Trou d’Eau Douce: 5 Island Adventure with BBQ & Snorkeling

Mauritius’s southeast coast is best seen from the water, and this six-hour speedboat trip packs in an impressive amount: five islands, a waterfall, snorkeling, wildlife watching, and a beach BBQ. You move quickly between calm lagoon water and the rough Indian Ocean, with the old Ile aux Fouquets lighthouse adding a welcome dose of history.

I like the small group of up to 14 people, which makes it easier to hear the guide and get help boarding. I also like the mix of fast boat rides and slow beach time, especially the final two-hour lunch stop at Ile aux Cerfs. The main drawback is the pace: some islands get only a short visit, and the first historic stops can feel bare if you want beaches rather than rocks and old ruins.

Key points to know before booking

• Five southeast islands in one outing: Visit Ile aux Cerfs, Ile aux Fouquets, Ile de la Passe, Ile aux Aigrettes, and Fouquets Island, with GRSE Waterfalls added along the way.
• Speedboat, not catamaran: The meeting point uses the Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs name, but this experience runs by speedboat.
• Wildlife is a welcome bonus: Dolphins, sea turtles, monkeys, flying foxes, fish, and even barracuda have been spotted, but sightings are not guaranteed.
• Beach BBQ and drinks are included: Lunch, snacks, beer, local rum, and other drinks help make the $100 price feel reasonable.
• Bring water shoes: The rocky first islands can be awkward underfoot, and the supplied snorkeling equipment may not suit everyone.
• Not a quiet cruise: Fast runs across the waves are a major part of the fun, so this suits active visitors more than anyone seeking a gentle boat ride.

Why this speedboat trip covers so much of Mauritius

The appeal is simple: you see several sides of the southeast in a single outing. The water gives you broad views of the coast, while the short island visits let you step ashore, take photos, hear some local history, and then get back on the boat before the scenery becomes repetitive.

I would think of this as an active half-day with a generous lunch break, rather than a leisurely island stay. The six-hour schedule includes about 40 minutes at Ile aux Cerfs, 20 minutes at the waterfall, 40 minutes for swimming and snorkeling, short historic stops, 45 minutes at Ile aux Aigrettes, and two hours for lunch and beach time.

That structure matters. You are not paying only for a beach and a meal. You are also paying for the boat, the route, the guide, snorkeling gear, drinks, snacks, and the chance to see places that are difficult to link together independently in one day.

The group limit of 14 is another practical advantage. Guides such as Oliver, Rajiv, Rajesh, Wendel, Jeremy, Ranjeev, and Tony have been praised for keeping the mood friendly, helping with photos, and pointing out animals. The exact guide will vary, but the experience clearly depends heavily on the person at the wheel and the quality of the commentary.

Ile aux Cerfs: the beach everyone expects

Ile aux Cerfs is the familiar postcard stop, with bright sand, clear water, and time to walk, swim, sunbathe, or simply sit by the shore. The first visit lasts around 40 minutes, so use it for a quick look and photos rather than settling in for a long beach session.

The longer visit comes later, after the other stops. That is when lunch is served, and you get roughly two hours to eat and relax. I like this order because the beach works better as the final reward after the faster sightseeing section.

The BBQ is a strong part of the package. It is served on the beach and includes drinks, with several reports of tasty food and good vegetarian or vegan alternatives. Beer and local rum are also part of the experience, and Mauritian coffee is offered along the route. If you do not drink alcohol, you can still enjoy the meal and scenery, but the casual drinks are part of the social feel.

Do not expect two full hours of uninterrupted solitude. Ile aux Cerfs is a popular attraction, and the tour is built around seeing the island rather than having a private beach. Still, the clear water and soft sand make it a useful place to end the day.

Grand River South East Waterfalls and the monkeys

The boat stops at the Grand River South East Waterfall for about 20 minutes. The falls themselves may not impress everyone equally, especially if you have seen larger cascades elsewhere, but the ride upriver and the surrounding setting add interest.

The monkeys are often the real attraction here. Guides have been able to point them out close to the boat, and some visitors have also seen flying foxes in the area. This can be one of the most memorable moments of the trip, particularly for children.

There is an important wildlife point here. Some guides feed monkeys or birds to bring them closer for photos. That makes for easy pictures, but I would prefer a guide who watches animals without feeding them. One guide was specifically appreciated for being more careful around dolphins and turtles, so it is fair to ask your skipper to keep a respectful distance and avoid encouraging wildlife to approach.

The stop is brief, so you will not get a long walk or a detailed nature visit. Think of it as a scenic boat stop with a chance to see monkeys, not a full waterfall excursion.

Ile aux Fouquets and Ile de la Passe: small islands with a big story

Ile aux Fouquets, also called Ile aux Phares, is home to an old lighthouse more than 200 years old. The structure is now a historical monument, and the island gives the trip more substance than a simple beach-hopping cruise.

The lighthouse stop lasts about 20 minutes. You can walk around, take photos, and look across the water. The island is rocky, so wear sturdy sandals or water shoes instead of relying on bare feet.

Ile de la Passe is mainly a sightseeing pass-by rather than a long landing. Together, these islands connect the scenery to Mauritius’s colonial period. In 1810, Ile aux Fouquets and Ile de la Passe were involved in the naval Battle of Grand Port between French and British forces. The French victory was the only naval victory of Napoleon’s navy and is recorded on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

You do not need to be a military-history fan to appreciate the stop. The most striking feature is the setting: turquoise, sheltered water on one side and the open Indian Ocean breaking against the reefs on the other. That contrast explains why the islands mattered as lookout and navigation points.

The tradeoff is clear. If you expect each island to offer a polished beach, the lighthouse and rock stops may seem underwhelming. If you enjoy old buildings, sea views, and a little context about Mauritius, they make the route more interesting.

