5 Islands Speedboat Cruise, Snorkeling + Lunch & Open Bar

The east coast is best seen from the water. This seven-hour speedboat trip packs a lot into one day, from the old Ile aux Fouqets Lighthouse and Blue Bay snorkeling to swimming stops, waterfalls, and a barbecue lunch on Ile aux Cerfs. I like the mix of history and fast-moving adventure, and I also like that lunch, drinks, snorkeling, and attraction tickets are included. The main drawback is that the day covers several places quickly, and you get only one stated snorkeling stop.

The tour begins and ends at Trou d’Eau Douce, with boarding at 8:30 a.m. and return around 3:30 p.m. I would also budget for transport to the boat, since hotel transfers are not included, and remember that fresh lobster costs extra. Still, at $100 per person, the package offers solid value if you want an active day rather than a slow beach outing.

Key points to know before booking

• Ile aux Fouqets Lighthouse is the history stop: The weathered lighthouse is the tour’s main sightseeing attraction and gives the route a clear sense of place.
• The boat keeps the day lively: You move between islands and coastal sights by speedboat instead of spending the day at one beach.
• One snorkeling stop is included: It takes place near Blue Bay Marine Park, with a chance to see local marine life and plants.
• Lunch and an open bar are part of the price: The island barbecue is included, while fresh grilled lobster costs extra.
• The day runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.: That makes this a substantial outing, not a quick morning cruise.
• Captain and guide quality matter: Danilo received special praise for keeping the pace fun, while another captain was noted for good humor and a family-friendly approach.

What the $100 day actually includes

The $100 price covers a full seven-hour outing, speedboat travel between the stops, tickets to the listed attractions, snorkeling, an island barbecue lunch, and an open bar. That is a useful bundle, especially since meals and drinks can add up quickly on an all-day boat trip.

Fresh grilled lobster is not included. You can ask the operator to reserve it in advance through WhatsApp, which is the sensible way to handle it if lobster is important to you. Otherwise, the included island recipe barbecue gives you a complete meal without adding another charge.

Transport is the main extra to consider. You need to reach the meeting point at Trou d’Eau Douce unless you arrange private transport from your hotel or accommodation. The operator can organize that service, but you should request it in advance rather than assume it is part of the standard price.

The flexible booking terms also help if your Mauritius plans are still shifting. You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The tour is offered in English and French.

Trou d’Eau Douce and the 8:30 start

Your day begins at Trou d’Eau Douce on the east coast. The exact boarding details are sent by WhatsApp, so make sure the operator has a working phone number and check the message before the morning of departure.

The early start makes sense. You have several islands and coastal sights to cover, and a 3:30 p.m. return leaves room for swimming, lunch, and sightseeing without turning the day into a late-night outing. I would arrive ready to board, with swimwear already under your clothes if that makes changing easier.

This is a speedboat day, not a sedate sightseeing cruise. You should expect engine noise, wind, spray, and movement on the water. That is part of the fun, but anyone hoping for a quiet, shaded ride should choose a slower boat experience instead.

Ile aux Cerfs: swimming, lunch, and time to relax

Ile aux Cerfs is the most relaxed part of the route. Here you can swim, sunbathe, and take a break from the boat before or after lunch. The island also has watersports shops, so you may see extra activities available for separate purchase, but they are not listed as part of the $100 package.

The included barbecue lunch gives this stop practical value. You do not need to find a restaurant or leave the group searching for food. The open bar is also available here, so this is the point in the day when you can settle into a proper island pause.

I would treat Ile aux Cerfs as recovery time rather than expect nonstop action. After the speedboat ride and several stops, a swim and a meal are welcome. If you want the lobster option, arrange it ahead of time and confirm the extra cost.

The tradeoff is time. Since the route includes several other locations, your beach stay may not feel like a full day at the island. You get a taste of the beach, lunch, and swimming, but this is not the right trip if your top priority is spending hours in one spot.

Ile aux Fouqets Lighthouse and the old coast

The Ile aux Fouqets Lighthouse is the tour’s main attraction, and it gives the outing more substance than a simple island-hopping day. The lighthouse sits on Ile aux Fouqets, one of the small islands along the east coast, and its weathered appearance adds a historical note to the route.

You will likely appreciate this stop most if you enjoy seeing old structures in their natural setting rather than visiting a formal museum. The lighthouse is presented as a key sight from the boat and route, so keep your camera ready as you approach.

The exact amount of time spent ashore is not specified. That matters because the lighthouse may be more of a viewed landmark than a long walking visit. I would not expect a full historical tour or extensive interpretation. Instead, think of it as a memorable coastal sight that breaks up the swimming stops.

This is also where the speedboat format makes sense. You can reach small offshore points that would not fit easily into a standard road-based day tour. The trip’s history element is brief, but it gives the outing a stronger connection to Mauritius than a beach-and-barbecue cruise alone.

Ile aux Aigrettes and Ilot Mergenie

Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve is listed as another stop, with swimming and open-bar time. The reserve adds a quieter natural setting to the itinerary, though the information provided does not describe a guided wildlife walk or land excursion inside the reserve.

That distinction is worth keeping clear. You should expect a nature-focused coastal stop with time to swim and relax, not assume that a formal reserve tour is included. If nature photography is your main goal, ask the operator what access looks like on your departure date.

