boat trip in mauritius

The 8 best Boat Tours and Cruises in Mauritius

What are the best boat trips in mauritius.

With its turquoise blue lagoon and perpetual sunshine, Mauritius is a dream destination for sea excursions !

Do you want to go on one or several boat trips during your stay in Mauritius?

I’ve got you covered!

In this article, I’ve compiled the best cruises and boat trips in Mauritius .

Thanks to this guide, you’ll be able to organize your excursions super easily and save time.

Ile aux Cerfs , Ile aux Bénitiers , whale watching, swimming with dolphins , excursions in the stunning Blue Bay lagoon … There are so many wonders to discover by boat on this island.

At the end of the article, I’ll also explain how to rent a boat in Mauritius if you want to explore the lagoon in a more intimate and independent way.

So, what are the must-do boat excursions in Mauritius?

Here is my selection of the top 8!

1. Catamaran Excursion in Mauritius: The Northern Islets

Ile aux cerfs excursion from mahébourg, catamaran cruise to ile aux cerfs from trou d’eau douce, powerboat outing to ile aux cerfs, 3. the sea excursion to île aux bénitiers, 4. boat trip to see dolphins and whales, 5. glass bottom boat ride in blue bay marine park, boat rental in mauritius, other activities to do in mauritius, travel insurance for mauritius: my advice, you’re traveling to mauritius these articles will help you.

During your stay in Mauritius, don’t miss out on this superb sea excursion to the northern islets .

There are three islets off the northern coast. They are named:

• Coin de Mire
• Ilot Gabriel
• and Ile Plate

Each islet is a small nature reserve that harbors a rich terrestrial and marine flora and fauna.

Coin de Mire is renowned for its natural aquarium attracting many divers year-round. The other two islets boast exceptional beaches .

This catamaran trip in Mauritius departs from Grand Baie , at the public beach.

You will embark on a comfortable and beautiful sailing boat around 8 a.m. and set off for 8 hours of adventures.

The excursion includes:

• a breakfast
• a stopover on Ile Plate
• a stopover on Ilot Gabriel
• a barbecue lunch served on board
• a snorkeling session in the natural aquarium of Coin de Mire
• unlimited drinks.

You’ll return around 4 p.m.

The great thing about the company that organizes this excursion is that it limits access to about fifteen people per boat.

This way, you won’t end up on an overcrowded catamaran, which would make the experience much less enjoyable.

However, since availability is limited, I suggest you book as far in advance as possible because it’s a very popular excursion and spaces fill up quickly!

Reserve your spot now by clicking the button below:

During your time in the north of Mauritius, don’t miss out on all the other activities and places to visit. To make sure you catch all the must-sees, I invite you to read my dedicated article: What to do and see in the North of Mauritius?

2. The Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs , off the East coast, is another must-visit destination in Mauritius.

It’s even the island’s most visited spot!

This little paradisiacal islet indeed attracts many visitors with its translucent turquoise lagoon and pristine beaches .

And the only way to get there is, of course, by boat !

If you’re wondering how to get to Ile aux Cerfs from Mauritius, I recommend the full-day cruise .

Some depart from Mahébourg / Blue Bay in the Southeast, and others from Trou d’Eau Douce in the East.

Setting sail from Mahébourg in the morning, you’ll embark on a 13-meter catamaran . The crew will offer you a swimming and snorkeling session in the lagoon before anchoring at Ile aux Cerfs.

You can then enjoy the beach and water sports before partaking in the lunch served on board. Afterwards, you’ll have a few more hours to freely explore Ile aux Cerfs, before returning in the late afternoon.

The price for this boat excursion to Ile aux Cerfs in Mauritius is €70 per person, all-inclusive.

You can even request a round-trip transfer from your hotel, wherever it is on the island.

• Book your catamaran cruise to Ile aux Cerfs in Mauritius now by clicking this button:

This boat trip is in high demand, so remember to book in advance to ensure your spot! Simply click here .

If it’s more convenient for you, there are also departures to Ile aux Cerfs from Trou d’Eau Douce (a few minutes from Belle Mare on the East Coast).

You have the option of either shuttle or taxi-boat for a simple direct round-trip, or the full-day catamaran cruise .

It’s pretty much the same program as from Mahébourg, but with an additional visit to the Grande Rivière Sud-Est waterfall .

• Click below to book your full-day catamaran excursion to Ile aux Cerfs from the East Coast:

There’s yet another option for visiting Ile aux Cerfs: a full-day speedboat excursion!

If you’re in the mood for speed and more thrills than a catamaran can offer, this is the ideal choice. Plus, this speedboat excursion takes you to explore even more sites.

This boat trip in Mauritius starts from Blue Bay and includes several stops:

• a first snorkeling break in the lagoon
• a stop near a shipwreck that ran aground in 1902
• a visit to Ile au Phare
• a pause at the Grande Rivière Sud-Est waterfall
• a stop at Ile aux Cerfs , with lunch served on the beach
• on the return trip, a last stop at Ile aux Aigrettes

The return to Blue Bay is scheduled for around 4 PM.

This comprehensive full-day cruise in the Blue Bay lagoon and to Ile aux Cerfs can be booked right now by clicking this button:

To learn everything about Ile aux Cerfs and prepare for your visit, I invite you to read my complete guide, right here: Visiting Ile aux Cerfs – Complete Guide

Among the best boat cruises to do in Mauritius, you should also consider the excursion to Île aux Bénitiers .

Yet another paradisiacal island to visit! This time, it is located off the South-West coast . You’ll have to cross the beautiful turquoise lagoon to get there.

This full-day excursion includes:

• a stop at Crystal Rock , one of Mauritius’ must-see natural wonders
• a session of dolphin watching in their natural environment
• a barbecue lunch prepared by the crew
• free time on Île aux Bénitiers to enjoy the beach, go snorkeling, or take a stroll
• unlimited drinks

For this catamaran outing in Mauritius , the price is 60€ per person.

This sea excursion is one of the most popular in Mauritius, so make sure to book your spots as early as possible! It’s very simple, just click below:

There is also a speed-boat cruise option to Île aux Bénitiers, which includes a swimming stop with dolphins in the lagoon.

• Book your cruise to Île aux Bénitiers by speed-boat , including a stop to swim with dolphins :

Your stay in Mauritius can also be an opportunity to watch dolphins and whales in their natural habitat!

Dolphins can be seen in Mauritius throughout the year, especially along the West coast .

As for humpback whales , they pass near the Mauritian coast once a year between May and October .

Numerous providers offer sea outings to meet these marine mammals .

Beware: not all providers respect the animals. Some don’t hesitate to get very close to them and encircle them. It’s important to choose a conscious and responsible team.

This is the case with the company Dolswim , which respects the distances and follows the correct guidelines to observe the animals without causing them stress.

You should definitely try this speedboat outing they organize to watch the dolphins and even swim close to them!

The excursion lasts 3 hours . You’ll depart early in the morning from Black River and sail along the West coast hoping to encounter bottlenose dolphins and spinner dolphins. (You might also get a chance to see sperm whales and whales!).

You will then be invited to dive with them in groups of two for an unforgettable experience! Fins, masks, and snorkels are provided.

This very popular excursion fills up quickly. It’s recommended to book your place as soon as possible to ensure availability for your dates.

