5 Islands Trip & Ile aux Cerfs inc Lunch, Drinks & Transport

The best part of this Mauritius boat trip is its range. In six hours, you can snorkel at Blue Bay, pass old island ruins, watch for monkeys and dolphins, see the Grand River Southeast waterfall, eat a beach barbecue, and still have time on Ile aux Cerfs. It is a busy day, but not a dull one.

I like the hotel pickup and drop-off, which removes a major hassle on an island tour. I also like the mix of nature, island history, and lunch with local drinks, including alcohol. The main caution is weather: rain can turn a beautiful boat ride into a long, wet one, and the Blue Bay snorkeling stop may feel short for strong swimmers.

Key points to know before you book

• Blue Bay snorkeling lasts about 30 minutes, with equipment supplied, but conditions and marine life can vary.
• Ile de la Passe and Ile au Phare add a useful slice of Mauritius history to what could otherwise be only a beach outing.
• Ilot Mangenie provides the barbecue setting, with chicken, fish, sausage, garlic bread, salad, and fruit.
• Ile aux Cerfs gives you about 90 minutes for white sand, swimming, and other island activities.
• Pickup begins early, often between 6:00 and 7:30 a.m., depending on your hotel.
• The group is advertised at no more than 15 people, though one outing carried 17, so ask about the expected boat size when booking.

This is a day for people who want to see a lot of southeast Mauritius without arranging several separate outings. The boat is the main character. It gets you from Blue Bay to the offshore islands, the waterfall, the lunch beach, and Ile aux Cerfs far faster than a road-based tour could.

At $176 per person, this is not a bargain beach transfer. But the price covers hotel transport, a speedboat excursion, snorkeling gear, lunch, drinks, and a guide in English or French. I see the value in that package if you are staying far from the east coast or want one organized day rather than several smaller bookings.

You should also know what this trip is not. It is not a quiet sailing day, and it is not a long snorkeling expedition. The schedule is active, with several sightseeing passages and a short final stop at Ile aux Cerfs. You trade slow travel for variety.

Early hotel pickup and a fast start from the east coast

Pickup is available from hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, and apartments across much of Mauritius. The list includes Port Louis, Grand Baie, Flic en Flac, Le Morne, Belle Mare, Mahébourg, Blue Bay, Trou d’Eau Douce, and other areas.

The boat portion begins in the east at about 8:00 a.m. If you stay on the east coast, your morning should be fairly simple. From the west, north, or southwest, expect an early collection, usually between 6:00 and 7:30 a.m. Your exact time is provided after booking.

That early start matters. You get more time on the water, but the transfer can take some of your morning if you are staying in places such as Grand Baie or Le Morne. I would book this on a day when you are happy to sacrifice sleep for scenery.

Transport is one of the strongest practical features here. You do not need to find the departure point, arrange a taxi, or work out how to return after a day in the sun. Just make sure your accommodation details are accurate when you reserve.

Blue Bay Marine Park and the short snorkeling stop

The first major stop is near Blue Bay, one of the better-known snorkeling areas in Mauritius. You receive snorkeling equipment, then spend roughly 30 minutes in the water near Ile aux Aigrettes.

The clear water is the draw. You can expect tropical fish, though marine life is never guaranteed, and conditions change with weather and sea conditions. One account described the fish as more like common reef fish than the colorful coral scene some people imagine. Coral damage was also noted, so set your expectations sensibly.

Thirty minutes is enough to cool off and see fish, but it is not enough for a serious snorkeling session. If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, this trip may feel rushed. If you want snorkeling as one part of a larger day, the length works better.

Bring sun protection, a towel, and a dry change of clothes. The boat ride, spray, and weather can leave you damp even when you never intend to swim for long. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, and anyone uncomfortable with a fast boat should consider that before booking.

Ile aux Aigrettes, Ile de la Passe, and Ile au Phare

After snorkeling, the boat passes several islands and historic sites. Ile aux Aigrettes is best understood here as a scenic offshore stop rather than a long island visit. Your attention stays on the water, the coast, and the changing views from the boat.

