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Full Day Cruise

Embark for a full day cruise to ile aux cerfs, ilot gabriel or ilot bénitiers..., sunset & dinner cruise, embark for a 2 hour sunset cruise on board of one of our catamarans..., overnight & private cruise, experience a night onboard of one of our catamarans..., live on board, discover mauritius differently on board of one of our catamarans..., ile aux cerfs.

visite ile aux cerfs, ile maurice

Ile aux Cerfs Island is an island off the east coast of Trou d'eau Douce village, Mauritius.

Île aux Cerfs Island , known in English as deer island is an island off the east coast of Mauritius near the village of Trou D'eau Douce. The island has an undulating...

Ilot Gabriel

Ilot Gabriel

Gabriel Island: also known as Ilot Gabriel, this island located near Round Island and Flat island at the extreme north of Mauritius and about 10 kilometers north of Cap Malheureux.

The distance between Gabriel...

Ile aux Bénitiers

Ile aux Bénitiers

L'Ile Aux Bénitiers is a rather long island which has a coconut tree plantation and has become one of the island preferred picnic spot for locals and tourists.

The island's closest neighboring village is La Gaulette....

Ile aux Aigrettes

visite ile aux aigrettes, ile maurice

On the beautiful turquoise waters of the Mauritian lagoons, there exists a small island where man and nature unite towards one same goal….

Recreate a little piece of a long lost paradise.

Ile de la Passe

visite ile de la passe, ile maurice

Ile de la Passe is a small but very historic island off the south-east coast of Mauritius.

From the islet all maritime movements into the Bay of Mahébourg, which is the largest bay of the island and contains the oldest port, can be controlled...

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catamaran day trip mauritius

Welcome aboard Blue Alizé

Where every journey is a story waiting to unfold

Embark on a Journey with Blue Alizé

Experience the magic of Mauritius’ eastern coastline with Blue Alizé as your guide. Depart from the village of Trou D'eau Douce for a catamaran adventure to discover the enchanting Ile aux Cerfs. Marvel at the views of Mauritius rugged shoreline and dive into the underwater world while snorkeling. Blue Alizé offers a blend of relaxation and excitement as we glide through the lagoon. Join us for a day filled with sunshine, sea breeze and unforgettable memories.

About

Tranquility on Mauritius East Coast

Blue Alizé’s fleet acts as your gateway to explore the beauty of Mauritius’ east coast. Our well equipped catamarans offer a beautiful perspective to admire the island’s landscapes. Setting sail from Trou D'eau Douce’s heart we embark on a journey towards the magical Ile aux Cerfs, with its perfect beaches and crystal clear waters. Our catamarans and professional crews will ensure a secure and exhilarating journey unveiling the wonders of Mauritius.

Sunset Cruise

Perfect way to end your day.

catamaran day trip mauritius

Full Day - Shared Cruise

Witness the breathtaking beauty of Mauritius

Non-Residents: Rs 2,800/person Residents: Rs 2,250/person

The full-day cruise begins in the lovely village of Trou d’Eau Douce, where we shall sail to the Grand River South East waterfall and witness its spectacular beauty. After taking a reviving dip in the blue lagoon surrounding Ile aux Cerfs, lunch will be served on board. You will have time to bask in the beautiful scenery of the island while chilling and relaxing on its well-known white sandy beaches. As the day draws to a close, we will sail back to the embarkation point at Trou d’Eau Douce.

Full Day - Exclusivity (Bare Boat)

Perfect for celebrating quality moments

Non-Residents: Rs 37,500 Residents: Rs 28,560

Looking to celebrate something special? Book our catamaran exclusively for your friends and family and let our expert crew cater for your specific needs. From tailoring the itinerary to crafting a menu that meets your preferences. Indulge in a luxurious day at sea, with your loved ones, and experience the ultimate adventure sailing the pristine East Coast. The itinerary and activities are similar to the one

Mary

Sunset Cruises

Perfect way to end your day

Jack

Full-day catamaran trip

Linda

Private Cruises

Unlimited Thrills on the Open Waters

At Blue Alizé, we have an array of exciting activities to satisfy every adventurer. Join us on a full-day catamaran trip to witness the breathtaking beauty of Mauritius, complete with thrilling water sports and sun-soaked relaxation. For a more personalized touch, our private cruises are perfect for celebrating those significant moments. Our activities will add a sense of wonder and excitement to your journey with us.

