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

The best part of this day is the amount of Mauritius you see from the water. From Trou d’Eau Douce, you speed across the broad east-coast lagoon to five islands, a waterfall, Blue Bay Marine Park, and the white sands of Île aux Cerfs. I like the small group limit of eight, and I like that snorkeling gear, lunch, snacks, and drinks are included. The day packs a lot in, though, and the speedboat ride may feel long or bumpy if you prefer slow cruises.

I also like the easy mix of wildlife and beach time. You may see dolphins and sea turtles, watch wild monkeys near the waterfall, then finish with grilled food and a rum cocktail on the beach. The main caution is that wildlife sightings are never promised, and one morning departure took longer than expected, so arrive ready for a full day rather than a tightly timed outing.

Key points at a glance

• Five-island route: Visit Île aux Cerfs, Île aux Phares, Île de la Passe, Île aux Aigrettes, and Îlot Margenie, with stops arranged around the east coast.
• Blue Bay snorkeling: Swim among tropical fish in the Blue Bay Marine Park, with equipment provided and instructions from the skipper.
• Wildlife chances: Look for sea turtles and dolphins from the boat, and see wild Mauritian monkeys near Grand River South East.
• Beach BBQ: Eat grilled chicken, grilled fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, and salad on Île aux Cerfs.
• Open bar included: Beer, wine, rum, juice, soft drinks, water, and snacks are part of the day.
• Small-group option: The boat holds no more than eight people, and groups of four or more may be offered a private trip.

Why this east-coast speedboat day works

At $125 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Île aux Cerfs. It is priced as a full-day package, though, not a simple boat transfer. You get nine hours on the water, several island stops, a waterfall visit, snorkeling, beach time, a cooked lunch, an open bar, and a small group.

That matters in Mauritius, where separate boat trips, meals, drinks, and water activities can quickly add up. I would choose this tour if you want one busy day that handles the main east-coast sights. I would not choose it if your idea of a perfect holiday day is one quiet beach, a book, and very little movement.

The boat leaves from the jetty at Trou d’Eau Douce. Search for Debarcader Trou D’eau Douce on Google Maps, then look for the jetty when you arrive. Hotel and Airbnb pickup is available around Mauritius for an additional cost, so ask about that when booking if you are staying far from the meeting point.

Groups are limited to eight people. That small size is one of the strongest reasons to pay more for this outing. You get a better chance of hearing the guide, quicker movement on and off the boat, and less crowding during snorkeling. Groups of four or more may be able to have the boat privately, which changes the feel of the day. A private trip gives you more room and lets the skipper adjust the pace to your group.

Starting at Trou d’Eau Douce

The day begins with a speedboat ride from Trou d’Eau Douce, a useful starting point for the east coast. You will hear the engine immediately, and this is a real speedboat outing rather than a gentle sail. The ride is part of the appeal if you enjoy open water, wind, and the lift of the boat over the waves.

The schedule is advertised as nine hours, but do not plan another fixed activity afterward. A morning check-in around 7:55 and departure closer to 8:50 has occurred, so allow extra time at the start. That delay may not happen on your date, but the point is simple: keep the day flexible.

Bring sunscreen and a camera. The sun is open and strong on the boat, and the route offers plenty of photo chances. You should also expect spray, movement, and time in the water. Pack only what you need and protect phones and cameras from splashes.

Île aux Cerfs and the first island stop

The first stop is Île aux Cerfs, where you have about 45 minutes to visit and take refreshments. The island is known for its bright sand and easy swimming, and it gives you a quick taste of the beach time that returns later in the day.

This first visit is short. I would use it to get your bearings, take a few photos, and enjoy a drink rather than trying to see every corner. The tour later returns to Île aux Cerfs for lunch and a longer rest, so you do not need to treat this first stop as your only chance.

The repeated visit is practical but may feel a little odd if you prefer a route with no backtracking. The advantage is that you get island time at two different points in the day. Early on, you can explore before lunch. Later, you can settle into the beach without worrying that you have missed the main meal.

Grand River South East and the waterfall

Next comes Grand River South East, where the river drops toward the Indian Ocean. The waterfall is viewed as part of the boat route, and you may have the chance to approach and feed wild Mauritian monkeys nearby.

The monkeys are one of the more unusual parts of the day. They bring a touch of the natural world to what could otherwise be a string of scenic beach stops. You should still treat them as wild animals and follow the guide’s directions when food is offered.

The waterfall stop is about the setting rather than a long hike. You see water flowing into the sea, feel the scale of the river mouth, and get a change from open lagoon views. If you want a serious walk or a long waterfall visit, this is not that kind of stop. It is a boat-based sightseeing break.

Île aux Phares and Île de la Passe

The route continues toward Île aux Phares, then passes Île de la Passe on the way to Blue Bay. These small islands carry the historical side of the outing. The tour is designed for people who want more than a beach transfer, but the supplied information does not promise a long guided walk or a detailed history talk at each island.

That is worth knowing before you book. You will see the islands from close range and visit some of them, but the experience is mainly about movement, views, and the guide’s explanations rather than a museum-style history program.

The boat route itself is the attraction here. You move through the largest lagoon of Mauritius, crossing water that changes in color and texture as the coast opens up. A speedboat lets you cover more ground than a slow local boat, though the trade-off is a louder, faster ride.

