Mauritius: 5 Islands of the East Speedboat Tour with BBQ

The best part of this day is the way it links several sides of Mauritius in one fast-moving trip: mangrove waterways, open sea, old naval islands, coral reefs, and white sand. You get a boat ride with some zip, but also quiet time for swimming and lunch.

I like the small-boat feel, especially when the group is limited to a handful of people, and I like that the BBQ, drinks, snorkeling, and island stops are bundled into the price. The main caution is the start: one booking had more than an hour of waiting before departure, so arrive ready to ask where your boat is and which crew is handling your trip.

Key points to know before booking

• GRSE Waterfall by boat: Cruise upriver to one of Mauritius’ few waterfalls reached by boat, with possible monkey sightings along the bank.
• Five island names, but not five full shore visits: Some islands are protected or tide-dependent, so you may pass by rather than disembark.
• Snorkeling is part of the day: Gear is available on request, and the stop includes coral, tropical fish, and a possible sea turtle sighting.
• A proper beach lunch: The BBQ includes chicken, fish, chicken sausages, salads, flambéed bananas, and local drinks.
• Small groups can make a difference: One recent outing had only six people, giving the guide more room to explain the islands and help with questions.
• Île aux Cerfs is the final easygoing stop: You have time for swimming, a beach walk, sunbathing, or optional paid activities.

Why this east-coast boat trip works

At $88 per person for seven hours, this is not just a boat transfer to Île aux Cerfs. The day combines several stops that would otherwise require separate planning: the Grand River South East Waterfall, historic islands, a snorkeling break, a nature reserve viewed from the water, lunch, and time on one of Mauritius’ best-known beaches.

I see the value in the variety. You are not spending the whole day in one place, and you are not paying separately for lunch, drinks, a snorkeling stop, and a boat ride. The price also covers a live guide in English or French, which matters when the islands have stories and protected areas that are easy to miss from the deck.

The tradeoff is pace. Seven hours sounds generous, but the route has many moving parts. Some stops are short photo pauses, some are pass-by views, and only certain islands offer time ashore. If your idea of a good day is one long, quiet stretch on the beach, this may feel busy. If you want a broad taste of the east coast, the schedule makes sense.

The boat leaves from the Trou d’Eau Douce area, with the stated meeting point at Trou d’Eau Douce Beach and the starting location listed as Le Four a Chaux Restaurant. Optional hotel or villa transfers are available, but they are not included, so check the pickup arrangement before you pay.

Starting at Trou d’Eau Douce

The day begins with a welcome and a safety briefing. The captain explains life jacket use, basic onboard safety, and the route before the speedboat moves out. That short briefing is useful because the day includes both calm river water and more exposed sections of the lagoon.

You first cruise through mangrove-lined waterways. This is a slower, greener opening than the open-sea ride that follows. Your guide explains how mangroves help protect the shoreline and provide nursery areas for marine life. The narrow channels also offer good photo chances, especially if you enjoy seeing a side of Mauritius that is less about resort beaches.

The boat then continues toward the Grand River South East Waterfall, often called the GRSE Waterfall. Fresh water drops over dark basalt rocks into the sea, creating one of the more unusual sights on this route. The contrast is the point: river, rock, trees, and salt water all meet in one view.

Keep your eyes on the riverbank. Monkeys may be visible in the trees, but the sighting is not promised. The same goes for dolphins when the boat heads back toward the sea. The crew can point them out if they appear, but you should treat wildlife as a bonus rather than part of the guaranteed schedule.

Île aux Phare and the old naval route

The first major island stop is Île aux Phare, also known as Île aux Fouquets. Its 19th-century lighthouse sits on volcanic rock above the water. You may stop for photographs and sightseeing, with the waves and open views making this one of the most striking visual moments of the day.

The lighthouse is more than a scenic prop. It helps explain the practical importance of Mauritius’ east coast, where ships once needed guidance through reefs and narrow passages. You do not need a long history lecture to appreciate it, but a guide who can connect the structure to the coast’s sailing past adds real value.

Next comes Île de la Passe. The boat passes this small island while the guide discusses the remains of forts and the naval battles tied to Mauritius’ colonial past. This is a scenic pass-by rather than a long shore visit, so set your expectations accordingly. You will see the island from the boat, hear the story, and take photographs, but you should not plan on wandering through the ruins.

That limitation is common throughout the route. The tour uses the broad idea of five islands, but tide levels, government protection, and access rules affect where you can get off. The experience is best understood as a mix of island visits, boat views, and photo stops, not five separate island walks.

The boat also passes Île aux Flamant, a shallow and peaceful island whose name recalls flamingos. Flamingos rarely visit now, so this is a quiet scenic pass rather than a wildlife stop. It is still a pleasant contrast to the more dramatic lighthouse and naval sites.

Snorkeling beside Île aux Aigrettes

The snorkeling stop gives the day a change of rhythm. After the boat ride and island history, you get time in the water among coral and tropical fish. A sea turtle is possible, but not guaranteed. Snorkeling equipment is available on request, and the guide helps with safety.

I would confirm the gear arrangement before leaving the beach, especially if you prefer a particular mask or need equipment fitted in advance. Bring your own gear if you already have reliable snorkeling equipment. The packing list also includes swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a camera.

The stop takes place near Île aux Aigrettes, a protected nature reserve known for rare species including the Aldabra giant tortoise and the endangered pink pigeon. You do not disembark on the reserve. That is important: this is a view and information stop, not a land visit to the sanctuary.

Instead, the boat pauses at a nearby beach for swimming, snacks, drinks, and an aperitif. Local alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks are included. This beach break is a good chance to dry off, take photographs, and listen to the guide explain why the reserve is protected.

