Trou D’Eau Douce: 5 island tour Mauritius with lunch/drinks

Mauritius packs a surprising amount into this six-hour speedboat trip. You move from calm lagoon water to the open Indian Ocean, stop at a waterfall, swim near small islands, and finish with a BBQ on Île aux Cerfs. I like the mix of history and nature, especially the old lighthouse at Île aux Phares and the protected habitat of Île aux Aigrettes.

I also like that the route includes real time to swim, eat, and enjoy the water rather than rushing from one photo stop to the next. The main thing to consider is the boat space: one recent booking found the shared speedboat crowded, with 10 people already aboard and little shade at the front. A private option was arranged quickly in that case, but it may cost more.

Key points to know before booking

• Île aux Phares combines lighthouse history with dramatic sea views, including quiet lagoon water on one side and rough Indian Ocean surf on the other.
• Île aux Cerfs gets two visits, with free time early in the trip and a two-hour BBQ lunch and swim near the end.
• The route mixes islands with a mainland waterfall stop, so this is more than a beach cruise.
• Snorkeling is part of the plan, but snorkeling gear and the snorkeling session are listed as extra, so confirm exactly what your booking includes.
• Lucas is one named guide associated with the trip, and the tour operates in English and French.
• The meeting point is simple but specific: go to the end of the jetty beside the Mauritian flag.

A speedboat route across Mauritius’s east coast

The tour begins at Blue Alizé Catamaran Île aux Cerfs, near Trou d’Eau Douce. You meet at the end of the jetty, next to the Mauritian flag, then board a speedboat for the first ride, which takes about 20 minutes.

That short boat ride gets you into the rhythm of the day quickly. The east coast is known for its lagoons, small islands, and shifting water conditions, and a speedboat lets you cover more ground than a slow cruise. You will spend less time simply getting from one stop to another and more time at the places that matter.

The trade-off is comfort. A speedboat can feel lively on the water, and the available seating may vary with the group. If you want shade, bring a hat and cover-up, and consider asking about a private boat before departure if personal space is important to you.

The tour is aimed at small groups, but the shared boat can still feel tight when it fills. A recent booking described 10 people already aboard, followed by more passengers joining at the jetty. That group chose a private tour instead, arranged within about 10 minutes, and then had control over how long to stay at each stop.

Île aux Cerfs, Mauritius’s famous beach stop

Île aux Cerfs is the first major stop and one of the best-known places on Mauritius. It is famous for white sand, clear turquoise water, and the chance to swim or take part in water activities.

The first visit includes free time. Use it to get familiar with the island, take photographs, walk along the beach, or get into the water. The stop gives you a preview of the place before returning later for lunch.

Île aux Cerfs is popular, so it is not the quietest stop on this route. That matters if you are hoping for a deserted island. You are coming here for easy beach access, bright water, and a classic Mauritius setting, not for complete solitude.

I like the way the tour gives Île aux Cerfs two separate moments. The first visit is for looking around and swimming, while the later visit is built around lunch and a longer stay. You do not have to choose between seeing the island and sitting down for a proper meal there.

Grande Rivière South East waterfall

The boat then heads to the Grande Rivière South East waterfall for about 20 minutes of sightseeing, photography, and a visit. This stop breaks up the beach time with a different kind of scenery.

The waterfall is reached as part of the river and coastal route, giving you a chance to see more of Mauritius than its beaches. The stop is fairly short, so plan on taking photographs and enjoying the view rather than expecting a long walk or extended exploration.

This is also one reason the tour works well for someone visiting Mauritius for the first time. You get beaches, islands, a waterfall, and historic sites in a single outing. If your main goal is a slow day on one beach, however, the number of stops may feel busy.

Snorkeling in the Mauritian lagoon

The itinerary allows about 40 minutes for snorkeling in the waters around Mauritius. This is enough time to get in, look around, and enjoy the lagoon without turning the entire day into a snorkeling trip.

The water is a major part of the appeal here. You will see the contrast between calm lagoon areas and the more exposed Indian Ocean around the outer islands. Bring goggles and snorkeling equipment if you have them, since the supplied information lists snorkeling gear and the snorkeling session as not included.

There is a small point to clarify before booking. The tour description also presents snorkeling gear and guided sessions as part of the package, while the inclusion section says they are not included. I would ask the operator exactly what is provided on your chosen departure. Do not assume equipment is waiting on the boat.

You should also pack a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, flip-flops, and a change of clothes. The boat and beaches offer plenty of sun exposure, and a dry shirt will make the ride back more comfortable.

Fouquets Island and the passing view of Île de la Passe

Fouquets Island is used for dolphin watching, followed by a photo stop and a visit of about 20 minutes. The schedule does not promise a dolphin sighting, so treat this as a chance to look for marine life rather than a guaranteed wildlife encounter.

The island also gives the group another place to stop, take photographs, and see the coast from the water. The short timing keeps the day moving, but it means you will not have unlimited time on shore.

The boat then passes Île de la Passe. This small island has an important place in the naval battle of Grand Port, fought between French and British forces in 1810. The battle is notable as the only victory of the Napoleonic Navy and is listed on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

You may not go ashore at Île de la Passe. It is a sightseeing pass-by, so the value comes from hearing the story and seeing the location from the boat. If you enjoy military or colonial history, this brief segment adds context to what might otherwise look like a small rocky island.

Île aux Phares and the old lighthouse

Île aux Phares is one of the most interesting parts of the route for anyone who wants more than beach time. Its lighthouse is more than 200 years old and is now a historical monument.

The island’s name refers to the lighthouse, and the location has striking natural contrast. One side faces calm, turquoise lagoon water. On the other, Indian Ocean waves hit the outer breakers. From the island, you can see how quickly the mood of the sea changes.

