Powdery white sand, secluded turquoise lagoons & wild trees equates to the beautiful oasis that is Île aux Cerfs.
A private island off the east coast of mainland Mauritius, Île aux Cerfs is intrinsically located near the fishing village of Trou d’Eau Douce. This picturesque island is popular with Mauritian locals and international tourists alike. Look around and you might see Mauritian nationals enjoying a family day out; clued up tourists who just must experience a slice of paradise within paradise; and authorised vendors selling the sweetest fruits, the coolest drinks and exhilarating excursions.
Île aux Cerfs, which translates to Deer Island, is large enough to host everyone who visits on any one day, without feeling over crowded or losing its exclusive vibe. In fact, with all it has to offer, there is something to do to fit every budget, so you really will be spoilt for choice.
THINGS TO DO ON ÎLE AUX CERFS
1) Relax on the beach and cool off in the shallow turquoise lagoons. First of all, it’s free, which is welcoming considering the cost you will have already paid to get to the island. Sunbathing and sea dipping is the perfect way to relax, rejuvenate and to enjoy the company of significant others.
2) Tee off at Île aux Cerfs Golf Club. Yes, Île aux Cerfs has it’s own 19 hole, award winning golf course which was designed by golf champion, Bernhard Langer. There’s daily complimentary beginners clinics and also a challenging course for the more avid golfers.
3) Explore the wide range of exhilarating activities available. From water skiing, parasailing and banana boat rides in the ocean to zip lining through the trees at the island’s adventure park. The adventure park offers activities for adults and children aged 4+
4) Go on a speedboat excursion. Hire a privately driven speedboat to sail past the ocean crashing into the coral reefs, stopping by the Beau Champ Cascade (waterfall) along the Grand River and then to finally voyaging to eat a delicious & fresh bbq lunch prepared by local Mauritian people. You can read more about this excursion here.
GETTING TO ÎLE AUX CERFS
There’s no bridge, road or under water tunnel to Île aux Cerfs. The only way to get there is from jetty to jetty or by helicopter, if you have it like that. For most people, you’ll be sailing to the shores of Île aux Cerfs by either, speed boat, catamaran, or a boat shuttle.
So yes, you will have to pay in some capacity to get to the private island; whether you’re paying a taxi to drop you off at Point Maurice (before boarding a boat) or paying to board a catamaran at Point Jerome, you will need to pay to get to the island.
You can take a complimentary boat shuttle from a handful of East coast jetty’s if you’re guests at a particular group of hotels, including the exclusive Shangri-La Le Touessrok, but even then, you will have definitely paid for it within the overall accommodation charge.
TIPS TO ENJOY ÎLE AUX CERFS
1) Do not forget your swim suit! Whether you’re water shy or not, the sun will pretty much guarantee you taking a dip in the lavish lagoons. It’s hot out there and up until my inaugural visit to the private island, I hadn’t fully swam in the Indian Ocean as sometimes fear of the unknown overcomes me but whilst waiting for Jay to get the towels and water we conveniently missed on the way to the sun loungers, the heat from the sun outweighed my fears, I literally had no choice but to leave our belongings on the sun lounger and get in – Jay thought I’d gone missing and was super surprised to see me in Earth’s waters!
2) Bring your snorkelling gear – the clear blue waters and shallow lagoons provide the perfect conditions to practise some amateur snorkelling.
3) Wide brimmed hats, suncream & sunglasses are very appropriate! Bring along a good range of sun protectants for you and the family. Whilst beautiful, Île aux Cerfs sun (I say like it has its own sun separate to the world) is hot and the UV index reading is typically very high in Mauritius so remember – protect, protect, protect!
4) Get cash! You absolutely will want to buy fresh coconuts, miniature pineapples and maybe even sign up to an excursion or two. Support the locals!
5) If you do golf, be sure to observe the dress code and adhere to it. Beginner golfers may not be aware of there being a golfing dress code so do your research and make sure you’ve packed the correct things to do what you want to do.
Watch what we got up to in Mauritius here:
