Eastern Mauritius’s seaside town of Trou d’Eau Douce serves as the launching point for some of the island’s most rewarding boat excursions. Full-day catamaran trips (7-8 hours, 30 passengers max) combine island exploration with water activities at reasonable prices. The standout tours include visits to Île aux Cerfs, offering pristine beaches and clear snorkeling spots, plus stops at hidden waterfalls. I’m especially fond of the smaller group tours that include fresh seafood lunches and dedicated snorkeling time – they’re less crowded and more relaxed than the large party boats. While the more popular excursions can get busy, especially in peak season, the best operators maintain high standards with professional crews and quality catering. Check our recommended tours below for the most worthwhile options.
Key Points
- Catamaran cruises to Île aux Cerfs offer a popular, all-inclusive full-day experience with snorkeling, swimming, and scenic island exploration.
- Catamaran Adventure and cruises to Île Aux Bénitiers receive mixed reviews, with concerns about overcrowding, loud music, and misleading descriptions.
- Pricing for the cruises is competitive, with full refunds available for cancellations made 24 hours in advance, though some guests perceive the pricing as high.
- Environmental and wildlife concerns have been raised regarding the impact of these tours, particularly on dolphin watching and marine life observation.
- Accurate representation of the offered experiences and ethical treatment of wildlife are important considerations for customers when selecting the best cruises and boat tours in Trou Deau Douce.
Mauritius : Full Day All Inclusive Ile Aux Cerfs Catamaran Cruise
This full-day, all-inclusive Mauritius catamaran cruise to Île aux Cerfs offers travelers an immersive island adventure. The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, with convenient hotel pickup at 7:30 AM.
Onboard, guests can enjoy snorkeling at stunning Mauritius locations, accompanied by a friendly and attentive crew. The tour features a visit to Île aux Cerfs, where travelers can explore the island for about an hour.
The experience caters to both English and French speakers, with instant mobile ticketing for added convenience. The cruise has a maximum capacity of 30 travelers, ensuring an intimate journey.
Along With snorkeling, the itinerary includes opportunities for parasailing and visits to scenic waterfalls. Guests can also relax on the boat, indulging in a delicious Halal breakfast and lunch, accompanied by constant drink service.
The overall feedback on this catamaran cruise is highly positive, with 4.5-star ratings from 65 reviews. Travelers praise the crew’s professionalism, the quality of the food, and the breathtaking scenery encountered throughout the tour.
Read our full review: Mauritius : Full Day All Inclusive Ile Aux Cerfs Catamaran Cruise Review
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You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Trou dEau Douce.
Catamaran Adventure Full Day: Ile Aux Cerfs,Grse Waterfall,Snorkeling &Bbq Lunch
The Catamamaran Adventure Full Day promises an immersive exploration of Mauritius’ natural wonders. This 7-8 hour experience starts at 7:00 AM, offering a full day of activities on a catamaran. Guests can look forward to swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, with a visit to the GRSE Waterfall and Ile aux Cerfs.
The tour includes pickup and drop-off services, with instant mobile ticketing for convenience.
While the overall rating is 3.5 from 107 reviews, guests have praised the exceptional service, good food, and hospitality of the catamaran crew. However, some have expressed disappointment due to loud music and excessive drinking, leading to a mismatch in expectations.
The pricing, though perceived as high by some, is competitive, and the package includes various activities. The cancellation policy allows for full refunds up to 24 hours in advance.
The host has responded positively to feedback, reaffirming their commitment to customer satisfaction and encouraging future visits.
Read our full review: Catamaran Adventure Full Day: Ile Aux Cerfs,Grse Waterfall,Snorkeling &Bbq Lunch Review
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Catamaran Cruise to Ile Aux Bénitiers: Dolphin Watch, Crystal Rock & Transfer
Departing at 7:00 AM, the Catamaran Cruise to Ile Aux Bénitiers offers guests a full-day exploration of Mauritius’ west coast.
The cruise highlights include dolphin watching and snorkeling at Ile Aux Benitiers, with a barbecue lunch and unlimited drinks provided.
While the overall rating is 3.5 based on 47 reviews, feedback is mixed. Some praise the friendly staff, great service, and delicious food, while others note issues like overcrowding and misleading descriptions.
Discrepancies between advertised and actual experiences are reported, including differences in lunch offerings and delays in the boarding process.
The cruise provides opportunities for swimming, relaxation, and observing marine life, though some guests express disappointment in the coral and fish populations.
Concerns have also been raised about the impact on wildlife and the treatment of dolphins during the excursions.
To improve the experience, better communication, limiting guest numbers, and ensuring accurate descriptions are recommended.
Read our full review: Catamaran Cruise to Ile Aux Bénitiers: Dolphin Watch, Crystal Rock & Transfer Review
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The Sum Up
Trou d’Eau Douce offers a range of captivating catamaran cruises that allow visitors to explore Mauritius’ idyllic islands, witness dolphin sightings, and enjoy snorkeling and barbecue experiences. These all-inclusive tours provide a perfect way to take in the island’s natural beauty and create unforgettable memories. Whether it’s a full-day cruise or a shorter excursion, there’s an option to suit every traveler’s preference.
More Tour Reviews in Trou dEau Douce
- Marvelous Ile Aux Cerf Island: Speed Boat, Parasailing, Lunch & GRSE Waterfall
- Best of the South-West, Instagram Photoshoot Tour With Mauritian Lunch on the Go
- Snorkeling With Giant Turtles, The Odyseo Aquarium & Port Louis
- The Adventure East of Mauritius: 3-Watersport Activities & Blue-Bay Marine Park
- Full-Day Private Hiking Le Morne Mountain & Seafood Lunch at Islet Fourneau
- The East of Mauritius: Full-Day Incl Visit to Ile Aux Aigrettes & Lunch
- Catamaran Adventure Full Day: Ile Aux Cerfs,Grse Waterfall,Snorkeling &Bbq Lunch
- Snorkeling With Giant Turtles, the Red Church, Pamplemousses Garden & Port Louis
- Private North Day Tour: Botanical Garden, Sugar Museum, Rum Tasting, Port Louis
- Catamaran Cruise to Ile Aux Bénitiers: Dolphin Watch, Crystal Rock & Transfer
- Hiking Trip Full-Day: the Magnificent 7 Waterfalls Sept Cascades Including Lunch
- Port Louis and the North – a Full Day Trip
Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Trou dEau Douce we have reviewed
- Marvelous Ile Aux Cerf Island: Speed Boat, Parasailing, Lunch & GRSE Waterfall
- Best of the South-West, Instagram Photoshoot Tour With Mauritian Lunch on the Go
- Snorkeling With Giant Turtles, The Odyseo Aquarium & Port Louis
- The Adventure East of Mauritius: 3-Watersport Activities & Blue-Bay Marine Park
- Full-Day Private Hiking Le Morne Mountain & Seafood Lunch at Islet Fourneau
- The East of Mauritius: Full-Day Incl Visit to Ile Aux Aigrettes & Lunch
- Catamaran Experience to Ile Aux Cerf: Incl: Parasailing, Lunch, GRSE & Transfer
- Exploring the Magnificent East of Mauritius: Full-Day Incl Blue Bay Marine Park
- Full-Day Private Mauritius Shopping Tour: Including a Visit to the Capital City
- Mauritius Private Night Tour: Romantic Dinner, Entertainments & Night Lounge
- The East Discovery Tour: Bois-Cheri Tea Factory, Blue-Bay Marine Park & Lunch
- Swim With Wild Dolphins & Benitiers Island With Lunch & Transport