Trou d\u2019Eau Douce
to Île aux Cerfs
The main gateway to the island \u2014 how the boats run, how long the crossing takes, and how to time your day.
Why Trou d\u2019Eau Douce Is the Gateway
Trou d\u2019Eau Douce is a small fishing village on the east coast, and it\u2019s the closest mainland point to Île aux Cerfs \u2014 the island sits just a short crossing away across the lagoon. That\u2019s why virtually every boat to the island, whether a speedboat shuttle or a full catamaran cruise, departs from here (or from the nearby jetties at Pointe Maurice and Grand River South East).
If you\u2019re staying elsewhere on the island, getting yourself here is the first step. Many operators include a hotel transfer so you don\u2019t have to drive, which is worth considering if you\u2019re coming from the north or west.
How the Boats Run
Speedboat shuttles run back and forth throughout the day, generally from around 8\u20139am onward. They\u2019re frequent and flexible \u2014 you pay a return fare, cross in 10\u201315 minutes, and agree a pickup time with the boatman before you head over.
Catamaran cruises are scheduled trips rather than a shuttle. They typically depart mid-morning and return mid-afternoon, with the crossing stretched out to 45\u201360 minutes so the boat can snorkel a coral patch and pass the Grand River South East waterfall along the way. See our Île aux Cerfs tours for the full day.
Exact departure times vary by operator and season, so it\u2019s always worth confirming your specific time when you book rather than relying on a fixed schedule.
The Route and What You\u2019ll Pass
The crossing itself is one of the most scenic stretches of water in Mauritius. The lagoon shades from pale turquoise near the shore to a deeper blue further out, with the east-coast mountains rising behind the village as you pull away. On a catamaran you\u2019ll often pause to snorkel over a coral patch, then drift past the Grand River South East waterfall, where freshwater spills straight into the sea \u2014 a rare sight worth having your camera ready for.
Then the boat turns toward the island, and the long curve of white sand comes into view. The whole approach builds anticipation in a way a ten-minute speedboat hop simply can\u2019t match \u2014 which is part of why people choose the cruise even when the shuttle is quicker.
Shuttle or Organised Tour?
Speedboat shuttle
Cheapest and most flexible — just a crossing, no frills. You bring your own food, drink and gear, and organise your own day.
Catamaran cruise
All-inclusive — lunch, drinks, snorkelling and beach time handled for you, with the sailing as part of the experience.
Not sure which suits you? Read our catamaran vs speedboat comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the boat from Trou d’Eau Douce to Île aux Cerfs?
A speedboat takes 10–15 minutes. A catamaran sails at a more relaxed pace and takes 45–60 minutes, usually with a snorkelling stop or a detour past the waterfall along the way.
What time do the first boats leave?
Independent speedboat shuttles generally start running from early morning, around 8–9am, and continue through the day. Organised catamaran cruises typically depart mid-morning and return mid-afternoon. Exact times vary by operator, so it’s worth confirming when you book.
Can I just turn up at the jetty and get a boat?
For a speedboat shuttle, usually yes — boats run frequently during the day. For an organised cruise or a specific departure, it’s better to book ahead so the boat is waiting and the timing is guaranteed.
Leave from Trou d\u2019Eau Douce with Everything Sorted
Book a cruise and let us handle the boat, the lunch and the timing.