Trou d’Eau Douce: 5 Islands Tour with Snorkeling and BBQ

Mauritius is at its best from the water, and this five-island speedboat trip packs in a lot before lunch. You’ll see the lighthouse island, pass Île de la Passe, snorkel near Île aux Aigrettes, stop at Île aux Cerfs, and finish with a BBQ on Margénie Island.

I like the easy mix of scenery and action. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the lunch comes with chicken, fish, sausages, salad, garlic bread, fruit flambé, and drinks including rum, beer, wine, and juice. I also like that dolphin watching is handled responsibly, with no chasing or entering the water when dolphins appear.

The main drawback is the pace. Five hours gives you a broad taste of the east coast rather than long, quiet visits at each island. English explanations may also be brief, so this suits you best if you want a lively day on the water more than a detailed natural-history tour.

Key points at a glance

• Snorkel near Île aux Aigrettes: Spend about an hour swimming and looking for marine life in clear water, with gear supplied.
• See five island areas by speedboat: The route includes Phare Island, Île de la Passe, Île aux Aigrettes, Île aux Cerfs, and Margénie.
• Eat a full BBQ on Margénie: Expect chicken, fish, sausages, garlic bread, mixed salad, and pineapple or banana flambé.
• Enjoy an open drinks selection: Rum, beer, wine, cola, and fruit juice are provided with lunch, and bringing your own drinks is allowed.
• Look for dolphins without a chase: Dolphin watching is included, but the boat does not pursue them or put people in the water when they appear.
• Choose a lively guide-led outing: Guides such as Danilo and Ayen are known for humor, music, and keeping the boat atmosphere upbeat.

Starting at Cabane du pêcheur

You meet at Cabane du pêcheur, the stated boarding point for the tour. Transport to the meeting point is not included, so you need to arrange your own way there and allow enough time to arrive ready for the boat.

The first ride lasts about 20 minutes. That short opening run gets you away from the shore quickly and gives you an immediate sense of why a speedboat is useful here. You can cover several island areas in one morning without spending most of the day on slow transfers.

This is not a formal sightseeing cruise with a quiet commentary at every turn. It is a small-group or private experience, with English and French guides, music, swimming, and stops built around enjoying the sea. If your guide is Danilo or Ayen, expect a playful style and plenty of energy. The mood may suit you perfectly if you like a social boat day. If you want silence and long explanations, it may feel too casual.

Île aux Cerfs gives you an early island stop

The first major stop is Île aux Cerfs, where you have about an hour for free time, sightseeing, shopping, or a self-guided walk. This is useful early in the day because you can stretch your legs and see one of the best-known island stops before the meal.

You should treat this as flexible island time rather than a guided tour. You can choose to look around, take photographs, browse, or simply enjoy the views. The freedom is welcome, especially in a five-hour program where not every stop can have a long formal visit.

The tradeoff is that an hour passes quickly. If you want to shop, walk, take pictures, and swim, you will need to choose your priorities. Keep an eye on the departure time, since the speedboat continues to several other stops.

Village views, wildlife, and the Grse waterfall

The route then includes a traditional village visit lasting about 35 minutes. This gives the trip a short connection to life beyond the beaches and boat stops. You receive a guided look around, with scenic views along the way and the chance for wildlife viewing.

The program also includes a further 35-minute visit with guided sightseeing, dolphin watching, and views from the boat. The exact name of this stop is not specified, so you should think of it as part of the route’s general nature and wildlife section rather than expect a named museum or landmark.

The Grse waterfall is also included. You have time for sightseeing and a walk, with another self-guided section lasting about 45 minutes in the overall schedule. The waterfall stop breaks up the sea time and gives you a chance to see a different side of the area.

I like this variety. Many island boat trips become a string of similar beach stops, but this one adds village views, a waterfall, and wildlife watching. Still, the short timings mean you get a snapshot, not a lengthy walk or detailed cultural visit.

Passing Île de la Passe and the lighthouse island

Phare Island, known for its lighthouse, is one of the most memorable sights on the route. The tour promises a stop in the Phare Island area, where you can take in the lighthouse setting and the surrounding sea.

Île de la Passe is listed as a scenic pass-by rather than a full landing. The boat spends about 10 minutes near it, giving you views from the water. That distinction matters. You will see it and photograph it, but you should not expect to go ashore and explore.

This is where a speedboat earns its keep. The boat can show you several historic and scenic island points in a compact morning. The price of that coverage is limited time at each location. I would bring a camera, but I would not plan the day around a long visit to any single island before lunch.

Snorkeling near Île aux Aigrettes

The snorkeling session near Île aux Aigrettes is one of the strongest reasons to book this trip. You have roughly an hour for swimming, snorkeling, viewing marine life, and enjoying the scenery. Snorkeling equipment is included, which saves you from renting or packing a mask and fins.

The water is described as clear, and the stop is designed around seeing fish and other marine life. One confirmed experience included excellent snorkeling sites, so I would make this the part of the day where you spend your time in the water rather than taking too many photographs from the boat.

Bring your own swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and hat. A camera is also recommended, but protect it properly around the water. The tour is not only a look-from-the-deck excursion. You need to be comfortable with a swimming stop to get the full value from it.

The schedule gives you an hour, which is enough for a satisfying session but not an all-day snorkel. Sea conditions can affect what you see, and the available information does not promise a particular species or reef encounter. You should book this for the chance to see marine life in clear water, not for a guaranteed underwater sighting.