Book this speedboat outing to swim with the dolphins by clicking below:

This sea excursion in Mauritius comes with a Get Your Guide certification . This means that when you book via the link provided above, you are guaranteed satisfaction or a refund !

Planning to be in Mauritius between May and October ? If so, set aside a day to watch the migratory whales!

The Dolswim team organizes a 5-hour excursion to observe them in small groups of 8 people.

Book your place for the whale boating outing in Mauritius by clicking this button:

Here’s another sea excursion idea in Mauritius: a glass bottom boat ride!

Also known as “glass bottom” boats, these small vessels have transparent floors , allowing you to clearly see the marine life passing below your feet during the ride!

From the public beach of Blue Bay , you can set off on a glass bottom boat for a half-day with the crew of Totof Tours.

This excursion includes:

• a snorkeling session near Île aux Aigrettes
• a stopover on Île des Deux Cocos for a Creole picnic
• a boat ride in Blue Bay Marine Park to observe the colorful fish and corals .

If you’re looking for a family excursion idea in Mauritius, this is really great!

Book your half-day glass bottom boat ride in the lagoon of Blue Bay by clicking on the button below:

In addition to this boat outing, there are plenty of beautiful sights to see around Blue Bay and Mahébourg. I’ve detailed everything in this complete article: What to do and see in Mahébourg and the surroundings?

Fancy a VIP boat tour during your trip to Mauritius?

Instead of an organized cruise, you can also rent a private boat for a tailor-made sea excursion!

Without the constraint of time, you’ll be able to explore the most beautiful corners of the lagoon , the offshore islets , and the finest beaches according to your chosen itinerary.

This option allows you to avoid tourist boats and share a day at sea in complete privacy with your loved ones.

If you’re fortunate enough to have your boat license , you can rent a boat for the day and be the master of your vessel . Otherwise, it’s possible to rent a boat with a skipper.

The latter will propose a custom itinerary tailored to your wishes.

For example, Johnny offers his motorboat (with skipper) for a private and personalized sea outing . Starting from just 410€ per day for up to 5 people!

This excellent deal can be booked by clicking on the button below:

Want to go all out during your trip to Mauritius?

Well, you should know that it’s even possible to rent a catamaran weekly for an even more memorable stay in Mauritius!

Measuring 11 meters long, the Sea Spirit is a comfortable catamaran that can accommodate up to 8 people for a minimum duration of 5 days and 4 nights.

A golden opportunity for ocean lovers wanting to have an extraordinary experience and spend 5 days at sea exploring the Indian Ocean.

Click below to book your private catamaran in Mauritius:

Of course, boat tours are not the only activities to enjoy in Mauritius.

Before or after your sea excursion, you have plenty of things to discover among the natural sites, picturesque villages , and paradise beaches .

To give you some ideas, I have compiled a list of the most beautiful places to visit in Mauritius , which you can read in my article right here: Top 21 Things to Do and See in Mauritius

I’ve also listed all the best outdoor and sports activities to do on the island (hiking, canyoning, water sports…) in this article: The Best Activities to Do in Mauritius

To discover the attractions in each region of the island , you just need to click on these links:

• Belle Mare (East): Top 11 Places and Activities
• Chamarel (Southwest): Visits and Activities Not to Miss
• Flic-en-Flac (West): Top 10 Visits and Activities
• Grand Baie (North): The Ultimate Guide
• Mahébourg (Southeast): What to Do and See?
• Le Morne Brabant (Southwest): 11 Things to Do and See

Let’s not forget the natural curiosities and must-see sites which I discuss in these articles:

• 9 Natural Curiosities to See in Mauritius
• The 11 Most Beautiful Beaches of Mauritius
• Underwater Waterfall in Mauritius – Where and How to See It?
• The Sacred Lake of Grand Bassin: What to Do and See?
• Île aux Cerfs: The Complete Guide to Plan Your Visit
• Black River Gorges National Park: How to Visit?

And if you’re looking for itinerary ideas based on the length of your stay , I’ve also thought about everything by preparing these detailed visit itineraries:

• Itinerary: 5 Days in Mauritius – Itinerary for a short stay in Mauritius
• Itinerary: One Week in Mauritius – The perfect itinerary to visit the island in 7 days
• Itinerary: 10 Days in Mauritius – The ideal circuit to visit Mauritius in 10 days
• Itinerary: 2 Weeks in Mauritius – The ultimate guide to visit Mauritius in 15 days
• Itinerary: 3 Weeks in Mauritius – Easily plan your 20-21 day stay in Mauritius!
• Road Trip in Mauritius – The 6 Best Routes

And let’s not forget my best road trip itineraries in Mauritius, which you’ll find in this article: The 6 Best Road Trip Routes in Mauritius

Many travelers mistakenly think that healthcare in Mauritius is affordable and they don’t need travel insurance. But in reality, the public health system is fragile and even a simple consultation in a private clinic is very expensive!

That’s why it is essential to take out travel insurance with good medical coverage before you leave.

To travel safely , I recommend the following two insurances (both include epidemic coverage—like for Covid-19—which is very important!)

To subscribe, it’s very simple, you just need to click on the orange links below :

• ACS AMI Globe Partner : Medical insurance and repatriation
• Assur Travel Summum : Premium insurance (medical, repatriation, baggage theft, flight delay, cancellation, and more!)

And you, which boat excursion in Mauritius are you planning on doing?

Discover all my articles about Mauritius : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mauritius are listed there.

• The 21 Best Places to Visit in Mauritius
• The 11 Most Beautiful Beaches in Mauritius
• Best Time to go to Mauritius? – Seasons, weather, activities, prices

The best itineraries for your trip

• Itinerary: 5 days in Mauritius – An amazing itinerary for a short stay in Mauritius
• Itinerary : One week in Mauritius – The perfect itinerary to visit the island in 7 days
• Itinerary: 10 days in Mauritius – The perfect itinerary to visit Mauritius in 10 days
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Mauritius – The ultimate guide to Mauritius in 15 days
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Mauritius – Plan your 20-21 day stay in Mauritius easily!
• Road-trip in Mauritius – The 6 best itineraries for your trip!

Places to Visit

• Bellemare: Top 11 places and activities
• Underwater waterfall in Mauritius – How to get there + Tips
• Chamarel : 11 Epic Things to Do
• Flic-en-Flac : Top 10 places to visit and things to do
• Grand Baie : The Ultimate Guide
• Grand Bassin : All the Best Things to Do
• Île aux Bénitiers: How to Visit Benitiers Island?
• Île aux Cerfs : The Definitive Guide to Plan Your Visit
• Mahébourg : Best Places to Visit + Tips
• Morne Brabant : How to Visit Morne Brabant?
• Black River Gorges National Park : What to See and Do?
• 9 Natural curiosities to see in Mauritius
• The Best Activities in Mauritius – Water sports, cruises, day trips, guided tours…
• The Best Boat Trips in Mauritius – Top 5 + Rates and booking
• Scuba diving in Mauritius: The Definitve Guide

Organize your stay

• Where to Stay in Mauritius: The Definitive Guide – All types of accommodation for all budgets
• 4-Star Hotels in Mauritius: My selection of the best!
• 5-Star Hotels in Mauritius: The Definitive Guide
• The 11 Most Beautiful Hotels in Mauritius – Guide + Tips
• Guesthouses and B&B in Mauritius: My Selection of a perfect stay
• Renting a Car in Mauritius: Guide + My Best Tips

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I've been living in Mauritius for ten years now, and I'm passionate about this jewel of the Indian Ocean. As I love exploring and writing, I have created this blog to give you all my best tips to organize your trip to Mauritius!

