Reviewed · ILE AUX CERFS TRIPS

All inclusive SPEEDBOAT FULL DAY to ILE AUX CERF & GRSE WATERFALL

★ 4.0 · 12 reviews From $117 Operated by Beguided Tours · Bookable on Viator
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The best part of this Mauritius day trip is that it bundles a speedboat outing, island beach time, waterfall visit, lunch, drinks, and hotel transport into one booking. You spend about two hours at Ile aux Cerfs, cruise toward GRSE Waterfall, and stop at Trou d’Eau Douce, the launch point for the eastern coast.

I like the convenience of private pickup and drop-off from any resort or villa, and I like that beer, local rum, cocktails, soft drinks, and a BBQ lunch are included rather than added later. The main caution is that this is not always a speedboat trip. Rain, waves, coral, and boat traffic can lead to a larger catamaran or another boat being used instead.

Key points to know

  • Ile aux Cerfs gets about two hours: This is the main beach stop, with time for the island’s famous white sand and blue water.
  • GRSE Waterfall is a short, conditions-dependent visit: The stop usually lasts about 20 minutes, and local monkeys are part of the scene.
  • Lunch and drinks are included: Expect BBQ food, a vegetarian option, desserts, beer, arranged local rum, cocktails, and soft drinks.
  • The boat can change in rough weather: A catamaran may replace the speedboat when waves or coral make the original plan unsafe.
  • Pickup saves you a separate taxi ride: Air-conditioned private transport brings you to Trou d’Eau Douce and back.
  • The advertised price is $117.11 per person: That is fair if you use the transport, meal, drinks, and full-day sightseeing, but less attractive if you mainly want a fast boat ride.

What this Mauritius boat day actually offers

All inclusive SPEEDBOAT FULL DAY to ILE AUX CERF & GRSE WATERFALL - What this Mauritius boat day actually offers

This is a shared full-day outing with a small stated maximum of 15 people, though the boat type can change according to sea conditions. The advertised duration is about five to eight hours, including the drive to the port and the time on the water.

You start at 7:30 am. An air-conditioned vehicle collects you from your resort or villa and takes you to Trou d’Eau Douce on the east coast. The transport is described as private, while the boat experience is shared with other people.

That distinction matters. You get the ease of private road transport, but you should not expect a private boat charter. The social side is part of the design, with music, drinks, shared food, and the chance to meet people from different places.

The provider does not give named guides in the available information, so you should not book this expecting a particular guide. The driver is described as a certified local driver who provides information during the journey.

Other ways out to the island from Chamarel:

Starting at Trou d’Eau Douce

All inclusive SPEEDBOAT FULL DAY to ILE AUX CERF & GRSE WATERFALL - Starting at Trou d’Eau Douce

Trou d’Eau Douce is the departure point for boat trips to Ile aux Cerfs. You have about 45 minutes here according to the schedule, although the exact rhythm of the morning may depend on pickup times, loading, and sea conditions.

I like having transport arranged from the start because reaching the east coast independently can add cost and planning. You avoid arranging a separate taxi to the port, and the return ride is covered as well.

The drive also gives you a useful introduction to the island. The transport is air-conditioned, which is welcome in Mauritius, especially after a warm day on the water. Keep in mind that the overall duration includes both driving and sailing, so five to eight hours does not mean five to eight hours in the speedboat.

Two hours at Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the main event. The schedule allows about two hours at this famous islet, enough for a relaxed visit but not enough for every possible activity.

The appeal is straightforward: beach time, clear coastal water, and a break from the road. If you want to swim, sit by the shore, take photographs, or simply enjoy the island setting, this is the stop where you get the most freedom.

The two-hour limit is also the main constraint. You will need to keep an eye on the departure time. This is not a stay-all-day island visit, and the boat has other stops to make.

Snorkeling equipment is available depending on sea conditions. That wording is important. You should treat snorkeling as a possible extra rather than the central promise of the outing. In tropical waters, wind, waves, visibility, and safety can change quickly. If the sea is unsuitable, equipment may not be offered.

