Mauritius: 5 East Coast Islands Tour with Snorkeling & Lunch

The Indian Ocean gets lively fast. This seven-hour speedboat trip packs waterfalls, small islands, swimming, snorkeling, colonial-era sights, and a beach BBQ into one busy day. I like the fast, open-air boat ride and the mix of water activities with local history. I also like that lunch and drinks are included, which makes the $85 price easier to justify.

The main catch is simple: a speedboat is not a gentle cruise. The ride can be bumpy, and the boat may feel crowded if it reaches its stated capacity of 10. Lunch is another weak spot for vegetarians, who may receive a much plainer meal than meat and fish eaters.

Five things to know before you book

• The speedboat is part of the attraction: You get a lively, quick ride rather than a quiet cruise.
• The day covers several different sights: Expect waterfalls, beaches, snorkeling, lighthouse ruins, and colonial history.
• Lunch is served on Ile aux Margenie: BBQ food, drinks, beer, and wine are included, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices advertised.
• Dolphins and turtles are possible, not promised: Some outings spot them, while others do not.
• Pickup is optional: Transport from your accommodation costs extra, depending on the option you select.
• Small groups make a big difference: A group of four or seven feels far more comfortable than a full boat.

What the $85 price really gets you

At $85 per person, this is priced as a full-day outing rather than a simple boat transfer. You are paying for roughly seven hours on the water, a guide, the speedboat, the waterfall visit, swimming and snorkeling stops, lunch, drinks, and access to several islands.

That is a fair package if you want to see many parts of the east coast in one day. Booking separate boat trips, arranging food, and organizing transport could easily become more expensive and less convenient. The value is strongest for first-time visitors who want a broad introduction to the coast.

The value drops if you mainly want long, quiet beach time. The schedule keeps moving, and several stops last only 25 to 45 minutes. You see a lot, but you do not settle into one island for the whole afternoon.

Pickup and drop-off are available only when you choose the transport option. The operator can collect you from accommodation in districts including Moka, Rivière Noire, Grand Port, Rivière du Rempart, Port Louis, Flacq, Pamplemousses, and Savanne. If you choose your own way to the meeting point, meet on the beach opposite Green Island Restaurant in Trou d’Eau Douce.

Starting at Ile aux Cerfs

The day begins around 9 AM, with Ile aux Cerfs among the first major stops. You get about 45 minutes for sightseeing and a visit to the arts and crafts market.

Ile aux Cerfs is one of the best-known island stops on Mauritius, so do not expect complete solitude. The appeal is the easy mix of beach scenery, clear water, and a little browsing. You can get your bearings, take photographs, and see the kind of polished coastal setting that draws people to the east shore.

Later in the day, you return to Ile aux Cerfs for swimming and more time near the water. This split visit works well because you see the island before the day becomes too hot, then return when you are ready for a slower beach break.

The timing also means you should not treat the first stop as your main swim. Save some energy for the later water stops, especially if you want to snorkel.

The Grande River South East waterfall

The Grande River South East waterfall is reached by boat, where Mauritius’s longest river meets the sea. This is a scenic 30-minute stop, with time for photographs, views, and a short boat cruise.

The waterfall is not a long hike or a strenuous outing. That makes it easy to fit into a boat day, though it also means the stop is fairly brief. You will see the falls from the water rather than spend hours exploring the river.

I like this part of the route because it changes the rhythm. After beaches and open sea, you move into a river setting with rock, rushing water, and forested shores. Keep your camera ready during the approach, but protect it from spray and hold on carefully when the boat moves close to the falls.

A fast ride to Ile aux Fouquets and Ile de la Passe

The speedboat then heads toward Ile aux Fouquets, also known as Ile aux Phares, where an old lighthouse dates back more than 200 years. It is now a protected historical monument, and the stop lasts about 25 minutes.

You should not expect to enter a working lighthouse or spend a long time ashore. The value is in seeing the structure from the water and understanding why these small islands mattered to ships moving around Mauritius.

Ile de la Passe adds an important colonial-era chapter. In 1810, Ile aux Phares and Ile de la Passe were linked to the naval battle of Grand Port, fought between French and British forces. The French victory was the only victory of Napoleon’s navy and is listed on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

That detail gives the boat ride more purpose. You are not simply passing attractive rocks and old buildings. You are moving through a sea route connected to the struggle for control of Mauritius. The guide’s commentary matters here, especially when the boat passes the islands rather than stopping for a long visit.

Guides named Derek, Thomas, and Ronny have received especially warm praise for their friendliness, commentary, and enthusiasm for the water. The quality of the day depends partly on who is steering and explaining, so a good guide can turn a quick pass-by into a memorable lesson.

Snorkeling at Eau Bleu

After the historic islands, the trip heads to Eau Bleu for snorkeling. The water is described as clear, and this is one of the day’s main active stops.

Snorkeling time is limited, so think of it as a chance to see the water and marine life rather than a full reef expedition. Some people have called this their favorite part of the day, with one outing producing especially good snorkeling and sightings of dolphins. Other outings have seen turtles but no dolphins or whales.

That difference is worth keeping in mind. Wildlife is never guaranteed, and the crew cannot control what appears in the water. Go for the swim and the setting first. Treat dolphins and turtles as a welcome bonus.

Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them. Some departures provide an eye mask, but equipment availability can be uneven, and one person received no breathing tube. The supplied information also lists snorkeling gear among the items to bring, so do not assume a complete set will always be waiting on the boat.

Swimming at Ile aux Aigrettes

Ile aux Aigrettes is a 45-minute stop for swimming, with an aperitif included. This is a good point in the day to cool off after the boat ride and historical commentary.

