Île aux Cerfs

Just off Mauritius’s east coast, Île aux Cerfs is a lush islet edged by pale sand, casuarina trees and clear lagoon water. Boats arrive from the Trou d’Eau Douce area, revealing a shoreline of sheltered coves and broad, photogenic shallows. The setting is especially inviting in the morning, when the lagoon is often calmer and the beaches feel more serene.

The water is typically warm and shallow close to shore, with shifting shades of turquoise over sand and seagrass. Swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding suit the protected lagoon, while boat operators offer parasailing and other water sports in designated areas. Coral fragments and occasional rocky patches make water shoes useful; conditions and visibility vary with tides, wind and season.

Île aux Cerfs is a celebrated excursion rather than an untouched hideaway. Its principal landing areas can become lively as day boats arrive, but quieter stretches are found by walking beyond the busiest facilities. Restaurants, refreshments, loungers and changing amenities are available in developed sections, while the island’s golf course occupies much of the interior.

For a polished day, arrange a private transfer or catamaran itinerary, arrive early, and combine beach time with a lagoon cruise or a visit toward the Grand River South East waterfall. Shade is available beneath trees, though tropical sun remains intense. Reef-conscious sunscreen, drinking water and secure footwear will ensure a more comfortable visit.