Our itinerary:

  • 09.15 am. : Meet our team at Debarcadere, Trou d’Eau Douce for the embarkation process
  • 12 pm to 1:30 pm. : Enjoy a juicy BBQ lunch on board
  • 1:30 pm. : Set off to Ile aux Cerfs to enjoy free time to relax, unwind and appreciate the heavenly setting
  • 2.45 pm. : Departure from Ile aux Cerfs back to Trou d’Eau Douce
  • 4 pm. : End of the cruise at Jetty

Highlights:

  • We can cater special meal
  • Navigation through the historical site of the views Grand Port battle.
  • Kitchen area + toilets
  • Drinks are served during the whole cruise
  • Lunch is served on board
  • Spectacular view on the Grand Port Mountain Range.

catamaran day trip mauritius

Capturing Unforgettable Moments with Blue Alizé

catamaran day trip mauritius

Frequently asked question

The departure point of our cruises is at Trou d'eau douce in the east of Mauritius, at the jetty. You will need your booking voucher, which you will present to a member of the crew, to board our catamarans.

You should arrive at 09:15 in the morning to meet our teams and boarding will take place at 09:30.

  • Departure from Trou D'Eau Douce landing stage at 9.30am.
  • Sail through the island's south-east lagoon.
  • Visit the Grande Rivière Sud Est waterfall.
  • Stop to snorkel with the help of the crew. (Snorkelling equipment not provided) *
  • Barbecue lunch on board.
  • After lunch, head for Ile aux Cerfs.
  • Disembark and enjoy your free time on the island.
  • Departure from the island at around 14:45.
  • Return to the pier at 16:00.
  • Swimming suit and change of clothes
  • Beach towel
  • Camera equipment
  • Sun protection
  • Shoes are removed before boarding the catamaran
  • Make provision for some cash for your activities on Ile aux Cerfs (optional)
  • Drinks: table or mineral water, fruit juices, soft drinks (Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite, Fanta), a selection of local alcoholic drinks: beer, rum, red wine, pink wine, white wine.
  • Lunch: a delicious barbecue buffet with fish, chicken, kebabs and sausages, pasta salad, cabbage, rolls and fresh fruit for dessert.
  • Life jackets
  • Bilingual crew (French and English)

All payments must be made by bank transfer in advance. We also accept payment by credit card and Juice. Payments must be made in full before boarding.

The four catamarans Blue Dolphin, Green Dolphin, Fanta Sea and Vitamin Sea are licensed to carry 26 passengers each.

If you wish to book one of our catamarans for an exclusive cruise, we ask for a fixed price to reserve the catamaran, and then a fixed price per person for your choice of drinks and catering.

By purchasing an excursion from our website, you will obtain an open voucher which will be confirmed by calling or emailing us with the desired date of your excursion. Our open vouchers are valid for 3 months from the date of purchase.

Yes, we can prepare meals for children, vegetarians, etc. on request.

Let's Get in Touch

Our dedicated team is committed to creating the perfect maritime experience for you, ensuring that every moment spent with us becomes a cherished memory. Reach out to us via phone, email, or visit our website to begin your journey today. Contact us to book your excursion or for any inquiries about our offerings.

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Video Oceane

CATAMARAN EXCURSIONS AND BOAT TRIPS IN THE TURQUOISE LAGOON OF MAURITIUS

As a family, with friends, as a group, embark with the professionals of Océane to the most beautiful sites on the East and West coast of Mauritius during an unforgettable trip. Catamaran excursions with a BBQ on board, aperitif at sunset, Yoga detox session at dusk, corporate cocktails, Team Building day for your group or your privileged clients…

We meet all your desires. Embark aboard one of our catamarans, speedboats or our ultra-comfortable floating lounge, the “Pontoon” boat !

Discover one of our cruise packages and catamaran excursions but also our different private packages .

Let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of Mauritius, its turquoise waters, its magnificent beaches, its fauna and flora…

catamaran day trip mauritius

3 types of boats: catamarans, speedboats and pontoon boat

catamaran day trip mauritius

SAILING AROUND ON A CATAMARAN

In small groups of people, discover the most beautiful sites of Mauritius, and enjoy these few magical hours in unique comfort and safety in the lagoon.

