Île aux Cerfs
★ 4.5🇲🇺 Trou d'Eau DouceSuggested visit 1 dayBest season May to November, the dry season, with calm seas and clear water
Island escapeSnorkellingWater sports
An islet off Mauritius's east coast with white-sand lagoons and a golf course, the island's main base for snorkelling and water sports.
Overview
Covering about 100 hectares, Île aux Cerfs is ringed by shallow turquoise lagoon rarely more than a few metres deep, ideal for snorkelling and swimming. It has fine white sand, casuarina groves and an 18-hole golf course. Typical trips include catamaran cruises, glass-bottom boats over the coral and the offshore waterfall, while the far side keeps mangroves and seabird habitat.
History
The name means "Island of Deer" for the Javan deer once abundant here and later hunted out; it was developed as a resort and golf destination in the late 20th century.
Highlights
- •Snorkelling in the shallow turquoise lagoon
- •Catamaran cruises
- •White-sand beaches and casuarina groves
- •The offshore waterfall and coral reefs
Practical tips
- •Arrive by ferry and confirm the last return sailing
- •Food on the island is pricey — bring your own water
Practical information
- Best time
- May-November
- Tickets
- About MUR 300 for a round-trip ferry; water sports extra
- Opening hours
- Ferries roughly 9:00-17:00
- Local food
- Grilled fish, Mauritian chilli paste, coconut curry
- Getting around
- About a 10-minute ferry from the Trou d'Eau Douce jetty.
- Visa
- Visa-free or visa on arrival for stays up to 60 days with a valid passport and return ticket.
Traveller reviews
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