Ile Aux 2 Cocos with lunch and Snorkeling or Glass Bottom

A tiny island, a generous day out. Ile Aux 2 Cocos offers an easy luxury escape from Mauritius, with a short boat ride, turquoise water, a generous buffet, and a long list of included drinks and activities. I especially like the Blue Bay Marine Park boat outing and the choice between snorkeling and a glass-bottom boat, since you can enjoy the sea at your own pace. The open-air lunch, live music, and attentive island staff also give the day a festive feel.

The main thing to check is the timing. The experience is described as a day trip, but the booking details list a duration of two days, so confirm the actual schedule before paying. I would also clarify accessibility in advance: the information says wheelchair accessible in one place, but elsewhere says it is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Key points to know before booking

• The boat ride takes about five minutes: You leave from the Ile des Deux Cocos jetty and head southeast to the island.
• Snorkeling and glass-bottom boat trips are included: You can get into the water or stay dry while still seeing the marine life.
• The buffet lunch is substantial: Food includes dishes such as calamari, prawns, tandoori chicken, curry, and other fish and meat choices.
• Drinks are included throughout the day: Expect water, soft drinks, fruit juices, local beer, house wine, local spirits, cocktails, and a signature drink.
• The island has more than a beach: Volleyball, badminton, giant chess, bocce, archery, frisbee, and other activities are available.
• Follies Villa adds a historic touch: The colonial villa can be visited when available, but access is not guaranteed.

Reaching Ile Aux 2 Cocos by boat

Your island day begins at the Ile des Deux Cocos jetty. From there, the shuttle boat takes roughly five minutes to reach the island, heading southeast. This is a short crossing, so the transfer feels more like an exciting opening to the day than a serious boat journey.

On arrival, you receive an Ile des Deux Cocos signature cocktail. That small welcome matters. You are not left to work out where to go or what happens next. Staff greet you at the jetty and help set the relaxed tone for the hours ahead.

The short transfer also makes this outing practical if you do not want a full-day cruise. You get the feeling of going somewhere special without spending a long stretch at sea. I would still bring beachwear, as the main appeal is the combination of water, sun, and outdoor activities.

The meeting arrangements need a little care. The information asks you to contact the operator through WhatsApp for the exact location and the person meeting you on site. Do that before the day of the visit. It is a simple step, but it avoids confusion when you are trying to find the correct jetty.

First impressions of this small island

Ile Aux 2 Cocos is built for an easy, social day rather than a strenuous expedition. The setting is compact, and the island experience is organized around food, drinks, water activities, games, and rest.

You can settle into the day in several ways. If you want action, join a snorkeling trip, try beach volleyball, or take part in archery and bocce ball. If you prefer a slower pace, choose the glass-bottom boat, sit under a tent, or wander around the island.

That flexibility is one of the strongest reasons to consider this outing. A family can split up without anyone feeling they have chosen the wrong tour. One person can snorkel while another plays giant chess or relaxes with a drink. Couples and groups of friends can mix a few activities with plenty of time doing nothing at all, which is often the real luxury on a warm island.

The atmosphere is designed for celebrations and group get-togethers. That can be a plus if you enjoy a lively shared setting, live music, and a generous drinks service. It may be less appealing if you want a quiet, private beach day with very little organized activity.

Snorkeling at Blue Bay Marine Park

The water portion takes place around Blue Bay Marine Park, known for its clear water and varied marine life. The outing gives you two ways to see it: a snorkeling boat trip or a glass-bottom boat trip.

Choose snorkeling if you want the closest look at the underwater world. Feedback from the experience specifically points to barracudas, striped fish, and other impressive species. The turquoise water is another major part of the appeal, though visibility in any marine setting can change with conditions.

The snorkeling trip is not described as a technical or demanding activity. It is presented as a complimentary island activity, making it suitable for a relaxed holiday day rather than a serious specialist excursion. You should still be comfortable in the water and follow the crew’s instructions.

If you would rather stay dry, the glass-bottom boat is the sensible choice. You can see below the surface without handling snorkeling equipment or swimming. This is especially useful for families with mixed interests, people who are not confident swimmers, or anyone who wants to save energy for the rest of the island program.

