5 Islands Speedboat w/Snorkeling Sea Turtle + Lunch & Drinks

The best part of this nine-hour East Coast adventure is its variety. In one day, you move from a waterfall and wild monkeys to historic islands, clear snorkeling water, a beach BBQ, and a fast ride across Mauritius’s largest lagoon. It feels less like a single beach outing and more like a full day on the water.

I like the small group limit of eight, which gives the skipper room to adjust the pace and keep an eye on swimmers. I also like that lunch and drinks are included, since a day under the Mauritian sun can become costly when every cold drink is sold separately. The main drawback is the early start and long day, plus the optional hotel transfer costs extra.

Five islands, one boat, and a full day outside

• Ile aux Cerfs comes twice: You get a short first visit, then return later for beach time, swimming, and lunch.
• Blue Bay Marine Park is the snorkeling stop: Equipment is provided, and the water is known for tropical fish and possible sea turtle sightings.
• The boat holds up to eight people: Groups of four or more may be offered a private speedboat.
• Lunch is cooked on the beach: Expect grilled chicken, grilled fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, salad, and snacks.
• The open bar is included: Beer, wine, rum, juice, soft drinks, and water are available.
• The meeting point is Trou d’Eau Douce: Hotel and Airbnb pickup across Mauritius can be arranged for an added fee.

Why this East Coast route is worth your day

Mauritius is easy to picture as a beach destination, but the East Coast shows you a broader side of the island. The lagoon is wide, the offshore islets are scattered across open water, and the boat gives you a useful sense of distance between them. From the seat of a speedboat, you see the coast differently than you would from a road.

This trip also works well for people who get bored with a single stop. You are not asked to spend nine hours doing only one thing. The day moves between short island visits, a waterfall, wildlife, snorkeling, lunch, and free time on the sand.

The speedboat is part of the attraction, not just transport. You feel the engine, spray, and changes in speed as the boat crosses the lagoon. That makes the ride exciting, though anyone prone to seasickness should think carefully before booking a full day on a fast boat.

The group size matters here. With a maximum of eight participants, the guide can explain the stops without shouting to a large crowd. The small boat also makes it easier to get back aboard after snorkeling. For groups of four or more, the operator may provide a private boat, which can make this a particularly appealing choice for families or friends traveling together.

Starting from Trou d’Eau Douce

The tour begins and ends at the jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce. Search for Debarcader Trou D’eau Douce on Google Maps, then look for the jetty when you arrive.

One practical warning: the scheduled start may not mean the boat leaves at that exact minute. One guest reported a meeting time of 7:55 a.m. and a departure around 8:50 a.m. That delay may not be typical, but you should allow extra time and avoid arranging a tight connection afterward.

Hotel and Airbnb pickup is available around Mauritius for an additional charge. This could be useful if you are staying far from Trou d’Eau Douce, but check the transfer cost before deciding. At $125 per person, the tour can be good value when you use the included food, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and full-day boat service. Adding a long private transfer changes the calculation.

Ile aux Cerfs, first visit

The first island stop is Ile aux Cerfs, with about 45 minutes to walk around and have refreshments. This gives you a quick introduction to one of Mauritius’s best-known sand-and-water settings before the boat heads farther along the coast.

Forty-five minutes is enough to stretch your legs, take pictures, and get your bearings. It is not enough for a slow beach day, so keep expectations realistic. The island returns later in the itinerary, when you have more time to swim and relax.

That two-part approach is useful. You see Ile aux Cerfs early, then return after the more active parts of the day. You do not have to choose between island scenery and the other stops.

Grand River South East and the waterfall

Next comes Grand River South East, where a waterfall runs toward the Indian Ocean. The meeting of river and sea gives this stop a different feel from the open lagoon and sandy islands.

You may also have the chance to see and feed wild Mauritian monkeys. This is one of the more unusual parts of the day, but keep in mind that wild animals are unpredictable. Feeding them can bring them close, so listen carefully to the guide and do not assume an encounter is guaranteed.

This stop is brief compared with the beach portion, yet it adds variety. You are not just looking at islands from offshore. You get a river setting, falling water, and a chance to see local wildlife.

Ile aux Phares and Ile de la Passe

The route continues to Ile aux Phares, then passes Ile de la Passe on the way toward Blue Bay. These islets bring a historical side to the outing. The tour is designed for people who want more than a swim, and these stops help connect the scenery with Mauritius’s maritime past.

You should not expect a long museum visit or a detailed walking tour on each island. The appeal is the view from the boat and the chance to see several important offshore sites in one day. The guide provides explanations in English, French, German, Italian, or Romanian, depending on the group.

The fast boat also gives you changing views as you pass the islets. That is one reason this route feels fuller than a simple transfer to Ile aux Cerfs.

Snorkeling at Blue Bay Marine Park

Blue Bay Marine Park is the main water activity. Here you get snorkeling equipment and time in clear water with tropical fish. Sea turtles are among the possible sightings, and the experience also includes a chance to look for dolphins during the wider boat journey.

A turtle or dolphin sighting is never guaranteed. The operator lists both as wildlife possibilities, not fixed attractions. One group saw four dolphins, while another did not see any. That is worth accepting before you book. The natural world sets the schedule.

