5 Islands All-Inclusive Speedboat w/Snorkeling Sea Turtle

The best part of this day is the small speedboat group, which lets you cover a lot of Mauritius without being packed onto a large cruise vessel. You race across the east coast lagoon, stop for snorkeling, visit a waterfall, and finish with two hours on Ile aux Cerfs.

I especially like the beach BBQ and open bar, and the chance to see the coast from the water rather than from a road. The main concern is consistency: one booking had no guide, no Blue Bay stop, no open bar, and poor snorkeling, so confirm the day’s arrangements before departure.

Key points at a glance

• Six to eight people can make the boat feel personal: The advertised group limit is eight, and one highly praised outing had only six people aboard with skipper Sino.
• The route packs in Mauritius’s east coast highlights: You visit Ile aux Cerfs, Grand River South East, Ile aux Phares, Ile de la Passe, Ile aux Aigrettes, and Blue Bay Marine Park.
• The day mixes action with downtime: Snorkeling and a fast ride are balanced by two hours on the beach at Ile aux Cerfs.
• Lunch is served on the sand: Expect grilled chicken, grilled fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, and salad.
• Drinks are part of the package: Beer, wine, rum, juice, soft drinks, water, and snacks are included, though service should be confirmed at boarding.
• The tour begins and ends at Trou d’Eau Douce: Hotel transport across Mauritius costs extra.

Nine Hours Along Mauritius’s East Coast

This is not a quiet glass-bottom boat trip. The appeal is speed, variety, and a full day on the water. From Trou d’Eau Douce, you set out across the largest lagoon in Mauritius, with the boat acting as your transport between beaches, islands, reefs, and river scenery.

The advertised group limit is eight people. That matters. A small boat gives you a better chance to hear the guide, ask questions, and move between stops without the slow shuffle of a large group. A recent outing had six people aboard, and the boat was described as clean and fast, with skipper Sino receiving particular praise.

The nine-hour length is generous, but the schedule is busy. You will not spend the entire day in one place. Instead, the route keeps changing: island visit, waterfall, historic offshore sites, snorkeling, refreshments, and a longer beach stop at the end.

That variety suits you if you want a broad introduction to the east coast in one day. It is less suitable if you want long, uninterrupted time at one reef or a slow sailing trip.

First Stop at Ile aux Cerfs

The first visit is a 45-minute stop at Ile aux Cerfs. This gives you an early chance to stretch your legs, see the famous white sand, and take refreshments before the boat continues.

Ile aux Cerfs is the polished, popular part of the route. Its beach is the sort of place you picture when you think of Mauritius: pale sand, clear water, and plenty of room for a swim or sunbathing. Since you return later for a much longer visit, the first stop works more as an introduction than a full beach session.

That split visit is practical. You get to see the island before the main crowd of activities and lunch, then return later when you have two hours to settle in. Still, 45 minutes is short. If you want a relaxed walk across the island, a swim, and photographs, keep an eye on the meeting time.

Refreshments are part of the plan, but the full open bar is described as opening later in the day. Do not assume every drink is available from the first minute. Ask the crew when service begins.

Grand River South East and Its Waterfall

Next, the speedboat heads toward Grand River South East. Here, fresh water runs toward the Indian Ocean in a setting that feels different from the open lagoon. The waterfall is the main sight, and the approach by boat gives you a clear view of the cascade as it reaches the coast.

The stop also includes the chance to meet and feed wild Mauritian monkeys. This is one of the more unusual moments on the route, but you should treat it with care. The activity information specifically mentions feeding them, yet it does not explain the food, safety rules, or how close you can get. Follow the crew’s instructions and keep your hands and belongings under control.

This part is valuable because it breaks up the beach-and-snorkel pattern. You get river scenery, a waterfall, and wildlife before returning to the sea. One especially successful outing saw dolphins as well as monkeys near the waterfall, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Ile aux Phares and Ile de la Passe

The next section brings you to Ile aux Phares, followed by a pass near Ile de la Passe. These small offshore islands carry the historical side of the tour. You see places linked to Mauritius’s position in the Indian Ocean and to the old sea routes around the island.

