Mauritius: 5 East Coast Islands Tour with Snorkeling & Lunch

The best part of this five-island speedboat tour is its variety. In one day, you move from the Grande River South East waterfall to old naval battle sites, then into clear water for swimming and snorkeling before a beach BBQ. It gives you a lively taste of Mauritius’ east coast without making you arrange several separate trips.

I like the fast, exciting boat ride and the mix of nature with colonial history. I also like that the guides, including Derek, Thomas, and Ronny on different departures, are praised for friendly conversation and useful commentary. The main drawback is the bumpy ride, plus the lunch setup and snorkeling equipment may not suit everyone.

Key points to know before booking

• A fast-paced east coast route: You cover waterfalls, beaches, historic islands, and snorkeling water in about seven hours.
• GRSE waterfall by boat: The Grande River South East is Mauritius’ longest river, ending at the sea in a scenic coastal waterfall.
• History on Ile aux Phares: The old lighthouse is more than 200 years old and linked to the 1810 naval battle of Grand Port.
• Swimming comes before lunch: You get time in the water at Ile aux Cerfs and Ile aux Aigrettes, then eat BBQ food on Ile aux Margenie.
• A speedboat, not a gentle cruise: The ride can be thrilling and bumpy, especially for anyone prone to motion sickness.
• Bring your own snorkel if possible: Some departures provide an eye mask or snorkel head, but equipment may be limited.

Why this seven-hour east coast trip works

This is a full day on the water, beginning around 9 AM and returning to Trou d’Eau Douce at about 4 PM. For $85 per person, the price covers the speedboat, the major stops, snorkeling and swimming time, lunch, drinks, and optional hotel transport.

That is solid value if you want one organized day that combines several sides of Mauritius. You are not paying only for a beach transfer. The route includes a waterfall, island scenery, a short lesson in colonial-era conflict, swimming areas, and a meal.

The experience is active rather than slow. You will board and leave the boat several times, walk on beaches, swim, and sit in the open air. I would choose it for a first visit to the east coast, especially if you want a broad overview instead of spending the entire day on one beach.

The route is not always a strict checklist. Access to some islands can affect how long you stop, and one departure may not visit every island in the way you expect. The weather also matters. If conditions are poor, the trip may be moved or refunded.

Starting at Ile aux Cerfs

The day begins with Ile aux Cerfs, one of the best-known stops on Mauritius’ east coast. The planned visit lasts about 45 minutes and may include sightseeing and time at the arts and crafts market.

This is a useful first stop because you can get your bearings before the boat heads farther along the coast. You may browse the market, take photographs, or simply enjoy the beach setting. The time is short, so do not expect a relaxed half-day here.

Ile aux Cerfs appears again later in the day for swimming and beach time. That repeated stop can feel slightly confusing when you first read the plan, but it reflects the fact that the island is used for more than one part of the outing. You may first see it as a sightseeing stop, then return for the water and lunch area.

The Grande River South East waterfall

Next comes the Grande River South East waterfall, usually shortened to GRSE waterfall. This is the point where Mauritius’ longest river meets the sea, and the approach by boat gives you a different view than a road-based waterfall visit.

The stop lasts around 30 minutes. Expect a short boat cruise, a photo stop, and scenic views rather than a long walk or hike. The waterfall is best understood as a coastal sight, framed by the river mouth and surrounding greenery.

This is one of the most worthwhile parts for anyone who likes natural scenery but does not want a strenuous excursion. Your guide may point out features along the route, and guides such as Thomas have been praised for keeping up commentary between stops.

Do not expect a huge cascade like you might find in a mountain national park. The appeal here is the setting, the boat approach, and the way freshwater reaches the coast.

Speed, spray, and the reality of the boat

The speedboat is a major part of the experience, not just transport between attractions. You will move quickly across open water, and the ride adds energy to a route that could otherwise feel like a series of short beach visits.

That speed has a tradeoff. The ride can be bumpy, particularly when the sea is not calm. One detailed account described the initial ride as a shock before settling into the fun of it. If you prefer a smooth, quiet crossing, a catamaran trip may suit you better.

You should also consider group size. Some departures have only four people or a small group of seven, which makes the day feel personal. The boat can hold up to 10 people, and a full boat will feel less spacious than a small departure.

Sit where you can hold on securely, protect your phone from spray, and bring sunscreen. Comfortable shoes are useful when moving around beaches and boarding areas.

Ile aux Phares and Ile de la Passe

The historic section of the tour centers on Ile aux Phares and Ile de la Passe. Ile aux Phares has an old lighthouse dating back more than 200 years. It is now a protected historical monument, so the stop is mainly for sightseeing and photographs.

The islands are also tied to the naval battle of Grand Port in 1810, when French and British forces fought in the area. The French victory is notable because it was the only victory of the Napoleonic Navy, and it is listed on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

You may not spend long on the islands themselves. The schedule allows about 25 minutes at Ile aux Phares, followed by a pass by Ile de la Passe. Still, this short stop gives the day some meaning beyond beaches and drinks.

I like this part because the history is easy to connect to the places around you. You are not sitting in a museum reading a long panel. You are looking at the lighthouse and the water where the battle took place. Ask your guide for more detail if the commentary moves quickly.

Snorkeling at Eau Bleu

After the historic islands, the boat heads to Eau Bleu for snorkeling. The clear water is one of the main reasons to choose this trip, and the schedule also includes swimming at Ile aux Cerfs and Ile aux Aigrettes.

