Places to Visit in Mauritius
Île aux Cerfs
An 87-hectare island of white sandbanks and shallow turquoise water, set in the largest lagoon in Mauritius.
Location
Off Trou d'Eau Douce — east coast
Time Needed
Half day to full day
Access
By boat only — shuttle or excursion
Island Size
Around 87 hectares
Best For
Beaches, swimming, water sports, golf
Facilities
Beach restaurants, bars, activity operators
Overview
Discover Île aux Cerfs
Île aux Cerfs sits just off Trou d'Eau Douce on the east coast, inside the largest lagoon in Mauritius. That lagoon is the point: it is broad, shallow and extraordinarily clear, and the island's white sandbanks run out into it in long, pale shelves that make the water look almost artificially blue.
At around 87 hectares, it is large enough to absorb a lot of visitors and still leave quiet corners. Beach restaurants, bars and water-sports operators cluster near the main landing areas, while other stretches of shoreline stay comparatively empty — a short walk usually buys a good deal of space.
The island also holds an 18-hole championship golf course, laid out by two-time Masters champion Bernhard Langer across roughly 38 hectares of the island's interior and coastline. It is one of the most photographed courses in the Indian Ocean.
Most visitors arrive as part of an excursion — commonly a speedboat or catamaran day that also takes in the Grand River South East waterfall along the coast, with lunch on or near the island.
White sandbanks
in Mauritius' largest lagoon
Why Visit
Why Visit Île aux Cerfs?
The Lagoon
Shallow, calm and startlingly clear — the sandbanks running out from the island are what most people come to see.
A Proper Island Day
Getting there by boat makes it feel like an outing rather than another beach stop, and there is enough space to fill a full day.
Water Sports on Tap
Parasailing, undersea walking, tube rides and more are run from the island by licensed operators, generally at additional cost.
Championship Golf
An 18-hole Bernhard Langer course occupying a large part of the island, playable by visitors through the golf club.
MauTravel Experiences
Make Your Island Day Bigger
Water sports run from the island itself — these MauTravel experiences add to the day around it.
Things to Do
Things to Do on Île aux Cerfs
Swim from the Sandbanks
Shallow, warm and clear, with a gently shelving sandy bottom — the easiest swimming you will find anywhere on the east coast.
Walk to a Quieter Beach
The busiest sand is closest to the landing points. Ten minutes on foot usually finds you a noticeably emptier stretch.
Try the Water Sports
Parasailing, undersea walks, tube rides and similar activities are available through licensed operators on the island, normally paid for separately.
Play the Golf Course
The island's 18-hole championship course, designed by Bernhard Langer, is open to visiting players through the golf club.
Have Lunch by the Water
Beach restaurants and bars operate on the island; many excursions also include a barbecue lunch as part of the package.
Combine with the GRSE Waterfall
Most speedboat excursions from Trou d'Eau Douce also run along the coast to the Grand River South East waterfall.
Around the Island
The Sandbanks
Long, pale shelves of sand reaching out into shallow water — the source of almost every photograph taken here.
The Golf Course
Eighteen holes spread across roughly 38 hectares of the island, with several holes running along the coast.
The Quiet Shore
Away from the landing points and the restaurants, stretches of shoreline stay comparatively undisturbed even on busy days.
Getting to Île aux Cerfs
The island is reached by boat only, from Trou d'Eau Douce on the east coast. A regular shuttle service runs across to the island, and separately a wide range of excursions — speedboat, catamaran and private charter — depart from the same stretch of coast.
Excursion days commonly include the Grand River South East waterfall, a barbecue lunch and free time on the island, typically returning in the mid to late afternoon. What is included varies a great deal between operators, so it is worth checking the detail before booking.
Water sports on the island are run by independent licensed operators and are generally charged separately from any excursion price. Beach restaurants and bars operate independently too.
MauTravel provides private transport to and from the departure point at Trou d'Eau Douce and can help you plan the day around your chosen boat operator.
Current information may change — shuttle times, excursion inclusions and activity prices vary by operator and season. Confirm before booking.
Travel Tips
Before You Go
- The island is reachable by boat only — check the last return departure before you settle in
- Confirm exactly what your excursion includes: lunch, drinks, waterfall stop and any activities
- Water sports are usually charged separately by independent operators on the island
- Bring cash as well as a card; not every vendor on the island accepts cards
- Shade is limited on the sandbanks themselves — bring sun protection and water
- Water shoes are useful where the sand gives way to coral rubble
- It is busiest in the middle of the day, when most excursions arrive
- Boat crossings and activities can be cancelled in poor weather or rough conditions
- Take all rubbish back with you; bins on the island are limited
Getting There
Need Transport to Île aux Cerfs?
Enjoy the journey at your own pace with private transportation arranged by MauTravel. Hotel pickup and drop-off can be arranged from locations around Mauritius.
Continue Exploring
Explore East Mauritius
Île aux Cerfs anchors a full day along the east coast and its river estuaries.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
By boat only, from Trou d'Eau Douce on the east coast. There is a regular shuttle service across to the island, and many visitors instead join a speedboat or catamaran excursion that includes the crossing, the Grand River South East waterfall and lunch.
The cost is in getting there rather than in an entrance ticket — you pay for the shuttle crossing or for your excursion. Food, drinks and water sports on the island are charged separately by the businesses that operate them.
Most excursions build in around two hours of free time on the island, which is enough for a swim, a walk and lunch. If you want to use the beach properly or play golf, plan for a longer day.
The areas near the landing points get busy in the middle of the day when the excursion boats arrive. The island is large enough that walking for ten minutes usually finds you a much quieter stretch of sand.
Parasailing, undersea walking, tube rides and similar activities are offered by licensed independent operators on the island. These are normally charged separately, even if you arrived on an all-inclusive excursion — check what your package actually covers.
Yes. The 18-hole championship course, designed by Bernhard Langer, is open to visiting players through the golf club. Tee times and green fees are arranged directly with the club.
Generally yes — the lagoon is shallow, warm and calm, and there are restaurants and facilities on the island. Bear in mind the boat crossing, limited natural shade on the sandbanks, and that there are no lifeguards.
Ready When You Are
Spend a Day on the Water
We'll handle the private transport to Trou d'Eau Douce and help you plan an east coast day around your boat departure.