Mauritius: 5 East Coast Islands Tour with Snorkeling & Lunch

Mauritius’s east coast is best seen from the water, and this speedboat tour packs a lot into one day: a river waterfall, old lighthouses, a famous naval battle site, snorkeling, swimming, and a beach BBQ. The fast ride adds a bit of fun, though it can be bumpy.

I especially like the mix of scenery and history, since this is more than a simple beach trip. I also like the chance to see turtles, dolphins, monkeys, and other wildlife along the way. The main drawback is that stops and island access can vary, while the lunch setting may feel basic and vegetarian meals have been disappointing for some guests.

Key points to know before booking

• A fast, varied route: You spend the day moving between islands, a waterfall, snorkeling water, and beach stops rather than sitting in one place.
• A slice of Mauritius history: Ile aux Fouquets and Ile de la Passe are linked to the 1810 naval battle of Grand Port.
• Wildlife is possible, not promised: Dolphins and turtles have been seen, but there is no guarantee of sightings.
• Lunch is included: Expect a halal BBQ meal with drinks on Ile aux Margenie, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices.
• Bring your own snorkel set if you can: Equipment availability may be limited, especially for breathing tubes.
• The ride suits active passengers: The speedboat is exciting, but it can be rougher than a catamaran.

Why this east coast route is worth your day

At $85 per person, this is a useful way to cover several east coast sights without arranging separate boat trips, taxis, meals, and beach stops. The price includes the full-day speedboat outing, the Grand River South East waterfall, swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and drinks.

You can also add hotel pickup and drop-off, but check the booking option carefully. Transport is not included in every version. Pickup times depend on where you stay, and you need to send your accommodation address by WhatsApp if you select transport.

I see the strongest value in the range of the day. A cheaper boat ride may take you to one beach or one island. This outing gives you a moving view of the coast and several different kinds of stops. It is not a slow, quiet cruise. You will spend much of the day boarding, riding, swimming, and getting back aboard.

The schedule usually runs from about 9 AM to 4 PM. You meet on the beach opposite Green Island Restaurant in Trou d’Eau Douce unless your selected option includes pickup. That makes this easiest for anyone staying near the east coast, though pickup options cover districts across Mauritius.

Ile aux Cerfs starts the morning with sand and shops

The first island stop is Ile aux Cerfs, where you have about 45 minutes for sightseeing and the arts and crafts market. This is a good early stop for photos, a quick look around, and a first taste of the famous east coast setting.

You should not expect a long, unhurried beach stay at this point. The day has many planned stops, so the time here is limited. If shopping is not your thing, use the pause to get comfortable with the boat schedule and enjoy the shore.

Ile aux Cerfs appears again later for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxation. That repetition can sound confusing on paper, but it reflects the way a boat day works in this area. The island is used for different parts of the outing rather than treated as one single visit.

Grand River South East waterfall reaches the sea

From Ile aux Cerfs, the boat heads toward Grand River South East waterfall, where Mauritius’s longest river meets the ocean. You get roughly 30 minutes for the boat ride, photos, and views.

This stop is about setting rather than a long walk. You see the waterfall from the water, and the boat gives you a useful angle on the river mouth and surrounding coast. Keep your camera ready, but protect it from spray and sudden movement.

The ride into the river area also breaks up the open-water speedboat runs. If you want a quiet sightseeing trip, the engine noise and quick pace may feel like a lot. If you enjoy the feeling of moving fast across the water, this is one of the day’s pleasures.

Ile aux Fouquets and Ile de la Passe bring the history lesson

The historical section centers on Ile aux Fouquets, home to a lighthouse more than 200 years old. The lighthouse is now a historical monument, and the island gives the guide a chance to explain the colonial period of Mauritius.

You then pass Ile de la Passe. These two islands were involved in the 1810 naval battle of Grand Port between French and British forces. The French victory was the only naval victory of Napoleon’s navy and is recorded on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

That detail gives the boat ride more meaning. You are not just photographing an old structure from offshore. You are looking at a place tied to the struggle for control of Mauritius, with a story that reached far beyond the island.

The visit is mainly a sightseeing and photo stop. Do not plan on wandering through a large restored site or spending hours ashore. The value comes from seeing the location and hearing the guide connect it to Mauritius’s past.

Guides associated with this outing have included Derek, Thomas, and Ronny. Names can change from day to day, but the guide matters here because the historical stops need explanation. Thomas has been noted for giving commentary throughout the route, while Ronny was especially appreciated for his enthusiasm on the water.

Eau Bleu is the day’s main water stop

After the historical section, the boat heads to Eau Bleu for snorkeling. The itinerary also includes about 35 minutes for swimming and snorkeling near Ile aux Cerfs.

This is the part of the day to bring your own gear if you have it. The instructions ask you to bring snorkeling equipment, and equipment provided on board may be limited. Some outings have supplied a mask or eye mask without a breathing tube, while another passenger had access to snorkeling gear. I would not rely on a complete set being available.

The water is described as clear, and the snorkeling has been one of the most highly praised parts of the trip. You may see fish and other sea life, and dolphins or turtles have appeared during some outings. Still, wildlife sightings depend on conditions and luck. Book this for the chance to snorkel, not as a guaranteed dolphin trip.

The stop is relatively short, so use your time well. Have your swimsuit on before departure, keep your towel close, and avoid burying your mask under dry bags and clothing. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera are also useful, though you should secure anything loose before the boat accelerates.

Ile aux Aigrettes adds a quieter swim

Ile aux Aigrettes is the next swimming stop, with about 45 minutes planned for an aperitif and time in the water. This gives you another chance to swim without making the whole day about snorkeling.

