5 island tour all inclusive with Ile aux cerfs and snorkeling

The most appealing part of this Mauritius outing is the variety packed into about six hours: waterfall views, a lighthouse visit, snorkeling near Blue Bay, and lunch on Ile aux Cerfs. I like that the boat links several very different places without making you arrange separate taxis, boats, and meals. I also like the small group of up to 14 people, which should feel more personal than a large cruise.

The main thing to understand is the boat. This is a speedboat-style excursion, not a slow catamaran sail. That means efficient transfers between stops, but less shade, less room to stretch out, and less of the relaxed boat-day feeling some people expect.

Key points at a glance

• GRSE Waterfall comes first, giving you a quick scenic start from Trou d’Eau Douce.
• Lighthouse Island includes an inside visit, not just a look from the water.
• Blue Bay snorkeling uses a glass-bottom boat, with clear water and plenty of fish.
• Ile aux Cerfs lunch includes grilled food, lobster, and drinks, according to the activity details and firsthand accounts.
• The boat is a speedboat rather than a catamaran, an important point when choosing your tour.
• The $103 price includes the cruise, snorkeling, and lunch, making it useful for a one-day sampler of Mauritius.

A fast start from Trou d’Eau Douce

Your morning begins at Chez TinoB59 in Trou d’Eau Douce at 8:30 am. The plan is simple: meet there, board the boat, and return to the same general meeting point at the end.

One practical note deserves attention. The meeting information has caused confusion for at least some people, with the actual departure taking place at the jetty rather than exactly where they expected. I would keep the booking contact details close at hand and confirm the precise boat departure point before setting off. That small check can prevent a rushed start.

Trou d’Eau Douce is a natural base for this route because the eastern coast puts you close to the water-based sights. You are not spending the morning on a long road transfer. Instead, the tour gets you onto the water early, which leaves more time for the stops that matter.

The outing is described as private, with only your group taking part, while the boat can accommodate up to 14 people. If you are booking as a couple or a small family, ask how the departure will be organized so you know whether the boat is dedicated to your party or operating as a small shared group. Either way, the stated capacity is modest rather than bus-sized.

GRSE Waterfall from the water

The first cruise heads toward the GRSE waterfall. The attraction here is the approach by boat. You see the falls as part of a coastal and river outing rather than arriving by road, and the short stop helps set the rhythm for the day.

This is not presented as a long hike or a demanding nature visit. You cruise to the waterfall, take in the view, and continue. That makes it a good opening stop for people who want several sights in one trip rather than a single attraction that fills the whole morning.

Keep your expectations in check. The waterfall is one piece of a fast-moving route, not the sole focus. The boat will not linger indefinitely, and the quality of the view can depend on water conditions and timing. Still, it adds a different setting before the open-water sections begin.

I like this kind of stop because it gives the trip some variety early on. You are not simply racing from one beach to another. The route begins with scenery, then moves into history and wildlife.

Inside Lighthouse Island

After GRSE Waterfall, the boat continues to Lighthouse Island. The valuable detail here is that you can visit the inside of the lighthouse. Many boat excursions only circle a lighthouse for a photograph, so the chance to step inside gives this stop more substance.

The lighthouse visit also breaks up the time spent sitting on the boat. You get a short land-based visit before returning to the water. If you enjoy old structures and local points of interest, this may be one of the more memorable parts of the route, even though the whole stop is likely brief.

The tour does not provide a detailed historical explanation in the supplied information, so I would not book it as a dedicated lighthouse history tour. Think of it as an atmospheric stop with access inside the building, folded into a broader day of water activities.

Wear footwear you can manage easily around a boat and island landing. The tour information does not specify the exact conditions underfoot, so basic practical shoes are safer than anything delicate. The lighthouse itself is a highlight, but the boat remains the main means of getting around.

Snorkeling near Blue Bay

The longest-distance cruise takes you south toward Blue Bay, where the boat stops for snorkeling. This is the part of the trip built around clear turquoise water and marine life. A particularly useful detail is that the snorkeling is done from a glass-bottom boat.

That arrangement can help in two ways. You can look below the surface even before getting into the water, and people who are less confident swimmers can still see some of the underwater activity. The water was praised for its clarity, with fish visible around the boat.

The snorkeling stop is best suited to you if you want a chance to see fish without committing to a full-day reef trip. It is also a nice option for a mixed group, since not everyone needs to spend the whole stop in the water. The exact snorkeling duration is not stated, so do not assume you will have unlimited time.

Conditions matter here. The tour requires good weather, and water clarity, wind, and comfort on the day can affect the experience. One account also pointed out that the boat offers little shade, a meaningful concern for young children and anyone sensitive to strong sun. Bring sun protection and water, even though drinks are included. The activity information specifically notes that you can take your own water.

A few accounts also referred to dolphin and turtle sightings. Treat these as possible wildlife encounters, not promised features. The dependable part is the Blue Bay snorkeling stop, while sightings depend on nature and timing.

Lunch on Ile aux Cerfs

After snorkeling, the boat heads to Ile aux Cerfs for lunch. This is the most relaxed land stop of the day and the point where the outing shifts from sightseeing to a beach meal.

Lunch is included, which helps the $103 cost make more sense. The food is described as grilled lunch with lobster, and drinks are included as well. One useful tip is to carry extra water, since you may want more than the supply provided during a warm day on the water.

