5 Islands Tour: New OCÉANE Private Pontoon Boat cruise

Island hopping starts with a waterfall. This private six-hour cruise pairs the Grand River South East waterfall with snorkeling, island scenery, lunch, and drinks aboard a pontoon boat. I especially like the private format, which gives you more control over the pace, and the chance to see several very different corners of Mauritius in one day.

I also like that the package includes snorkeling gear, lunch, and unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The main consideration is that the advertised price of $871 covers up to two people, so it is a serious expense for a couple, though the boat can carry up to 11 passengers if your party is larger.

Key points to know before booking

• The day begins at Pointe Maurice, just before the Shangri-La le Touessrok hotel, with the return to the same area.
• The Grand River South East waterfall provides an early scenic stop, with time for photos and wildlife viewing.
• Snorkeling comes before alcohol, and the crew may cancel snorkeling if drinks are consumed beforehand.
• The route includes several southeastern islands, including Ile aux Fouquets, Îlot Flamants, and views toward Ile aux Cerfs.
• Lunch and unlimited drinks are included, but one past outing had a barbecue on a private beach instead of the planned onboard meal.
• The route can change, so Ile aux Aigrettes or another listed stop may be passed by or skipped.

Starting at Pointe Maurice near Trou d’Eau Douce

Your meeting point is at Pointe Maurice, just before the Shangri-La le Touessrok hotel. This is also where you return at the end of the six-hour outing, usually around 3:30 p.m. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the meeting point.

The location puts you close to Trou d’Eau Douce, the usual launch area for boat trips along Mauritius’s southeast coast. The setting is useful rather than flashy: you get on the water and begin moving toward the river and islands without spending half the morning on a road transfer.

The main vessel is a private pontoon boat with room for up to 11 passengers. For a couple, that means plenty of space, though the price is still charged for the private group rather than per seat. A past outing began with a speedboat pickup, so boat arrangements can vary. I would confirm the exact pickup craft when you book, especially if you expect to board the pontoon directly.

The host or greeter speaks English. Since the group is private, you can ask for a slower pace at a viewpoint, extra time for swimming, or a change in the order of stops, subject to the captain’s judgment and sea conditions.

The Grand River South East waterfall comes first

The first major stop is the Grand River South East waterfall. The boat heads south from Trou d’Eau Douce, and you get time for photos, sightseeing, and wildlife viewing around the waterfall.

This is a good opening stop because it gives the morning some variety. You are not simply moving from beach to beach. The waterfall brings fresh water, rock, trees, and a river setting into a day otherwise shaped by lagoon and open sea.

One past outing included seeing monkeys near the waterfall, with the boat stopping close enough for the group to feed them. That is a memorable detail, but you should treat it as a possibility rather than a guaranteed part of the experience. Wildlife does not keep a timetable, and feeding animals is best left to the crew’s judgment.

The waterfall visit is mainly scenic. Do not book this cruise expecting a long hike or an extended land visit. The supplied schedule describes a photo stop and sightseeing from the boat, so your time here is likely to be brief compared with the swimming and island portions.

Snorkeling at Eau Bleu before the drinks begin

After the waterfall, the boat heads toward the clear water around Eau Bleu for snorkeling. This is one of the strongest reasons to choose the cruise. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask or fins.

The appeal is simple: you can move from a freshwater waterfall to the undersea world within the same morning. The water is described as crystal clear, and the plan allows time to swim, snorkel, and relax in the sun rather than forcing a quick splash before rushing onward.

The timing of the drinks matters. Alcoholic drinks are served only after snorkeling, and the management reserves the right to cancel the snorkeling stop if people drink beforehand. Follow that rule carefully. It protects both safety and the quality of the water activity.

Bring a towel, swimsuit, high SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat or cap, and a change of clothes. Flip-flops are useful for the boat and beach stops. A camera is also suggested, though you should protect it from spray and water around the snorkeling area.

The boat carries snorkeling gear, but the information does not specify how many masks and fins are available in each size. If fit matters to you, ask ahead. Comfortable equipment makes a real difference, particularly if you want to spend more than a few minutes in the water.

Ile aux Aigrettes and the limits of a flexible route

Ile aux Aigrettes appears as a possible island stop, with time for an aperitif, swimming, snorkeling, or simply passing by. That wording is important. It is not presented as a guaranteed long shore visit.

One earlier outing did not go to Ile aux Aigrettes. Instead, the group spent time at other stops, including Ile aux Cerfs and a private beach. Since the route is described as customizable, the captain may adjust the plan according to timing, weather, water conditions, or the group’s preferences.

I like this flexibility for a private trip. You are less likely to feel trapped by a fixed schedule when the water looks inviting or a scenic stop deserves more time. The trade-off is certainty. If Ile aux Aigrettes is the one place you most want to see, ask for confirmation before departure and understand that the route may still change.

The island is best viewed as part of the wider southeast coast experience rather than the single purpose of the day. The main pleasure comes from moving among small islands, clear water, beaches, and mountain views.

Ile aux Fouquets Lighthouse gives the day a clear landmark

Ile aux Fouquets Lighthouse is one of the most distinctive stops. The plan allows for a photo stop, sightseeing, scenic views, and free time. Lunch, beer, and wine are also linked with this part of the day, though the exact meal location can vary.

The lighthouse gives you something solid to look at after the open-water portions. Small islands and white sand can begin to blur together during a long boat ride. A recognizable historic-looking structure breaks up the scenery and gives you a good photo subject.

You may have enough time to look around rather than simply circle the island. One earlier outing included ample time to explore the lighthouse island before continuing to snorkeling. That shows how the order of activities can shift.

