Mauritius: 5 Islands of the East Speedboat Tour with BBQ

Fast boats, old forts, and lunch by the sea. This 7-hour speedboat trip packs Mauritius’s east coast into one lively day, linking mangrove waterways, the Grand River South East Waterfall, small offshore islands, a snorkeling stop, and Île aux Cerfs. I especially like the mix of natural scenery and naval history, plus the included BBQ with local drinks. The main catch is that some islands are only seen from the boat, and the morning meeting process may need better organization.

The small-group feel can make a real difference. One recent departure had only six people aboard, and guide Kenny received praise for explaining the islands in both English and French. The food also earns strong marks, with grilled chicken, fish, sausages, salads, flambéed bananas, and drinks included in the price.

At $88 per person, this is good value if you want a full day on the water without arranging separate boat trips, snorkeling, lunch, and beach time. Just arrive ready for sun, spray, and a potentially long wait before departure. A vegetarian meal must be requested ahead of time.

Key points at a glance

• The Grand River South East Waterfall is reached by boat, giving you a peaceful change from open-sea cruising and a close look at Mauritius’s basalt rock and tropical riverbanks.
• Île aux Phare and Île de la Passe add real historical interest, with a 19th-century lighthouse, old fort remains, and stories about colonial naval battles.
• The snorkeling stop is one of the day’s active highlights, with equipment available on request and the chance to see tropical fish, coral, and possibly a sea turtle.
• The BBQ is served near Îlot Mangenie, with grilled meats and fish, fresh salads, local drinks, dessert, and beach scenery included in the fare.
• Île aux Cerfs is the grand finale, offering white sand, clear lagoon water, swimming, walking, and optional paid activities.
• The five-island name needs clarification: you may stop at some locations, but protected islands and tide conditions mean others are viewed only from the boat.

Starting at Trou d’Eau Douce

The meeting point is Trou d’Eau Douce Beach, near Le Four a Chaux Restaurant. The day begins with a welcome, passenger check-in, and a safety briefing before the boat leaves the shore.

The captain explains life jacket use, onboard safety, and the route. This is useful because the trip shifts between calm river water, sheltered lagoon, and open sea. You should listen closely, especially if you are not used to speedboats or coastal conditions.

One practical warning deserves attention. The stated meeting time and actual departure may not always line up perfectly. A recent passenger reported waiting more than an hour without clear direction about where to go or which operator to find. I would arrive early, but I would also ask staff immediately where the boat is and who is running the trip. That small step could save a frustrating start.

The boat itself is described as comfortable, and the size may vary by departure. A group of six had an especially personal outing with guide Kenny, though you should not assume every date will be equally small.

Mangroves and the Grand River South East Waterfall

The first stretch is gentle. The speedboat moves through mangrove-lined waterways, where the guide explains how mangroves protect the shore and provide nursery areas for young marine life.

This part matters because it shows a quieter side of Mauritius. Instead of beginning with a rush across the lagoon, you get a slow look at the green river edges, calm water, and tangled roots. Keep your camera ready, but protect it from spray once the boat picks up speed.

The route continues upriver to the Grand River South East Waterfall, one of the few waterfalls in Mauritius accessible by boat. Fresh water pours over dark basalt rock into the sea, creating a striking contrast between river and ocean.

You may also see monkeys among the riverside trees. Wildlife sightings are possible, not guaranteed, so treat them as a bonus rather than a promise. The waterfall visit is mainly a sightseeing stop, not a long walk or strenuous outing. If you want a detailed hike, this is not that kind of experience.

Dolphin watching on the way out

Once the boat leaves the river and heads toward the islands, the captain may look for dolphins. They are often seen in this area, but no wildlife encounter can be guaranteed.

The boat’s speed makes this section exciting, yet it can also be bumpy. Hold onto personal items and keep hats secure. A camera with a wrist strap is sensible. The best approach is to enjoy the open-water ride while staying alert for movement beside the boat.