The water can have a current, so take the safety briefing seriously. A careful skipper keeps watch and may move the boat closer to swimmers who want to return. You should be comfortable in open water and tell the guide if you need help.

Snorkeling equipment is included, which saves you from packing or renting your own gear. Still, bring sunscreen and a camera, as recommended. A waterproof phone pouch could be useful, though it is not listed as included.

Ile aux Aigrettes and the open bar

After Blue Bay Marine Park, the boat passes Ile aux Aigrettes for refreshments. This is when the all-inclusive open bar is fully available, with rum, wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and water.

The drinks are part of the value, especially if you plan to stay out all day. Water and soft drinks make the package practical for people who do not drink alcohol. If you do choose rum, wine, or beer, remember that you still have a boat ride and swimming ahead. Pace yourself.

The stop also gives you a quieter break between snorkeling and the return toward Ile aux Cerfs. The day has plenty of motion, so these pauses matter.

The return past Ilot Margenie

The boat heads back toward Ile aux Cerfs, passing Ilot Margenie along the way. By this point, you have spent hours in the sun and on the water, so the return section is a good chance to settle into the ride and enjoy the views.

This is also where the day feels most like a lagoon cruise. You are moving between low islands and open water rather than following a fixed road. The boat’s speed keeps the ride lively, but the long duration means you should bring sun protection and be ready for wind.

The experience is not a quiet sailing trip. The engine is powerful, and speed is central to the outing. If you want a slow, silent cruise, choose a different boat tour.

Beach lunch and free time at Ile aux Cerfs

Back at Ile aux Cerfs, you get time to swim, sunbathe, or simply sit on the sand with a drink. You may also have the chance to try paid activities such as parasailing or a tube ride. These are not part of the included package, so budget separately if you want them.

The beach BBQ is prepared while you relax. The menu includes grilled chicken, grilled fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, and salad. Snacks are also included during the day.

This is a generous menu for a boat excursion. Having both chicken and fish gives you a choice, while rice, pasta, bread, and salad make the meal more substantial than a quick sandwich. The beach setting is the real bonus: you eat with sand, water, and the lagoon around you rather than returning to a restaurant.

Live music or a sega show may provide entertainment in the background. Since the exact performance is not guaranteed, treat it as a possible extra rather than the reason to book.

The real value at $125

At $125 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Ile aux Cerfs. It can still be good value because the price brings together several expenses: a full-day speedboat, island visits, snorkeling equipment, a BBQ lunch, snacks, alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, and a small group.

The package makes the most sense if you want an active day and plan to use the inclusions. A person who only wants two hours on the beach may find it too long. Someone who would otherwise book separate boat trips, lunch, snorkeling, and drinks may find the combined price sensible.

The possible private option improves the value for groups of four or more. Confirm the private arrangement before booking, since the stated offer is subject to group size and availability.

The extra transfer charge is the main cost to watch. If you can reach Trou d’Eau Douce easily, the $125 price is easier to assess. If you need pickup from a distant hotel or Airbnb, ask for the full transport price first.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this tour to you if you want a busy day with plenty of changes in scenery. Families with older children, couples, groups of friends, and people who enjoy boat speed should find the format appealing.

It is also a good choice if you want a guide who can handle several languages and keep a small group together. The skipper has to balance swimming time, island stops, wildlife watching, and a long return ride, so the small format is useful.

I would be more cautious if you dislike speed, open-water snorkeling, or full-day schedules. The current at the marine park may be tiring, and the sun exposure is considerable. The tour is not built around a slow pace.

Bring sunscreen, a camera, swimwear, and anything you need for a full day outdoors. Use the provided safety instructions, especially in the water. You should also leave room in your schedule in case the morning departure runs later than planned.

Booking and cancellation details

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also offered, which helps if you are still arranging your Mauritius plans.

The tour is listed as a small group with up to eight participants and has a 4.4 rating from 156 reviews. That score suggests a generally strong experience, while the occasional timing issue shows why it is wise to allow flexibility on the day.

Should you book the five-island speedboat tour?

Book it if you want Mauritius in a concentrated, energetic package: a waterfall, monkeys, offshore islands, snorkeling, possible turtles and dolphins, a beach BBQ, drinks, and time on Ile aux Cerfs. The best feature is the range of experiences packed into one day, supported by a small boat and included meals.

Skip it if you want a quiet beach day, dislike fast boats, or prefer to choose your own schedule. For everyone else, especially a group of four or more hoping for a private outing, this offers a strong mix of sightseeing and fun at sea. Just confirm the transfer price, allow extra time at the meeting point, and remember that wildlife sightings depend on nature.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts and ends at the jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce. Search for Debarcader Trou D’eau Douce on Google Maps to find the meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts nine hours. Check availability for the exact starting time.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel and Airbnb pickup around Mauritius can be arranged for an additional cost. It is not included in the listed price.

How many people are in the group?

The small group is limited to eight participants.

Can the boat be private?

For groups of four people or more, the operator may offer a private speedboat.

What food is included?

The beach BBQ includes grilled chicken, grilled fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, and salad. Snacks are also included.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes rum, wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and water.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Can I see dolphins and sea turtles?

The tour includes opportunities to look for dolphins and sea turtles, but sightings are not guaranteed.

What should I bring?

Bring a camera and sunscreen. You should also be prepared for a full day outdoors on a speedboat and at the beach.