5 Islands Speedboat w/Snorkeling Sea Turtle + Lunch & Drinks

The best part of this Mauritius day is the variety. In one fast boat ride, you visit five east-coast islands, stop at a waterfall, watch wild monkeys, snorkel among tropical fish, and finish with a BBQ on Ile aux Cerfs. I especially like the small group of up to eight and the way the boat covers much more coast than a standard island shuttle.

I also like that the $125 price includes lunch, snacks, and an open bar with beer, wine, rum, juices, soft drinks, and water. The main consideration is the long nine-hour schedule and the extra cost of hotel or Airbnb transfers. This is an active day on the water, not a quiet beach outing.

Key points

• Five-island route: Visit Ile aux Cerfs, Ile aux Phares, Ile de la Passe, Ile aux Aigrettes, and Îlot Margenie during a full east-coast circuit.
• Blue Bay snorkeling: Use the supplied equipment to swim among tropical fish in the Blue Bay Marine Park.
• Wildlife moments: Look for sea turtles and dolphins, and stop near Grand River South East to see and feed wild Mauritian monkeys.
• Beach lunch included: Eat grilled chicken, fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, and salad on Ile aux Cerfs.
• Small-group comfort: The boat carries no more than eight people, and groups of four or more can request a private speedboat.
• Trou d’Eau Douce departure: The trip begins and ends at the jetty known as Debarcader Trou D’eau Douce.

A Full Day on Mauritius’s East Coast

This is not a simple boat transfer to Ile aux Cerfs. It is a long, fast-moving coastal circuit that links several well-known sights into one day. You spend time on the islands, but the ride itself is part of the attraction.

The speedboat leaves from Trou d’Eau Douce and cruises across Mauritius’s largest lagoon. You can expect the engine, wind, spray, and open water to shape much of the day. If you like motion and want to see a lot in one outing, this format makes good use of your time.

The small-group limit matters. With eight people or fewer, boarding, snorkeling, and moving between stops should feel easier than on a large catamaran. If you are a family or group of four or more, ask for a private boat. That can change the mood from a shared excursion into a more personal day, especially if you want to spend longer at one stop.

The tour has a 4.4 rating from 156 reviews, which fits the nature of the experience: it offers a lot, but the day depends on weather, sea conditions, and wildlife. You may see dolphins or turtles, but neither animal can be scheduled.

Leaving Trou d’Eau Douce by Speedboat

The meeting point is the jetty at Debarcader Trou D’eau Douce. Search for that exact name on Google Maps before setting out, since the tour does not include standard hotel pickup in the base price.

The published start time is around 8:00 in the morning, though you should check the available departure time when booking. One useful detail from the day’s operation is that a listed meeting time of 7:55 did not mean the boat left immediately. The actual departure was closer to 8:50. That is a reminder to arrive early and allow time for boarding and final arrangements.

Hotel and Airbnb transfers are available around Mauritius for an additional charge. If you are staying far from Trou d’Eau Douce, this may be worth paying for. It removes the need to arrange your own transport, but you should request it during booking rather than assume it is included.

Once underway, the boat gives you a quick view of the east coast from the water. The speed is part of the fun, though people who dislike wind, spray, or a lively ride may prefer a slower vessel.

Ile aux Cerfs Begins the Island Circuit

The first planned stop is Ile aux Cerfs, where you have about 45 minutes for a visit and refreshments. This early stop gives you a chance to get your bearings before the route heads farther along the coast.

Ile aux Cerfs is known for white sand, shallow water, and a holiday atmosphere. At this stage, the stop is fairly short, so I would treat it as an introduction rather than your main beach session. Save your expectations for the later return to the island, when you have more time to swim, sunbathe, enjoy coconut water, or consider optional activities such as parasailing and a tube ride.

The split visit is practical. You see the island early, then return later for lunch and longer relaxation. The drawback is that the repeated stop can feel less efficient if your main goal is simply to sit on one beach all day.

