Full Day Tour 5 Island to Ile Aux Cerfs Incl. Lunch and Transfer

A speedboat is the star here. In one long day, you skim across Mauritius’ southeast coast, snorkel in Blue Bay Marine Park, visit a 1902 shipwreck, walk around a ruined lighthouse, cruise past old defenses, and finish at Ile aux Cerfs. It is a busy day on the water, but that is exactly the appeal.

I like the variety of stops, especially the contrast between clear reef water and the old military ruins on Ile de la Passe. I also like the generous package: hotel pickup, snorkeling gear, a three-course beach barbecue, music, and drinks are included.

The main caution is the tour’s party mood. Some departures feel like a lively rum cruise with music, smoking, and drinking from morning onward, while others are praised for careful guides and a well-run family day. Confirm the pickup time, food arrangements, and boat style before you go.

The five most useful things to know

• Fast speedboat format: You cover a large stretch of the southeast coast far more quickly than on a catamaran.
• Blue Bay snorkeling: The marine park stop is around 5.5 meters deep, with clear water, fish, and many coral species.
• History between swims: The Dalbair shipwreck, Ile aux Phare lighthouse, and Ile de la Passe defenses add substance to the beach time.
• Beach lunch included: Expect grilled chicken and fish, salads, garlic bread, drinks, music, sega dancing, and banana flambé.
• Small-group potential: The boat can carry up to 15 people, though the actual group size varies.
• Check the atmosphere: This is best for people who enjoy speed, sun, rum, and a loud social setting.

A full day on Mauritius’ southeast coast

This is not a quiet island-hopping trip. It is a full 8 to 9 hours of fast cruising, swimming, snorkeling, short shore visits, and a beach meal. You start with hotel pickup anywhere in Mauritius, ride in an air-conditioned vehicle to Blue Bay, and then transfer to the speedboat.

The advertised departure time is 8:00 a.m., but the pickup time can be earlier depending on where you are staying. This is worth checking carefully. One of the clearest practical problems reported on the tour is changing pickup information, with some people receiving different times through email, the booking app, and the driver.

Your vehicle transfer is private, and the driver may also offer useful island context on the way to the pier. Drivers and guides named in positive experiences include Chris, Nelson, Donovan, Kavi, Emmanuel, and Kevin, sometimes called Jack Sparrow. The team can change, so treat those names as examples rather than a promise.

The boat holds a maximum of 15 people. That can make the ride feel personal when the group is small, but the experience depends heavily on the skipper and the mix of people onboard. Some days are calm and informative. Others are built around music, open-bar drinks, and a party atmosphere.

Blue Bay Marine Park and the first snorkeling stop

The day opens with Blue Bay Marine Park, one of the strongest parts of the trip. The boat stops in the park for about an hour, giving you time to enter the water with the supplied snorkeling equipment.

The water here averages around 5.5 meters deep and is described as clear, with good visibility. You can expect reef, fish, and a broad range of coral, with more than 50 coral species recorded in the park. You do not need to be an expert snorkeler to enjoy this stop. You can swim, float, or remain on the boat if you prefer, though the best value comes from getting in the water.

Bring your own sunblock and consider a sun-protective shirt. You may spend much of the day exposed to the sun, and there is not always much shade on a speedboat. A dry bag for your phone, towel, and spare clothes is also sensible, though those items are not listed as included.

The snorkeling conditions can change with weather and sea conditions. The experience requires good weather, and a poor forecast may lead to a new date or a refund.

The Dalbair shipwreck at Pointe d’Esny

Next comes the Dalbair shipwreck near Pointe d’Esny. The wreck has been on the coral reef since 1902, and the guide explains its troubled history before you continue through the area.

This is a short stop of about 30 minutes, so do not expect a long museum-style talk or a major shore visit. Its value comes from seeing a real piece of maritime history in the same waters where you have just been snorkeling. A guide who explains the story well can make this stop much more memorable. One highly praised guide, Nelson, was specifically appreciated for explaining the wreck and answering questions.

The exact viewing conditions depend on the sea. You may see the wreck from the boat or from the water, but do not assume that every part of the stop will involve snorkeling.

