Mauritius: 5 East Coast Islands Tour with Snorkeling & Lunch

Mauritius’s east coast is best seen from the water, and this trip gives you plenty of it: a fast boat, a waterfall, historic islands, snorkeling, and a beach BBQ. I like the mix of scenery and history, especially the old lighthouse on Ile aux Fouquets and Ile de la Passe, where the 1810 naval battle of Grand Port took place. I also like that the day is not just a boat transfer. You get time to swim, stop for drinks, and learn about the islands.

The strongest parts are the speedboat ride and the chance to see turtles or dolphins if nature cooperates. Guides such as Derek, Thomas, and Ronny have been praised for friendly commentary and a good sense of fun. The main caution is the ride itself: a speedboat can be bumpy, and the lunch setup and snorkeling equipment may not suit everyone.

Key points to know before you go

• The speedboat is part of the attraction: Expect a lively ride rather than a quiet cruise, with spray, wind, and bumps.
• GRSE waterfall comes early: You visit the Grand River South East waterfall, where Mauritius’s longest river meets the sea.
• History comes with the sea views: Ile aux Fouquets and Ile de la Passe connect the day to the French and British colonial period.
• Swimming time is built in: Stops include Ile aux Cerfs and Ile aux Aigrettes, with snorkeling around Eau Bleu.
• Lunch is served on Ile aux Margenie: You get a BBQ meal, drinks, and time to relax by the water.
• Transport is optional: Hotel pickup and drop-off are available only with the transport option you select.

Why this east coast boat trip works so well

This is a busy day, but that is its appeal. In seven hours, you cover a large section of Mauritius’s east coast without spending the day on roads. The boat links beaches, small islands, a waterfall, snorkeling water, and historic sites in one outing.

I would choose this tour if you want variety. A traditional beach day gives you more time to sit still, while a quiet catamaran cruise offers a slower pace. This trip keeps moving. You may be taking photographs at one stop, holding a drink at the next, then bouncing over the waves toward another island.

The advertised price is $85 per person. That is fair value if you make use of the full day and the included meal, drinks, boat ride, waterfall visit, swimming, and snorkeling stops. It is less attractive if you want a slow lunch, long beach time, or a highly polished private excursion.

Group size can make a real difference. One couple had a boat with only four people, while another described a small group of seven as ideal. The boat can hold more, but a full boat will feel less personal and leave less room to move. If you can choose a quieter departure or a smaller group option, it is worth considering.

Starting at Trou d’Eau Douce

The usual meeting point is on the beach opposite Green Island Restaurant. Some bookings include pickup from your accommodation, with drop-off available in several districts, including Port Louis, Moka, Grand Port, Flacq, Rivière du Rempart, Pamplemousses, Rivière Noire, Savanne, and the Green Island area.

If you select transport, send the hotel or accommodation address by WhatsApp as requested. Pickup time varies by location. If you arrange your own way to the meeting point, arrive early. One practical complaint was that a proper briefing and punctual arrival at the departure point would have made the start smoother.

The trip begins at about 9 AM and returns around 4 PM. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, and a camera. I would also bring snorkeling equipment if you have your own. Equipment availability can vary, and one person received an eye mask but no breathing tube.

Ile aux Cerfs, the lively first stop

Ile aux Cerfs is one of the best-known stops on Mauritius’s east coast. The visit combines sightseeing with a chance to browse an arts and crafts market. You get about 45 minutes for this first look, then return to the water for swimming and snorkeling later in the route.

This island is not a quiet, untouched sandbar. It is a popular place, and the market gives it a more active holiday feel. That can be useful if you want souvenirs or a quick orientation, but it may disappoint you if you expect solitude.

The coast here is the kind of place where the boat matters. From the water, you get broad views of pale sand and clear shallows without spending your whole morning on one beach. Later, the itinerary includes another Ile aux Cerfs stop with about 35 minutes for swimming and snorkeling, so you do not need to rush into the water during the first visit.

Grand River South East waterfall by boat

The Grand River South East waterfall, often shortened to GRSE, is reached by boat. It is where the longest river in Mauritius meets the sea, and the ride through the river gives the waterfall visit more character than a simple roadside photo stop.

You have about 30 minutes here for the boat cruise, photographs, and views. The waterfall is not a long hiking stop. You will see it from the water, take pictures, and listen to the guide explain the setting.

Water levels and weather affect the appearance of any waterfall. The tour requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund. That policy matters here because the waterfall, open-water ride, and snorkeling all depend on safe conditions.

Ile aux Fouquets and Ile de la Passe

The historical part of the trip begins with Ile aux Fouquets, also called Ile aux Phares. Its old lighthouse is more than 200 years old and is now a historical monument. You get roughly 25 minutes for the visit and photographs.

The lighthouse is not simply a scenic prop. It helps explain how ships approached Mauritius and why these small islands mattered during the colonial period. From the boat, the old structure gains a sense of place that a photograph alone cannot provide.

You then pass Ile de la Passe, tied to the naval battle of Grand Port in 1810. French forces defeated the British in an important battle during the Napoleonic period. It is also remembered on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris as the only victory of the Napoleonic Navy.

Do not expect a long museum visit or an extended walk on Ile de la Passe. The itinerary lists it as a pass-by and sightseeing stop. Its value comes from the guide’s explanation and the chance to connect the islands with Mauritius’s wider colonial story.

A good guide can make this short section count. Thomas was described as friendly and chatty, with information at each stop. Derek was praised for explaining the area and making people comfortable. Ronny was especially appreciated for his enthusiasm on the water. Guide quality can vary by departure, but the live commentary is an important part of the experience.

