Full Day Tour 5 Island to Ile Aux Cerfs Incl. Lunch and Transfer

The biggest draw here is the speedboat ride through southeast Mauritius. In one long day, you move from coral reefs and a 1902 shipwreck to old military ruins, a waterfall, white-sand islets, and Ile aux Cerfs. It is a busy day, but the boat makes the distances feel exciting rather than tiring.

I like the excellent variety and the chance to snorkel in Blue Bay Marine Park, where the water is clear and the reef sits at an average depth of about 5.5 meters. I also like the beach lunch on Ilot Margenie, with chicken, fish, salads, drinks, sega music, and a banana flambé dessert. The main caution is that this can become a long day in full sun, with a party atmosphere that will not suit everyone.

Key points at a glance

• Blue Bay snorkeling: Spend about an hour among coral and fish in one of Mauritius’s best-known marine areas.
• Historic southeast islands: See the Dalbair shipwreck, the old lighthouse on Ile aux Phare, and defense ruins on Ile de la Passe.
• Fast, energetic boat ride: A small speedboat gives you more movement and excitement than a slow catamaran.
• Beach barbecue included: Lunch comes with chicken, fish, vegetarian arrangements by request, salads, bread, drinks, music, and entertainment.
• Wildlife and scenery: You might spot dolphins, sea turtles, monkeys, and fruit bats along the route.
• Small group format: The boat holds a maximum of 15 people, though the exact boat and crew can vary.

What this full-day island trip is really like

This is not a quiet sightseeing cruise. It is a full southeastern Mauritius circuit built around speed, swimming, snorkeling, music, and a generous number of stops. The advertised duration is 8 to 9 hours, with pickup beginning around 8:00 a.m. and return to Blue Bay expected around 4:30 p.m.

You receive hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Mauritius in a private, air-conditioned vehicle. That is useful, but your actual road time depends heavily on where you are staying. A hotel on the west or north coast can mean a very early pickup. Confirm the time in the app before setting out, since pickup times have occasionally changed.

The boat group is limited to 15 people. That is a helpful size for boarding, getting served, and moving between stops, although this is still a shared outing rather than a private charter. The crew may focus more on being entertaining than on giving long historical explanations. Guides named by past participants include Chris, Nelson, Donovan, Emmanuel, and Kevin, also known as Jack Sparrow, but your crew may be different.

Blue Bay Marine Park and the first snorkel

The morning begins at Blue Bay, a village on the east side of Mauritius. From there, the speedboat heads into Blue Bay Marine Park for about an hour of snorkeling.

The water here is described as clear, with an average snorkeling depth of 5.5 meters. The park has more than 50 coral species, and you can expect to see reef fish and coral formations rather than simply a quick swim in open water. Snorkeling equipment is supplied.

This is one of the strongest parts of the day for anyone who enjoys the sea. You can swim and look around even if you are not a confident snorkeler. Bring your own mask if you have one you trust, since equipment quality can vary. One poor experience specifically involved badly maintained gear, so it is sensible to check your equipment before leaving the boat.

The sea conditions matter. In good weather, the visibility can be excellent. In rough or cloudy weather, the water stops looking magical very quickly, and some planned stops may be shortened or skipped.

The Dalbair shipwreck at Pointe d’Esny

The next stop is the Dalbair shipwreck on the Pointe d’Esny reef. The wreck has been there since 1902, and the guide explains its controversial story before the boat moves on to snorkeling in shallower water nearby.

This stop works best when the guide adds context. It is not a large museum-style site, so you are mainly viewing the wreck from the boat or water and listening to the story. The combination of history and reef makes it more interesting than another anonymous swimming stop.

Allow about 30 minutes here. That is enough for a short explanation and a look around, but not enough for a detailed historical lesson. If you want every island explained at length, this may feel rushed.

Ile aux Aigrettes and its natural swimming pool

At Ile aux Aigrettes, you have about 40 minutes for a cocktail and a swim in a clear lagoon. The stop is described as a natural swimming pool, with starfish visible in the water.

This is an easy, pleasant pause after the first active part of the morning. You can swim, take photographs, or simply sit with the drink and enjoy the pale water. The stop is less about a formal visit to the nature reserve and more about the lagoon experience, so do not expect a long land-based nature tour.

