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

Mauritius packs a lot into one lagoon, and this seven-hour speedboat trip gives you a lively way to see it. You snorkel over coral, pass a 1902 shipwreck, visit a lighthouse island, cruise up Grand River South East to its waterfall, and finish with a beach BBQ on Ile aux Cerfs. Guides such as Hans, Giovanni, Nathaniel, and Ashley are known for keeping the day friendly, informative, and moving.

I like the small-group feel of the clean, modern boat, especially when other boats nearby are crowded. I also like the mix of active and easygoing stops: you can swim and snorkel, then sit down to grilled chicken and fish with a rum or local beer in hand. The main drawback is the price, $147 per person, and a speedboat gives you less room than a catamaran. The day can also feel busy if you want long, quiet stops.

Key points at a glance

• A full east-coast circuit: Snorkeling, a shipwreck, lighthouse, waterfall, Ile aux Cerfs, and Ile aux Aigrettes all fit into one day.
• A comfortable speedboat: The boat is fast, clean, and generally less crowded than many larger lagoon cruises.
• A proper beach lunch: The BBQ includes grilled chicken and fish, with vegetarian food available if requested ahead of time.
• Drinks throughout the cruise: Water, soft drinks, local beer, and rum are included.
• Good guides make a difference: Hans, Giovanni, Nathaniel, Ashley, and other crew members are praised for humor, local stories, and careful service.
• Weather matters: The operator may change the date or plan when conditions are poor, so keep some flexibility.

Why this speedboat day works so well

I like this trip because it is not just a ride to Ile aux Cerfs. That island is the main draw, but the day builds toward it with several different views of Mauritius: open lagoon water, reef life, old maritime remains, a river waterfall, and small islands with their own character.

The speedboat also changes the pace. You move quickly between stops, so you see more than you would on a slower cruise. The tradeoff is simple: the ride is exciting, but you should not expect a quiet, shaded boat with lots of room to stretch out.

The tour normally leaves at about 9:30 in the morning and returns to Shandrani Beach between 4:00 and 4:30 in the afternoon. Pickup can be arranged from accommodation or a designated point around Mauritius, but you need to confirm the time and location with the operator. If you make your own way, the meeting point is the beach at Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa. Parking is reached by taking the small rocky road to the left of the hotel.

The first snorkel stop in the Grand Port lagoon

After a safety briefing, the boat heads to clear water for a swim and snorkel. This is your first chance to see coral and brightly colored tropical fish, and it helps to wear your swimsuit from the start rather than changing later.

The water is usually the star here. Several people found the lagoon calm enough for an enjoyable swim, and one useful point is that the route generally stays within the reef. That can make it more comfortable for anyone concerned about seasickness, although conditions still depend on the weather.

Bring your own expectations down to earth. Mauritius offers beautiful water and reef scenery, but this is not a specialist marine biology excursion. The snorkeling is a pleasant part of a larger day rather than the sole reason to book. If snorkeling is your top priority, you may want to ask the crew how conditions look on the day.

Snorkeling equipment is included. You should still bring a towel, sun cream, hat, and sunglasses. Put your camera or phone in a waterproof case if you plan to use it near the water.

The d’Alblair wreck and Ile aux Fouquets Lighthouse

The boat then passes the d’Alblair shipwreck, which dates from 1902 and lies on the coral barrier. It is a quick sightseeing stop rather than an extended wreck excursion, but it adds a touch of Mauritius’s maritime past to a day otherwise centered on beaches and swimming.

The next stop is Ile aux Fouquets, also called Lighthouse Island. You get about 30 minutes for a visit, guided explanation, and photographs. The old lighthouse is weathered and isolated, which gives it more character than a polished attraction. It is the sort of stop where you should listen to the guide, take a few photographs, and enjoy the feeling of being somewhere exposed to the sea.

The island is not set up like a museum. Do not expect a long formal tour or a large number of exhibits. Its appeal is the setting, the old structure, and the view back across the lagoon.

Grand River South East and its waterfall

The boat follows the east coast before heading upstream along Grand River South East, the longest river in Mauritius. This section gives your eyes a break from open sea and shows a different side of the island.

The waterfall stop lasts about 30 minutes. Depending on conditions, you can look at the falls, take photographs, and enjoy the shaded river setting. Some departures have also encountered monkeys around the waterfall, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

This stop is short, so it works best as a change of scene rather than a long nature walk. You are not signing up for a hiking tour. The boat takes you close to the waterfall, and the crew provides context along the way.

Lunch and free time on Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is where the schedule slows down. You have about an hour and a half for lunch, swimming, and beach time. The island has the postcard sand and clear water that many people picture when they think of Mauritius.

The included BBQ is one of the strongest parts of the outing. Grilled chicken and fish are served on the beach, and the food is more substantial than the usual snack box found on boat trips. Vegetarian lunch is possible if you request it in advance.