The itinerary does not promise a long shore visit or a formal historical talk at either island. Think of these stops as scenic and cultural points viewed from the boat. If your guide is available in your chosen language, you should get more context as you pass.

Guiding is offered in English, French, German, Italian, and Romanian. This is useful, but language arrangements matter. A German-speaking guide was booked on one outing but became ill, and no replacement guide was available. The skipper operated the boat, but the passengers received little information about the islands.

That problem appears to have been an exception rather than the normal plan, but it is important. If the history and explanations are a major reason you are booking, confirm the guide language shortly before departure.

Blue Bay Marine Park Snorkeling

Blue Bay Marine Park is the main snorkeling stop. The route takes you through the lagoon to one of Mauritius’s best-known marine areas, where you can swim among tropical fish and look for sea turtles.

Several snorkeling sessions are promised rather than one quick jump into the water. That is a real advantage. Water conditions and visibility can change, and more than one attempt gives you a better chance of enjoying the reef. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins.

The marine park is also where the tour’s pace slows down. After the roar of the speedboat, getting into the water offers a welcome change. Bring sunscreen and a camera, as advised, but protect the camera carefully around salt water.

Keep expectations sensible. The activity includes views of dolphins and sea turtles, but wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. The snorkeling itself can also depend on conditions. One booking had a disappointing snorkeling session because the Blue Bay Marine Park was not visited at all. That is a serious failure against the advertised route, so ask the crew to confirm the Blue Bay stop when you board.

Ile aux Aigrettes and the Open Bar

After Blue Bay Marine Park, the boat passes Ile aux Aigrettes for refreshments. This is another offshore point where the island setting matters more than a long land visit.

The open bar is meant to begin around this part of the trip. Drinks include Mauritian beer, wine, rum cocktails, juice, soft drinks, water, and snacks. The arrangement can make the day feel generous for the price, especially when paired with lunch and equipment.

The alcohol deserves a practical note. A fast boat, strong sun, swimming, and rum cocktails are a demanding combination. Drink slowly, keep drinking water, and do not let the all-inclusive label push you past your comfort level.

Service should also be verified. On one poorly managed trip, the advertised open bar was not offered at all. That does not match the stated package. If drinks are important to you, ask where and when the bar will be served rather than waiting until the end of the day.

Returning by Ilot Margenie to Ile aux Cerfs

The boat then turns back toward Ile aux Cerfs, passing Ilot Margenie. This return leg gives you more time on the lagoon and another look at the scattered islands from the water.

The speedboat is part of the fun here. You feel the distance between the islands and get a better sense of how broad the east coast lagoon is. It is also the reason to bring sun protection. A moving boat does not block the sun, and wind can make the heat feel less intense than it is.

If you are prone to motion sickness, sit where the ride feels most stable and tell the crew early. No special seating arrangement is stated, so you should ask at boarding rather than assume.

Two Hours on the Beach at Ile aux Cerfs

The longest stop is a two-hour stay on Ile aux Cerfs. This is your chance to swim, sunbathe, drink coconut water, or simply enjoy the beach without racing to the next point.

The island also offers optional paid activities such as parasailing and a tube ride. These are not listed as part of the tour price, so budget separately if you want them. The activity information does not give the prices, booking method, or exact schedule for these water sports. Ask before committing, especially since your free time is limited.

Two hours is a good middle ground. You get enough time for a swim and lunch, but not enough for a full island exploration at a slow pace. If the beach is your main goal, you may find the schedule too active. If you want a full day with several sights, the timing works well.

BBQ Lunch, Music, and the Mauritian Touch

Lunch is prepared on the beach and includes grilled chicken, grilled fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, and salad. That is a substantial spread for a boat excursion, and the mix gives you choices if you do not want seafood or meat.

The beach setting makes the meal more memorable than a boxed lunch eaten on the boat. The food is prepared while you relax, and the barman serves the included drinks. Coconut water is also part of the beach-time plan.

