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

Fast boats make island-hopping exciting. This full-day Mauritius speedboat tour links Blue Bay Marine Park, historic islets, a shipwreck, GRSE Waterfall, and Ile aux Cerfs in one long day. I like the mix of swimming and history, and the small-group boat can reach places that feel less like a standard beach outing.

The included hotel transfer and beach BBQ lunch also add real value to the $151.21 price. The main caution is the tour’s party atmosphere: unlimited drinks, music, smoking, and sun exposure may suit couples and groups of friends better than families seeking a quiet nature trip.

Key points to know before you book

• A high-speed route from Blue Bay: You cover a lot of Mauritius’s southeast coast by speedboat, with several stops packed into eight to nine hours.
• Blue Bay snorkeling comes early: The marine park offers clear water, reef fish, and more than 50 coral species, with snorkeling equipment supplied.
• History is part of the route: You see the Dalbair shipwreck, Ile aux Phare lighthouse ruins, and old defenses on Ile de la Passe.
• Lunch is served on the beach: The three-course meal includes chicken, fish, sides, salads, garlic bread, drinks, and a vegetarian option by advance request.
• The mood is lively, not peaceful: Music, rum, dancing, and an open bar are central to the experience.
• Weather and tides matter: Ile de la Passe depends on sea conditions, and poor weather can cancel the trip or change the plan.

A long day that packs in southeast Mauritius

This is not a slow, quiet cruise. It is a busy day on the water, with a fast boat, short island visits, swimming stops, snorkeling, a beach lunch, and a return to Blue Bay in the afternoon.

Pickup begins around 8:00 a.m., although actual collection times can vary by accommodation and local arrangements. The tour includes private air-conditioned transport to and from Blue Bay, which is useful if you are staying elsewhere on Mauritius. The trip is capped at 15 people, though some departures may feel smaller. One group had only five people, while another had ten on the boat.

That size can make a big difference. A smaller group gives you more room to move, easier access to the guide, and less waiting when the boat stops. The downside is that marina departures can still be busy, and one poor experience involved a long wait before boarding.

The speedboat is the star of the day. You skim across the lagoon rather than spending most of the morning on a slow catamaran. That means more ground covered, lively coastal views, and a sharper sense of motion. It also means you should expect wind, spray, noise, and plenty of sun.

Blue Bay Marine Park and the first snorkeling stop

The first major stop is Blue Bay Marine Park, where you spend about an hour snorkeling. The water is described as clear, with an average depth of about 5.5 meters and good visibility around the reef.

This is one of the strongest parts of the tour for anyone who wants to see underwater life without committing to a full scuba excursion. You can expect reef fish, coral formations, and a broad selection of coral species. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins.

I would still pack a rash guard, sunblock, and a towel. The boat offers shade only if the setup provides it, and much of the day can be spent exposed to the sun. One useful detail from the day-to-day experience is that people who do not snorkel can still swim or stay aboard and enjoy the view, so you do not need to be an expert swimmer to take part.

The snorkeling conditions are not guaranteed. Wind, visibility, and sea conditions can change the experience, and the whole trip requires good weather. The best attitude is to treat the marine park as a major opportunity, not a promise of perfect underwater conditions.

The Dalbair shipwreck at Pointe d’Esny

The boat then heads to Pointe d’Esny to see the Dalbair shipwreck, which has been on the coral reef since 1902. The stop lasts about 30 minutes.

This is more than a quick photo stop if your guide explains the wreck’s disputed story. The historical background gives the morning some substance, especially after the easy pleasure of snorkeling. The boat remains offshore, and the visit is mainly about seeing the wreck and hearing its story rather than walking through a museum or visiting a formal site.

The quality of this part depends heavily on the guide. Guides named in the feedback include Nelson, Donovan, and captains known by nicknames such as Jack Sparrow. Several guides were praised for explaining the route, answering questions, and keeping the day moving. If you enjoy local stories, ask questions here rather than treating the shipwreck as scenery.

