5 Islands Tour: New OCÉANE Private Pontoon Boat cruise

The best part of this private six-hour cruise is the freedom to take the southeast coast at an easy pace. You move from the Grand River South East Waterfall to clear snorkeling water, old lighthouse scenery, white sand, and the green hills around Trou d’Eau Douce without sharing the boat with a large tour group.

I like the generous mix of activities, especially snorkeling gear and lunch included rather than sold as extras. I also like the relaxed mood: one past outing had enough time for the guests to explore Île aux Cerfs and stop at a quiet beach. The main caution is that the exact route and food service can vary, so confirm the islands visited and what unlimited drinks means before you go.

Key points at a glance

• Waterfall first: See the Grand River South East Waterfall, with a chance to spot monkeys in the surrounding area.
• Private boat setting: The pontoon can carry up to 11 passengers, but the booking price is for a private group of up to two.
• Snorkeling before alcohol: The crew may cancel snorkeling if alcoholic drinks are consumed beforehand.
• Island-hopping route: Pass Île aux Aigrettes, Île aux Fouquets Lighthouse, Îlot Flamants, and Île aux Cerfs.
• Lunch on board: A cold lunch, aperitif, dessert, and unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included in the advertised package.
• Flexible timing: The route is described as customizable, with a return to Pointe Maurice at about 3:30 p.m.

Setting out from Pointe Maurice

Your meeting point is just before the Shangri-La le Touessrok hotel at Pointe Maurice. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to arrange your own way to the departure point and arrive ready for a day on the water.

The cruise lasts about six hours. The stated return time is approximately 3:30 p.m., although the route can be adjusted. That flexibility is useful if you want more time to swim or explore, but it also means you should ask the skipper to explain the planned order of stops at the start.

This is a private group experience, priced at $871 for up to two people. For two, that works out to $435.50 per person. That is a serious price for a boat excursion, but it makes more sense if you value privacy, a flexible schedule, food, drinks, and a boat reserved for your party rather than a basic shared cruise.

The pontoon can carry up to 11 passengers. The price information specifically covers a group of up to two, so larger parties should confirm the final rate before booking. For a couple celebrating a special day, the private setup may feel worthwhile. For a solo visitor, the cost is much harder to justify.

The Grand River South East Waterfall

The first major stop is the Grand River South East Waterfall. The boat takes you toward the falls for photographs, sightseeing, and a look at the surrounding natural setting.

This is not simply a beach-and-snorkel outing. Beginning at the waterfall gives the day a change of pace before the open lagoon. The river scenery and falling water provide one of the more memorable photo stops, especially if you want something beyond sand and sea.

There is also a chance to see monkeys in the area. On one past trip, the visitors were able to feed them. I would treat this as an occasional encounter, not a guaranteed part of the day, and follow the crew’s instructions around wildlife.

Give yourself a little room for changing conditions here. The waterfall stop may be mainly scenic, and the boat’s approach can depend on the water and the day’s route. It is best seen as a short opening visit before the cruise turns toward the islands.

Snorkeling at Eau Bleu

The planned snorkeling stop is at Eau Bleu, where you can use the equipment carried on board and look at the underwater world in clear water. Snorkeling is included, so you do not need to arrange a separate equipment rental.

The timing matters. Alcoholic drinks are served after snorkeling, and the management reserves the right to cancel the snorkeling activity if people drink beforehand. That rule is sensible, but it is important enough to plan around. If snorkeling matters to you, make it your first priority after the waterfall and wait until you are back on board before enjoying beer, wine, or other alcoholic drinks.

The description promises clear water, but conditions can change. Visibility, wind, and sea conditions affect any snorkeling stop. You should bring your swimsuit, towel, high SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat or cap. A change of clothes is useful after swimming, especially if you plan to stay in wet swimwear during lunch.

This stop is likely to suit casual swimmers more than people seeking a formal marine-life tour. The experience includes time to swim and see the underwater world, but no special marine guide or detailed species briefing is specified.

Île aux Aigrettes and the changing route

Île aux Aigrettes appears in the planned route as a place for swimming, snorkeling, an aperitif, or simply passing by. The island adds another view of the southeast lagoon and gives the skipper flexibility to choose a suitable place to pause.

There is an important practical point here: one past outing did not visit Île aux Aigrettes. That is not necessarily a problem, since the route is described as indicative and customizable, but you should not assume every named island will receive a full stop.

Ask directly at the start which islands are being visited and which will be seen from the boat. That simple question prevents disappointment, especially if Île aux Aigrettes is one of your main reasons for booking.

The private format helps here. If the water is good for swimming or your group wants more quiet time, you may have a better chance of shaping the pace than on a fixed shared excursion. Still, the skipper remains responsible for safe decisions and may change the plan.

Île aux Fouquets Lighthouse

The Île aux Fouquets Lighthouse is one of the most distinctive stops. Its old structure gives the cruise a strong historical and photographic element, and the island is listed for a proper visit, sightseeing, lunch, free time, and scenic views.

The boat may anchor nearby while lunch is served. The planned meal is described as a cold lunch on board, followed by an aperitif later in the day. This is a good arrangement for a boat trip: you can eat without losing time returning to shore, then remain close to the scenery.

There is a small inconsistency worth noting. One previous outing included a barbecue at a private beach rather than only a cold meal on board. That same outing reported that only one drink was free with the barbecue and that coffee cost extra. The current package says lunch and unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included, so confirm the actual menu and drink arrangement when you book.

The lighthouse stop can be one of the calmer parts of the trip. You are not being rushed through a long list of sights. The schedule allows time to look around, take photos, eat, and enjoy the view from the water.

