5 Islands Private Speedboat w/ Snorkeling + Lunch & Drinks

The Indian Ocean is your highway here. This private nine-hour speedboat outing packs Mauritius highlights into one long day: island hopping, a waterfall, wild monkeys, Blue Bay Marine Park, snorkeling, sea turtles, dolphins, beach time, lunch, and drinks. I like the private boat for up to four people, which gives you more room and control than a crowded shared cruise. I also like the chance to combine active stops with a lazy two-hour break at Ile aux Cerfs.

The main caution is that the advertised day does not always seem to run as planned. Some departures have ended much earlier than the stated nine hours, and the promised snacks, drinks, or German-speaking guide may not always be available as expected. Confirm the schedule, language, and food service before you leave.

Key things to know before booking

• Private boat for up to four people: The $498 group price makes the most sense for a small party sharing the cost.
• Blue Bay snorkeling: Your water stop includes equipment and the chance to see tropical fish, sea turtles, and possibly dolphins.
• Ile aux Cerfs beach time: You get about two hours for swimming, sunbathing, coconut water, or optional paid watersports.
• Waterfall and monkey stop: Grand River South East combines a scenic waterfall with the unusual chance to feed wild Mauritian monkeys.
• Beach BBQ and drinks: Lunch includes grilled chicken, fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, and salad, with alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks advertised.
• Early departure is wise: One strong tip is to start early, before the popular stops become crowded with boats.

What the $498 private price really buys you

The listed price is $498 per group of up to four, not per person. For four people, that works out to roughly $125 each for a nine-hour private boat day, including snorkeling gear, lunch, and drinks. For two people, the cost is much harder to justify unless you place a high value on privacy and a dedicated boat.

A private group changes the feel of the day. You are not simply joining a large boat and following its timetable. You have your own speedboat, skipper, and space for your bags, towels, and cameras. That matters on a long day at sea, especially if you want to ask for more time at a favorite stop or avoid spending the whole day beside strangers.

Still, private does not mean perfectly flexible. The published route has a full schedule, and the boat needs to cover a wide stretch of the east and southeast coast. I would treat the price as good value for four people who want a packed day and do not want to arrange each activity separately.

The optional hotel and Airbnb transfer can improve the value. Pick-up and drop-off are available around Mauritius, though the transfer is not included in the base price. One party staying near Trou d’Eau Douce received complimentary transport, so it is worth asking exactly what your location will cost before booking.

Starting at Trou d’Eau Douce

The trip starts and ends at Trou d’Eau Douce, a useful base for exploring the east coast by boat. This is not a short scenic cruise. The outing is built around a full day on the water, with the speedboat moving between islands and coastal stops.

Bring sunscreen, a camera, and clothes you do not mind getting wet. The boat ride is part of the fun, but the roaring engine and open water also mean you should protect your phone and camera. You should also expect sun exposure during transfers between stops, not just during beach time.

The early start deserves special attention. A morning departure received strong praise because the popular sites were quieter and less choppy. Later in the day, more boats can gather around the same places, especially near the main island stops and snorkeling areas.

I would ask for the exact departure and return time in writing. The advertised duration is nine hours, yet some people have been returned around 2 p.m. after only about five hours. That is not a minor difference. It can affect dinner plans, transport, and your sense of value.

Ile aux Cerfs, your first island stop

The first stop is Ile aux Cerfs, where you have about 45 minutes for a quick look and refreshments. This gives you an early taste of the island’s famous white sand before the longer return visit later in the day.

The stop is short, so do not expect a full beach session here. Use it to stretch your legs, take photos, and get your bearings. If you want a quiet swim or long walk, save that for the later two-hour stay.

Ile aux Cerfs is also the place where the day finishes in a more relaxed style. After the island-hopping circuit, you return for roughly two hours on the beach. You can swim, sunbathe, drink coconut water, or pay extra for activities such as parasailing and a tube ride.

That second visit is one of the better parts of the plan. A speedboat tour can become tiring when every stop lasts only a few minutes. The longer pause gives you time to slow down, and families can split up without losing the whole group.