Blue Bay Marine Park snorkeling

Blue Bay Marine Park is the main water activity. The boat stops for snorkeling in clear water among tropical fish, and equipment is provided. This is where you should bring your energy, because the swim is one of the day’s central experiences rather than a quick photo stop.

The skipper gives instructions before you enter the water. That matters because the current can be stronger than it first appears. Stay close to the boat and guide, keep track of your distance, and return when instructed. The small group helps here, since the person running the boat can keep a closer eye on swimmers.

You may see sea turtles, and the tour also includes the chance to look for dolphins. These are wildlife sightings, not guaranteed appointments. One group saw four dolphins, while another did not see any. That is normal at sea. The right approach is to enjoy the marine park even if the larger animals stay out of view.

Snorkeling conditions can change with weather, water movement, and visibility. The description promises crystal-clear water, but you should still understand that the actual view depends on the day. If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the skipper before entering the water. The boat crew has been described as attentive and willing to move closer to people who are ready to return.

Île aux Aigrettes and the open bar

After Blue Bay, the boat passes by Île aux Aigrettes for refreshments. This is when the all-inclusive open bar begins in earnest. You can choose from Mauritian rum, wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and water, with snacks also included.

The open bar adds value, especially because this is a long day in the sun. Water remains important, even if you plan to try the rum cocktails. Alcohol, speed, heat, and swimming do not make a good combination, so pace yourself and drink water throughout the outing.

The stop at Île aux Aigrettes is brief compared with the later beach visit. Think of it as a refreshment pause and a scenic pass, not a major island exploration. The route keeps moving toward the final return to Île aux Cerfs.

Beach lunch on Île aux Cerfs

The main beach stop is the most relaxed part of the schedule. While you swim, sunbathe, or take a break, the crew prepares a BBQ lunch on the beach. The menu includes grilled chicken, grilled fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, and salad.

That is a substantial meal for a day on the water. It also gives you more choice than a single plated dish, which is useful for mixed groups. If you want to stay light before another swim, take a modest portion first and return later if food remains available.

Lunch is served in an idyllic beach setting, but do not expect a private restaurant. This is an outdoor island meal, with weather, sand, and the pace of the group shaping the experience. The setting is a major part of its appeal.

You may also have coconut water, beer, wine, rum cocktails, and soft drinks. Live music entertainment or a sega show may be provided, adding a distinctly Mauritian touch. The wording allows for either option, so do not book this day solely for a guaranteed performance.

During the beach break, you may choose optional water activities such as parasailing and a tube ride. These are mentioned as available choices, but they are not listed among the included features. Ask about their cost before committing.

The return through Îlot Margenie

The boat heads back toward Île aux Cerfs while passing Îlot Margenie. By this point, you have already had the main meal and snorkeling session, so the return is a chance to sit back and take in the coast.

This final run can be the most tiring part of the day. Nine hours in sun, wind, salt water, and a moving boat adds up. If you want to enjoy the last stretch, reapply sunscreen, drink water, and do not overdo the open bar at lunch.

The tour ends where it began, at Trou d’Eau Douce. That makes it simple if you are arranging your own transport, but less convenient if your accommodation is on another part of Mauritius. The paid pickup option can solve that problem, though it changes the final cost.

How the value compares at $125

I see the $125 price as fair for someone who wants an all-in-one east-coast day. The strongest value comes from the combination of a small group, open bar, beach BBQ, snorkeling equipment, and a long route that covers several major sights.

The package is less attractive if you will not drink, do not want a speedboat, or plan to spend most of your time on the beach. In that case, a simpler island transfer may suit you better. You are paying for variety and convenience here.

A private boat for four or more can be a smart upgrade if the price stays close to the shared rate. You gain privacy and may get a more flexible pace. Ask exactly how the private option is priced, since the base rate is listed per person and the transfer from your accommodation costs extra.

Who should book this tour

I would recommend it to couples, families, and small groups who want to see the east coast in one day. It suits active people who are happy to switch between boat rides, island visits, snorkeling, wildlife viewing, lunch, and swimming.

It is especially good for a group of four or more that wants a private boat. It also suits anyone who values a guide who stays alert in the water. The skipper’s role matters here, since the day includes speed, snorkeling, wildlife, and several changes of location.

I would be more cautious if you get seasick, dislike loud engines, or need long, unhurried stops. The boat is fast by design, and the itinerary is full. Families should also consider how children handle open water and a long day in the sun.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want the east coast’s main sights bundled into one energetic day, with food, drinks, snorkeling, and a small group included. The private option is worth investigating for four or more people, and paid pickup may be useful if you are staying well away from Trou d’Eau Douce.

Skip it if you want a quiet, slow-paced beach day or if you need guaranteed dolphin and turtle sightings. For most people who enjoy speed, water, and variety, the mix of Blue Bay snorkeling, wild monkeys, island views, and a beach BBQ makes the $125 price reasonable.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts and ends at the jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce. Search for Debarcader Trou D’eau Douce on Google Maps to find the meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts nine hours. Check the available start times when booking, and keep your schedule flexible for the full day.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel and Airbnb pickup is available throughout Mauritius for an additional cost. It is not included in the $125 per-person price.

What food is served for lunch?

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

Which drinks are included?

The open bar includes rum, wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and water. Snacks are also included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the tour visits Blue Bay Marine Park for a snorkeling session.

Can the boat be private?

Groups of four or more may be offered a private speedboat. Confirm the private arrangement and price when booking.