Ile aux Aigrettes, cocktails, and a natural pool

After the wreck, you stop at Ile aux Aigrettes for about 40 minutes. The plan includes a cocktail and time to swim in clear lagoon water, described as a natural pool with starfish.

This is a pleasant change of pace. You have time to get off the boat, cool down, and enjoy shallow water instead of rushing from one photo opportunity to the next. The stop is not presented as a long nature-reserve visit, so do not expect an extended guided walk across the island.

A cocktail is included, but the serving style and drink temperature can vary. One dissatisfied account described warm soft drinks and drinks served in plastic cups. That is a small point, but it matters if you expect polished resort service. This is a casual beach-and-boat outing, not a luxury yacht charter.

Ile aux Phare and Ile de la Passe

The next historical stop is Ile aux Phare, also called L’Île aux Fouquets. You have about 45 minutes to walk around the small island and see the old lighthouse, built in 1864 to guide ships toward Mahebourg.

The lighthouse is tied to the Battle of Grand Port, fought between French and British forces. Its weathered remains give the stop a stronger sense of place than a simple beach landing. You get time to explore on foot, though the island is small and rocky, so sturdy sandals or water shoes are a sensible choice.

Ile de la Passe follows for roughly 30 minutes, but this stop depends on the tide. The islet contains remains of French and British defenses built during the colonial period. It also has views across the mainland and the turquoise sea.

This is where the trip can feel especially worthwhile for history lovers. Mauritius is often sold through beaches and lagoons, but these ruins point to the island’s strategic position in the Indian Ocean. The Battle of Vieux Grand Port was important enough to be commemorated by an inscription on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

Do not be disappointed if sea conditions prevent a landing here. The operator states that the stop depends on the tide, and weather has caused changes to the route. A few departures have skipped planned stops, so flexibility is part of the bargain.

Ilot Flamants and Eau Bleu lagoon

The boat passes Ilot Vacoas while cruising toward Ilot Flamants. This small white-sand islet in the lagoon receives about 30 minutes.

You may have time for another swim or snorkeling session in the turquoise water before continuing toward Ile aux Cerfs. The islet is mainly about open views, sand, and a short break from the boat. It is not a full island visit with facilities or a long walking route.

If your main goal is swimming, these smaller stops help break up the day. If you want detailed interpretation at every island, expectations should be lower. The trip offers several scenic landings, but the guide’s storytelling may be stronger at some stops than others.

Grand River South East Waterfall by speedboat

The GRSE Waterfall is one of the more distinctive parts of the route. The speedboat travels along the river channel where fresh water and sea meet, giving you a close view of the falls and the surrounding trees.

The stop lasts around 30 minutes. Monkeys may appear in the trees along the riverbanks, and fruit bats can sometimes be seen resting high above. Sightings are not guaranteed, but the river ride adds variety after so much lagoon travel.

Weather can affect this stop. One altered departure did not reach the waterfall because conditions were poor. If you are especially eager to see GRSE, check the forecast and understand that the captain may change the route for safety.

Ile aux Cerfs, beach time, and the barbecue

Ile aux Cerfs is the main beach stop, with about two hours set aside for swimming, strolling, snorkeling, relaxing, or optional water sports. The island is known for white sand, palm trees, and bright lagoon water, so this is the part most people picture when they imagine a Mauritius boat day.

Water sports are not included. The supplied information lists an optional cost of about 40 euros, so bring extra money if you want to add an activity. You can also simply swim and walk, which keeps the day within the advertised price.

Lunch is served at Ilot Margenie, on or beside the beach, around midday. The meal is a three-course barbecue with chicken, fish, salads, sides, garlic bread, and a banana flambe dessert. A vegetarian BBQ can be arranged if you request it when booking, and halal food is included.

The meal is casual rather than refined. Canopies may provide shade, but portions and temperature can vary. One account found the food cold and limited, while others enjoyed chicken, fish, sausages, salads, and the beach setting. Pack a snack if you tend to get hungry, especially since the day is long and lunch timing may shift.

