Trou d’Eau Douce: 5 Islands Tour with Snorkeling and BBQ

The best part of this Mauritius outing is the mix of open-water speedboat travel, island stops, snorkeling, and a relaxed BBQ in one compact day. I especially like the crystal-clear snorkeling stop at Île aux Aigrettes and the chance to see dolphins without making the entire trip depend on finding them. The main thing to consider is pace: five hours covers a lot of ground, so some stops are scenic visits rather than long explorations.

I also like the easygoing social feel, with music, rum, beer, wine, and fruit juice served around lunch. Guides such as Ayen and Danilo have led lively departures, but English explanations may be limited or hard to hear over the boat and music. Bring patience, sunscreen, and a willingness to enjoy the ride as much as the commentary.

Key points at a glance

• Five-island route: Visit or pass Île aux Cerfs, Phare Island, Île de la Passe, Île aux Aigrettes, and Margénie.
• Snorkeling first: Spend about an hour swimming and looking for marine life near Île aux Aigrettes.
• BBQ on Margénie: Eat chicken, fish, sausages, garlic bread, salad, and pineapple or banana flambé.
• Drinks included: Rum, beer, wine, Coke, and fruit juice are available with lunch.
• Wildlife moments: The route includes dolphin watching, marine life viewing, and possible monkey sightings.
• Flexible booking: You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure and reserve without paying immediately.

Setting out from Cabane du Pêcheur

The tour begins at Cabane du Pêcheur, where you board the speedboat. Transport to this meeting point is not included, so you need to arrange your own way there. Check the exact departure time when booking, since the activity lasts about five hours but available start times can vary.

The first boat ride takes around 20 minutes. That opening stretch matters because it quickly changes the mood from land-based sightseeing to an Indian Ocean day. You are not sitting in a coach waiting for the next stop. You are moving between islands with the wind, water, and changing views all around you.

Small groups and private departures are available. That can make a real difference on a boat trip. One recent outing had nine seats but only five people aboard, giving the group extra room. Do not assume every departure will feel that spacious, but ask about the group type if personal room matters to you.

Île aux Cerfs and the first island views

Île aux Cerfs receives about an hour. This is your longest early stop, with time for sightseeing, shopping, and exploring on your own. The stop gives you a chance to get off the boat and see one of the area’s best-known island settings without rushing straight into the next activity.

I would treat this as free time rather than a guided cultural visit. You can walk, look around, and take photographs, but the schedule does not promise a long historical explanation or a detailed island tour. If you prefer a full day on one beach, this five-hour route will feel too busy. If you want several different settings in one outing, the short format works well.

The route then includes a traditional village visit lasting around 35 minutes. You will have guided sightseeing, scenic views along the way, and a chance to look for wildlife. The village stop helps break up the water time and gives the day a little more local texture than an island-only cruise.

Waterfall views and a careful dolphin watch

The exact middle sections of the route combine sightseeing, walking, wildlife viewing, and a stop at the Grse waterfall. Allow roughly 35 minutes for one guided scenic section and about 45 minutes for another walk or self-guided stop. Since the schedule moves through several places, listen carefully to your guide so you know when to return to the boat.

Dolphin watching is included, but dolphins are wild animals, not a guaranteed show. One outing had dolphins appear unexpectedly, and the boat did not chase them or allow anyone to enter the water. I consider that a sensible approach. You may get a memorable sighting, but you should not book this trip expecting to swim with dolphins or receive a close encounter.

A recent group also saw monkeys, which shows how the wildlife element can add surprise to the day. Still, the tour should be judged on its islands, snorkeling, and food rather than on a promise of animal sightings. Nature sets the schedule here.

Passing Île de la Passe and Phare Island

Phare Island, also called the lighthouse island, is one of the tour’s most appealing photo stops. The boat route includes scenic views around the island, while Île de la Passe is passed by rather than explored at length. You get about 10 minutes around Île de la Passe, mainly from the water.

That distinction is important. The tour is not offering a long walk on every island. Some places are viewed from the speedboat, and others receive free time or a guided stop. The reward is variety: lighthouse scenery, open water, beach time, a village, a waterfall, and a snorkeling area all fit into one morning and early afternoon.

The speedboat also lets you cover more distance than a slower boat would. The trade-off is noise, spray, and a less steady ride. If you are prone to motion sickness, keep that in mind and choose your seat carefully. The listed information does not specify a sheltered cabin or a particular seating area.

Snorkeling beside Île aux Aigrettes

The snorkeling session near Île aux Aigrettes lasts about an hour. Equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel. You can swim, look for marine life, and enjoy the clear water at one of the most active parts of the day.

The snorkeling site is a strong reason to choose this tour. You are not simply looking at the ocean from the boat. You have time to get into the water and see fish for yourself. Recent groups described the snorkeling sites as excellent, though conditions can always affect visibility and comfort.

Bring your own towel, swimwear, hat, sunscreen, and camera. A waterproof phone case would be useful, though it is not listed as included. Keep personal items secure around the boat and beach stops, since personal expenses are your responsibility.

