Mauritius: 5 Islands of the East Speedboat Tour with BBQ

The best part of this east-coast speedboat trip is the variety packed into one day. You move from quiet mangroves and a river waterfall to old naval islands, coral water, a beach BBQ, and the white sand of Île aux Cerfs. It feels like several Mauritius excursions joined together.

I like the small-boat setting, which gives you open views and a closer look at the coast than a large cruise boat. I also like the food plan: grilled chicken, fish, sausages, salads, flambéed bananas, and local drinks served near the islands.

The main thing to keep in mind is that the advertised five-island route does not mean five island landings. Tides and government protection affect the stops, and some islands are viewed only from the boat. The start can also involve a wait, so arrive prepared and confirm exactly where to meet.

Key points at a glance

• Mangroves and GRSE Waterfall: Begin in sheltered coastal waterways, then head upriver to one of Mauritius’ few boat-accessible waterfalls.
• Historic Île aux Phare and Île de la Passe: See a 19th-century lighthouse and the remains of old naval defenses from the water.
• Snorkeling near Île aux Aigrettes: Swim among coral and tropical fish, with equipment available on request.
• Beachside BBQ at Îlot Mangenie: Expect grilled meat and fish, salads, local drinks, snacks, and dessert.
• Free time at Île aux Cerfs: Finish with swimming, walking, sunbathing, or optional paid activities.
• A small-group feel: One outing had only six people aboard, and guides such as Kenny and John have been praised for friendly service in both French and English.

Why this east-coast tour is worth your day

At $88 per person, this is a strong value if you want more than a simple boat ride. The seven-hour outing includes the speedboat, guide, waterfall visit, island sightseeing, snorkeling, drinks, snacks, and a full BBQ lunch. You are also getting transport between several parts of the east coast without having to arrange separate trips.

The value is less clear if your main goal is a long snorkeling session or a quiet full day on one beach. The route covers a lot of ground, so each stop has a different pace. Some are short photo stops, some are viewed while passing, and the time at Île aux Cerfs can feel limited if the boat runs behind schedule.

I see this as a good choice for a first east-coast outing. It gives you a useful overview of the area and mixes scenery, history, wildlife, swimming, and food. The speedboat adds excitement, but the trip is not only about speed. Several sections are slow and scenic.

Starting at Trou d’Eau Douce

The meeting point is listed as Trou d’Eau Douce Beach, with Le Four a Chaux Restaurant given as the starting location. Since both names appear in the meeting information, I would confirm the precise boarding spot before the morning of the trip. This is especially useful if you are arranging your own transport.

Once aboard, the captain gives a safety briefing. You learn how to use the life jacket, hear the plan for the day, and receive basic instructions for the boat and water stops. The boat is described as comfortable, but you should still expect wind, spray, and a fairly active ride once you leave sheltered water.

One practical warning matters here. A four-star account described more than an hour of waiting before departure, with no one immediately available to identify the correct operator or direct people to the boat. That may not happen on your day, but arrive with the meeting details saved on your phone and ask for the Paradis Discover departure point if you are unsure.

Optional hotel or villa transfers are available, but they are not included in the $88 price. The standard meeting arrangement is at Trou d’Eau Douce Beach.

Mangroves, river views, and Grand River South East Waterfall

The day opens with a gentle ride through mangrove-lined waterways. This is a calmer start than the open-sea sections, and your guide explains why mangroves matter. Their tangled roots help protect the coast and provide nursery areas for young marine life.

I like this opening because it gives the tour some natural context before the headline sights begin. The green channels also offer good photo opportunities, especially when the water is still. Keep your camera ready, but protect it from spray once the boat picks up speed.

The boat then continues upriver to Grand River South East Waterfall, often called GRSE Waterfall. Fresh water drops over dark basalt rocks before meeting the sea. The setting creates a pleasing contrast: river water, thick riverside growth, black volcanic stone, and the open ocean nearby.