There is a small but important difference between the advertised meal and what can happen on the water. The standard plan describes a cold lunch served onboard at anchor after swimming and relaxation. A past outing instead included a barbecue at a private beach, with time to enjoy the shore. Both sound pleasant, but they are not the same experience.

Ask whether your lunch will be a cold meal on the pontoon or a barbecue at a beach. Also ask what unlimited drinks means in practice. One earlier outing included only one drink with the barbecue and charged separately for coffee, despite the broader drinks description. The written package says unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, so clarify any meal-specific exceptions before you sail.

Îlot Flamants and Ile aux Cerfs keep the afternoon scenic

Îlot Flamants is listed as a photo stop and a pass-by point. That means you may not get off the boat, but you will still see another small island and its surrounding water from the pontoon.

This is the kind of stop that works best as part of the whole route. You are not paying for a long visit at every island. You are paying for a day that links several views without the need to find separate boats or transfers.

The cruise then passes Ile aux Cerfs, one of the better-known island settings on Mauritius’s east coast. Dessert is associated with this section of the day, along with scenic views on the way.

A past outing included about an hour on Ile aux Cerfs, allowing time to walk around and enjoy the setting without a large planned activity. Again, the private format helps here. If your party prefers a quiet hour ashore to another swim, you have a better chance of shaping the day that way than on a large shared excursion.

Still, do not assume that every stop receives the same amount of time. The experience description says the route is indicative and customizable. The captain may shorten one stop to protect the return time or allow more time at another location.

Lunch, drinks, and the real value of a private boat

Food is a major part of the package. The planned experience includes lunch onboard, with a cold meal served while the boat is anchored after swimming and snorkeling. Unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are also included.

That setup suits you if you want a relaxed day with no need to carry a packed lunch or search for a restaurant between stops. You can eat with the water around you, then return to swimming or simply sit in the sun.

The private beach barbecue reported on an earlier trip sounds like a pleasant variation. It also shows why you should not treat every detail as fixed. If you care about the meal, ask about the menu, location, and whether coffee and drinks beyond the included allowance cost extra.

At $871 for a group of up to two, this is not a budget boat ride. The value improves if you want privacy, flexible timing, and a full day of food, drinks, snorkeling, and sightseeing without joining a large group. It can also make sense for a bigger private party, since the pontoon holds up to 11 passengers, but you should confirm the final group price and inclusions for your booking.

For two people, compare the cost with a shared cruise before committing. You are paying for control and space as much as for transport. If your priority is simply reaching one beach as cheaply as possible, this is probably too much. If you want one organized day covering the waterfall, lagoon, islands, snorkeling, and lunch, the price is easier to justify.

A captain who lets the day breathe

The strongest practical praise attached to the experience is the relaxed pace. A past outing specifically singled out Captain Joey and described a day where the group could take its time at different stops.

That matters on a private cruise. The best moments are often unscheduled ones: a few more minutes at the lighthouse, another look at the water through a snorkel mask, or a quiet pause at a beach. You should tell the captain early if you prefer a leisurely route instead of trying to tick off every island.

The captain and crew also control the final route. They may alter the order, skip a stop, or replace one activity with another. That is not necessarily a problem. It is often the sensible response to conditions on the water. But you should book this as a flexible coastal day, not as a guaranteed checklist of seven separate island landings.

Smoking is not allowed. Alcohol is available, but only after snorkeling. Those rules are simple and worth following because they affect the safety and timing of the day.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this outing to couples who want a private day on the water and do not mind paying for exclusivity. It also suits families or small groups that want to stay together, since the boat can carry up to 11 passengers.

You will get the most from it if you enjoy a mix of activities: waterfall sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, island views, a meal, and time in the sun. It is less suitable if you want a dedicated snorkeling trip, a long cultural visit, or a guaranteed stop at every named island.

The six-hour length is long enough to feel like a full outing but short enough to leave your evening open. Returning around 3:30 p.m. gives you time to change, rest, or make other plans.

Pack lightly and protect anything that cannot get wet. Bring the listed items, especially a towel, dry clothes, sunscreen, and a hat. There is no hotel pickup, so leave room in your morning plan to reach Pointe Maurice on time.

Should you book the 5 Islands Tour?

Book it if you want a private, flexible day that combines Mauritius’s southeast coast in one outing. The waterfall, Eau Bleu snorkeling, lighthouse, island scenery, lunch, and drinks create a broad sample of the region without making you arrange each piece separately.

I would pause if the $871 price is difficult to justify for two people, or if you need every listed stop and meal detail guaranteed. Ask before booking about the exact boat, lunch format, drink allowance, and priority stops.

For the right group, the real benefit is not simply the number of islands. It is the ability to slow down, enjoy the water, and let the captain shape the day around your interests. That is where this cruise earns its premium.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Pointe Maurice, just before the Shangri-La le Touessrok hotel.

Where does the tour end?

The boat returns to Pointe Maurice, with arrival at Trou d’Eau Douce at approximately 3:30 p.m.

How long is the cruise?

The experience lasts six hours.

Is the boat private?

Yes. The booking is for a private group, and the pontoon boat can carry up to 11 passengers.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and is planned to be served onboard. The exact meal format may vary because the route can be customized.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The package includes unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Alcohol is served after snorkeling, and you should confirm any meal-specific drink conditions before departure.

Can the snorkeling activity be canceled?

Yes. The management may cancel snorkeling if alcoholic drinks are consumed beforehand.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a swimsuit, towel, change of clothes, high SPF sunscreen, a hat or cap, a camera, and flip-flops. Smoking is not allowed.