The tour description calls the sea life and coral vibrant, but conditions can vary with weather, tide, and water clarity. Think of the snorkeling as a valuable part of a mixed day, not a specialist reef excursion. People who want a long session in the water may find the stop too short, while casual swimmers should appreciate the chance to get in without sacrificing the rest of the route.

BBQ lunch at Îlot Mangenie

Lunch is served next to Île aux Cerfs, with the BBQ set up on the beach around Îlot Mangenie. The meal includes grilled chicken, fish, chicken sausages, fresh salads, flambéed bananas, and local drinks. Vegetarian meals are possible, but you must request one in advance.

Food is one of the strongest parts of this outing. The format is relaxed and social, and the beach setting makes a simple grilled meal feel like part of the experience rather than a break from it. Recent feedback specifically praised the BBQ and the quality of the lunch, while the friendly atmosphere also received repeated approval.

The lunch stop includes beer, cocktails, dessert, and other drinks, according to the listed program. Personal purchases are not included, so bring money if you want extras or plan to pay for activities later at Île aux Cerfs.

The word beach matters here. You are not eating in a formal restaurant, and conditions can be shaped by weather and the day’s setup. That is part of the appeal, but people wanting table service and a quiet indoor meal may prefer a land-based excursion.

Time on Île aux Cerfs

The final major stop is Île aux Cerfs, known for powdery white sand and a clear lagoon. Here, the schedule becomes less guided. You can walk, swim, sunbathe, take photos, or simply sit near the water.

This is also where optional activities such as parasailing, glass-bottom boat trips, and undersea walks are available at extra cost. They are not included in the $88 price, so do not assume the tour fee covers them. You can enjoy the island without buying anything, but the option is there if you want a more active finish.

Île aux Cerfs is popular, and the tour does not promise a private beach. The attraction is the classic tropical setting, not solitude. I would use this stop to slow down after the busier morning, swim if conditions suit you, and leave enough time for the boat ride back to Trou d’Eau Douce.

The route then returns to the starting area. Because the day includes many stops and the sea can affect timing, I would avoid scheduling a tight evening commitment immediately afterward.

Guides, group size, and the human side of the day

The tour is led in English or French. Guides named in recent bookings include Kenny and John. Kenny was specifically praised for explaining the islands in both languages and for being warm and attentive. One outing had only six people on the boat, which made the route feel more personal and gave the guide room to answer questions.

That small-group experience may not apply every day, so do not book solely on the expectation of six passengers. Still, the speedboat format is likely to feel more direct than a large coach-and-boat program. You get closer to the water, move between stops quickly, and have a better chance of hearing the guide clearly.

There is one practical wrinkle at the meeting point. One booking involved more than an hour of waiting before the group received help finding the correct provider. I would arrive at the stated meeting point with the tour name and provider, Paradis Discover, ready to show staff. If no one approaches you, ask promptly rather than waiting quietly.

The tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the information does not explain which parts of boarding, snorkeling, beach access, or island visits are adapted. If you use a wheelchair, confirm the details before booking, particularly because the day includes a speedboat and beach stops.

What to bring and what to arrange early

Pack light, but bring the items that make a water day comfortable:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
• Camera or waterproof phone protection
• Snorkeling gear, if you prefer to use your own
• Money for personal expenses and optional Île aux Cerfs activities

Ask for snorkeling equipment when booking or at the start of the trip. Request a vegetarian lunch in advance. Hotel and villa transfers are optional and cost extra, so confirm the pickup point instead of assuming transport is included.

The tour can be rescheduled in bad weather or rough seas. That is sensible for a speedboat route, but it means you should keep some flexibility in your Mauritius schedule. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your plans are still moving.

Who should book this Mauritius boat tour?

I would choose this tour if you want a full east-coast day with plenty of variety. It suits couples, families, and active visitors who like a mix of boat speed, short sightseeing stops, snorkeling, a relaxed lunch, and beach time. It is also a good option if you want to see the east coast without arranging separate transport to the waterfall and islands.

I would hesitate if you want a slow, private cruise, a long reef session, or guaranteed wildlife sightings. Dolphins, monkeys, and turtles may appear, but nature sets the schedule. I would also think twice if waiting around at the meeting point would cause stress, or if you need a highly structured accessibility plan that has not been confirmed.

At $88, the package offers solid value because the speedboat, guide, snacks, drinks, snorkeling stop, BBQ lunch, and beach time are all included. The real question is not the price alone. It is whether you prefer a lively day that covers many east-coast highlights, with some stops viewed from the boat, over a slower and more focused excursion.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Trou d’Eau Douce Beach, and the starting location is listed as Le Four a Chaux Restaurant in Trou d’Eau Douce.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts seven hours, including the boat ride, waterfall visit, island sightseeing, snorkeling, lunch, and time at Île aux Cerfs.

Which languages are available?

The live guide service is available in English and French.

Are all five islands visited on foot?

No. Access depends on tides and protection rules. Some islands are visited, while others are passed by from the boat. The route includes Île aux Phare, Île de la Passe, Île aux Flamant, Île aux Aigrettes, and Île aux Cerfs.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling equipment is available on request. You can also bring your own gear.

What food is served at lunch?

The beach BBQ includes grilled chicken, fish, chicken sausages, fresh salads, flambéed bananas, and local drinks. Vegetarian meals must be requested in advance.

Are hotel transfers and Île aux Cerfs activities included?

Optional hotel or villa transfers are not included in the stated price. Parasailing, glass-bottom boat trips, undersea walks, and other activities at Île aux Cerfs also cost extra.