5 Islands Private Speedboat with Snorkeling Lunch and Drinks

Fast boats, clear lagoons, and old ruins make this an appealing way to see Mauritius’s east and southeast coast in one full day. You’ll snorkel at Blue Bay Marine Park, visit historic islands, watch for monkeys at Grand River South East, and finish at Ile aux Cerfs with lunch and beach time.

I like the private boat for up to four people, since you can enjoy the day without sharing the ride with a large group. I also like the mix of water time and history: this is not just a beach trip, with shipwrecks, colonial defenses, and a 19th-century lighthouse along the way. The main drawback is the ambitious schedule. You have roughly an hour at many stops, so this suits you best if you prefer variety over long, unhurried visits.

The tour costs $575 per group of up to four, making it $143.75 each when full. That is a fair price for a private eight-hour boat day with pickup offered, snorkeling, lunch, and a dedicated route. For one or two people, though, the cost per person rises quickly.

Key points to know before booking

• Blue Bay Marine Park offers clear-water snorkeling at an average depth of about 5.5 meters, with reefs, fish, and more than 50 coral species.
• The route combines nature and Mauritius history, including the Dalblair shipwreck, Ile du Phare lighthouse, and French and British defenses on Ile de la Passe.
• Ile aux Cerfs is the day’s main beach stop, with swimming, snorkeling, walks, water sports, and a BBQ lunch.
• The private format gives your group flexibility, though the exact pace and pickup details should be confirmed before the morning begins.
• Grand River South East Waterfalls adds a wildlife stop, with possible views of monkeys and fruit bats from the boat.
• The full day runs about eight hours, from the Tropical Waves meeting point in Trou d’Eau Douce, with pickup available.

Why this private boat day works so well

The biggest strength is variety. In a single outing, you get reef snorkeling, a shipwreck, small islands, old military ruins, a lighthouse, a waterfall, a white-sand islet, and the famous Ile aux Cerfs. You will not spend the whole day doing one activity, which makes the route a good choice for a first visit to this part of Mauritius.

The private boat also changes the feel of the trip. You are booking the vessel for your own group, with a maximum of four people. That matters when you want to stop for photographs, spend more time swimming, or move along to the next place without waiting for a large party.

There is also a pleasant sense of motion. The speedboat is not simply transport between beaches. The powerful engine and open-water ride are part of the experience. You’ll feel the breeze, see the coast from a different angle, and cover more ground than you would on a slower boat.

The tradeoff is that the tour covers a lot. Most listed stops receive about an hour, while Ile aux Flamants gets about 30 minutes and the waterfall visit about 30 minutes. You’ll see plenty, but you should not expect long guided visits at every island.

Blue Bay Marine Park and Pointe d’Esny

The day begins with snorkeling at Blue Bay Marine Park, one of the strongest parts of the route for anyone who enjoys the sea. The water is described as crystal clear, with an average snorkeling depth of 5.5 meters. That gives you a good chance to look down at reef, fish, and coral without needing an advanced level of swimming.

The park has more than 50 coral species, so this is more than a quick swim in pretty water. You’ll have a chance to observe a genuine marine environment, provided sea conditions and visibility cooperate on the day.

After snorkeling, the boat heads to Pointe d’Esny and the wreck of the Dalblair, also spelled Alblair in the tour details. The ship sank in 1902 and has a controversial story connected to it. This stop gives the day a different mood. Instead of looking only at beaches and water, you’ll hear about the risks of the old sea routes around Mauritius.

You should ask the guide to clarify the shipwreck’s name and story if the spelling differs during the visit. Small details like this can make the history easier to follow, especially when the boat is moving and the explanation is brief.

Ile aux Aigrettes and Ile du Phare

At Ile aux Aigrettes, you’ll have time for a cocktail and a swim in the clear lagoon. The island is described as having a natural swimming pool with starfish, making this a good pause after the first snorkeling and shipwreck stops.

Treat the starfish gently and avoid lifting marine life from the water. The appeal here is the quiet lagoon setting, not a rushed checklist of sights. If swimming is your priority, this may be one of the more enjoyable stops because you can get into the water without needing to cover a long distance.

Next comes Ile du Phare, also called L’Île aux Fouquets or Phare Island. The small rocky island sits in Grand Port Bay and carries an important place in Mauritius’s colonial story. The island played a role in the Battle of Grand Port between French and British forces.

The lighthouse was built in 1864 to guide ships toward the port of Mahebourg. You can walk around the island and see the old lighthouse ruin. This is a simple visit, but it adds a strong sense of place to the boat day. The structure gives you something tangible to look at while the guide explains the island’s role.

Wear footwear suitable for uneven ground. The tour includes time to walk around the island, but it does not promise a paved path or a formal museum visit.

Ile de la Passe and the battles of Grand Port

Ile de la Passe is a small islet with an outsized role in the history of Mauritius. French and British forces built defenses there during the colonial period, and ruins from roughly two and a half centuries ago remain.

You can walk among the old defensive remains and look back toward the mainland and turquoise sea. The setting is scenic, but the military history is the real reason to stop. The Battle of Vieux Grand Port is remembered by an inscription on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, which gives this small island an international connection.

This stop will appeal most to you if you enjoy ruins and stories of naval conflict. If you are mainly seeking beach time, it may feel less exciting than Ile aux Cerfs. Still, it helps explain why the waters around Grand Port mattered so much to European powers.

The boat also passes Ilot Vacoas while cruising. You should think of this as a passing view rather than a full stop. Have your camera ready, since the boat may not pause for a long visit.

Ile aux Flamants and the ride toward the waterfalls

Ile aux Flamants is a small white-sand island in the lagoon. The visit lasts about 30 minutes and includes time for snorkeling in the turquoise water before the boat continues toward Ile aux Cerfs.