Snorkeling at Eau Bleu and swimming at Ile aux Aigrettes

After the historic islands, the boat heads to Eau Bleu for snorkeling. Clear water is the main attraction, but conditions are not guaranteed. Wind, visibility, weather, and the number of boats in the area can all affect what you see.

Some people have described the snorkeling as the highlight of the day, with one person comparing it very favorably with snorkeling in Thailand. Others enjoyed seeing turtles and dolphins from the boat. You should treat dolphins and whales as lucky sightings, not promised features. Several trips did not produce dolphins, while another did not see whales.

Ile aux Aigrettes provides about 45 minutes for an aperitif and a swim. This is a useful pause after the faster sightseeing stops. You can get into the water, dry off in the sun, and enjoy a drink before lunch.

The tour information says snorkeling gear should be brought, so I would not rely entirely on the operator to supply a complete set. Some equipment may be available, but an eye mask without a breathing tube is not enough for a proper snorkeling session. Pack your own mask and snorkel if you have them, and use reef-safe sunscreen if possible.

BBQ lunch on Ile aux Margenie

Lunch is served on Ile aux Margenie, with a BBQ meal and a selection of drinks, including beer and wine. The meal is part of the tour price, not an extra purchase, and it gives the day a welcome break from the boat.

The standard food offering includes vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices, and the food is halal. The non-vegetarian meal has been described as delicious and plentiful. If you eat meat or fish, the BBQ is likely to feel like a satisfying part of the trip rather than a basic packed lunch.

Vegetarians should take extra care. One person received a simple salad and white bread prepared on a grill that appeared to also be used for meat and fish. If you are vegetarian, ask about preparation when you book, and consider bringing additional food if the answer is not clear.

The lunch area itself may be plain. One person found the island used for lunch in need of cleaning and maintenance. This is not a polished resort meal with table service and a carefully designed setting. In another account, staff served the food rather than letting people choose everything themselves. Some people will appreciate the organization, while others will prefer a more casual buffet.

After eating, you can sunbathe, swim, or relax on the beach. The water around Ile aux Cerfs is described as crystal clear, and the final beach time gives you space to slow down before returning to Trou d’Eau Douce.

What the speedboat ride feels like

The boat is fast, open, and exposed to the weather. That creates the fun, but it also means you should expect wind, spray, and a bumpy ride. One person initially found the speed surprising but enjoyed it once the trip got going.

I would not book this tour if you are looking for a gentle, quiet cruise. A catamaran would be a better fit for that. The speedboat works best for you if you enjoy motion and want to cover several locations in one day.

Comfort also depends on the number of people aboard. A small group leaves more room and makes it easier to hear the guide. A near-capacity boat may feel crowded, especially during a long ride between islands. Ask about group size if that matters to you.

The boat operators sometimes point out wildlife and offer refreshments during the route. Turtles, monkeys, dolphins, and other sightings are possible, but none should be treated as part of the fixed program. The islands and water are guaranteed parts of the day, not the wildlife.

Pickup, language, and practical details

Guides speak English and French. The tour includes a live guide, and the history stops are more useful when you can follow the commentary. If you need hotel transport, select the correct option when booking. Pickup and drop-off are not included automatically.

The experience is not suitable for children under four or pregnant women. The speedboat and uneven movements are the key reasons to take those restrictions seriously.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. If poor weather cancels the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund. These terms are helpful for a water-based activity, especially when your Mauritius schedule is still changing.

Wear comfortable shoes for getting on and off the boat and around the islands. Keep valuables protected from spray, and use sunscreen more often than you think you need. The east coast sun and wind can make the day feel cooler than it is.

Who should book this tour?

I would recommend it to active couples, friends, and families with older children who want a full day outdoors. It suits anyone who likes a packed schedule, fast boat rides, short history lessons, swimming, and a casual lunch.

It is also a good choice if you have limited time in Mauritius. You see several parts of the east coast in one day, including places that would be awkward to connect independently.

I would hesitate if you want quiet beaches, a slow pace, refined dining, or guaranteed wildlife. Vegetarians should clarify the lunch arrangements before paying. People prone to motion sickness should also think carefully about the speedboat and bring whatever remedies they normally use.

Should you book the five-island tour?

Book it if you want the east coast in one energetic package. The best value comes from the mix: GRSE waterfall, the old lighthouse, the 1810 naval story, snorkeling, swimming, wildlife possibilities, and a BBQ lunch for $85.

Choose a catamaran or a private boat instead if comfort and space matter more than speed. Also check your pickup option, bring your own snorkeling gear if possible, and keep expectations sensible about the lunch setting and wildlife.

For the right person, this is a lively and useful day on the water. It gives you far more than a beach stop, but it asks you to accept a few bumps along the way.

FAQ

How long is the five-island tour?

The tour lasts about seven hours, starting around 9 AM and returning to the meeting point in Trou d’Eau Douce at about 4 PM.

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is on the beach opposite Green Island Restaurant. Pickup from accommodation is available only if you select the transport option.

Which languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in English and French.

What islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Ile aux Cerfs, Ile aux Fouquets, Ile de la Passe, Ile aux Aigrettes, and Ile aux Margenie. The itinerary also includes the Grand River South East waterfall and snorkeling at Eau Bleu.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch and drinks are served on Ile aux Margenie. Beer and wine are listed among the drink options.

Are vegetarian meals available?

Yes, vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices are available. The food is halal. Vegetarians may want to confirm how the meal is prepared before departure.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

You are advised to bring snorkeling gear. Some equipment may be available, but availability can vary, so bringing your own mask and snorkel is the safest option.

Can children join the tour?

Children under four years old cannot join this experience.

Can pregnant women take the tour?

No. Pregnant women are listed as unsuitable for this speedboat experience.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.