5 Islands Speedboat Cruise, Snorkeling + Lunch & Open Bar

The most exciting part of this seven-hour speedboat trip is the changing scenery. You move from open water and old lighthouse views to sandy island beaches, a snorkeling stop, a barbecue lunch, and Grand River South East Waterfalls. It is a full day, not a quick boat ride with one beach stop.

I like the way the tour combines history and sea adventure, especially the visit to Ile aux Fouqets Lighthouse. I also like the value: at $100 per person, your snorkeling, barbecue lunch, open bar, and attraction tickets are included. The main drawback is the pace. You visit several places in one day, but you only snorkel once, so this is not the best pick if underwater time is your top goal.

Key points at a glance

• A fast east-coast route: Leave Trou d’Eau Douce at 8:30 and return around 15:30.
• Ile aux Fouqets Lighthouse: The old lighthouse stop adds a touch of history to an otherwise beach-focused day.
• One main snorkeling stop: Snorkeling takes place near Blue Bay Marine Park, with time to see local sea life.
• Lunch and drinks included: Enjoy an island-style barbecue lunch and open bar, with fresh grilled lobster available at extra cost if arranged ahead.
• Several island stops: The route includes Ile aux Cerfs, Ile aux Fouqets, Ile aux Aigrettes, and Ilot Mergenie, plus Blue Bay and Grand River South East.
• A friendly crew matters: Captain Danilo is specifically praised for keeping the mood fun and the day moving well.

Setting out from Trou d’Eau Douce at 8:30

Your day begins at Trou d’Eau Douce, on Mauritius’ east coast. The exact meeting instructions are sent by WhatsApp, so you need to contact Island Cove Mauritius before the morning of the trip and confirm where to board.

The boat leaves at 8:30 and returns at about 15:30. That timing gives you a proper full-day outing, with enough daylight for several stops. Transportation to the meeting point is not included, though private transfers from your hotel can be arranged if requested.

The speedboat is part of the fun. You will feel the engine, spray, and motion far more than you would on a slow sightseeing boat. That makes the ride exciting, but you should bring sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, and beachwear. Anyone who gets uncomfortable on fast boats should think carefully before booking.

The route is designed for people who want variety. You are not simply dropped at a beach for the day. Instead, the crew keeps you moving between islands, water, viewpoints, and a waterfall stop. That variety is the tour’s greatest strength, and also the reason the schedule can feel full.

Ile aux Cerfs, your first major beach stop

Ile aux Cerfs is the most relaxed part of the day. You have time for sunbathing, swimming, and sitting by the water before or after lunch. There are also watersports shops, which gives you the option to look around, though the tour price does not state that additional watersports are included.

This stop works well for mixed groups. One person can swim, another can sit in the sun, and someone else can browse the shops. Families may especially appreciate having a simple beach break after the speedboat ride.

Lunch and the open bar are included here. The meal is an island-style barbecue, which fits the setting better than a formal restaurant would. Fresh grilled lobster is not included in the $100 price, but you can ask the operator to reserve it in advance.

Do not expect Ile aux Cerfs to be a quiet, isolated beach experience. The island is one of the better-known stops on Mauritius’ east coast, and the presence of watersports shops gives it a more developed feel. I would treat it as the comfortable, easy part of the route, not the most cultural or remote one.

Ile aux Fouqets Lighthouse and the history of the route

The visit to Ile aux Fouqets Lighthouse gives the day a useful change of tone. After beach time, you get a look at a historic maritime landmark connected with the waters around Mauritius.

This is listed as the main attraction of the trip, and I can see why. A lighthouse viewed from a speedboat has more character than another generic swim stop. It gives you something to look at and think about, especially if you enjoy old coastal structures and the practical history of shipping.

The information provided does not promise an interior visit or a guided historical lecture. You should therefore expect to see the lighthouse as part of the boat route rather than plan on a long museum-style stop. Bring a camera, but keep your expectations focused on the setting and the view.

This stop also shows why a speedboat is useful. The boat lets you approach several offshore points in one day without spending all your time getting from one place to the next.

Ile aux Aigrettes and Ilot Mergenie

Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve is another listed stop, with swimming and open-bar time included. The day is not only about looking at islands from the boat. You get chances to get into the water, cool off, and slow down between the faster rides.

The nature reserve name may suggest a long land visit, but the stated activities are swimming and open bar. The exact time spent ashore is not specified, so I would not book this expecting a detailed reserve tour or a long wildlife walk.

Ilot Mergenie is also included in the route, though no separate activity is specified there. That makes it one of the more scenic parts of the day, where the boat route itself may be the main attraction. Since the tour schedule is packed, the captain may use some locations as short viewing stops rather than extended visits.

There is a small naming puzzle here. The tour is sold as a five-island cruise, yet the schedule names Ile aux Cerfs, Ile aux Fouqets, Ile aux Aigrettes, Ilot Mergenie, Blue Bay, and Grand River South East Waterfalls. That is six named places, though Blue Bay and the waterfall are not islands. If you want a precise stop-by-stop schedule, ask for clarification by WhatsApp before booking.