Îlot Flamants and Île aux Cerfs

Îlot Flamants is listed mainly as a photo stop and a pass-by. Do not expect a long walk ashore here. Its value is the view from the boat, as part of the chain of small islands and bright water along the southeast coast.

Île aux Cerfs receives more attention. The itinerary includes passing the island, seeing its scenery, and having dessert. One previous trip allowed about an hour to explore the island independently. That is a useful detail, but the exact amount of free time is not guaranteed.

Île aux Cerfs is among the most recognizable stops on this side of Mauritius, with white sand and clear turquoise water. You may find it busier than smaller islands, since it is a well-known destination. The private cruise gives you a chance to see it as part of a broader day rather than spending the whole excursion in one resort-style setting.

The contrast between the stops is what makes the route work. You have a waterfall, an old lighthouse, snorkeling water, small islets, and a large beach island. If you prefer one long, quiet beach stay, this may feel too mobile. If you like variety, the changing scenery keeps the day from becoming repetitive.

A quiet beach and the food service

A past version of the day also included a private beach stop, where lunch was served as a barbecue and the group had time to relax. The beach was described as very quiet, with few other people present.

Because the stated program now describes a cold lunch on board, you should not book expecting a barbecue or private beach meal unless the operator confirms it. This is one of the clearest details to settle in advance. Ask three questions: Is lunch cold or grilled? Is it served on the pontoon or on shore? Are all drinks included throughout the day, or only with the meal?

Food can make a big difference on a six-hour boat trip. A meal on board saves time and keeps you close to the islands. A beach barbecue gives you a more relaxed shore break. Neither is automatically better, but you should know which version you are paying for.

Dessert is listed near Île aux Cerfs, and drinks include alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. Since alcohol comes after snorkeling, pace your day around the water activity first. Bring water-resistant sun protection and keep your camera protected from splashes.

The skipper and the pace of the day

The host or greeter speaks English. One past outing specifically praised Captain Joey and described the day as friendly, relaxed, and unhurried. That is the kind of service that matters on a private cruise: the skipper can help you spend more time at the places your group actually enjoys.

You should still see this as a boat excursion rather than a fully narrated cultural tour. The supplied information focuses on scenery, swimming, snorkeling, meals, and sightseeing. If you want detailed commentary about every island, ask how much guiding is included.

The pace appears to be one of the strongest features. A previous group had enough time at the lighthouse, snorkeling area, Île aux Cerfs, and beach. A private boat also lets you avoid the fixed rhythm of a crowded group tour, at least within the limits of weather and safety.

One past trip began with a speedboat pickup, even though the current experience is described as a pontoon boat cruise. Do not assume a speedboat transfer is part of your booking. Confirm the vessel and boarding arrangement before departure.

What the $871 price buys you

At $871 for two people, this is not a bargain sightseeing boat. It is a premium private day with the boat, snorkeling equipment, lunch, and unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks included.

The value improves if you plan to use the private setting fully. You are paying for personal space, a more adaptable route, food, drinks, and six hours on the southeast lagoon. If you are traveling with a small celebration group or want a special day on the water, those extras may matter more than the raw cost.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a short waterfall visit or a quick swim. In that case, a shared excursion could cost less, though no alternative price is provided here. I would compare the total cost against the privacy and meal service, not just against the number of islands visited.

The high rating attached to this experience reflects the parts that matter most in practice: a friendly crew, relaxed timing, plenty to see, and strong food-and-drink coverage. But the small differences between the advertised program and one earlier outing show why you should confirm the current setup.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend this for couples, small private groups, and anyone who wants a full day on the water without a packed schedule. It suits people who enjoy mixing sightseeing with swimming, snorkeling, island scenery, and an on-board meal.

Families may like the private format, but adults should check the swimming arrangements and the amount of time spent in the water. The experience is not presented as a children’s program, and alcohol is part of the package.

You should think twice if you dislike boats, want a guaranteed visit to every named island, or expect a detailed guided history tour. The route can change, Île aux Aigrettes may be skipped, and some stops may be scenic passes rather than shore visits.

Bring flip-flops, a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a camera, and dry clothes. Smoking is not allowed. Most importantly, protect your snorkeling time by avoiding alcohol until after you leave the water.

Should you book the 5 Islands Pontoon Cruise?

Book it if you want a private, flexible day that combines the Grand River South East Waterfall, snorkeling, lighthouse scenery, Île aux Cerfs, lunch, and drinks. The calm pace and Captain Joey’s praised service add real appeal.

Before paying $871, confirm the boat, the current route, the lunch style, and the drink policy. If those details match what you want, the price can be fair for two people seeking privacy and convenience. If you are focused on a low-cost beach trip or a guaranteed island checklist, choose a simpler excursion instead.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The meeting point is just before the Shangri-La le Touessrok hotel at Pointe Maurice.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts six hours and is expected to return to Pointe Maurice at approximately 3:30 p.m.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is the boat private?

Yes. The experience is for a private group. The pontoon boat can carry up to 11 passengers, while the stated price covers a group of up to two.

What islands are included in the route?

The route includes Île aux Aigrettes, Île aux Fouquets Lighthouse, Îlot Flamants, and Île aux Cerfs, although the itinerary is indicative and can be customized.

Will I visit the Grand River South East Waterfall?

Yes. The waterfall is included as a sightseeing and photo stop.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are food and drinks included?

Lunch on board and unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included in the stated package. Alcohol is served after snorkeling, and you should confirm the current meal and drink arrangements before departure.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, flip-flops, a change of clothes, a hat or cap, and a camera. Smoking is not allowed.