Full Day Tour 5 Island to Ile Aux Cerfs Incl. Lunch and Transfer

The best thing about this full-day speedboat trip is the range. In one long day, you get reef snorkeling, old lighthouse ruins, a shipwreck, a waterfall, white sand islets, and the famous Ile aux Cerfs. The boat moves fast, so you spend less time plodding between stops and more time out on the water.

I especially like the Blue Bay snorkeling and the chance to walk around Ile aux Phare and Ile de la Passe. The hotel pickup, lunch, snorkeling gear, and drinks also make the $151.21 price easier to justify. The catch is that this can feel like a party boat, and a few departures have had unclear pickup times, missed stops, warm drinks, or modest food portions.

Key points to know before booking

• Blue Bay Marine Park snorkeling: Clear water, reef fish, and coral at an average depth of about 5.5 meters.
• A fast, busy itinerary: You visit several islands and coastal sights, but most stops last only 30 to 45 minutes.
• History between swims: The Dalbair shipwreck, Ile aux Phare lighthouse, and Ile de la Passe defenses add substance beyond beach time.
• Beach barbecue at Ilot Margenie: Chicken, fish, salads, bread, drinks, music, sega dancing, and banana flambé are included.
• A lively boat atmosphere: Unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are part of the package, which suits some people and not others.
• Weather and communication matter: Sea conditions can force changes, and pickup times should be checked carefully before the morning begins.

A fast start from Blue Bay

Your day begins with hotel pickup anywhere in Mauritius, normally around 8:00 a.m. The transfer is in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with a driver or guide, then you continue from the Blue Bay area by speedboat.

The road transfer is more important than it sounds. Several departures have had excellent drivers, including Kavi, who was praised for both safe driving and island information. But pickup communication has not always been smooth. Some people received changing collection times through the app, with an original 8:00 a.m. pickup later moved to 6:30 or even 6:00 a.m. Check the latest message in your booking account and confirm the time before bed.

The boat holds no more than 15 people, though some trips have carried only five or ten. That smaller size is a real advantage over a large catamaran. You can move quickly, hear the guide more easily, and get a closer look at the coast. The tradeoff is that the ride can be bouncy and exposed, with little shelter from the sun.

Blue Bay Marine Park and the coral reef

The first major stop is Blue Bay Marine Park, one of the strongest parts of the day. The boat pauses over reef in clear water, generally around 5.5 meters deep. You receive snorkeling equipment and have about an hour to look at fish, coral, and the underwater reef.

The park is known for more than 50 coral species, so this is not just a quick swim beside the boat. Visibility can be excellent when the sea is calm. You may see a broad mix of coral and reef fish, though marine life and water clarity always depend on weather and conditions.

You do not have to be an expert swimmer. One useful feature of the trip is that non-snorkelers can remain on the boat or swim without using the mask and fins. Still, this tour suits you best if you are comfortable getting into open water and climbing back aboard a speedboat.

Bring your own mask if you are particular about fit. The tour supplies gear, but one low-rated experience described poorly maintained snorkeling equipment. That appears to be an occasional problem rather than the rule, yet it is worth knowing before you go.

The Dalbair wreck at Pointe d’Esny

The boat then reaches the Dalbair shipwreck on the Pointe d’Esny reef. The vessel has been there since 1902, and the guide is expected to explain the circumstances around the wreck before you view it from the water.

This stop adds a useful bit of local history to a day otherwise built around swimming and scenery. It is not a museum visit, and you should not expect to walk onto the wreck. The appeal is seeing the remains from the boat and hearing the story in the place where it happened.

A good guide makes a major difference here. Captains and guides named in positive accounts include Chris, Nelson, Donovan, and Kevin, also known by the nickname Jack Sparrow. Their style varies, but the strongest departures combine boat handling with short explanations instead of treating every stop as a photo pause.