The island portion works best for you if you want a taste of Mauritius’s east coast rather than a slow, private beach day. You will see one of the country’s best-known coastal spots, but you will do it within a fixed group schedule.

GRSE Waterfall and the local monkeys

All inclusive SPEEDBOAT FULL DAY to ILE AUX CERF & GRSE WATERFALL - GRSE Waterfall and the local monkeys

The stop at GRSE Waterfall lasts about 20 minutes. The waterfall is reached by boat, and the visit depends on water levels, sea safety, and how busy the area is.

This is a short photo and sightseeing stop, not a long walk or a quiet nature visit. The waterfall is known for its setting and for the local monkeys in the area. If you enjoy wildlife, keep your attention on the trees and shoreline, but remember that wild animals should be given space and not handled or fed.

The short duration can feel rushed, especially if the water is rough or several boats are trying to use the same area. The operator makes clear that sea conditions and boat occupancy can affect how long you remain there. That is a practical safety rule, not a guarantee of a fixed 20-minute stop.

I would not choose this trip solely for the waterfall. Think of it as a lively addition to the Ile aux Cerfs visit. The island provides the longer beach break, while GRSE gives you a quick change of scenery and the chance to see the falls from the water.

BBQ lunch, rum, beer, and soft drinks

All inclusive SPEEDBOAT FULL DAY to ILE AUX CERF & GRSE WATERFALL - BBQ lunch, rum, beer, and soft drinks

Food and drinks are a major part of the value. The package includes a BBQ lunch, smashed potatoes, desserts, beer, arranged local rum, cocktails, and soft drinks. A vegetarian lunch option is available.

Lunch may be served aboard a catamaran or on the islet, depending on the weather. That flexibility is useful, but it means you cannot count on a particular dining setting. On a calm day, eating on the island may feel more scenic. In unsettled conditions, the boat may be the more practical choice.

The included drinks make this feel more like a social party cruise than a quiet sightseeing excursion. Music is also part of the outing. You may enjoy that atmosphere if you want a cheerful group day with food and a drink in hand.

The package does not include a lobster lunch. That is the only specific food exclusion given, so do not assume a premium seafood meal. This is a straightforward BBQ lunch, with a vegetarian alternative, rather than a formal three-course restaurant experience.

That distinction matters because one serious complaint came from someone expecting a three-course meal and a speedboat, but receiving a catamaran trip with lunch served from the back of the boat. The operator explained that rough weather had made a larger boat necessary. I would book this with the understanding that conditions can change both the vessel and the dining setup.

Why the speedboat promise needs a weather warning

All inclusive SPEEDBOAT FULL DAY to ILE AUX CERF & GRSE WATERFALL - Why the speedboat promise needs a weather warning

The word speedboat is central to the product, but it is not absolute. The operator says boat sizes can change with weather and sea conditions. In rough water, a larger boat may be used to make the transfer safer, especially around coral and bigger waves.

This is the most important point to understand before you pay. If your main goal is the thrill of a fast open-water ride, the experience may disappoint you on a rainy or windy day. You could still receive the island, waterfall, food, drinks, and transport, but not the exact boat style you imagined.

The weather policy also says that if poor conditions force the experience to be canceled, you will be offered another date or a full refund. That offers some protection, though it does not prevent a last-minute change from affecting your plans.

I would avoid scheduling this on the final day of a short Mauritius visit. If the weather causes a change or cancellation, you will have more room to accept another date if you leave this excursion earlier in your stay.

Is $117.11 a good value?

All inclusive SPEEDBOAT FULL DAY to ILE AUX CERF & GRSE WATERFALL - Is $117.11 a good value?

At $117.11 per person, the price is reasonable for an all-day package if you use every part of it. Private air-conditioned transport, boat transfers, the island visit, waterfall access, lunch, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and possible snorkeling equipment are all included.

The value is strongest for you if your resort is far from Trou d’Eau Douce and you would otherwise need a taxi, separate boat booking, lunch, and drinks. The price also removes much of the small on-the-day spending that can make a coastal excursion more expensive than expected.

The value is weaker if you want a private boat, a guaranteed speedboat, a long snorkeling session, or a special seafood lunch. The boat is shared, lobster is excluded, and snorkeling depends on conditions.

