Day 59: Family Adventure at Ile aux Cerfs, Mauritius

Discover the beauty of Ile aux Cerfs in Mauritius. Perfect tips for traveling with a baby, local insights, unforgettable experiences await!

Main Journey
Events
Tips for Traveling with a Baby
Local Travel Tips
Travel Reflections

Main Journey

Our last full day in Mauritius began with excitement buzzing through the air—especially from Sweetie, who woke up extra early, already energized and ready to go. Today, we were set to visit one of Mauritius’s most famous spots: Ile aux Cerfs, also known as Deer Island. This island is renowned for its stunning lagoons, lush mangrove forests, and vibrant marine life.

We met our tour group—a diverse mix of families from Austria, the UK, India, and China—outside the travel agency. A minivan arrived, and off we went, driving through endless fields of sugarcane that seemed to cover the entire island. The journey took about two hours, with the scenery shifting from the familiar coastline to the more rugged, wild beauty of Mauritius’s east coast.

At the departure point, we exchanged our booking receipt for official tour tickets. While they tried to upsell us on activities like parasailing and sea walking, we politely declined, happy to keep things simple. We had chosen the budget-friendly speedboat tour, skipping the pricier catamaran option.

As we made our way to the speedboat, clouds gathered ominously overhead. The temperature had dropped slightly, and the breeze hinted at a possible shower. Still, spirits were high as we spotted Ile aux Cerfs in the distance, its lush greenery framed by crystal-clear waters.

The speedboat ride itself was thrilling—faster than I expected, weaving skillfully through shallow coral reefs. Approaching the island, we passed mangrove forests, their twisted roots reaching into the water. The sight brought back memories of Julie and me steering a small speedboat through mangroves during our honeymoon in Cancun.

Just as we docked, a light drizzle began. For a moment, it felt like our day might be dampened—literally. But Mauritius weather is famously unpredictable, and true to form, the rain stopped as quickly as it started.

Events

The tour schedule was packed:

08:30 AM – Departure by minivan
10:30 AM – Speedboat to Ile aux Cerfs
11:00 AM – Free time on the island
1:00 PM – Waterfall tour
2:00 PM – BBQ lunch with unlimited drinks
3:00 PM – More free time
4:00 PM – Return to the mainland
7:00 PM – Back at our accommodation

Once we had our free time, we wandered past the resort areas to a quieter beach—and were greeted by an incredible view. The water stretched out in shades of turquoise and emerald, shallow enough that people were walking knee-deep far from shore, exploring coral patches teeming with life.

Unlike the beaches we’d visited on Mauritius’s mainland, the waters around Ile aux Cerfs were bustling with marine life. We spotted sea urchins, crabs, hermit crabs, and colorful tropical fish both in and out of the water.

Sweetie was ecstatic, splashing and giggling despite the slightly chilly water. Julie, feeling the cold more, retreated to the beach, leaving me to enjoy some precious father-daughter bonding time in the sea. Watching Sweetie’s pure joy as she played in the waves was one of those moments I’ll carry with me forever.

Later, we climbed onto sun-warmed rocks to dry off. Sweetie was fascinated by tiny hermit crabs scuttling around us, though it took her a while to muster the courage to touch one. We even stumbled upon a giant starfish, which a resort staff member carefully relocated back to the coral reefs.

After a quick change into dry clothes, we spent the rest of our free time building sandcastles. Around 1 PM, we headed back to the dock, ready for the next part of our adventure—a waterfall tour. But just as we arrived, the skies opened up with a sudden downpour. Mauritius’s weather had one last surprise in store for us.

Tips for Traveling with a Baby

1. Be Prepared for Rapid Weather Changes

Mauritius’s weather can shift from sunny to rainy in minutes. Pack lightweight rain jackets and an extra set of dry clothes for your baby.
Bring a quick-drying beach towel to keep your little one warm after swimming.

2. Choose the Right Tour Type

We opted for the speedboat tour, which was fun but a bit bumpy. If traveling with very young children, consider the catamaran option for a smoother ride.
Make sure to confirm if the tour provides life jackets suitable for toddlers. If not, bring your own baby-sized life jacket.

3. Protect Against the Elements

Even on cloudy days, the sun’s UV rays are strong. Apply reef-safe sunscreen regularly, and have a wide-brimmed hat for your baby.
Water shoes can protect little feet from sharp coral and slippery rocks.

4. Pack Light but Smart

A small waterproof bag is essential for keeping valuables dry during boat rides.
Bring snacks and water for your baby, as the island’s amenities are limited, especially during free time.

Local Travel Tips

1. Getting There

Ile aux Cerfs is accessible via speedboat or catamaran from the east coast. Tours typically include transportation from major hotels.
Expect a 2-hour drive from Grand Baie to the departure point.

2. What to Expect on the Island

The island has limited shade, so bring your own umbrella or beach tent if you’re traveling with kids.
BBQ lunches are part of most tours, but the menu can be basic. If your child is a picky eater, pack something familiar.

3. Best Time to Visit

The weather is generally pleasant year-round, but sudden rain showers are common. Mornings tend to be clearer, with rain more likely in the afternoon.
Visit during low tide for better chances to explore shallow coral areas teeming with marine life.

4. Wildlife Encounters

Keep an eye out for hermit crabs, sea urchins, starfish, and colorful reef fish. It’s a natural playground for curious little explorers.
Don’t touch the wildlife, especially coral and sea urchins, to preserve the delicate ecosystem.

Travel Reflections

Standing on the shores of Ile aux Cerfs, watching Sweetie’s delighted splashes against the backdrop of endless turquoise, I felt overwhelmed by a quiet, simple joy. There’s a unique kind of happiness that comes from seeing your child experience the world—wide-eyed, fearless, and full of wonder.

Despite the unpredictable weather, the sudden downpour, and the chilly breeze, today felt perfect in its own imperfect way. It reminded me that travel isn’t about flawless itineraries or postcard-perfect photos. It’s about the moments in between—the unexpected rain showers, the giggles in the waves, the shy curiosity towards a hermit crab.

As we prepare to leave Mauritius, I can’t help but feel a pang of sadness. This island has given us so much—beautiful beaches, breathtaking views, and memories that will last a lifetime. But the world is vast, and our journey continues.

Next stop: Seychelles, then on to the wild landscapes of Madagascar. Each new place will bring its own surprises, challenges, and moments of magic.

And that’s the beauty of world travel—with every goodbye, there’s always another adventure waiting just beyond the horizon.