A cocktail and swim at Ile aux Aigrettes

At Ile aux Aigrettes, you get about 40 minutes for a cocktail and a swim in the lagoon. The stop is described as a natural swimming pool, with clear water and starfish visible in the shallows.

This is a pleasant reset after snorkeling and the faster sections of the ride. It is also a good place for photographs because the water is calm and shallow around the swimming area. Keep your expectations sensible: this is a short stop, not a full nature-reserve visit. The schedule gives you time to swim and have a drink, not to explore the island at length.

Sun protection is essential. The boat, beaches, and open water offer plenty of direct sun, and one practical tip from the day is to wear sun-protective clothing and carry high-factor sunscreen. You may also want a small snack, since lunch does not arrive until later and food portions can vary.

Ile aux Phare and the old lighthouse

The small island known as Ile aux Phare, or L’Île aux Fouquets, is one of the more distinctive stops. Its lighthouse was built in 1864 to guide ships toward the port of Mahebourg, and the island also played a role in the Battle of Grand Port between French and British forces.

You get roughly 45 minutes to walk around the island and see the old lighthouse ruins. This is a welcome change from repeated swimming stops. The ground is rocky, so sensible footwear is more useful here than bare feet or flimsy sandals.

The lighthouse is weathered and atmospheric, but do not expect a restored building or formal exhibition. Its value comes from the setting and the connection between the ruin and Mauritius’ colonial-era naval history. You can look across the turquoise water toward the mainland while the guide explains why this tiny island mattered.

Ile de la Passe and the island’s defenses

Ile de la Passe is a small islet with old French and British defensive ruins. The stop usually lasts about 30 minutes and may depend on the tide.

This is one of the places where the five-island label can create confusion. The day includes several islets, reefs, and coastal attractions, but not every stop is a long landing. At Ile de la Passe, you may walk among the remains and look across the water, but access can change with tide and sea conditions.

The ruins connect to the Battle of Vieux Grand Port, a major naval conflict remembered in French history. You do not need to be a military-history fan to appreciate the stop. It gives the speedboat journey a sense of place and explains why these small pieces of land were once so important.

The boat also passes Ilot Vacoas along the way. This is a passing view rather than a full stop, so do not count it as another island visit with time ashore.

Ilot Flamants and the open lagoon

Ilot Flamants is a small white-sand island set in the lagoon. You get around 30 minutes here, with time to swim or snorkel in the clear water before continuing toward Ile aux Cerfs.

This is the classic postcard portion of the trip: pale sand, palm-fringed views, and bright water around a small patch of land. It is also one of the more exposed stops, so your hat, sunscreen, and waterproof phone protection should be ready.

The schedule moves quickly. If you want long, quiet beach time, a dedicated beach excursion may suit you better. If you want several different sea settings in one day, the short stop works well.

Grand River South East Waterfall by boat

The Grand River South East Waterfall is reached by speedboat through the river channel. Here, fresh water meets the sea, with thick vegetation along the banks and a chance of seeing monkeys in the trees or fruit bats higher up.

You view the waterfall from the boat, rather than taking a long land walk. The approach through the channel is the main attraction. It offers a different view of Mauritius, with riverbanks replacing the open lagoon and rocky islets.

Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Several strong outings included monkeys, while others could not complete the waterfall visit because of weather. Treat any animals as a bonus, not a promise. Sea conditions can also lead the operator to shorten or skip this section.

Two hours at Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the main beach stop and usually gives you about two hours before or around lunch. You can swim, walk, relax on the sand, snorkel, or pay extra for water sports.

The island is beautiful, but it is also the busiest and most developed-feeling part of the route. That is not a criticism so much as a useful expectation. You come here for easy beach time and a wide choice of activities, not for solitude.

Optional water sports cost about 40 euros. They are not included in the tour price, so bring a payment method if you want to add one. If you prefer not to spend extra, the beach, lagoon, and walking areas provide enough to do during the allotted time.