Snorkeling near Grand Port

The swimming and snorkeling stop in the Grand Port district lasts around 40 minutes. This is one of the most popular parts of the day because you get time in clear water rather than only looking at it from the boat.

The area offers fish and other marine life, and sea turtles have sometimes been seen during the swim. A few lucky outings have included long encounters with turtles, but you should treat that as a bonus, not a promise. The same applies to dolphins, which may appear during the boat rides or during a later search.

Snorkeling gear is included, which saves you the trouble of renting equipment separately. Still, I would bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them. One consistent practical complaint concerns the quality and hygiene of the supplied gear. Even if you use the boat’s equipment, a personal snorkel mouthpiece is a worthwhile small investment.

Pack a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Water shoes help at the rocky islands and can also make getting in and out of the water more comfortable. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so carry only a small personal item.

Fouquets Island and the search for dolphins

The boat route includes Fouquets Island and a dolphin-watching section. This is where the speedboat earns its keep. The skipper can cover more water than a slower vessel, and the ride itself is exciting, with open-air views and plenty of wind.

Dolphins have been spotted more than once on many outings, sometimes with babies. Guides including Wendel, Jeremy, and Oliver have been praised for keeping watch and, in some cases, returning later when the first search did not produce anything.

That flexibility is useful, but wildlife never runs to a timetable. You might see dolphins, sea turtles, monkeys, fish, flying foxes, or a barracuda. You might also have a day when the animals stay out of sight. Book this for the islands, water, and boat ride first, then regard wildlife as an extra.

The speedboat is a thrill, not just transport. Fast runs across the waves were repeatedly singled out as a highlight, but they can be bumpy and windy. Keep your hat secure, protect your phone, and expect to get wet from spray. If you want a quiet, smooth cruise, this is probably the wrong boat trip.

Ile aux Aigrettes: a short swim and aperitif

The stop at Ile aux Aigrettes lasts about 45 minutes and combines swimming with an aperitif. It is a useful middle section because you can cool off, stretch your legs in the water, and enjoy a drink before the longer lunch stop.

The island adds another change of scenery, but do not expect a long guided visit. The schedule gives you enough time for a swim and a relaxed break, not a full shore exploration.

This is also a good point to pace yourself. With snorkeling, swimming, sun, wind, and alcohol available throughout the trip, it is easy to overdo the first few hours. Drink water when it is available and save energy for the beach and return ride.

What lunch, drinks, and the $100 price really cover

At $100 per person, the price is fair if you plan to use the full package. Lunch and drinks are included, along with snacks, snorkeling equipment, the boat, the guide, and stops at several southeast attractions.

A separate beach visit to Ile aux Cerfs would not give you the lighthouse islands, waterfall, snorkeling stop, or wildlife search. The value comes from combining them. You also avoid arranging several transfers and boat trips yourself.

The meal is not a minor snack. It is a two-hour beach BBQ with beer and other drinks, plus local rum and Mauritian coffee along the route. Vegetarian and vegan food has been provided, but I would still state your dietary needs when booking or before departure so the crew can prepare.

There can be optional extras around Ile aux Cerfs, including parasailing. That is not part of the stated package, so budget separately if you want it. One useful advantage is that it may be possible to arrange it during the day at a lower cost than organizing it separately on the island, but the exact price is not given.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to reach the jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce, next to the Mauritius flag, at the Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs meeting point. Despite that name, confirm that you are joining the speedboat experience, since one person expected a catamaran and found a speedboat instead.

Who will enjoy this outing most

I would choose this trip if you want one active day that covers a lot of ground. It suits couples, solo visitors, families with older children, and anyone who prefers swimming and sightseeing to spending all day at one resort beach.

An eight-year-old was reported to have enjoyed the experience, but every child handles a fast, bumpy boat differently. The water activities and wildlife can be exciting for families, while the historic stops may appeal more to adults.

Solo visitors can also fit in well. Guides have helped solo participants with photos and checked that they were comfortable. The small group makes it easier to meet people without the outing feeling like a large coach tour.

I would hesitate if you are pregnant, since the activity is specifically not suitable for pregnant women. I would also think twice if you dislike speed, spray, sun, or short stops. The schedule is full, and you will spend much of the day moving between places.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability before planning the rest of your day.

Should you book the five-island speedboat tour?

Book it if you want variety, wildlife chances, and a lively boat ride for one price. The strongest parts are the fast route, the mix of sea and history, the chance to snorkel, and the generous beach BBQ at Ile aux Cerfs.

Do not book it expecting five long island visits or guaranteed dolphins and turtles. The first islands are rocky, the waterfall stop is short, and the supplied snorkeling equipment may be basic. Bring water shoes and your own mask if you have one, and ask the guide to keep wildlife encounters respectful.

For $100, I think this is a strong choice for a first look at Mauritius’s southeast coast. You get far more than a beach transfer, but you must be happy with a busy schedule and a speedboat that treats the waves as part of the attraction.

FAQ

How long does the five-island tour last?

The activity lasts six hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when choosing your date.

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is at the jetty next to the flag of Mauritius, at Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs in Trou d’Eau Douce.

Is the boat a catamaran or a speedboat?

This experience operates by speedboat. The meeting location includes Blue Alizé Catamaran in its name, which can be confusing.

What islands are included?

The route includes Ile aux Cerfs, Ile aux Fouquets, Ile de la Passe, Ile aux Aigrettes, and Fouquets Island.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, along with a snorkeling stop and time for swimming.

Are lunch and drinks included?

Yes. The package includes lunch, drinks, snacks, and a beach BBQ at Ile aux Cerfs. Vegetarian options have been available, and vegan food has also been provided.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and a towel. Water shoes and your own snorkeling equipment may also be useful. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for pregnant women.