Mauritius Catamaran Cruise: Ile Aux Cerfs BBQ Lunch Review
Mauritius, known for its beaches that are pretty, lagoons that seem so serene, and reefs, just seems like a vacation spot right out of a dream. And one experience you might want to look into while you’re there is a catamaran cruise heading to Ile Aux Cerfs, and yes, there’s a barbecue lunch too. It sounds like the ideal way, doesn’t it, to see what Mauritius has to offer from the water, feel the sun on you, and get some really good eats while you are at it.
Setting Sail: What to Expect on Your Catamaran Adventure
Alright, so first off, the catamaran cruise to Ile Aux Cerfs isn’t just any trip; it is almost an experience. I mean, picture yourself stepping onto a catamaran, that feels stable yet so ready for fun, with the sun above you, already making the ocean look like a huge mirror.
What typically happens, so you are in the know, is that the cruise starts from a spot along the coast, could be Trou d’Eau Douce, maybe, or another sweet location depending on the tour people. The catamarans themselves? You might find they’re kitted out with spots to stretch out, spots that feel shaded, and a sound system, too, for those chill island songs. The crew? Very, very often, they’re a friendly bunch, there to fill you in on the local details, maybe point out places of interest, and they seem really keen on keeping the mood up.
As you’re pulling out, the views begin right away. The turquoise water, you know, the kind that looks unreal in photographs, is everywhere. You will spot the coastline slipping away, offering views of beaches with trees waving. And honestly, it feels like, maybe, you are seeing Mauritius the way you’re meant to.
That is that, depending on what’s on the schedule, the catamaran could make a few stops before Ile Aux Cerfs. You might drop anchor at a snorkeling place, giving everyone the chance to check out the underwater life. If you have never done it, it is kind of wild to see how bright and busy the fish are in real life. Then, again, maybe there is a waterfall visit planned, where you cruise up a river to get a look at this little natural wonder tucked away inland.
Ile Aux Cerfs: Paradise Found
Landing on Ile Aux Cerfs, a small island that’s seriously famed for its attractiveness, feels like, that, something out of a dream. The beaches? They are as nice as everyone tells you, and that’s that before the crowds.
Think super soft white sand under your feet, waters in shades of blue you have maybe only seen in postcards, and trees that are there providing shade when you want to step out of the sun for just a little.
Ile Aux Cerfs is a playground for anybody that feels adventurous. I mean, very, very often, there are options to try things like parasailing, where you get pulled up high for a look around; it feels kind of scary and cool all at once. Or there is the banana boat, too, a fun thing that is better with friends; just try to hold on when you get thrown around, right? And for those into water sports, sometimes you will find people wakeboarding or doing other stuff, getting their adrenaline rush.
That said, it’s not all action; a lot of people that go seem really happy just stretching out on the beach, soaking up the rays, and chilling. If that is what you like, so there are spots where you can find some peace, enjoy the sound of the ocean, and simply relax.
The BBQ Lunch: A Feast on the Beach
One of the top things about the catamaran cruise, if you ask a lot of folks, might just be that BBQ lunch on the beach. Think about it: you are out in the open air, maybe with the sand between your toes, and the smell of grilling food just hanging in the breeze. It does sound dreamy, that.
Typically, you might see a spread, so keep an eye, of grilled fish that’s, like, right-out-of-the-ocean, chicken that tastes smoky, a few types of salads, and some local stuff, too, just to give you a taste of Mauritius. And it isn’t just any food, I mean, the flavors seem to pop that bit more when you are eating outdoors, by the sea.
What usually goes down, too, is that drinks are part of it, from soft drinks to, maybe, some rum or local beer if you are feeling it. Sipping something chilled as you are tucking into lunch, looking out at the view? That’s part of the whole island vibe they have there.
The BBQ on Ile Aux Cerfs gives you a taste of Mauritius that feels special, not just because of how good the food is, but, very, very often, the setting just seems to make everything better. It’s a moment to sit back, hang out, and relish where you happen to be, right then and there.
Snorkeling and Water Activities: Getting Up Close with Marine Life
If you’re up for getting wet, so most catamaran cruises include a snorkeling stop that seems like a peek under the ocean surface. Even if you have never gone before, it isn’t hard; they’ll give you the stuff, maybe a mask and fins, and show you what you have got to do.
Once you are in, it’s like, actually, dropping into another place. I mean, you see all sorts of colorful fish swimming around, some coral, too, that has got all those shapes and colors. In that clear water, you get this seriously cool look at marine life without having to go deep or be a scuba person.
The snorkeling part is for anybody, it is almost, really, easy enough for beginners, and the area they pick is usually calm and kind of shallow, so it feels safe. It’s just, I mean, really a neat experience to feel like you are getting close with the fish, even if it’s just for a little while. And the boat staff? They will, very, very often, point out cool stuff or keep an eye on people, to make sure everyone is okay.
Beside the snorkeling, a few tours could offer other water things, depending. Maybe there’s time to try out stand-up paddleboarding, where you’re, like, paddling around on a big board. Or, too, there might be kayaks you can use, that is great if you wish to explore the shore at your own pace. I’d say that even if you are just chilling on the catamaran with the sun on you, it feels hard to not enjoy the ocean, in general.
Booking Your Cruise: Tips and Recommendations
To sort your spot on a catamaran cruise, so planning ahead tends to be the way forward, mainly if you are headed there when it is busiest. Loads of tour people provide this trip, and that is that you can find them all over on the web or through hotels and places to visit when you reach Mauritius.
What might be good to do is have a peek at what a few different people offer. Cruise lengths, what is included—stuff like the lunch and drinks, I was saying—and any other stops on the trip might vary. Some trips focus a lot more on relaxation, that is just sunbathing and calm sailing, right? Others have a few more activities, as you might expect. The cost of cruises will be different, of course, and could depend on what you are getting with it, and from whom you happen to be booking.
Have a think about what you are into on the trip: doing some snorkeling, chilling on beaches, eating good food, just maybe cruising. From there, you may feel, alright, that the trip that ticks most boxes, and doesn’t seem to cost a fortune, is probably the one. It’s also worth checking reviews, seeing if other people had a blast, that seems helpful, too.
If you’re wanting some of the other trips or activities at Ile Aux Cerfs, parasailing, banana boat trips, or others, so that stuff you could usually book when you get to the island. I will just point out to bring some cash if you think you’re going to, because not all the sellers might take cards there. It’s also seriously wise to make sure the operators are legit and follow safety rules, right?
What to Bring: Essential Items for a Perfect Day on the Water
Headed on a catamaran to Ile Aux Cerfs? So here is a quick list of what will probably make the day just that bit better. For one, sunblock, seriously; that sun is strong and being on the water pretty much doubles down on that. Pop on some that has a high SPF before you go, and yes, take it with so you can reapply often.
Another tip: think about wearing a swimming costume, naturally. It’ll let you dive right into the water activities without a second thought. And grab a decent beach towel; you’ll need it after you take a dip, of course. That is that, shades are seriously vital. Sunglasses are not just about style, I mean, it’s almost keeping your eyes okay, especially when the sun is bouncing off the ocean.
If you think your skin will need the protection, then consider wearing a cover-up, too. Light clothes, such as a long-sleeve shirt, seems ideal for when you have had enough sun, just slightly. Oh, if you are happy to snap photos, and why wouldn’t you be, a waterproof camera is almost something to consider. It might be the kind of phone cover you need that still lets you take some nice pics. Last, but not really the least, maybe bring a bit of cash along with you. Like I said, it could be useful for Ile Aux Cerfs.