Mauritius : Ile Aux Cerfs 3 islands Speed Boat Trip with BBQ

Catch three islands in one lively day. This Mauritius speedboat trip combines the sandy shores of Île aux Cerfs, a lighthouse stop, snorkeling at Eau Bleue, a waterfall visit, and a beach BBQ with drinks. I like the variety, and I also like that the group is limited to a maximum of 15 people.

The roughly seven-hour outing offers a lot for $88.81, especially since lunch, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks are included. One important caution: a party of four expected a private boat but found around 12 people aboard, so confirm the group arrangement before booking if privacy matters to you.

Key points to know before booking

• Three island stops in one day: Visit Île aux Cerfs, Île aux Fouquets Lighthouse, and the beach at Île aux Aigrettes.
• About 90 minutes of boat time each way: The ride is part of the experience, but it leaves less time for long stops.
• BBQ lunch and drinks included: Food and beverages are served during the Île aux Cerfs portion of the day.
• Snorkeling at Eau Bleue: The stop lasts about 40 minutes at a natural aquarium near Vieux Grand Port.
• Small-group format, not necessarily private: The listed maximum is 15 people, but ask for clarification if you expect an exclusive charter.
• Early start from Trou d’Eau Douce: The boat leaves at 7:30 am, and hotel transport costs extra.

Why this seven-hour Mauritius outing works

Mauritius has no shortage of beautiful boat trips, but many focus on one beach or one island. This outing tries to show you several sides of the east coast in a single day: open water, a historic lighthouse, a waterfall, a snorkeling site, and time on a famous resort island.

I like that the day is not built around only sitting on a beach. You get movement and variety, with the speedboat linking the stops quickly. The boat ride also gives you a better sense of the coast than a land tour can provide.

The trade-off is pace. You will spend about three hours of the seven-hour schedule traveling by boat, with roughly 90 minutes each way. That is a significant part of the day, so this trip suits you best if you enjoy being on the water and want a broad sample of the area rather than a slow, quiet beach day.

The overall score is 4.5 from six ratings, which points to a generally well-liked outing but not a perfect fit for every booking. The clearest positive theme is the organization, timing, and friendly guide service. The clearest concern is the difference between expecting a private boat and receiving a shared one.

Starting at Trou d’Eau Douce at 7:30 am

Your day begins at Trou d’Eau Douce, with a 7:30 am start. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, so you need to arrange your own way there unless you pay extra for hotel pickup and drop-off.

That meeting point matters. If you are staying elsewhere in Mauritius, add transport time and cost to the advertised price. Hotel transfers are not included, and the trip begins early, so check the route from your accommodation before you book.

The early start is useful because it gives you a full day on the water and helps keep the schedule moving. It also means you should arrive ready for a long outing. There is no indication that the boat waits for late arrivals, so treat 7:30 am as the real departure time.

The experience is mobile-ticket friendly, and confirmation is provided when you book. Public transportation is available near the meeting point, though the tour information does not specify exact routes or walking distances.

The speedboat ride and group size

The speedboat is the main link between the stops, not just a transfer. You will spend about 1 hour and 30 minutes traveling each way, which can make the route feel scenic and exciting when conditions are good.

At the same time, a speedboat is a more exposed ride than a large covered vessel. The tour requires good weather and a moderate level of physical fitness. Those details suggest you should be comfortable with an active day, boat movement, and getting on and off at different stops.

The maximum group size is 15 people. That is still a relatively small group compared with a large excursion boat, and it should allow the guide to keep the day moving. But small group does not mean private charter.

This distinction caused a problem for one booking party of four, who expected a private trip and found about 12 people aboard. The outing was still enjoyable for them, but a refund was refused. My advice is simple: if you want the boat to be exclusively yours, get written confirmation before paying. Do not assume that a small maximum group means a private trip.

Île aux Cerfs, the main beach stop

Île aux Cerfs is the centerpiece of the day. You will spend about 1 hour and 30 minutes there, with lunch and drinks included. The advertised stop description lists one hour, while the wider tour plan allows about 90 minutes, so expect the exact time to depend on the day’s conditions and the guide’s schedule.

The appeal is easy to understand. You get a well-known island beach, a meal, and a chance to relax after the boat ride. Since the lunch and drinks are part of the price, you do not need to plan a separate restaurant stop for this portion of the day.

The meal is described as a BBQ served on the sand, along with alcoholic and soft drinks. That makes the lunch feel like part of the island experience rather than a rushed meal in a formal dining room. I like this arrangement because it keeps the day outdoors and informal.

Do not expect a long, unplanned afternoon here. The itinerary has several more stops, and Île aux Cerfs is only one part of a packed route. You will have time for the beach and lunch, but not necessarily hours to wander or settle into one spot.

Île aux Fouquets and its lighthouse

The stop at Île aux Fouquets, also called Île aux Phare, lasts about 30 minutes. The skippers provide information about the island’s past, then give you time to visit the lighthouse area.

This is a short stop, so think of it as a compact historical visit rather than a full museum-style tour. Its value comes from breaking up the beach time with a clear point of interest and a story about the island.

The lighthouse gives the route a stronger sense of place. You are not simply moving from one attractive beach to another. You are also seeing a coastal landmark that the skippers connect to local history.

