Blue bay: boat trip for ile au cerf (5 islands, barbecue)

The best part of this seven-hour boat trip is its variety. You snorkel in Blue Bay, cruise past several islands, stop at a lighthouse, visit a river waterfall, and finish with lunch on a quiet beach at Ile aux Cerfs. It is a full day on the water, not just a quick ride to one beach.

I like the small group of no more than 10 people, which gives the guides room to help with snorkeling and keep the day friendly rather than crowded. I also like the generous beach lunch, with fish, chicken, lobster, seafood, and homemade punch prepared during the stop at Ile aux Cerfs.

The main consideration is pace. You cover several places in one day, so the island and photo stops are fairly short, and the program depends on sea and river conditions. If you prefer one long, lazy beach stay, this outing may feel busy.

Five things that shape the day

• Blue Bay snorkeling: Start in a protected marine area known for coral and fish.
• A real small-group setting: The shared boat is limited to 10 people, with an exclusivity option also available.
• The lighthouse stop: Ile aux Fouquets brings a striking old lighthouse and open sea views.
• Lunch on Ile aux Cerfs: The barbecue includes fish, chicken, lobster, and seafood, with homemade punch.
• A mixed island route: You see islands, a waterfall, a river, beaches, and coral waters in one outing.
• A nature-first approach: The crew places clear value on the sea, fish, coral, and ecology.

Why this southern Mauritius boat trip works

Mauritius has plenty of boat outings, but this one makes a strong case for itself by linking several different coastal scenes. You are not spending seven hours doing the same thing. The morning brings snorkeling and open-water views, the middle of the day adds islands and a river, and the final stretch slows down for a beach meal.

That mix suits you if you want your day at sea to feel like a small tour rather than a simple transfer. The crew, from team members named Pascale, Christopher, William, Mathéo, Val, Valerie, and Steeve, gives the experience a personal feel. The exact crew depends on the departure, but the operation is presented as a hands-on outing led in French and English.

The boat leaves from the Blue Bay area, with the meeting point next to the parking area. Look for a guide in a white polo shirt. The tour finishes at Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point, so pay attention to the stated meeting and finish locations when arranging your day.

At $111 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Ile aux Cerfs. It is a better value if you plan to use the whole day: snorkeling gear, safety equipment, a guide, several stops, and a cooked lunch are included. The price also covers the experience of seeing much more than the beach itself.

You can book a shared trip or ask about an exclusive outing. The shared boat holds a maximum of 10 people, a useful limit for a day when everyone needs space to board, snorkel, eat, and move between stops. A private option may make sense for a family or group that wants more control over the pace, but the price for exclusivity is not provided.

Blue Bay Marine Park starts the water time

The first major stop is Blue Bay Marine Park, where you use the provided snorkeling equipment and life jacket. The purpose here is to see the lagoon’s fish and coral in a protected setting, not simply to jump into open water for a quick swim.

Bring your own comfort level. If you are an experienced snorkeler, you can focus on the reef and fish. If you are less confident, the crew’s safety kit, life jackets, and guide support matter. The stated focus on respecting nature means you should keep your hands off coral and fish and follow instructions in the water.

The marine park is likely to be one of the most rewarding parts of the day because it offers a close view of the lagoon’s living side. A recent French review specifically described seeing many fish near Blue Bay. That is useful context: this is the stop to prioritize if underwater life interests you.

You should also expect conditions to affect visibility and comfort. No exact snorkeling time is given, and the full outing includes several later stops. Treat this as an important part of the day, but not as a dedicated reef expedition.

Ile aux Aigrettes brings a swim and a photo break

The route continues toward Ile aux Aigrettes for a photo stop, cocktail, and swimming. It gives you a chance to come out of the snorkeling gear, enjoy the view, and take a more relaxed look at the island setting.

The cocktail is part of the stop, while the barbecue and homemade punch come later at Ile aux Cerfs. Keep those two food and drink moments separate in your expectations. Ile aux Aigrettes is a short scenic pause, not the main meal.

Island stops can be sensitive to time. The itinerary does not give a set length for this visit, so you may have enough time for pictures and a swim without a long walk or extended exploration. That is fine if you like a moving day. It will feel limited if you want to spend hours on each island.

Ile aux Fouquets and its lighthouse

The lighthouse on Ile aux Fouquets is one of the day’s most distinctive sights. The boat pauses for photographs and a guided visit of about 20 minutes. That short guided portion helps give the stop some shape instead of leaving you to look at the building from the boat with no context.

Bring your camera, but do not expect a long museum-style visit. The attraction is the lighthouse, its position among the islands, and the wide water views around it. The stop works best as a compact history and photo break between the marine park and the river.

This is also a good example of the tour’s basic tradeoff. You get access to several memorable settings, but each one receives a limited slice of the day. I would keep your expectations focused on views and a short visit rather than a detailed historical tour.

Grand River South East adds a freshwater change

The boat then heads up Grand River South East to see a waterfall. This part changes the mood completely. After coral, islands, and open lagoon, you are looking into a broad river environment where the water narrows and the boat moves at a different pace.

The stop includes a guided visit and photo time. One French account of the day also described seeing monkeys along the river. That sighting is not guaranteed, but it shows why keeping your eyes open is worthwhile as the boat moves inland.

The river section is valuable because it prevents the itinerary from becoming a string of beach stops. You see a different side of southeastern Mauritius and get a short nature outing without leaving the boat for a long hike.

Again, time is the limit. The tour does not state how long the river visit lasts, and wildlife sightings depend on chance. Think of it as a scenic river run to a waterfall, not a full-day river safari.

