If you’re planning a trip to Île aux Cerfs, one question quickly comes up: should you choose a catamaran cruise or a speedboat?
Both excursions depart from Trou d’Eau Douce and take you to one of Mauritius’ most popular island destinations. The difference lies in how you spend your day.
A catamaran cruise turns the journey itself into part of the experience, while a speedboat focuses on getting you to the island as quickly as possible.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you decide.
At a Glance
| Feature | Catamaran Cruise | Speedboat |
|---|---|---|
| Experience | Full-day lagoon cruise | Direct transfer to the island |
| Departure | Trou d’Eau Douce | Trou d’Eau Douce |
| Maximum capacity | 30 passengers | 18 passengers |
| Schedule | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Flexible departure times |
| GRSE Waterfall | ✔ Included | ✘ Not included |
| Snorkeling stop | ✔ Included | ✘ Not included |
| Lunch | ✔ Included | ✔ Included |
| Shared tour | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Private tour | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
Choose the Catamaran if the Journey Matters as Much as the Destination
The catamaran is designed for travellers who want to enjoy a full day on Mauritius’ east coast lagoon rather than simply travel from one point to another.
Departing from Trou d’Eau Douce at 9:00 AM, the cruise includes a visit to the GRSE Waterfall, a snorkeling stop, lunch on board and free time on Île aux Cerfs before returning at around 3:00 PM.
The boat carries a maximum of 30 passengers, providing enough space to move around the deck, take in the scenery and enjoy the relaxed pace of the cruise between each stop.
If you see the boat trip itself as part of your holiday experience, the catamaran is the better choice.
Choose the Speedboat if Your Priority Is Spending More Time on the Island
The speedboat offers a different approach.
Instead of adding several stops along the way, it takes you directly to Île aux Cerfs, allowing you to spend less time travelling and more time exploring the island.
With a maximum capacity of 18 passengers, the boat accommodates smaller groups than the catamaran. Boarding is quick, and departure times are more flexible depending on availability.
This option is ideal for visitors who already know their priority is enjoying the beaches and facilities on Île aux Cerfs rather than spending much of the day cruising across the lagoon.
Lunch Is Included in Both Tours
Many travellers assume that lunch is only included on the catamaran cruise.
In fact, both excursions include lunch.
This means your decision isn’t based on whether meals are provided, but on the overall experience you want:
- how much time you want to spend cruising;
- whether you’d like to visit the GRSE Waterfall and snorkelling area;
- the size of the boat;
- whether you prefer a shared or private tour.
Which Tour Is Right for You?
Choose the catamaran cruise if you’d like to enjoy a relaxed day on the lagoon, with several stops and sightseeing along the way.
Choose the speedboat if your goal is to reach Île aux Cerfs quickly and spend as much time as possible on the island itself.
Both tours depart from Trou d’Eau Douce, both include lunch, and both are available as shared or private experiences.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on how you want to spend your day, not simply on how you get there.
Compare Our Excursions
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