Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
from a variety of dizzying transport options and despite what the signs say, there is no
public ferry to Île aux Cerfs - all services are run by private operators.
Dozens of boat operators run by former fishermen in Trou d'Eau Douce offer a water-
taxi service to the island for Rs 350 round trip. Ask at your accommodation to be set up
with a reliable option or try
Bateaux Vicky
( 754 5597; bateauxvicky@yahoo.com; Royal Rd;
9am-5pm)
. The taxi boats run roughly every 20 to 30 minutes between 9am and 4pm, with
the last boat back at 5pm (the island 'closes' to visitors at 5pm sharp). The trip takes
between 15 and 30 minutes depending on your point of departure. It's not necessary to
book ahead. Many of these local operators also offer a side trip to the waterfalls at Grande
Rivière Sud-Est (Rs 600) and/or a beachside barbecue on the island (Rs 1000 to Rs 1600
depending on your choice of food).
The other way to reach the island is on a popular catamaran day trip, which usually in-
cludes snorkelling, sunbathing and an expansive barbecue lunch. Check out
www.mauritiuscatamaran.com
for a list of day-trip options.
CATAMARANS & YACHT CRUISES
A catamaran day trip is one of the most popular activities in Mauritius. Hundreds of tourists each day board boats
to zoom around the azure lagoon and wavy seas or stop at offshore islets and shallow reefs. Many such excur-
sions include barbecue lunches and/or time for snorkelling.
The most romantic option is the sunset cruises offered by most operators. If you're looking for something a bit
more traditional, you'll find myriad fishermen in Mahébourg and the surrounding beaches who have transformed
their vessels into mini leisure crafts. Most operators include buffet lunches, alcohol and snorkelling. Make sure to
shop around before choosing your cruise - some catamarans are not licensed to stop on any islands. Most cruises
can be booked through tour agents and hotels. Check out
www.mauritiuscatamaran.com
for more information.
Some of the more popular excursions include:
»
Île aux Cerfs - a stunning island off Trou d'Eau Douce on the east coast. Departures are also possible from
Mahébourg. Île aux Cerfs is a good option for those who suffer from motion sickness as the boat never leaves the
calm lagoon waters.
»
Îlot Gabriel and Île Plate - Grand Baie is another major hub of cruise activity with dozens of vessels head for
the wee islands in the north. These are probably our pick of the cruising options as the reefs are pristine, the
beaches quieter and competition keeps the prices less inflated.
»
Île aux Bénitiers - on the west side of the island, this popular cruising option is a half- or full-day trip with the
possibility of dolphin-watching.
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