Blue bay: boat trip for ile au cerf (5 islands, barbecue)

The best part of this seven-hour boat day is its variety. You snorkel in Blue Bay, pass several islands, stop at a lighthouse, visit Grand River South East, and finish with a barbecue on Ile au Cerfs. It packs a lot into one outing without turning the day into a race.

I like the small maximum group of 10, which gives the guides room to help with snorkeling and safety. I also like the care given to the meal: fish, chicken, lobster, homemade punch, and other food are prepared on a quiet beach rather than handed to you from a standard buffet. The main consideration is pace. You spend much of the day moving between stops, so this suits you if you want a full sea excursion, not a slow afternoon in one place.

Key points at a glance

• Blue Bay snorkeling: Start in a protected marine setting with fish, coral, and supplied snorkeling equipment.
• A true small-group trip: The shared boat is limited to 10 people, with an exclusive option also available.
• Five-island scenery: The route includes Ile aux Aigrettes, Ile aux Fouquets, Ile au Cerfs, and views of other islands along the southeast coast.
• Lobster on a beach barbecue: Lunch includes fish, chicken, and lobster, with homemade punch and plenty of food.
• Guides who work closely with the group: Pascale, William, Mathéo, Val, and Steve are among the named guides and captains associated with recent trips.
• A varied finish: The day ends with free time and swimming on Ile au Cerfs after the river and lighthouse stops.

Why this boat trip works so well

Mauritius has many water excursions, but this one is built around a complete southeast-coast circuit. You are not simply taken to one beach, given lunch, and brought back. The day links marine life, island scenery, a lighthouse, a river, a waterfall, and a long beach stop.

That variety is the strongest reason to consider it. You get a useful introduction to the southeast in one booking, especially if your time in Mauritius is limited. The route also leaves room for simple pleasures: a swim, photographs, a cold drink, and lunch served outdoors.

The mood appears to be friendly and hands-on. Guides help keep the group safe, provide life jackets and a safety kit, and bring snorkeling gear. French and English are available, which is useful on a boat trip where clear instructions matter.

The company also puts strong emphasis on the sea, fish, coral, and nature. That matters at Blue Bay Marine Park, where good behavior in the water is part of the experience. You should treat the coral and fish carefully, follow the guide’s directions, and avoid touching marine life.

Starting at Blue Bay Marine Park

The meeting point is near the parking area at HP49+C2C. Look for a guide wearing a white polo shirt. The departure point is practical rather than picturesque, so arrive ready to identify the guide and get settled.

Blue Bay Marine Park is the first major stop. Here you use the provided mask and snorkeling equipment to look for fish and coral in a protected marine area. This is an important early stop because it gets you into the water while you are still fresh.

The snorkeling is one of the most praised parts of the day. You might see a good range of fish, and the setting gives you a clear reason for the operator’s focus on marine protection. Conditions in the sea can change, so visibility and comfort may vary, but the trip is designed to make snorkeling a central part of the morning.

Bring water shoes. They are more useful than ordinary sandals around boat access points and beaches, and they protect your feet while you move between the boat and shore. A towel, hat, and drinking water also belong in your day bag.

Island views at Ile aux Aigrettes

Ile aux Aigrettes is used for a photo stop, a cocktail, and swimming. This is a lighter, more relaxed section of the route after the snorkeling.

You can use the stop to take photographs, cool off, and enjoy the open water without needing to organize anything yourself. The cocktail gives the day a social feel, though you should still keep water nearby, especially in the tropical sun.

The stop is not presented as a long island tour. Think of it as a scenic pause rather than a major historical visit. That is good for the overall rhythm, since the day already includes several different settings, but it also means you should not expect a long walk or detailed cultural program here.

The lighthouse at Ile aux Fouquets

The boat continues to Ile aux Fouquets, home to the lighthouse. You have about 20 minutes for a guided visit and photographs.

The lighthouse is one of the most distinctive visual stops because it adds a piece of maritime character to a day otherwise centered on water and beaches. It gives you a different kind of picture from the usual palm trees and blue sea.

Twenty minutes is enough for a short introduction and photographs, but not enough for a long exploration. Keep your expectations in proportion. This is a compact stop within a much bigger route, and the guide’s explanation helps give it meaning without taking over the day.

I like this part because it breaks up the swimming and snorkeling. You get to step back and look at the coast from a more fixed point, then return to the boat with another set of images from the southeast.

Up the Grand River South East

At Grand River South East, the boat travels toward a waterfall. The stop includes photographs and a guided portion, and the river setting gives the day a welcome change of scene.

The river ride is also where you might encounter some of the wildlife mentioned by past participants, including monkeys. A few people have also had the chance to see dolphins and turtles during their day, though these sightings are never guaranteed and should not be the reason you book.

The waterfall is not treated as a long hike or demanding activity. You see it as part of the river outing, with the boat doing the work. That makes this section suitable for anyone who wants scenery without adding a strenuous walk to an already full day.

Pay attention to the guide here. The river stop is more than a quick photograph if you take time to notice how the waterway differs from the open lagoon. It is one of the better examples of how this excursion combines several sides of Mauritius in a single day.

