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

The best part of this Mauritius day is the mix of fast boat travel and unhurried beach time. You cross the island’s largest lagoon, stop at a waterfall, snorkel in Blue Bay Marine Park, and finish with a barbecue and drinks on Ile aux Cerfs. The small group, limited to eight, matters because it keeps the boat from feeling like a floating bus.

I especially like two things here: the all-inclusive lunch and drinks, which save you from juggling extra purchases all day, and the chance to see several very different sides of the east coast in one outing. You may spot sea turtles and dolphins, but wildlife follows its own schedule. The main drawback is the early start and long day, with a meeting time that can run later than planned, as one departure did when an 8:50 launch followed a 7:55 rendezvous.

At a glance

• A full east-coast circuit: Cruise from Trou d’Eau Douce through the largest lagoon in Mauritius and past several offshore islands.
• Blue Bay snorkeling: Swim among tropical fish in clear water, with equipment and basic guidance provided.
• Beach lunch included: Expect grilled chicken, grilled fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, and salad.
• Open bar on Ile aux Cerfs: Beer, wine, rum, juice, soft drinks, water, and snacks are included.
• Wildlife encounters are possible: The day includes chances to see sea turtles, dolphins, and wild Mauritian monkeys.
• Private option for four or more: Ask for a private speedboat if your group has at least four people.

Why this speedboat day works

At $125 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Ile aux Cerfs. It is priced as a full-day outing rather than a simple boat transfer, though. You are paying for roughly nine hours on the water, several island stops, snorkeling gear, a beach BBQ, an open bar, and a guide who handles the route.

That bundle gives the price some weight. A basic trip to one island may cost less, but it will not cover the waterfall stop, Blue Bay Marine Park, multiple island views, food, and drinks. If you would otherwise book separate boat trips, lunch, and snorkeling, this package can be good value.

The small-group limit is another reason the price makes sense. With no more than eight people, the skipper can keep an eye on swimmers and adjust the pace more easily than on a large catamaran. If you are four or more, ask about the private option. One small family group found that having the boat to themselves changed the whole feel of the day, especially when the crew shifted the timing to avoid crowded stops.

Still, keep your expectations sensible. The word VIP suggests a polished private charter, but the standard trip is a small-group excursion unless your party qualifies for a private boat. Also, hotel and Airbnb transfers cost extra. You need to reach the jetty at Trou d’Eau Douce unless you arrange that add-on.

Starting at Trou d’Eau Douce

The meeting point is the jetty at Debarcader Trou D’Eau Douce. Search that exact name in Google Maps, as the meeting instructions direct you to do. The trip starts and ends here, so plan your route carefully if you are arranging your own transport.

The boat ride begins with speed and spray. That is part of the appeal, but it also shapes the day. You are not sitting in a quiet cabin. You will feel the engine, bounce over some waves, and spend much of the day exposed to sun and wind. Bring sunscreen, a camera, and protection for anything you do not want splashed.

A past departure ran nearly an hour after the planned rendezvous time. That does not prove every start will be late, but it is a useful reason not to schedule a tight evening commitment. The tour lasts nine hours, and the water route has many moving parts.

The boat carries no more than eight people. That keeps boarding and disembarking simple, and it gives you a better chance of getting a clear view when the skipper points out an island or wildlife. English, French, German, Italian, and Romanian are available for the live guide service.

Ile aux Cerfs and the first 45 minutes

The first stop is Ile aux Cerfs, where you have about 45 minutes to walk around, take in the sand, and enjoy refreshments. This is a useful first pause after the fast ride, though it is short compared with the later beach stay.

Ile aux Cerfs is one of the most famous island stops in Mauritius, so it can feel busy at popular times. The small-group format and a flexible route may help, but the tour cannot guarantee that the island will be empty. One private group happened to enjoy a remarkably quiet visit, even having much of the island to themselves. Treat that as a lucky timing advantage, not a promise.

You return to Ile aux Cerfs later for the main beach session. That second visit is where the island gets more time to breathe. You can swim, sunbathe, drink coconut water, or choose optional activities such as parasailing and a tube ride. The supplied details do not state the prices for those water sports, so carry the assumption that they may cost extra.

Grand River South East waterfall

The boat then heads toward Grand River South East, where a waterfall runs into the Indian Ocean. This is one of the day’s best changes of scene. Instead of only seeing sand and sea, you get a freshwater cascade framed by the river mouth and coastal rock.

There is also a chance to see and feed wild Mauritian monkeys. That encounter will likely be a highlight for anyone who enjoys wildlife close up. It is worth remembering that these are wild animals, not trained performers, so follow the guide’s instructions and keep food handling sensible.

The waterfall stop is mainly about the view and the short visit, not a long hike. The itinerary does not promise a walk behind the falls or a swim there. Think of it as a scenic boat excursion with a wildlife moment, rather than a land-based waterfall trek.

Ile aux Phares and Ile de la Passe

After Grand River South East, the route continues to Ile aux Phares, the island of the lighthouse, and then toward Blue Bay, passing Ile de la Passe. These islands add a historical and navigational layer to the trip. You see the east and southeast coast from the water, where offshore islands, channels, and reefs make more sense than they do from a road.

The tour is designed for people who want more than a single beach stop. You are moving through a chain of named islands, with the boat itself providing the best seat for the views. The supplied plan does not promise a long guided walking tour on each island, so expect short visits and passing views rather than a detailed archaeological program.