Ile aux Cerfs is the payoff for lunch

The final major stop is Ile aux Cerfs, where the day slows down. You have time for lunch, photographs, swimming, and free time on the beach. This is the part that gives the outing its relaxed finish after a morning of scheduled stops.

The barbecue is a major reason to consider this trip. The planned food includes fish, chicken, and lobster, along with seafood and homemade punch. A Polish review described a steady flow of different meats and seafood arriving at the table, while an English-language review singled out the lobster lunch on a secluded island. Those details suggest a meal that is more substantial than a basic packed lunch.

Do note the wording of the offering. The food list includes fish, chicken, and lobster, but exact dishes and portions can vary. If you have dietary needs, ask before booking because the supplied information does not list vegetarian, vegan, allergy, or religious meal arrangements.

The meal is prepared on the beach, which adds to the appeal. You are not simply eating at a restaurant and rushing back to the boat. The combination of sand, water, open air, and a homemade drink makes lunch feel like the center of the day.

You should bring cash, as requested, along with water shoes, a towel, and a hat. Water shoes are especially practical for boarding, beach walking, and swimming around unfamiliar shorelines. A hat and towel will make the long day in the sun easier.

The small group makes a real difference

A shared trip with up to 10 people is a strong middle ground. You get the social feel of a group excursion, but not the scale of a large party boat. It should be easier to hear the guide, get help with equipment, and find a place to sit during lunch.

The small size also matters at the quieter beach stop. A group of 10 can settle in without the stop feeling like a mass outing. The Polish review placed special value on the intimate setting and careful hosting, and that fits the practical benefit of a capped group.

The crew’s role appears to extend beyond steering the boat. The included guides, safety kit, life jackets, and snorkeling equipment cover the basics, while the company’s stated concern for nature gives the day a clear conservation angle. You are encouraged to enjoy the lagoon without treating it as a playground with no rules.

An exclusive trip is available if you want more privacy. Since no private price or custom route is supplied, you will need to confirm those details before booking.

What the guide service feels like

The operating languages are French and English. The named crew members associated with the outing include Pascale, Christopher, William, Mathéo, Val, Valerie, and Steeve. Several praised the team for being warm, helpful, professional, and attentive to safety, with one account describing William and Mathéo as excellent captains and guides.

That matters on a boat day. A good guide can make boarding feel calm, explain where to snorkel, watch the group in the water, and keep lunch moving without turning the whole day into a rigid schedule.

The company also presents the outing as a way to build respect for the lagoon, fish, coral, and nature. That message is more than a slogan if you follow the simple rules: use the equipment carefully, avoid touching coral, and leave the beach and water clean.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, though the information does not explain which parts of the boat, snorkeling stop, beach, or boarding process are adapted. If access needs are important to you, confirm the practical details before paying.

Who should book this outing

I would choose this trip if you want a broad taste of southeastern Mauritius in one day. It suits couples, families, and small groups who want snorkeling, scenery, a little guided sightseeing, and a proper meal without arranging each piece separately.

It is also a good match for food-focused visitors. The barbecue is not an afterthought. Lobster, seafood, fish, chicken, homemade punch, and a beach setting give lunch a clear place in the experience.

You may want another type of outing if your main goal is serious snorkeling. The marine park stop sounds worthwhile, but the rest of the day moves on to islands, the lighthouse, the river, and the beach. Likewise, choose a slower beach day if you dislike changing locations.

The trip can also work for people who do not want a large boat. The 10-person limit keeps the group manageable, while the life jackets and safety kit make it easier for less confident swimmers to take part. You still need to be comfortable with a full day around boats and water.

Practical details before you go

The listed duration is seven hours, with starting times subject to availability. Plan your day around the stated meeting point near the parking area, and look for the white polo shirt worn by the guide.

Pack a hat, towel, water shoes, and cash. Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are supplied, so you do not need to bring those unless you prefer your own mask or snorkel.

The tour is offered in French and English. It has free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful if your coastal plans may change, but you should still check the available start time and conditions before confirming.

A perfect five-star score from nine verified bookings points to a consistently positive experience, though it is still a small sample. I would place more weight on the repeated practical themes: good food, friendly crew, safety, varied stops, and the advantage of the small group.

Should you book the Blue Bay to Ile aux Cerfs trip?

Book it if you want one well-filled day that combines reef snorkeling, island scenery, a waterfall, and a beach barbecue. At $111, the value is strongest when you take advantage of the whole package rather than treating it as transport to Ile aux Cerfs.

I would be especially keen to book if lobster and seafood matter to you, or if you prefer a small boat with guides who stay involved throughout the day. Choose the exclusive option if privacy is more important than the lower shared-group price.

Skip it if you want long, unhurried time at one beach or a specialist snorkeling trip with hours in the water. For everyone else, this is a lively and practical way to see several sides of Mauritius without spending the day on a crowded boat.

FAQ

How long does the boat trip last?

The activity lasts seven hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is next to the parking area at HP49+C2C. Your guide will wear a white polo shirt.

Where does the tour finish?

The day finishes at Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point.

How many people are in the shared group?

The shared boat is limited to a maximum of 10 participants. An exclusive option is also available.

What languages are available?

Live guiding is available in French and English.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and a safety kit are included.

What food is served at lunch?

The beach barbecue at Ile aux Cerfs includes fish, chicken, lobster, and seafood, along with homemade punch.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, towel, water shoes, and cash.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the activity wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. The supplied information does not specify which parts of the boat and beach setup are adapted, so confirm those details if needed.