The beach lunch is prepared here. The menu includes grilled chicken, grilled fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, and salad. One family had vegetarian children and said the food was adjusted to suit them, but I would still notify the operator about dietary needs before the morning departure.

Grand River South East and the monkey stop

From Ile aux Cerfs, the boat heads toward Grand River South East. Here, fresh water flows over a waterfall and out toward the Indian Ocean, creating one of the more scenic stops on the route.

The waterfall visit is included, but the experience is not presented as a long walk or hike. You see the falls from the boat area and take in the meeting of river and sea. This is a good contrast with the open-water speedboat ride because it gives you a calm, natural pause.

The nearby wild monkeys are a memorable part of the outing. You may have the chance to feed them, which is unusual and likely to be a highlight for children. But I have one firm concern here: chips have reportedly been used as monkey food. That is not a responsible practice, and you should ask what food is being offered before taking part.

Enjoy the animals without treating the stop like a petting zoo. Keep your hands and belongings secure, follow the guide’s instructions, and avoid encouraging behavior that could harm the monkeys. The setting is best appreciated as a wildlife encounter, not just a photo opportunity.

Ile aux Phares and Ile de la Passe

The route continues to Ile aux Phares, a small island connected with Mauritius’ maritime past. You then pass Ile de la Passe on the way toward Blue Bay.

The attraction here is the sense of moving through a chain of islands rather than stopping at one beach and returning. The islands are tied to the coastal history and sea routes of Mauritius, though the amount of historical explanation depends heavily on the guide.

That point matters. The tour is promoted as suitable for people who like history, adventure, and exploration, but some departures have had little spoken explanation. Questions were not always answered, and a guide booked in German reportedly spoke only English.

Languages advertised include English, French, German, Italian, and Romanian. If you need a particular language, confirm it before paying and again before departure. Do not assume that selecting a language guarantees a guide who can provide the full tour in that language.

Blue Bay Marine Park snorkeling

Blue Bay Marine Park is the water highlight. You receive snorkeling equipment and time to look at tropical fish in clear lagoon water. The trip also offers the possibility of seeing sea turtles and dolphins.

Several details matter here. Sea turtles and dolphins are wildlife, not guaranteed attractions. You may see them from the boat or while snorkeling, but the responsible expectation is a chance rather than a promise.

The snorkeling itself has earned some of the strongest praise. One well-organized early trip allowed enough time to appreciate the underwater world near Ile aux Aigrettes. Another outing had close views of a dolphin group and a sea turtle, which would make this part especially memorable.

Your experience will depend on weather, sea conditions, water clarity, and how many boats are in the area. Start early if you can. A quieter marine park makes it easier to hear instructions, enter the water without fuss, and enjoy the fish without a crowd around you.

Use reef-friendly sunscreen if available, and keep your hands off marine life. The included equipment saves you from packing a mask and fins, but bring your own if you need a specific fit.

Ile aux Aigrettes and the return through five islands

After Blue Bay, the boat passes Ile aux Aigrettes for refreshments. This stop helps break up the return ride, though the available details do not indicate a long island visit or a formal land excursion there.

The boat then heads back toward Ile aux Cerfs, passing Ilot Margenie. This final stretch gives you another look at the east coast islands from the water. The route is not simply point to point, and the passing views are part of what you are paying for.

The itinerary uses the phrase five islands, but the day also includes coastal stops such as the waterfall and Blue Bay. The named islands include Ile aux Cerfs, Ile aux Phares, Ile de la Passe, Ile aux Aigrettes, and Ilot Margenie. You should think of this as an island-hopping cruise with several sightseeing and swimming stops, not five long island visits.

BBQ lunch, open bar, and the biggest expectation gap

The food plan sounds generous. The beach BBQ includes chicken, fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, and salad. Drinks are advertised as unlimited, including Mauritian rum, wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and water. Snacks are also included.

In practice, the timing and quantity may vary. Some people received plenty of food and drinks at the final island, while the earlier part of the day included only a small amount of snacks and a couple of drinks. The open bar may therefore feel more like a late-day service than a drink station available throughout the entire trip.

