5 Islands Tour: New OCÉANE Private Pontoon Boat cruise

The best part of this six-hour cruise is the mix of waterfall, islands, snorkeling, and lunch in one private boat outing. You leave from Pointe Maurice near Trou d’Eau Douce, then move through Mauritius’s southeast lagoon at an easy pace, with plenty of time for swimming and scenery.

I like the roomy pontoon setup and the fact that the route can be adjusted. I also like that lunch, snorkeling gear, and unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included. The main point to check is the route on your day: the stops can change, and one earlier outing used a speedboat and a private beach rather than visiting every island listed.

Key points to know before you book

• The day begins at Pointe Maurice, just before the Shangri-La le Touessrok hotel, with no hotel transfer included.
• Grand River South East Waterfall comes first, giving you a scenic opening stop and a chance to look for wildlife.
• Snorkeling takes place at Eau Bleu, with equipment supplied on board and alcohol served only afterward.
• The pontoon carries up to 11 people, but the advertised price is $871 for a private group of up to two.
• Lunch and drinks are included, though an older outing had less drink service at its barbecue than expected.
• Captain Joey has earned specific praise for giving people time to enjoy each stop without rushing.

A private morning on Mauritius’s southeast lagoon

This is not a simple point-to-point boat ride. The appeal is the change of pace. You start near Trou d’Eau Douce, pass from open lagoon water to small islands, stop for a swim, then eat aboard while anchored in a scenic spot.

The price is $871 per group of up to two, and the cruise lasts about six hours. That is a serious cost for a couple, but it buys privacy rather than two seats on a crowded shared boat. You can also bring a larger private party, since the pontoon can carry up to 11 passengers, though the stated rate covers only two people and you should confirm the extra-person pricing before booking.

The meeting point is just before the Shangri-La le Touessrok hotel at Pointe Maurice. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the launch point. The boat returns there at about 3:30 p.m., making this a full half-day outing rather than a short morning activity.

An English-speaking host or greeter is provided. Captain Joey is specifically praised for his friendly manner and relaxed timing, a useful detail if you dislike tours that rush through every stop after five minutes.

Grand River South East Waterfall sets the tone

The first major stop is the Grand River South East Waterfall. The boat brings you close for photographs and sightseeing, and the route may include wildlife viewing around the river.

This is a good opening because you get a change from sea views right away. The waterfall is set within a greener river environment, with wooded slopes and mountain scenery around the water. One account describes seeing monkeys near the waterfall, even feeding them from the boat. That detail may not happen on every departure, so treat it as a lucky possibility rather than a promised activity.

You should bring a camera, but keep it secure around spray and movement. The waterfall stop is mainly for viewing and photographs, not a long land visit. If you want a full hike or a long walk ashore, this cruise is not designed for that.

Snorkeling at Eau Bleu comes before the drinks

After the waterfall, the boat heads toward Eau Bleu for swimming and snorkeling. The water is described as clear, and the purpose of the stop is to see the lagoon’s underwater life rather than simply take a quick dip.

Snorkeling equipment is included, which saves you from packing your own mask and fins. Still, bring your swimwear, towel, high-SPF sunscreen, hat or cap, and a change of clothes. A pair of flip-flops is useful for moving around the boat and any sandy shore.

The alcohol rule matters. Drinks may be included, but alcoholic beverages are served after snorkeling. The management can cancel the snorkeling stop if alcohol is consumed beforehand. That is sensible for safety, and you should plan to do your swimming first rather than starting the day with a cocktail.

The exact length of the snorkeling stop is flexible. One earlier party had enough time to explore the water without being hurried, which fits the overall character of this private cruise. Water conditions can still affect visibility and how long you remain in the water.

If you are not a confident swimmer, ask the crew about the safest place to enter and remain close to the boat. The supplied information does not specify flotation aids or a lifeguard service, so do not assume those are provided.

