5 Islands Boat Trip, Snorkeling and Lunch on Ile aux Cerfs

Mauritius packs a lot into this speedboat island trip: a waterfall, sandy beaches, old island defenses, native wildlife, and a snorkeling stop in Blue Bay Marine Park. I like the mix of active and easygoing moments, especially the chance to step ashore at Ile aux Phare and Ile de la Passe rather than simply race past them.

I also like that the price includes lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and an onboard shower. Guides such as Danilo have added plenty of energy, stopping for photos and keeping the mood lively. The main caution is the sea itself. If you are prone to seasickness, or if the weather turns rough, this may not be your best day out.

Key points at a glance

• Grand River South East Waterfall: Feel the spray from the boat as you approach one of Mauritius’s signature natural sights.
• Five-island route: Visit Ile aux Cerfs, Ile aux Phare, Ile de la Passe, and Ile aux Aigrettes, with each stop offering a different reason to get off the boat.
• Blue Bay snorkeling: Swim over coral and marine life in clear water, with equipment supplied.
• Lunch and drinks included: Food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and snacks are part of the day.
• Lively guiding: A guide such as Danilo may turn the trip into a social outing, with music, dancing, photo stops, and plenty of conversation.
• Important practical point: Hotel pickup and drop-off cost extra, and the activity begins and ends at the Sirena Moris meeting point.

A fast start from Trou D’eau Douce

The day begins with a meeting at Sirena Moris, or with optional hotel transport if you arrange and pay for it. If you use your own way to the start point, allow time to reach Trou D’eau Douce without relying on the tour vehicle. The stated meeting point is also where the activity ends.

Once aboard, the boat gives you a very different view of Mauritius from a road tour. You are close to the water, exposed to the wind and spray, and able to move quickly between coastal sights. That speed is useful because the route covers several separate places in one day, but it also means the ride can feel lively in choppy conditions.

The boat carries snorkeling equipment, drinks, and a shower. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera belong in your day bag. Keep the camera secure around the boat, since the best views come with salt spray and sudden turns.

The tone depends partly on your guide. Danilo, named by one particularly enthusiastic participant, was praised for combining food, swimming, snorkeling, photo stops, and music. That sounds ideal if you want a fun group outing rather than a quiet nature cruise. A more excitable guide may also urge you into the water before you feel ready, so speak up clearly if you need time.

Grand River South East Waterfall by boat

The waterfall is one of the first major sights. Rather than viewing it from a distant road or lookout, you approach by boat and feel the mist as the water drops into the river below. This makes the stop brief but memorable, especially when the light catches the spray.

You will want your camera ready before the boat reaches the falls. The approach can be more rewarding than the actual stop, since the boat gives you changing angles and a close view of the surrounding coast.

Weather matters here. One outing had to be shortened because conditions deteriorated, and no guide can control wind, rain, or rough water. A bad-weather day can affect more than comfort: it may reduce time at the islands, shorten the snorkeling stop, or change the route. Keep that in mind when comparing this trip with a land-based excursion.

Ile aux Cerfs, beaches and free time

Ile aux Cerfs is the relaxing center of the route. Its appeal is simple: pale beaches, warm-looking water, and time to stop moving. After the waterfall and boat ride, you can use this part of the day to swim, sit on the sand, take photographs, or join available water activities.

I like having a slower stop in the middle of a busy route. A five-island outing could easily become a checklist of quick landings, but Ile aux Cerfs gives you room to enjoy Mauritius at a gentler pace.

Do not expect the same kind of experience here as at Ile aux Phare or Ile de la Passe. Ile aux Cerfs is mainly about the beach and lagoon setting. It is the place for relaxation, not a long historical visit. If you want maximum time on the sand, ask your guide how long the stop will be, since the full route has several other scheduled sights.

Ile aux Phare and Ile de la Passe

The visits to Ile aux Phare and Ile de la Passe give the day more substance than a standard beach cruise. Both islands are tied to Mauritius’s maritime past, and you get to land rather than only see them from the boat.

Ile aux Phare is associated with its old lighthouse, while Ile de la Passe is known for its military and shipping importance. The supplied information does not promise a formal museum visit or a long guided walk, so think of these as short, atmospheric stops with stories from the guide. The value lies in seeing the places up close and connecting the scenery with the island’s past.

Wear shoes that can handle a wet landing or uneven ground. That is practical advice for any boat-based island stop, even though exact landing conditions can change. You will also want sun protection, since shade may be limited once you are ashore.

These islands are a useful reminder that Mauritius is more than beaches and hotel pools. The sea around the island shaped trade, navigation, defense, and settlement. A good guide can make a short stop feel worthwhile by explaining what you are looking at instead of treating the island as a photo backdrop.

Ile aux Aigrettes and the natural side of Mauritius

Ile aux Aigrettes brings a different focus. It is described as a habitat for endemic flora and fauna, so the point is native life rather than beach time or old buildings.

The stop can appeal to you if you want to see a protected natural setting and learn about species found in Mauritius. One outing also included sightings of wild tortoises and monkeys, although those animals are not guaranteed on every trip. Treat them as possible bonuses, not promised attractions.

The island is especially useful for breaking up the day’s rhythm. You move from waterfall to beach, then from maritime history to local nature. That variety is one of the strongest reasons to choose this tour over a simple lagoon cruise.