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Mauritius Catamaran Cruise & Ile aux Cerfs Tour Review (+ Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: February 2, 2024

Looking for a boat trip, a speedboat excursion or a catamaran cruise in Mauritius, but not sure which one to choose or what to expect? Then read on!

Mauritius is a paradise-like island destination, but I had no idea that there are quite a few smaller islands nearby that are just as picturesque and just as dreamy as Mauritius itself. Obviously, the best way to see some of those little islands is by taking a boat trip. So we joined a catamaran cruise in Mauritius…

In this article, you can read about our experience with a speedboat/ catamaran cruise in Mauritius , the places we visited, and whether it was worth it. Spoiler alert – it was!

In addition, at the bottom of this article, you can find our suggestions for the best boat tours in Mauritius – both by speedboat or catamaran. We also included some practical tips for your Mauritius boat trip.

One of the most popular day trips from Mauritius is a boat tour to the picturesque island Ile aux Cerfs ( see all the boat tour options here ). We opted for a sightseeing catamaran cruise that visited several nice places in one day, in addition to this popular island.

Our catamaran cruise itinerary included snorkeling, a visit to Ile aux Fouquets (the Lighthouse Island), BBQ on the boat, an excursion to the GRSE waterfall, as well as some free time at Ile aux Cerfs.

Below you can read all about this catamaran trip. It will give you a good idea of what to expect on a speedboat or a catamaran cruise in Mauritius. This should also help you decide which Mauritius boat tour is right for you. Find out!

Update: The exact same tour with the company we traveled with isn’t available anymore, but this highly-rated tour offers pretty much the same itinerary as you’ll see described below. This is another very similar tour , and – at the moment of the last update – is quite a bit cheaper. The main difference with the one we did is that these tours use speedboats rather than catamarans.

Mauritius Catamaran Cruise & Boat Trips – OVERVIEW

• What to expect – our catamaran cruise itinerary and review
• Is a boat trip or a catamaran cruise in Mauritius worth it?
• Catamaran vs. speed boat
• Practical tips
• Best Mauritius catamaran cruises and boat trips

Mauritius Catamaran Cruise Review & Ile aux Cerfs Tour Itinerary

You are probably wondering what is Mauritius catamaran cruise or speedboat trip like and what to expect?

Well, first of all, you can expect a very relaxing day full of sunshine, stunning scenery, white sand beaches, and azure-blue water. In addition, you’ll probably meet some really friendly people, dance to some great music (because… why not), get to taste some delicious local food, and – depending on the tour – maybe even get drinks à volonté . Mauritian rum & coke included. Vacation at its best!

The review below is based on my personal experience with a Mauritius catamaran cruise. Most catamaran trips in Mauritius seem to be very similar, so this gives you a good idea of what to expect.

Snorkeling on a Boat Trip in Mauritius

Our catamaran cruise departed on the southeast side of Mauritius. While it was raining on our way there, the sun was shining on the coast. The scenery here is amazing – the azure-blue water of the sea and lush deep green mountains in the background…

We hardly installed ourselves at the front of our catamaran as the captain announced that we’d be stopping to go snorkeling . It’s probably a good thing that they start with the snorkeling before anyone had a chance to enjoy Mauritian rum anyway…. Equipped with snorkels and flippers, we jumped into the incredibly blue and clear water.

I have to say that snorkeling here was just ok, though. There isn’t much coral and we only saw small fish. It was nice, but definitely not wow. A few days before that, I took a free snorkeling tour from my hotel in Bel Mare (on the northeast side of Mauritius) and snorkeling there was much better.

Anyway, it’s always fun to be in the water and watch the fish. I had a great time and, since snorkeling wasn’t the focus of this catamaran excursion for me, I wasn’t disappointed.

Ile aux Fouquets – The Lighthouse Island

Our next stop on this catamaran day trip in southeast Mauritius was the so-called Lighthouse Island . Its official name is Ile aux Fouquets – named after a bird species that live here. However, there is an old abandoned lighthouse on this tiny island and so locals call it the Lighthouse Island.

There are many boat trips visiting this tiny island, with tourists coming and going all the time. However, the island itself doesn’t feel busy because all the boats are parked at a distance.

The water is really shallow here, so you have to take a smaller motorboat to get to the island. You also have to walk the last few meters in the water. Water shoes would be really handy here!

The lighthouse standing here was built in 1864 and witnessed several sea battles between the English and the French in the bay. It has long been abandoned and is now no more than a ruin. It also looks better from a distance than from close by. But it’s definitely an interesting place to visit and gives you some insight into Mauritius’ past.

The guide gives you a quick introduction to the history of the island and after that, you are free to explore on your own. The island is so small that you don’t really need more than 10-15 minutes. You can take some pictures of the lighthouse, watch the waves crashing against the rocky shore, or try to spot some birds.

Before you know it, the guide calls you back to a small boat that brings you back to the catamaran. It’s a really interesting short stop and a part of Mauritius that most vacationers never even heard about.

TIP: If you want to visit Lighthouse Island, there are just a few tours that come here. This is the tour that’s very similar to the one we did , and here you can find the other options.

BBQ Lunch on Catamaran

While we were snorkeling and exploring the Lighthouse Island, the staff of our catamaran was busy preparing food.

They set up a bbq on the deck and baked meat and seafood. It was served with traditional flatbread and fresh vegetables. Absolutely delicious!

There was a vegetarian in our group and there was plenty of choice for him as well.

Sailing on the East Coast of Mauritius

After lunch, we set sail to Grand River South East, which is quite far away and took about an hour to get there by catamaran. This gave us a chance to lie down on the net and the soft cushions in the front area of the catamaran. It’s such a great way to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery and the wind in the sails.

TIP: Make sure you use sun protection when lounging on a catamaran or you might start to look like a boiled lobster in a matter of half an hour…

Grand River South East Waterfall

GRSE waterfall is one of the most impressive natural landmarks along the southeast coast of Mauritius. Many boat tours visiting Ile aux Cerfs also stop here. There are also tours from Ile aux Cerfs to this waterfall.

The waterfall itself is located a bit further from the coast, up the river, where large catamarans can’t get. So you have to change to a smaller boat that brings you all the way to the waterfall. In fact, it brings you so close that you can get a shower under the waterfall without leaving the boat…

It’s a short side excursion and the scenery here is nice, with mangroves and high rocks next to the river. The waterfall itself is also quite impressive, although this depends on what you compare it to, of course.

Ile aux Cerfs

The last stop of our catamaran cruise in Mauritius was the beautiful island Ile aux Cerfs . If you see aerial pictures of this island, it looks like paradise: white sand beaches, lush green interior, and azure-blue waters. Picture-perfect. From the boat, it also looks really nice, but once you arrive, you realize that it’s also quite touristy.

Ile aux Cerfs seems to be one of the most popular destinations for boat tours on the East coast of Mauritius. So don’t expect to be alone here.  There are many boats coming and going to the tiny harbor of Ile aux Cerfs. Otherwise uninhabited, this tiny island comes to life during the day.