You may also spot monkeys moving through the trees along the river. Wildlife sightings are possible rather than guaranteed, so enjoy them if they appear but do not treat them as a promised part of the schedule. The waterfall is a sightseeing stop, not a long walking visit. The appeal comes from reaching it by boat, which avoids the need for a separate land excursion.

Open water and the first island sights

After the river section, the speedboat heads out toward the islands. Dolphins are sometimes seen leaping beside the boat. This can be a magical moment, but sightings are not guaranteed, and the captain cannot control where wildlife appears.

The first major island stop is Île aux Phare, also known as Île aux Fouquets. Its old lighthouse sits on volcanic rock above the water. Built in the 19th century, it is one of the most recognizable sights on this route.

You should think of this as a photo and sightseeing stop rather than a full historic-site visit. The lighthouse is best appreciated from the boat or nearby water, with waves breaking against the rocks and wide views across the coast. The rough setting makes a good counterpoint to the soft beach scenery later in the day.

The tour next passes Île de la Passe. This small island is tied to Mauritius’ naval past, and your guide shares stories about colonial battles and the defensive remains visible around the island. The boat does not necessarily land here, so the experience is visual and interpretive rather than a walk through the old fortifications.

Île aux Flamant comes next as a pass-by stop. It is shallow and peaceful, though flamingos are rarely seen there now. The name may suggest a wildlife spectacle, but you should treat it as a quiet coastal view, not a guaranteed flamingo encounter.

This is where the five-island name needs a little explanation. The route includes five named island areas, but tide conditions and protected status can mean passing by some of them. In practice, you may land or spend time near only three islands. The operator’s route can change with water conditions.

Coral water near Île aux Aigrettes

The snorkeling stop is one of the most active parts of the day. You swim in clear water near Île aux Aigrettes, looking for coral, tropical fish, and possibly a sea turtle. Snorkeling equipment is available on request, although I would still bring your own mask and snorkel if you have gear that fits you well.

The guide provides safety support, but you should be comfortable in open water and follow the instructions closely. You can bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. A camera that can handle water is useful, but do not let photography distract you from footing, boat traffic, or the guide’s directions.

Île aux Aigrettes itself is a protected nature reserve. It is known for rare species, including the Aldabra giant tortoise and the endangered pink pigeon. You do not disembark on the reserve during this tour, so do not book this excursion expecting a reserve walk or a close-up wildlife visit there.

Instead, the boat pauses at a nearby beach for swimming, snacks, drinks, music, and photos. This break gives you time to dry off and relax after snorkeling. Local snacks and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included, making it a useful pause before lunch.

BBQ lunch at Îlot Mangenie

Lunch is served near Îlot Mangenie, with the BBQ set up by the beach. The meal includes grilled chicken, fish, chicken sausages, fresh salads, flambéed bananas, and local drinks. The menu gives you a proper meal rather than a quick sandwich between stops.

The food has been one of the strongest parts of the outing. The BBQ also adds a distinctly island feel to the day, especially when combined with the water views and informal beach setting. You can expect a relaxed meal rather than restaurant service, so keep your beach towel and sunscreen handy.

Vegetarian meals must be requested in advance. Do not wait until you arrive at the beach, since the standard menu centers on meat and fish. Personal expenses are not included, and optional activities at Île aux Cerfs cost extra.

The lunch stop also helps break up the boat time. Seven hours on the water can feel long if every stop is rushed, but a seated meal and drinks give the day a slower middle section. The exact duration of lunch may depend on tides and the pace of the earlier stops.

Île aux Cerfs and the final beach hour

The final main stop is Île aux Cerfs, famous for pale sand and a broad lagoon. Here you can swim, walk, sunbathe, take photos, or simply enjoy the setting without a fixed guided activity.

This is the place where the tour shifts from sightseeing to free time. If you want parasailing, a glass-bottom boat, or an undersea walk, those activities are not included. You will need to arrange and pay for them separately on the island.