Ile de la Passe and Ile au Phare, also called Lighthouse Island, add a welcome change of pace. Your skipper explains their historical importance, and you can see the ruins of older buildings from the boat. There is also a chance to visit the historic lighthouse on Ile au Phare, depending on how the day is operated.

The schedule gives about 30 minutes around Ile de la Passe and another 30 minutes for Fouquets Island sightseeing. Those time blocks should not be read as half-hour walks on each island. Much of this section is viewed from the speedboat, so the value comes from the guide’s explanation and the setting rather than extensive exploration on land.

I like this part because it keeps the outing from becoming a simple sequence of beaches. Mauritius has a complicated maritime past, and the old ruins and lighthouse give you something to think about between swimming stops. Still, if you want a detailed historical tour, this will be too brief.

The Grand River Southeast waterfall from the water

The boat continues toward the Grand River Southeast waterfall, often shortened to GRSE Waterfall. You pass the falls from the water, making this a quick scenic stop rather than a hike or a long visit.

The waterfall is especially useful as a contrast to the open sea. You move from reef and island views into the river setting, where the boat can approach the falling water. Monkeys and fruit bats may also appear in this part of the route, and dolphins and turtles have been seen during some outings.

Wildlife sightings are a bonus, not a promise. A guide who keeps watch can improve your chances, and Georges was praised for creating a lively day and spotting unexpected wildlife, including macaque monkeys. Keep your camera ready, but do not judge the tour harshly if nature keeps a low profile.

Barbecue lunch on Ilot Mangenie

Lunch takes place on the wilder side of the Ile aux Cerfs area, at Ilot Mangenie. This is a beach barbecue rather than a restaurant meal, which is exactly right for a boat-and-island day.

The menu includes chicken, fish, sausage, garlic bread, salad, and fruit. Other descriptions mention rice and cabbage salad, and you may have the chance to try sea urchin or lobster if available. Local drinks are included, with alcoholic options, so you can have a cold drink with lunch without opening your wallet again.

The food is simple. I would expect a filling beach meal, not polished dining. That is part of its appeal. You eat outdoors, near the sand and water, with the group around you. The setting does much of the work.

The atmosphere can be one of the day’s best features. A good skipper or guide keeps the group moving and helps lunch feel social rather than merely functional. If you prefer a long, private meal, this will not be your style. If you like casual food in a memorable setting, it fits the trip well.

Ile aux Cerfs and 90 minutes of beach time

After lunch, the boat heads to the famous side of Ile aux Cerfs. You get about an hour and a half here, enough time to stretch out, walk along the white sand, swim, or try other activities offered on the island.

This is the postcard portion of the excursion. The beach is the payoff for the early start and the busy schedule. You will have time to relax, but do not expect an entire afternoon. The stop is long enough to enjoy the setting and short enough to keep the trip on schedule.

I would treat Ile aux Cerfs as a finishing stop, not the central reason to book. If all you want is a beach, you can find easier ways to spend a day. The point here is that the beach comes after snorkeling, islands, wildlife, a waterfall, and lunch.

The final return speedboat ride lasts about 15 minutes. Hotel drop-off follows, with locations covering much of the island.

What the six-hour schedule feels like

The published timing adds up to a lively six hours:

• About 15 minutes by speedboat to Blue Bay Marine Park
• Around 30 minutes snorkeling
• About 30 minutes near Ile aux Aigrettes
• Around 30 minutes near Ile de la Passe
• About 30 minutes sightseeing around Fouquets Island
• A pass by the GRSE Waterfall
• One hour for lunch
• About 90 minutes at Ile aux Cerfs
• Around 15 minutes by speedboat before the return transfer

In real life, the day can feel full. You are often changing focus: water, ruins, river, food, sand. I like that rhythm, but it may tire you if you want long stretches of quiet.

