Ile aux Cerfs is a beautiful little island off the east coast of Mauritius, known for its white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons, and a variety of water sports. A popular tourist destination, the island offers plenty of relaxation, adventure, and a stunning backdrop for a perfect day trip. In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know before you set off.

What else you should know

  • What else you should know
  • 1. How do you get to Ile aux Cerfs?
  • 2. Activities on Ile aux Cerfs
  • 3. Food and drink
  • 4. Best time to visit
  • 5. Cost of the trip
  • 6. Our tips for the perfect day
  • 7. Staying overnight on Ile aux Cerfs
  • Conclusion: A must in Mauritius

1. How do you get to Ile aux Cerfs?

The small island lies about 1 km off the east coast and is only accessible by boat. Most boat tours depart from the jetty at Pointe Maurice in Trou d’Eau Douce, a small town on the east coast of Mauritius. On the island of Île aux Cerfs itself, there are two piers served by boats:

  • Ile aux Cerfs Masala: Shuttle from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (every 30 minutes)
  • Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club: Shuttle from 6:40 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (every 20 minutes)

Here are some transportation options:

Boat Shuttle: There are regular boat connections from Trou d’Eau Douce that take about 20 minutes. The price of the shuttle is usually between €15 and €20.

Catamaran Tours: A popular way to get to the island is by catamaran day trip. These often offer additional services such as a barbecue lunch and snorkeling stops.

Speedboat Tours: For a faster and more exciting crossing, you can also book a speedboat tour. These often include a detour to nearby waterfalls.

Popular Island Tours

  • Full-Day Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch Included*
  • From Trou d’Eau Douce: Ile aux Cerfs Speedboat Tour with Lunch*
  • Trou d’Eau Douce: Southeast 5 Islands Adventure*

Shangrila Resort Mauritius Getting to Ile aux Cerfs Ile aux Cerfs Palm Trees and Beach

2. Activities on Ile aux Cerfs

The island has something for everyone—whether it’s relaxation, water sports, or simply enjoying nature.

Beach and Relaxation: The island’s beaches are known for their crystal-clear waters and white sand. You can relax in a hammock or lounge chair and enjoy the view of the lagoon.

Snorkeling and Diving: The island offers great snorkeling spots, especially along the quieter stretches of coast. Be sure to bring your snorkeling gear.

Golf: The island is home to a famous 18-hole golf course, the Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club. Ideal for golf enthusiasts seeking a unique playing experience.

Water Sports: The island offers numerous water sports such as parasailing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, water skiing, and much more. Local operators offer various packages so you can put together activities to suit your needs.

Explore Nature: There are small trails that lead through the island and offer a different perspective on the region’s flora and fauna. Plan 2.5 to 3 hours to circumnavigate the entire island.

Mauritius Beach Ile-aux-Cerfs-Bolle-and-Marco-Beach-Sea Ile-Aux-Cerfs-Bay-Palm-Sea-1

3. Food and Drink

On the island, you’ll find a handful of restaurants and beach bars serving delicious Mauritian and international dishes:

  • Sands Grill: The Sands Grill serves grilled, fried, or steamed fish and seafood, as well as Mauritian dishes and pizzas, in a relaxed atmosphere where you can bury your feet in the sand.
  • Sands Bar: The Sands Bar not only offers legendary Mauritian rum cocktails, but also tropical drinks made with fresh, local fruit. If you’re feeling a little or very hungry, you’ll find a selection of pizzas on the menu.
  • Langer’s Bar & Grill: The elegant clubhouse restaurant at the highest point of Ile aux Cerfs boasts a fantastic view of the golf course. At Langer’s Bar & Grill, you can expect Mauritian specialties and international dishes, creatively prepared by the kitchen team.
  • La Flibuste: In the southeast of Ile aux Cerfs, right next to the golf course, lies an exclusive beach. White sand, comfortable sun loungers, and parasols await you here. Let yourself be pampered with seafood specialties and personalized butler service.

Note: Food and drink prices are often higher than on the mainland. We therefore recommend bringing your own snacks and water, especially if you plan to stay on the island all day.

Eating Mauritius Beach

4. Best Time to Visit

You can visit Ile aux Cerfs all year round. However, the best time to visit is from April to June and September to December. During these months, the weather is dry and pleasantly warm. More about this here: Best time to travel to Mauritius.

  • Summer months (November to April): Warm and often humid, with occasional rain showers. The high season brings many visitors, so you should book early if you want to travel between December and February.
  • Winter months (May to October): Slightly cooler and less humid, ideal for golf and long days at the beach.

Beach Water Mauritius

5. Costs for the trip

The island itself is freely accessible, but there are costs for the boat crossing or special activities. Plan on spending around €20 to €60 per person, depending on the type of tour and the activities you want. Additional costs may apply for water sports (e.g., parasailing) or golf (€80-100 for green fees).

6. Our tips for the perfect day

Set off early: The island can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. The earlier you arrive, the more time you’ll have there. The speedboats depart between 3:30 and 4 p.m., so keep this in mind.

The most beautiful beaches: Most visitors stay right at the pier, which is why it’s busiest. Instead, walk north to Îlot Valérie beach. We liked it there best and it was very quiet.

Bring sunscreen: The sun in Mauritius is very intense, especially on the open Ile aux Cerfs. Bring plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.

Bring your own snorkeling gear: If you enjoy snorkeling, bring your own equipment, as rentals are not guaranteed on the island. Water shoes are also helpful if you plan on climbing over some rocks.

Keep your luggage light: Don’t overpack! In the end, all you need is swimwear, drinks, snacks, a towel, a snorkeling set, a book, sunscreen, and ideally a hat.

Ile aux Cerfs Beach Ile aux Cerfs Golf Course Mauritius Beach

7. Staying overnight on Ile aux Cerfs

While the island is primarily known for day trips, it also offers exclusive overnight accommodations. For example, there’s the special Bubble Lodge Île aux Cerfs. You’ll stay in a transparent, spherical suite surrounded by nature and have access to a private beach and the 18-hole golf course. The price includes breakfast in the golf club restaurant and a golf lesson or green fee. BOOK BUBBLE HERE*.

Top hotels near the island

  • Long Beach Mauritius*
  • Ambre Resort Mauritius*
  • Shangri-La Le Touessrok*

Bubble Hotel Ile aux Cerfs

Conclusion: A must in Mauritius

A day trip to Ile aux Cerfs is almost a must when you are in Mauritius. The stunning landscape, the variety of activities and the relaxed atmosphere make the island a perfect place to enjoy the beauty and nature of Mauritius. Depending on the season, there’s certainly plenty going on there. But if you continue walking north, you can enjoy the island to its fullest!