Mauritius: 5 East Coast Islands Tour with Snorkeling & Lunch

Fast boats, quiet islands, and a good dose of history. This seven-hour trip packs Mauritius’s east coast into one lively day, combining the Grand River South East waterfall, colonial-era landmarks, swimming stops, snorkeling, and a beach BBQ. I like the speedboat ride, which makes the day feel active rather than like a slow sightseeing cruise, and I like the mix of sea views and history around Ile aux Phares and Ile de la Passe. The main catch is that the ride can be bumpy, and the quality of the vegetarian lunch and snorkeling equipment may not suit everyone.

The best version of this tour is a small-group outing with a friendly skipper. Guides such as Thomas, Ronny, and Derek have been praised for their good humor, commentary, and care on the water. I would choose the pickup option if you are staying far from Trou d’Eau Douce, but I would confirm the transport details carefully, since one report raised concerns about unsafe driving.

Key points to know before booking

• Speedboat rather than catamaran: Expect a lively, sometimes bumpy ride that covers a lot of coast in one day.
• Five-island route with changing access: The day includes Ile aux Cerfs, Ile aux Phares, Ile de la Passe, Ile aux Aigrettes, and Ile aux Margenie, though the exact time and access at each stop can vary.
• A strong mix of nature and history: You will see the Grand River South East waterfall and hear about the 1810 naval battle of Grand Port.
• Snorkeling and swimming are central: Eau Bleu, Ile aux Aigrettes, and Ile aux Cerfs provide the main water time.
• Beach BBQ included: Lunch includes meat and fish choices, drinks, and halal food, but vegetarians may want to bring backup food.
• Small groups make a big difference: Four to seven people can feel almost private, while a full boat with ten passengers may feel less comfortable.

Setting out from Trou d’Eau Douce

The usual meeting point is on the beach opposite Green Island Restaurant, with departure around 9 AM and return close to 4 PM. If you select hotel transport, pickup is available from a wide range of Mauritius districts, but the exact time depends on your accommodation.

I like the way the route begins with the water itself. You are not spending the morning on roads between attractions. Once aboard, the speedboat becomes your transport, viewing platform, and part of the entertainment.

The boat ride is one of the strongest parts of the day. It is quick and exciting, with spray, wind, and open views along the east coast. That same speed means a bumpy ride, especially for anyone expecting a smooth cruise. If you prefer gentle sailing, a catamaran trip may be a better fit.

Group size matters here. A four-person outing can feel like a private charter, while seven people still leaves a pleasant amount of room. The boat can carry up to ten, and one passenger specifically felt that a full boat would have been less appealing. If space is important to you, ask about the expected group size before confirming.

Ile aux Cerfs and the first island stop

Ile aux Cerfs is one of the main stars of the east coast, and it appears more than once during the day. The first visit may include about 45 minutes for sightseeing and the arts and crafts market.

This is a useful first stop because it gives you time to get your bearings before the faster parts of the route. You can walk, look around the market, and take in the pale sand and clear water. The stop is fairly short, so I would not expect a long, unhurried beach morning.

The island is also used later for swimming, snorkeling, and possibly lunch arrangements depending on the route. That repetition is practical rather than wasteful. Conditions, access rules, and timing can shape how the skipper organizes the day, so the order may not feel perfectly fixed.

Bring sunscreen and sunglasses from the start. There is little reason to wait until the first swimming stop, since the open boat exposes you to sun and wind throughout the morning.

Grand River South East waterfall by boat

The Grand River South East waterfall is reached by boat, where Mauritius’s longest river meets the sea. The planned stop lasts around 30 minutes and usually works as a photo stop, short cruise, and scenic pause.

The waterfall is not a huge, thundering cascade. Its appeal comes from the setting, the river channel, and the way the boat reaches a natural feature that would be harder to appreciate from a road. I like this part because it breaks up the beach time and gives the day a different rhythm.

You will want your camera ready, but do not expect a long walk or extended time on land. The boat remains the focus. The route can also include views of the river mouth and surrounding greenery as you move through the area.