The boat is limited to 15 people according to the tour details. One outing had 17 people, so the actual group size may vary. A smaller boat makes it easier to hear the guide, move around for photos, and feel less crowded at lunch. Ask for the expected number before you commit if personal space matters to you.

Guide quality, language, and the boat experience

Guiding is available in English and French. The best part of the guide’s job is not just naming the islands. It is connecting the sites, pointing out wildlife, explaining the old buildings, and keeping the mood upbeat during a long morning on the water.

Georges is one guide specifically associated with a strong day. His ability to spot macaque monkeys added an unexpected highlight, and his good humor helped the program feel enjoyable rather than mechanical.

The speedboat itself is part of the fun. You get quick movement between stops and a close feel for the coast. On the other hand, speed means wind, spray, and more exposure to weather. If rain arrives, there is not much shelter from the elements.

Weather deserves serious attention. One outing continued during a storm warning and heavy rain, leaving the group wet for more than three hours. That is a major drawback, especially because much of the trip takes place in an open boat. Check the forecast, pack a waterproof layer, and understand the operator’s policy if conditions look poor. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund.

Is $176 a fair price?

The $176 price makes sense if you will use most of what is included. Hotel pickup and drop-off can be costly and awkward to arrange independently, especially from the north or west. Add a boat trip, snorkeling gear, a barbecue, drinks, a guide, and access to several east coast highlights, and the package becomes easier to justify.

The value weakens if you mainly want two things: a long snorkeling session and a full afternoon on Ile aux Cerfs. You get only about 30 minutes in the water and 90 minutes on the beach. The rest of the time is sightseeing from the boat and eating lunch.

I would compare the price with your priorities. For a first visit to Mauritius, the broad mix may be worth paying for. For a repeat visit, or for someone who already has transport and only wants the beach, a more focused outing could offer better value.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want a wide sampler of southeast Mauritius in one organized day. It suits couples, families with older children, and small groups who enjoy moving between several sights instead of staying in one place.

It is also a good choice if you are staying away from the east coast and do not want to drive or coordinate taxis. The included transport and food make the day simple.

I would hesitate if you are pregnant, dislike speedboats, need lots of shade, or want a slow, quiet outing. Strong snorkelers may also find the water time too short. And if the forecast calls for storms, I would use the flexible cancellation option rather than gamble on an open-water trip.

FAQ

How long does the 5 Islands Trip last?

The activity lasts about six hours, not including the time required for hotel pickup and drop-off.

What does the price include?

The $176 price includes the speedboat excursion, snorkeling equipment, barbecue lunch, local drinks including alcohol, time at Ile aux Cerfs, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are available from hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, and apartments across Mauritius. The exact pickup time depends on your accommodation.

How early is hotel pickup?

Pickup typically takes place between 6:00 and 7:30 a.m. The boat activity starts at approximately 8:00 a.m. in the east of the island.

Which languages are available?

The live guide service is available in English and French.

How long is the snorkeling stop?

The snorkeling stop near Blue Bay Marine Park lasts about 30 minutes. Snorkeling gear is provided.

Do you visit Ile aux Phare?

The tour includes a visit or sightseeing opportunity at Ile aux Phare, also known as Lighthouse Island. You can see historic ruins and may have the chance to visit the lighthouse.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The barbecue includes chicken, fish, sausage, garlic bread, salad, and fruit. Rice and cabbage salad may also be served.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Yes. Local drinks, including alcoholic drinks, are included with the barbecue lunch.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women?

No. Pregnant women are listed as unsuitable for this activity.

How many people are in the group?

The tour is advertised as a small group limited to 15 participants. One outing carried 17 people, so the actual number may sometimes be higher.

Can you cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want variety, convenience, and a lively speedboat day rather than one long beach stop. The strongest combination is the included transport, the beach barbecue, the historic islands, and the chance to see wildlife along the route.

Think twice if snorkeling is your top goal, if you need a quiet boat, or if the weather looks unstable. For the right person, this is an efficient and enjoyable way to cover the southeast coast, with enough beach time to finish the day on a high note.