Beach barbecue, rum, music, and banana flambé

Lunch is served on Ilot Margenie, described as a beach setting with shade canopies. The usual three-course barbecue includes chicken, fish, salads, garlic bread, and other sides. Vegetarian and halal meals are available, but you should request a vegetarian option when booking and flag allergies or illness in advance.

Drinks are included, with alcoholic and non-alcoholic choices. The meal also comes with music, traditional sega dancing, an open bar, and banana flambé for dessert. This is the social center of the day, and it can be a lot of fun if you enjoy a lively group meal.

The alcohol policy deserves a clear warning. Unlimited drinks are a major selling point for some people, but one poor experience reported no alcohol at all, while another found the drinks warm and served in plastic cups. A separate complaint felt the boat atmosphere focused too heavily on drinking, smoking, and vaping. If you want a quiet, family-centered outing, ask the operator how that day’s boat is run before booking.

Food expectations should also stay realistic. Some meals have included plenty of chicken, fish, and sausages, while another person found the portions small and the food cold. The meal is convenient and part of the value, but it is not a restaurant lunch with individual ordering.

What the $151.21 price really covers

At $151.21 per person, the package is not cheap, but it includes a large amount: hotel pickup and drop-off, private air-conditioned transport, a certified guide or driver, speedboat travel, snorkeling gear, reef snorkeling, the cocktail stop, the historic island visits, the waterfall, Ile aux Cerfs, lunch, and unlimited drinks.

I see the best value in the transport and number of included stops. Organizing Blue Bay, the southeast islands, the waterfall, lunch, and Ile aux Cerfs independently would take more planning and would not necessarily cost less. The small boat also gives you a faster day than a standard catamaran trip.

The value drops if your departure skips several advertised stops or switches to a different boat. One weather-affected outing nearly became a catamaran trip, which would not have offered the same swimming, lighthouse, and speedboat experience. Confirm that the operator can provide the booked format, while accepting that weather and tide can change the route.

Who should book this speedboat day

I would choose this excursion if you want a high-energy water day with many short experiences rather than one long beach stay. It is especially suitable for couples, friends, and families with older children who enjoy snorkeling, fast boat rides, music, and an informal barbecue.

It may not suit you if you dislike speed, direct sun, open-water swimming, loud music, alcohol, or a tightly packed schedule. Families should ask about the atmosphere before paying, particularly if smoking and drinking around children would bother you.

The trip can work for non-snorkelers, since you can swim or stay aboard during the reef stop. Vegetarians can also be accommodated, but the request must be made ahead of time.

Final verdict: book it for variety, not quiet

This is a strong choice for seeing a large section of Mauritius’ southeast coast in one day. The best parts are the clear Blue Bay reef, the quick speedboat rides, the old lighthouse, the river waterfall, and the chance to combine history with swimming and beach time.

I would book it if the goal is variety, social energy, and a full package with transport, lunch, equipment, and drinks. I would skip it in favor of a quieter or more carefully controlled boat trip if you want guaranteed stops, small portions of alcohol, a calm family setting, or long uninterrupted time on one beach.

Before booking, confirm the pickup time, vegetarian or allergy needs, boat type, and what happens if the weather changes. Those few checks can make the difference between a memorable day and an unnecessarily early morning followed by disappointment.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

Hotel pickup is offered from accommodation anywhere in Mauritius. The listed start time is 8:00 a.m., but you should check the latest pickup message because collection times may change.

How long does the experience last?

The full excursion takes about 8 to 9 hours. The expected return to the mainland is around 4:30 p.m.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, with snorkeling planned at Blue Bay Marine Park and Ilot Flamants.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A three-course barbecue lunch is included, with chicken, fish, salads, garlic bread, drinks, and banana flambé. Vegetarian meals are available if requested when booking, and halal food is provided.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Yes. The package includes a selection of unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The exact availability and serving conditions may vary by departure.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded, and poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of participants may lead to a new date or a full refund.