Ile aux Cerfs Boat Trip: Worth It?

The typical Ile aux Cerfs boat trip takes you from the east coast out to a long, palm-fringed island with beautiful white sand and a shallow lagoon. Most excursions last 6–8 hours and include time on the beach, swimming or snorkeling in the lagoon, and often a stop at the Grand River South East waterfalls. The water is usually calm and clear, the ride itself is scenic, but the island gets busy with day-trippers so don’t expect total seclusion. Lunch is normally included—grilled fish, rice, salads—and the better trips give you 3–4 hours of free time rather than rushing you through.

Best time is May to early December when the southeast trade winds are lighter and the sea is flatter. January–March can be rougher with more rain and occasional cancellations. Expect to pay around $70–$130 per person depending on whether you go by speedboat, catamaran, or opt for a smaller group trip with better food and fewer people. Private charters are obviously more.

Pick a catamaran or semi-private tour if you want a relaxed sail and decent snorkeling; speedboat versions get you there faster but feel more like a cattle run. Skip the parasailing add-on unless you specifically want it—it’s rushed and overpriced on most group trips. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, cash for the optional glass-bottom boat, and go mid-week to avoid weekend crowds.