5 Islands Speedboat Cruise incl. Snorkeling in Blue Bay + Lunch at Ile aux Cerfs

The best part of this outing is the mix: five island stops, a waterfall, historic ruins, snorkeling, lunch, and a speedboat ride in one long morning and afternoon. Instead of spending the whole day on one beach, you move through Mauritius’s east and southeast coast, with the sea doing most of the talking.

I like the small group limit of 18 people, which should make the boat feel more personal than a large cruise. I also like that lunch, snacks, drinks, water, and snorkeling gear are included. The main drawback is time: some stops can feel brief, while the longer snorkeling and lunch portions may not suit anyone who prefers a fast-moving tour.

Key things to know before you book

• Ile aux Cerfs begins the day: You get about 45 minutes on Mauritius’s famous island for a short visit and refreshments.
• Blue Bay is the main activity: Expect up to two hours for swimming and snorkeling, with the exact site dependent on weather and coral breeding conditions.
• History comes from the sea: Ile aux Fouquets and Ile de la Passe connect the route to Dutch settlement and the 1810 Battle of Grand Port.
• Lunch and drinks are covered: The package includes lunch, snacks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages.
• The tour returns to its starting point: Meet at Blue Alizé Catamaran in Trou d’Eau Douce at 8:30 am, then finish back there.
• Allow for an energetic boat day: Music, friendly skippers, open water, and quick stops create a social outing rather than a quiet private cruise.

Speeding away from Trou d’Eau Douce

Your day starts at 8:30 am at Blue Alizé Catamaran in Trou d’Eau Douce. Parking is available at the meeting point, a useful detail if you have a rental car. Private transportation to the meeting point is not included, so you need to arrange your own way there.

The speedboat gives the outing a different feel from a standard catamaran cruise. You cover more coastline, feel the movement of the sea, and shift between islands without long stretches of sitting in one place. It can also make the day louder and more exposed, especially if music is playing at a high volume.

The group is capped at 18 people. That is still a real group, not a private charter, but it is small enough for the skipper to keep an eye on people during swimming stops. The social side is part of the appeal. You will meet people from different places and share a boat, lunch, and water activities.

Skippers help shape the mood. Andy has been associated with the trip and is known for a friendly, high-energy style. If you prefer a calm, silent boat ride, the lively atmosphere may take some getting used to. If you enjoy jokes, music, and an outgoing crew, it should suit you well.

Forty-five minutes at Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the first major stop. You have about 45 minutes to visit the island and enjoy refreshments. This is not enough time for a full beach day, so set your expectations correctly. Think of it as a first taste of one of Mauritius’s best-known island settings, not a chance to explore every corner.

The short stay works well because the day has several other stops ahead. You can step ashore, look around, take in the pale sand and open water, and get settled into the rhythm of the tour. It is also a practical time to have a drink before the boat continues.

Some people may find 45 minutes frustrating. If Ile aux Cerfs is your main reason for booking, a dedicated beach excursion would give you more freedom. Here, the island is one chapter in a much broader day.

The route then heads toward Grand River South East, where fresh water runs toward the Indian Ocean. The waterfall views are best understood from the water, with the boat giving you a broad view of the river mouth and surrounding coast.

Ile aux Fouquets and the story behind the lighthouse

Ile aux Fouquets, also called Ile Phare or Lighthouse Island, adds a useful dose of history to an otherwise beach-focused outing. Dutch settlers discovered the islet in 1598, and a lighthouse built in 1864 remained in operation until the early 20th century.

You will not find a large museum or long land visit here. The value is in seeing the old lighthouse in its setting and hearing how the island helped ships and naval forces navigate the area. The bay of Mahébourg and Grand Port were important during battles, and the islets gave those events a physical setting.

This stop is especially worthwhile if you like knowing what you are looking at. Without a guide, a weathered lighthouse can appear to be just another coastal ruin. With context, it becomes part of Mauritius’s Dutch, French, and British past.

The tour also connects the area with Ile de la Passe, a rocky islet linked to the Battle of Grand Port in August 1810. French and British frigates fought there in a hard naval action during the British campaign to take Mauritius, then called Isle de France. The French won that battle, though the wider British invasion eventually succeeded.

The history is delivered from the boat, so do not expect a formal historical tour. You get short explanations between stops, combined with views of the islands and sea.

Two hours in the Blue Bay Marine Park

Blue Bay Marine Park is the central event of the day. You may snorkel there or near Ilot Mangenie, depending on weather and the coral breeding season. The marine park became a national park in 1997 and was later recognized as a wetland site under the Ramsar Convention in 2008.

The water near the coast is described as calm and shallow, making the area suitable for a wide range of swimming abilities. The coral garden is known for many varieties of coral and a large amount of marine life. You receive snorkeling equipment, so there is no need to rent a mask and fins separately.

Two hours gives this part of the outing more weight than the shorter island visits. You can swim, look beneath the surface, and spend time floating instead of rushing through one quick water stop. Still, the actual time in the water can vary. One account described the snorkeling as too short, so the full two-hour block may include instructions, moving the boat, changing, eating, or waiting for conditions.

Weather matters here. Strong wind, rougher water, or coral breeding conditions can shift the snorkeling location. That flexibility protects the day from relying on one exact patch of water, but it also means you cannot treat Blue Bay as a guaranteed fixed scene.

Bring realistic expectations. This is guided recreational snorkeling, not a specialist marine expedition. You may see coral and fish, but the exact visibility and wildlife depend on the sea that day. Some outings have also included dolphin sightings, though you should not book on the assumption that dolphins will appear.