Snorkeling near Blue Bay Marine Park

The snorkeling stop is near Blue Bay Marine Park, a strong choice for a water-based tour. You can get into the sea and look for local marine plants and animals in the area.

The important practical point is that snorkeling happens once during the day. One person who enjoyed the tour wished there had been another snorkeling stop, and that is a fair concern if you choose boat trips mainly for time in the water.

For casual snorkelers, one stop may be enough. You can enjoy the other swims without carrying the day’s focus underwater. For keen snorkelers, it may feel brief, especially because the itinerary also includes beaches, a lighthouse, a waterfall, lunch, and several boat passages.

The tour includes snorkeling, but the supplied details do not specify the exact equipment provided. Ask Island Cove Mauritius what is available before setting out if you need particular mask or fin sizes.

Grand River South East Waterfalls by boat

Grand River South East Waterfalls adds a freshwater feature to the island itinerary. The waterfall stop breaks up the open-sea scenery and gives you a different view of Mauritius’ east coast.

This part is likely to appeal to anyone who wants more than beaches. You can see the river meeting the coast and enjoy a short nature stop without giving up the convenience of the speedboat. The supplied details do not state how long the boat stays at the falls or if swimming there is allowed, so plan to see the waterfall rather than count on a swim.

The ride to and from the falls is part of the attraction. A speedboat makes the river and coastal sections feel connected, instead of turning the day into separate transfers.

Lunch, open bar, and the $100 price

At $100 per person, this tour offers solid value if you want a full day on the water. Your price includes the listed attraction tickets, snorkeling, an island barbecue lunch, and an open bar. You are paying for the boat, crew, several stops, food, and drinks in one package.

That price looks less attractive if you plan to skip lunch or avoid alcohol. It also does not include transportation to Trou d’Eau Douce, and fresh grilled lobster costs extra. Private hotel transportation can be arranged, but you need to request it.

The open bar is useful because a seven-hour boat trip can feel long if every drink becomes an extra purchase. Still, the details do not define the full drink menu, so ask what is served if that matters to you.

I would also confirm the lobster price before agreeing to it. The operator can reserve fresh grilled lobster, but the cost is specifically excluded from the tour fee.

What the crew adds to the day

The crew can make or break a speedboat outing. A good captain keeps the ride lively without letting the schedule become stressful.

Captain Danilo receives particular praise for his good humor and for setting a pleasant pace. That fits the shape of this tour. With so many locations in seven hours, you want someone who can keep the group moving while still allowing time to swim, eat, and enjoy the views.

Other crew members are not named in the supplied information, but the overall feedback points to a friendly atmosphere and a family-friendly approach. One family found the guide especially enjoyable, while another person appreciated the captain’s humor.

The weather can affect the feel of the trip. Poor weather does not necessarily cancel the experience, but it can make the boat ride rougher and reduce the color and clarity of the sea. Bring sun protection even if the morning begins cloudy, and pack a towel and spare dry clothing if you dislike sitting wet during the later stops.

Who should book this speedboat cruise

I would choose this tour if you want to pack a lot into one day. It suits you if you enjoy fast boat rides, several short stops, swimming, a beach lunch, and a mix of natural and historic sights.

It also works for families and groups with different interests. Some people can focus on the beach at Ile aux Cerfs, while others enjoy the lighthouse, waterfall, or snorkeling. The included meal and open bar simplify the day.

I would choose another experience if you want a slow, quiet boat trip or a serious snorkeling session. One snorkeling stop may not satisfy you, and the busy itinerary means you will not spend long at every location.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. Since transportation is not included, you also need to arrange your own way to Trou d’Eau Douce or request a private transfer in advance.

Booking advice and final verdict

I would book this for the range of experiences included in one day. You get speed, islands, swimming, a lighthouse, snorkeling, a waterfall, lunch, and drinks without paying separate entry fees at each stop.

Before booking, send a WhatsApp message to confirm the meeting point, ask about hotel transportation, check what snorkeling equipment is supplied, and request the lobster price if you want it. Also ask how much time is planned at each stop, especially if Blue Bay snorkeling is your main reason for going.

Book it if you want a lively, social day with plenty of movement and a friendly captain. Skip it if you want long snorkeling sessions or a quiet beach day. For most people seeking an active east-coast introduction to Mauritius, the $100 package is a sensible buy.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat cruise start and finish?

The activity starts and ends at Trou d’Eau Douce. Meeting details are sent by WhatsApp after you contact the operator.

What time does the tour leave?

The boat departs at 8:30 and returns at about 15:30. The total duration is seven hours.

Is transportation from my hotel included?

No. Transportation is not included in the listed price, but private transportation from your hotel or accommodation can be arranged if requested.

What islands and locations are included?

The route includes Ile aux Cerfs, Ile aux Fouqets Lighthouse, Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve, a snorkeling spot near Blue Bay Marine Park, Grand River South East Waterfalls, and Ilot Mergenie.

Is lunch included?

Yes. An island-style barbecue lunch is included in the price. Fresh grilled lobster is not included, but it can be reserved separately.

Are drinks included?

Yes. An open bar is included during the tour.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling near Blue Bay Marine Park is included. The itinerary specifies one snorkeling stop.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.