The open bar is a major part of the experience. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included, along with music, live entertainment, sega dancing, and rum. Some people will find this festive and distinctly Mauritian. Others may find the drinking, smoking, vaping, and loud music too much, particularly with children.

That difference is important. This is not simply a sightseeing cruise that happens to include a drink. The social atmosphere can run from morning through the afternoon, depending on the crew and group.

What the transport and crew add to the day

The private road transfer is one of the practical strengths. You are collected at your accommodation anywhere in Mauritius in an air-conditioned vehicle and returned to the mainland later in the afternoon, with an expected return around 4:30 p.m.

The driver can also shape the experience. Kavi was praised for being a helpful driver and for sharing island information, while Chris was noted for organizing the schedule and helping the day run smoothly. The boat crews received praise for keeping people comfortable, explaining the route, and creating a good mood.

Still, communication has not always been perfect. Pickup times have shifted in some cases, with updates arriving through the booking app rather than email. Check the latest message before bed and again on the morning of departure. This simple step can prevent a very early surprise.

There have also been reports of a late driver, a boat problem, and an attempted switch from a speedboat to a catamaran during poor weather. In one case, the replacement speedboat worked out well. In another, the change meant missing planned stops. These are not reasons to reject the trip, but they show why you should keep some flexibility on a sea excursion.

Is $151.21 good value?

At $151.21 per person, the price is reasonable if you plan to use most of what is included. You receive hotel pickup and drop-off, private road transport, a certified guide or driver, the speedboat trip, snorkeling equipment, multiple island stops, the waterfall, a cocktail, lunch, and unlimited drinks.

The value is strongest for you if arranging all of this independently would be difficult. The boat covers a large area in one day, and you do not need to organize transport between your hotel, Blue Bay, the marine park, the river, and Ile aux Cerfs.

The price is less attractive if you do not drink, dislike fast boats, or mainly want a quiet beach day. The island stops are short, the schedule is full, and water sports cost extra. You are paying for variety and energy, not slow travel.

Who should book this speedboat day?

I would recommend it to couples, friends, and active families who enjoy swimming, snorkeling, music, and a busy schedule. It is particularly good for a first visit to Mauritius when you want to see several southeast highlights without arranging separate excursions.

I would be more cautious for families with young children, vegetarians who have not requested their meal in advance, and anyone seeking a calm wildlife or history tour. The party atmosphere can dominate, and not every stop may be possible because of tide and weather.

The tour requires at least two people per booking and accepts a maximum of 15 participants. Most people can participate, but you should advise the operator about food allergies or illness.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the local start time. If poor weather or insufficient bookings cancel the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The experience begins with pickup at your hotel or accommodation in Mauritius, with a stated start time of 8:00 a.m. You are transported to Blue Bay.

How long does the tour last?

The full experience lasts approximately eight to nine hours. The expected return to the mainland is around 4:30 p.m.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off at any hotel or accommodation in Mauritius are included, along with private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling at Blue Bay Marine Park is included, and snorkeling equipment is provided.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A three-course barbecue lunch is included at Margenie Islet. The meal usually includes chicken, fish, salads, sides, garlic bread, and a banana flambe dessert.

Is a vegetarian meal available?

Yes. A vegetarian BBQ option is available, but you must request it when booking.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The tour includes a selection of unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks onboard, as well as drinks with lunch.

Are water sports included?

No. Water sports at Ile aux Cerfs are optional and cost about 40 euros.

Can Ile de la Passe be visited on every departure?

No. The visit depends on the sea tide. Weather can also affect the route and may lead to changes or cancellation.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want one energetic day covering many southeast Mauritius highlights, with snorkeling, ruins, a waterfall, beach time, lunch, and drinks bundled together. The speedboat, small maximum group, and strong crews can make it a memorable outing.

Skip it if you want quiet, careful history guiding or a family-friendly atmosphere without alcohol and loud music. Before paying, confirm your pickup time, request a vegetarian meal if needed, and pack sun protection, a towel, water shoes, and a snack. With those expectations in place, the $151.21 price can buy a very full day on the Mauritian coast.