Be careful with starfish and other marine life. Look, but do not handle them or leave them exposed to the air. Also keep your footwear and phone secure, since you will be moving between boat, shallow water, and shore.

Ile aux Phare and Ile de la Passe

Ile aux Phare, also called L’Ile aux Fouquets, gives the trip its clearest historical setting. The small rocky island sits in Grand Port Bay, and its lighthouse was built in 1864 to guide ships toward Mahebourg. It also played a role in the Battle of Grand Port between French and British forces.

You have roughly 45 minutes to walk around and see the old lighthouse ruins. This is one of the best stops for stretching your legs and getting away from the boat. The island is rocky, so sturdy sandals or water shoes are more useful than delicate beach footwear.

The cruise then passes Ile de la Passe, where old French and British defensive ruins remain. The site is linked to the Battle of Vieux Grand Port, a major colonial-era conflict commemorated by an inscription on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

You may spend about 30 minutes walking among the ruins, depending on the sea tide. That final condition matters. Ile de la Passe is not guaranteed in exactly the same form every day, and the boat crew must work around water levels and sea conditions.

Ilot Flamants and the open-water ride

Ilot Flamants is a small white-sand island in the lagoon. The boat stops for about 30 minutes, allowing time for another swim or snorkeling session before continuing to Ile aux Cerfs.

This is the classic postcard stretch of the trip: sand, shallow turquoise water, and few structures to interrupt the view. It is also a good reason to choose a speedboat. You spend less time plodding between islands and more time getting out onto the water.

The boat may also pass Ilot Vacoas. It is a passing view rather than a full stop, so do not expect to land there.

Grand River South East Waterfall

The boat turns into the channel at Grand River South East Waterfall, where the river meets the sea. You cruise along the waterfall canal for approximately 30 minutes, with views of tropical plants and the surrounding riverbanks.

Monkeys are sometimes visible in the trees because they are used to people. Mauritian fruit bats may also be seen resting high in the branches. These sightings are not guaranteed, but the river passage itself gives you a change from open lagoon scenery.

The waterfall can be affected by weather and water conditions. One outing did not reach it because of poor weather, while other accounts describe a close approach as a highlight. Keep your camera ready, but treat the waterfall as a weather-dependent part of the day rather than a promise.

Two hours at Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the main beach stop, and you receive about two hours there. You can swim, stroll, snorkel, relax under the palms, or pay extra for watersports.

The island is famous for its white beaches and bright lagoon. It is also the most developed and popular stop on this route, so the experience is more about enjoying a beautiful beach than discovering an untouched island. If your priority is a peaceful, empty shore, this may not be the right place at busy times.

Watersports are optional and cost extra, listed at about 40 euros. The tour price does not cover them, so budget separately if you want that added activity. Otherwise, the included time is long enough for a swim and a relaxed walk before lunch.

Barbecue lunch on Ilot Margenie

Around noon, lunch is served on Ilot Margenie, right on the beach. The stated meal includes barbecue chicken and fish, garlic bread, salads, other sides, and a dessert of banana flambé. A vegetarian barbecue can be arranged if you request it when booking, and halal food is included.

Drinks are a major part of the package. You receive alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, with an open bar during lunch and drinks also served onboard. Several outings have featured Mauritian rum, music, dancing, and a traditional sega performance.

This is where the tour’s personality becomes clear. For couples and groups wanting a lively day with rum, music, and conversation, the lunch can be a high point. If you prefer a calm meal, avoid alcohol, or are bringing children who will not enjoy a party mood, the atmosphere may be too boisterous. One particularly negative experience described the boat as focused on drinking, smoking, and vaping for much of the day. That is not everyone’s experience, but it is a fair warning.

Food portions may also vary. Some people found the meal generous, while one account described a smaller serving of chicken, fish, bread, and pineapple. Bring a few snacks if you tend to get hungry, especially since the day includes long gaps between swims and lunch.

The return to Blue Bay

After Ile aux Cerfs, the speedboat makes a coastal run back toward the mainland. The trip is expected to finish at Blue Bay around 4:30 p.m., followed by the vehicle transfer to your accommodation.

