Speed Boat Tour île aux Cerfs and Others Gems of The South

The best part of this Mauritius boat trip is its sense of movement. You leave from a quiet family-run guesthouse rather than a crowded jetty, then skim across the island’s largest lagoon toward coral islets, a lighthouse, a shipwreck, Ile aux Cerfs, and a waterfall. The route gives you several different sides of southeast Mauritius in one morning and afternoon.

I like the small maximum group of 10, which makes the ride feel more personal than a large cruise. I also like the mix of stops: the natural setting around Ile du Phare and Ile aux Aigrettes, the story of the Dalblair wreck, and time to swim, snorkel, eat, and rest at Ile aux Cerfs. The main concern is lunch. One booking party had requested vegetarian food but did not receive a suitable meal, although the operator says vegetarian meals are available. Confirm your needs again before departure.

Key points to know before booking

• Quiet departure from Chantauvent: You begin at a private beach in Pointe d’Esny, away from the busier jetties.
• Small boat group: The speedboat accepts a maximum of 10 people, useful if you prefer a more personal outing.
• Several southeast Mauritius stops: The route includes coral islands, the Dalblair 1902 wreck, Ile du Phare, Ile aux Cerfs, and a waterfall.
• About three hours at Ile aux Cerfs: This is the main leisure stop, with swimming, snorkeling, beach time, and a barbecue.
• A guide can shape the day: Sebastián is specifically praised for creating a special route for a private group.
• Food needs require care: Vegetarian meals are meant to be available, but you should state dietary requirements clearly and reconfirm them.

Leaving Pointe d’Esny from a private beach

Your day starts at 9:30 am on Coastal Road in Pointe d’Esny, at Chantauvent Guesthouse. This is more than a pickup point. The family-run guesthouse has a private beach, and the boat leaves directly from this quieter shore.

I like this beginning because it sets a calmer tone. You are not joining a large crowd at a busy marina, and the first half hour is spent getting out across the lagoon while the morning air is still fresh. The setting also gives you a chance to see a working family base rather than only a polished resort entrance.

The boat ride is one of the main attractions. You should expect a fast, open-water trip rather than a slow sightseeing cruise. That means good views and a stronger sense of adventure, but it also means you should be comfortable with boat movement and sun exposure. The supplied information does not specify shade, onboard storage, or safety equipment, so ask the operator if you have concerns about those details.

The group limit matters here. With no more than 10 people, the guide has a better chance of answering questions, adjusting the pace, and finding a comfortable spot for swimming or snorkeling. One Spanish-speaking booking party described Sebastián as a great captain and said he created a unique route for a private group. That suggests the best version of this trip comes when the guide has room to respond to the people on board.

Coral islands and the unusual geology of Ile aux Aigrettes

One early point of interest is Ile aux Aigrettes, a small island made of coralline limestone rather than the volcanic rock that forms most of mainland Mauritius. That difference gives the island a special place in the region’s natural story.

Ile aux Aigrettes is also home to the last remnants of dry coastal forest that once covered much of Mauritius. You may not spend a long time ashore there, but the sight adds useful context to the boat ride. This is not only a day of beaches and warm water. The route passes places shaped by coral, coastal plants, and the remains of older island ecosystems.

Because the trip covers several locations, some stops are viewed from the boat or treated as short visits rather than long walks. If you want a guided nature excursion focused on land-based wildlife, this is not that. The value here is seeing how the islands fit together from the water, with brief explanations along the route.

Passing the Dalblair 1902 shipwreck

The boat passes close to the remains of the Dalblair, a three-masted steel ship that ran onto rocks in Blue Bay on the night of February 6 to 7, 1902. It had sailed from Cardiff in the United Kingdom toward Port Louis with a cargo of coal. Twenty-four crew members were on board under Captain McLaren.

The wreck gives the trip a human story. After several stops focused on coral and coast, you get a reminder that these waters have also been a working route for ships. The fact that the Dalblair was made of steel and carried coal helps you picture the scale of old maritime traffic in the area.