There are several restaurants and a bar on the island and a small market right by the harbor. Here you can find all the beach necessities as well as a big variety of Mauritian souvenirs.

The moment you disembark from your boat, you’re surrounded by local guides inviting you to try all kinds of water sports on the island. Sailing, banana-boat rides, water skiing… you can find it all here.

If you just take a boat to the island, you’ll have a lot of time here. You can go walking and explore the island without the crowds. Alternatively, you can just stay at the beach (which is what most people seem to do), go snorkeling or do some fun water sports…

If you are staying at a really nice resort in Mauritius (I can recommend The Ravenala Attitude with its all-in formula), you’ll have all these water sports available at your hotel as well. But if you are staying at a more local hotel that doesn’t have all this included, Ile aux Cerfs is a wonderful place to enjoy all that Mauritius beach has to offer.

Good to know: Catamaran cruises and boat trips that also visit other places on the same day, tend to spend just 1-1,5 hrs on Ile aux Cerfs. This gives you enough time to enjoy the beach, but probably not enough to explore the island further.

Speedboat Trip

I had even less time on the Ile aux Cerfs island because I got a unique chance to take a semi-private speedboat ride back to the mainland and so I opted for that instead.

I love speedboats! And having one just to myself and a friend was a really special experience.

Other friends stayed on the island longer and came back with the catamaran instead. They said it was fun, but they didn’t see much of the island and just spent the time at the beach and did a few water activities.

Best Mauritius Catamaran Cruises and Boat Trips

I was surprised to see how many options there are when it comes to taking a boat trip or a catamaran cruise in Mauritius. To help you easily choose the boat tour that’s right for you, I made a small selection of the best Mauritius boat trips that have a good itinerary, as well as great customer reviews.

Take a look at my hand-picked selection below. You can’t really go wrong with any of these.

• This speedboat tour has the same pretty much the same itinerary as the trip that I did and described in this article. It includes snorkeling, a visit to Lighthouse Island, the waterfall, and Ile aux Cerfs. In addition, it stops at Ile aux Aigrettes. That’s an advantage of a speedboat – they can cover more ground at the same time.
• Catamaran Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs with BBQ lunch . This catamaran cruise is one of the most popular boat trips in Mauritius. The itinerary includes snorkeling, sailing, bbq lunch, and Ile aux Cerfs visit. It starts and ends at Pointe Jerome in the southeast of Mauritius. TIP: This boat trip has pretty much the same itinerary but departs from the northeast of the island, so it might be a better option if you are staying on that part of the island.
• Private Catamaran Day Trip to Ile aux Cerfs . This is a great option if you can share the costs of a private boat with a bigger family or a group of friends (or if you don’t mind splurging a bit). Private boat trips also include snorkeling, BBQ lunch, a visit to the waterfall, and free time on Ile aux Cerfs. Imagine a whole day on a private boat with an amazing crew, incredible scenery, and unlimited food and drinks… Life doesn’t get much better than that.
• Catamaran Cruise to the Northern Isles . This is a great boat trip for those staying in the North of Mauritius (Grand Baie area). You can visit the most beautiful islands without having to spend a lot of time in the car.
• Sunset cruises are also popular in Mauritius. Here you can find more sunset tours .

Is a Boat Trip or a Catamaran Cruise in Mauritius Worth It?

Well, as always, I guess it depends on what you compare it to and what the alternatives are.

There is so much to do in Mauritius that the choice can get really overwhelming. So if you only have a few days on the island, you may want to spend your time exploring more of Mauritius itself.

However, if you are looking for a relaxing day trip that combines beach and sightseeing, then a Mauritius catamaran cruise or a speedboat tour is a great choice. After all, that’s what an island vacation is all about – sea, beach, sunshine, stunning scenery, good food, drinks, music, and wind in your hair…

I really enjoyed my catamaran cruise in Mauritius. Snorkeling, visiting the historic Lighthouse Island, seeing a beautiful waterfall and the famous Ile aux Cerfs – we covered quite a lot of ground without much effort. I would have never been able to visit these places without a boat tour.

Furthermore, the combination of sightseeing with some relaxing time on the catamaran, delicious food, drinks, music, and good company made it a really fun and relaxing day. I’d do it again!

Mauritius Catamaran vs. Speed Boat

The catamaran cruise that I did was a bit different than the standard catamaran tour in Mauritius because it combined a catamaran cruise and a speedboat. Normally, you have to choose one of the two, and they both have advantages and disadvantages.

On a catamaran , you have more space to walk around, there is a bathroom, and a big net in front where you can lie down to read a book, sunbathe, or simply relax. But it’s also busier as catamaran cruises take more people on board. A catamaran is also slower. If you opt for a group tour, a catamaran cruise in Mauritius is cheaper than a speedboat trip.

Speedboat goes much faster, so you can do more sightseeing in less time. That means that you can spend more time on the islands instead of on the boat or see more places in one day. You can’t really walk around the speedboat a lot, so it’s really more of a means of transportation rather than a place to relax. That being said, it can be really relaxing and luxurious. If you can afford a private speedboat tour , I wouldn’t hesitate. Contrary to group tours, a private speedboat costs less than a private catamaran.

Another advantage of a speedboat is that you don’t get seasick in it. A catamaran is, in general, also ok and I never got seasick on a catamaran. But then I never took a catamaran in rough seas. However, that shouldn’t be an issue in Mauritius anyway.

Catamaran vs. speedboat. I really like both – speedboat and catamaran. They are very different, but each fun in its own way. When it comes to choosing a catamaran cruise in Mauritius vs. a boat trip, I’d first look at the day trip itinerary and choose a boat tour based on that rather than on what type of boat it is.

Higher above, you can find our hand-picked selection of the very best boat trips in Mauritius. And below are some practical tips and things you may want to know when planning a day excursion like this.

Practical Tips for a Boat Trip in Mauritius

• Research and book a boat trip in advance. That way you can compare itineraries and prices, and read real customer reviews. Here you can find a big selection of boat trips and tours in Mauritius (or see our hand-picked selection of the best Mauritius boat tours higher above).
• If you don’t like to spend a lot of time in a car, pick a boat trip that departs from a place that’s not too far from your hotel .
• Wear your swimsuit , so that you don’t have to change on the boat.
• Bring water shoes if you have them – it comes in very handy when you have to disembark in the water or for water activities or at the beach.
• Sun protection. Make sure that you have a sunscreen lotion, a sun hat, sunglasses, and – ideally – also a long-sleeved summer shirt or a UV t-shirt to wear on the boat.
• Check if towels are provided and otherwise bring one from your hotel.
• Bring some cash if you’re planning to do any water activities on Ile aux Cerfs or buy souvenirs. Tips for your boat crew are also appreciated.

More tips for your trip to Mauritius:

• Airport transfers:  Private and shared Mauritius airport transfers
• What to see: Best Things to Do in Mauritius
• Private tours:   Private Day Tour of the South West of Mauritius  or  Private Day Tour with Customizable Itinerary
• Must-visit: L’Aventure du Sucre in Mauritius
• Where to stay:   The Ravenala Attitude Review

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Wednesday 24th of August 2022

Please can you tell me the company you booked the catamaran trip through as I cannot find this specific itinerary with any of the links provided in the article.

