Trou d’Eau Douce
A fishing village and the main departure point for Île aux Cerfs.
Hero image: Arne Müseler, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons.
Trou d’Eau Douce is a village on the east coast of Mauritius, facing a broad lagoon dotted with islets. Its name refers to a freshwater spring that once supplied passing ships. Today it is best known as the main departure point for boats to Île aux Cerfs, the island’s most visited lagoon excursion.
Away from the jetty, it remains a working village with fishing boats, small shops and places to eat. A handful of guesthouses and smaller hotels sit in and around the village, with large resorts nearby on the coast.
At a glance
- Region
- East Coast
- From Port Louis
- East across the island towards Flacq
- Suggested stay
- Two to four nights, or as a day-trip departure point
- Best time
- Calmer lagoon days are more likely outside the strongest winter winds
- Known for
- Boats to Île aux Cerfs, lagoon views, village life
- Getting around
- Taxi or hire car; boats from the village jetties
Where to stay and what to book
Places to stay
In this Trou d’Eau Douce guide
Why visit Trou d’Eau Douce
Staying in Trou d’Eau Douce puts you next to the lagoon and the boat departures, with a more local atmosphere than the big resorts. It suits travellers who want an east-coast base that feels like a real village.
For most visitors, though, it is a place they pass through on the way to Île aux Cerfs. Even then, it is worth a look around before or after your boat trip.
Boats to Île aux Cerfs
Several operators run boat transfers and excursions from Trou d’Eau Douce to Île aux Cerfs, ranging from simple shuttle boats to longer trips that include the Grande Rivière Sud-Est waterfall or snorkelling stops. Prices, departure times and inclusions vary between operators and should be confirmed directly before you go.
The village and lagoon
The lagoon here is wide and shallow, with views towards Île aux Cerfs and the smaller islets. Fishing boats moor along the shore, and the village has small shops and simple places to eat. The large hotels of the area are nearby along the coast towards Belle Mare and Beau Champ.
Getting there and around
Trou d’Eau Douce is on the coast road south of Belle Mare. From the airport or Port Louis, a pre-booked transfer or taxi is the most practical option; a hire car is useful for exploring the east coast.
If you are staying elsewhere on the island and visiting only for Île aux Cerfs, many excursions include return transport from your accommodation.
Best time to visit
Boat trips run throughout the year, but strong south-east trade winds in the cooler months can make the crossing choppier. The summer months are hotter and include the cyclone season, when trips may be cancelled for weather.
How long to stay
Two to four nights works for a quiet east-coast stay. Many visitors spend only a day here for the Île aux Cerfs excursion.
Find accommodation in Trou d’Eau Douce
Accommodation in Trou d’Eau Douce is mostly guesthouses and smaller hotels; larger resorts lie nearby along the coast.
Browse Trou d’Eau Douce accommodation
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Nearby destinations
Île aux CerfsA small lagoon island on the east coast, visited as a day trip by boat.Read the Île aux Cerfs guide 
Belle MareA long white-sand beach and wide lagoon on the central east coast.Read the Belle Mare guide 
MahébourgA historic town on the bay of Grand Port, close to the airport.Read the Mahébourg guide Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Île aux Cerfs?
By boat, most commonly from Trou d’Eau Douce. Operators run shuttles and longer excursions.
Can I stay in Trou d’Eau Douce?
Yes. There are guesthouses and smaller hotels in and near the village.
Is Trou d’Eau Douce worth visiting apart from the boats?
It is a pleasant, authentic village with lagoon views, but most visitors come for the boat trips.
Plan the rest of your trip
- East Coast region guide
- Île aux Cerfs guide
- Where to stay on the East Coast of Mauritius
- Mauritius tours and activities
Official sources for Trou d’Eau Douce
Opening hours, entry fees, boat and transport schedules, access rules and park conditions change; check the official source before you travel.
- Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) — official visitor information
- Mauritius Meteorological Services — forecasts, warnings and cyclone bulletins
Plan a East Coast trip
Compare the places in this region before you choose a base.
Where to stay, and what to book
Browse Trou d’Eau Douce accommodation or East Coast accommodation, and see tours and activities for lagoon excursions. See also where to stay on the East Coast.