5 Islands Speedboat w/Snorkeling Sea Turtle + Lunch & Drinks

Five islands, one roaring speedboat, plenty of sea time. This 9-hour East Coast trip packs in Ile aux Cerfs, Grand River South East, Ile aux Phares, Ile de la Passe, Ile aux Aigrettes, Blue Bay Marine Park, and Ilot Margenie. I like the small-group setup, limited to eight people, and I like that lunch, snorkeling gear, snacks, and drinks are included rather than added one by one.

The possible catch is the pace. You spend much of the day moving between stops, and the open speedboat offers little shade or shelter from sun and spray. A scheduled 7:55 meeting time reportedly turned into an 8:50 departure, so you should allow some flexibility at the start of the day.

The tour costs $125 per person. That is not the cheapest way to see the East Coast, but it covers a remarkable amount: island visits, a waterfall, a marine park, a beach barbecue, an open bar, and a small boat group. For a special day on Mauritius, the value is solid, especially if you can share a private boat with three or more companions.

Key points before you book

• Small groups make a real difference: The boat carries no more than eight people, and groups of four or more may be offered a private speedboat.
• Blue Bay is the snorkeling highlight: You get equipment and time in the Blue Bay Marine Park, with tropical fish and possible sea turtle sightings.
• Lunch is served on Ile aux Cerfs: Expect grilled chicken, grilled fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, salad, and beachside drinks.
• The day covers a lot of water: The route includes the large East Coast lagoon, waterfalls, several islands, and multiple snorkeling or swimming opportunities.
• Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed: Dolphins and sea turtles are included as possible sightings, but one party saw four dolphins while another did not see any.
• Transfers cost extra: The standard meeting point is the jetty at Debarcader Trou D’eau Douce. Hotel and Airbnb pickup can be arranged for an additional fee.

Setting off from Trou d’Eau Douce

The trip begins and ends at Trou d’Eau Douce, on Mauritius’s East Coast. To find the meeting place, search Google Maps for Debarcader Trou D’eau Douche, then look for the jetty.

This is a useful detail because the meeting point is not presented as a hotel pickup by default. If you are staying elsewhere on the island, ask about the paid transfer before booking. A transfer was arranged successfully for one party, with reassuring contact from the operator the day before, but it remains an extra cost.

The tour lasts about nine hours, so this is a full-day commitment rather than a quick boat outing. You should arrive ready for sun, salt water, and a long stretch outdoors. Bring sunscreen and a camera. The supplied information does not list towels or protective clothing, so it is sensible to bring whatever you need for swimming and sun protection.

The boat is designed for speed, and the ride itself is part of the appeal. You hear the engine, skim across the waves, and cover distances that would take much longer at a slower pace. That also means you should be comfortable with an active ride. The open boat can be thrilling, but it is not the place to expect a quiet, shaded cruise.

Ile aux Cerfs starts the island-hopping day

The first main stop is Ile aux Cerfs, where you get about 45 minutes to visit and take refreshments. This early stop gives you a quick taste of the island before the boat continues toward the waterfall and the outer islands.

Ile aux Cerfs later becomes the main beach stop, so the first visit is best viewed as a short orientation rather than your main chance to settle in. The split timing works well for a busy route, but it can feel brief if you prefer long, unhurried beach visits.

The tour’s wider route passes through the largest lagoon in Mauritius. That matters because the day is not simply a transfer from one beach to another. You are crossing open water, viewing islands from the boat, and getting a sense of how the East Coast’s reef and lagoon shape the area.

Grand River South East brings waterfalls and monkeys

At Grand River South East, the boat takes you toward a waterfall that flows into the Indian Ocean. It is a scenic change from the open lagoon, with fresh water meeting the sea and a chance to pause for a different kind of view.

You may also meet and feed wild Mauritian monkeys here. The monkeys were a major highlight for one party, especially when they came close. This is one of the more unusual parts of the day, and it gives the excursion a bit more character than a standard beach-and-snorkel trip.