Grand River South East and the Waterfall

The boat then heads to Grand River South East, where a waterfall runs into the Indian Ocean. The meeting of fresh water, river, and sea gives this stop a different feel from the sandy islands.

You can expect the boat to bring you close enough to appreciate the falls from the water. The tour also includes a chance to meet and feed wild Mauritian monkeys. This is one of the more unusual parts of the day, especially if you want something beyond swimming and beach time.

I would keep your camera ready here, but also follow the guide’s instructions around the animals. They are wild, and the experience is best when you watch their behavior rather than treat them like tame pets. The monkey stop has been a particular highlight for people on the excursion, and it adds a memorable local wildlife element to an otherwise marine-focused day.

Ile aux Phares and Ile de la Passe

Next comes Ile aux Phares, followed by a passage near Ile de la Passe. These islands give the route a stronger sense of Mauritius’s maritime past and its position along old Indian Ocean sailing routes.

The experience does not promise a long historical talk or an extended island walk at each stop. Instead, these islands are part of the moving tour, seen from the boat or visited briefly as the route allows. That suits you if you want broad views and variety. It may disappoint you if you hoped for detailed exploration of every island.

I like this section because it shows how the trip is built around connections. You are not simply ticking off five names. You are crossing the lagoon, changing scenery, and seeing how the small islands sit around the east coast.

Snorkeling in Blue Bay Marine Park

The snorkeling stop at Blue Bay Marine Park is one of the day’s main attractions. The water is described as clear, and you can use the snorkeling equipment supplied by the operator. Tropical fish are the focus here, with the chance to see sea turtles included among the possible wildlife encounters.

This is the point where the day becomes more active. You should be comfortable entering the water and swimming in a marine setting. One important practical detail is that the current can be strong at times. The skipper gives instructions, watches the group, and may move the boat closer to anyone who wants to return early.

I appreciate that the crew’s role is not limited to driving. Good supervision matters when a group spreads out in the water. Still, you should pay attention during the briefing, stay within the advised area, and use the boat as your reference point.

Do not book this solely on the promise of turtles or dolphins. Wildlife sightings are possible, not guaranteed. Dolphins were seen during one outing, while another group did not see them. That uncertainty is part of any open-water wildlife experience, and Blue Bay remains worthwhile for its fish and clear water even without a special sighting.

Bring sunscreen and a camera, but protect both from water. You may also want to bring a towel and a change of clothes, though only sunscreen and a camera are specifically listed as items to bring.

Ile aux Aigrettes and the Return Toward Ile aux Cerfs

After Blue Bay, the route passes by Ile aux Aigrettes for refreshments. This is also when the all-inclusive bar opens, giving you access to Mauritian beer, wine, rum cocktails, juices, soft drinks, and water.

The drink service makes more sense later in the day than at the start. You have already completed much of the active boating and snorkeling, and a cold drink can make the next stretch more relaxed. Pace yourself, especially in the sun. Unlimited alcohol sounds generous, but the boat ride, heat, and water activity are a poor combination if you drink too quickly.

The return route passes Îlot Margenie before heading back toward Ile aux Cerfs. This final stretch offers another look at the lagoon and its scattered islands. It also gives you time to settle into the social side of the excursion, with music or a sega show mentioned as entertainment during the beach portion.

BBQ Lunch on the Sand at Ile aux Cerfs

The main beach stop takes place at Ile aux Cerfs, where lunch is prepared on the beach. The menu includes grilled chicken, grilled fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, and salad. Snacks and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included as well.

This is a generous menu for a boat excursion. You are not left with a small sandwich between activities. The food is designed to suit different appetites, with meat, fish, carbohydrates, bread, and salad on offer. The setting matters too: eating near the sand and water gives the meal a clear Mauritius feel.

The beach time is also when you can choose your pace. Swim, sunbathe, drink coconut water, or try optional water sports such as parasailing and a tube ride. Those activities are not included in the stated tour price, so budget separately if you want them.