Ilot Mergenie is also included among the places visited, but no specific activity or sightseeing detail is provided for it. It appears to be one of the smaller island points folded into the speedboat route. The advertised title says five islands, while the full list names Ile aux Cerfs, Ile aux Fouqets, Ile aux Aigrettes, Ilot Mergenie, and the Blue Bay area, along with the Grand River South East Waterfalls.

Because the itinerary names several separate sights, I would confirm the exact order and stop length by WhatsApp. That is especially useful if you have a particular interest in the lighthouse, reserve, or swimming time.

Blue Bay Marine Park snorkeling

The snorkeling stop takes place near Blue Bay Marine Park, where you can look for local marine life and plant life in the water. Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price, which removes one common extra cost.

The main limitation is simple: the itinerary specifies one snorkeling stop. One person enjoyed the day but wished there had been another chance to snorkel in a better spot. That is useful advice if snorkeling is your main reason for booking.

Sea conditions can affect how much you enjoy this part of the day. One departure was praised even though the weather was not ideal, but rough or unsettled water can still reduce visibility and comfort. I would bring a secure swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and beachwear, and keep your expectations flexible.

This stop works best as part of a wider day. You get a chance to enter the water, then return to the broader route rather than spending the entire outing in one marine area. Dedicated snorkelers may want a separate, snorkeling-focused trip with several water stops.

Grand River South East Waterfalls from the boat

The Grand River South East Waterfalls add a different kind of scenery. After islands and open water, the route shifts toward a river setting where fresh water runs toward the coast.

The falls are one of Mauritius’s well-known natural sights, and seeing them as part of a boat route gives the day some variety. You are not simply repeating the same swim stop several times. The itinerary does not specify a hike or extended walk, so plan for a sightseeing visit rather than a long land excursion.

This stop may also depend on water levels and weather. The tour has operated successfully in less-than-perfect conditions, but the look and feel of a waterfall can change with rain. The speedboat format lets you cover the coastal and river portions of the east coast in one outing, which is one reason the schedule feels full.

The people who make the day work

The strongest praise focuses on the crew. Danilo is singled out as a great skipper who kept the day fun and moved at a good pace. That pacing matters here because the route includes many separate points, and a slow start or poorly managed stop could leave the day feeling rushed.

Another captain was praised for good humor, and the trip was described as great fun for a whole family. Those details suggest that the atmosphere is friendly rather than stiff or formal. You can expect the guide and pilot to be part of the experience, not just someone operating the boat.

Crew quality can vary from one departure to another, of course. The consistent pattern is positive: the pilot or captain helped create a pleasant mood, even when the weather was not perfect. That is important on a boat day, since wind and clouds can affect the scenery and swimming conditions.

Is this a good family and group outing?

The tour suits people who want several types of activity in one day. You can swim, snorkel, see a lighthouse, view waterfalls, stop at island locations, eat lunch, and enjoy an open bar without arranging each piece separately.

Families may like the variety and the friendly tone. The speedboat ride adds excitement, while lunch and swimming give the day calmer pauses. Still, this is not a passive outing. You need to be comfortable boarding a speedboat and spending much of the day around water.

It is less suitable for anyone using a wheelchair, since the experience is built around speedboat boarding, island access, and water activities. The operator also does not state that specialized mobility support is available.

I would choose this for couples, families with older children, and groups of friends who want a busy east coast day. I would choose something else for anyone seeking a slow cruise, a long snorkeling session, or a quiet beach day with no schedule.

What to bring and how to prepare

Keep your packing simple:

• Swimwear and beachwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• A phone or camera that can handle spray
• Any personal items you need during a full seven-hour outing

Since lunch, snorkeling, and the open bar are included, you do not need to plan around buying a meal during the day. Bring extra money only if you want fresh grilled lobster, optional watersports, or private hotel transport.

Use WhatsApp before departure to confirm the boarding details. This is also where you should request private transport or reserve lobster. Clear communication matters because the activity begins and ends at the meeting point, not automatically at your hotel.

Who should book the five-island cruise?

I would book this tour if you want a full east coast sampler with speed, scenery, swimming, food, and a little history. The strongest value comes from the combination of inclusions: a seven-hour route, island barbecue lunch, open bar, snorkeling, and attraction tickets for $100 per person.

I would hesitate if snorkeling is your top priority, since only one snorkeling location is specified. I would also think twice if you dislike engine noise, spray, or a tightly packed schedule.

For most active visitors to Mauritius, this is a well-rounded day. Danilo’s praised pacing, the lighthouse, the waterfall stop, and the included meal give it more range than a basic boat ride. Confirm transport and the exact stop order, pack for water, and book it for an energetic day rather than a lazy one.

FAQ

Where does the five-island speedboat cruise start?

The activity starts at Trou d’Eau Douce on Mauritius’s east coast.

What time does the tour begin and end?

Boarding is at 8:30 a.m., and the tour returns at about 3:30 p.m. The total duration is seven hours.

Is transportation from my hotel included?

No. Transportation is not included in the standard price, but private transport from your hotel or accommodation to the boat and back can be arranged by request.

Is lunch included?

Yes. An island recipe barbecue lunch is included in the price. Fresh grilled lobster is available at an additional cost and should be reserved in advance.

Is an open bar included?

Yes. Open-bar service is included, including at the listed swimming and island stops.

Is snorkeling included?

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

What islands and sights are included?

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

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, beachwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Can wheelchair users join the tour?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.