The two water stops serve different purposes. Eau Bleu is the main snorkeling point, while Ile aux Aigrettes works better as a relaxed swim and refreshment break. If you prefer sitting in the sun to looking underwater, this may be your favorite pause.

The boat’s pace means you should expect a practical beach stop rather than a resort-style afternoon. There may be time to sunbathe and relax, but the group needs to keep moving to reach lunch and the afternoon return.

BBQ lunch on Ile aux Margenie

Lunch is served on Ile aux Margenie and includes a BBQ, drinks, and a choice of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The food is halal, and both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are offered.

For meat eaters, the meal is a welcome part of the price and helps turn the boat outing into a full-day experience. Portions have been described as generous, and the beach setting makes lunch feel more memorable than eating at a standard restaurant.

The vegetarian option deserves a clear warning. A basic salad and white bread have been served on some outings, and the food may be prepared on or near the same grill used for meat and fish. If you are vegetarian, bring extra food or contact the operator before booking. If strict separation matters to you, this is probably not the right meal plan.

Lunch is served by staff rather than arranged as a fully self-service buffet. Some people will appreciate the organized service, while others may prefer to choose freely and control the pace.

The island itself may not look polished. Maintenance and cleanliness have been criticized at the lunch stop. I would set your expectations correctly: this is a simple beach BBQ, not a fine dining setting. The appeal is the location, the included meal, and the chance to sit by the water.

After lunch, you can relax, sunbathe, or swim in the clear water around Ile aux Cerfs before returning to Trou d’Eau Douce at about 4 PM.

The speedboat is part of the attraction

The boat is not just transportation between scheduled stops. It is a major part of the experience. You get open-water views, quick runs between islands, and a stronger sense of motion than you would on a catamaran.

That also means you need to be comfortable with a bumpy ride. One passenger described the first stretch as a shock before settling into it. If you have back problems, get motion sick, or want a gentle cruise, a catamaran may suit you better.

Group size can affect the day. A small group of four or seven makes it easier to hear the guide and move around without feeling crowded. The boat can hold up to about ten people, and a full boat may feel less comfortable, especially during snorkeling preparation and boarding.

Wear secure footwear for getting on and off the boat, but bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera. Keep valuables protected from spray. The tour operator lists comfortable shoes and snorkeling gear among the recommended items.

Wildlife adds a welcome element of chance

Dolphins, turtles, and monkeys have been seen during the boat ride. Turtles have appeared more consistently in the available accounts than dolphins, but none of these sightings is promised.

That uncertainty is worth understanding before you book. The tour is not a dedicated wildlife safari. The main product is the island route, swimming, snorkeling, waterfall, historical sights, and lunch. Wildlife is a bonus that can make an already full day even better.

The crew may point out animals or coastal features as you move along. A good skipper can make the ride feel personal by slowing for a sight or explaining a place, but conditions and timing affect what is possible.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want one active day that covers several east coast highlights. It suits couples, friends, and families with older children who enjoy swimming, boat rides, and a full schedule.

Children under four are not accepted, and the outing is not suitable for pregnant women. The speedboat’s movement is the main reason. You should also be comfortable climbing in and out of a boat and spending long stretches outside.

This is a good choice if you want:

• A fast boat rather than a slow cruise
• Several island stops in one day
• A mix of swimming, snorkeling, scenery, and history
• A halal BBQ lunch with drinks
• English or French guiding
• Optional pickup from your accommodation

I would choose something else if you want a quiet beach day, a polished lunch venue, guaranteed wildlife, or a carefully planned vegetarian meal. The schedule is active, and some stops may be shorter or different from what you expect depending on access and weather.

Weather, timing, and practical planning

Good weather is essential. If poor conditions cancel the tour, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Even on a sunny day, bring sun protection because much of the experience takes place in open air.

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve now, pay later option. Those terms are useful if your Mauritius plans are still moving around, but check the exact option you select because pickup is separate from the basic tour.

Be at the meeting point on time if you are making your own way to Trou d’Eau Douce. Allow extra time for hotel pickup if you select transport, since the pickup hour varies by accommodation location.

Final verdict: a strong day for active island hopping

I think this is good value at $85 if you want more than one beach and do not mind a rougher ride. The speedboat, waterfall, old lighthouse, naval history, snorkeling, possible turtles and dolphins, and BBQ lunch give the day real variety.

Book it if your ideal Mauritius outing includes movement, water, and several short discoveries. Bring your own snorkeling gear, prepare for a simple lunch setting, and ask about the vegetarian meal before paying if that matters to you.

Skip it for a quiet cruise or a refined beach lunch. For everyone else, this is a lively and reasonably priced way to see the east coast in one well-filled day.

FAQ

How long does the Five East Coast Islands Tour last?

The tour lasts about seven hours. It generally begins around 9 AM and returns to the meeting point in Trou d’Eau Douce at about 4 PM.

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is on the beach opposite Green Island Restaurant in Trou d’Eau Douce, unless you select an option with accommodation pickup.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included only when you choose the transport option. If you select it, send your accommodation address on WhatsApp so the operator can provide your pickup time.

What languages does the guide speak?

Guides are available in English and French.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A halal BBQ lunch with drinks is served on Ile aux Margenie. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices are available, though you may want to confirm the vegetarian meal before booking.

Should I bring snorkeling equipment?

Yes. You should bring your own snorkeling gear if possible, along with swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, and a camera. Equipment available on board may be limited.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can receive a full refund or choose a different date.