Ile aux Cerfs is the most sold excursion in Mauritius, and most people buy it as a packaged day that puts them on the sand at the same hour as everyone else.
Go independently
Boats leave from Trou d Eau Douce from around nine. Going direct rather than through a hotel desk costs roughly half, and it lets you take the first crossing instead of the third.
What it costs
Return boat transfers from Trou d Eau Douce start around 700 rupees per person. Add a beach lunch and you are still well under a packaged tour price.
