5 island tour all inclusive with Ile aux cerfs and snorkeling

The best part of this Mauritius boat trip is the range packed into about six hours: a waterfall, a working lighthouse, Blue Bay snorkeling, and lunch on Ile aux Cerfs. You move quickly, but you see several very different corners of the east and south coast in one outing. The captain may be Joey, a friendly crew member praised for his humor and local know-how.

I like the small-group format, capped at 14 people, and the fact that boat transport, snorkeling, lunch, and drinks are included in the $103 price. I also like the glass-bottom boat used near Blue Bay, since it lets you see the fish even when you are not in the water. The main drawback is that this is a speedboat trip, not a slow catamaran cruise, and the boat has little shade for young children.

Key points before you book

• Four distinct stops in one morning and afternoon: See GRSE Waterfall, Lighthouse Island, Blue Bay, and Ile aux Cerfs without arranging separate outings.
• Snorkeling near Blue Bay: The stop uses a glass-bottom boat, with clear water and plenty of fish reported in the area.
• Lunch on Ile aux Cerfs: Expect a grilled meal, drinks, and a beach setting, with lobster included according to the available trip feedback.
• A fast, practical boat ride: The speedboat gets you from one stop to the next, but it is not designed for lounging at sea.
• A group capped at 14 people: This keeps the outing more personal than a large boat excursion, though the activity is also described as private for your group.
• Flexible weather policy: You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure, and bad weather can lead to a new date or refund.

What this six-hour Mauritius trip really offers

This is a sampler of Mauritius by boat. You are not spending the whole day on one beach or sitting aboard a catamaran with music and long stretches of open water. Instead, the route links several sights, with the speedboat serving as your connection between them.

That makes the tour useful if you have limited time or want an easy first look at the island’s coastal highlights. At $103 per person, the price is reasonable when you count the boat, snorkeling, lunch, drinks, and the guided stops. It is less compelling if your main goal is a slow day on the water, since the boat is built for transport rather than comfort.

The outing begins at Chez Tino in Trou d’Eau Douce at 8:30 a.m. You return to the same meeting point at the end. The listed duration is about six hours, although one person found the day ended earlier than expected, so do not plan an evening activity that depends on the return time being exact.

Leaving Trou d’Eau Douce for GRSE Waterfall

Trou d’Eau Douce is the starting point for the boat route, and the first run takes you toward the GRSE Waterfall. This gives you an immediate change of scene from village and shoreline to open water and river scenery.

The waterfall is viewed as part of the cruise, so you should think of this stop as a scenic introduction rather than a long walk or hike. The appeal is the setting and the chance to see the falls from the water. You are not being asked to spend your first hour on a strenuous activity, which helps keep the day accessible for most people.

The speedboat matters here. It carries you between sights quickly, but it also means you feel the movement of the water more than you would on a larger catamaran. If you prefer a gentle ride with room to stretch out, this may not be your ideal boat trip. If you want to cover ground and reach several places, the quicker pace works in your favor.

Inside Lighthouse Island’s old tower

After GRSE Waterfall, the route continues to Lighthouse Island. A key feature here is the chance to go inside the lighthouse, rather than only taking an offshore photo.

That small detail gives this stop more substance than a standard scenic boat ride. You get a clear destination, a short land visit, and a different view of the surrounding sea. It also breaks up the time spent sitting in the boat.

The available information does not specify how long you stay at the lighthouse or how much of the building is open, so keep your expectations practical. This is one part of a fast-moving itinerary, not a long historical tour. Still, the inside visit is a worthwhile addition, especially if you enjoy unusual coastal structures and short stops with a sense of place.

Blue Bay snorkeling from a glass-bottom boat

The snorkeling stop takes you south, near Blue Bay. This is likely the water highlight of the day, with clear turquoise water and fish visible around the boat. The outing uses a glass-bottom boat at this point, which is useful for two reasons: you can look down before entering the water, and you can still see marine life if you prefer not to snorkel for long.

The supplied experience details point to plenty of fish in the area. There were also dolphin and turtle sightings on one outing, but treat those as lucky possibilities, not promised features. Wildlife is never a fixed part of a boat schedule.

Bring your own water even though drinks are supplied. One person specifically advised carrying extra water, and that is sensible for a sunny day around open water. The boat is also reported to have little shade, a detail worth noting for young children and anyone sensitive to strong sun.

The snorkeling itself is not presented as a long lesson or a specialist session. You stop, get into the water, and enjoy the site. Most people can participate, but you should be comfortable around water and able to manage the basic activity. If you do not snorkel, the glass-bottom boat still gives you something to see.

Lunch on Ile aux Cerfs

After Blue Bay, the boat heads to Ile aux Cerfs for lunch. The island is the most familiar beach stop on the route, with pale sand and clear water forming the classic Mauritius setting.

The meal is grilled food served on the beach, with drinks included. Feedback about the food was positive, and lobster was specifically mentioned. Since the exact menu is not provided, do not book this as a guaranteed lobster lunch for every departure. Think of it as a grilled island meal, with seafood possibly included.

I like the order of the day. Snorkeling comes before lunch, so you can finish the active part of the outing and then sit down to eat. The beach setting makes lunch feel like part of the trip rather than a stop at an ordinary restaurant.