Still, wildlife is unpredictable. You should enjoy the setting without treating animal encounters as a scheduled performance. The same rule applies to the dolphins and turtles later in the day.

Ile aux Phares and Ile de la Passe add a sense of place

The boat then heads toward Ile aux Phares and passes by Ile de la Passe on the way to Blue Bay. These stops are part of the tour’s history and exploration theme, though the supplied details do not specify a long guided visit or a formal historical presentation at either island.

That distinction matters. You are getting an island-hopping view of important East Coast sites, not a museum tour or an extended cultural lecture. If you want to learn detailed history, ask the guide what will be explained during the ride. The advertised guide languages are English, French, German, Italian, and Romanian.

The best part here is the changing view from the water. From a speedboat, you see the islands in sequence, with the boat itself providing the moving platform. You do not need to organize separate boat rides or arrange different entry points for each stop.

Blue Bay Marine Park is the main water activity

The snorkeling session takes place at Blue Bay Marine Park, described as a clear-water area with exotic tropical fish. Snorkeling equipment is included, which saves you the trouble of bringing or hiring your own gear.

This is likely the strongest section of the tour for anyone who wants time in the water. You are not simply looking at the marine park from the boat. You get to enter the water and see the reef environment at close range.

Pay attention to the conditions. One participant specifically noted that the current can be stronger than expected and appreciated the instructions and close watch from the boat pilot. That is useful advice: listen carefully before getting in, stay aware of your distance from the boat, and return when asked. The pilot reportedly moved closer to people who were ready to get back aboard, which adds comfort during the swim.

Sea turtles are listed among the possible wildlife sightings. Dolphins are also possible, and one outing saw four dolphins after the pilot made a real effort to look for them. Another outing did not see dolphins. You should book this for the marine setting and the snorkeling itself, with wildlife as a welcome bonus rather than a promise.

Ile aux Aigrettes and Ilot Margenie keep the route moving

After Blue Bay Marine Park, the boat passes by Ile aux Aigrettes for refreshments. The stop helps break up the day after snorkeling, though the exact length of the visit is not specified.

The boat then returns toward Ile aux Cerfs, passing Ilot Margenie. This section makes clear how much of the excursion is spent cruising. If you enjoy speed, changing views, and the feeling of covering ground, the route feels generous. If you prefer to stay in one place and swim for hours, the schedule may feel busy.

This is also why the small group matters. With eight people or fewer, boarding and moving between stops should be easier than on a large excursion boat. If you are a family or party of at least four, ask about a private boat. A private arrangement can give you more control over the mood and may make the long day feel less crowded.

Beach barbecue on Ile aux Cerfs

The main beach stop returns you to Ile aux Cerfs for swimming, sunbathing, coconut water, and optional water activities such as parasailing and a tube ride. The listed tour includes the beach stop, lunch, and drinks, but it does not say that parasailing or the tube ride is included. Treat those as optional activities with possible extra charges unless the operator confirms otherwise.

Lunch is prepared on the beach and includes grilled chicken, grilled fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, and salad. That is a generous spread for a boat trip, and it gives the day a proper pause instead of forcing you to rely on snacks.

The open bar includes rum, wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, water, and unlimited snacks. A barman prepares rum cocktails, while live music or a sega show may provide entertainment in the background. The exact entertainment is not guaranteed, so think of it as a possible bonus rather than the main reason to book.

I like the way the meal fits the setting. You are not being rushed through a restaurant stop in town. You get food on the beach, with time to swim or sit in the sand. The tradeoff is that beach dining is casual. This is a relaxed barbecue, not a polished restaurant meal.

What the $125 price really covers

At $125 per person, the tour sits in the premium day-trip range. The price becomes easier to justify when you add up what is included: a nine-hour boat excursion, several island views and visits, a waterfall, snorkeling gear, a marine park stop, beach lunch, snacks, alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, and a small group.

You also avoid piecing together separate activities. A cheaper boat trip might cover only the lagoon or Ile aux Cerfs, while this experience connects the East Coast sites in one long day. The open bar and full lunch are useful additions, especially since you will be outside for many hours.