Dolphin watching is handled as an opportunity along the route rather than a separate, timed wildlife cruise. That means you will not spend the entire morning waiting in one spot if the animals do not appear.

Île aux Phare and Île de la Passe

The first major island sight is Île aux Phare, also called Île aux Fouquets. Its old lighthouse sits on volcanic rock above the water, with waves breaking below and broad views across the coast.

The lighthouse is a strong photo stop, though you should keep your expectations realistic. The visit focuses on viewing and sightseeing, not a long guided tour inside the structure. The setting carries much of the appeal: rough black rock, open sea, and a historic building exposed to the elements.

Next comes Île de la Passe. The boat passes close enough for you to see remnants of old fortifications and hear about naval battles connected with Mauritius. This gives the day more substance than a simple beach cruise. You are not just moving from one pretty beach to another. You are also seeing a strategic stretch of coastline shaped by European colonial conflict.

The island is viewed from the boat, so the captain’s explanation matters. If you enjoy history, ask questions while you have the chance. If you prefer long shore visits, note that this is a scenic pass-by rather than an extended landing.

Île aux Flamant and the changing meaning of five islands

The boat then passes Îlot Flamants, a shallow and peaceful island. Despite its name, flamingos are rarely seen there now. The stop is brief, but the low sand and quiet water add another texture to the route.

The tour is promoted as a five-island outing, with Île aux Phare, Île de la Passe, Île aux Flamant, Île aux Aigrettes, and Île aux Cerfs included in the route. The practical detail is that you may not step ashore on all five. Tide levels affect access, and some islands are government-protected.

In practice, you should expect a mixture of visits, boat passes, and nearby stops. Île aux Aigrettes is a protected nature reserve, for example, and you do not disembark there. This is not a problem if you value coastal views and variety, but it is important if your idea of a five-island tour means landing on five separate islands.

Snorkeling beside Île aux Aigrettes

The snorkeling stop takes place in clear water near Île aux Aigrettes. You can swim among coral and tropical fish, with a sea turtle possible if conditions and luck cooperate.

Snorkeling equipment is available on request, but I would bring your own gear if you have a mask and snorkel you trust. The supplied equipment may be perfectly adequate, yet familiar gear usually makes it easier to relax in the water. Bring a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. There is no need to pack a full picnic, since food and drinks are provided later.

The guide is present to help with safety, which is reassuring for less confident swimmers. Still, this is an ocean activity. Conditions can change with tide and weather, and the tour may be rescheduled during rough seas or bad weather.

Île aux Aigrettes itself is known for rare wildlife, including Aldabra giant tortoises and the endangered pink pigeon. Since you do not land on the reserve, you should not book this tour expecting a wildlife sanctuary visit. Instead, you get a nearby swim, a rest period, photos, music, snacks, and drinks, along with an explanation of why the reserve is protected.

BBQ lunch near Îlot Mangenie

Lunch is served near Îlot Mangenie, with beach scenery and views across the water. The meal includes grilled chicken, fish, chicken sausages, fresh salads, flambéed bananas, and local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Food is one of the strongest parts of this outing. The menu is simple, fitting the beach setting, but it covers the essentials after a morning in the sun and water. Grilled food is a sensible choice for a boat day because it can be served to a group without interrupting the schedule for long.

Recent feedback singled out the BBQ as especially enjoyable, with good atmosphere aboard the boat. That praise fits the design of the day: lunch is not an afterthought at a roadside restaurant. It is part of the coastal experience, served beside the sea.

Vegetarians need to request a suitable meal in advance. Do not wait until the morning of the trip, since the information specifically says vegetarian meals must be arranged ahead of time.

Drinks include beer, cocktails, and other local refreshments, along with non-alcoholic choices. Drink sensibly in the sun, especially if you still plan to swim or take part in activities later at Île aux Cerfs.

The white beaches of Île aux Cerfs

The final major stop is Île aux Cerfs, one of the east coast’s best-known beach destinations. You have time to walk, swim, sunbathe, take photos, or simply enjoy the lagoon.