Dolphin watching with a respectful approach

Dolphin watching is included in the experience. Dolphins may appear during the boat route, and the crew’s approach is worth noting: when dolphins were spotted, the boat did not chase them, and nobody was allowed into the water.

That is good practice. You still get the chance to watch dolphins from the boat, but the animals are not treated like a staged attraction. It also means you should keep your expectations sensible. Dolphin watching is an opportunity, not a guarantee, and the boat will not pursue wildlife simply to give you a closer photograph.

The same part of the trip includes scenic views and wildlife viewing. I would keep your camera ready, but I would also enjoy the wider view rather than stare at the water for the entire ride.

BBQ lunch on Margénie Island

Lunch is served on Margénie Island, with about an hour and a half set aside for the BBQ, drinks, dessert, and free time. This is more than a quick sandwich eaten between stops. The meal is a central part of the outing.

The stated menu includes:

• Chicken
• Fish
• Sausages
• Garlic bread
• Mixed salad
• Pineapple or banana flambé

Vegetarian food is available if you request it when booking. You should also report other dietary restrictions in advance. That is especially important for a group meal prepared around a fixed menu.

The drinks include rum, beer, wine, cola, and fruit juice, with an aperitif and dessert also listed. You may bring your own drinks, which gives you a little extra flexibility. The alcohol can add to the party atmosphere, but you should pace yourself. You still have boat travel and swimming in the schedule.

The lunch is where this tour offers clear value. A five-hour private or small-group speedboat trip with snorkeling gear, a full BBQ, drinks, a waterfall visit, and island stops can cost more if arranged separately. At $106 per person, the price is not a bargain-basement outing, but the inclusions make it reasonable for someone who wants a packed half-day rather than a bare boat transfer.

What the group atmosphere is like

The boat experience can be lively. Music is part of the atmosphere, and the guides are expected to help keep the day moving. Danilo is described as joyful and funny, while Ayen is noted for being entertaining. These details matter because personality can shape a small-group boat trip as much as the scenery.

One booking had a boat for nine people used by a group of five, giving them extra room. That does not promise the same arrangement for every departure, but private and small-group options are available. If personal space matters to you, ask specifically about the group setup before booking.

The English commentary may not be extensive. One person found the explanations sparse and hard to understand, despite enjoying the day overall. I would therefore see the guide mainly as a host and boat leader, not as a specialist giving a full lecture at every stop. French is also available.

The experience is listed as wheelchair accessible. Since the day includes a speedboat, swimming, snorkeling, walks, and island landings, you should still discuss your specific needs with the provider before booking.

Who will get the most from this trip

I would recommend this tour to you if you want a busy, social half-day with several different activities. It works especially well for people who do not want to choose between snorkeling, a waterfall, wildlife watching, an island visit, and a BBQ.

It is also a good fit if you enjoy being on a speedboat and like having drinks and music included. The guide’s personality matters here, and the reported energy from Danilo and Ayen suggests that the trip can feel more like a fun day out than a quiet nature survey.

Families and mixed groups may appreciate the range of options. One person can shop or walk at Île aux Cerfs, another can focus on snorkeling, and everyone can share the lunch stop. Vegetarian guests can join if their meal is requested ahead of time.

I would hesitate if your main goal is a long snorkel, a quiet beach day, or a detailed cultural tour. The schedule moves often, and the Île de la Passe stop is only a pass-by. People over 95 are specifically listed as unsuitable, and anyone uncomfortable with boat movement or swimming should consider that before booking.

Practical details that affect your day

The total duration is five hours, with starting times based on availability. The timetable includes about 20 minutes of speedboat travel at the start and 15 minutes on the return, while the stops make up the rest of the day.

Pack lightly, but bring the essentials:

• Hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Camera
• Sunscreen

Pets are not allowed. Transport to Cabane du pêcheur is not included, and personal expenses are extra, although the main meal, drinks, snorkeling equipment, dolphin watch, waterfall visit, and Île aux Cerfs free time are included.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later. That flexibility is useful if your Mauritius plans depend on weather or changing arrival times.

Should you book the five-island speedboat tour?

I would book this if you want the east coast in one lively package: clear-water snorkeling, island scenery, dolphin watching, a waterfall, and a proper BBQ lunch. The strongest points are the range of included activities, the friendly guide-led atmosphere, the responsible wildlife approach, and the food and drinks on Margénie.

I would skip it if you want slow, in-depth sightseeing or a guaranteed dolphin encounter. At $106, you are paying for variety and convenience rather than one long, focused experience. For an active half-day with a small group, the value is solid, especially when you make full use of the snorkeling stop and lunch.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Cabane du pêcheur in Mauritius. Transport to the boarding point is not included.

How long does the activity last?

The tour lasts five hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Which islands are included?

The route includes Phare Island, Île de la Passe, Île aux Aigrettes, Île aux Cerfs, and Îles aux Margénie. Île de la Passe is passed by rather than listed as a landing stop.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the snorkeling stop takes place near Île aux Aigrettes.

What food and drinks are included?

The BBQ includes chicken, fish, sausages, garlic bread, mixed salad, and pineapple or banana flambé. Drinks include rum, beer, wine, cola, and fruit juice. Vegetarian food is available on request.

Is dolphin swimming part of the tour?

No. Dolphin watching is included, but when dolphins appear, the boat does not chase them and people are not allowed into the water.