5 Islands Speedboat w/Snorkeling Sea Turtle + Lunch & Drinks

Catch five islands by fast boat. This East Coast trip packs in island stops, a waterfall, snorkeling, beach lunch, and an open bar without making you share the day with a large crowd. I especially like the small group of up to eight and the chance for four or more people to request a private boat. The grilled lunch and drinks also make the $125 price easier to justify.

The main tradeoff is a long day on open water, with an early meeting at Trou d’Eau Douce and an optional hotel transfer at extra cost. You should also keep your expectations sensible about wildlife: dolphins and sea turtles are listed as possible sightings, not guaranteed appearances.

Key points at a glance

• A full nine-hour East Coast route: You visit Ile aux Cerfs, Grand River South East, Ile aux Phares, Ile de la Passe, Ile aux Aigrettes, and Ilot Margenie, with Blue Bay Marine Park included.
• Small-group speedboat setting: The boat is limited to eight participants, and groups of four or more may be able to arrange a private trip.
• Snorkeling at Blue Bay: You receive equipment and swim among tropical fish in one of Mauritius’s best-known marine areas.
• Beach BBQ and open bar: Lunch includes grilled chicken, grilled fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, and salad, with alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks included.
• Wildlife is part of the fun: The route includes a chance to see Mauritian monkeys, sea turtles, and dolphins, though nature keeps its own schedule.
• Trou d’Eau Douce is the transport hub: The tour begins and ends at the local jetty, while hotel and Airbnb transfers cost extra.

Why this speedboat trip offers good value

At $125 per person, this is not the cheapest boat outing in Mauritius. It is also not simply a short cruise with one beach stop. Your price covers about nine hours on the water, island visits, snorkeling equipment, a BBQ lunch, snacks, and unlimited alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.

That matters because food, drinks, and transport between several coastal sights can quickly add up. I see the strongest value in the combination of a small group and a busy route. You are not paying only for speed. You are paying for a full day with a guide, boat crew, meals, refreshments, and several different types of stops.

The experience is best for you if you want variety. In one day, you can swim, look for wildlife, walk on an island, see a waterfall, eat on the beach, and cruise past historic islands. If you prefer one quiet beach and plenty of unplanned time, this itinerary may feel too packed.

The speedboat itself also changes the character of the day. You cover more water than you would on a slower boat, and the engine, spray, and movement make the ride part of the attraction. The boat is described as comfortable, but you should still expect wind, sun, and some bouncing over the waves.

Meeting the boat at Trou d’Eau Douce

The tour starts and finishes at the jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce. To find it, search for Debarcader Trou D’eau Douce on Google Maps. The spelling can vary, so checking the map before leaving your accommodation is wise.

The advertised meeting time in one account was 7:55 a.m., with departure at 8:50 a.m. That gap suggests you should arrive early and allow time for check-in, boarding, and possible delays. The tour lasts nine hours, so this is a substantial commitment rather than a casual morning outing.

Hotel and Airbnb pickup is available around Mauritius for an extra fee. This can be useful if you are staying far from Trou d’Eau Douce, but ask for the transfer price before booking. The boat cost and the land transfer are separate parts of your budget.

The group size is limited to eight participants. That is a major advantage on a day involving a small boat, shared snorkeling time, and lunch. If you are a group of four or more, ask whether the private arrangement is confirmed for your date. The offer is especially attractive for families and friends who want control over the pace and more room on board.

Ile aux Cerfs gives you an easy start

The first scheduled stop is Ile aux Cerfs, where you have about 45 minutes for a visit and refreshments. This opening stop lets you get your bearings before the boat begins its longer run along the coast.

Ile aux Cerfs is known for its white sand and clear water, and the final part of the day returns here for more beach time. The first visit is relatively short, so think of it as an introduction rather than a full island stay.

That short timing may disappoint you if your main goal is to spend hours on the beach. On the other hand, it helps the tour fit in the waterfall, several islands, Blue Bay snorkeling, lunch, and the return cruise. The route is built around variety, not long stays at every stop.