Lunch and free time on Ile au Cerfs

The final major stop is Ile au Cerfs, where lunch is prepared on a quiet beach. This is the longest and most generous part of the day. You have time for a meal, photographs, swimming, visiting the beach, and relaxing before the return to Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point.

The barbecue is a major part of the value. The menu includes fish, chicken, and lobster, with homemade punch and other food served throughout the meal. The meal is not just a quick plate before the next boat departure. Food is brought out in stages, and the menu can include several seafood and meat dishes.

If you enjoy seafood, this is a particularly strong feature. Lobster served in a beach setting gives the day a special touch, while fish and chicken make the meal more flexible for different tastes. You should bring cash, since it is listed among the items to carry, but the supplied information does not specify exactly what extra purchases might be available.

The beach stop also fixes the main weakness of a packed itinerary. After several short visits, you finally have time that feels unhurried. You can swim, sit down, photograph the shoreline, or simply eat and talk.

I would not treat Ile au Cerfs as an untouched private island. It is the advertised final destination and a well-known stop, so the appeal here is the combination of beach time and a prepared meal, not complete isolation. The quiet beach used for lunch can still make the setting feel personal, especially with only 10 people in the shared group.

Small group or exclusive outing

The shared version is limited to 10 participants. That is a meaningful advantage on a boat, where a large crowd can make snorkeling instructions, photographs, and meal service feel impersonal.

A small group also makes it easier for the guides to keep track of people in the water. You can ask questions, get help with equipment, and move between stops without the delays that come with a very large party.

An exclusive option is available if you want the boat experience arranged privately. The supplied details do not state the private price or exact capacity, so you should check those points before booking. The shared trip is the clearer value for most people at $111 per person.

At that price, the outing is not the cheapest way to reach a beach. Its value comes from the number of elements included: a boat route along the southeast coast, snorkeling equipment, safety equipment, guides, island stops, river scenery, and a substantial barbecue lunch with lobster. If you would otherwise book separate snorkeling and sightseeing trips, the combined price looks more reasonable.

What the seven-hour schedule feels like

Seven hours is long enough to make the route worthwhile, but short enough to fit comfortably into a day of sightseeing. The schedule is active, with the boat moving from Blue Bay to the islands, the river, and Ile au Cerfs.

You should expect a full day rather than a slow cruise. The itinerary has several stops, and some are brief. The lighthouse visit, for example, lasts about 20 minutes, while Ile au Cerfs receives the longer break.

That structure suits you if you like changing scenery and want to see more than one part of Mauritius. It may be less suitable if your ideal boat trip means staying in one bay for hours with no fixed program.

The guides are an important part of the experience. Named staff include Pascale, Christopher, William, Mathéo, Val, Steve, and Valérie, with different people leading different departures. French and English are offered, and the staff’s role covers guiding, boat handling, safety, drinks, and keeping the group moving.

What to bring and who should book

Pack a hat, towel, water shoes, and cash. Add sun protection and a dry bag if you have one, but the confirmed essentials are the items listed by the operator.

The boat is wheelchair accessible, which is useful information for planning. Still, the details do not explain how each beach, boat transfer, or snorkeling activity is adapted, so contact the provider before booking if you need specific assistance.

I would recommend this outing to:

• Couples who want a full day with scenery, food, and swimming.
• Families and friends who prefer a small boat to a large party vessel.
• Seafood lovers who see lobster barbecue as a real highlight.
• First-time visitors who want a broad introduction to the southeast coast.
• People who enjoy active sightseeing but do not want a strenuous land excursion.

I would think twice if you dislike boat travel, prefer a private beach day with no schedule, or do not want snorkeling and swimming to be central parts of the outing. The day is also less attractive if you are paying only for a quick trip to Ile au Cerfs, since much of the value comes from the route and the stops before lunch.

The cancellation terms are practical: you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your weather plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Blue Bay to Ile au Cerfs trip?

I would book this tour if you want a busy but well-rounded sea day in southeast Mauritius. The combination of Blue Bay snorkeling, lighthouse photographs, Grand River South East, and a beach barbecue gives you more substance than a simple transfer to Ile au Cerfs.

The strongest reasons are the 10-person limit, the quality and variety of the lunch, and the guides’ close attention to safety and comfort. The main tradeoff is that the schedule moves quickly, with some stops designed for short visits rather than long exploration.

At $111 per person, it makes sense for you if you value an all-in-one experience and especially if you enjoy seafood. Bring the right gear, keep your expectations realistic about the brief stops, and save your appetite for the beach barbecue.

FAQ

How long does the boat trip last?

The activity lasts seven hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Where does the trip start and finish?

You meet near the parking area at HP49+C2C. The trip finishes at Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point.

What languages do the guides speak?

Live guiding is available in French and English.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and a safety kit are included.

What food is served at lunch?

The beach barbecue includes fish, chicken, and lobster, along with homemade punch and other food.

How many people are in the shared group?

The shared boat is limited to a maximum of 10 participants. An exclusive option is also available.