This is a short stop, listed at about 15 minutes, and there is no admission charge. Keep your expectations in check. You are not visiting a full shipwreck museum or spending hours underwater at the site. The appeal is the view from the boat and the brief account of what happened.

I would keep a camera ready, but I would not plan the whole outing around the wreck. It is one interesting chapter in a day built around the lagoon, islands, and Ile aux Cerfs.

A 45-minute stop at Ile du Phare

Ile du Phare, also called Ile aux Fouquets or Lighthouse Island, sits off the southeast coast of Mauritius. The island is made of coral and has held Islet National Park status since June 5, 2004. It is near Ilot Vacoas and Ile de la Passe, about five kilometers from the southeast coast.

This is one of the more distinctive stops because a lighthouse island feels different from a standard beach stop. The coral origin of the island connects it to the other islets on the route, while the lighthouse gives it a clear visual identity. The stop lasts about 45 minutes, enough to make it a meaningful part of the day without taking over the schedule.

You should expect a short stop rather than a full island walk with a long historical tour. The information provided does not say that you enter the lighthouse or explore a particular building. The strongest reason to stop is the island setting, the views, and the chance to understand the coral formations that shape this part of Mauritius.

The boat’s route makes this stop especially useful. Instead of racing straight to Ile aux Cerfs, you see more of the southeast coast and its smaller islands. That extra variety is a major part of the tour’s value.

Three hours of beach time at Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the centerpiece. The schedule allows about three hours here, which gives you time to slow down after the boat ride. You can swim, snorkel, eat the barbecue, sit on the beach, and enjoy the island without being rushed through a ten-minute photo stop.

The name is often written as Ile aux Cerfs or Ilot Cerf in descriptions of the excursion. Either way, this is the place where the day shifts from sightseeing to leisure. If you want a trip with plenty of time in the water, this long stop is more useful than a route that visits many islands but never pauses.

The water activities are simple and appealing. You can swim and snorkel in the lagoon, then dry off on the beach before lunch. The supplied information does not promise specific marine animals or provide a list of included snorkeling equipment, so ask what gear is supplied if you do not plan to bring your own.

The barbecue is intended to be part of the island break. Food quality is the main weak point reported in the supplied feedback. A party that had requested vegetarian options said the lunch did not meet its needs. The operator apologized and stated that vegetarian meals are accommodated, so do not assume the problem is routine, but do make your request very clear when booking and again at the start of the day.

For everyone else, the meal is a practical part of the tour rather than a restaurant visit. You are eating in a beach setting, with the sea and sand close by. That can be memorable, but expectations should stay realistic. This is a casual barbecue, not a formal dining experience.

The waterfall and the final return through Chantauvent

Another part of the route takes the boat through a river mouth among trees to a waterfall, where fresh water meets the sea. This short natural feature adds a different view after the open lagoon and beaches.

The description does not give the waterfall’s name or a separate stop length. You should treat it as a scenic part of the boat route rather than plan for a long hike or a standalone waterfall visit. The appeal is the contrast: trees, fresh water, and a cascade meeting the coast.

The boat returns to Chantauvent Guesthouse at the end of the day. The final scheduled period is about an hour, and you can either head onward to your taxi or stay a little longer at the beach for a drink and the late afternoon light. That flexibility is a nice touch, especially if you have no tight connection immediately afterward.

There is no pressure to turn the return into another activity. You can simply collect your belongings and leave, or use the beach as a quiet finish. Since the tour lasts about five to six hours, plan for a half-day that runs into the afternoon rather than a quick morning outing.

What the $81.30 price gives you

At $81.30 per person, this tour offers reasonable value if you want transport by boat, several southeast coast sights, a substantial Ile aux Cerfs stop, and a barbecue in one package. The small group limit improves the value because you are not paying for a large boat with dozens of other people.

The price makes less sense if your only goal is to spend time on Ile aux Cerfs. A simpler transfer or beach visit might suit you better, if available. Here, you are paying for the route and the range of stops as much as for the island itself.

