Full Day Tour 5 Island to Ile Aux Cerfs Incl. Lunch and Transfer

This is a high-energy day on the water, not a quiet sightseeing cruise. From Blue Bay, a speedboat links coral reefs, a shipwreck, lighthouse ruins, old defenses, a waterfall, and Ile aux Cerfs, with swimming and snorkeling along the way. The boat ride itself is part of the fun, especially when the crew turns up the music or spots dolphins and sea turtles.

I like the excellent variety and the small-group feel, with a maximum of 15 people. I also like that pickup, boat transport, snorkeling gear, lunch, drinks, and a guide are wrapped into one price. The main caution is the pace and party mood: some departures have warm drinks, weak communication, or less sightseeing than promised, and the open bar may not suit families seeking a calm day.

Key points to know before booking

• Blue Bay Marine Park: Snorkel in water averaging about 5.5 meters deep, with coral and many types of fish.
• Fast speedboat route: You cover a lot of southeast Mauritius in one day, but the ride can feel bumpy and exposed to the sun.
• History on small islands: Ile aux Phare and Ile de la Passe bring lighthouse ruins and old military defenses into the trip.
• Beach barbecue at Ilot Margenie: Expect chicken, fish, salads, bread, drinks, and a banana flambé dessert, with vegetarian food by advance request.
• GRSE Waterfall: The boat enters the river mouth, where monkeys and fruit bats may be visible.
• Party atmosphere: Unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included, so ask yourself if that matches your ideal island day.

What this full-day Mauritius boat trip is really like

The tour begins with hotel pickup anywhere in Mauritius, followed by an air-conditioned vehicle ride to Blue Bay. The stated start time is 8 a.m., but pickup times can vary by hotel and location. Some people have been collected much earlier, so confirm the exact time in your booking messages rather than relying only on the general start time.

At the boat base, you join a speedboat group of up to 15 people. That is a useful size for this route. You get the speed and open-water feel of a private-style boat without paying for a fully private charter. Staff names reported on different departures include Chris, Nelson, Donovan, Kevin, Emmanuel, and Joel, sometimes called Jack Sparrow. The crew changes, so do not book expecting one particular guide unless the operator confirms it.

The mood can change from one departure to another. Some crews focus on explaining the islands and keeping the route moving. Others put more energy into music, rum, dancing, and drinks. That difference matters. This is best for you if you want an active social day with many short stops, not if you want long, quiet visits at each island.

Blue Bay snorkeling and the Dalbair shipwreck

Your first water stop is Blue Bay Marine Park, one of the strongest parts of the trip. The boat stops over the reef, and you have about an hour for snorkeling. Equipment is supplied, which saves you from packing a mask and fins, though you may prefer your own gear if you care about fit.

The listed average depth is about 5.5 meters, with clear water, coral, and fish. The park is noted for more than 50 coral species, giving you a good chance to see a broad mix of reef life without needing a long swim. You can also stay on the boat or swim without snorkeling if you are not comfortable with a mask.

The first stop at Pointe d’Esny is the Dalbair shipwreck, sometimes spelled Alblair in tour material. The wreck dates from 1902 and has a disputed story that the guide may explain before you look down into the water. This is a short stop of about 30 minutes, so expect a quick look rather than a full historical visit.

Conditions matter here. Wind, cloud, tide, and water clarity can change what you see. Several people have praised the snorkeling, while others found parts of the advertised route shortened in poor weather. Bring a towel, reef-safe sun protection if available, and a shirt that covers your shoulders. You will spend much of the day in direct sun.

Ile aux Aigrettes and the lighthouse at Ile aux Phare

The boat then reaches Ile aux Aigrettes for about 40 minutes. The main idea is simple: enjoy a cocktail, swim in clear lagoon water, and relax in a shallow natural pool where starfish may be visible. This is one of the more leisurely stops, but it remains short. If you want time for a slow swim and photographs, keep an eye on the departure time.

Next comes Ile aux Phare, also called L’Île aux Fouquets or Lighthouse Island. You have roughly 45 minutes to walk around the small rocky island and see the old lighthouse. The lighthouse was built in 1864 to guide ships toward Mahébourg, and the island is linked to the Battle of Grand Port between French and British forces.

The ruin gives the day more substance than a chain of beach stops. You can see why this small island mattered to ships entering the bay, though the visit is still outdoors and fairly exposed. Wear shoes with a secure sole, especially if you plan to walk around the old structures. The tour does not promise a long guided historical talk, so ask your guide questions while you are there.

Ile de la Passe follows, depending on sea tide. This small islet contains the remains of French and British defenses built during the colonial period. You have about 30 minutes for the ruins and views across the sea. The tide qualification is important: this stop may not happen on every departure, and the route can change with conditions.

Ilot Flamants and the long run toward the waterfall

The boat passes Ilot Vacoas and continues to Ilot Flamants, a small white-sand island in the lagoon. The stop lasts about 30 minutes and may include another swim or snorkeling session in shallow turquoise water. This is a good place to cool off, but it also adds to the day’s repeated pattern of boat ride, short stop, swim, and departure.