Do not expect a specialist wildlife expedition. The itinerary combines several islands and a marine park, so time at each place is limited. You will get a taste of the island’s natural side, but not an extended wildlife program.

Blue Bay Marine Park snorkeling

The snorkeling stop takes place at Blue Bay Marine Park, where the water is described as clear and the underwater scene includes coral and marine life. For many people, this will be the most hands-on part of the day.

Snorkeling gear is supplied, and the guides are meant to help people of different skill levels. If you are comfortable in the water, you can spend your time looking down at the reef and fish. If you are less experienced, stay close to the guide and take your time before swimming away from the boat.

Equipment quality deserves attention. One participant found the gear dirty and poorly assembled, and a breathing tube came loose and was lost. That may not happen on your trip, but inspect your mask, fins, and tube before entering the water. Ask for a replacement immediately if anything does not fit or work properly.

Safety equipment is another point to check. One account raised concern about not having enough working life jackets for everyone aboard. I would ask where the life jackets are and make sure yours fits before the boat leaves. This is sensible on any speedboat excursion, especially if you are traveling with children or are not a confident swimmer.

The sea can also affect the snorkeling experience. Poor weather may shorten the stop or reduce visibility. Still, Blue Bay gives the tour a strong active element, and the combination of reef, boat access, and warm water is a real part of the trip’s value.

Lunch, rum and the social atmosphere

Lunch is included, along with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. One account described snacks and drinks appearing early, including vanilla rum, while another praised the lunch served at a barbecue island stop. The tour information describes lunch as provided on board, so the exact serving location may vary with the day’s route and conditions.

This matters when you compare the $111 price with a bare boat transfer. You are not simply paying for transport between islands. Food, drinks, snorkeling gear, and the guide’s service are bundled into the cost, which reduces the need to organize meals or buy refreshments along the way.

The social style is lively rather than hushed. A guide may encourage dancing, stop for photographs, and keep drinks flowing. That can make the day feel festive and easy to enjoy, particularly if you are traveling with friends or want to meet other people.

It may be less appealing if you prefer quiet nature viewing. One guide was described as loud and excitable, and some people felt rushed into the water. You can still set your own pace, but this is not the right choice if you want a private, slow boat ride with long periods of silence.

The toilet situation also deserves a practical note. At one lunch stop, a request for a toilet was met with the suggestion to use nature. That is uncomfortable and not acceptable for everyone, so plan ahead and ask about facilities before settling in for lunch.

What the $111 price really covers

At $111 per person, this is a mid-range day excursion rather than a simple local boat ride. The value is strongest if you expect to use the included food, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and multiple island stops.

The route also saves you the trouble of arranging separate visits to the waterfall, Ile aux Cerfs, the historic islands, and Blue Bay. Trying to reproduce the same day independently could involve several operators and additional transport. The tradeoff is that a packed route gives you limited control over how long you stay at each place.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the base price, though they are available as an optional extra. Add that cost before comparing the tour with hotel-based packages. If you are already near Trou D’eau Douce, the base price is easier to justify.

You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. That is useful for a sea-based outing, since the weather may influence your decision. Still, check the provider’s current terms when booking.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would choose this excursion if you want many sides of Mauritius in one day. It suits people who enjoy a full schedule, short island landings, swimming, snorkeling, casual history, and a social boat atmosphere.

Families and mixed-age groups may like the range of activities, provided everyone is comfortable on a speedboat and in the sea. Beach lovers get Ile aux Cerfs, active swimmers get Blue Bay, and history-minded visitors get Ile aux Phare and Ile de la Passe.

It is less suitable for people prone to seasickness, anyone looking for a quiet private charter, or visitors who need guaranteed, well-organized facilities at every stop. The boat moves quickly, the route depends on conditions, and the quality of the day can hinge on the guide and sea state.

The tour operates with English, French, Hindi, and Urdu support. That language choice may make the historical and practical parts easier to follow for a wider range of visitors.

Should you book the five-island tour?

Book it if you want a high-energy sampler of Mauritius by sea, with lunch, drinks, snorkeling, beaches, nature, and island history all in one package. The strongest moments are the waterfall approach, the clear-water swim at Blue Bay, and the chance to land at islands that many basic cruises only pass.

Before you commit, decide how you feel about speedboats and group outings. Check your snorkeling gear, locate a life jacket, and confirm the pickup arrangement if you need hotel transport. If the weather looks poor, use the flexible cancellation terms rather than forcing a sea day.

With a rating of 4.6 from 22 ratings, the overall picture is positive, but the drawbacks are real. I would recommend it to an adaptable visitor who values variety and a lively guide more than perfect timing or polished equipment.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start and finish?

The activity starts at the Sirena Moris meeting point and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the listed price, but an optional service is available.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the boat ticket, snorkeling equipment, an onboard shower facility, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and lunch.

Which islands are visited?

The route includes Ile aux Cerfs, Ile aux Phare, Ile de la Passe, and Ile aux Aigrettes, along with a visit to Grand River South East Waterfall.

Where does snorkeling take place?

Snorkeling takes place in the clear waters of Blue Bay Marine Park.

What languages are available?

Guiding is available in English, French, Hindi, and Urdu.