Ile aux Aigrettes, a natural swimming pool, and a cocktail

Ile aux Aigrettes is your next pause, lasting about 40 minutes. Here you can enjoy a cocktail and swim in a clear lagoon area described as a natural swimming pool. Starfish may be visible in the shallows.

This is a pleasant change from the speed of the boat. You get time to cool off, take photographs, and enjoy the water without rushing straight into another historical explanation. The stop is not the same as a formal land-based visit to the protected Ile aux Aigrettes nature reserve. The tour description focuses on the lagoon, cocktail, and swimming area.

If you have mobility concerns, ask about the exact landing arrangements before booking. The tour includes several boat-to-shore transitions, rocky islets, and water activities, but no detailed accessibility information is provided.

Ile aux Phare and the old lighthouse

Ile aux Phare, also called Ile aux Fouquets, is a small rocky island in Grand Port Bay. You have about 45 minutes to walk around and see the old lighthouse ruins.

The lighthouse was built in 1864 to guide ships toward Mahébourg. The island also played a role in the Battle of Grand Port between French and British forces. That gives the stop more depth than another pretty beach. You can look across the bay, walk around the remains, and picture the island’s former role as a navigation and defense point.

The footing may be uneven, and this is not a polished attraction with marked paths or extensive facilities. Wear shoes that can handle a rough surface, and do not expect a long, guided historical tour. The charm comes from the exposed ruins and the setting.

Ile de la Passe and Mauritius’ military past

Ile de la Passe is a small islet with old French and British defensive works. The ruins date back roughly two and a half centuries, and the island is linked to the Battle of Vieux Grand Port.

You get about 30 minutes here. That is enough for a quick walk and photographs, but not enough for a detailed study of every ruin. The guide’s explanation matters, since the remains can otherwise look like scattered stone walls on a small island.

This stop may depend on the tide. It is specifically listed as subject to sea conditions, so the route can change. That is important: the tour covers many places, but the published sequence is not a guarantee that every landing will happen on every departure.

Ilot Flamant and the long run toward Ile aux Cerfs

The boat passes Ilot Vacoas before reaching Ilot Flamant, a small white-sand island in the lagoon. You spend about 30 minutes here, with another chance to snorkel or swim in shallow turquoise water.

This is a classic pause for cooling down and taking photographs. It is less about history and more about the simple pleasure of being on a small patch of sand surrounded by clear water. If you are not keen on repeated snorkeling stops, this may feel like one too many. If you love swimming and want as much water time as possible, it is a welcome addition.

The speedboat is a major advantage here. You move between sites much faster than a slower vessel, and several people particularly enjoyed the thrill of cutting past larger boats. The tradeoff is a bumpier ride, more wind, and less room to stretch out.

GRSE Waterfall from the river mouth

The Grand River South East waterfall is viewed from the boat. The speedboat enters the waterfall’s channel for around 30 minutes, where the river meets the sea.

The banks are surrounded by wild vegetation, and monkeys may be visible in the trees. Fruit bats may also be resting high above the river. Sightings are not guaranteed, but the close approach gives this stop a different feel from the open lagoon.

Weather can affect this part of the route. One departure did not reach the waterfall because of conditions, while other days included a close view and monkey sightings. Keep your camera ready, but do not judge the whole trip by one missed stop when sea conditions are poor.

Two hours at Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the main beach stop and usually receives about two hours. You have free time to swim, stroll, snorkel, relax on the sand, or pay extra for water sports.

The island is known for white beaches, palms, and bright lagoon water. It is also the most commercial and popular part of the day, so do not expect an empty desert island. The attraction is the combination of easy swimming, a beautiful setting, and time to choose your own pace.

Optional water sports cost extra, listed at about 40 euros. That is not included in the tour price, so bring a payment method if you are tempted by an activity. If you prefer a quiet beach hour, simply swim or sit back and save your energy for the boat ride home.

A beach barbecue, sega music, and open-bar drinks

Lunch is served around midday on the beach, generally in the Ilot Margenie and Ile aux Cerfs area. The meal is described as a three-course barbecue with chicken, fish, salads, garlic bread, and other sides. A vegetarian barbecue can be arranged if you request it when booking, and halal food is listed as available.

The meal also includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, with an open bar and local rum. The crew may prepare banana flambé for dessert, and entertainment can include sega dancing and live music.

