5 Islands Speedboat w/Snorkeling Sea Turtle + Lunch & Drinks

The best part of this nine-hour speedboat day is the mix of open water, islands, wildlife, and beach time. You are not simply ferried to one resort island. The route links waterfalls, historic islets, Blue Bay’s fish-filled waters, wild Mauritian monkeys, and a barbecue on Ile aux Cerfs.

I like the small group of up to eight and the generous food and drink package. I also like that groups of four or more can request a private boat, which can make a real difference on a long day at sea. The main drawback is the pace: this is a full day, and the itinerary packs in many stops. The meeting point is also in Trou d’Eau Douce, with hotel and Airbnb transfers available only for an added fee.

Key details to know before booking

• Five-island route: Visit Ile aux Cerfs, Ile aux Phares, Ile de La Passe, Ile aux Aigrettes, and Îlot Margenie, with extra time around Blue Bay and Grand River South East.
• Snorkeling at Blue Bay: Equipment is included, and the marine park is the main place to see tropical fish and possibly sea turtles.
• Beach barbecue included: Expect grilled chicken, grilled fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, and salad on Ile aux Cerfs.
• Open bar: Beer, wine, rum, juice, soft drinks, water, and snacks are included during the day.
• Private option for four or more: A family or group of at least four can request exclusive use of the speedboat.
• Departure point: Meet at the jetty at Debarcader Trou D’eau Douce, found by searching that name on Google Maps.

Why this speedboat route works so well

Mauritius is often presented through its beaches, but the east coast makes more sense when seen from the water. Its islands sit across a broad lagoon, and a speedboat lets you cover ground without spending the day on one slow crossing.

You will feel the boat’s speed as it runs over the waves, but the schedule is not only about thrills. There are quiet pauses for swimming, snorkeling, refreshments, sightseeing, and lunch. That balance matters. A full day of sitting in a boat can become tiring, while a string of rushed beach stops can feel shallow. This outing tries to do both: move quickly between sights, then give you time to enjoy selected places.

The group limit is especially useful. With no more than eight people, boarding, getting snorkeling gear, and finding a place on the boat should be simpler than on a large party vessel. If your party has four or more people, ask for the private option before booking. The private arrangement can give you more control over the pace and make the day feel much less crowded.

The boat trip begins and ends at Trou d’Eau Douce. Hotel pickup and drop-off across Mauritius are available at an extra cost, but they are not part of the $125 price. Check the transfer charge before deciding, especially if you are staying far from the east coast.

Ile aux Cerfs gives you an easy start

The first planned stop is Ile aux Cerfs, with about 45 minutes for a visit and refreshments. This is a useful opening stop because you can get your bearings before the longer circuit begins.

Ile aux Cerfs is the familiar postcard part of the day: white sand, warm water, and space for a short walk or a swim. The visit at this point is brief, so do not expect the first stop to be your main beach session. The longer return visit later gives you more time for sunbathing, swimming, coconut water, and optional watersports such as parasailing and a tube ride.

This first stop also shows the basic rhythm of the tour. You may be moving fast one moment, then stepping onto an island for a drink the next. Bring sunscreen and a camera, as the boat and island views are a central part of the day.

Grand River South East adds a change of scenery

From the islands, the boat heads toward Grand River South East and its waterfall. The river drops toward the Indian Ocean, creating one of the east coast’s most memorable views.

This stop breaks up the saltwater scenery with fresh water and forested river surroundings. You will see the waterfall from the boat, giving you a different angle than a land-based visit. The outing also includes an opportunity to meet and feed wild Mauritian monkeys.

That animal encounter may be a highlight, but treat it with care. These are wild animals, not trained performers. Follow the guide’s instructions and keep your hands and food under control. The stop is best understood as a chance to see local wildlife in its setting, not as a guaranteed close-up photo session.

Ile aux Phares and Ile de La Passe bring history to the route

The next section takes you past Ile aux Phares and Ile de La Passe. The itinerary presents these islands as part of the historical and exploratory side of the day, so pay attention to the guide’s explanations as you pass.

The boat does not appear to offer a long walking visit on each islet. Their value comes from seeing them from the water and understanding their place in the east coast route. This is one reason the live guide matters. Commentary is available in English, French, German, Italian, and Romanian, so you can follow the story in a language that suits you.

If you prefer a tour built around long historical talks and extensive time ashore, this may feel light on detail. If you like history woven into a day of sea travel, the short stops work well.

Blue Bay Marine Park is the main snorkeling session

The strongest water activity takes place at Blue Bay Marine Park. Here, you receive snorkeling equipment and enter clear water with tropical fish around you. The tour includes the chance to see sea turtles, although wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

This is the part of the trip where conditions matter most. One German-speaking participant specifically noted that the current could be stronger than expected and appreciated the safety instructions and close attention from the boat leader. That is useful advice: listen carefully before entering the water, stay within the guide’s directions, and do not push yourself if the current feels uncomfortable.

The boat leader was also described as keeping an eye on the group and shortening the distance for people who wanted to return to the boat. That practical care is more important than flashy commentary. Snorkeling in a marine park should be enjoyable, but the open water demands respect.

Bring sunscreen, but apply it with marine life in mind. The supplied information only asks you to bring sunscreen, so you may also want your own towel and a waterproof way to protect your phone, provided those items suit your needs. The operator supplies snorkeling equipment, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins.

Ile aux Aigrettes marks the start of the relaxed afternoon

After Blue Bay, the boat passes Ile aux Aigrettes for refreshments. This is also when the all-inclusive bar opens, with Mauritian beer, wine, rum cocktails, juice, soft drinks, water, and snacks.