Ile aux Aigrettes may be a pass-by, not a full stop

Ile aux Aigrettes appears in the route as a place for swimming, snorkeling, an aperitif, and a pass-by. That wording is important. The boat may not always put you ashore or spend a fixed amount of time there.

The island adds another scenic element to the cruise, but it is not presented as a formal walking visit with a guided land program. You might pause in the area for a swim or drink, or simply view it from the water while the boat continues.

One earlier outing did not visit Ile aux Aigrettes at all. Since the route is described as customizable, you should ask the operator before departure which islands will receive a proper stop and which will be viewed from the boat. This is one of the clearest tradeoffs of a flexible private cruise: you gain freedom, but the printed sequence is not a guarantee.

Ile aux Fouquets brings history and a good lunch stop

Ile aux Fouquets is home to the lighthouse that forms one of the cruise’s main photo stops. You can expect time for sightseeing, scenic views, and lunch on board while the boat is anchored nearby.

The lighthouse gives the day a stronger sense of place than a string of beach stops. It is the sort of sight that works best from the water, where you can frame the structure against the sea and surrounding islands. The route information does not promise a guided interior visit, so think of this as a scenic and photographic stop rather than a museum tour.

Lunch is described as a cold meal served on board after swimming and relaxing in the sun. The route also mentions beer, wine, and free time at this point. This makes practical sense: you complete the active part of the morning, then settle in for food once you are back aboard.

The supplied information also refers to a barbecue in connection with one earlier outing, served at a private beach rather than exactly as the regular pontoon schedule describes. That difference is worth clarifying before departure. You may receive a cold lunch on the boat, a barbecue arrangement, or a variation based on the day’s route.

The inclusion of lunch is a real part of the value, especially since you do not need to return to shore midday. But the meal is not presented as a restaurant-style spread, and the food details are not specified. If you have allergies or strict dietary needs, ask the operator before booking.

Îlot Flamants and Ile aux Cerfs fill out the afternoon

Îlot Flamants is mainly a photo and pass-by stop. It is another chance to see the smaller islands and the contrast between green slopes, white sand, and clear turquoise water from the boat.

You should not expect a long shore visit here. The appeal is the view and the feeling of moving through a chain of small islands rather than spending the whole day at one beach.

The route then passes Ile aux Cerfs, one of the better-known scenic areas on Mauritius’s east coast. Dessert is mentioned here, along with views on the way. The supplied details do not promise a long stop on the island, though one earlier party had about an hour to explore it independently.

That variation matters. If Ile aux Cerfs is a priority for you, ask whether you will go ashore and for how long. A short pass-by gives you beautiful coastal views, but it is a different experience from walking the beach or spending an hour on the island.

The private nature of the cruise should help here. If the sea and weather are good, the crew may be able to spend more time at a favorite stop. Captain Joey’s relaxed approach was specifically praised for allowing people to enjoy places without being pushed along.

What the pontoon setup means for comfort

A pontoon boat is a practical choice for a day built around sitting, swimming, eating, and looking outward. It gives you a stable platform for moving between stops and enough room for a private group of up to 11 passengers.

The word private is important. You are not simply buying two seats on a large public cruise. You are paying for a group experience with more control over timing and, within reason, the route.

That said, private does not mean silent or empty. If your group uses the full capacity, there can be up to 11 people aboard. The supplied details do not give the boat’s exact seating arrangement, shade coverage, toilet facilities, or accessibility features. Ask about those points if they affect your decision.

The boat is suitable for a group that wants a social day with swimming and drinks. It may be less suitable if you want a formal guided history tour, a long hike, or guaranteed time ashore at every island.

Smoking is not allowed. Pack sun protection seriously. You will spend hours around bright water, and sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a change of clothes are more useful than fancy clothing.

Lunch, drinks, and the value of the package

The advertised package includes lunch on board, snorkeling equipment, and unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Those inclusions make the price easier to understand, especially for a private group that would otherwise pay separately for a boat, a meal, equipment rental, and drinks.