Departing in Trou D’eau Douce on the East and Black River on the west, our friendly skippers will show you Ile aux Cerfs, the Grande Riviere Sud Est waterfall, Ile aux Benitiers, the Crystal Rock, Tamarin bay and its dolphins and the most beautiful sunsets. These excursions can also be organised on a private basis.

catamaran day trip mauritius

East Coast: Ile aux cerfs & the Grande Rivière Sud Est waterfall (6h)

On the east coast, the clear waters of the longest lagoon in Mauritius are calling you… Against a backdrop of volcanic mountains, try and spot the peaks of the « Chat et la Souris » unmissable landmarks on the east coast. Then sail towards the GRSE waterfall, “eau bleu” and Ile aux Cerfs.

beautiful cruises 05

West coast: Ile aux bénitiers, Crystal Rock, Tamarin Bay and its dolphins (6h)

Discover the west coast in all its splendour!

Setting off from Black River, you’ll make your way to Tamarin Bay in search of bottle-nosed or spinner dolphins. Sail towards a snorkelling spot and then towards the famous ‘Crystal Rock’. And end this beautiful day on Ile aux Benitiers.

catamaran day trip mauritius

South East Coast : the Eco Tour on Ile Aux Aigrettes for nature lovers

Setting off from Trou d’Eau Douce, sail along Îlot Mangénie, the famous Île aux Cerfs and all along the East coast to île aux Aigrettes where a guide awaits you to fully immerse yourself in the mauritian fauna and flora, absolutely magical place for nature lovers in search of new experiences.

MAURITIUS ON A CATAMARAN PRIVATE CRUISES AND HIRING OF BOAT WITH A SKIPPER

catamaran day trip mauritius

YOUR CATAMARAN EXCURSIONS AT SUNRISE OR SUNSET

For lovers of new experiences, Océane also offers unique excursions in Mauritius. In small groups of 10/15 people, fall under the spell and enjoy the magical moments of the beginning or end of the day on one of Océane’s catamarans and relax while enjoying an ultra-fresh breakfast or a colourful aperitif or for the Sport enthusiasts, meditate during a yoga session on board, facing the rising/setting sun.

Serenity Breakfast

Yoga Detox session on the East coast at sunrise or sunset (3h)

Do your sun salutations, to welcome the new day ; stretch and feel the gentle lapping of the ocean. Be at one with nature while following your yoga instructor through asanas. A healthy breakfast is then served to start the day right.

sea

Apéritif/Cocktails at sunset on the East & West coast (3h)

Sail towards Ile aux Cerfs or Ile aux Benitiers and admire the sunset on the most beautiful landscapes of Mauritius. Relax on the catamaran’s spacious decks or trampolines, catch a few sun rays and let yourself be blown away…

catamaran day trip mauritius

FOR YOUR SPECIAL EVENTS

catamaran day trip mauritius

Groups & Team Building

An exceptional location to welcome your groups up to 400 people and plan a unique event for your employees, customers and partners… corporate cocktails, launches of new products and incentives, Océane adapts to all your requirements.

catamaran day trip mauritius

WELCOME ONBOARD!

We have roamed the local waters year after year, we have launched new catamarans boat tours & trips in Mauritius and strived to surpass ourselves in delighting you, our very special guests. Coming a long way on the path of experience and dedication, we now offer an array of new and unique experiences. Let us whisk you away on a blissful day you will never forget

catamaran day trip mauritius

The best boat experience ever!!

Feb 2023 • We had the most amazing day!! Everything was spectacular! Your crew were superb so kind and friendly and welcoming! The boat is beautiful, the itinerary is one of the best. The food was delicious. I would highly recommend Oceane cruise to anyone visiting the island! They will give you a trip you will always remember! They exceeded all expectations!! Nadjla...

catamaran day trip mauritius

Exceptional

Jul 2022 • I travelled solo with my 8-year-old son. From booking, to changing the date of the cruise to arranging pick and drop everything was organised efficiently. We had a fantastic day. The crew are excellent were constantly engaging with all the guests. The water was too cold for us to go snokelling but we enjoyed staying on the catamaran. The BBQ lunch was just perfect.. Maria...

sea view

Private Catamaran Cruise – West Coast

Mar 2022 • Superb experience with Oceane Cruises. We hired a private catamaran for the day and it couldn’t have been a better experience. The team onboard were helpful and knowledgeable about the surrounding area. The food was cooked fantastically and no shortage of beverages. Would 100% recommend to anybody. Thank you all! Greg...

