Île aux Cerfs is the most famous island in Mauritius: white sand, shallow turquoise water and casuarina trees, off the east coast near Trou d'Eau Douce. Most visitors arrive on crowded shuttle boats from the east. Coming from Mahébourg by private speedboat is a different experience, and it lets you combine the island with the rest of the south-east lagoon.
How the trip works
With Southeast Cruises you leave Pointe des Régates, Mahébourg, at 09:30. The boat follows the coast north inside the reef, stopping on the way at the lighthouse island and a snorkeling spot, and enters the Grande Rivière Sud-Est to see the GRSE waterfall. Île aux Cerfs comes around the middle of the day, with time to swim, walk the beach and eat a BBQ lunch. You are back in Mahébourg around 15:30.
Why a private speedboat changes the day
- You choose the beach. The main landing area is busy around midday. Your skipper can drop you on a quieter stretch of sand.
- No fixed shuttle times. You stay longer where you are happy and move on when you want.
- More than one island. A shuttle gives you Île aux Cerfs only. A speedboat day adds the waterfall, the reef and the lighthouse island.
Things to know on the island
The lagoon around Île aux Cerfs is shallow and sandy, ideal for children. There are toilets and small shops near the main landing. Bring reef-friendly sun cream and water shoes if you plan to walk on rocks. Our packing list covers the rest.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to reach Île aux Cerfs from Mahébourg by boat?
By speedboat, the direct run takes well under an hour in normal conditions. On our full-day tour we stop at several places on the way, so Île aux Cerfs is reached around midday.
Can I visit Île aux Cerfs on a half-day trip from Mahébourg?
Our half-day routes focus on the closer islands (Île aux Phares, Île aux Aigrettes, Île aux Vacoas) and snorkeling. Île aux Cerfs is part of the full-day tour.
Is lunch included on the Île aux Cerfs day?
Yes. The full-day tour includes a BBQ lunch with chicken, fish, salad, rice, garlic bread and banana flambé, plus soft drinks, rum and beer. Grilled langouste can be added.
Is Île aux Cerfs good for children?
Yes. The water is shallow and calm on the lagoon side, and infants aged 0 to 3 travel free with us.
Plan your day with Captain Pascal
Southeast Cruises runs private speedboat days from Pointe des Régates in Mahébourg, on the south-east coast of Mauritius. Tell us your date, party size and what you want to see, and Captain Pascal Bosquet will shape the route around the tide and the wind.
- WhatsApp / phone: +230 5493 8396
- Email: contact.southeastcruises@gmail.com
- Trips and enquiry form: see all experiences