The speedboat is a major advantage over a slower catamaran if you want to see many locations. You spend less time simply crossing the water, and the ride can be thrilling when the sea is calm. The trade-off is comfort. You may be bouncing over waves, sitting in the sun, and holding on for parts of the route. If you get seasick, ask about seating and bring any medication you normally use.

The route then reaches Grand River South East Waterfall, usually called GRSE Waterfall. The boat heads into the river channel so you can see the falls where the river meets the sea. Trees line the banks, and monkeys may be visible in the branches. Fruit bats may also be perched high above the water.

This stop lasts about 30 minutes and is best viewed from the boat. It is a scenic change from open lagoon and coral reef, with a closer look at the river mouth and surrounding vegetation. Weather can affect access. On at least one difficult-weather departure, the waterfall was missed, so treat it as a planned stop rather than an absolute guarantee.

Ile aux Cerfs and lunch on the beach

Ile aux Cerfs is the headline stop. You get about two hours for the beach, swimming, a walk, snorkeling, or optional water sports. The island is known for white sand, palms, and bright lagoon water, so this is your best stretch of unhurried beach time.

Optional water sports cost extra, listed at about 40 euros. That price is separate from the tour and should be part of your budget if you want more than swimming and snorkeling. The route already contains many water stops, so you do not need to add an activity unless you want a more active afternoon.

Lunch is served around noon or early afternoon on the beach, described as a three-course barbecue at Ilot Margenie. The menu normally includes grilled chicken, grilled fish, salads, garlic bread, and other sides. Vegetarian food is available if you request it when booking. Halal food is listed as available.

The included drinks are a major part of the package. You receive alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, with an open bar and rum often part of the service. Entertainment may include sega dancing, live music, and a banana flambé dessert. Some departures have used canopies for shade, but you should still bring sun protection because the rest of the day is largely exposed.

Food quality and quantity are not perfectly consistent. Some departures have served a generous barbecue with chicken, fish, sausages, salads, and drinks. Others have found the food cold or portions modest, including one description of a single piece of chicken and fish. I would bring a few snacks, especially if you have dietary needs or children who eat early.

Price, transport, and what you receive

At about $151.21 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Ile aux Cerfs. It can still be fair value if you use most of the package: hotel pickup and return, private road transport, speedboat travel, guide service, snorkeling equipment, multiple island stops, lunch, and drinks.

The value depends on your priorities. A basic beach transfer may cost less, but it will not include the shipwreck, lighthouse, defense ruins, waterfall, or several snorkeling stops. On the other hand, you are paying for a packed route, and some stops may be brief or skipped because of weather and tide.

The group limit of 15 is helpful. You avoid the scale of a large cruise boat, and the captain can usually keep the group together more easily at swimming stops. The boat is still shared, though, so the atmosphere depends on the other people aboard. Music, alcohol, smoking, and vaping have been part of some departures. Families should ask the operator about the expected setup before paying.

Transport is another part of the value. A private air-conditioned vehicle is included for the road journey, but pickup timing needs attention. Check the latest message in the booking app, confirm the hotel lobby location, and allow extra time. Conflicting pickup times have caused frustration on some departures.

Who should book this speedboat day

I would choose this tour if you want to pack a lot into one day and enjoy being on the water. It suits couples, friends, and active families who are happy with swimming, sun, music, and a quick succession of sights.

It is especially good for you if:

• You want snorkeling without arranging separate equipment.
• You like fast boats more than slow cruises.
• You want both natural sights and colonial-era ruins.
• You enjoy a barbecue and open bar by the beach.
• You are comfortable with changing plans based on tide and weather.

I would hesitate if you want quiet, detailed sightseeing. The tour covers several islands, but you do not get long guided visits at each one. I would also think twice if you dislike alcohol-centered entertainment, need a highly controlled meal plan, or are uncomfortable on a fast boat.

Pack sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, a hat, secure sandals or water shoes, and a dry bag for phones. Add snacks, a reusable water bottle if practical, and a light cover-up for the long hours outside. Ask for vegetarian food when booking, and report allergies or illness in advance.

Should you book this Mauritius island tour?

Book it if the idea of racing between reefs, ruins, beaches, and a waterfall sounds better than spending one day in one place. The strongest parts are the Blue Bay snorkeling, the lighthouse island, the fast route, the beach barbecue, and the chance of seeing dolphins, turtles, monkeys, or fruit bats.

Do not book it simply because the title promises five islands. The route is weather and tide dependent, communication has not always been clear, and the onboard mood can lean heavily toward drinking and music. At $151.21, you are buying a full package and a lively day, not a polished private charter.

For the right person, this is a memorable way to see the southeast coast in one shot. Confirm pickup, ask about the boat and meal, and decide honestly if you want a party-friendly speedboat day. If yes, the variety makes the price reasonable.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The full experience lasts approximately 8 to 9 hours. The listed start time is 8 a.m., with return to the mainland expected around 4:30 p.m.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are offered from hotels or accommodations anywhere in Mauritius, with private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, with snorkeling planned at Blue Bay Marine Park and the Eau Bleu lagoon area.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A three-course barbecue lunch is included, with chicken, fish, salads, bread, drinks, and dessert generally offered. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals are available, and vegetarian meals should be requested when booking.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The package includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, with an open bar listed as part of the experience.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time.