The 1810 naval battle also involved Île aux Phares and Île de la Passe. That gives the lighthouse stop a clear sense of place: this was not just a pretty viewpoint, but part of an important moment in the history of Mauritius.

The tour information highlights Île aux Phares as a key stop, though the detailed running order places the boat near the historic islands rather than assigning a separate long visit to every island. Ask the skipper how much time is planned at the lighthouse on your departure. This is especially useful if the historic portion matters more to you than the beach stops.

Île aux Aigrettes and the aperitif swim

Île aux Aigrettes is described as a protected nature reserve with rare species and native vegetation. The scheduled stop lasts about 45 minutes and includes an aperitif and swimming.

This is a pleasant point in the day to slow down. After the waterfall, snorkeling, and several boat rides, a swim in the lagoon gives you time to cool off without needing a long program. The aperitif adds a social touch, with drinks included as part of the outing.

Do not expect a full nature walk through the reserve based on the supplied schedule. The stop is centered on swimming and refreshments, and access to protected areas can be limited. You will see the island and its natural setting, but the tour is not presented as a specialist wildlife excursion.

The reserve still adds value because it gives the route a conservation angle. You are not seeing only developed beach areas. You are also passing places associated with native plants and rare species.

BBQ lunch on Île aux Cerfs

The final major stop is a two-hour return to Île aux Cerfs for lunch, swimming, and a BBQ. Lunch and drinks are included, and local rum and soft drinks are listed among the refreshments.

Two hours is a useful amount of time. You can eat without rushing, swim afterward, and enjoy the beach before the ride back. A shorter lunch stop would make the day feel like a checklist, but this longer visit gives the middle of the outing a real pause.

The BBQ is served on the beach, which is part of the appeal. You are not simply eating between boat transfers. You have the sand, lagoon water, and open-air setting around you.

Drinks include local rum and soft drinks, but the information does not give a full food or drink menu. If you have allergies or particular dietary needs, ask before booking. The tour is practical for a standard lunch, but you should confirm special requirements in advance.

What the $88 price gives you

At $88 per person, this tour offers good value if you want to cover several east-coast sights in one day. The price includes lunch and drinks, and the route also includes speedboat transfers, island stops, a waterfall visit, swimming, and time at Île aux Cerfs.

The value comes from variety. Booking separate transport to the waterfall, a beach visit, historic islands, snorkeling, and lunch could take more planning. Here, one skipper handles the route and keeps the day moving.

The price is less compelling if you want a private boat, a long snorkeling session, or a quiet beach day. A shared speedboat may have limited shade and close seating, and a private option may be available at an additional cost.

I would also clarify the snorkeling charge before paying. The package details conflict on this point. That is the one practical question I would put to the provider, along with the exact amount of time planned at Île aux Phares.

The guide and the feel of the day

The tour operates with English and French-speaking guides. One named guide connected with the experience is Lucas, who received specific praise for his work. The captain is an important part of the day because the schedule has several stops and the timing can change with water conditions.

A friendly skipper can make the difference between a basic transfer and a memorable outing. You will want someone who can explain the lighthouse, the 1810 naval battle, the protected islands, and the local waters without turning every stop into a lecture.

The strongest praise attached to this experience focuses on the guide and the overall day. One booking described Lucas as excellent, while another called the guide very friendly. The high overall score of 4.6 from 27 ratings supports the idea that the service is usually a strong part of the trip, though it does not remove the need to check boat capacity and snorkeling details.

Who should book this tour

I would recommend this outing to couples, families, and friends who want a broad introduction to the east coast. It suits people who like changing scenery and want beach time mixed with local history, a waterfall, swimming, and a meal.

It is also a good choice if you have limited time in Mauritius. Six hours gives you a useful sample of the coast without taking up an entire day. You see several islands and return to the same meeting point at Blue Alizé Catamaran Île aux Cerfs.

I would be more cautious if you have back problems, since the activity is not considered suitable for people with back problems. It is also not suitable for wheelchair users or people over 95. The speedboat format and beach access require a reasonable level of mobility.

Pack lightly, but do not forget the basics. Sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, swimwear, towel, flip-flops, a change of clothes, goggles, and snorkeling gear are all listed as useful items. I would also bring a waterproof way to protect valuables, though waterproof storage is not specifically supplied.

Should you book the five-island tour?

Book it if you want a busy but well-rounded introduction to Mauritius’s east coast. The best parts are the two-hour BBQ and swim at Île aux Cerfs, the old lighthouse and battle stories around Île aux Phares and Île de la Passe, and the chance to move between beaches, lagoon water, a waterfall, and a protected island in one outing.

Before booking, ask two direct questions: how many people will be on the shared boat, and exactly what snorkeling equipment and instruction are included. If you prefer space and control over the schedule, ask about a private trip. Otherwise, the $88 price is fair for a six-hour route with lunch, drinks, a skipper, and several distinct stops.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts six hours.

Where does the tour begin?

It begins at Blue Alizé Catamaran Île aux Cerfs near Trou d’Eau Douce.

Where is the meeting point?

Go to the end of the jetty, next to the Mauritian flag.

Which languages are available?

The tour is offered with live guidance in English and French.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch on Île aux Cerfs is included.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks are included, with local rum and soft drinks listed among the refreshments.

Is snorkeling included?

The supplied details are inconsistent. Snorkeling is scheduled for about 40 minutes, but snorkeling gear and the snorkeling session are also listed as not included. Confirm this with the operator before departure.

Which islands are visited?

The route includes Île aux Cerfs, Fouquets Island, Île de la Passe, Île aux Aigrettes, and Île aux Phares. It also includes a stop at the Grande Rivière South East waterfall.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for wheelchair users.

What should you bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, sunscreen, flip-flops, goggles, and snorkeling gear.