This is where the tour shifts from sightseeing to free time. There is no single correct way to use the stop. If you want exercise, walk along the beach. If you have spent the morning watching the coast from the boat, sit in the sand and cool off.

Optional activities such as parasailing, glass-bottom boat trips, and undersea walks are not included. You pay separately if you choose them. That keeps the basic price reasonable, but you should budget extra if you want more than swimming and beach time.

Île aux Cerfs can feel like the busiest part of the day because it is a major attraction, while the earlier island stops are smaller and quieter. I like that the tour saves beach time for the end. You can finish at your own pace rather than rushing straight from a paid activity back to the boat.

What the $88 price really covers

At $88, the price is fair for a seven-hour outing that combines transport, a guide, a waterfall visit, island sightseeing, snorkeling, lunch, snacks, and drinks. Booking each element separately could cost more and would require you to coordinate boats, food, and timing yourself.

The strongest value comes from the included BBQ and drinks. Many boat trips advertise a low base price, then charge extra for lunch or refreshments. Here, those costs are built into the day.

The price does not include hotel pickup and drop-off unless you arrange the optional transfer service. Personal expenses and activities at Île aux Cerfs are also extra. If you are staying far from Trou d’Eau Douce, check the transfer option before booking rather than assuming transport is included.

The tour is available with English or French guidance. Kenny was praised for speaking both languages clearly, but guides vary by departure. If a bilingual explanation matters to you, confirm the language arrangement when you book.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want a full east coast sampler in one day. It suits couples, families, groups of friends, and anyone who prefers a planned outing to arranging separate activities.

You will get the most from it if you enjoy:

• Speedboat rides and open-water scenery
• Short sightseeing stops rather than long island stays
• Snorkeling and swimming
• Casual outdoor food
• A mix of nature, history, and beach time
• Flexible time on Île aux Cerfs

It may not suit you if you want a quiet luxury cruise, a guaranteed dolphin encounter, or long visits on every island. It is also not ideal for someone who dislikes waiting, spray, or changing sea conditions.

Wheelchair access is listed, but the route includes a speedboat, beach stops, swimming, and boat-to-shore movement. Ask the operator for practical boarding details before paying if you need specific assistance.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your east coast plans depend on weather.

What to bring for a smoother day

Pack lightly, since space on a speedboat is limited. Your core kit should include:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen
• Hat and sunglasses
• Camera or phone in a waterproof pouch
• Snorkeling gear, if you prefer your own
• A light cover-up for the boat ride

Keep valuables to a minimum. You will move between river, sea, beach, and boat several times, so anything loose can become a nuisance. Secure your phone before the fast sections and keep your hat on a strap if possible.

Check the weather before leaving. Rough seas may force a reschedule, and tide conditions can change which islands you visit directly. The route is flexible for practical reasons, not because the operator is trying to cut corners.

Should you book the Mauritius five-island speedboat tour?

Book it if you want an active, good-value day that covers many sides of Mauritius’s east coast. The waterfall, lighthouse, naval sites, snorkeling, BBQ, and Île aux Cerfs give you a satisfying range of experiences for $88.

Go in with clear expectations. The five islands are not five full landings, dolphins and monkeys are not guaranteed, and the start may involve an avoidable wait. If you can accept those limits, this is a well-rounded choice, especially when a small group and an engaging guide such as Kenny make the day feel personal.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Trou d’Eau Douce Beach, near Le Four a Chaux Restaurant. Optional hotel or villa transfers may be available, but they are not included in the basic price.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts about seven hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Which languages are available?

The live guide service is available in English and French.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling equipment is available on request. You can also bring your own gear.

Are all five islands visited on foot?

No. Tide conditions affect the route, and some islands are government-protected. You may pass by certain islands without stopping, and you do not disembark at Île aux Aigrettes.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The BBQ lunch includes grilled chicken, fish, chicken sausages, fresh salads, flambéed bananas, and local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Vegetarian meals must be requested in advance.