Mauritius: Full-Day Speedboat Tour to Ile aux Cerfs & BBQ

The best thing about this Mauritius day trip is how much it fits into one boat ride. You get coral, a shipwreck, a lighthouse, a river waterfall, a beach lunch, and several chances to swim without spending the day moving between separate tours. Île aux Cerfs is the big draw, but the route gives you a much fuller picture of the southeast coast.

I like the small-group feel and the lively crew, with guides such as Hans, Giovanni, Nathaniel, Ashley, and others often praised for their humor and local stories. I also like the generous lunch and drinks, including soft drinks, local beer, and rum. The main drawback is simple: a speedboat is fast and exciting, but space is tighter than on a catamaran, and the open sea can feel rough in poor weather.

Key points at a glance

• A full seven-hour route: Snorkeling, the d’Alblair shipwreck, Île aux Fouquets Lighthouse, Grand River waterfall, Île aux Cerfs, and Île aux Aigrettes all fit into one day.
• Speedboat rather than catamaran: You cover more ground and spend less time waiting, though the ride is livelier and seating is less spacious.
• A proper beach BBQ: Grilled chicken and fish are served on Île aux Cerfs, with a vegetarian meal available if you request it ahead of time.
• Drinks are included: Water, Coca-Cola, Orangina, local beer, and rum are available throughout the day.
• Pickup can cover Mauritius: Hotel pickup is optional, and the provider can arrange collection from accommodation or a designated point anywhere on the island.
• Weather matters: The date or route can be changed according to the forecast, so keep some flexibility in your schedule.

Why this speedboat route works so well

Many boat trips around Mauritius focus on one famous beach or one snorkeling stop. This one gives you a broad day out on the southeast coast. The boat becomes your transport between very different settings: reef water, open lagoon, river, waterfall, island beach, and a natural pool filled with starfish.

That variety is the real value. If you only want a long, lazy afternoon on Île aux Cerfs, this trip may feel busy. If you want to see several of the area’s main sights without arranging separate transport, it is a strong choice.

The boat usually leaves at about 9:30 a.m. and returns to the beach near Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa between 4:00 and 4:30 p.m. The exact pickup time depends on your hotel and the selected option. A private group is also available, which can make the day more flexible for families or friends.

The speedboat itself is an important part of the experience. Past visitors describe it as modern, clean, comfortable, and fast. The ride is not just a shuttle between stops. You get the fun of skimming across the lagoon, with music, drinks, and guides explaining what you are seeing.

That said, bring a secure grip for your camera and avoid carrying anything loose on the seats. The boat’s speed is part of the appeal, but it can also mean spray, wind, and a more active ride than a large sailing boat.

Snorkeling in the southeast lagoon

The first main stop is a swim and snorkeling break in clear lagoon water. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins. The appeal here is easy to understand: you can slip into warm water and look for coral and tropical fish soon after leaving shore.

The quality of the snorkeling can vary with weather, water conditions, and the exact stopping point. One older assessment found the snorkeling fairly ordinary, so you should not book this as a specialist reef expedition. Think of it as a pleasant, accessible introduction to Mauritius marine life, combined with a much larger sightseeing day.

Bring your swimsuit from the start. One useful tip is to wear it under your clothes rather than waiting until you reach the first stop. Pack a dry change of clothes as well, particularly if you dislike sitting in damp swimwear on the return ride.

You should also bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Comfortable footwear matters because some stops involve beaches, rocky areas, or getting in and out of the boat. Reef-safe sun protection is a sensible choice, though the tour information specifically asks you to bring suncream rather than naming a particular type.

The d’Alblair wreck and the old lighthouse

The boat continues toward the d’Alblair shipwreck, dating from 1902, lying on the coral barrier. This is a quick sightseeing stop rather than a full wreck expedition. You will see the remains from the water, and the guide gives context about the site.

The wreck adds a little history to what could otherwise be a purely scenic boat ride. It also gives you a different subject for photographs, with old metal and coral set against the lagoon.

The old lighthouse is on Île aux Fouquets, sometimes called Lighthouse Island. The boat makes a short visit of about 30 minutes, allowing time to take photographs and hear more about the island. You should not expect a long land tour or a museum-style visit. The attraction is the isolated setting and the chance to see a familiar coastal landmark from close by.

This is where the guides can make a real difference. Hans, Giovanni, Nathaniel, and other crew members are often singled out for keeping the mood light while explaining the history and sights. Names and crew assignments can change, so do not book on the assumption that a particular guide will be present. Still, the operator has a strong record of friendly, attentive hosting.

Grand River South East and its waterfall

The speedboat then travels along the east coast and heads upstream on Grand River South East, the longest river in Mauritius. The change from open lagoon to river is one of the more interesting parts of the route. The boat slows down, and the scenery becomes quieter and more enclosed.

The waterfall stop lasts about 30 minutes. You can take photographs, enjoy the setting, and, depending on conditions and the guidance of the crew, swim near the falls. Several accounts describe seeing monkeys in this area, adding an entertaining bit of wildlife interest to the stop.

Keep expectations sensible. This is a short visit, not a long river walk or a full nature outing. The value comes from seeing a side of Mauritius that you would miss if you stayed only on the beaches and reef.

The river stop also breaks up the faster sections of the day. After snorkeling and the speedboat ride, half an hour near the waterfall gives you a chance to slow down before lunch.

Lunch on Île aux Cerfs

Île aux Cerfs is the main stop, with roughly an hour and a half for lunch and free time. The setting is classic Mauritius: pale sand, clear water, and a beach that gives you room to swim, rest, and take photographs.

