Île aux Cerfs,Mauritius

• Main beach and lagoon — long stretches of soft white sand and shallow, calm waters ideal for swimming
• Snorkeling and marine activities — clear water with accessible reef areas and plenty of tropical fish
• Water sports — parasailing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and jet-skiing available from operators on the island
• Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club — an acclaimed 18-hole championship course (designed by Bernhard Langer) located on the island complex for golfers
• Restaurants and beach bars — casual beachfront dining and picnic-style eateries serving fresh seafood and Creole dishes
• Boat cruises and glass-bottom boat tours — popular ways to approach the island and view marine life without diving

• Shallow, calm turquoise lagoon protected by reef — excellent for families and novice swimmers
• Powdery white sand beaches that extend along much of the island's shoreline
• Close proximity to the east coast of Mauritius (Trou d'Eau Douce) — easy day-trip logistics
• A mix of developed visitor facilities and natural coastal habitat — balance of leisure comforts and scenic nature

• Swimming, sunbathing and relaxing on the beach
• Snorkeling over reef flats and among small coral outcrops
• Boat trips (speedboat, catamaran) from Trou d'Eau Douce and neighboring harbors
• Water sports: parasailing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, jet-skiing
• Fishing charters and glass-bottom boat excursions
• Playing a round at the Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club (advanced booking recommended)
• Picnics, beach barbecues and casual seaside dining
• Private events and small weddings (popular location for ceremony/reception photography)

May to December (cooler, drier months with calmer seas). Note: the cyclone season runs mainly January to March and can bring heavy rain and rough seas.

Tropical maritime climate: hot and humid from November to April, cooler and more comfortable from May to October. Expect sudden brief showers at any time of year; sea conditions vary with season and wind.

Île aux Cerfs is reached by short boat rides (10–20 minutes) from the village of Trou d'Eau Douce on the east coast of Mauritius. The nearest major airport is Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU) — roughly a 45–75 minute drive depending on traffic. Public transport to Trou d'Eau Douce is limited; most visitors use organized transfers, taxis or rental cars to reach the boat departure points.

Half-day (3–4 hours) for a quick visit; full day recommended to enjoy water sports, lunch and relaxed beach time. Golfers may spend a full day if combining a round with leisure time.

Swimwear, light cover-ups, reef shoes (for rocky or coral areas), quick-dry clothes, a sun hat, polarized sunglasses, high-SPF reef-safe sunscreen, a waterproof bag and a lightweight towel. Bring a mask/snorkel if you prefer your own gear (many rentals available).

Try fresh seafood and Mauritian Creole specialties at island restaurants or beachfront grills (fish, octopus, creole curry, samosas). For souvenirs, consider local rum, vanilla products, handcrafted gifts, sarongs and small artisanal items — purchase options are more limited on the island itself, so plan to buy in Trou d'Eau Douce or other towns if looking for variety.