Grand River South East adds a waterfall and monkeys

Next, the speedboat heads to Grand River South East. Here, the main sight is a waterfall flowing into the Indian Ocean. Seeing fresh water meet the sea is one of the more unusual features of the route, and it gives the day a change of pace from beaches and open water.

You may also have the chance to see and feed wild Mauritian monkeys. This is one of the most memorable parts for many people, especially families. It is also worth treating the animals with care and listening closely to the guide’s instructions. The activity is included in the route, but wildlife does not always appear on cue.

The waterfall stop is more about viewing and atmosphere than a long land excursion. If you want a detailed nature walk, this boat trip is not designed for that. If you like quick scenic stops with a bit of wildlife, it fits well.

The lighthouse islands bring history into the day

The route then continues toward Ile aux Phares and passes by Ile de la Passe. These islands add a historical angle to what could otherwise be a straightforward beach and snorkeling trip.

The information provided for the tour does not give a long historical lecture or detailed walking time on each island. You should therefore expect to see and discuss these places from the boat or during brief stops, rather than take part in a formal museum-style visit.

I like this part of the route because it gives the day some context. The islands are not only backdrops for photographs. They are part of Mauritius’s coastal story, and seeing them from a speedboat helps you understand how scattered and exposed the East Coast island chain is.

Blue Bay Marine Park is the snorkeling centerpiece

The main snorkeling session takes place at Blue Bay Marine Park. You receive snorkeling equipment, and the tour describes the water as clear, with tropical fish in the marine area.

This is likely the most active part of the day. You will want sunscreen, a camera if you have a waterproof option, and a willingness to swim in open water. One account specifically noted that the current can be strong and that the skipper gave clear instructions, watched the group, and helped shorten the swim for people who wanted to return to the boat.

That is useful practical information. Do not assume snorkeling here is completely still or effortless. Listen to the safety briefing, stay within the group, and tell the crew if you are tired. The boat crew may adjust the distance, but you should not push yourself just to stay in the water longer.

Blue Bay can feel like a giant aquarium when visibility is good, but marine conditions vary. The tour includes the snorkeling session, not a promise of perfect water or a specific number of fish. The experience is strongest for confident swimmers who still appreciate close supervision.

Ile aux Aigrettes and Ilot Margenie keep the route moving

After Blue Bay, the boat passes Ile aux Aigrettes for refreshments. This is another short stop, useful for a drink and a pause after snorkeling rather than a major beach visit.

The return route takes you past Ilot Margenie before heading back toward Ile aux Cerfs. These passing views are part of the pleasure of a speedboat tour. You see more of the coast and its small islands than you would on a single-destination cruise.

The downside is that the day includes many brief transitions. You will spend plenty of time boarding, riding, stopping, and moving on. That rhythm suits you if you enjoy seeing a lot in one outing. It may frustrate you if you want to linger at each island.

Ile aux Cerfs brings beach time, lunch, and drinks

The longer relaxation period comes back at Ile aux Cerfs. Here you can swim, sunbathe, drink coconut water, or choose optional water activities such as parasailing and a tube ride.

Those activities are not clearly listed as part of the $125 package, so ask about their cost before committing. The included part of the afternoon is the beach setting, lunch, and drinks. This is where the tour shifts from active sightseeing to a more social island break.

The BBQ menu is substantial for a beach meal. You can expect grilled chicken, grilled fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, and salad. The meal suits a mixed group because it includes both meat and fish, plus familiar side dishes. Snacks are also included.

The open bar includes rum, wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and water. A barman can prepare rum cocktails, and Mauritian beer and wine are available. Live music or a sega show may accompany lunch, adding local entertainment to the beach stop.

I like that food and drinks are included rather than left to chance on a remote island. Still, drink responsibly. You have already spent hours in the sun and on a moving boat, and the return trip remains ahead.

Wildlife sightings are possible, not promised

The tour includes chances to see dolphins and sea turtles, as well as the wild monkeys near Grand River South East. One outing produced four dolphin sightings, while another did not see dolphins. That contrast tells you exactly how to approach the wildlife side of the experience.