At the same time, Ile aux Cerfs may not be the reason to choose this tour if you are staying on Mauritius’s east coast. One practical comment made the point well: people already based on the east coast may be visiting beaches just as beautiful, so the island is more valuable as part of the full route than as a stand-alone beach discovery.

That is important when comparing tours. Choose this outing for the combination of stops, the snorkeling, the lighthouse, and the chance to eat by the sea. Do not choose it only because you want the quietest or most secluded beach experience.

A speedboat, not a catamaran day

The boat style is the biggest decision point. This is a speedboat excursion. You use it to move from point A to point B, with short stops for sightseeing, snorkeling, and lunch.

That setup has real advantages. You cover more coastline in less time, and the group does not spend long stretches drifting offshore. The boat can make the itinerary feel active and efficient.

The tradeoff is comfort. A speedboat offers less room and less shade than a large catamaran. It is not the right choice if your perfect Mauritius day means lying back with a drink while the boat cruises slowly for hours.

The available feedback also suggests that the small group helps. With a maximum of 14 people, it should be easier to hear instructions, get on and off the boat, and ask for help than on a large shared vessel. The booking details also describe the activity as private, with only your group participating. Because those descriptions point to a limited and possibly private setup, confirm the exact boat arrangement when booking if group size is a major concern.

How the guides affect the day

The crew can make a noticeable difference on a short water outing. Joey is named as a particularly fun and kind host, and the captain is described as friendly in another account. These details suggest a relaxed tone rather than a stiff, formal tour.

Do not expect a long lecture at every stop. The route is compact, and much of the day is spent moving between locations. The value of the crew is more practical: helping with the boat, directing the snorkeling stop, keeping the schedule moving, and making the ride pleasant.

The precise guide cannot be guaranteed. Crew assignments can change, so book this for the itinerary and included services first, then treat a particular captain as a welcome bonus.

Who will get the most from this outing

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a full coastal sample rather than one long beach day. It suits couples, friends, and families with older children who can handle a boat ride and a sunny snorkeling stop.

It is also a good fit if you are staying near Trou d’Eau Douce and want a simple starting point. The meeting point is Chez Tino, and the tour returns there, so you do not need to coordinate several separate transfers once the outing begins.

The trip is less suitable for very young children who need shade, frequent breaks, or a stable, spacious boat. The lack of shade was a clear concern in the available feedback. It is also a poor match for anyone who wants a quiet catamaran cruise with lots of time to relax.

Snorkeling ability is not presented as an advanced requirement, and most people can participate. Still, the experience is built around being on the water, so you should be comfortable with the boat and the snorkeling portion.

Price, timing, and what to bring

At $103 per person, the value depends on how many inclusions you would otherwise pay for separately. The price covers the boat cruise, waterfall and lighthouse stops, snorkeling, the glass-bottom boat element, lunch, and drinks. That is a fair package for a six-hour outing, especially if you want variety without arranging taxis, boats, and a meal on your own.

The start time is 8:30 a.m. at Chez Tino in Trou d’Eau Douce. The activity ends back at the same point, and the listed duration is approximately six hours. Since one person felt the day finished early, allow some flexibility in your plans afterward.

Bring:

• Extra drinking water
• Sun protection
• A towel and spare clothes for snorkeling
• A waterproof way to carry small personal items
• Patience for a quick-moving schedule

The tour has a mobile ticket, and confirmation is provided when you book. Public transportation is nearby, and most people can participate. The booking information does not give a detailed accessibility assessment, so contact the operator directly if you need specific assistance.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. Since the trip depends on good weather, the operator can offer another date or a full refund if conditions force a cancellation.

Should you book the five-island tour?

Book it if you want several Mauritius highlights in one compact outing and you value inclusions. The strongest reasons are the Blue Bay snorkeling, the visit inside Lighthouse Island’s lighthouse, the beach lunch at Ile aux Cerfs, and the small group.

Skip it if you want a leisurely catamaran day, lots of shade, or a long stay at one beach. This is a fast boat route with several stops, not a floating lounge.

For most people staying near the east coast, I think the tour makes sense when you view Ile aux Cerfs as one piece of a larger day. You are paying for the variety: waterfall, lighthouse, marine life, open-water views, and lunch. If that mix sounds better than spending six hours in one place, this is a practical and enjoyable way to see more of Mauritius.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Chez Tino, B59, in Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius.

What time does the tour begin?

The stated start time is 8:30 a.m.

Where does the activity finish?

The activity returns to the same meeting point in Trou d’Eau Douce.

How long does the tour last?

The approximate duration is six hours.

What places are included?

The route includes GRSE Waterfall, Lighthouse Island, Blue Bay near the south, and Ile aux Cerfs.

Can I go inside the lighthouse?

Yes. The itinerary includes time to visit the inside of the lighthouse on Lighthouse Island.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling near Blue Bay is included in the tour.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch on Ile aux Cerfs is included, along with drinks.

How many people are in the group?

The small-group tour is capped at 14 people. The activity details also describe it as private, with only your group participating.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. If poor weather cancels the activity, you will be offered another date or a full refund.