The BBQ includes grilled chicken and fish. The food receives unusually strong praise for a boat excursion, with generous portions and a meal that many people consider one of the day’s highlights. A vegetarian lunch is possible on request, so arrange that before departure rather than waiting until you are sitting down to eat.

Lunch is served on the beach, not in a formal restaurant. That matters. You are eating in a relaxed outdoor setting, with the sea close by and time afterward to swim. If you prefer a quiet meal, note that the atmosphere can vary depending on the group, music, and other boats in the area.

Some outings reach busy parts of Île aux Cerfs, while this operator has been praised for finding a more secluded beach spot. Conditions and beach access can change, so treat privacy as a possible benefit rather than a guarantee.

This is also your longest break from the boat. Use it well. You can eat first, swim afterward, or simply sit in the sand with a drink. The schedule is full, but the 90-minute stop prevents the day from feeling like a nonstop checklist.

Île aux Aigrettes and the starfish pool

The final stop is Île aux Aigrettes, where you can have a drink and swim in a natural pool with starfish. This is a gentler finish after the more active snorkeling, river, and waterfall stops.

The starfish are one of the trip’s memorable small details. You should treat them carefully and follow the crew’s instructions. The stop lasts about 30 minutes, so it is best viewed as a short swim and photo opportunity rather than a long island visit.

Soft drinks, local beer, and rum are available throughout the day. This adds to the relaxed party-boat atmosphere, especially during the return ride. Drink sensibly, particularly in strong sun and after swimming. The combination of alcohol, heat, and a fast-moving boat is not ideal for everyone.

If you are prone to seasickness, staying within the reef may help, as one passenger found the protected route comfortable compared with what they expected. Still, weather and water conditions can change. Choose a light breakfast, bring water, and tell the crew if you feel unwell.

What the guides add to the day

The crew is one of the most praised parts of this experience. Hans and Giovanni are frequently named for their humor, music, rum drinks, and ability to keep the group involved. Nathaniel, Ashley, Joel, Daren, Jamal, and other crew members are also noted for warmth, good organization, and attention to safety.

You can expect more than a driver pointing out islands. The guides explain the lighthouse, wreck, river, and waterfall, help with the snorkeling, and keep an eye on the group. Their style appears informal and social rather than formal and lecture-heavy.

Music and drinks are part of the atmosphere. Some groups enjoy singing and dancing on the boat. Others may prefer the scenery and quiet. If you want a calm, silent nature tour, this may not be your best match. If you like a friendly crew and a bit of island-party spirit, it should suit you well.

A private group option is available. That may be worth considering if you are traveling with children, want more control over the pace, or prefer not to share the boat with a larger mixed group. The standard experience is already described as less crowded than many other boats, but group size can vary.

Price, transfers, and what you receive

At $147 per person, this is not the cheapest boat trip around Mauritius. It is also not just a short ride to Île aux Cerfs. The price includes a seven-hour speedboat outing, snorkeling equipment, BBQ lunch, nonalcoholic drinks, local beer, and rum.

Optional hotel pickup is a useful part of the package. The provider can arrange collection from accommodation or a designated location anywhere in Mauritius. That is especially valuable if you are staying on the west coast and the boat leaves near Shandrani on the southeast coast. A long cross-island transfer can otherwise make the day harder to arrange.

The value is strongest if you want several sights in one outing. Paying separately for transport, a snorkeling trip, a waterfall visit, lunch, and island time could easily become complicated. If you already have a rental car, prefer slow travel, or only want to swim at one beach, the price may feel high.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Weather can lead to a changed date or modified trip, so avoid placing this outing on the only day you have available if your schedule allows.

Who should book this tour?

I would choose this for first-time visitors who want a strong introduction to the southeast coast. It suits couples, families, and small groups who enjoy a busy day with plenty of water time and a social crew.

It is also a good fit if you want speed and variety instead of a slow catamaran cruise. The route covers a lot, and the fast boat helps connect stops that would take longer by a slower vessel.

Families should note that there is swimming, snorkeling, a moving boat, and time in the sun. Children need to be comfortable with those conditions, and everyone should follow the crew’s safety instructions. The private option may be useful for families who want a more personal outing.

I would look elsewhere if you want serious scuba diving, a long wildlife safari, or a quiet luxury cruise. The snorkeling is recreational, the waterfall visit is short, and the day has a lively social feel.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want to see many of Mauritius’s southeast highlights in one well-organized day. The combination of fast boat travel, reef swimming, shipwreck, lighthouse, waterfall, beach BBQ, included drinks, and a final starfish pool gives you a lot for the price.

Skip it if you dislike speedboats, need a slow and quiet pace, or want to spend nearly the whole day on one beach. For most active visitors, though, this is a well-rounded choice, especially when a good crew such as Hans, Giovanni, or Nathaniel is at the helm.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is on the beach at Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa. For parking, take the small rocky road on the left side of the hotel.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is optional, and the provider can arrange collection from your accommodation or a designated pickup point anywhere in Mauritius. Contact the activity provider to confirm the time and location.

What time does the tour run?

The boat generally departs at about 9:30 a.m. and returns to the beach near Shandrani between 4:00 and 4:30 p.m. Starting times can vary, so check availability when booking.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the tour stops in clear lagoon water where you can see coral and tropical fish.

Can I request a vegetarian lunch?

Yes. A vegetarian BBQ lunch is possible if you request it ahead of time.

What should I bring?

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, comfortable footwear, and a camera. A change of clothes and footwear that dries easily are also useful after swimming.