The maximum group size is listed as 15 people, which is more manageable than a very large cruise. Still, the shared format means the day follows a group timetable. You will not have complete control over when to leave the island or how long to stay at the waterfall.

The average booking lead time is about 30 days. That suggests you should reserve ahead if your dates are fixed, especially during busy periods. One booking problem occurred around New Year, involving confusion about availability and a refund. The operator said the booking amount had been refunded, but the episode shows why you should check your confirmation email and payment status carefully during peak dates.

Who will enjoy this outing most?

All inclusive SPEEDBOAT FULL DAY to ILE AUX CERF & GRSE WATERFALL - Who will enjoy this outing most?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a single eastern Mauritius excursion that covers several classic sights without arranging each piece yourself. It suits couples, families, and small groups who value convenience and a relaxed party atmosphere.

It is also a good fit if you like a mixed day. You get driving, boat time, beach time, a waterfall, lunch, drinks, music, and a little wildlife interest. You do not need to choose between a pure sightseeing tour and a pure beach excursion.

You may want another option if you dislike shared excursions or if you need a quiet, carefully timed day. The music, drinks, group format, and changing boat arrangements will not suit everyone.

I would also be cautious if you have your heart set on a particular boat. The operator’s own conditions make clear that a catamaran or larger vessel may replace the speedboat. That is a fair safety adjustment, but it is still a change to the product you may picture when booking.

Practical advice before you reserve

All inclusive SPEEDBOAT FULL DAY to ILE AUX CERF & GRSE WATERFALL - Practical advice before you reserve

Start with the weather. Since the trip depends on good conditions, leave some flexibility in your Mauritius schedule. Do not make this your only planned water activity if your holiday dates are tight.

Ask your accommodation to confirm the pickup details when you receive the booking confirmation. Pickup and drop-off are offered at any resort or villa, but a clear collection time helps avoid a rushed start.

Bring what you need for a beach day, including swimwear, sun protection, and a towel if your accommodation does not provide one. The supplied information confirms access to the water and possible snorkeling, but it does not list personal beach equipment.

If you are vegetarian, request or confirm the vegetarian lunch option in advance. It is available, but a quick check can prevent confusion on a shared boat.

Keep your expectations flexible at GRSE Waterfall. The visit may be shorter than planned if the sea is dangerous or the area is crowded with boats. The same applies to snorkeling.

Finally, read the cancellation terms before booking. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund, except when poor weather causes the operator to cancel and offers another date or a full refund.

My verdict on this Ile aux Cerfs tour

I would book this experience if I wanted convenience, a full day on Mauritius’s east coast, and a social boat outing with food and drinks already covered. The pickup, BBQ lunch, Ile aux Cerfs visit, and GRSE Waterfall make the $117.11 price defensible.

I would not book it if the speedboat itself were the main reason for going. For that purpose, the weather and boat substitution policy create too much uncertainty. Choose it for the complete package, not for a guaranteed high-speed ride.

The most sensible approach is to reserve it early, schedule it before your final holiday day, and accept that the sea decides some details. With that mindset, this is a useful one-day introduction to Ile aux Cerfs and the east coast, with enough food, drink, and scenery to keep the day moving.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip depart?

The boat trip departs from Trou d’Eau Douce, the launch point for visits to Ile aux Cerfs.

What time does the tour start?

The stated start time is 7:30 am.

How long does the experience last?

The total duration is approximately five to eight hours, including transportation and sailing.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are offered from any resort or villa in Mauritius.

Is the transport air-conditioned?

Yes. The package includes an air-conditioned vehicle for the road transport.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch with smashed potatoes and dessert is included. A vegetarian option is available.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Beer, arranged local rum, cocktails, and soft drinks are included.

Is snorkeling included?

Snorkeling equipment is available depending on sea conditions. Snorkeling itself depends on the weather and water conditions.

Can the speedboat be replaced by another boat?

Yes. Boat sizes can change according to weather and sea conditions. A larger catamaran or another boat may be used when waves, coral, or safety conditions require it.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

More falls within reach of Chamarel

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