Mauritius Ile Aux Cerfs Boat Tour: Review, BBQ, & Drinks
Mauritius, an island paradise known for its shimmering turquoise waters and sugar-white beaches, is, in a way, so picture-perfect. And, just one of its many jewels happens to be the beautiful Île aux Cerfs, or “Stag Island.” Getting there is often half the fun, and boat tours to Île aux Cerfs are a super popular activity. So, you get to soak up the scenic beauty as you make your way over. This review gives, basically, the lowdown on the Île aux Cerfs boat tour, complete with what you can usually expect. Expect, too, a tasty BBQ lunch and all the drinks you could wish for!
Setting Sail: What to Expect From Your Boat Tour
Most boat tours to Île aux Cerfs usually set off from the east coast of Mauritius, often from places like Trou d’Eau Douce. This, kind of, lively village acts like a gateway to the island, with different tour operators offering various packages. You will, generally, find that you have options for speedboats or catamarans, that depends what floats your boat, more or less! Speedboats get you there quicker and add a dash of excitement, in a way. Catamarans are, possibly, a bit more laid-back. Think sunbathing on deck and drinking in those views! As a matter of fact, the journey to the island is scenic, giving you peeks at the Mauritian coastline. You will probably see small islets and little coves.
You will cruise, typically, through the calm, clear waters. The boats usually make a few stops along the way too it’s almost as if you’re given a mini-tour. These stops may include places like the Grand River South East (GRSE) waterfall, which is really just tucked away in a river mouth. Depending on the tide, that bit is, actually, one to remember to snap a quick picture of. You, too, might stop for a snorkel. That depends on the tour and weather, giving you the chance to spot some colorful marine life in the crystal-clear lagoon. Most boat tours will include snorkeling gear. That might be a mask, a snorkel, and fins – make sure, though, that you check this ahead. The crew usually provides, almost, a briefing on safety measures.
Île aux Cerfs: A Slice of Paradise
Île aux Cerfs itself is a stunning island, boasting long stretches of white sandy beaches and shallow turquoise waters. It tends to be a playground for all sorts, offering various activities, from water sports to simply lounging on the beach. Most tours, arguably, allow you a fair bit of free time. That’s for you to explore the island at your own speed. You might fancy soaking up the sun on the beach. Very therapeutic or you might be one of those adventurous types wanting to try parasailing, or maybe even go for a tube ride. Oh, and the island even boasts a golf course for anyone who wants to squeeze in a round with a seriously scenic backdrop!
The island has, virtually, everything for visitors. It is pretty straightforward finding a quiet spot away from the busier areas. Do that and it, sort of, feels like your own private paradise. There are, too, little boutiques dotted around that sell souvenirs and beachwear. Basically, they allow you to bag a memory of your visit. What with everything else, you will get hungry so you might want to try out some other food offerings other than the BBQ.
The BBQ Lunch: A Gastronomic Delight
One of the highlights of this tour is definitely the BBQ lunch served, typically, on the beach or on board the catamaran. This usually involves, kind of, a feast of grilled seafood, chicken, and sausages. There might be fresh salads, local bread, and tropical fruits served on the side, that too is highly probable. Usually the crew gets busy cooking the BBQ as you reach a calm bit of water close to Île aux Cerfs. That often adds to the authentic island experience.
Most lunch spreads are fairly generous, so no-one, virtually, goes hungry! There are options that might appeal to vegetarians, but you could check with your tour operator beforehand if you are one! Alongside the food, you might find that free-flowing drinks are included too it’s almost a necessity. That includes soft drinks, water, local beer, and rum. Getting to chill out on a paradise island is, anyway, the perfect setting to enjoy a cold drink and freshly cooked food.
Drinks, Music and Entertainment
Apart from the stunning locales, the boat tour experience really has that joyful buzz, kind of enhanced by music and entertainment, particularly if you’re on a catamaran. Loads of tours feature local musicians playing traditional Mauritian tunes that gets a lot of people in a dancing mood. The vibe often gets to be infectious. You might find yourself sipping on a cocktail, soaking up the sunshine, and, at the end of the day, dancing to the rhythms of the island. That sounds quite therapeutic actually.
The free-flowing drinks are a real bonus and give a carefree, happy mood on the water, in a way! Getting the chance to enjoy the beauty of Mauritius with some tasty local refreshments usually gives an experience which is, perhaps, quite memorable. Bear in mind though, you, arguably, have got to drink in moderation to properly appreciate all those scenic views.
Making the Most of Your Tour: Tips and Recommendations
To really squeeze every last drop out of your Île aux Cerfs boat tour, bear in mind a few, basic, recommendations. For a start, it’s really just a case of lathering on that sunscreen! The Mauritian sun, arguably, is mighty strong, and you’ll be exposed for a good few hours. Bringing a hat and sunglasses are always highly recommended. A rash vest or cover-up gives an added layer of protection. Slap that lot on and the sun will just bounce off!
It’s often a good idea, usually, to bring a towel, swimwear, and a change of clothes, just if you are getting involved with the water sports! A waterproof bag will protect cameras and electronic devices too. Plus, cash or card comes in useful for souvenirs, extra drinks, or optional activities. The vast majority of tour operators tend to accept cards, but some small vendors prefer cash.
Booking your tour in advance, especially during peak season, that usually gets you a better chance of grabbing your preferred time slot, arguably, and potentially getting a better deal. Most travel agencies, hotels, and online platforms usually sell these tours. When you book, always just ask what’s included. Ask, specifically, about snorkeling gear, drinks, and any additional costs. You will want to check what time and from where the tour departs and, typically, what the refund policy is if the weather plays up! In addition, go over any specific dietary requirements at the time you book just to make sure all the catering boxes are ticked!
Also, find out a bit, perhaps, about the tour operator’s sustainability policies. Picking responsible operators, that are committed to preserving the area for future generations, really gets to contribute toward eco-tourism in Mauritius. It does rather show them that caring about their patch gets more customers. This approach normally involves things such as waste management, not harassing wildlife, and also just respecting local communities. And talking of wildlife. While they may appear tame, think twice about feeding any birds. Your leftover sandwich could, very possibly, seriously upset their digestion.
Lastly, staying hydrated really gets to keep the sunstroke at bay, and brings out the very best in you. Make use of all that unlimited water!
So, to enjoy the best, remember:
- Lather on sunscreen regularly to, in a way, avoid sunburn.
- Take a towel, swimwear, and a change of clothes, in case you fancy taking a dip.
- Check in advance what the tour includes to, basically, budget appropriately.
- Find responsible tour operators committed to, perhaps, preserving the environment.
- Drink lots of water to avoid that sun.
Spending the day on Île aux Cerfs is, basically, an incredible experience. When you book with your eyes open, knowing what’s involved, it, potentially, lives in your memory for quite some time.
All that you have to do now is, arguably, to go out and get it booked!
#Mauritius #IleAuxCerfs #BoatTour #BBQLunch #IslandLife #TravelGuide