Wildlife sightings are possible but not promised. Dolphins were seen on some outings, while other trips did not find them. Turtles and even monkeys have also been spotted, but you should treat these as lucky extras rather than part of the schedule.

Ile aux Phares and the story of 1810

Ile aux Phares, also called Ile aux Fouquets in the route details, is home to a lighthouse more than 200 years old. The lighthouse is now a historical monument, and the stop lasts about 25 minutes for viewing and photographs.

This is where the trip gains real depth. The lighthouse is not simply an old building in the sea. In 1810, Ile aux Phares and Ile de la Passe were connected with the naval battle of Grand Port, fought between French and British forces during the colonial period.

The battle is remembered as the only victory of the Napoleonic Navy and is listed on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. That is a striking piece of context to hear while looking at the very islands involved.

Do not expect a full museum visit or an extended historical tour. You will likely see the lighthouse from the boat and hear commentary from the guide. The value depends heavily on the skipper’s storytelling. Thomas, Ronny, and Derek have all been singled out for friendly conversation and clear information, which is exactly what makes a short history stop worthwhile.

I would pay attention here even if you came mainly for swimming. Many boat excursions skim past old structures without explaining them. This one at least connects the scenery to Mauritius’s French and British past.

Ile de la Passe and the colonial coastline

The boat passes Ile de la Passe after Ile aux Phares. The stop is mainly for sightseeing rather than a long landing, but it completes the historical picture.

This is a good example of why expectations matter. The tour is called a five-island trip, but you do not receive the same amount of time on every island. Some are proper beach stops, some are viewed from the boat, and some are short photo pauses.

If you want to step onto every island and explore each one at length, this will feel rushed. If you enjoy seeing several places in one day and hearing how they fit into Mauritius’s past, the changing pace works well.

Eau Bleu snorkeling stop

After the historical sites, the boat heads to Eau Bleu for snorkeling. The itinerary also includes swimming and snorkeling around Ile aux Cerfs, with a later swim at Ile aux Aigrettes.

The water time is one of the day’s main rewards. Clear water, a speedboat setting, and several chances to get wet make this more than a sightseeing circuit. One passenger rated the snorkeling among the best they had experienced, while others enjoyed seeing turtles and dolphins during the wider boat trip.

I would bring your own snorkeling gear if you have it. The required list includes snorkeling equipment, and some outings have provided an eye mask but no breathing tube. Another experience included a snorkeling head, so availability may vary. Do not assume the operator can supply a complete set for every person.

The stop is not designed as a long guided marine-life session. You will have time to swim and look around, but the exact conditions depend on weather and sea conditions. Comfortable swimmers will get the most from it.

Swimming at Ile aux Aigrettes

Ile aux Aigrettes provides another 45-minute pause, with an aperitif and time for swimming. This is a pleasant place to slow down after the boat ride and historical stops.

The schedule gives you enough time for a real swim, but not an entire afternoon on the beach. I would use the stop for a dip and a little rest rather than trying to do everything at once.

The word aperitif can mean a light drink or refreshment, not a full meal. Lunch comes later, so keep a little energy in reserve. Swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a dry bag for valuables are sensible choices, though a dry bag is not specifically listed among the required items.

BBQ lunch on Ile aux Margenie

Lunch is served on Ile aux Margenie, with a BBQ and a selection of drinks. Meat and fish are available, and the food is halal. Beer and wine are listed among the drink options, alongside other refreshments.

The meal is part of the value of the tour. For $85 per person, you are not paying only for transport. You also get a full day on the water, several island stops, the waterfall, snorkeling, swimming, a guide, and lunch. Comparable boat outings can become expensive once food and drinks are added separately, so this package is fairly priced if you plan to spend the day exploring the east coast.

The food receives mostly positive praise, with lunch described as delicious, plentiful, and well organized. It is generally served by staff rather than offered as a self-serve buffet. Some people will appreciate the orderly service, while others may prefer choosing portions for themselves.