This is a short stop, but it gives you another chance to get into the sea and experience a smaller, quieter sandbar. Do not expect the same amount of free time you receive at the main beach island. The schedule is designed to show you several locations rather than let you settle in for half a day.

The speedboat then heads to Grand River South East Waterfalls. The boat travels along the waterfall’s canal, where land and sea meet. You’ll see wild plant life along the riverbanks, and monkeys may appear in the trees because they are used to people nearby.

Fruit bats may also be resting high in the trees. Sightings are not guaranteed, so consider them a bonus rather than a promised part of the visit. The waterfall section lasts about 30 minutes, which is enough for a boat approach and photographs, but not a long hike or extended exploration.

This is one place where a guide who points out animals can make a real difference. The review information names guides as Dino and Gino, possibly reflecting a spelling difference. Confirm the guide’s name and pickup arrangements before departure.

Ile aux Cerfs, lunch, and beach time

Ile aux Cerfs is the main attraction of the day. As the boat approaches, you’ll see palm trees, pale sand, and bright turquoise water. The island gives you the longest-feeling beach break, with time to swim, snorkel, stroll, relax, or choose a water sports activity.

The schedule places lunch around noon. The BBQ usually includes chicken and fish, with salads, garlic bread, and other side dishes. Vegetarian food can be arranged if you tell the operator in advance. That last point matters, since special meals are much easier to organize before the boat leaves.

The lunch is practical rather than a formal restaurant experience. You are there for the island, the water, and the relaxed outdoor setting. Drinks are part of the tour offering, and the itinerary specifically mentions a cocktail at Ile aux Aigrettes. Ask what drinks are included and where they are served if this is important to you.

Ile aux Cerfs can be the busiest-feeling stop because it is the best-known beach destination on the route. Its popularity is also why it is included. You get the classic Mauritius scene of white beach and clear lagoon, along with time to enjoy it at your own pace.

If you want to try a water sport, use your free time carefully. The day already includes several swimming and snorkeling stops, and the tour does not specify which activities cost extra. Ask before committing so you know how much time and money remain for the rest of your day.

The price, private format, and what you receive

At $575 per group, the price makes the most sense for four people. Split four ways, the cost is $143.75 per person for roughly eight hours. You are paying for a private speedboat, a long route, snorkeling stops, a BBQ lunch, drinks, and a guide or driver focused on your group.

For two people, the same price becomes $287.50 each. That is a much larger commitment, though some couples may still prefer privacy over a cheaper shared cruise. Solo visitors would likely find the price difficult to justify unless the private arrangement is especially important.

Pickup is offered, but the listed meeting point is Tropical Waves on Debarcadere Road in Trou d’Eau Douce. Since one review describes hotel pickup as well organized while also noting confusion during the booking process, confirm your pickup location directly before the day. This is a small step that can prevent a frustrating start.

The tour operates Monday through Sunday, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, during the stated operating period. Confirmation is received at booking, and the activity returns to the meeting point at the end.

Who should book this Mauritius boat tour

I would choose this trip if you want to see many highlights of the east coast in one day and your group values privacy. It is especially suitable for couples, families, or friends who can share the $575 cost and want control over their time on the water.

It also suits you if you enjoy a mixture of activities. You can snorkel, swim, look for wildlife, hear stories about shipwrecks and battles, walk around ruins, and relax on a famous beach. That variety is the strongest argument for booking.

You may want a different experience if your goal is a slow beach day. The route is full, and an hour passes quickly once you have climbed off the boat, taken photographs, listened to an explanation, and entered the water. People who want extended snorkeling or a long, quiet lunch may find the schedule too busy.

The boat ride itself may also be a consideration. The tour is built around a powerful speedboat and open water, so you should be comfortable with a fast ride across the lagoon and along the coast.

Practical tips for a smoother day

• Confirm whether hotel pickup is included for your exact accommodation and where the driver will meet you.
• Tell the operator about vegetarian food needs in advance.
• Bring swimwear, sun protection, and footwear suitable for walking on small islands.
• Keep your camera ready during the pass by Ilot Vacoas and the approach to the waterfalls.
• Ask about the guide’s name and the exact order of stops on the morning of the trip.
• Allow time for the full eight-hour schedule rather than planning another fixed activity immediately afterward.
• If you need to cancel, do so at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

The cancellation rule is strict inside that final 24-hour window. Changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, and the cutoff uses local Mauritius time.

Should you book the 5 Islands Private Speedboat Tour?

Book it if you want a full day of variety and can fill the boat with three other people. The private setup, strong mix of snorkeling and history, and excellent coastline views give the price real value for a group of four.

I would be more cautious if you are traveling alone, dislike fast boats, or want to linger at one beach. For the right group, though, this is an efficient and enjoyable way to connect Blue Bay, Grand Port’s historic islands, the southeast waterfalls, and Ile aux Cerfs in one memorable outing.

FAQ

How long does the private speedboat tour last?

The experience lasts approximately eight hours. Operating hours are listed as 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Sunday.

Where does the tour start and finish?

The listed meeting point is Tropical Waves on Debarcadere Road in Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How many people can join the private boat?

The price covers one private group of up to four people. Only your group participates in the private activity.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is offered. Since the meeting point is also listed in Trou d’Eau Douce, confirm the exact pickup arrangement and location before the tour.

What food is served at lunch?

The BBQ lunch usually includes chicken BBQ and fish BBQ, along with salads, garlic bread, and other sides. Vegetarian food can be arranged if requested in advance.

Where does snorkeling take place?

You will snorkel at Blue Bay Marine Park and at Ile aux Flamants. The Blue Bay snorkeling area has an average depth of about 5.5 meters and more than 50 coral species.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted.