Breathtaking Ile aux Cerfs island

The lagoon of Trou d'Eau Douce on the east coast of Mauritius is home to a jewel: Ile aux Cerfs. This uninhabited islet is one of the most beautiful sites and beaches of the island. A site not to be missed during your next vacation in Mauritius. So, how to discover Ile aux Cerfs and what are the activities you can do there? What is this prestigious address that has taken up residence opposite this exceptional site? We tell you everything about Ile aux Cerfs.

How to get to Ile aux Cerfs?

There are different ways to reach Ile aux Cerfs and to discover this emblematic site of Mauritius. A taxi-boat takes care of shuttles between Trou d'Eau Douce and Ile aux Cerfs every 30 minutes from 9am. This is the most used option. You will then be free to discover the beauty of Ile aux Cerfs and spend the day or half day there. For a discovery of Ile aux Cerfs by sea, opt for a speedboat, catamaran or pirate boat excursion. In total intimacy for a more romantic excursion or in a small group to enjoy the festive and friendly atmosphere of the sea trip, you will have the choice! You will discover splendid panoramas which will pass under your eyes throughout the day such as the Cascade of Grande Rivière Sud Est or the Mangénie islet... If most of the sea trips leave from Trou d'Eau Douce, you can however start your journey from Blue Bay. The boat will take you to the Blue Bay Marine Park and Ile aux Aigrettes located in the south-east of Mauritius, then will drop you off on Ile aux Cerfs for a welcome cocktail and a barbecue on the beach. Depending on the proposed excursions and the chosen formula, you will certainly be seduced by this exceptional Mauritian site.

Advantages and disadvantages of going to Ile aux Cerfs

Like any destination, Ile aux Cerfs has its advantages and disadvantages. One of the main advantages is the island's beauty. With its white sand beaches and turquoise waters, it's a paradise for sun seekers and beach lovers. Additionally, the island offers a range of activities, from snorkeling and parasailing to golfing and exploring the nearby GRSE waterfalls. On the downside, the island can get quite crowded, especially during peak tourist season. The restaurants and facilities can also be quite expensive, so it's important to budget accordingly.

What You Need to Know

Before you go, it's important to know a few things about Ile aux Cerfs. Firstly, the island is only accessible by boat, which means you'll need to arrange transport in advance. Secondly, there are no accommodations on the island, so you'll need to plan your visit as a day trip. Lastly, it's important to pack sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water, as the sun can be quite strong.

Water sports at Ile aux Cerfs?

Ile aux Cerfs invites you to relax on its magnificent white sandy beaches, in the shade of palm trees, with your eyes in the turquoise waters of the ocean, whose transparency encourages diving, but also to take part in the many water sports activities planned for all, all year round: kayaking, canoeing, sailing, snorkeling, parasailing, or take a boat tour around the island. Relaxing on the warm sand or swimming with your family... Enjoy the pleasures of the beach and the many water sports offered. There are also several beaches where you can relax and soak up the sun. Beaches and water sports are not the only riches of Ile aux Cerfs! Beyond its splendid beaches, you will discover, during your walks in the heart of the island, an abundant tropical vegetation, the mangrove or waterfalls accessible by boat.

The Golf Course

One of the main attractions on Ile aux Cerfs is the Bernhard Langer-designed golf course. The 18-hole course offers stunning views of the ocean and is a favorite among golfers from around the world. If you are a golf fan, don't hesitate to test your green on one of the most famous golf courses in the world: the Touessrok Golf Course, combining technique and exceptional panoramas. If you spend the day or evening there, visit the restaurants of Ile aux Cerfs for lunch, dinner or simply a drink. 