Snorkeling quality depends on weather, visibility, and the exact anchoring point. Some departures have produced excellent water time, while others have had more limited access. The tour promises snorkeling, but you should not treat it as a specialist reef expedition with long, uninterrupted sessions.

Bring your own mask and snorkel if you care about getting the best fit. The instructions list snorkeling gear among the items to bring, and equipment provided on some departures may be only an eye mask or snorkel head. One person had an eye mask but no breathing tube, which made it impossible to enjoy the water fully.

You should also bring a towel, swimsuit, sunglasses, camera, and plenty of sunscreen. The sun reflects off the sea, and the open boat offers little shelter.

Swimming at Ile aux Aigrettes

Ile aux Aigrettes brings another 45-minute stop, with an aperitif and time to swim. This is less about ticking off a famous sight and more about slowing the pace after the speedboat ride and historic stops.

The water is described as clear, and the short stop gives you a chance to cool off before lunch. You can swim, take photographs, or stay on the beach with a drink. The exact balance depends on how the day is running and what access is allowed.

The aperitif is a pleasant touch, but this is not a long beach stay. If you want hours of quiet sand and shade, you should book a beach day instead. This tour works better for people who like several brief stops.

BBQ lunch on Ile aux Margenie

Lunch is served on Ile aux Margenie, with BBQ food and a selection of drinks. Beer and wine are included in the meal service, and the food is halal. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available.

The meal is designed for convenience. You do not need to leave the coast or find a restaurant between activities, and eating near the water keeps the day moving. Portions have been described as generous, and several departures have received strong marks for the food.

Vegetarians should take extra care. The stated vegetarian option exists, but one departure provided a very basic salad and toasted white bread. The same grill may also be used for meat and fish, which could matter to you for dietary or personal reasons. If you have strict requirements, bring a backup meal and confirm the arrangements before departure.

There is also a criticism worth noting: the lunch island may need better cleaning and maintenance. Do not book this expecting a polished resort restaurant. Think of it as a simple outdoor BBQ stop that keeps you close to the sea.

Returning to Ile aux Cerfs for beach time

After lunch, you have time to relax, sunbathe, or swim around Ile aux Cerfs. This is the least structured part of the day, which is welcome after several scheduled stops.

The water is described as crystal clear, and you can use this time to swim rather than rush through another photo stop. If you prefer to stay dry, sit on the beach with a drink and watch the boats.

Keep an eye on the clock. A full day on the water can make the return feel later than expected, especially if the sea is choppy. The planned return is around 4 PM at Trou d’Eau Douce, with drop-off areas extending to districts including Moka, Rivière Noire, Grand Port, Rivière du Rempart, Port Louis, Flacq, Pamplemousses, and Savanne when transport is selected.

Guides, transfers, and day-to-day organization

The tour has live guiding in English and French. Guides named in the feedback include Derek, Thomas, and Ronny. Their strengths are described in practical terms: friendly conversation, enthusiasm for the sea, and commentary at the stops.

That matters on a route with several brief visits. Without explanation, Ile aux Phares and Ile de la Passe would be little more than distant islands. A good guide connects the lighthouse and naval battle to what you are seeing.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are optional, not automatic. If you select transport, send your accommodation address by WhatsApp so the team can provide a pickup time. The time varies by location, so do not assume the 9 AM start means a 9 AM hotel pickup.

If you meet at the departure point, it is on the beach opposite Green Island Restaurant. Arrive on time and expect a safety briefing before departure. The transport portion has not been perfect on every outing, so pay attention to the driving standard if you use a hotel transfer.

Who should book this tour?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A busy but manageable day covering several east coast sights
• A thrilling speedboat ride instead of a slow cruise
• Swimming and snorkeling mixed with sightseeing
• A simple lunch and drinks included in the price
• Some colonial-era history without spending hours indoors
• The convenience of optional hotel transport

I would hesitate if you want a calm, luxurious cruise, a long snorkeling session, or a carefully controlled vegetarian meal. It is also unsuitable for children under four and pregnant women.

The overall rating is 4.1 from 267 reviews, which fits the experience well. Most of the strongest praise centers on organization, friendly guides, the excitement of the boat, the scenery, and the chance to see wildlife such as dolphins, sea turtles, and monkeys. Those sightings are possible, not promised, so do not book the tour mainly for dolphins or whales.

Should you book the five-island speedboat tour?

Book it if you want an active introduction to Mauritius’ east coast and value variety over long stays at one site. For $85, the combination of speedboat transport, waterfall, historic islands, swimming, snorkeling, BBQ lunch, and drinks is a fair package.

Go in with the right expectations. The route may change with weather and access, the boat ride can be bumpy, snorkeling gear may be basic, and the lunch setting is casual. If those tradeoffs sound acceptable, this is a lively and good-value day on the water, with enough history and local scenery to keep it from feeling like a simple beach transfer.

FAQ

How long does the five-island tour last?

The tour lasts about seven hours. It generally begins at 9 AM and returns to the meeting point in Trou d’Eau Douce around 4 PM.

Where does the tour depart?

The meeting point is on the beach opposite Green Island Restaurant. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available only when you select the transport option.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is served on Ile aux Margenie, with a selection of drinks. Beer and wine are listed among the included drinks.

Are vegetarian meals available?

Yes. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available, and the food is halal. If you have strict dietary needs, confirm the meal arrangements and consider bringing extra food.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

You should bring your own snorkeling gear. Some departures may provide an eye mask or snorkel head, but equipment can be limited.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The activity requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.