Private Catamaran Charter to Ile aux Cerfs

The best part of this Mauritius outing is having a 45-foot catamaran to yourself as you sail from Pointe Jerome toward Ile aux Cerfs. The day combines calm lagoon water, snorkeling, dolphin watching, and time on one of the island’s most popular beaches, without sharing the boat with a large tour crowd. I especially like the freedom to set a relaxed pace and the chance to bring your own food and drinks, which one group had kept cool on board.

I also like that the price covers the entire private boat for up to 31 people, rather than charging each person separately. The captain and crew handle the sailing and snorkeling gear, while English and French are available. The main catch is that food and drinks cost extra, and dolphin sightings are possible but never guaranteed.

Key points to know before booking

• Private 45-foot catamaran: The boat is reserved for your group, with space for as many as 31 people.
• Seven hours on the water: The route includes Pointe Jerome, Mahébourg, snorkeling, dolphin watching, Grand River South East, and Ile aux Cerfs.
• Lunch is optional: BBQ food and drinks can be arranged for an extra charge, or you can bring your own provisions.
• Dolphins are a possibility: You may spot them in their natural habitat, but sightings depend on luck and conditions.
• Snorkeling gear is included: You can swim and look for colorful reef fish in calm water.
• Plan for a sun-heavy day: Bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and comfortable shoes.

A private day from Pointe Jerome

This trip begins at the Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point, where you meet the captain and receive a safety briefing. The meeting point matters because this is a self-arrival boat trip unless you add the optional private transfer. That transfer is priced per vehicle and carries up to four passengers, so larger groups need to plan their own way to the marina or arrange more than one vehicle.

Once on board, the boat heads out toward Mahébourg and the surrounding lagoon. You get a full seven hours for the outing, though the exact departure time depends on availability. Since the boat is private, this works well for families, groups of friends, or a celebration where you want room to talk, sit in the sun, and move around without coordinating with strangers.

The capacity of 31 is useful, but do not assume the boat will feel empty with a group that size. A smaller party will have more room to spread out and may find the day especially comfortable. The price is $1,354 per group, so the value improves sharply as your party gets larger. For 10 people, it works out to about $135 per person. For 20, it is about $68 each. A couple or small family may find it expensive, while a full group can make a strong case for the cost.

Sailing through the Mahébourg lagoon

The first stretch is about the pleasure of being on the water. The route around Mahébourg takes you across turquoise inner-lagoon water, with the catamaran providing a broad platform for sitting, sunbathing, and watching the coast pass by.

This is not a sightseeing cruise packed with formal commentary. The appeal is simpler: you have a captain, a private boat, and open time on the water. If you want a quiet morning with a book, a swim, and a few cold drinks, the format gives you that freedom. If your group is energetic, you can use the day for swimming and snorkeling instead.

A safety briefing comes first, which is particularly important for families with children or anyone not used to moving around on a boat. Wear secure footwear while boarding and walking on deck. Shoes that are comfortable and easy to remove are more useful than heavy walking shoes.

The boat’s crew received repeated praise for being friendly, helpful, and good company. Pascal and Scott were specifically named by one group as making the day feel special, while other groups highlighted the helpful attitude of the crew and skippers. Staff can assist in English and French.

Snorkeling in calm water

A snorkeling stop gives you time to get into the lagoon rather than only looking at it from the deck. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the water is described as calm, with colorful reef fish to look for.

I would treat this as a pleasant reef stop, not as a specialist snorkeling expedition. The information provided does not promise a particular reef, marine species, or length of time in the water. Conditions can affect visibility, and the day’s pace may change depending on weather and sea conditions.

Still, the stop adds real value to the trip. You can swim, cool off, and see more than you would from the catamaran. If you are bringing children, check that they are comfortable in open water and keep an eye on them around the boat. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, and the boat setting requires you to manage boarding, swimming, and movement on deck.

Bring your own towel. Sunscreen is just as important after you get out of the water as before you get in, since the sun reflects off the lagoon and the breeze can make strong heat less obvious.

Watching for dolphins in their natural habitat

Dolphin watching is one of the most exciting possibilities on the route. The boat may encounter dolphins along the way, giving you a chance to see them in their natural habitat rather than in a controlled attraction.

The key phrase is may encounter. Dolphin sightings are not guaranteed, and the experience should not be booked as a sure thing. One group did see many dolphins, while the activity information makes clear that luck plays a role. Keep your expectations flexible and enjoy the sailing even if no dolphins appear.

The open design of a catamaran helps you look around from different parts of the boat. Have your camera ready, but do not spend the entire trip staring at a screen. If dolphins appear, the sighting may be brief. Sunglasses and a hat will make it easier to stay on deck during the search.

This part of the trip also shows why a private charter can be useful. Your group can share the moment without trying to find space among a crowded boatload of people. The captain handles the route, while you can stay alert for movement in the water.

Lunch near Grand River South East

Lunch is connected with the Grand River South East portion of the route. A BBQ meal can be prepared by the crew, and drinks are also available at an extra cost. Several groups praised the food as delicious, generous, and well served, with particularly positive comments about the drinks and the friendly service.

That said, lunch is not included in the base price. This is an important detail when comparing the trip with other catamaran outings. Ask about the supplementary food and drink cost before you book if you want the BBQ option, then add it to the group budget.

