5 Islands Tour: New OCÉANE Private Pontoon Boat cruise

The best part of this six-hour cruise is the way it links several of Mauritius’s southeast sights in one calm day on the water. You’ll move from the Grand River South East Waterfall to clear snorkeling spots, old island scenery, white beaches, and the turquoise lagoon without packing and unpacking every few hours.

I like the private-group format, which gives you more say over the pace, and I like having lunch and drinks served aboard rather than losing time returning to shore. The main point to check is the exact route on your date. The schedule can be customized, and one past outing skipped Ile aux Aigrettes and offered fewer complimentary drinks than expected.

Key points

• Private pontoon for up to 11 passengers: The boat suits couples, families, and small groups who want their own space.
• A full southeast-coast circuit: Expect waterfalls, snorkeling, lighthouse scenery, island views, and Ile aux Cerfs.
• Captain Joey may be at the helm: He was praised for giving the group plenty of time at each stop, though crew assignments can change.
• Lunch is served on board: You can eat at anchor after swimming, with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks included.
• The route is flexible: Ile aux Aigrettes or other stops may change, so confirm the plan before departure.
• Bring proper sun gear: A towel, swimwear, spare clothes, hat, sunglasses, flip-flops, and high-SPF sunscreen are all useful.

A private start at Pointe Maurice

Your meeting point is just before the Shangri-La le Touessrok hotel at Pointe Maurice. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way to the departure point.

The advertised rate is $871 for a private group of up to two people. That is a serious price for a day on the water, but it buys privacy rather than two seats on a crowded shared boat. If you are a couple wanting a more personal outing, the cost is easier to justify. The boat can carry up to 11 passengers, so ask the operator how pricing works for a larger party before booking.

You should allow six hours for the experience, with the return to Trou d’Eau Douce planned for about 3:30 p.m. The published route begins and ends at Pointe Maurice, while Trou d’Eau Douce appears as part of the cruise and sightseeing route. Confirm the precise departure time and return arrangement when you reserve.

The boat is described as a comfortable pontoon. A past outing used a speedboat for some transfers, which shows that the exact vessel or transport arrangement may vary. The key point is to expect a water-based day, not a fixed, rigid route with every stop guaranteed.

The Grand River South East Waterfall first

The cruise heads south toward the Grand River South East Waterfall. This is one of the most scenic openings for a day in this part of Mauritius, since you begin with green hills, open water, and a natural feature reached by boat.

You’ll have time for a photo stop and sightseeing, and wildlife viewing is part of the planned visit. Monkeys were seen during one past trip, but you should treat that as a possibility rather than a promised part of the outing. Do not count on feeding wildlife, even if it happens to be offered informally.

This first stop also helps you settle into the rhythm of the day. You are not rushing straight into a meal or a long beach stop. You get a look at the river mouth and surrounding scenery before the boat moves farther into the lagoon.

Snorkeling at Eau Bleu

After the waterfall, the boat heads toward Eau Bleu for snorkeling. The water is described as clear and blue, and the main appeal is seeing the lagoon’s underwater life at close range.

Snorkeling equipment is included, which saves you from packing fins and masks unless you prefer your own. You should bring swimwear under your clothes, a towel, a change of clothes, and strong sunscreen. A hat or cap, sunglasses, and a camera also belong in your day bag.

The order of drinks matters here. Alcoholic drinks are served after snorkeling, and the operator can cancel the snorkeling activity if alcohol is consumed beforehand. That is a sensible safety rule, but it also means you should plan your morning around the water activity. Save the beer, wine, or other alcoholic drink for afterward.

The snorkeling stop is one of the tour’s strongest features, but conditions can affect what you see. The supplied details promise the chance to explore the underwater world, not a particular species or reef sighting. If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, ask how water conditions or route changes are handled.

Ile aux Aigrettes and the flexible route

Ile aux Aigrettes is included in the planned sequence as a stop for swimming, snorkeling, an aperitif, or a pass-by. That wording matters. It may be a proper pause, or it may simply be viewed from the boat depending on the day.

One past trip did not go to Ile aux Aigrettes at all. Since the route is specifically described as customizable, you should confirm whether this island is planned for your departure rather than assuming every listed place is guaranteed.

This is not necessarily a flaw. A private boat can adjust its timing, and changing sea conditions may make another stop more appealing. Still, a private tour should give you a clear explanation of the day’s plan. If Ile aux Aigrettes is important to you, ask about it before you pay.

The lighthouse at Ile aux Fouquets

Ile aux Fouquets is the most distinctive sightseeing stop on the route. Its lighthouse gives the island a strong sense of place, and you’ll have time for photographs, sightseeing, and free time around the stop.

Lunch is served on board, with the boat anchored near the island or another scenic point. The timing is practical: after swimming and snorkeling, you can dry off, sit down, and eat without returning to a restaurant. You’ll also have views while you eat, rather than spending the best middle hours of the day in transit.

The tour includes unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, but you should read that promise alongside the past experience supplied for this outing. On one occasion, only one drink was free with a barbecue, and coffee cost extra. That may have been a different meal arrangement or a change in service, but it is worth confirming exactly what unlimited drinks covers.