The choice between the two options gives the experience a useful advantage over a fixed snorkeling tour. You are not forced into the water simply because it is the headline activity. At the same time, the glass-bottom option may not provide the same close-up view as snorkeling, particularly if the boat is moving or the water is less clear.

A buffet lunch at 12:30

Lunch is served at 12:30, with tables set outdoors and tents containing deep settees for relaxing. The setting is casual but polished, and live music plays in the background.

The buffet is one of the most praised parts of the day. It is described as varied and plentiful, with calamari, prawns, tandoori chicken, curry, and several fish dishes among the choices. That range is useful for groups because you are not depending on one fixed meal.

I like the fact that lunch is cooked in the open rather than served as a hurried boxed meal. It helps the day feel like a proper island occasion. You can take your time, return for more food, and use the shaded seating when the midday sun is strong.

The food service is also a practical reason the $141 price can make sense. A cheaper beach outing may still leave you paying separately for lunch, drinks, boat transport, and activities. Here those parts are bundled together. The value depends on how much you use the package, but the inclusion list is broad.

Still, keep your expectations sensible. This is a buffet in an outdoor island setting, not a small restaurant tasting menu. The attraction is variety, quantity, setting, and convenience. If you are seeking a quiet gourmet meal, the music and group atmosphere may not suit you as well.

Unlimited drinks and homemade rum

The all-inclusive drinks package covers still and sparkling water, soft drinks, fruit juices, local beer, house wine, local spirits, and cocktails. You also receive the signature cocktail on arrival and can try a homemade rum selection.

This is a meaningful inclusion in Mauritius, where drinks can quickly add to the cost of a day at a resort or private island. Families can use the water, juices, and soft drinks, while adults have access to beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails without keeping track of every order.

The homemade rum selection gives the drinks service a local angle. I would treat it as a tasting opportunity rather than the main reason to book. The island experience is much more than an open bar, and drinking too much in the heat would make the snorkeling and activities less enjoyable.

As always, confirm what the operator means by unlimited local drinks if you have particular preferences. The package specifically refers to local brands and house selections, so imported labels may not be included.

Activities beyond the water

The island has a surprisingly long list of included activities. You can try archery, giant chess, bocce ball, beach volleyball, frisbee, badminton, and boot camp sessions.

These options make the day work well for groups. You do not need to build the whole outing around snorkeling. A family can play a game together, colleagues can organize a light contest, or friends can move between the beach and the water.

Giant chess and bocce ball are good examples of the experience’s easygoing style. They are simple to join, do not require specialist skills, and give you something to do during gaps between the boat trip and lunch.

The activity list should not be read as a promise that every option will run continuously all day. The information confirms that these are complimentary island activities, but it does not give a timetable for each one. If a particular activity matters to you, ask the on-site team when you arrive.

You may also want to plan around the heat. Outdoor games can be fun early in the day, while the shaded tents and seating will be more welcome around lunchtime. The best approach is to mix one active outing with time to rest.

Follies Villa and the island’s colonial past

Among the trees sits Follies Villa, a building created more than 100 years ago by Sir Hesketh Bell, one of the first British governors of Mauritius. Its design combines British and Moorish influences with a Mauritian-style interior.

The villa adds a layer of history that many island lunch outings lack. It was used for glamorous parties, and its unusual mixture of architectural styles gives you a reason to look beyond the beach and buffet.

A visit is included when available, but access is not guaranteed. That wording matters. Do not book this experience solely for an interior tour of the villa. Think of the building as a valuable extra that may be open during your visit.

If the villa is accessible on the day, take the time to see it. The contrast between the polished holiday setting and the older building helps explain why Ile Aux 2 Cocos has long been associated with special occasions and private gatherings.

Service, guides, and the human side of the day

The strongest personal feedback centers on the staff. Adarsh is singled out for taking care of visitors throughout the day and checking that everything needed was available. That kind of attention is especially useful on an all-inclusive outing, where good service keeps the schedule from feeling confusing.