Vegetarians should take special care. A basic salad and toasted white bread were served on one outing, and the bread may have been prepared on the same grill as meat and fish. The advertised vegetarian option exists, but I would not book this trip expecting a generous vegetarian BBQ. Bring additional food if your diet is important to you, and ask ahead about preparation.

The lunch island itself may not be the prettiest stop. One passenger felt it needed better cleaning and maintenance. That criticism is worth taking seriously, since the beach setting is part of what you are paying for. Still, lunch gives you a useful break from the boat, and you can swim, sunbathe, or relax afterward.

The final swim and ride back

After eating, you can spend time relaxing on the beach or swimming in the clear water around Ile aux Cerfs. The final part of the day is less about collecting new sights and more about enjoying the coast before heading back.

The speedboat returns to the meeting point in Trou d’Eau Douce at about 4 PM. If you have an evening reservation, allow some flexibility for weather, sea conditions, and the return transfer.

Hotel drop-off is available only when you choose the transport option. Pickup can cover districts including Port Louis, Moka, Rivière Noire, Grand Port, Rivière du Rempart, Flacq, Pamplemousses, and Savanne. You need to send the accommodation address by WhatsApp so the team can set the pickup time.

The transfer is convenient, especially if you are not based near the departure beach. One report praised punctual pickup, while another raised a serious concern about a driver texting while driving. I would confirm the pickup arrangement and speak up if the driving feels unsafe.

What the $85 price really buys

At $85, this is a strong-value full-day outing for people who want variety. You get a boat ride, the waterfall, historical commentary, multiple island visits, swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and drinks in one booking.

The price is less compelling if you mainly want a quiet beach day. Ile aux Cerfs can be visited in other ways, and the speedboat format may feel too rushed or energetic if your ideal holiday involves lingering in one spot.

The best value comes when you use every part of the day. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a camera, and your own snorkeling gear. The tour is weather dependent, so poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and reserve-now-pay-later booking keeps your money free until closer to the trip. Children under four and pregnant women should not book this activity.

Who should book this east coast trip?

I would recommend it to couples, friends, and active families with older children who want to see a lot in one day. It suits you especially well if you enjoy a fast boat, short stops, swimming, and a guide who adds context instead of simply driving from beach to beach.

It is also a good choice for first-time visitors who want an overview of the east coast. You will see major natural sights, touch on Mauritius’s colonial past, and sample several different island settings without arranging separate transport.

I would think twice if you dislike bumpy boat rides, need a spacious vessel, or want a slow and quiet outing. Vegetarians should also clarify the meal before booking. And if you are hoping to see dolphins, remember that sightings are possible but never guaranteed.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want an active, good-value day that combines history, wildlife, and water time. The strongest elements are the lively speedboat ride, the Grand River South East waterfall, the old lighthouse and battle story, and the chance to swim in several clear-water locations.

Skip it if you want a polished luxury cruise, a guaranteed wildlife encounter, or a substantial vegetarian lunch. For most people who enjoy variety and do not mind a bumpy ride, the five-island route offers one of the more useful ways to experience Mauritius’s east coast in a single day.

FAQ

How long does the five-island tour last?

The tour lasts about seven hours. It generally starts at 9 AM and returns to the meeting point in Trou d’Eau Douce around 4 PM.

Where does the tour depart?

The meeting point is on the beach opposite Green Island Restaurant. Pickup from your accommodation is available only if you select the transport option.

Does the tour include lunch and drinks?

Yes. A BBQ lunch and drinks are served on Ile aux Margenie. Meat and fish choices are available, and the food is halal.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

You should bring your own snorkeling gear. Some outings have provided an eye mask or snorkeling head, but complete equipment is not guaranteed.

Can vegetarians join the tour?

Vegetarian food is listed as available, but the meal may be basic. If you are vegetarian, ask about the exact menu and preparation, and consider bringing extra food.

Is the tour suitable for young children or pregnant women?

Children under four and pregnant women are not permitted to join this experience.