Still, $871 for up to two is expensive. I would book it for a special day, a honeymoon-style outing, or a small group that values privacy and flexible pacing. I would not choose it simply because it includes lunch. Shared boat trips can cost much less if you mainly want to see the waterfall and snorkel.

There is one service detail to watch. An earlier outing described only one drink being included with the barbecue, with coffee charged separately. That does not match the current stated inclusion of unlimited drinks, but it shows why you should confirm what unlimited means on your departure. Ask about beer, wine, spirits, soft drinks, coffee, and the meal format.

The sensible order is simple: snorkel first, eat next, then enjoy alcoholic drinks while cruising and relaxing. You should also carry water even though non-alcoholic drinks are included, especially if you spend much of the day in the sun.

Timing and route flexibility

The cruise lasts six hours and returns to Pointe Maurice at roughly 3:30 p.m. Starting times vary, so check the available departure when you book. The route heads south from Trou d’Eau Douce toward the waterfall, then circles through the southeast islands before returning.

The sequence can be customized. That is useful if your group cares more about snorkeling than island photographs, or wants extra time at Ile aux Cerfs. It also means you should not treat every listed stop as a guaranteed landing.

The earlier experience differed in several ways: it used a speedboat for pickup and transport, skipped Ile aux Aigrettes, included time on Ile aux Cerfs, and ended at a private beach with a barbecue. The current description centers on a pontoon, lunch aboard, and the named island route. Ask the operator which boat and meal plan apply on your date.

This is also why the cruise suits people who prefer a loose day to a rigid schedule. You can spend time where the scenery is best instead of checking off each stop.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this experience for a couple or small private group that wants a full day on the water without the pressure of a large shared excursion. It suits people who want several kinds of scenery, including a river waterfall, offshore islands, a lighthouse, beaches, and clear water for snorkeling.

It is also a good fit if you want food and drinks handled on board. You can swim, dry off, eat, and continue cruising without arranging separate stops.

Families and mixed-age groups may also appreciate the flexible timing, but anyone planning to snorkel should be comfortable with open-water swimming or ask the crew about conditions. The boat can carry up to 11 people, making it possible to spread the cost across a larger private party, though the quoted price is only for up to two.

I would hesitate if your main goal is a guaranteed visit to every island, a long guided tour ashore, or a precise lunch menu. The route changes, and several places are listed as pass-by or photo stops rather than full visits.

The cancellation policy is practical: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your plans are still moving.

Should you book the New OCÉANE cruise?

Book it if privacy, time, and variety matter more to you than getting the lowest possible price. The waterfall, snorkeling, lighthouse, island scenery, lunch, and drinks create a well-rounded southeast coast day, and Captain Joey’s relaxed style is a plus if you dislike being rushed.

Before paying, confirm four things: the exact boat, the stops that will receive shore time, the meal format, and what unlimited drinks include. If those details suit your group, this is a strong choice for a special Mauritius outing. If you want a cheap sightseeing ride or a guaranteed fixed route, choose a simpler shared cruise instead.

FAQ

Where does the cruise meet?

The meeting point is at Pointe Maurice, just before the Shangri-La le Touessrok hotel. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts six hours and returns to Pointe Maurice at approximately 3:30 p.m. Starting times depend on availability.

Is the boat private?

Yes. This is a private group cruise, and the pontoon can carry up to 11 passengers. The listed price is $871 for a group of up to two.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is supplied on board, and snorkeling is planned at Eau Bleu. Alcoholic drinks are served only after snorkeling.

Are lunch and drinks included?

Yes. Lunch on board and unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included in the stated package. An earlier outing had a different meal and drink arrangement, so confirm the details for your departure.

Can the route be changed?

Yes. The route is described as customizable. Stops may include the Grand River South East Waterfall, Ile aux Aigrettes, Ile aux Fouquets Lighthouse, Îlot Flamants, Ile aux Cerfs, and Trou d’Eau Douce, but the exact timing and shore visits can vary.