A driver named Zameer also receives strong praise for his excellent driving and for sharing information about Mauritius during the journey. If your package includes a mainland transfer with him, you may gain useful local context before reaching the island.

The tour is offered in French and English, so language should be manageable for many visitors. It is listed as a private group experience, although the island setting itself may include other groups. I would read private group to mean your arranged party has its own booking, not that the entire island is reserved for you.

The hospitality is a central part of the appeal. The staff are described as attentive, friendly, and available, which can make a big difference when you are moving between boats, meals, and activities.

Is $141 good value?

At $141 per person, this is not a budget beach stop. The price becomes easier to justify when you count what is included: return boat transport, a substantial buffet lunch, unlimited local drinks, snorkeling or a glass-bottom boat trip, land games, and possible access to Follies Villa.

I see the best value for people who will use several parts of the package. If you plan to snorkel, eat lunch, enjoy cocktails, and take part in a few activities, the price covers a full day with little need for extra spending.

The value is weaker if you only want to sit on the beach and have a light meal. You may be paying for the drinks and organized activities you do not use. The experience is also less about independent exploration and more about a polished, managed island day.

For a special family outing, birthday, group celebration, or final holiday treat, the package has a clear advantage. The combination of scenery, food, service, and easy planning removes much of the usual effort.

Who should book this island day?

I would recommend it to families, couples, friends, and work groups who want different ways to enjoy the same setting. It works particularly well when some people want to snorkel and others prefer to stay dry.

It is also a good choice if you value comfort. The tents, deep seating, buffet, drinks, and short boat ride mean you do not have to manage every detail yourself.

I would be more cautious if you want a remote, quiet experience or a long, serious snorkeling session. The island is set up for recreation and social time, not for solitude or advanced marine study.

The accessibility information needs special attention. One section lists the activity as wheelchair accessible, while another says it is not suitable for wheelchair users. Ask the operator directly about the jetty, shuttle boat, island paths, toilets, seating, and access to the snorkeling or glass-bottom boat before booking.

Booking details worth checking

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. These terms are useful if your Mauritius schedule is still changing.

The advertised duration is inconsistent. The description presents a luxury day at Ile Aux 2 Cocos, while the booking information states two days. Confirm the start time, return time, and exact date structure with OCEANAFRICAN TOURS.

The tour is listed for private groups and is guided in French and English. Bring beachwear, and use WhatsApp to obtain the exact meeting location and the on-site contact person.

Should you book Ile Aux 2 Cocos?

Book it if you want a polished all-inclusive island day with excellent staff, strong food, and plenty of choice. The short boat transfer, Blue Bay Marine Park outing, drinks, games, and buffet make this an easy package for families and groups.

Skip it if you want a low-cost beach visit, a silent retreat, or a highly focused snorkeling tour. Before committing, confirm the odd two-day duration listing and the wheelchair information. If those details fit your plans, $141 is a fair price for a full day of food, drinks, water activities, and attentive service in a memorable Mauritius setting.

FAQ

Where does the boat transfer leave from?

The trip departs from the Ile des Deux Cocos jetty. The shuttle boat ride to the island takes about five minutes and travels southeast.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch is served at 12:30 and includes a broad selection of dishes prepared by the island chefs.

What drinks are included?

The package includes still and sparkling water, soft drinks, fruit juices, local beer, house wine, local spirits, cocktails, a signature cocktail, and a homemade rum selection.

Can I choose between snorkeling and a glass-bottom boat?

Yes. You can take a snorkeling boat trip or choose an onboard glass-bottom boat trip. The glass-bottom option lets you view marine life without getting into the water.

What activities are available on the island?

Included activities include snorkeling, the glass-bottom boat, archery, giant chess, bocce ball, beach volleyball, frisbee, badminton, and boot camp.

Can I visit Follies Villa?

A visit to the colonial villa is included when available. Access is not guaranteed on every visit.

What languages are offered?

The experience is offered in French and English, with a live tour guide.

What should I bring?

Bring beachwear. You should also confirm the meeting location and on-site contact through WhatsApp before the trip.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.