I would compare the tour in terms of time on the water. You get a boat-based view of coral islands, a historic wreck, a lighthouse island, a waterfall, and the main beach stop. That is a lot of scenery for a half-day. The tradeoff is that some sites receive only a brief look, and the lunch may need careful coordination.

The average booking time is 52 days ahead, which suggests that you should not leave this until the last moment if your Mauritius dates are fixed. The maximum of 10 people can fill more quickly than a large group boat, particularly for popular travel periods.

Who will enjoy this speedboat day

I would recommend this trip to you if you want several experiences in one outing and prefer a small boat to a large shared cruise. It suits couples, families, and small groups who like a mixture of swimming, sightseeing, short history notes, and relaxed beach time.

It is also a good fit if you want to see the southeast coast from the water without committing to a full-day expedition. The 5 to 6-hour schedule leaves the rest of your day open, although the 9:30 am start and return in the afternoon should be built into your plans.

You may want another option if you dislike fast boat rides, need a highly structured cultural tour, or expect a gourmet lunch. The itinerary favors outdoor fun and scenic variety. It does not promise long guided walks, detailed museum visits, or a specific marine wildlife encounter.

Most people can participate, and the meeting point is near public transportation. The operator requires good weather and a minimum number of bookings. If poor weather or low numbers force cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Bring swimwear, sun protection, and a towel, since the day includes swimming, snorkeling, and beach time. A dry bag or waterproof case is sensible for phones and cameras, although the tour information does not state what storage is available on the boat.

Tell the operator about food restrictions at booking. If you need vegetarian food, repeat the request before boarding and confirm what will be served. The operator says vegetarian meals are available, but the earlier mix-up shows why a clear reminder is worthwhile.

Leave enough time around the tour for transport. The meeting point is Chantauvent Guesthouse on Coastal Road in Pointe d’Esny, and the activity ends back there. The boat departs at 9:30 am, so arriving early is the sensible choice.

The mobile ticket is convenient, and confirmation normally arrives when you book. If you book within one day of departure, confirmation comes as soon as possible and depends on availability.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded. Since the trip depends on good weather and a minimum number of people, the operator offers a different date or a full refund if it cancels.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a small-group boat day with several distinct stops, not just a ride to one beach. The combination of Ile du Phare, the Dalblair wreck, coral islands, a waterfall, and three hours at Ile aux Cerfs gives the day more range than a basic island transfer.

I would book with two conditions. First, confirm your meal requirements, especially if you need vegetarian food. Second, make sure the fast boat format suits you and leave the afternoon free for the return.

The high 4.8 rating, 95 percent recommendation rate, clean modern boat, and praise for the host support its appeal. The strongest personal touch comes from guides such as Sebastián, who can shape the route when the group is small. For a reasonable price, this is a good choice for an active, scenic half-day around southeast Mauritius, as long as you value variety more than a polished lunch or a long stay at every stop.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat tour start?

The tour starts at Chantauvent Guesthouse on Coastal Road in Pointe d’Esny, Mauritius. The boat leaves from the guesthouse’s private beach.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 9:30 am.

How long does the activity last?

The experience lasts approximately 5 to 6 hours and returns to Chantauvent Guesthouse.

How many people can join the boat?

The tour has a maximum of 10 participants.

Which places are visited during the trip?

The route includes Ile aux Aigrettes, the Dalblair 1902 shipwreck, Ile du Phare, Ile aux Cerfs, a waterfall reached through a river mouth, and Chantauvent Guesthouse.

How much time is spent at Ile aux Cerfs?

The scheduled time at Ile aux Cerfs is about three hours.

Is lunch included?

A barbecue is included during the Ile aux Cerfs stop. Vegetarian meals are stated to be available, but you should clearly provide and reconfirm any dietary requirements.

Can I cancel the booking for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. If the operator cancels because of poor weather or because the minimum number of participants is not reached, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.