5 islands tour: New Private OCÉANE Speedboat

The best thing about this Mauritius boat trip is the freedom of a private speedboat. You move faster than a catamaran, stop at several southeast islands, and can often shape the pace with your skipper. I especially like the quiet beach lunch at Ile aux Cerfs and the chance to visit the old lighthouse at Ile aux Fouquets. The main drawback is price: $842 for up to two people is a serious splurge, even though the boat can carry as many as eight.

I also like that snorkeling comes before the alcoholic drinks, which keeps the water activity sensible. Skippers including Brian and Angelo have been singled out for listening closely and avoiding crowded spots when possible. Just remember that this is a fast, open-water ride, so it is not a good fit for pregnant women, people with back problems, or anyone with limited mobility.

Key points at a glance

• Fast private ride: Choose this instead of a large catamaran if you want speed, spray, and a more personal day on the water.
• Six-and-a-half-hour route: Leave from Pointe Maurice Jetty and return around 3:30 PM after the southeast islands and Ile aux Cerfs.
• Several very different stops: Expect a waterfall, monkeys, snorkeling, a lighthouse, small islands, and a beach meal.
• Lunch away from the main crowds: Your BBQ is served in a quiet corner of a private beach at Ile aux Cerfs.
• Skipper-led flexibility: Brian and Angelo are named as especially accommodating, with time and stops adjusted to suit the group.
• Drinks after snorkeling: Alcoholic drinks are served only once the water activities are finished.

Why this private speedboat feels different

Many Mauritius boat excursions are built around a fixed group and a fixed rhythm. This one is designed for a private group, with the boat carrying up to eight people. The advertised price is for up to two, so the value changes depending on your party size. For two people, it is expensive. For a larger private group, the cost can make more sense when compared with booking several separate seats or paying for a more basic shared cruise.

The boat itself is new and described as being in very good condition. That matters here because the ride is part of the attraction, not just transport between stops. You get the rush of moving quickly over clear water, with the sea spray and open views that come with a speedboat.

This is not the calmest way to see the coast. The ride may suit you perfectly if you enjoy motion and want to cover more ground. If you prefer a slow cruise with plenty of shade and little spray, a catamaran is likely the better choice.

The private format is the real luxury. You can ask to stay longer at a favorite stop, spend less time at one that does not appeal to you, or search for a quieter place to snorkel. The exact amount of flexibility depends on the skipper and sea conditions, but the experience is clearly more personal than a large shared boat.

Starting at Pointe Maurice Jetty

You meet at Pointe Maurice Jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the meeting point.

The full activity lasts 390 minutes, or about six and a half hours. The route is scheduled to return to Pointe Maurice at approximately 3:30 PM. Bring your swimwear, towel, change of clothes, sunglasses, flip-flops, a hat or cap, and high-SPF sunscreen. A camera is also worth packing, but keep it secure on the boat.

Smoking is not allowed. Wi-Fi is not included, which is hardly a hardship on a day built around water and scenery, but you should download anything you need before arriving.

Your host or skipper can speak English or French. The named skippers Brian and Angelo have received particular praise for being accommodating, entertaining, and willing to respond to requests. That personal touch is important on a private trip, since the skipper shapes much of the day.

GRSE waterfall and the cheeky monkeys

The first major stop is Grand River South East, usually called GRSE. You get a photo stop, sightseeing time, and a chance to watch the local wildlife around the waterfall.

The monkeys are one of the memorable details here. They add a little mischief to what could otherwise be a quick scenic stop. You will also see tropical forest around the river, giving the opening part of the tour a different feel from the bright open lagoon.

This stop is brief, listed at about 30 minutes. Think of it as an introduction to the coast rather than a long walk or extended waterfall visit. The appeal is the combination of river, falling water, forest, and wildlife before the boat turns toward the islands.

Because the speedboat covers ground quickly, you get more variety in one day. The tradeoff is that no single stop receives the slow, detailed attention you might get on a dedicated waterfall outing.

Snorkeling near Ile aux Aigrettes

The route then heads toward Ile aux Aigrettes, with sightseeing and a pass-by lasting around 20 minutes. This is also the area connected with the snorkeling portion of the day.

The snorkeling gives the trip its main water-based activity beyond the speedboat ride. You can expect time in clear water and a chance to see marine life around the reef. The scenery includes the lagoon framed by mountains, a useful reminder that Mauritius is not only about beaches. The coast, islands, water, and mountains work together here.

The exact snorkeling conditions will depend on the sea. Your skipper chooses the place, and the private format may make it easier to avoid the busiest areas. Several people have found quiet water with no other boats nearby, but you should treat that as a possibility rather than a promise.

Take the safety rule seriously: alcoholic drinks are served after snorkeling, not before. The management can cancel snorkeling if alcohol is consumed ahead of time. It is a sensible arrangement, and it keeps the active part of the day clear-headed.

Bring your own towel and swimwear. The supplied information does not promise equipment details, so check what is provided before you set off if you need specific snorkeling gear.

Ile aux Phares and the southeast islands

Next comes Ile aux Fouquets, also known as the lighthouse island. The stop includes sightseeing and a photo opportunity, and you may get out briefly to explore. The lighthouse gives the route a strong visual marker and breaks up the time spent on the boat.

The visit is not described as a long island walk. If you are hoping for a full historical tour, keep expectations modest. This is a scenic stop where the lighthouse, water, and island setting do most of the work.

