Île aux CerfsAbout Île aux Cerfs
Île aux Cerfs is a small islet off the east coast of Mauritius in Flacq District, known for sandy beaches and shallow lagoon waters. It is a popular destination for day-trip tourism.
The island’s main attractions are its beaches, sheltered swimming areas and clear lagoon which are frequently visited on organized boat excursions. Shoreline facilities cater to day visitors arriving by catamaran or launch from the mainland.
Originally a local fishing and grazing islet, it developed into a tourist destination as coastal boat excursions and beach tourism expanded on the east coast of Mauritius. Development on the islet has focused on visitor services rather than permanent residential use.
Île aux Cerfs sits off the east coast of Mauritius near the village of Trou d’Eau Douce in Flacq District, within the coral-fringed lagoon of the island nation.
- Access: Most visitors reach the island by boat from the east-coast village of Trou d’Eau Douce for day trips to its beaches and lagoon.
Best Time to Visit Île aux Cerfs
May-October (dry season) is the most pleasant time for sea conditions and fewer showers; avoid the cyclone months of January-March if possible.
Weather & Climate near Île aux Cerfs
Île aux Cerfs's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with hot summers (peaking in January) and warm winters (coldest in August). Temperatures range from 18°C to 30°C. Abundant rainfall (1561 mm/year), wettest in February.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 23° - 30° | 26° | 223 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 5.1 m/s | 3.0 extreme | 13.1h |
| February | Very Good | 23° - 30° | 26° | 252 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 4.6 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.7h |
| March | Very Good | 23° - 29° | 26° | 204 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 4.1 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.1h |
| April | Very Good | 22° - 28° | 25° | 186 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 3.5 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.5h |
| May | Very Good | 21° - 27° | 24° | 133 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 3.3 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.0h |
| June | Excellent | 19° - 25° | 22° | 83 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 3.4 m/s | 1.2 high | 10.8h |
| July | Very Good | 18° - 24° | 21° | 89 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 4.1 m/s | 1.2 high | 10.9h |
| August | Excellent | 18° - 24° | 21° | 78 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 4.2 m/s | 1.5 very high | 11.3h |
| September | Excellent | 18° - 25° | 22° | 48 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 5.7 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.9h |
| October | Excellent | 19° - 27° | 23° | 51 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 5.5 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.4h |
| November | Excellent | 21° - 28° | 24° | 64 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 5.7 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 13.0h |
| December | Very Good | 22° - 29° | 26° | 150 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 5.5 m/s | 2.9 extreme | 13.2h |
How to Get to Île aux Cerfs
Regular boat transfers and speedboats run from the village of Trou d’Eau Douce on the east coast of Mauritius; the crossing takes roughly 10-15 minutes. Most hotels and tour operators in the east of the island can book combined transfers and activities.
Tips for Visiting Île aux Cerfs
- Take one of the first boats from Trou d'Eau Douce - by 10:00 a flotilla of excursions often crowds the lagoon.
- Rent a mask and fins from a vendor on the mainland rather than the island; equipment is cheaper and better maintained there.
- Walk the short inland trail to find the quieter northern sandbars; they look like photographs but without the crowds in the morning.