Live music or a sega show may be part of the beach entertainment. Since the details can vary, think of it as a possible extra rather than the main reason to book. The core value is the combination of lunch, beach time, and the all-inclusive drinks.

What $125 Buys You

At $125 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Ile aux Cerfs. You are paying for a full nine-hour program, a speedboat, several island stops, snorkeling equipment, the waterfall visit, beach BBQ, snacks, drinks, and a small group.

The value is strongest if you would otherwise book these pieces separately. A simple island transfer would not give you the Blue Bay snorkeling session, Grand River South East, the monkey stop, or the full island circuit. The private option for four or more people may also make the price more appealing for a family or group that values privacy.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a few hours on Ile aux Cerfs. In that case, much of the day will feel like extra activity, and a shorter transfer may suit you better. You also need to add the price of hotel or Airbnb transport if you are not arranging your own way to Trou d’Eau Douce.

Food and drinks help justify the cost. A filling beach lunch and open bar can quickly add to the price of a day out, though I would still compare the total cost with other east-coast boat trips before booking.

Comfort, Timing, and the Small-Group Advantage

The group limit of eight is one of the strongest practical features. A small boat can get closer to stops and usually makes it easier to hear the guide, move around, and receive help during snorkeling.

The boat is fast, so the ride should appeal to you if you enjoy speed and open-water views. It is less suitable if you need a calm, quiet vessel or find long periods on a moving boat tiring. Nine hours is a full day, with several transfers between stops and time in the water.

The crew’s safety habits matter. During snorkeling, the skipper has been attentive to changing distances and has helped people return to the boat. That is reassuring, but you still need to judge your own comfort in the water.

Languages offered are English, French, German, Italian, and Romanian. That gives many visitors a better chance of following the instructions and explanations without relying only on gestures.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. These terms help if your plans are still shifting, but the more important decision is choosing a day when you can handle a long boat outing.

Who Should Choose This Boat Trip?

I would recommend this excursion to you if you want a busy, varied day rather than a single beach stop. It suits couples, families, and small groups who like snorkeling, wildlife, speed, and a social lunch.

It is particularly appealing for groups of four or more. Requesting a private boat can give your party more control over the rhythm of the day and make the experience feel more personal.

You should think twice if you dislike speedboats, strong sun, or water activities. The itinerary has plenty of movement, and the sea may have current. It is also not the best choice for anyone who wants long, quiet visits on each island, since several stops are brief or viewed as part of the route.

Should You Book the 5 Islands Speedboat?

Book it if you want the east coast in one energetic day, with the biggest highlights bundled together. The strongest reasons are the small group, Blue Bay snorkeling, the chance to see turtles or dolphins, wild monkeys at the waterfall, and a substantial BBQ with drinks on Ile aux Cerfs.

I would book the private version for four or more people when privacy matters. Otherwise, the shared trip still offers good value at $125, provided you actually want the full nine-hour circuit.

Before paying, check the departure time, arrange any extra-cost transfer, and accept that wildlife sightings depend on nature. If you do that, this is a well-rounded Mauritius outing that gives you far more than a ride to the beach.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin and end?

The tour begins and ends at the jetty at Trou d’Eau Douce. Search Google Maps for Debarcader Trou D’eau Douce to find the meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The boat excursion lasts nine hours. Check the available starting time when booking.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Pickup and drop-off from hotels and Airbnbs around Mauritius can be arranged for an additional cost.

How many people are in the boat group?

The shared group is limited to eight participants. Groups of four or more can request a private speedboat.

What food is served for lunch?

The beach BBQ includes grilled chicken, grilled fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, and salad.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The tour includes unlimited snacks and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including rum, wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and water.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the tour includes a snorkeling session at Blue Bay Marine Park.

Can I see dolphins and sea turtles?

The tour includes opportunities to look for dolphins and sea turtles, but sightings are not guaranteed.