Tuesday 30th of August 2022

Hi Julie, since we did this tour, a lot has changed and it wasn't offered anymore, so I took away those links. However, after doing some research now, I found a few tours that have pretty much the same itinerary as we did: this is the most popular tour and this tour is very similar too. The main difference is that they are speedboat tours and not catamaran. Hope this helps. Enjoy your trip!

Friday 6th of December 2019

Wow, it looks so pretty! I want to go there SO badly. I was never that interested until I saw your post (don't forget the AMAZING pictures). Anyways, quick question. My family would fly there, but want to make our trip more unique, you know? Do you reccomend any cruise lines that would take me from anywhere in the U.S. to there? Thanks so much!

Tuesday 10th of December 2019

Hi Melody, I really don't think that a cruise is the best way to visit Mauritius. Those ships just dock on the island for one day and you hardly have the time for one short excursion... That being said, it's a nice way to see many islands at once, and I'm sure there are some cruise lines that stop in Mauritius. But you'd have to research that yourself, because I have no experience with it. Also, it's so far from the US, so I think you'd have to fly somewhere in the area first and get on a cruise ship there (maybe in Seychelles or Maldives - I really wouldn't know where they start).

If you just interested in visiting Mauritius island and are not sure where to start, you should know that it's really not that hard to visit on your own. Book a flight and a hotel (you can read about one of the hotels I stayed in here: The Ravenala Attitude, but there are countless other options in a variety of budgets - check on Booking.com). And then either rent a car and explore the island on your own or book some day trips. The island isn't too big and if you stay somewhat around the middle of the island (West coast is most popular), transfer times to all the attractions will never be longer than an hour or so. Here you can read about what there is to see and do in Mauritius.

Hope this helps.

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Ile aux Cerfs Speed Boat Tours

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  If cruising in speed is your thing, then make sure to choose one of the great speed boat trips on offer, each taking you for an unforgettable adventure trips to one of the many small islands and cruising destinations surrounding Mauritius' main island.

In the North, the choice is between the Speed Boat Trip to Gabriel Island & Coin de Mire Island and the Snorkeling trips to Coin de Mire Island.

On the beautiful East coast, you can choose between various trips taking you for an adrenaline pumping adventure visiting Ile aux Cerfs Island and many other islands scattered along the East Coast, travelling in speed all the way to the famous Blue Bay Marine Park.

Along the amazing South West coast, the array of speed boat trip is wider and you have a choice between half day or full day trips for swimming with dolphins, watching the whales or discovering the marine life, including also the exciting Sea Hoover adventure.

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EXCITING EXPERIENCE

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• Catamaran Cruise

An unforgettable sailing experience on the sumptuous seas of the west coast of Mauritius, full of fish, where you just might be greeted by a dolphin. Dropping anchor in the lagoon of Bénitiers Island, not far from Crystal Rock, offers a panoramic view of the Black River mountain range and the opportunity to enjoy a barbecue prepared by our crew.

• Big Game Fishing

Mauritius is known as one of the best fishing destinations worldwide for the possibility of catching most of the different type of Billfish around the globe such as the Blue Marlin, the Black Marlin, the Sailfish, the Striped Marlin, the Spearfish and the Swordfish. The west coast of Mauritius is famous for its fishy water where international fishing competition are held in summer. Experience the thrill of fighting a large number of fishes from the big ones to the small ones namely the yellow- fin tuna, the wahoo, the dorado all year-round.

Exclusive and tailor-made outing where you will be able to enjoy the exciting experience of dolphin watching. If you are a little more adventurous, you might even seize the unique opportunity of joining both the spinner and bottlenose dolphins in the crystal clear waters of the west coast for a swim.

About us BlackRiver Charters

Born from one man’s passion for the sea, Black River Charters is a family business that began its adventures some twenty years ago with the acquisition of our first fishing boat ‘Les Copains d’à Bord’ in 1992. The company initially specialized in big game fishing and won the Marlin World Cup twice, in 2008 and 2009. Over the years, the company has diversified its activities to meet the changing requirements of the Mauritian tourism market.

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Speed boat trip with Eric

This speed boat trip is all about having an unforgettable cruising experience on a private speed boat together with your family, partners and friends. As part of this boat trip you will get to enjoy from travelling through the crystal clear water of the South East coast lagoons with breathtaking sceneries... Read More

The business is a family business. Our team are professionals who are in the tourism industry since several years now. We work with guests from different countries and we always ensure that every speed boat trip remains a memorable one... Read More

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01. Basic Trip

Light house Island, Beach Island known as Flamengo island ,with accompanied snorkelling at Blue Hole... Read More

02. Safari Snorkelling

This trip includes the snorkelling in 3 different spots only known by your boat guide... Read More

03. Dolphin Tours

This is a private excursion with boat exclusivity for our customers where you can spot the dolphins... Read More

04. Sailing Boat Tours

Enjoy from a superb journey in the magnificent lagoon of Mahebourg, snorkel in our turquoise... Read More

05. Small Fishing

Small fishing in the lagoon in the South East coast with drinks and snacks on boat... Read More

06. Water Ski

We do propose water ski lessons for all those who want to start water skiing... Read More

07. Special Packages

Our specials are designed for guests coming to celebrate a special occasion, which could be a wedding... Read More

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Welcome to the official Website of Totof Tours Mauritius

Totof is one of the leading providers of various boat tours & excursions in the South-East of Mauritius. From our booth on the public beach of Blue Bay we organise our daily tours and excursions. Our boat fleet consists of 3 speed boats, 3 glass bottom boats and a large BBQ boat with a toilet.

The visit from the Marine Park in a glass bottom boat starts several times every day from Blue Bay. You can join this excursion without pre-reservation. Just visit us at our booth in Blue Bay. Nevertheless we recommend you to reserve in advance. Only then we can guarantee the availability of our glass bottom boats for the day of your tour.

For organizational reasons, a pre-reservation is required for these offers. Please contact us in time through the contact formular. You can also reach us by WhatsApp or telephone from abroad or after your arrival in Mauritius. Please just save our telephone number and contact informations.

Further informations and detailed descriptions of our complete offers can be found under the respective excursions. Do you have questions or special requests? Please contact us and we will try to take your wishes and ideas into consideration.

We wish you a nice holiday in Mauritius and look forward to your visit or your participation in one of our excursions.

See you soon in Mauritius Your TOTOF TOURS Team

Favorite Tours & Highlights

• Snorkeling excursion inside the lagoon from Blue Bay

• Half day Tour with Lunch on Île des deux Cocos

• Exclusive Speed-Boat / Boat Trip with BBQ

• Speed Boat Trip to Île aux Cerfs

Contact for Reservation

Do you have any questions or do you like to join one of our tours?

Contact us directly or write us a message via the contact form.

  Vanessa Orange

WhatsApp and phone: 0023058369065

E-Mail: [email protected]

I speak english, german and french.

Picture galleries of our most beautiful destinations

Boat Trip with BBQ to Ile aux Phare

Half day with Lunch on Île de deux Cocos

• Blue Bay Marine Park Glassbottom Boat
• Speedboat Excursion with BBQ to Ile aux Phare

How to Visit Ile aux Cerfs Mauritius on any Budget?