I would not assume that you will get a full afternoon at Île aux Cerfs. The excursion has already included the mangroves, waterfall, island views, snorkeling, beach break, and lunch. The final stop is valuable because it lets you choose your own pace, but the available time can depend on the day’s conditions.

The island is a strong finish because it offers the classic Mauritius beach scene after a morning of varied coastal sights. If your ideal day is mostly swimming and sunbathing, a dedicated Île aux Cerfs trip may suit you better. If you want a broader outing, this final beach stop rounds out the route well.

Guides, group size, and the feel on board

The guiding is available in English and French. Specific guides praised for warm service include Kenny and John, though you should not assume one of them will lead your departure.

A small group can make a real difference on a speedboat. One outing had only six people aboard, which allowed for an intimate atmosphere and more direct contact with the guide. That is not a guaranteed group size, but it shows the kind of setting that can occur.

The best guides add useful background to the passing sights, rather than simply pointing at them. You want clear explanations at Île aux Phare, Île de la Passe, and Île aux Aigrettes, along with practical help during snorkeling and swimming. French-speaking visitors may find the bilingual service particularly useful.

The mood is generally social and easygoing, especially around the BBQ. If you prefer a silent, private charter, this shared tour may not be the right fit. If you enjoy meeting people and want an active day without planning every detail, it should work well.

Weather, clothing, and practical planning

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a camera. Water shoes are not listed as required, so I would not treat them as essential, but comfortable footwear may help around beach areas.

Weather and sea conditions can affect the route. The trip may be rescheduled if rough seas or bad weather make the outing unsafe. Tides also affect which islands you can approach or visit.

The tour is listed as wheelchair accessible. Since it involves boarding a speedboat, water stops, and beach areas, I would still confirm the exact boarding and transfer arrangements when booking if you use a wheelchair.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful if your east-coast plans depend on the weather. Hotel or villa pickup is optional, not part of the base price.

Who should book this speedboat tour?

I would choose this for an active couple, a family with older children, or a first-time visitor who wants a full east-coast overview. It suits you if you like changing scenery, short sightseeing stops, swimming, snorkeling, and an informal meal by the water.

It is also a good match if you want a small-boat outing instead of a large organized cruise. The chance to see dolphins, monkeys, and a sea turtle adds excitement, but none of those sightings is guaranteed.

You may want a different plan if you dislike boat spray, have limited comfort in open water, or want long periods at one beach. The itinerary is full, and the five-island label can create unrealistic expectations if you picture five separate landings.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want variety and value from one seven-hour day. The waterfall, lighthouse, naval sites, snorkeling, BBQ, and Île aux Cerfs beach time create a well-rounded introduction to Mauritius’ east coast.

Skip it if your priority is a slow beach day, a long guided visit on Île aux Aigrettes, or guaranteed wildlife sightings. Before booking, confirm the Trou d’Eau Douce meeting point, request a vegetarian meal if needed, and remember that some islands are viewed only from the boat. With those expectations set, the $88 price is reasonable for the amount of scenery, food, and water time included.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat tour begin?

The meeting point is Trou d’Eau Douce Beach. Le Four a Chaux Restaurant is listed as the starting location, so confirm the exact boarding spot before departure.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts seven hours, including the boat ride, waterfall visit, island sightseeing, snorkeling, BBQ lunch, and time at Île aux Cerfs.

Which languages are available?

Live guiding is available in English and French.

Are snorkeling materials provided?

Snorkeling equipment is available on request. You should also bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and any personal snorkeling gear you prefer to use.

Will I visit all five islands?

The route includes five named island areas, but tides and government protection affect access. Some islands are viewed only while passing, and the tour information notes that you may visit three islands.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The BBQ includes grilled chicken, fish, chicken sausages, salads, flambéed bananas, and local drinks. Vegetarian meals must be requested in advance.

Are activities at Île aux Cerfs included?

No. Parasailing, glass-bottom boat trips, undersea walks, and other activities at Île aux Cerfs are extra. Swimming, walking, and beach time are part of the tour.