Speed boat to Ile aux Cerfs: Full day incl Lunch & Transfer

Mauritius looks best from the water. This full-day trip pairs a fast boat ride with Ile aux Cerfs beaches, a visit to Grand River South-East Waterfalls, and a three-course barbecue lunch on a private island. I like the relaxed pace and the fact that lunch includes food, soft drinks, wine, beer, local rum, and a live guitar and jambé show. I also like the private pickup and drop-off, which saves you from arranging transport across the island.

The main drawback is that water sports cost extra, and snorkeling is not promised as a separate stop. You can swim, stroll, or snorkel from the beach, but if you want a more active day, budget for optional activities. The return transfer also needs a little patience: one recent departure involved a long wait and confusion over another hotel group.

Key points to know before you book

• The speedboat is the main event: You cross the east coast lagoon in a 150 HP or Mercury-powered boat, with fast runs, sharp turns, and plenty of spray.
• Ile aux Cerfs gives you free beach time: Swim, sunbathe, stroll, or try optional activities such as parasailing, banana riding, tube riding, and an undersea walk.
• Lunch is more than a quick beach meal: You get a three-course barbecue lunch on a private island, with vegetarian meals available if requested ahead of time.
• Drinks are included: Water, soft drinks, red, rosé and white wine, beer, and local rum are served with lunch.
• The waterfall stop is scenic and brief: The boat follows the Grand River South-East channel, where you might spot monkeys and fruit bats among the trees.
• Transfers cover the whole island: A private, air-conditioned vehicle collects you from and returns you to any accommodation in Mauritius.

Why this east coast day trip works well

At $90 per person, this is not the cheapest beach outing in Mauritius, but it bundles several useful pieces into one day. You get private hotel transport, a guide and driver, the speedboat, waterfall sightseeing, lunch, drinks, and music. That matters on Mauritius, where moving between coastal sights can take more effort than the map suggests.

I especially like the balance between excitement and downtime. The boat gives you the fast, noisy part of the day, while Ile aux Cerfs gives you several hours to slow down. You are not rushed from one photo stop to another, and the lunch adds a social, festive break in the middle.

The published rating is 4.2 from 59 ratings, which suggests a generally strong experience with a few practical wrinkles. The most consistent praise centers on the tasty lunch, the friendly guides, and the easygoing pace. A vegetarian meal can be arranged, and one recent vegetarian diner found the portions ample and the food well prepared.

From your hotel to Trou d’Eau Douce

Your day begins with pickup from your accommodation anywhere in Mauritius. The vehicle is fully air-conditioned, and the driver also serves as a certified private guide. You should give the exact hotel or accommodation name when booking, since the island-wide pickup area is broad.

The route leads to Trou d’Eau Douce, a fishing village on the east coast. This is the launch point for the boat portion of the trip. The village itself is not presented as a long sightseeing stop, so think of it as the place where the road journey changes into a lagoon crossing.

The private transfer is a real benefit if you are staying away from the east coast. You do not have to find the village yourself or coordinate a separate taxi, and you can leave your wet clothes and beach gear in the vehicle until needed. Still, allow the morning to run at a flexible pace. Pickup times can vary by accommodation and route, and the full experience is listed as seven hours.

The speedboat crossing to Ile aux Cerfs

Once you reach Trou d’Eau Douce, you board the speedboat for the ride across the east coast lagoon. The water is clear, and the scenery changes quickly as the boat leaves the village behind. Palm trees, white sand, and bright turquoise water appear as you approach Ile aux Cerfs.

This is not a quiet glass-bottom boat cruise. The boat has a 150 HP Yamaha or Mercury outboard engine, and the return portion is described as a wet and wild ride with quick acceleration, sharp twists, and sudden splashes. If you prefer a calm crossing, tell the skipper early and sit where you are most comfortable. If you enjoy speed, this part may be the highlight.

Bring sunglasses and a hat, but secure both well. Swimwear is the sensible choice from the start, since the boat can throw spray even before the beach time begins. A change of clothes and a towel are also important, especially if you plan to swim or take part in the faster boat run later in the afternoon.

Free time on Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the day’s main stop, and the appeal is simple: bright sand, palm trees, and warm lagoon water. You can swim, sunbathe, walk along the shore, snorkel from the beach, or find a shady place to rest.

The island also offers several optional water sports. Parasailing, banana riding, tube riding, an undersea walk, and other activities are available at an additional cost. The tour price does not cover them, so check the price before committing. If you want a quiet beach day, there is no pressure in the schedule to fill every minute with an activity.

One point deserves careful attention. A snorkeling stop is not specifically built into the itinerary. You can snorkel during your free time, but the boat does not promise a dedicated reef excursion. If snorkeling is your top reason for booking, this may not be the best match.

The island can feel busy during popular periods because it is one of Mauritius’s best-known beach destinations. This trip helps by giving you several hours rather than a rushed visit, but it does not turn Ile aux Cerfs into a secluded beach. Go for the setting, the water, and the easy combination of activities, not for total solitude.

A three-course barbecue lunch with drinks

Around noon, the boat takes you to a private island for lunch. The meal is served in a feet-in-the-sand setting, which gives the midday break a distinctly Mauritian feel. You receive three courses, including a local dessert, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

You must request the vegetarian meal at booking. The same applies to food allergies or other dietary concerns. Do not wait until you arrive, since the kitchen needs advance notice. A recent vegetarian meal was described as generous and tasty, which is encouraging if you do not eat meat.

The drinks package is unusually broad for a beach excursion. Included choices are bottled water, soft drinks, red, rosé and white wine, beer, and local rum. This can make the $90 price more attractive, especially if you would otherwise pay separately for lunch, drinks, and a private transfer.