With a calm turquoise lagoon boasting an array of colorful marine life, powdery white-sand beaches, and an award-winning golf course, Ile aux Cerfs is the perfect addition to a 7-day trip to Mauritius .

The island is famous for its water activities but the best part is that you can even spot dolphins on your way to Ile aux Cerfs!

If you’re wondering how to get to Ile aux Cerfs, this guide will walk you through the best ways to get there whether you’re on a budget or want to splurge for a special occasion.

I’ll also share some of the best tours to take including catamaran and speedboat trips, the best things to do on the island, and recommendations on where to stay.

No time to read the whole post?

The best Ile aux Cerfs tour is this Ile aux Cerfs Catamaran Cruise ! Including BBQ lunch , free-flowing drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and hotel transfers (if option selected). As a best-selling tour , it books FAST so grab your spot early!

*** This article may contain affiliate links, meaning each time you click through and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you which helps a lot in keeping this website running. Thank you for your support :)

Table of Contents

About Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is a privately owned island located off the east coast of Mauritius .

It boasts a crystal-clear turquoise lagoon that’s perfect for swimming and snorkeling and since the water is shallow, it’s the ideal playground for small children.

Another notable feature of the island is the stunning sandbar that stretches out to the sea. The sandbar is completely exposed at low tide and makes for a stunning photo backdrop.

During your trip to Ile aux Cerfs, you can do a wide range of water activities such as snorkeling, parasailing, water skiing, undersea walk, and tube ride.

It’s also well set up for tourists with sun loungers available for rent, a small handicraft market, and free toilets/changing rooms.

There are three restaurants and bars on the island but they are quite expensive which is why I recommend  booking a tour of Ile aux Cerfs which includes a BBQ lunch buffet .

Some people have complained that Ile aux Cerfs is too touristy but as long as you avoid the weekends, you should encounter fewer people.

Ile aux Cerfs is open daily from 9 a.m to 6 p.m.

Related post: 44 places you need to visit in Mauritius

How to get to Ile aux Cerfs?

Public ferry to ile aux cerfs (boat taxi).

The cheapest way to get to Ile aux Cerfs is by boat taxi which is great for those visiting Mauritius Island on a budget .

The boat departs from Trou D’Eau Douce ( see location here ) and Pointe Maurice Jetty near Shangri-La Resort ( see location here ).

A roundtrip boat transfer from Trou D’Eau Douce costs around Rs 500-800 per person and it takes around 20-30 minutes to get to the island.

If you’re coming by car, you can park at this location . Keep in mind that the parking lot is small and fills up quickly during the weekend.

On the other hand, the boat transfer from Point Maurice is shorter (around 10-15 minutes) and costs around Rs 450 per person for a roundtrip ticket. The boat departs every 30 minutes between 9:30 a.m and 6 p.m, daily.

The boat ticket from Pointe Maurice also includes a welcome drink and a sun lounger on Ile aux Cerfs.

Although taking a public ferry to Ile aux Cerfs is a great option for budget travelers, you might not be able to visit GRSE Waterfall, which is usually included in the catamaran and speedboat tours.

You can try negotiating with the boat driver to take you there but you might need to pay extra.

Tip : Hotels like Shangri-La , Friday Attitude , Tropical Attitude , and Otentic Eco Tent Experience offer free boat taxis to Ile aux Cerfs.

Related post: 8 Amazing boat trips in Mauritius

Catamaran or Speedboat Tour

Another option for getting to Ile aux Cerfs is by booking a catamaran or speedboat tour.

I’ve done both and personally prefer the catamaran as it’s less bumpy. It’s more spacious and you can lie on the sun deck as you cruise across the ocean, plus there’s a toilet onboard.

Just keep in mind that the catamaran is slower than the speedboat, so you’ll be spending more time on the water and less time sightseeing.

The speedboat on the other hand is slightly more expensive but faster, meaning you’ll have more time for snorkeling and visiting the islands.

The main advantage of booking a tour of Ile aux Cerfs is that you won’t have to worry about logistics since boat transfers, food, drinks, and activities like snorkeling and a visit to GRSE Waterfall are included.

Some operators also provide hotel transfers to the jetty at an additional cost.

The only thing you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy a fun day out on the water!

An important thing to note is that boat tours to Ile aux Cerfs tend to book fast since it’s the most popular  place to visit in Mauritius Island .

For this reason, I highly recommend booking at least a few days in advance to guarantee a spot.

Best Ile aux Cerfs Tours

All boat tours include a BBQ lunch, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and a visit to GRSE waterfall while only a few also include breakfast and additional visits to other nearby islands like Ile aux Aigrettes, Ile au Phare, Ile aux Flamants, and Ile de la Passe.

The price of a catamaran cruise starts at USD 70 while the speedboat tour starts at USD 80.

Below I’ll walk you through some of the tours available so that you can decide which one suits you best.

Ile aux Cerfs Catamaran Cruise

The second time I went to Ile aux Cerfs I opted for a catamaran cruise since it wasn’t too expensive.

Depending on where your hotel is located, you can choose to depart from Trou D’Eau Douce (east) or Pointe Jerome (southeast).

Learn more about the tour departing from Trou D’Eau Douce

Learn more about the tour departing from Pointe Jerome

Overall it was a fun day. The atmosphere onboard was very lively and the crew members kept us all entertained with lots of food and drinks and live Sega performances.

We also snorkeled in the crystal-clear waters and saw a bunch of fish. If you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins. I didn’t see any, unfortunately, but there’s always next time!

We then stopped at Ilot Mangenie for lunch, which is another small island located next to Ile aux Cerfs.

Lunch included BBQ chicken, fish, and veggies. For dessert, we had grilled bananas and pineapples. Note that depending on which company you book with, lunch may be served onboard the catamaran.

We then had some free time to explore Ile aux Cerfs. If you’d like you can book additional activities like parasailing, tube ride, etc on the island itself.

Our final stop was GRSE Waterfall. Depending on the tide level, you might need to transfer to a smaller boat to reach the waterfall. We saw several monkeys there and people cliff-jumping.

What’s included in the catamaran cruise:

• Light breakfast (for the tour departing from Pointe Jerome only)
• BBQ lunch and drinks with vegetarian options available on request
• Snorkeling equipment (for the tour departing from Trou D’Eau Douce only)
• Option to add hotel transfer at an extra cost

CLICK HERE TO BOOK A CATAMARAN CRUISE

5 Islands Speedboat Tour

If you want to visit other islands in addition to Ile aux Cerfs, then I recommend the 5 Islands tour by speedboat .

I did this tour a few years ago and really enjoyed it as it felt less touristy. There were only about 8 people on the boat so the tour felt more intimate.

During the 5 Island tour, you’ll visit Ile au Phare, also known as Lighthouse Island (be sure to check out the small blowhole behind the lighthouse!), Ile de la Passe where the French and British fought during the battle of Grand Port in 1810, and of course Ile aux Cerfs.

You’ll also stop at GRSE waterfall, Ile aux Flamants, and Ile aux Aigrettes for swimming and snorkeling. The water here is super clear and filled with so many fish.

Lunch will be served on Ile aux Cerfs and you’ll have some free time to swim and snorkel around the island.

Tip : If you prefer something slightly different, there’s also this speedboat tour that includes snorkeling at D’Albair shipwreck.