Keep your expectations in proportion to the schedule. Thirty minutes is enough for an introduction and a look around, but it is not enough for a slow exploration. Listen closely during the briefing, since the guide’s explanation may be the main context you receive.

Snorkeling at Eau Bleue near Vieux Grand Port

Near Vieux Grand Port, the boat stops at a natural aquarium known as Eau Bleue. You will have about 40 minutes for snorkeling in clear water and the chance to see tropical fish.

This is one of the most active parts of the day. The stop gives you time in the water rather than only a view from the boat, and 40 minutes is long enough to make snorkeling feel like a real part of the excursion instead of a quick photo stop.

Water clarity and marine life can vary with weather and sea conditions, so it is best to treat the tropical fish as a possibility rather than a guarantee. The trip requires good weather, and poor conditions can affect the quality of any water activity.

A moderate level of physical fitness is required for the outing overall. The supplied information does not specify equipment details, water depth, or whether flotation gear is provided, so ask the operator what is included if snorkeling equipment is important to you.

Grande Rivière Sud Est waterfall

After Île aux Cerfs, the boat takes you to Grande Rivière Sud Est, described as the second-longest waterfall in Mauritius. The stop lasts about 15 minutes.

That is a very short visit, but it adds another kind of scenery to the day. You will see the river meeting the coast and get a quick look at a notable waterfall without committing to a separate inland excursion.

The main limitation is time. Fifteen minutes is enough for viewing and photographs, not for a lengthy walk or a detailed visit. Consider it a scenic pause between the island and beach portions rather than a major attraction on its own.

I appreciate the inclusion because it keeps the day varied. You get a waterfall, lighthouse, snorkeling site, and beach without needing to arrange several separate tours.

Île aux Aigrettes beach and the final drink

On the return journey, the boat stops at Île aux Aigrettes for about 30 minutes on the beach. The plan includes a final drink here.

This is described as a beach stop only, so you should not expect a full visit to the nature reserve or a guided nature program. The attraction is the brief pause, the shore, and the chance to enjoy a drink before the final ride back.

The stop also gives the day a gentler finish. After snorkeling and several boat transfers, 30 minutes on the beach can feel like a welcome reset. Still, the stop is short, and the return boat ride remains ahead.

Because the tour name and route can make Île aux Aigrettes sound like a major reserve visit, pay attention to what is actually offered: beach time only. If your priority is wildlife or a detailed reserve visit, this outing may not meet that goal.

What the $88.81 price really covers

At $88.81 per person, the price is reasonable if you value variety and included food. Your fare covers the full-day speedboat outing, lunch, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and all the listed sightseeing stops.

The value improves when you compare it with booking separate transport, a boat charter, a snorkeling trip, a waterfall visit, and lunch on your own. The operator handles the route and timing, while you receive a full day of different activities.

The price looks less attractive if you want a private boat, a long beach stay, or a relaxed schedule. Hotel pickup and drop-off cost extra, and the 90-minute boat journey each way takes up a large part of the day.

The best way to judge the fare is to ask what kind of day you want. For a social, active route with food and drinks included, it offers plenty. For privacy or a custom schedule, you may need a different product.

Who should book this trip

I would recommend this outing to you if you want to see several east-coast highlights without arranging each one separately. It suits couples, friends, and solo visitors who enjoy boat rides, short stops, snorkeling, and an informal BBQ lunch.

It is also a good choice if you prefer an organized day. The excursion is scheduled, the guide handles the route, and the day includes both sightseeing and free time. One booking described the trip as well organized, punctual, professional, and guided by a particularly friendly and fun skipper.

You may want to skip it if you dislike long boat rides. About three hours of the total duration is spent traveling, and sea conditions can affect comfort. You should also think twice if you need a fully private experience or want to spend most of the day on one beach.

A moderate physical fitness level is expected. Since the route includes a speedboat, snorkeling, several stops, and movement between beach and boat, it is better suited to people comfortable with an active day.

Booking details and weather rules

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the 7:30 am start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded, and changes inside that period are not accepted.

The tour depends on good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same choice applies if the minimum number of people is not reached and the activity is canceled.

Ask two questions before booking: Is the boat shared or private, and what snorkeling equipment is included? The first question addresses the most important possible misunderstanding, while the second helps you prepare for the Eau Bleue stop.

Is this Mauritius speedboat trip worth booking?

Book it if you want a busy, varied day with three island stops, snorkeling, a waterfall, lighthouse views, BBQ food, and drinks included. At $88.81, the combination offers solid value for an active excursion.

Think carefully before booking if you expect a private boat, a slow pace, or a long visit at each site. Confirm the group arrangement in advance, arrange your own transport to Trou d’Eau Douce, and remember that the boat ride itself takes about three hours.

For most people who want a broad taste of Mauritius from the water, I would consider it a strong choice. Just book it for the variety and the shared adventure, not for a private charter or a quiet day at one beach.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 7:30 am.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Trou d’Eau Douce.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately seven hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, but they may be available at an extra cost.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch, alcoholic drinks, and soft drinks are included.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Île aux Cerfs, Île aux Fouquets, and a beach stop at Île aux Aigrettes.

Is snorkeling included?

The itinerary includes a snorkeling stop at Eau Bleue near Vieux Grand Port. The available information does not specify equipment details.

How many people can join the boat?

The maximum group size is 15 people. The experience is not automatically private.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience begins. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of people can also lead to a rescheduled trip or full refund.