memories you want to bring home. This guide breaks down the real differences so you can book with confidence.
| Feature | Catamaran Cruise | Speedboat Tour |
|---|---|---|
| Price (adult) | EUR 50 | EUR 40 |
| Price (child 2-9) | EUR 35 | EUR 20 |
| Infant under 2 | Free | Free |
| Pace | Relaxed sailing | Fast & direct |
| Deck space | Large, shaded, sun nets | Compact, open |
| Stability | Very stable | Bouncier |
| Hotel transfers | Included | Optional add-on |
| Best for | Families, couples, non-swimmers | Adventurers, confident swimmers |
| BBQ location | On board the catamaran | Beach at Ile aux Margenie |
| GRSE waterfall | Yes, river excursion | Yes, viewing stop |
| Snorkeling time | Moderate | More time at reefs |
| Free time on Ile aux Cerfs | ~2 hours | ~1.5-2 hours |
| Dolphin watching | Possible | Higher chance on 5 islands tour |
Pricing breakdown for families and couples
Price is usually the first filter when choosing a tour. Our catamaran cruise costs EUR 50 per adult and EUR 35 per child aged 2-9. The speedboat tour is EUR 40 per adult and EUR 20 per child. Infants under 2 travel free on both. For a family of four with two children, the catamaran totals EUR 170 while the speedboat totals EUR 120. If you need hotel transfers, the catamaran includes them, which can save an additional EUR 60-180 depending on your hotel location and vehicle size. For couples, the difference is smaller: EUR 100 on the catamaran versus EUR 80 on the speedboat, but the catamaran's included transfers and extra sailing time often justify the gap.
Choose the catamaran if…
- You want shade, space, and a stable platform for lunch.
- You are travelling with young children or older guests.
- You love sunbathing on deck nets and watching the lagoon drift by.
- You prefer a slower, more social atmosphere.
- You want hotel transfers included in the price.
Choose the speedboat if…
- You want adrenaline and the feeling of flying over the water.
- You want to spend more time snorkeling and less time sailing.
- You prefer a beach BBQ on a quiet island.
- You are comfortable with a faster, bumpier ride.
- You are travelling light and can get to Trou d'Eau Douce on your own.
Families with young children: why the catamaran wins
If you are travelling with toddlers or primary-school children, stability and space matter more than speed. A catamaran's twin hulls create a wide, flat deck where kids can walk around safely. There is shaded seating for nap-time, clean toilet facilities, and room to spread out toys or snacks. The gradual sailing pace means seasickness is rare, and the open bar keeps parents relaxed. Our crew regularly helps families with life-jacket fitting, kid-friendly food portions, and even impromptu dolphin-spotting lessons. The speedboat, while thrilling, has less shade, smaller seating, and a bumpier ride that can unsettle young stomachs.
Couples: romance vs adrenaline
Honeymooners and anniversary couples usually gravitate toward the catamaran. There is something undeniably romantic about stretching out on the forward nets with a rum punch while the lagoon glides underneath. The slower pace invites conversation, and the shared lunch on deck feels like a private picnic. Photographers love the golden-hour light on the sail as the boat returns toward Trou d'Eau Douce. That said, adventurous couples who scuba-dive, kitesurf, or hike together may prefer the speedboat's raw energy. If your idea of romance includes wind in your hair and spray on your face, the speedboat delivers.
What to wear and bring on each tour
On the catamaran, pack light. Swimwear, a cover-up, sunscreen, a hat, and reef-safe sunscreen are enough. There is dry storage under the seats, so a small dry bag for phones and wallets is useful. Sunglasses are essential, but bring a strap because the breeze can lift them off the nets. On the speedboat, secure everything more carefully. The ride is faster and wetter, so waterproof phone cases and snug-fitting hats are smart choices. Water shoes help when you step onto the beach at Ile aux Margenie. Both tours provide snorkeling masks, but if you have prescription lenses or prefer your own gear, bring it along.
The best of both worlds: 5 islands tour
If you cannot decide, the 5 Islands Tour combines speedboat-style island hopping with snorkeling, dolphin watching, and a beach BBQ. It is the most comprehensive day trip on the east coast, visiting Ile aux Aigrettes, Ile de la Passe, and Ile aux Margenie before free time at Ile aux Cerfs. At EUR 70 per adult, it costs more than either single tour but covers twice the ground. Families with older children and curious travellers who want to see Mauritius beyond the postcard beaches love this option.