What’s included in the 5 islands speedboat tour:

• BBQ lunch and drinks
• Snorkeling equipment

CLICK HERE TO BOOK A 5 ISLANDS SPEEDBOAT TOUR

Private Catamaran Cruise

Whether you’re looking for a romantic cruise or prefer a tour for just you and your group (up to 15 people), I recommend this private catamaran cruise that departs from Pointe Jerome.

If you don’t mind splurging, it’s definitely the best way to escape the crowds. Snorkeling and a visit to GRSE waterfall are also included in the tour rate.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK A PRIVATE CATAMARAN CRUISE!

Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs on a Pirate Boat

If you’re wondering what it’s like to sail on a pirate boat replica , then this is the tour for you.

Enjoy unlimited drinks and live music on board, snorkel in the lagoon, visit GRSE waterfall, and explore Ile aux Cerfs at your own pace.

What’s included:

• Live Sega music
• Hotel transfers (additional fee)

CLICK HERE TO BOOK A PIRATE BOAT CRUISE

Here’s a summary of the Ile aux Cerfs boat trips mentioned above:

Related post: Best excursions to take in Mauritius

Things to do on Ile aux Cerfs

Explore the beaches.

One of the best things to do in Ile aux Cerfs is to enjoy the beaches. Just a few steps from the jetty, you’ll find a stunning sandbar surrounded by shallow crystal-clear water. You can also rent sun loungers here.

If you’re hungry, you can buy food and drinks at the Sand Grill restaurant but be aware that prices are steep.

Since this is the most picturesque part of Ile aux Cerfs, it can feel a bit crowded, especially on weekends.

If you prefer a beach with fewer people, head to this beach instead or walk to Ilot Mangenie which also has some nice beaches.

Water Activities

As mentioned above, Ile aux Cerfs is famous for its range of watersport activities such as parasailing, water skiing, undersea walk, and tube ride. Those can be booked directly on the island.

Ile aux Cerfs features an award-winning 19-hole golf course covering around 38 hectares of the island. For more info and fees, you can refer to the official website here .

GRSE Waterfall

If you’ve booked a catamaran or speedboat tour of Ile aux Cerfs, you’ll also make a stop at GRSE Waterfall for photos.

Related post: 18 amazing waterfalls to visit in Mauritius

Where to stay?

Bubble Lodge Ile aux Cerfs is the only accommodation available on the island. Offering a unique and luxurious experience, each lodge features a double bed, sofa bed and a private bathroom. If you’re spending your honeymoon in Mauritius, it’s definitely one of the most romantic places to stay.

Included in the room rate are breakfast and dinner, complimentary boat transfers to Ile aux Cerfs and a 1-hour golf lesson. Each lodge can accommodate up to two adults and two children.

Alternatively, if you prefer to stay on the mainland, I recommend staying in Trou D’Eau Douce, Blue Bay or Pointe D’Esny so you can be close to the jetty.

For hotels in Trou D’Eau Douce , I recommend La Koquillishe , Tropical Attitude , and Friday Attitude .

For hotels in Blue Bay and Pointe D’Esny , I recommend Talamba Blue , Preskil Island Resort , and Explora Prestige .

Another great place to stay is Otentic Eco Tent Experience . This unique accommodation is located in the village of Deux Freres along GRSE River and features 12 safari tents elevated on wooden stilts.

They provide free boat shuttles to Ile aux Cerfs as well as free non-motorized watersport activities. You can find more details in my review of Otentic Eco Tent Experience here .  

I hope you found this guide to visiting Ile aux Cerfs helpful. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comment section below.

Read more about Mauritius:

• 44 amazing places to visit in Mauritius
• 10 Amazing beaches for swimming in Mauritius
• 29 epic beaches in Mauritius
• 12 best guided tours in Mauritius
• Most beautiful places to visit in East Mauritius
• How to travel Mauritius on a budget + useful tips
• When to visit Mauritius Island?
• Ultimate guide to North Mauritius: 11 places to visit
• Ultimate guide to South Mauritius: 21 places to visit

Steph is an outdoor enthusiast who’s always down for adventure. When she's not traveling abroad, you’ll either find her exploring her own backyard or researching her next trip. She writes adventure travel guides featuring waterfalls, mountains, and beaches and shares her tips on how to travel on a budget without compromising on comfort and experience.

Macondé Viewpoint Mauritius: Complete Guide

10 best places to visit in east mauritius + local tips, you may also like, 1 week mauritius itinerary for first timers + local tips, 10 best swimming beaches in mauritius according to a local, 8 best mauritius boat trips to take in 2024.

We always do the speedboat trip to Ile aux Cerfs when we are in Mauritius, we love it!

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Best Boat Tours in Mauritius

Local recommendations from our my guide mauritius team, book top experiences and tours in mauritius:.

• Port Louis & Northern Mauritius Full Day Guided Tour
• Black River Swim with Dolphins Speedboat Tour
• Mauritius: Wild Southwest Full-Day Tour with Lunch
• Mauritius: Private Southwest Coast Highlights Tour

Port Louis: Street Food Tour

Dolswim - Whale Watching

Watch the impressive whales on this 3 hour speedboat trip on the west coast of Mauritius. The guide will make use of a hydrophone in the water to maximise the chance o

7 Hours Catamaran Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs

Stunning views while sailing to Ile aux Cerfs. Swim and snorkelling. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rating of 4.7 / 5 based on 80 Customer Reviews. Lunch and Drinks included.

Mauritius, a paradisiac island where you will be able to make your dreams of observing dolphins in their natural environment come true. Dolswim can make this dream even more beautiful. Dolswim makes it possible for you to swim with the dolphins under the supervision of professionals. 

Dolswim - Swim with Dolphins

Have you dreamt of swimming with Dolphins in their natural environment? 

Sunset Catamaran Cruise, Ile aux Aigrettes

Breathtaking scenery - beautiful sunset, Lion mountain, turquoise lagoon, Ile aux Aigrettes. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Rating of 4.8 / 5 based on 9 Customer Reviews. Drinks included.

Private Catamaran Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs

Enjoy the charter exclusively. Visit the mouth of GRSE river and the paradise island of Ile aux Cerfs. Awesome scenery. Snorkelling. Barbecue lunch and drinks included.

Dolswim - Swim with Dolphins and Whale Watching

Enjoy this unforgettable 5 hour and 30 minutes tour on a speedboat to swim with dolphins and observe Whales deep dives!

Overnight Catamaran Cruise to Ile aux Aigrettes by Cat Cruiser or Island Hopper

If you are looking for an unforgettable experience, book the overnight cruise to Ile aux Aigrettes. Not only will you be able to watch the spectacular sunset behind the mountain tops, but you will also have the experience of spending the night on board the catamaran.

Sunset & Dinner Catamaran Cruise to Ile aux Aigrettes by Island Hopper

This sunset and dinner cruise to Ile aux Aigrettes will give you the ideal opportunity for quality time with your loved ones in a paradise setting

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Recommended Experiences in Mauritius

South of Mauritius: Quad Bike Tour

Discover the incredible scenery of South of Mauritius on a quad bike. Choose from a range of different packages to discover unique sites and amazing views. Create unforgettable memories with your family or friends.