Live music or a sega show is advertised as entertainment. Sega is a Mauritian music and dance tradition, so this part can add local character rather than simply filling time. But the quality of the entertainment may vary. One small group was seated away from the performance and ended up with only a one-person guitar act. Ask where lunch will be served and what entertainment is planned that day.

This is a good example of why the tour should be judged on the whole package, not on one promise. The food menu is specific and useful. The music is less certain in format and quality.

What the $125 Price Really Covers

At $125 per person, the price is not just paying for a boat ride. It includes nine hours, five-island routing, a waterfall visit, snorkeling equipment, several snorkeling sessions, a beach BBQ, snacks, alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, and a small group.

That makes the price appealing if you plan to use most of the inclusions. A separate boat trip, lunch, drinks, and snorkeling rental could quickly approach the same total. The small group is also worth something, since it gives you a more personal day than a large public cruise.

The value weakens if the main stops are skipped. Blue Bay Marine Park, the open bar, the guide, and the beach entertainment are not minor extras. They are central parts of the advertised day. If they are missing, the price becomes hard to justify.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Transport from elsewhere in Mauritius costs extra, so add that to your calculation. The meeting point is the jetty at Trou d’Eau Douce, found by searching Google Maps for Debarcader Trou D’eau Douche.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your schedule is still shifting, but they do not solve the problem of an altered itinerary on the day.

Who Will Enjoy This Boat Trip Most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want to see many east coast sights in one day and like a mix of fast travel, swimming, scenery, food, and drinks.

It is especially suited to:

• Couples who want a full day on the water
• Small groups looking for a private-feeling boat
• Active families who enjoy snorkeling and swimming
• Visitors with limited time in Mauritius
• Anyone who prefers a moving itinerary over a single beach day

You should think twice if you want a quiet, highly structured historical tour. The boat ride is lively, the route is busy, and the history may depend heavily on the guide assigned that day.

It is also not the best choice if you want guaranteed wildlife sightings. Dolphins and sea turtles are included as possible views, not fixed appointments.

Practical Tips Before You Go

Bring sunscreen, a camera, swimwear, and a towel. The official advice specifically lists sunscreen and a camera, but you will also want protection from the sun during the long boat ride.

Arrive at the Trou d’Eau Douce jetty with enough time to identify the correct boat and ask a few direct questions:

• Is the Blue Bay Marine Park stop confirmed?
• Which language guide is working today?
• When does the open bar begin?
• Where will lunch be served?
• Is music or a sega performance planned?

These questions are not fussy. They address the exact parts of the day that can affect your satisfaction.

The tour is offered in English, French, German, Italian, and Romanian, but a language request should not be treated as a guarantee until it is confirmed. If you need a particular language, check again before departure.

Should You Book the Five-Island Speedboat?

Book it if you want a high-energy east coast sampler with a small group, several water stops, a proper beach lunch, and drinks included. The strongest version of the tour gives you a fast clean boat, a good skipper such as Sino, enjoyable snorkeling, wildlife chances, and a relaxed finish on Ile aux Cerfs.

I would not book it without confirming the day’s guide, Blue Bay visit, and open-bar service. The difference between a well-run outing and a disappointing one appears to come down to execution. With those details confirmed, the $125 price offers solid value for a nine-hour day. Without them, you are taking a bigger gamble than you should.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat tour begin and end?

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

How long does the activity last?

The tour lasts nine hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $125 per person.

What islands are included in the route?

The route includes Ile aux Cerfs, Ile aux Phares, Ile de la Passe, Ile aux Aigrettes, and Ilot Margenie. The tour also visits Blue Bay Marine Park and passes through the east coast lagoon.

Is lunch included?

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

Are drinks included?

Yes. The package includes unlimited snacks, alcoholic drinks, and nonalcoholic drinks, including rum, wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and water.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with several snorkeling sessions.

Can I see dolphins and sea turtles?

The tour includes the opportunity to view dolphins and sea turtles, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off across Mauritius cost extra.

What languages are available?

Live guiding is offered in English, French, German, Italian, and Romanian. Availability of a specific guide language should be confirmed before departure.