You may also bring your own food and drinks. One group brought its own provisions, which the crew kept cool. That option gives you more control over dietary needs, favorite drinks, and cost. It also makes sense for a large group, since individual preferences can quickly make an organized meal more complicated.

The boat provides the setting, but do not expect a restaurant with unlimited choices. Food is served on board, so keep anything you bring practical and easy to eat. Large bags and oversize luggage are not allowed, so pack a compact day bag rather than bringing beach luggage for the whole family.

Time on Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the main destination and gives the day a clear reward after the sailing and water stops. Once you arrive, you can walk along the beach, enjoy the sand, and take in the island’s famous tropical setting before returning to Pointe Jerome.

The island visit is a good change of pace. After several hours around the boat, you can stretch your legs and walk instead of sitting or swimming. It also gives non-snorkelers something enjoyable to do. Someone who would rather read in the sun or stroll the beach can still have a full day without spending every minute in the water.

Keep the timing in mind. The trip includes several parts, and Ile aux Cerfs is only one section of a seven-hour outing. You should not expect unlimited time on the island. The boat must return to Pointe Jerome, and the captain controls the schedule.

The beach may also feel more popular than the quieter lagoon stops. That is part of the appeal of visiting a well-known island, but anyone seeking total solitude should understand that this is not a private-island experience. The catamaran is private for your group; Ile aux Cerfs itself is not reserved exclusively for you.

What the price really buys you

At $1,354 for up to 31 people, this charter is best judged as a group purchase. The price includes the private catamaran, captain, and snorkeling equipment. It does not include food or drinks, and the optional transfer costs extra.

For a large family reunion, birthday group, wedding party, or several couples traveling together, the math can work well. You are paying for control of the boat, a full seven-hour outing, and the ability to shape the day around your own group. A shared boat may cost less per person for a small party, but it will not offer the same privacy.

For two people or a small family, the cost is harder to justify unless the private setting is your main priority. You are paying for the whole boat, not only for seats. That can still be worthwhile for a special occasion, but it is not the budget choice.

Food creates a second cost decision. You can pay for the BBQ and drinks, or bring your own supplies. The latter can lower the total price, and the crew may keep your drinks cool, but you still need to transport them to the starting point and follow the rule against large bags.

Who will enjoy this charter most

I would recommend this trip to groups that want a full day on the water without a fixed shared-tour atmosphere. Families with children can enjoy the mix of swimming, beach time, and dolphin watching, though adults need to supervise children around the water and boat.

It also suits groups with mixed interests. Strong swimmers can snorkel, sun lovers can stay on deck, and anyone who prefers land can enjoy the walk on Ile aux Cerfs. The private format makes it easier to keep everyone together without forcing every person into every activity.

The tour is less suitable for anyone needing wheelchair access or help with mobility. Boarding a catamaran, moving around the deck, and getting into the water require physical independence. It is also not ideal if you need guaranteed dolphin sightings, a guaranteed weather pattern, or a detailed cultural tour with extensive commentary.

The friendly crew is a major part of the experience. Pascal and Scott were named by one group, and the wider crew was repeatedly praised for good humor, service, and attention. Names and crew assignments may vary, so do not assume those specific hosts will be on every departure.

What to pack for seven hours

Keep your packing light and practical. You will need:

• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• High-protection sunscreen
• A towel and comfortable shoes
• A swimsuit and a small personal bag
• Food and drinks if you do not choose the paid BBQ option

Large bags and oversize luggage are not allowed. Pack only what you need for a day in the sun. A waterproof pouch for phones and valuables is sensible, though it is not listed as a required item.

The boat has snorkeling equipment, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins unless you prefer your personal gear. Since the day includes swimming, snorkeling, beach walking, and a return sail, dry clothing for the ride back can also be useful, though the activity information does not require it.

Booking flexibility and practical limits

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. There is also a reserve-now-and-pay-later option, which helps if your Mauritius plans are still changing.

Starting times depend on availability, so check the date carefully before booking. The experience is private, with English and French available from the host or greeter. If you need a private transfer, select that option during checkout rather than assuming transport is included.

The trip is operated by Catamaran Cruises Ltd. The 7-hour duration includes the sailing, water activities, lunch period, Ile aux Cerfs visit, and return to Pointe Jerome. Plan your day around that full block of time.

Should you book the Island Hopper?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the cost and want a relaxed private day that combines sailing, swimming, snorkeling, dolphin watching, lunch, and Ile aux Cerfs. The strongest reasons are the private 45-foot boat, flexible group atmosphere, helpful crew, and choice between buying food on board or bringing your own.

Think twice if you are a small party watching every dollar, need wheelchair access, or would be disappointed by a day without dolphins. Add the cost of food, drinks, and possible transport before comparing the total with other options.

For the right group, this is a well-rounded Mauritius boat day rather than a quick ride to one beach. You get time to enjoy the lagoon, a chance at dolphins, a proper swim stop, and a beach visit, all with your own people around you. That combination makes the charter a strong choice for a special group outing.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran trip start and finish?

The trip starts and returns at the Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point.

How long does the activity last?

The private charter lasts seven hours. Starting times depend on availability.

How many people can join the private charter?

The private group can include up to 31 people.

Is food included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are available at an additional cost. You may also bring your own food and drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included with the private catamaran charter.

Will I definitely see dolphins?

No. Dolphin watching is included as a possibility, but sightings depend on luck and are not guaranteed.

Is the activity suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.