Mauritius: Private Tour of the South West with Lunch

Enjoy this comprehensive tour of Mauritius' South Coast and admire Chamarel Waterfall, 7-Colored Earth, Alexandra falls, black river valley, Grand Bassin, and Trou aux Cerfs.

Discover the streets of Port Louis, learn about its history and experience its culture, all through local Mauritian street food. To know Mauritius, you must taste Mauritius!

Mauritius: Dodo Trail Tour with Lunch

Start your Dodo Trail tour with a visit to Port Louis and the central market. Enjoy an authentic Mauritian lunch before stopping to see the rare plants at Pamplemousses Botanical Garden.

Mauritius: Private Speedboat dolphin watch and Ile aux cerfs

Have a private tour of the southeast coast of Mauritius and spot the wild dolphins by speedboat. See a bit of the island's history and enjoy spending time sunbathing or swimming at the beach.

Île aux Bénitiers: Swim with Dolphins & BBQ Lunch

Experience a memorable full-day excursion starting with a dolphin encounter and ending with a BBQ on Benitiers Island.

Mauritius: Full-Day Speedboat Tour to Ile aux Cerfs & BBQ

Come and explore the best of Mauritius. Visit the islands bordering the South-East coast lagoon and see the lighthouse, Île aux Cerfs Island, and wrecks on the coral reef. You will also have the chance to snorkel in crystal clear waters.

Mauritius: Private Full-Day Instagram Tour

Explore some of Mauritius' foremost natural wonders. Immerse yourself in nature and Mauritian culture while capturing some unforgettable Instagram shots.

Île aux Cerfs: Full-Day Catamaran Cruise with BBQ Lunch

On the East Coast, the turquoise lagoon stretches out to the horizon. Cruise across the Trou d'Eau Douce Bay and experience a paradisiac day within the protective arms of the Eastern Reef.

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5 Island Tour of Mauritius with iLe Aux Cerfs Watersports

We’ve all seen the screensavers. Crystal blue beaches, crisp white sand, snorkeling with tropical fish. It’s what Microsoft deems we need whenever we log in for the day. Once you see it in real life, you’ll realise they’re right! Soft, powdery beachy truly are paradise.

We got a taster of this beautiful life when hosted hosted on a 5 island tour with iLe Aux Cerfs Watersports,  while visiting Mauritius last summer – courtesy of the LUX Grand Gaube .

Unfortunately, there had been a miscommunication as the hotel as were were informed we were going on a catamaran cruise so we dressed for a hard deck, garden party type even where we expected to cruise and drink bubbly.

When we arrived, we waited in (what seemed a very informal office for a catamaran company) beach office, until we would board the catamaran.

Twenty minutes later we were chaperoned through the water and onto a speed boat by tour guides, David and Jarryd. Oh boy! Garden party outfits, no towels, no sunblock…clearly we were in for a ride.

Never people to miss an unexpected opportunity, we took off our shoes (actually they asked for them and we had to put them in a laundry basket) and geared up for the day.

As it turned out, we were taken on a 5 island tour of Mauritius, which turned out to be spectacular. Here’s what it included:

Prefer Video? Watch here:

5 Island Tour of Mauritius with Snorkeling

Island 1 – ilot marianne nature reserve.

Our first port of call was a whistle tour stop of Marianne Nature Reserve, filled with dark volcanic rock and a shallow beach for easy access. The shallow water allows you to see fish darting by as the boat floats past. (Enjoy me, bottom left, making my way through the water in expense sandals and a nude dress to the island! )

Island 2 – Ile Aux Fouquest, Ile Phare

The Flouquest islands or Ile Phare (Lighthouse Island) is the first, large island we visited on our excursion. The island is parked between a large lagoon and the big, Indian ocean. Entry point is on the lagoon edge and is totally safe to visit.

A lighthouse built in 1864, which operated for 200 years, is the main feature and presents a glimpse into the past with views towards the mainland.

It was the first island that the Dutch discovered in 1598. Now in ruins, it offers some beautiful views back towards mainland Mauritius and across the ocean.

Wondering what to pack for your catamaran cruise? Here’s our packing list for our Mauritius boat cruise :

Island 3 – Pit Stop at the Ship Wreck of Pointe D’Esny

At the edge of the calm waters is the Dalblair shipwreck at  Pointe D’Esny , laying just off the reef. The ship sailed from Scotland in 1895, en route to Mauritius, and got stuck in bad weather (same ship, different day!). The old rusty bow protrudes from the calm waters as tide crashes beyond, a reminder of treacherous waves of years gone by.

Island 4 – Île Aux Aigrettes

The iLe Aux Aigrettes is an exquisite speck of land. Guests are not allowed to explore the island, without permission from the government, as it is a precious nature reserve used for scientific research.

Visitors are, however, able to alight here for a lovely swim. Our hosts were also gracious enough to offer soft drinks or Mauritian rum. Again, when in Rome! I gladly accepted a plastic cup of rum and had a good float around.

The hosts had a good time dancing around and enticing European visitors to indulge in the island lifestyle, while floating in their water wings – hilarious! These colours are vibrant and magnificent.

Island 5 – Snorkeling

After relaxing in the lush waters of iLe Aux Aigrettes we moved onto our next stop, which focused on snorkeling – and where I began to roast like a lobster! Hint: the back of the legs were blood red!

I was told that Mauritius was no longer amazing when it came to sea life due to coral disintegration, but that is really saying something because I saw SO much and it was all incredible! It was so much fun swimming around in the shallow bay and seeing so many beautiful fish. It really made me respect the sea so much more.

Island 6 – Sega Dancing

Our final island stop treated us to some traditional sega dancing by young, Mauritian women and a casual meal of braai’d (BBQ) chicken, garlic bread and heart of palm salad. This was extremely rustic, but coming from South Africa – I was happy. Dessert was a bruleed green banana, which was delicious.

At the End of the Day

At this stage, we were so incredibly sunburnt that we were happy to make our way home. The last trip back was about 40 minutes and it was welcomed after all the sun, sea and sand.

Naturally, we hadn’t anticipated having to get off the boat (one doesn’t usually get off a catamaran!) and had no sunblock (luckily another couple did share some with us, but it wasn’t NEARLY enough). I was sunburnt for a week afterwards, which was really unpleasant.

In saying that, it was a phenomenal day out and we would highly recommend this adventure to anyone visiting the island.

Enjoy a full day Ile Aux Cerfs Watersport cruise from RS2000 | ZAR810.00 | $58 | £43 | EU52 and onwards, depending on the distance and time. Full rates are available on their site.

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SPEEDBOAT TRIP – NORTH COAST DISCOVERY

A full day cruise to the Northern islands, including dolphin watching in Tamarin Bay, snorkelling in Balaclava, shopping in Port Louis, visiting Grand Bay, snorkelling at Gunner’s quoin, visiting Pigeon Rock and relaxing on Flat Island.

If you want to experience the aquatic adventure of a lifetime, we can organise a special speedboat trip in Mauritius, during which it will be possible for you to swim with wild dolphins and snorkel under the waves with these majestic and mysterious creatures! Don’t forget your camera!

Highlights:

• From 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m • Dolphin watching in Tamarin Bay • Snorkelling in Balaclava • Shopping in Port Louis • Visit of Grand Bay • Snorkelling at Gunner’s Quoin • Visit of Pigeon Rock • Relaxing on Flat Island

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