The schedule gives you about an hour, which is enough for a satisfying session but not an all-day snorkeling program. If snorkeling is your top priority, a specialist snorkeling trip may provide more time in the water. If you want snorkeling as one part of a broad island day, this balance makes sense.

BBQ lunch on Margénie Island

Margénie Island provides the main meal and the longest relaxed stop, with about an hour and a half for lunch and free time. The BBQ includes chicken, fish, sausages, garlic bread, mixed salad, and pineapple or banana flambé for dessert.

Vegetarian food is available if requested in advance. You should also tell the operator about dietary restrictions when booking. The menu is generous for a beach lunch, but this is a casual outdoor meal rather than a restaurant experience. Expect a social setting built around the boat group, food, music, and drinks.

Included drinks range from rum and beer to wine, Coke, and fruit juice. A particularly practical detail is that you are allowed to bring your own drinks. That gives you a useful option if you want extra water or prefer something not listed. Even with the included drinks, I would bring or buy enough water for a sunny day.

The rum is part of the atmosphere, not the point of the trip. Some people will enjoy the music and relaxed pace, while others may find the party mood a little much. One recent departure was praised for its music and good energy, and another was summed up with a very brief appreciation of the rum. If you want a quiet nature cruise, ask about the tone of the departure before booking.

Guides, music, and the group atmosphere

The guide can shape this experience more than any single island. Danilo has been described as joyful and funny, while Ayen has been praised for keeping the group entertained. Those names give you a useful sense of the guiding style: personable, upbeat, and comfortable with a lively boat group.

English and French are available. The quality of spoken explanation may vary by guide and by how clearly you can hear from your seat. English commentary has sometimes been sparse or difficult to understand, especially with music and engine noise. If you want detailed interpretation at every stop, this may not be the right match.

If you care more about a friendly day on the water than formal guiding, the style should suit you well. You can enjoy the scenery, ask questions when the boat is quiet, and use the free time to explore at your own pace. Private or small-group options may also make it easier to communicate with the guide.

Is $106 a fair price?

At $106 per person, this tour is priced as a full half-day package rather than a simple boat transfer. The price covers the speedboat, five-island route, snorkeling gear, dolphin watching, waterfall visit, Île aux Cerfs free time, lunch, and drinks.

I think the value is strongest if you want variety. Booking separate transport, a snorkeling outing, a wildlife cruise, and a BBQ would take more planning and might cost more once meals and equipment are added. Here, the operator handles the movement between stops and gives you a ready-made day.

The value is weaker if you only want beach time or serious snorkeling. About five hours passes quickly, and several islands are viewed from the boat or visited briefly. You are paying for range and convenience, not long stays at every location.

The rating is listed at 4.9 from 28 reviews, with repeated praise for smooth organization, attractive views, friendly guides, snorkeling, music, and the relaxed group mood. The main criticism concerns limited English explanations. That is a fair warning for anyone choosing tours mainly for history or detailed nature commentary.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would recommend it to couples, families, and small groups who want a lively Mauritius day with several activities in one booking. It suits confident swimmers, casual snorkelers, photographers, and anyone who likes moving around rather than staying in one place.

It is also a good option if you want a social outing with music, drinks, and an outdoor lunch. The private and small-group choices may appeal to people who want a less crowded boat, though the exact group size depends on the departure you choose.

I would hesitate if you need a quiet boat, extensive English guiding, guaranteed dolphin encounters, or a long, unhurried stay on one island. The trip is active and tightly packed. People over 95 are specifically listed as unsuitable, and pets are not allowed.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Mauritius schedule is still shifting, but they do not change the need to reach Cabane du Pêcheur on your own.

My verdict on the five-island route

Book this tour if you want to see a lot of the east coast by water and you value a cheerful day more than detailed commentary. The strongest combination is the Île aux Aigrettes snorkeling stop, the changing island scenery, the chance of dolphins, and the long BBQ break on Margénie.

Skip it if you want a slow beach day or a formal guided tour with deep explanations. For most people comparing several Mauritius excursions, the $106 price is reasonable because it combines transport on the water, equipment, food, drinks, and several stops. Just set the right expectations: some islands are quick scenic visits, wildlife is never guaranteed, and the day is as much about the speedboat atmosphere as it is about ticking off five islands.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Cabane du Pêcheur in Mauritius.

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts about five hours. Check the available departure times when booking.

Which islands are included?

The route includes Île aux Cerfs, Phare Island, Île de la Passe, Île aux Aigrettes, and Margénie Island.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Where does snorkeling take place?

The snorkeling session takes place near Île aux Aigrettes.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is a BBQ on Margénie Island.

What food is served at the BBQ?

The meal includes chicken, fish, sausages, garlic bread, mixed salad, and pineapple or banana flambé. Vegetarian food is available on request.

What drinks are included?

Included drinks include rum, beer, Coke, wine, and fruit juice.

Is dolphin watching guaranteed?

Dolphin watching is included, but dolphins are wild animals and sightings are not guaranteed.

Can I bring my own drinks?

Yes. There are no restrictions on bringing your own drinks.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. Live guiding is available in English and French.

Is transport to Cabane du Pêcheur included?

No. Transport to the boarding point is not included.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Are private or small-group departures available?

Yes. Private and small-group options are available.