YOU ARE IN SAFE HANDS

Have a worry-free day while snorkelling: you can dive into the refreshing waters of the lagoon and swim among the fish and coral while a crew member keeps watch on you from the stern. Lifebuoys tied to the boat are released for extra comfort and peace of mind, especially when there are children in the water.

Full Suitcase Travel Blog

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

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: February 2, 2024

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

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.

Mauritius catamaran cruise and Ile aux Cerfs tour review

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

Boat trip in Mauritius

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.

Boat trip to nearby islands is a great thing to do in Mauritius

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.

Snorkeling in Mauritius

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!

Mauritius catamaran cruise review and tips

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.

Lighthouse Island - Ile aux Fouquets in Mauritius

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.

BBQ lunch on Mauritius catamaran cruise, Ile aux Cerfs tour

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…

Relaxing on a catamaran in Mauritius

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.

Grand River South East in Mauritius

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.

Market at Ile aux Cerfs in Mauritius

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.

Ile aux Cerfs in Mauritius

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.

Jurga from Full Suitcase on a speedboat in Mauritius

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 .

A catamaran in Mauritius at sunset

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!

Scenery on Mauritius catamaran cruise and day tour to Ile aux Cerfs

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.

Ile aux Cerfs tour by catamaran or speedboat - Mauritius

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.

Preparing a bbq on a catamaran in Mauritius

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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What to expect on Mauritius boat trip or a catamaran cruise

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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.

IMAGES

  1. Mauritius: Full Day Catamaran Cruise in the West

    catamaran day trip mauritius

  2. Catamaran Cruises Mauritius (Mahebourg)

    catamaran day trip mauritius

  3. Mauritius: Full-Day Catamaran Cruise to the Northern Isles

    catamaran day trip mauritius

  4. Catamaran Cruise Ile Aux Cerfs Island

    catamaran day trip mauritius

  5. Catamaran Adventure Ile Aux Cerfs Mauritius

    catamaran day trip mauritius

  6. Mauritius: Full-Day Catamaran Cruise to the Northern Isles

    catamaran day trip mauritius

VIDEO

  1. Catamaran Cruise Mauritius

  2. Catamaran Mauritius

COMMENTS

  1. THE TOP 10 Mauritius Catamaran Cruises (Prices from $57) - Viator

    Spend the day island hopping on an all-inclusive catamaran cruise from Mauritius. Snorkel and swim at both Île Plate and Coin de Mire, then relax on board with drinks and a barbecue lunch. Transportation from your Mauritius accommodations included.

  2. Catamaran Cruises Mauritius - The No1 Catamaran Booking ...

    Catamaran Cruises Mauritius provides : Full Day Cruises, Sunset & Dinner Cruises, Overnight & Private Cruises as well as Wedding Cruises.

  3. Catamaran Cruises in Mauritius - Blue Alize

    Experience the magic of Mauritius’ eastern coastline with Blue Alizé as your guide. Depart from the village of Trou D'eau Douce for a catamaran adventure to discover the enchanting Ile aux Cerfs. Marvel at the views of Mauritius rugged shoreline and dive into the underwater world while snorkeling.

  4. Private Catamaran Tour & Boat Trip Mauritius | Oceane Cruises ...

    Catamarans trips for groups up to 400 people. Excursions for 3h or 6h, during the day or at sunrise/sunset. SAILING AROUND ON A CATAMARAN. In small groups of people, discover the most beautiful sites of Mauritius, and enjoy these few magical hours in unique comfort and safety in the lagoon.

  5. Full-Day Catamaran Cruise to Île aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch

    Soak in the beauty of Mauritius’ waters on a full-day Isle aux Cerfs catamaran cruise. Board an Island Hopper catamaran and admire the scenery as you sail to a snorkeling spot. Swim, snorkel, or sunbathe; and then cruise to the Grand River South East (GRSE) waterfalls.

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

    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.