The meal takes place on or beside the beach, giving you the classic Mauritius setting many people picture when they book an island trip. At the same time, I would not choose this tour only for Ile aux Cerfs beaches. One experienced account made the sensible point that if you are already staying on the east coast, you may already have access to excellent beaches. In that case, the value comes from the complete route, especially the snorkeling, lighthouse, waterfall, and boat time.

Ile aux Cerfs can also feel like the most crowded part of a popular island itinerary, though the supplied information does not give a crowd level for this specific departure. Your practical advantage is that lunch is already arranged, so you do not need to search for food after arriving.

The food receives generally positive attention, though one French-language account called it simply quite good rather than exceptional. That is a fair way to view it. You are paying for a convenient beach lunch within an active excursion, not booking a restaurant tasting menu.

Speedboat comfort versus catamaran calm

The biggest choice is not really about the islands. It is about the style of boat you want.

This experience uses a speedboat. The boat gets you from stop to stop efficiently, and that matters because the route covers GRSE Waterfall, Lighthouse Island, Blue Bay, and Ile aux Cerfs in one outing. You spend less time waiting and more time moving between the planned visits.

The tradeoff is comfort. A speedboat is not the same as a broad catamaran with open deck space and a slow, social cruise. One direct account specifically warned that this trip is mainly transport from point A to point B, rather than a guided, leisurely day on a sailing boat. If you want music, shade, space to lie back, and a long cruise feeling, a catamaran may suit you better.

You should also consider sun exposure. Shade is limited, which is especially important for children. Bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and your own water. The boat layout, shade, and ride comfort are not described in detail, so anyone prone to seasickness should ask the operator for more information before booking.

The captain and crew seem to be an important part of the experience. Joey is specifically praised for being fun, kind, and informative, while another account describes the captain as very friendly and attentive. The named praise is useful, but guide assignments can change, so treat Joey as a possibility rather than a guarantee.

What the $103 price covers

At $103 per person, this is not the cheapest way to visit a single beach. It becomes better value when you count the number of separate elements included:

• Boat transportation from Trou d’Eau Douce
• GRSE Waterfall visit
• Lighthouse Island stop
• Access inside the lighthouse
• Cruise south to Blue Bay
• Snorkeling stop
• Glass-bottom boat viewing
• Lunch on Ile aux Cerfs
• Grilled food, including lobster according to the supplied details
• Drinks

If you tried to arrange all of those pieces independently, you would need to coordinate boats, food, timing, and transport. This tour takes care of the main structure for you. I see the price as fair for a compact, activity-filled day, especially if you value convenience.

The value is weaker if you want a long, slow cruise or a full beach day. One account felt the outing finished earlier than expected for a full-day trip. The advertised duration is about six hours, so it is better understood as a half-day-to-extended-half-day excursion rather than a sunrise-to-sunset adventure.

The tour is booked about 30 days ahead on average, which suggests you should not leave it until the last moment if your Mauritius schedule is tight. The booking includes a mobile ticket, and confirmation is provided at booking.

Who should book this outing

I would recommend this tour to you if you want to see several eastern and southern water attractions in one organized outing. It works well for couples, small groups, and active families who prefer a moving itinerary to a single beach stop.

It also suits you if lunch, drinks, snorkeling, and boat transport bundled into one price sound useful. You get a broad sample of Mauritius without spending time arranging each section separately.

I would be more cautious if you have young children who need regular shade, if you dislike fast boat rides, or if your ideal island day means lingering on deck for hours. The lack of clear shade and the speedboat setup are not minor details.

You should also skip it if the main goal is a long stay on Ile aux Cerfs. The island is part of the route, but the tour gives equal weight to the waterfall, lighthouse, snorkeling, and crossings between stops.

Booking and weather details to keep in mind

The activity runs only with suitable weather. If poor conditions cancel the trip, you can receive a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

Most people can take part, and the meeting point is near public transportation. Since the tour returns to the meeting point, it is easy to plan as a self-contained morning and afternoon activity. Still, confirm the jetty details with Tino Boats before departure, especially if you are arriving by taxi.

Should you book the Tino Boats island tour?

Book it if you want variety and convenience more than a slow day at sea. GRSE Waterfall, a lighthouse interior visit, Blue Bay snorkeling, glass-bottom viewing, and a grilled Ile aux Cerfs lunch make this a strong sampler of Mauritius. The food and drinks included at $103 add real value.

Choose another boat trip if the boat itself is the main event. A catamaran will likely better fit you if you want shade, room, and a relaxed cruise. For this experience, the best mindset is to see the speedboat as your link between several worthwhile stops. Pack sun protection, confirm the jetty, and book it for the sights and snorkeling rather than expecting an all-day beach retreat.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Chez TinoB59 in Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius, at 8:30 am. The boat may depart from the nearby jetty, so confirm the exact meeting arrangement with the provider.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Trou d’Eau Douce.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately six hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch on Ile aux Cerfs is included, with grilled food and lobster described in the activity details. Drinks are also included.

Does the tour include snorkeling?

Yes. The boat cruises south near Blue Bay for a snorkeling stop. A glass-bottom boat is used in the snorkeling area.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can receive a different date or a full refund.