The value is strongest for couples, families, and friends who want a full day with minimal planning. It is also better if your group has four or more people and can secure the private option. A private speedboat changes the experience from simply joining a scheduled outing to having more space and control.

The value is weaker if you do not drink, dislike speedboats, or plan to spend most of your holiday relaxing at one beach. You are paying partly for the range of stops and the boat ride. If you only want snorkeling, a shorter marine excursion may suit you better.

Small group service and the human side of the trip

The operator is Mauritius Luxury Tours & Transfer. The available feedback gives particular credit to the boat pilot and the small-group format.

A professional pilot was praised for keeping people safe at speed, explaining the snorkeling conditions, watching everyone in the water, and making an effort to find dolphins. Another party described the pilot as friendly and said the explanations were clear. The French-language feedback also praised a friendly pilot and a good, filling meal.

Those details matter more than a long list of included items. A fast boat is only enjoyable when the person driving it handles the water carefully and keeps track of the group. The snorkeling comments suggest that safety instructions are taken seriously, which is especially helpful if currents are active.

The overall rating is 4.4 out of 5 from 156 reviews. That points to a consistently strong experience, though not a flawless one. The main practical caution is timing. If your day depends on a precise return time, leave some room for a late departure or changing sea conditions.

Who should choose this speedboat tour?

I would put this trip high on your list if you want one busy day that combines:

• Fast boat travel
• Island views
• A waterfall
• Wildlife possibilities
• Snorkeling
• A beach barbecue
• An open bar
• A small group

It suits active couples, families with older children, and groups of friends who want more than a single beach stop. A party of four or more should ask about the private boat option, since that may be the best way to get the VIP feel promised by the experience.

I would think twice if you get seasick, need shade, dislike a packed schedule, or want long, quiet time at each island. The tour is built around movement. You will spend much of the day on the water, and the speedboat’s open design leaves you exposed to sun and spray.

The snorkeling current is another point to consider. You do not need to be an expert swimmer based on the supplied details, but you should take the instructions seriously and be comfortable following the pilot’s directions.

Practical details that can save you trouble

The meeting point is the jetty at Debarcader Trou D’eau Douce. Hotel and Airbnb pickup is available around Mauritius for an additional cost, so confirm the fee and pickup details before you commit.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and allows you to reserve now and pay later. Starting times depend on availability. The advertised languages are English, French, German, Italian, and Romanian.

Bring sunscreen and a camera. Since you will be snorkeling and swimming, pack suitable swim clothing and anything you need for a full day outside. The tour information does not confirm that towels are supplied.

Be prepared for the day to run on water time rather than clockwork. A reported departure delay ran from a 7:55 meeting time to an 8:50 start. That may not happen on your date, but it is a good reason not to schedule a tight evening connection or an important appointment afterward.

Should you book the 5 Islands speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a big East Coast day with real variety. The strongest reasons are the small group, the well-stocked beach lunch, the included drinks, and the chance to snorkel at Blue Bay Marine Park while looking for tropical fish, turtles, and dolphins.

The best booking choice is a group of four or more, since a private boat can make the long route feel much more personal. Just remember that wildlife sightings are uncertain, transfers cost extra, and the speedboat schedule may shift.

For a relaxed beach day, choose something shorter. For a full, social, active day that links Mauritius’s islands, waterfall, marine park, and beach barbecue, this is a good value at $125.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

The tour starts and ends at Trou d’Eau Douce. The meeting point is the jetty found by searching Google Maps for Debarcader Trou D’eau Douche.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts about nine hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel and Airbnb pickup and drop-off around Mauritius can be arranged for an additional cost.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The beach barbecue includes grilled chicken, grilled fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, and salad.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited snacks, alcoholic drinks, and nonalcoholic drinks are included. The open bar lists rum, wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and water.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the snorkeling session takes place at Blue Bay Marine Park.

Can I book a private boat?

If your party has four people or more, the operator may offer a private speedboat. Confirm the private option when booking.