Catamaran or Speedboat
to Île aux Cerfs?
Two boats, two very different days. Which one suits your group, your budget and how you like to travel.
It Comes Down to What Kind of Day You Want
Both boats reach the same island, but they are not the same day out. A catamaran is a full-day sail — slow, sociable, everything included. A speedboat is a fast crossing that gets you onto the sand in about fifteen minutes, leaving you to organise the rest yourself.
If you want a relaxed sailing experience with lunch, drinks, snorkelling and zero planning, take the catamaran. If you mainly want beach time, you are short on a day, or you are heading over to play golf at the Île aux Cerfs Golf Club, the speedboat is the efficient choice.
How the Two Boats Actually Differ
Speed. A catamaran sails the lagoon at a relaxed pace, taking 45–60 minutes and usually pausing to snorkel or pass the Grand River South East waterfall on the way. A speedboat skims across in 10–15 minutes — you trade the sailing for time on the island.
Comfort. The catamaran has deck space to walk around, shaded areas, toilets, and a stable ride that rarely rocks even the queasy. The speedboat is open, fast and can bounce in choppy water, and you will feel the spray. It is fun, but it is not a lounge.
What you get. A catamaran day cruise is almost always all-inclusive: BBQ lunch, soft drinks and an open bar, snorkel gear and a couple of hours of beach time. A speedboat shuttle is usually just the crossing — you pay for your own food, drink and activities once you land.
Group size. A shared catamaran carries 20–34 guests, so it has a sociable, holiday atmosphere. A speedboat seats 6–12 people, which feels more private even on a shared departure.
Catamaran vs Speedboat at a Glance
The honest comparison, so you can match the boat to your day.
| Catamaran | Speedboat | |
|---|---|---|
| Crossing time | 45–60 minutes | 10–15 minutes |
| Typical cost | €55+ per adult, all-inclusive | €25–35 return shuttle |
| Group size | 20–34 guests | 6–12 people |
| What’s included | Lunch, drinks, snorkelling, beach time | Crossing only (usually) |
| Comfort | Stable, space to move, toilets | Fast, bumpy, open to spray |
| Best for | Families, first-timers, full day out | Golfers, short stays, beach time |
Which One Should You Choose?
Families with young children
Stable, shaded, space to move, and the crew keeps an eye on kids while you relax. The gentler ride matters more with little ones.
First-time visitors
You get the full east-coast experience — sailing, snorkelling, the waterfall, lunch — in one easy, all-inclusive day.
Golfers
You are going for the course, not the cruise. A fast crossing gets you onto the green with your whole afternoon intact.
Short on time
If you only have a morning, a shuttle maximises beach time instead of spending an hour sailing each way.
Anyone prone to seasickness
The twin-hull stability and slow pace are far kinder than a bouncing speedboat.
Special occasions
A private catamaran charter gives you the boat to yourselves with a tailored itinerary — the speedboat can’t match that.
See the full range of options on our Île aux Cerfs tours and speedboat tours pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a speedboat or catamaran better for seasickness?
The catamaran, every time. A catamaran’s twin hulls keep it stable and slow, while a speedboat slaps across the water and can bounce in choppy conditions. If you or a child get queasy easily, take the catamaran and sit toward the middle of the deck.
Which is cheaper, catamaran or speedboat?
It depends what you’re comparing. A bare speedboat shuttle (return crossing only) is the cheapest way to reach the island. But a full-day catamaran cruise usually includes lunch, drinks, snorkelling and beach time, so it’s far better value per euro than a speedboat with nothing included.
Can I do both in one day?
Not really worth it. The two boats serve different purposes — the catamaran is the full-day experience, the speedboat is a fast crossing. Pick one based on whether you want a sailing day or just beach time, rather than trying to combine them.
Still Not Sure Which Boat to Book?
Tell us your group and how you want to spend the day, and we\u2019ll point you to the right one.