The route also passes Îlot Flamants. You can stop for photographs and sightseeing, or simply take in the island from the boat. These smaller island stops are valuable because they show the southeast coast from several angles. You are not just being taken to one beach and brought back.

The sea views can be excellent from a fast boat, though speed has a practical side. Hold onto loose belongings and expect wind and spray. A dry bag or waterproof phone case is a smart extra, especially if you plan to take photographs while moving.

BBQ lunch on a quiet Ile aux Cerfs beach

Lunch is served at La Flibuste, on a quiet corner of a private beach at Ile aux Cerfs. This is one of the strongest parts of the experience because the meal is not treated as a rushed stop at a crowded waterfront.

The BBQ lunch gives you a proper pause after the morning on the water. You can eat, swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the clear blue water before returning to the boat. The setting is simple but effective: sand, sea, food, and time without a packed schedule pressing you onward.

The food has been described as especially tasty, and the beach setting has drawn strong praise. Still, the available details do not provide a full menu, so you should not book this expecting a particular dish or dietary arrangement unless you confirm it in advance.

I like the balance here. The day begins with motion and sightseeing, moves into snorkeling, then slows down for lunch and a swim. You are not spending six and a half hours at full speed.

The phrase private beach should also be read carefully. The lunch takes place in a quiet private area, but Ile aux Cerfs is a well-known destination. The quiet experience depends on the location and timing, not on having an entire island to yourself.

Returning via Trou d’Eau Douce

After lunch, you cruise back through the Trou d’Eau Douce area. The return is part of the sightseeing rather than a dead transfer. You can enjoy the changing views, the water, and the feeling of having crossed a broad section of the southeast coast.

One unusual possibility is seeing dolphins. That is not guaranteed, and it should never be the reason you book the trip. Still, dolphins have appeared during past outings, with the skipper staying nearby when conditions allowed. Wildlife always controls the schedule here, so think of this as a fortunate extra.

Some groups have also been allowed to take the wheel under the skipper’s supervision. That is not listed as a standard inclusion, so do not count on it. If the opportunity is offered, it can be a fun extra, particularly for families with older children.

The boat can carry up to eight passengers, but the price shown is for a group of up to two. Ask how your party will be priced before booking. A larger group may improve the value, while a couple will be paying for privacy, speed, personal attention, and the full boat experience.

Price, comfort, and who gets the best value

At $842 for up to two people, this is one of the more expensive ways to spend a day on the Mauritius coast. The price is easier to justify if you place a high value on privacy, a new boat, a flexible route, and a beach lunch away from the main crowd.

For a couple celebrating a special occasion, the private setting may be exactly the point. You get a dedicated skipper rather than a fixed crowd, plus snorkeling, lunch, several island stops, and a fast ride in one package.

For a family or group of friends, check the final group pricing carefully. Since the boat can carry up to eight passengers, sharing the cost among more people could make the private arrangement far more attractive.

This is not the right purchase if your main goal is the cheapest way to reach Ile aux Cerfs. A shared cruise may cost less. It is also not ideal if you dislike wind, spray, quick movement, or getting in and out of a boat.

I would choose this tour for people who want a full day with variety and control. I would not choose it for someone who wants a quiet, slow, highly structured cruise with no physical demands.

Practical limits you should know

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or people with mobility impairments. Boarding, riding a fast boat, snorkeling, and moving around a beach all require a reasonable level of comfort and physical ability.

You should bring:

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

Alcohol is included after snorkeling, but drinking beforehand can cause the snorkeling session to be cancelled. You can also choose not to drink at all. One past group skipped alcohol entirely, so there is no need to treat it as a required part of the day.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if you are still arranging the rest of your Mauritius plans.

Should you book the Oceane Cruises speedboat?

Book it if you want a private, fast-moving day with several very different stops, a good beach lunch, and the freedom to work with your skipper. The strongest reasons are the quiet Ile aux Cerfs meal, the new boat, the flexible service associated with skippers such as Brian and Angelo, and the chance to combine snorkeling, wildlife, islands, and a lighthouse in one outing.

Think twice if $842 for two people stretches your budget, or if you would be happier on a slower shared cruise. Also skip it if you have back problems, limited mobility, or cannot handle a lively ride.

For a couple or small group that values personal service more than low cost, this is a strong splurge. For everyone else, compare the price with a catamaran and decide how much the private boat and flexible pace are worth to you.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat tour start?

The tour starts at Pointe Maurice Jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius.

How long does the activity last?

The activity lasts 390 minutes, which is about six and a half hours. The boat is expected to return at approximately 3:30 PM.

Is the boat private?

Yes. The activity is for a private group. The speedboat can carry up to eight passengers, while the stated price is for a group of up to two.

What places does the tour visit?

The route includes Grand River South East, Ile aux Aigrettes, Ile aux Fouquets lighthouse, Îlot Flamants, La Flibuste at Ile aux Cerfs, and Trou d’Eau Douce.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. A snorkeling session is included, with snorkeling planned near Ile aux Aigrettes.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is served at La Flibuste, in a quiet corner of a private beach at Ile aux Cerfs.

Are drinks included?

Alcoholic drinks are served after snorkeling. Alcohol consumed beforehand can lead management to cancel the snorkeling activity.

What languages does the host speak?

The host or greeter speaks English and French.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to Pointe Maurice Jetty.