That is a strength if you enjoy variety. It is a limitation if you prefer one place explored slowly. Nine hours sounds generous, but the route covers a lot of water, and each stop has a set role.

Blue Bay Marine Park snorkeling

Blue Bay Marine Park is the main water activity. The water is described as clear, and the snorkeling session is meant to show you tropical fish in their natural setting. Equipment is included, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins.

You should still take the sea conditions seriously. One experienced skipper gave clear instructions before the swim and kept watch because the current could be stronger than expected. That detail matters more than the promise of crystal-clear water. The lagoon may look calm from the boat, but currents can quickly make the return swim tiring.

The guide also shortened the distance for anyone who wanted to get back to the boat. That is the sort of practical supervision I want on a snorkeling trip. Stay close, listen to the briefing, and do not treat the session as a race.

Blue Bay is also the best place on the route for sea life. The package includes the chance to see sea turtles, and one outing brought four dolphins into view. Neither sighting is guaranteed. You are booking access to a good marine area, not a wildlife appointment. If dolphins or turtles do not appear, the fish and clear water still make the stop worthwhile.

Bring your own underwater camera only if it is properly secured. The tour information specifically suggests a camera and sunscreen, but it does not promise dry storage or photography service. Protect your phone before you board.

Ile aux Aigrettes and the open bar

After snorkeling, the boat passes by Ile aux Aigrettes for refreshments. This stop helps break up the day before the return run toward Ile aux Cerfs. The island is part of the wider protected-island story of Mauritius, but the itinerary does not describe a landing or nature walk there.

The open bar begins during this part of the outing. Drinks include rum, wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and water, with snacks available as well. Later, a barman prepares rum cocktails, and you can also enjoy Mauritian beer or wine.

The all-inclusive setup is convenient, but pace yourself. You still have boat travel, swimming, sun, and a return journey ahead. Water is included, and it should be your regular choice between alcoholic drinks. The tour is meant to feel festive, but sensible drinking will make the long day more comfortable.

Lunch and the long Ile aux Cerfs stop

The return route passes Ilot Margenie before bringing you back to Ile aux Cerfs for the main beach stay. Here, lunch is prepared on the beach while you swim, sunbathe, or take part in optional water sports.

The BBQ menu is substantial: grilled chicken, grilled fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, and salad. One French-speaking participant described the meal as generous, and the menu gives you enough choice to build a proper plate rather than rely on snacks. The details do not mention vegetarian, vegan, allergy, or halal alternatives, so contact the operator before booking if you need a special meal.

Eating on the beach is one of the more appealing parts of the package. You do not have to leave the island to search for a restaurant, and the meal fits naturally into the day. Live music or a sega show may provide entertainment in the background.

Do not confuse this with a quiet castaway picnic. Ile aux Cerfs is a famous stop, and optional activities can bring more people and noise. Your experience will depend on timing, weather, and how the beach is being used that day.

Speed, comfort, and group size

The boat is built for speed, and the roaring engine is part of the experience. You will cover more ground than on a slow boat, which makes the five-island route possible in a single day. It also means more wind, engine noise, and movement.

A past participant described the ride as fast but safe, with a professional skipper who kept everyone in view during snorkeling. That is reassuring, but the physical demands remain real. If you dislike bouncy boat rides, this may not be your ideal day.

The small group is one of the strongest features. The cap is eight people, and groups of four or more can request a private boat. A private trip gives you more control over the pace and may let the guide respond to your interests, though the operator should confirm the exact private arrangement before you pay.

Hotel and Airbnb pickup are available around Mauritius at an additional cost. This can be useful if Trou d’Eau Douce is awkward from your base. Ask for the transfer when booking, since one group had a good experience after requesting transport in advance and receiving a confirmation the day before.

Who should book this day

I would recommend this trip to you if you want one busy, well-filled day that combines boat travel, wildlife, snorkeling, beach time, food, and drinks. It suits couples, families, and small groups who prefer a speedboat to a larger cruise vessel.

It is especially good for a group of four or more. The private possibility can turn a standard excursion into a more personal day, and the guide may have more freedom to adjust timing.

You should think twice if your priority is a slow beach day. The itinerary covers many places, and the boat returns to Ile aux Cerfs only after several stops. You should also reconsider if you need guaranteed turtle or dolphin sightings, a quiet boat, or a special diet that has not been confirmed.

Book with free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure if your plans may change. The reserve-now, pay-later option also helps keep your schedule flexible, though you still need to confirm the payment terms at checkout.

Should you book the 5 Islands speedboat?

Book it if you want the east coast in one sweep and value having lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and a guide bundled into the day. The strongest reasons are the small group, the well-rounded route, and the practical supervision in the water.

Ask about a private boat if you have four or more people. Arrange your transfer early if you are not staying near Trou d’Eau Douce, and leave plenty of room in your evening plans because the day can run long.

I would not book it solely for dolphins or turtles. Book it for the complete outing: fast lagoon travel, Blue Bay snorkeling, the Grand River South East waterfall, wild monkeys, island views, and a relaxed beach BBQ at the end. That mix gives the $125 price its best argument.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

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

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts nine hours. Check the available start times when booking.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $125 per person.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel and Airbnb pickup and drop-off around Mauritius are available at an additional cost. They are not included in the standard price.

How many people are in the group?

The small group is limited to eight participants. Groups of four or more may request a private speedboat.

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 Blue Bay Marine Park session includes guidance.

Which languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in English, French, German, Italian, and Romanian.