I would not book this tour mainly for unlimited refreshments. Book it for the boat, islands, and snorkeling, and treat the lunch and bar as useful additions. Bring extra water if you prefer steady access throughout the morning, even though water is listed as included.

The lunch setting can be lively, with music or a sega show in the background. That may be fun if you want a social beach meal. If you prefer peace, you may be able to move away from the main group during your free time.

The guide and skipper can make or break the day

A good skipper is central to this experience. You are on a private speedboat for most of the day, so the person driving and guiding you shapes the pace, safety, and amount of information you receive.

Anil received especially warm praise for being engaged, friendly, and attentive. A day with a skipper like that can turn a busy itinerary into a smooth outing, particularly when children or first-time snorkelers are in the group.

The opposite problem is also clear. Some departures had a driver who spoke little English and offered few explanations unless asked. That leaves you unsure about what you are seeing, how long you have at each stop, and what comes next.

Ask direct questions early: Which language will the guide use? How long will we stay at each stop? Are drinks available now or only at lunch? What food is offered to vegetarians? When exactly will we return?

Who will enjoy this speedboat day most

I would recommend the tour most strongly to a group of three or four friends or family members who want a private day and enjoy a fast pace. You will get the best price per person with four in the boat.

It also suits families who want several types of activity in one outing. Children can watch monkeys, look for dolphins and turtles, snorkel, swim, eat lunch, and try optional watersports. The day does not require you to spend every hour in the water.

It is less suitable for you if you want a quiet, slow cruise, serious historical interpretation, or a guaranteed full nine-hour program. It may also disappoint you if the open bar is a major reason for booking, since drink service may be concentrated around the final island.

People who are sensitive to crowded beach areas should aim for the earliest departure. The island lunch can attract a party crowd, but the wide beach gives you some chance to find a calmer spot.

Practical tips for a smoother day

• Confirm the return time: Ask for the precise start and finish times, not just the advertised nine-hour duration.
• Confirm your guide’s language: English, French, German, Italian, and Romanian are listed, but availability should be checked.
• Book for four if possible: The group price becomes much better when divided among four people.
• Tell the operator about food needs: Vegetarian adjustments have been made, but advance notice is sensible.
• Pack sun protection: Bring sunscreen, a camera, and protection for electronics around spray and seawater.
• Bring patience for the schedule: The route includes many stops, so some visits are brief while Ile aux Cerfs receives the longest beach break.
• Ask about the open bar: Clarify when alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, water, and snacks will actually be served.
• Consider hotel transport: Pick-up and drop-off are optional and available around Mauritius, with the price depending on your location.

The tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now while paying later. That gives you some useful flexibility, but it does not solve the main issue: making sure the operator will deliver the duration and inclusions you expect.

Should you book this Mauritius island tour?

Book it if you want a private, high-energy day that covers much of the east and southeast coast in one trip. The strongest parts are the small-group boat, Blue Bay snorkeling, the waterfall, the chance to see sea turtles and dolphins, and the long beach stop at Ile aux Cerfs. With four people sharing the price, the package can be a fair deal.

I would book only after confirming three points: the actual return time, the guide language, and when the drinks and snacks are served. If those answers are clear, this can be a terrific choice for a compact group that wants variety.

If the operator cannot confirm those details, choose another arrangement or plan a shorter boat trip. A score around 4.2 out of 5 reflects the right overall picture: plenty of memorable sights and some excellent skippers, but real inconsistency in communication, timing, and the all-inclusive promise.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat tour start and finish?

The tour starts and ends at Trou d’Eau Douce.

How long does the activity last?

The advertised duration is nine hours. You should confirm the exact return time because some departures have ended earlier.

How many people can join the private boat?

The price covers a private group of up to four people.

Is hotel pick-up included?

Hotel and Airbnb pick-up and drop-off are optional. They are available around Mauritius but are not included in the base price.

What food and drinks are included?

The BBQ lunch includes grilled chicken, grilled fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, and salad. Alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, snacks, and water are advertised as included.

What languages are available?

The listed guide languages are English, French, German, Italian, and Romanian. Confirm your preferred language before booking.