The standard description refers to a cold lunch, while the past outing included a barbecue at a private beach. Those are not the same meal. Ask whether your day includes the onboard cold lunch, a barbecue, or another menu, and ask about coffee or other extras.

Îlot Flamants and the open lagoon

Îlot Flamants is mainly a scenic pass-by and photo stop. Do not expect a long shore visit here. Its value is in the view from the boat, the changing color of the water, and the way the smaller islands fit into the southeast coast.

This is where a private pontoon can feel worthwhile. You can sit back between active stops instead of filling the day with constant swimming and walking. A six-hour cruise needs quieter stretches, and the views from the water are part of the experience rather than dead time.

You’ll want to keep your camera handy, but protect it from spray and bright sun. The day is built around outdoor viewing, and the boat may offer little shade depending on where you sit. The supplied information does not promise covered seating, so ask if shade is important to you.

Ile aux Cerfs and the sweetest pause

Ile aux Cerfs comes later in the route, with scenic views and dessert. The schedule describes it as a pass-by, but one past trip allowed about an hour on the island. That difference again shows why you should treat the route as flexible.

Ile aux Cerfs is one of the better-known stops in this part of Mauritius, and its white sand and clear water make it a natural place for a short break. If you get time ashore, use it to stretch your legs, enjoy the beach, or take photographs. If the boat only passes by, you still get the island views without spending much of the day there.

The exact length of the stop may depend on weather, tide, crowd levels, and your group’s preferences. If you want beach time more than sightseeing, tell the captain early. A past group had enough time to enjoy this stop at an easy pace, and Captain Joey was praised for not rushing the day.

Trou d’Eau Douce and the ride back

Trou d’Eau Douce is part of the return portion of the cruise before you reach Pointe Maurice. You’ll have more scenic views of the southeast coast, with green mountain ranges, turquoise water, and pale beaches along the way.

The trip is not designed as a series of formal guided talks. The appeal is the boat ride itself, the views, and the freedom to spend time swimming, relaxing, or taking pictures. English is the stated language, and the host or greeter is English-speaking.

At the end, you return to Pointe Maurice at approximately 3:30 p.m. Since hotel transportation is not included, make sure you have a plan for getting back to your accommodation. This matters especially if you are staying away from Trou d’Eau Douce or the Shangri-La area.

Food, drinks, and what the price really buys

Food and drinks are a major part of the value here. A meal on board means you can stay near the islands instead of giving up an hour or two to eat on land. Unlimited non-alcoholic drinks are useful in the heat, while alcoholic drinks can turn the afternoon into a relaxed social cruise once snorkeling is finished.

The $871 price for up to two people is high compared with a standard shared boat trip. I would book it for privacy, control over the pace, and the chance to shape the route, not because it is the cheapest way to see the coast.

The value improves if you are filling more of the boat’s capacity, but the supplied rate only specifies a group of up to two. Do not assume that adding passengers is included. Ask for the full price for your party and clarify the meal, drinks, and any extra charges before booking.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

This tour fits couples who want a private day together, families who need flexibility, and small groups that prefer a boat to themselves. It also suits people who want several kinds of scenery in one outing: a waterfall, open lagoon, small islands, a lighthouse, snorkeling water, and beach views.

It is less suitable if you want a fixed schedule with every island guaranteed. The route can change, and past arrangements differed in transport, meal style, and stops. You should also think twice if you dislike boats, strong sun, or swimming-based activities.

The boat can carry up to 11 passengers, but a full group may feel different from a private outing for two. Ask about seating, shade, and the planned passenger count if comfort is a priority.

Pack light, but pack the right things:

• Swimwear and a towel
• A complete change of clothes
• High-SPF sunscreen and a hat
• Sunglasses and flip-flops
• A camera or waterproof phone protection

Smoking is not allowed. Alcohol should wait until after snorkeling, and you should not rely on the boat to provide every personal item you need for a hot day outside.

Book it if the route flexibility works for you

I would book this cruise if you want a private, full-day look at Mauritius’s southeast coast and care more about personal space than the lowest price. The mix of waterfall, snorkeling, island views, lighthouse scenery, lunch, and drinks gives the day plenty of variety.

Before booking, confirm three things: the exact stops, the meal being served, and what unlimited drinks includes. That small bit of checking can prevent disappointment, especially if Ile aux Aigrettes or a barbecue matters to you.

The high rating reflects the parts that make this outing pleasant: friendly service, a relaxed pace, and enough time to enjoy each stop. Captain Joey was especially praised for letting the group take its time. If you want a flexible private cruise and can accept that the route may change, this is a strong choice. If you want a guaranteed checklist of five islands at a fixed low cost, choose a more structured shared excursion instead.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart?

The meeting point is just before the Shangri-La le Touessrok hotel at Pointe Maurice.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts six hours and is scheduled to return to Pointe Maurice at approximately 3:30 p.m.

How many people can the pontoon boat carry?

The pontoon boat can carry up to 11 passengers.

Is the boat private?

Yes. The experience is for a private group.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are lunch and drinks included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Alcoholic drinks are served after snorkeling.

Can the itinerary change?

Yes. The itinerary is indicative and can be customized. Specific stops, including Ile aux Aigrettes, may vary.