By this point, you may be sunburned, damp, tired, and very happy. You may also be ready for a shower. Wear high-factor sunscreen, use a rash guard or sun-protective shirt, and bring a hat for the road transfer and time on the beach. There is little shade on some parts of the boat.

The speedboat ride itself is part of the attraction, but it can be bouncy. People who dislike fast boats, have back problems, or want a quiet cruise should think twice. The boat may cover distance quickly, yet the ride can feel exposed to wind and spray.

Is the $151 price good value?

At about $151.21 per person, this is not the cheapest way to visit Ile aux Cerfs. The value comes from the amount bundled into one day: return hotel transport, a private air-conditioned road vehicle, a certified guide and driver, boat travel, snorkeling equipment, reef snorkeling, historical island stops, the waterfall, lunch, and drinks.

You would pay separately for transport, food, and a boat excursion if arranging the day yourself. The price also saves you from working out how to combine Blue Bay, Pointe d’Esny, the lighthouse, Ile de la Passe, GRSE, and Ile aux Cerfs.

The trade-off is flexibility. You cannot linger at one island for half a day, and you may not visit every stop exactly as described if tide, weather, boat availability, or local operating decisions intervene. A private charter would give you more control, but it would usually cost more.

The experience receives an average rating of 4.2 from 155 ratings, which fits the mixed picture: many excellent days, but also a few serious complaints about communication, food, drinks, equipment, safety, and missed stops. I would see the price as fair for an energetic all-in day, not as a guarantee of luxury or perfect execution.

Who should book this speedboat day?

I would choose this tour if you want to see a lot of southeast Mauritius in one outing and enjoy a social boat atmosphere. It is especially suitable for couples, friends, and families with older children who like swimming, snorkeling, music, and a fast ride.

You should be comfortable with:

• Spending most of the day outdoors
• Sitting in the sun and wind
• A bouncy speedboat ride
• Swimming from or near the boat
• A lively drinking atmosphere
• A schedule with several short stops
• Possible changes caused by weather and tide

Families should ask about the onboard atmosphere before booking. The tour information says most people can participate and a minimum of two people is required, but it does not give a specific child age limit. Vegetarian guests must request their meal in advance.

Communication deserves special attention. Pickup times have reportedly changed from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. or even 6:00 a.m. in individual cases. Check the current message in your booking app and confirm the final time with the operator.

What to pack for a better day

Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a sun shirt, a hat, sunglasses, a towel, swimwear, and dry clothes for the ride home. A waterproof phone pouch is useful, and a small bag should be easier to manage than a large suitcase.

Pack snacks even though lunch is included. Also carry any medication you need, since the schedule is long and the boat may be far from the mainland for several hours.

If snorkeling matters to you, ask to inspect the mask and fins before the boat leaves. You can also bring your own mask if you have one. Keep valuables to a minimum, since you will be climbing in and out of the boat and swimming at several stops.

Should you book it?

Book this excursion if your ideal Mauritius day includes many islands, reef snorkeling, a thrilling boat ride, a beach barbecue, and plenty of drinks. The mix of natural scenery and colonial-era sites is stronger than a simple beach transfer, and the smaller boat can reach places more quickly than a catamaran.

Skip it if you want a quiet, carefully paced historical tour, guaranteed visits to every listed stop, or a family setting free from alcohol and smoking. The best match is an active, flexible person who sees the boat ride and lively crew as part of the fun. Go prepared for sun, changing conditions, and a full schedule, and the $151 price can make good sense.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The boat portion begins in Blue Bay on the east coast of Mauritius. Hotel pickup and drop-off are offered at accommodations anywhere in Mauritius.

How long does the experience last?

The full excursion lasts approximately 8 to 9 hours. The listed start time is 8:00 a.m., and return to the mainland is expected around 4:30 p.m.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included for the sessions at Blue Bay Marine Park and other lagoon areas mentioned in the tour.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A three-course barbecue lunch is included at Ilot Margenie, with chicken and fish options, sides, salads, garlic bread, and banana flambé dessert. Vegetarian food is available if requested in advance, and halal food is included.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included, with an open bar during lunch and drinks served onboard.

Are watersports at Ile aux Cerfs included?

No. Watersports are optional and cost extra. The listed additional price is 40 euros.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather or because the minimum number of people is not met, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time.