Moment · Mauritius
A Catamaran Day to Île aux Cerfs, Mauritius
Sail Mauritius's calm east coast lagoon to a boat-only waterfall, a coral reef and the white sands of Île aux Cerfs for a beach barbecue.
Mauritius’s Quieter Coast
Mauritius’s east coast has a slower rhythm than the busy resort coasts to the north and west. The lagoon is broad and calm, its water shifting through greens and blues with the depth, and a short sail offshore lies Île aux Cerfs, a privately owned islet of pale sand shaded by casuarinas that easily lives up to its name. A day on a catamaran here is one of the island’s most quietly rewarding pleasures, easy for a couple or a group of friends.
A Waterfall Reached Only by Boat
You leave Trou d’Eau Douce around mid-morning on a 45-foot catamaran, comfortable and with plenty of deck to spread out on. First you visit the falls of the Grand River South East, among the world’s rare boat-access-only waterfalls, where the river tumbles out of thick rainforest into the lagoon, a memorable surprise on the way to the island.
Snorkelling or Simply Watching
On the way from the falls to the island, you pause to snorkel the reef off the east coast, where the coral supports a lively ecosystem and visibility in the lagoon is reliably good. Nothing is compulsory: the catamaran’s nets and deck seats are made for anyone who’d rather watch the coast drift by with a Mauritian rum in hand, and drinks of every kind are unlimited all day.
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Request a quote →Beach Barbecue on Île aux Cerfs
The island’s beach needs no explanation: powder-white sand and clear water, with the reef protecting the lagoon so it’s calm enough to swim in almost any weather. Lunch is a three-course barbecue on board or on the sand, of grilled chicken, just-caught fish and simple island dishes that feel right on a beach. The afternoon is yours, and if you want more action, parasailing, tube rides and underwater walks can be added.
When to Go
The sheltered lagoon makes this a year-round day out, though May to November tends to bring the clearest water and the gentlest seas. Transfers can be arranged from anywhere on the island, and the day runs from about 9:30 am to 4 pm, so there’s no early start and your evening stays free. Your Out Of Office LGBTQ+ travel specialist can add it to a stay at a welcoming resort, and our Mauritius guide covers LGBTQ+ rights and travel advice.
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