Getting to Île aux Cerfs
from Port Louis
The closest of the three common routes. Travel time, your options, and how to get out of the city and onto the lagoon.
The Shortest of the Three
Port Louis, the capital, is the closest of the three main starting points to the east coast, and the journey is the most straightforward — roughly 50 minutes to 1 hour to the Trou d'Eau Douce area. The route follows the motorway east toward Flacq before turning down to the coast.
There is no direct boat from Port Louis itself, so you'll need to reach the east-coast jetty by road. If you're staying in or near the capital, a private transfer is the cleanest option and avoids the hassle of finding parking near the jetty. If you have a hire car, the drive is simple enough, but leave extra time for city traffic during weekday mornings.
Because Port Louis is comparatively close, you also have a little more flexibility on departure times — you don't need to leave as early as someone coming from the west coast, though an early start still gives you more time on the island itself.
How to Make the Journey
Private transfer
The cleanest option from the capital. You're collected in Port Louis and driven to the jetty in time for your boat, avoiding city traffic and parking. See our catamaran and tour transfers.
Self-drive
Follow the motorway east toward Flacq, then turn down to Trou d'Eau Douce. Simple enough, but allow extra time for weekday-morning city traffic and plan parking at the jetty.
Our honest advice
For a reliable pickup from the capital, a private transfer is the easiest route — it removes city traffic and parking from the equation entirely. Pair it with our Île aux Cerfs catamaran with transfer and the whole day is handled for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get from Port Louis to Île aux Cerfs?
Port Louis is the closest of the three main starting points to the east coast. Allow roughly 50 minutes to 1 hour by road to reach the Trou d’Eau Douce area, plus the boat crossing of 10–15 minutes by speedboat or 45–60 minutes by catamaran.
Is there a boat from Port Louis to Île aux Cerfs?
No direct boat runs from Port Louis itself to Île aux Cerfs. You need to reach the east-coast jetty by road first, then take a boat across the lagoon.
Do I need to leave as early from Port Louis?
Not quite as early as someone coming from the west coast. Because Port Louis is comparatively close, you have a little more flexibility on departure times, though you should still allow extra time for city traffic on weekday mornings.
Getting Here from Elsewhere
Staying in Port Louis?
You're closer than most. Book an Île aux Cerfs cruise with pickup from the capital, or message us for a quote.