This is one of the tour’s most praised features, but expectations should be realistic. Some meals are described as generous and well served, with chicken, fish, sausages, salads, and drinks. One less satisfied account found the food portions small and cold. Food quality can vary with the crew, timing, and weather.

If you are vegetarian, have allergies, or need a particular meal, tell the operator in advance. Do not rely on being able to change the menu at the beach. If you tend to get hungry between meals, pack snacks. The day is long, and the lunch break is the main substantial meal.

The open bar also shapes the mood. Some people love the rum, music, dancing, and social energy. Others find the drinking, smoking, and vaping unsuitable for children or for a peaceful family outing. This is not a minor detail. Choose this trip for its lively boat-party side as much as for its islands.

How much value do you get for $151.21?

At $151.21 per person, the price is not cheap, but the inclusions are substantial. You receive hotel pickup and drop-off, private air-conditioned road transport, the speedboat, a guide and driver, snorkeling gear, several island and coastal stops, lunch, drinks, and the Blue Bay marine park visit.

The value is strongest if you want one packed day instead of arranging separate transport, boat trips, snorkeling, and lunch. You also cover a broad section of the southeast coast, including places that would be difficult to visit independently in one day.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a quiet beach day. You may pay for stops that interest you only briefly, and the included alcohol and entertainment may not matter to you. Families should compare this with a calmer boat outing, especially if children are sensitive to loud music or if you want clear historical commentary at each site.

The maximum group size is 15, which is more appealing than a large cruise boat. Still, a small boat does not guarantee a quiet or private experience. The character of the group and the crew makes a real difference.

What to bring and what to confirm

Pack lightly, but bring the items that make a long day on the water easier:

• High-factor sunblock and a sun-protective top
• Swimsuit, towel, hat, and spare dry clothing
• Water-resistant phone pouch or dry bag
• Comfortable footwear for the rocky islands
• Snacks if you need more food between stops
• Cash or a payment method for optional water sports
• Any medication or allergy information the operator needs

Before the day, confirm your exact pickup time through the booking app and with the operator. Some people received last-minute changes, and waiting at a hotel before dawn is no fun.

Also confirm that the boat will be a speedboat. One departure was redirected toward a catamaran before being moved to another speedboat company. The day still improved after the change, but a catamaran offers a different ride and may not include the same stops.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Late cancellations and changes are not refunded. The trip also needs good weather and a minimum number of people, so a cancellation by the operator can lead to another date, another experience, or a full refund.

Who should book this speedboat day?

I would choose this tour if you want a high-energy day on the water with lots of variety. It suits couples, friend groups, and active families who enjoy swimming, snorkeling, music, and a social lunch. It is also a good fit if you want to see historical sites without giving up a full beach day.

I would hesitate if you want quiet, polished service, detailed history at every stop, or a strictly family-focused atmosphere. The trip can include drinking and smoking for much of the day, and some listed stops may be shortened or skipped because of tide or weather.

Should you book it?

Book it if the speedboat ride, several swims, island ruins, waterfall views, barbecue, and open bar all sound appealing. The strongest days combine an entertaining captain, good sea conditions, clear snorkeling water, and a small group. Guides such as Chris, Nelson, Donovan, Emmanuel, and Kevin have helped create especially memorable departures.

Before paying, confirm the pickup time, boat type, vegetarian or allergy requirements, and the likely onboard atmosphere. If you want a lively and packed introduction to Mauritius’ southeast coast, the $151.21 price can be fair. If you want peace and quiet, choose a calmer boat trip instead.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately 8 to 9 hours. The listed start time is 8:00 a.m., with an expected return to the mainland around 4:30 p.m.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are offered at hotels and accommodations anywhere in Mauritius, using private air-conditioned transportation.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, with snorkeling planned at Blue Bay Marine Park and Ilot Flamant. You can also swim at several lagoon stops.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A three-course barbecue lunch is included, with chicken and fish options, salads, garlic bread, drinks, and a banana flambé dessert. Vegetarian food can be arranged if requested in advance, and halal food is listed as available.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The tour includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, with an open bar. The onboard atmosphere can be lively, with music and entertainment.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Some stops, including Ile de la Passe and the GRSE waterfall, may also depend on sea and weather conditions.