The timing is sensible. After a morning of boat travel and snorkeling, a drink and a pause can reset the day before the final island section. The bar is part of the price, but drink responsibly. You still have boat travel and swimming ahead, and alcohol can affect how comfortable and steady you feel in the sun.

The stop is mainly for refreshments rather than a long island tour. Think of it as a scenic pause from the boat, not a separate attraction requiring a lot of walking.

The return to Ile aux Cerfs is the day’s main beach break

The boat then returns toward Ile aux Cerfs, passing Îlot Margenie. This is when the schedule slows down and you get the longest chance to enjoy the sand.

You can swim, sunbathe, drink coconut water, or choose optional watersports. Parasailing and a tube ride are mentioned as available activities, but check any extra charges directly before taking part. The $125 package covers the listed tour elements, while optional activities are not clearly stated as included.

Lunch is prepared on the beach. The barbecue includes grilled chicken, grilled fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, and salad. That is a substantial menu for a day on the water, and it gives you choices if you do not want fish or meat. The meal is served in a relaxed beach setting rather than at a restaurant, so expect a casual outdoor lunch.

Live music or a sega show may accompany the meal. Sega is a Mauritian music and dance tradition, and this is one of the more distinctly local touches in an otherwise sightseeing-heavy day. The performance may not be the main reason to book, but it adds atmosphere to the lunch stop.

The boat, timing, and comfort level

The speedboat is the right choice if you enjoy motion and want to cover several points along the east coast. You will hear the engine and feel the boat move across the lagoon. The ride is part of the attraction, not simply transport between stops.

The tradeoff is comfort. A fast boat can feel exposed to sun, spray, wind, and movement. If you prefer a quiet, slow cruise, this may not be your ideal outing. The small group helps, but it does not change the basic nature of a speedboat day.

The advertised duration is nine hours. One reported outing had a meeting time of 7:55 and a departure at 8:50, so allow some patience around the morning start. That gap may not happen every day, but it is a reminder not to schedule a tight afternoon commitment after the tour.

A full day also means you should plan your energy. The route has several stops, but you are not spending hours at every island. If you want one long, quiet beach day, choose a simpler beach excursion. If you want variety and do not mind a busy schedule, this route gives you much more to see.

What the $125 price includes

At $125 per person, the value depends on how much of the package you would otherwise pay for separately. The price includes the boat trip, island hopping, waterfall visit, snorkeling equipment, beach barbecue, snacks, alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, lagoon cruising, and the chance to see dolphins and sea turtles.

Food and drinks make a real difference here. A beach lunch, open bar, and multiple refreshments can add up quickly on a separate day, especially in a resort area. The small group is another part of the value, particularly if you can arrange the private boat for four or more people.

The price does not include optional transfers from hotels and Airbnbs. It also does not clearly include parasailing or the tube ride, so ask about those costs before joining. The tour begins at Trou d’Eau Douce, and you need to reach the jetty there unless you arrange paid transport.

Dolphins and sea turtles are listed as possible sightings, not guaranteed attractions. One outing had four dolphins, while another did not see any. That is normal for wild animals and should shape your expectations. Book this for the route, snorkeling, islands, food, and boat ride first. Treat wildlife sightings as a bonus.

Who should book this east coast day

I would recommend this tour to couples, families, and small groups who want a full day with plenty of variety. It suits people who enjoy a fast boat, short sightseeing stops, snorkeling, a casual barbecue, and a drink by the beach.

Families of four or more should pay special attention to the private option. Exclusive use of the boat can make the day easier for a mixed-age group, since you may have more flexibility around swimming, snorkeling, and rest breaks.

It is less suitable if you dislike speed, have difficulty with boat movement, or want a slow, quiet itinerary. It may also disappoint you if your priority is a long guided visit on each island. The route favors breadth over long stays.

The tour has an overall rating of 4.4 from 156 ratings, with particularly strong praise for the small group, the food, the careful boat handling, and the relaxed pace despite the full schedule. The most useful practical point is that the boat leader should take safety seriously during snorkeling, especially because currents can be present.

Should you book the 5 Islands Speedboat tour?

Book it if you want to see a large slice of Mauritius’s east coast in one day without giving up lunch, drinks, and beach time. The combination of Blue Bay snorkeling, Grand River South East waterfall views, island crossings, wild monkeys, and Ile aux Cerfs gives the day real variety.

I would choose it over a larger boat outing if your group values personal attention. If you are four or more, request the private boat and confirm the transfer and optional watersport costs before paying. Meet at the Trou d’Eau Douce jetty, bring sunscreen and a camera, and leave room in your schedule in case the morning departure runs late.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin and end?

The tour begins and ends at Trou d’Eau Douce. The meeting point is the jetty found by searching Debarcader Trou D’eau Douce on Google Maps.

How long does the tour last?

The activity lasts nine hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel and Airbnb pickup and drop-off are available around Mauritius for an additional cost. They are not included in the listed price.

What islands does the tour visit?

The route includes Ile aux Cerfs, Ile aux Phares, Ile de La Passe, Ile aux Aigrettes, and Îlot Margenie. It also includes stops or sightseeing around Grand River South East and Blue Bay Marine Park.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Where does snorkeling take place?

The snorkeling session takes place at Blue Bay Marine Park.

Can I see sea turtles and dolphins?

The tour includes the chance to view sea turtles and dolphins, but sightings are not guaranteed because these are wild animals.

What food is served for lunch?

The beach barbecue includes grilled chicken, grilled fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, and salad.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes rum, wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, water, and snacks.

How many people are in the group?

The small group is limited to eight participants. Groups of four or more can request a private speedboat.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in English, French, German, Italian, and Romanian.