The island name can be confusing because Ile aux Aigrettes is not the same as Ile aux Cerfs. The schedule uses both, and you visit them for different reasons. Ile aux Aigrettes is mainly a water stop, while Ile aux Cerfs provides beach time, swimming, and the market.

You will want swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Comfortable shoes are useful for getting on and off the boat and moving around the islands. The boat ride can be bumpy, so keep loose items secured.

BBQ lunch on Ile aux Margenie

Lunch is served on Ile aux Margenie, with BBQ food and drinks. Beer and wine are also listed, along with non-alcoholic choices. You can eat, relax, sunbathe, or swim before the boat heads back.

Several people have enjoyed the food and found there was plenty to eat. The meal adds real value to the outing because you are not forced to find a restaurant during a remote island day.

Still, the serving style may not suit everyone. Food is served by staff rather than chosen freely from a buffet, and one person preferred more independence at mealtime. The island used for lunch has also drawn criticism for needing better cleaning and maintenance. So picture a practical beach lunch setting, not a polished resort restaurant.

Vegetarians should take special care. Vegetarian options are advertised, and the food is halal, but one vegetarian meal was described as a basic salad with white bread, possibly prepared on the same grill as meat and fish. If you do not eat meat, ask what is available before departure and consider bringing extra food. The official information says vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices are available, but the actual quality may be uneven.

The final beach break at Ile aux Cerfs

The trip returns to Ile aux Cerfs for a longer chance to relax near the water. This is where the day becomes less structured. You can swim, sunbathe, enjoy a drink, or simply sit on the beach.

This final pause is useful after a full morning of stops. The schedule can feel busy, so having time to slow down keeps the tour from becoming a checklist. If your ideal boat day includes a calm beach ending, this is the part you will appreciate most.

At around 4 PM, you return to the meeting point in Trou d’Eau Douce. Allow for the possibility that exact timings shift with weather, sea conditions, access rules, and the pace of the group.

Boat comfort, group size, and the ride itself

The speedboat makes this outing more exciting than a standard island cruise. You cover water quickly, feel the wind, and get a closer connection to the coast. Several people have particularly enjoyed the lively ride.

The tradeoff is comfort. This is a fast boat with a bumpy ride, especially when the sea is less calm. If you dislike jolting or want a quiet place to read, a catamaran would suit you better. The speed is not a minor detail. It shapes the entire experience.

Group size matters too. A group of four can feel almost private, while seven people still leaves a pleasant sense of space. At the boat’s possible capacity of 10, movement and personal room may be limited. If you can choose a quieter departure date, that may improve the experience.

The tour is not suitable for children under four or pregnant women. Anyone with motion sensitivity should think carefully before booking and should bring whatever personal remedies they normally use, since the ride is an important part of the day.

Guides, transport, and weather planning

The guides speak English and French. Their role is more than steering. They explain the islands, point out sights, help create a friendly mood, and manage the timing of the stops.

Names associated with particularly well-liked outings include Derek, Thomas, and Ronny. You cannot guarantee a specific guide, but the repeated praise for friendly, chatty commentary shows how much the guide can shape the day.

If you choose hotel pickup, send the accommodation address through WhatsApp as requested by the operator. Pickup time varies by location, so do not assume 9 AM is your collection time. The 9 AM start refers to the tour schedule, not necessarily the moment a vehicle reaches your accommodation.

Weather is central to this trip. Poor conditions can cause cancellation, with a different date or full refund offered. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now-pay-later option keeps payment flexible.

What to pack for this particular day

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a camera, and comfortable shoes. Pack snorkeling gear if you own a dependable set, especially a mask and breathing tube.

A small waterproof bag is useful for phones and wallets, though only bring what you need. Keep food expectations realistic if you are vegetarian, and consider bringing a snack. You will spend much of the day exposed to sun and spray, so reapply sunscreen during the stops.

Who should book this five-island tour?

I would choose this trip if you want a full east coast sampler in one day. It suits active couples, friends, and families with older children who enjoy speed, swimming, short sightseeing stops, and a little history.

It is also a good fit if you want a guide to handle the route, food, and boat arrangements. You can see several islands without organizing multiple transfers.

I would hesitate if you want a smooth cruise, long snorkeling sessions, a refined lunch setting, or guaranteed wildlife. Vegetarians should ask for meal details in advance. People who dislike bumpy boats should choose a slower vessel.

Should you book it?

Book it if the combination of speedboat excitement, clear-water swimming, and varied stops sounds better than a quiet beach day. At $85, lunch, drinks, guiding, and a full day on the water make the price reasonable, especially with transport added when needed.

Skip it if comfort and polished facilities matter more than variety. The boat can be crowded, the ride can be rough, and the lunch stop may look basic. For the right person, though, this is an energetic and useful way to see Mauritius’s east coast, with enough history and sea time to keep the day from feeling like a simple sightseeing circuit.

FAQ

How long does the Mauritius five-island tour last?

The tour lasts about seven hours, starting around 9 AM and returning to the meeting point in Trou d’Eau Douce at about 4 PM.

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is on the beach opposite Green Island Restaurant in Trou d’Eau Douce.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included only if you select the transport option. Pickup time depends on your accommodation location.

Which languages does the guide speak?

Guides speak English and French.

Is lunch included?

Yes. BBQ lunch and drinks are included on Ile aux Margenie. Beer and wine are also listed.

Are vegetarian meals available?

Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available, and the food is halal. Vegetarian diners may want to confirm the meal details in advance.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

You should bring snorkeling gear if you have it. The tour information lists snorkeling gear among the recommended items, and equipment availability may vary.

Is the tour suitable for young children?

No. The experience is not suitable for children under four years old.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.