I would still keep expectations sensible. This is a barbecue lunch in a casual island setting, not a formal restaurant meal. Its value comes from the setting, the included drinks, and the time saved, rather than from fine dining.

Guitar, jambé, and the social side of lunch

After eating, live guitar and jambé music add a local performance element. Jambé is a hand drum, and the rhythm gives lunch a more communal feel than a simple packed meal on the beach.

You are invited to enjoy and participate in the show. That does not mean you must join in. You can watch with a drink, take photos, or use the music as a pleasant pause before the next boat ride. I like this part because it adds some character to the day without requiring a separate cultural performance booking.

The strongest praise for the outing centers on this warm atmosphere, the friendly guides, and the food. If you want a silent, private beach picnic, the music may feel like a distraction. If you enjoy a relaxed group mood, it is a useful touch.

Grand River South-East Waterfalls by boat

After several hours around the island and lunch, the skipper heads toward Grand River South-East Waterfalls. The boat follows the waterfall canal, where the river meets the sea and the surrounding trees close in around the water.

You see the falls from the boat rather than taking a long walk inland. That makes the stop easy and keeps the day focused on the coast, but it also means you should not expect a long waterfall hike or a viewpoint reached on foot.

The riverbanks are home to monkeys that may leap through the old trees. Fruit bats can sometimes be seen resting high above the water. These sightings are not guaranteed, so treat them as a bonus rather than the reason to book.

I find this stop useful because it breaks up the beach time. After hours of sand and swimming, the narrow river channel gives you a different view of Mauritius. The mix of fresh water, forest, and sea also shows why the east coast is more than a string of beaches.

The afternoon speed run back along the coast

At about 3:30 p.m., you board the speedboat again for the more thrilling part of the ride. The boat accelerates hard, turns quickly, and sprays water as it moves along the coast. The engine power gives the ride real force, rather than the gentle bob of a sightseeing vessel.

Wear swimwear for this section and keep your phone protected. You may get wet, and the sharp turns make loose belongings a poor idea. Anyone prone to motion sickness should eat lightly, drink water, and consider sitting where the ride feels less intense.

This section is a strong fit for couples, friends, and families with older children who enjoy a bit of excitement. It may not suit someone with back problems, a strong fear of speed, or a preference for a calm boat trip. The description emphasizes a thrilling ride, so you should not assume the skipper will keep the boat at a slow sightseeing pace.

After the boat ride, you return to the mainland and take the vehicle back to your accommodation. The day is listed at seven hours, though pickup and return times can depend on where you stay.

What the $90 price really covers

The price includes more than transport to a beach. You are paying for a private, air-conditioned vehicle, a certified guide and driver, a speedboat, waterfall sightseeing, a full lunch, drinks, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

That package makes the trip good value if you want an easy day without arranging separate taxis, boat tickets, lunch, and drinks. The included alcohol also adds value for adults who plan to have wine, beer, or local rum with the meal.

The calculation changes if you want water sports. Parasailing, banana rides, tube rides, snorkeling-related activities, and the undersea walk are not included. You should compare the total cost with your budget before booking, especially if your main goal is an activity rather than beach time.

There is also a minimum of two people per booking. Infants aged one to three are free, but you need to request a child or infant seat when booking.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Pack sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and dry clothes. You also receive bottled water on arrival, but it is wise to keep your personal items in a waterproof bag during the boat ride.

Tell the operator about allergies, illness, or vegetarian requirements in advance. The host or greeter can communicate in English or French, and the guide and driver are described as fully qualified and certified.

The trip depends on good weather. If poor conditions force cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option gives you some flexibility when your Mauritius plans are still changing.

One transfer issue is worth keeping in mind. A recent return pickup arrived about 30 minutes late, then became confused because the driver was also searching for another group. The matter was eventually sorted out with the central office, but you should avoid booking an immediate flight or fixed evening plan after the tour.

Who should book the Ile aux Cerfs speedboat trip?

I would choose this outing if you want a full east coast day with very little planning. It suits people who want a mix of beach time, a scenic river stop, a lively lunch, and a fast boat ride rather than a single-purpose snorkeling trip.

It is also a sensible choice for couples, families with children who can handle a speedboat, and visitors who value private hotel transfers. The generous lunch and drinks package can make the price easier to justify.

I would look elsewhere if you want an empty beach, a serious snorkeling excursion, or a carefully timed luxury meal. Water sports are extra, the beach is a popular destination, and the return transfer may occasionally run late.

FAQ

How long does the Ile aux Cerfs speedboat trip last?

The experience lasts about seven hours. The schedule includes hotel pickup, the boat ride from Trou d’Eau Douce, Ile aux Cerfs, lunch, Grand River South-East Waterfalls, the afternoon speedboat ride, and return transport.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Private pickup and drop-off are included from any hotel or accommodation in Mauritius. You should provide your accommodation name when booking.

What food is served at lunch?

You receive a three-course barbecue lunch, including a local dessert. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals are available, but you must request a vegetarian meal in advance.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Included drinks are bottled water, soft drinks, red, rosé and white wine, beer, and local rum.

Are water sports included in the price?

No. Activities such as parasailing, banana riding, tube riding, snorkeling-related activities, and the undersea walk are optional and cost extra.

Is the waterfall visit included?

Yes. The trip includes sightseeing at Grand River South-East Waterfalls from the speedboat.

What languages are available?

The host or greeter service is available in English and French.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The trip requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can select another date or receive a full refund.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a well-rounded beach day with transport, lunch, drinks, music, waterfalls, and speed included in one price. The tasty, generous meal and friendly service are major strengths, while the private pickup removes much of the usual island-planning work.

Skip it if a dedicated snorkeling stop or quiet, uncrowded sand matters most. For everyone else, $90 is a fair package price, provided you understand that water sports cost extra and the return transfer may need some flexibility.