You might see turtles while snorkeling or dolphins from the boat. You might also see neither. The crew can search, but no responsible operator can control wild animals.

The monkeys are a more defined part of the stop, since the route specifically includes the chance to meet and feed them. Even so, they are wild animals, not a scheduled performance. Keep your camera ready, but do not make the entire day depend on a particular sighting.

The crew and language support matter

The tour offers guides in English, French, German, Italian, and Romanian. That range is helpful on a small boat, where clear instructions matter during boarding and snorkeling.

The strongest praise goes to the skipper and driver for professional boat handling, safety, and personal attention. A German-speaking participant described feeling safe despite the speed and noted that the skipper watched swimmers closely, adjusted the distance for those returning to the boat, and actively tried to find dolphins.

French-speaking feedback also praised the pilot’s explanations and friendly manner. Another account highlighted a relaxed, stress-free ride and good food. These details suggest that the crew’s attitude is a large part of the experience, not a minor extra.

You should still confirm your preferred language at booking. The listed languages are English, French, German, Italian, and Romanian, but the exact guide for your departure is not specified.

Who should book this day on the water?

I would recommend this tour to you if you want an active, social day with a lot of scenery and included food. It is a particularly good fit for:

• Couples who want a full East Coast outing without arranging several separate activities
• Families who value a private boat option and included lunch
• Small groups of friends who enjoy speed, snorkeling, drinks, and beach time
• First-time visitors who want to cover several famous coastal sights in one day
• Swimmers who are comfortable following instructions in open water

I would be more cautious if you get seasick, dislike fast boats, or need a slow, quiet schedule. The nine-hour length also means you should be ready for a full day in the sun. Bring sunscreen and a camera, and consider a waterproof case for your phone.

The boat is limited to eight participants, but the exact seating space and shade arrangements are not specified. If those details matter to you, ask before paying. Groups of four or more should also confirm that the private speedboat is secured, rather than assuming it happens automatically.

Booking flexibility and practical details

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately, which is useful when your Mauritius plans are still shifting.

The tour has a listed rating of 4.4 from 156 reviews, a solid result for a busy full-day excursion. The most consistent strengths are the small group, friendly skipper, good food, careful snorkeling support, and the range of stops.

The main practical costs to check are hotel or Airbnb transfers and optional water sports. The tour begins and ends at Trou d’Eau Douce, so compare the cost of arranging your own way to the jetty with the provider’s pickup fee.

Should you book the 5 Islands speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a packed but well-rounded day on Mauritius’s East Coast. The mix of fast cruising, island views, waterfall scenery, monkeys, Blue Bay snorkeling, beach BBQ, and drinks gives you far more variety than a simple beach transfer.

The best version of this experience is likely a group of four or more using the private option. You gain more control and avoid the cramped feeling that can come with a full boat. Smaller parties should still benefit from the eight-person limit.

Skip it if you want long, quiet hours on one beach or if open-water snorkeling and speedboat movement sound tiring. For everyone else, the $125 price is reasonable because it combines transport, guiding, food, drinks, equipment, and a full nine-hour route in one package.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins and ends at the jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce. Search for Debarcader Trou D’eau Douce on Google Maps to locate the meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts nine hours. The listed meeting time in one account was 7:55 a.m., with departure at 8:50 a.m., so check the confirmed start time for your date.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel and Airbnb pickup and drop-off are available around Mauritius for an additional cost. They are not included in the listed tour price.

How many people are in the group?

The small group is limited to eight participants. If you are a group of four or more, you may be able to arrange a private speedboat.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the main snorkeling session takes place at Blue Bay Marine Park.

What food is included?

The beach BBQ includes grilled chicken, grilled fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, and salad. Unlimited snacks are also included.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes rum, wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and water. Rum cocktails and other drinks are served during the beach portion of the day.

Are dolphins and sea turtles guaranteed?

No. The tour includes opportunities to view dolphins and sea turtles, but sightings depend on natural conditions. Wild monkeys are also part of the Grand River South East stop, but wildlife cannot be guaranteed.