A bit of History with Le Touessrok

In the mid-1970s, the development of tourism gave a new lease on life to Ile aux Cerfs. In 1978, Le Touessrok took off and became a tourist destination of choice. Customers were happy to be able to travel to Ile aux Cerfs by traditional pirogues where swimming, picnics and campfire parties were organized. Freshly caught fish, thrilling lobsters and delicious sea urchins are on the menu and all this contributes to the legend of Touessrok and its Ile aux Cerfs. The Touessrok Golf Course (18-hole golf course) as well as the Marsala and Paul & Virginie restaurants and the Ile aux Cerfs water activity center are owned by the luxury hotel Le Touessrok. An emblematic address in Mauritius and a member of the "Leading Hotels of the World", Le Touessrok belongs to the Mauritian hotel group Sun Resorts. It is located in Trou d'Eau Douce, about 10 minutes by boat from Ile aux Cerfs and Mangénie Island. The hotel organizes free transfers to Ile aux Cerfs for its residents every hour. These transfers are also available to residents of other hotels in the Sun Resorts group (Ambre, La Pirogue, Sugar Beach, Long Beach). The access to Ile aux Cerfs remains open to all and many other accommodation options exist on the east coast of Mauritius. If you are not staying close to Ile aux Cerfs, think about organized day trips. Are you staying at Touessrok for your wedding or honeymoon? It is possible for the hotel to organize your wedding ceremony on Île aux Cerfs. An idyllic place to say yes... Since 1985, the modernization of the area has brought Île aux Cerfs to a higher level. Water sports, beach restaurant, permanent team assigned to Ile aux Cerfs... all the ingredients to transform the place into a magnificent site which quickly became the most visited site in Mauritius. While holding the exclusive lease on Ile aux Cerfs, Sun Resorts opened the island to Mauritians and visitors. At one time, in the 1990s, the Ministry of Tourism counted nearly 550,000 annual visitors to the site, which was featured on all the Mauritian Tourist Board's promotional posters around the world. There is no more iconic and representative of Mauritius than this prestigious island. It is the place of leisure par excellence on weekends for Mauritian families.

Restaurants Available

There are several restaurants on Ile aux Cerfs, offering a range of cuisines from traditional Mauritian to Italian. One of the most popular restaurants is the La Chaumiere Masala, which serves up delicious Indian specialties and the Paul & Virginie restaurant with fish and seafood specialties. Choose to have lunch in the shade of one of the charming kiosks or with your feet in the sand!

How Safe is it to Swim There ?

The waters around Ile aux Cerfs are generally safe for swimming. However, it's important to be cautious and obey any warning signs or instructions from the lifeguards.

Staying overnight ? The Bubble Lodges

For a unique experience, you can stay in one of the bubble lodges on Ile aux Cerfs. These transparent bubbles offer stunning views of the night sky and the ocean, making for a truly unforgettable experience.

Where is it situated ?

Ile aux Cerfs is situated off the east coast of Mauritius, near the village of Trou d'Eau Douce.

How to Visit Ile aux Cerfs island ?

To visit Ile aux Cerfs, you'll need to arrange transport from your hotel or resort. There are several tour operators that offer day trips to the island, which typically include transport, lunch and access to the island's facilities. If you are on your own, you can drive to Trou d'eau Douce débarcadere. There is a ticket office for boat services (public ferry) every 30 minutes.

The GRSE waterfall

The GRSE Waterfalls are situated in the Grand River South East (GRSE) region of Mauritius. The falls are located on the GRSE River, which flows through the lush vegetation of the area. The GRSE Waterfalls consist of two cascades that drop down over 50 meters into a pool below. The falls are surrounded by lush vegetation, making for a truly picturesque setting. There are plenty of activities to enjoy at the GRSE Waterfalls. You can swim in the cool pool beneath the falls, hike through the surrounding forest, or even go canyoning down the falls. The falls are also a popular spot for picnics and relaxation. As with any natural attraction, it's important to be cautious and follow any instructions or warning signs. The rocks around the falls can be slippery, so it's important to wear appropriate footwear and be careful when climbing around. Overall, the GRSE Waterfalls are a must-visit attraction for anyone traveling to Mauritius. With their stunning beauty and range of activities, they offer a unique and memorable experience that shouldn't be missed. The falls are conveniently located near Ile aux Cerfs, making them the perfect addition to your itinerary.