One important ethical point concerns wildlife encounters. If the boat goes after dolphins, you may feel uncomfortable with the way the animals are approached. A responsible approach matters more than getting a close photograph. You can ask the skipper about the plan and choose not to take part in a pursuit if it feels too aggressive.

Ile aux Aigrettes and the open bar

After the Blue Bay portion, the boat passes Ile aux Aigrettes for about 20 minutes and stops for refreshments. The islet sits off Mauritius’s southeast coast and serves as a nature reserve and scientific research station. It is also visited by both local people and international visitors.

This is mainly a passing and refreshment stop rather than a reserve tour. You should not expect a guided walk through the protected area or a close look at its research work. The point is to see the islet from the water and enjoy a break.

The all-inclusive open bar is available at this stage, along with the drinks included in the package. Alcoholic beverages are included, but pace yourself. A speedboat, warm weather, swimming, and alcohol can add up quickly. Bottled water is included too, and I would make that your main drink during the active parts of the day.

The refreshments help break up the schedule. Without them, the trip would feel like a long run of boat movement and water activities. With them, the day has a more relaxed party-cruise rhythm.

Lunch on an island or coastal stop

Lunch is included, which improves the value of the $110.79 price. You are not paying for the boat and then having to find food separately during a seven-hour outing. Snacks, bottled water, alcoholic beverages, and lunch are all covered, as are taxes and snorkeling equipment.

The exact lunch setting can affect your opinion of the day. One account found the lunch excellent, while another disliked being kept for a long period at an island with little to see. That is a useful warning: lunch is part of the schedule, not merely a quick sandwich between stops.

If you like a slow meal and social time, the longer break may be welcome. If you want constant sightseeing, it may feel like the day loses momentum. Ask the crew how long the lunch stop will last if the pace matters to you.

The food itself is not fully specified, so do not book this expecting a particular menu. If you have dietary restrictions, ask the operator before booking. The included meal has clear value, but a fixed menu may not suit everyone.

What the $110.79 price really buys

At $110.79 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see a beach. It is fairly priced if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, snorkeling gear, lunch, drinks, and island visits.

The value comes from the range of experiences packed into seven hours:

• Speedboat transport between coastal sites
• A visit to Ile aux Cerfs
• Views of Grand River South East Waterfalls
• Historical sights around Ile aux Fouquets and Ile de la Passe
• Snorkeling equipment
• A Blue Bay Marine Park session
• Lunch and snacks
• Bottled water and alcoholic beverages
• Parking at the meeting point
• A group capped at 18 people

I would compare this with your own priorities. If you want a quiet beach and plenty of time on one island, this tour may feel overstuffed. If you want to see several parts of the east and southeast coast without arranging separate trips, it offers strong value.

The price also covers the risk of changing conditions. The snorkeling site can move, and the schedule may adjust around the weather. That is normal for a sea-based outing, but it means you are paying for a full coastal experience rather than a guaranteed checklist of exact views.

The pace, the music, and the small-group feel

The day moves quickly. Ile aux Cerfs gets 45 minutes, Ile aux Fouquets gets about 45 minutes, Ile aux Aigrettes gets 20 minutes, Grand River South East Waterfalls gets about 15 minutes, and Blue Bay gets the longest activity period at two hours.

Those numbers tell you how to pack. Wear swimwear under your clothes, keep sunscreen easy to reach, and carry only what you need on the boat. A dry bag would be useful, though it is not listed as included. Protect phones and cameras from spray.

The boat can be lively. Music has been described as loud, so this may not be ideal if you want a quiet nature outing. On the other hand, the friendly skipper and shared energy are among the strongest parts of the experience. The tour suits people who enjoy being around others and do not mind a little noise.

The group limit helps. You are not in a huge crowd, and the skipper can keep the day moving without the slow boarding process of a much larger boat. Still, 18 people sharing snorkeling gear, lunch space, and swimming time will never feel private.

Who should book this Mauritius boat trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want variety more than solitude. It suits first-time visitors who want a single day covering islands, history, a waterfall, snorkeling, and food.

It also works well for couples, friends, and families with people who have different interests. One person can focus on swimming, another on the historic lighthouse, and another on the scenery or lunch.

You may want a different outing if your main goal is a long, quiet beach stay. You should also think twice if you dislike speedboats, loud music, fixed schedules, or shared group activities.

The snorkeling conditions deserve special attention. Most people can take part, but the sea decides how comfortable and clear the session will be. Anyone who needs a very controlled swimming environment should ask questions before booking.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the 8:30 am start time. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and poor weather may lead to a new date or a full refund. That policy is useful for a sea trip, since conditions can change quickly.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a full, social day on the water and value convenience over long stays at one place. The included lunch, drinks, equipment, parking, and small group make the $110.79 cost reasonable for the amount covered.

Skip it if you want to spend most of your day on Ile aux Cerfs or prefer a quiet private cruise. The strongest reason to choose this trip is its range: you get Mauritius’s east and southeast coast, a coral park, old maritime sites, a waterfall, food, and a lively skipper-led boat ride in one package.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Blue Alizé Catamaran, Ile aux Cerfs, in Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius.

What time does the tour begin?

The start time is 8:30 am.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately seven hours and ends back at the meeting point.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch and snacks are included in the tour price.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water and alcoholic beverages are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The use of snorkeling equipment is included.

Where does snorkeling take place?

Snorkeling takes place at Blue Bay Marine Park or near Ilot Mangenie, depending on weather conditions and the coral breeding season.

How many people can join the tour?

The tour has a maximum group size of 18 people.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.