I like that lunch is not rushed into a narrow break between activities. You have time to eat, swim, and sit on the sand. Several departures have had a quiet beach area rather than placing everyone in the middle of the island’s busiest section, though the exact setting can change.

Ile aux Cerfs is still a popular destination, so do not picture a completely private island. The speedboat helps your group move efficiently, but the island itself can have other visitors. If you want the most peaceful beach time, stay close to the area arranged by the crew and use the free period wisely.

Ile aux Aigrettes and the final swim

The last stop is Ile aux Aigrettes, where you can enjoy a drink and swim in a natural pool with starfish. This is a gentle finish after the faster sections of the day.

The starfish are a memorable detail, but handle them carefully and follow the crew’s instructions. The stop is listed as about 30 minutes, so it is best for a final swim and a few photographs, not a long exploration of the island.

Back on the boat, soft drinks such as water, Coca-Cola, and Orangina are available, along with local beer and rum. The crew often keeps the mood lively with music and conversation. If you are drinking rum, remember that the boat can accelerate without much warning. Finish your drink before the skipper opens the throttle unless you want a wet shirt.

What the boat ride is really like

The speedboat is a major part of the appeal. It is modern, clean, fast, and comfortable enough for a full day, but it is still a speedboat. Space is tighter than on a catamaran, and you will feel the motion more when the sea is choppy.

The reward is access and pace. You can cover the route from the lagoon to the river and back without spending long stretches crawling across the water. The boat also tends to feel more personal when the group is small. Private group bookings are available, and some departures have had only a handful of people aboard.

Your seating position can affect comfort. Hold on during faster sections, keep valuables secure, and wear footwear that dries easily. Comfortable shoes matter at the lighthouse and around the beach, where wet feet and rough ground can make flimsy sandals a nuisance.

The crew is central to the experience. Hans and Giovanni are often singled out for humor and good timing, while Nathaniel, Ashley, Joel, Daren, and others have been praised for looking after families, explaining the sights, and adjusting the day when needed. Names and crew assignments can change, but the guide-led style is consistent: expect conversation, music, local rum, and explanations rather than a silent transfer from stop to stop.

Is $147 per person fair?

At $147, this is not the cheapest way to reach Ile aux Cerfs. You are paying for much more than a beach transfer, though. The price includes the full-day speedboat, snorkeling equipment, BBQ lunch, soft drinks, local beer, and rum. Optional pickup can also make the outing easier if you are staying away from the southeast coast.

Value depends on what you want. If your plan is simply to lie on Ile aux Cerfs for a few hours, a simpler boat trip may cost less and suit you better. If you want to combine several east-coast sights in one day, the price is easier to justify.

I would compare it with the cost of booking separate boat rides, lunch, snorkeling, and transport. The advantage here is not just convenience. The guides control the timing, take you to several stops, and keep the group moving without making you arrange every connection yourself.

The drinks also add practical value, especially on a hot day. Still, do not book this tour because of the alcohol. The scenery, boat, and range of stops are the real reasons to choose it.

Who should book this experience?

This trip suits you if you want an active first look at Mauritius and prefer seeing several places rather than spending the whole day at one beach. Couples, families with older children, and small groups should find the mix appealing.

It is especially good for people who enjoy a lively crew. The guides may play music, joke with the group, and keep drinks moving, so the mood is more social than meditative.

You should think twice if you dislike speed, sun, or frequent transitions. The day involves climbing in and out of the boat, swimming, wet clothing, and exposure to heat. It is also not the best choice for someone seeking a slow sailing experience or a specialist snorkeling trip.

The boat is not described as wheelchair accessible, and the route includes a beach meeting point, swimming, a lighthouse stop, and movement between boat and shore. If you have mobility concerns, ask the operator before booking rather than assuming the route will work for you.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Wear your swimsuit from the beginning. Bring a dry change of clothes, a towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and footwear that dries quickly.

Ask for a vegetarian lunch before the tour date. Do not wait until you reach Ile aux Cerfs, since the meal is planned in advance.

Keep your camera ready for the lighthouse, wreck, waterfall, and beach, but protect it from spray. A waterproof pouch is more useful than a large camera bag on a speedboat.

Build some flexibility into your Mauritius schedule. The operator may change the date or route when the weather forecast is poor. That is frustrating if you have a tight plan, but it is a sensible approach for a full day on the water.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. English and French are offered, and pickup must be confirmed with the provider.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs speedboat tour?

I would book it if you want one busy, well-organized day that covers the east coast’s main water sights. The strongest reasons are the small-group speedboat, the friendly guides, the generous beach BBQ, and the range of stops beyond Ile aux Cerfs.

I would skip it if your ideal day means one quiet beach, a slow boat, or serious reef snorkeling. At $147, the outing asks you to pay for variety and service. For a first visit to Mauritius, that combination makes good sense. For a repeat visit, you may prefer a narrower trip focused on the activity you enjoyed most.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts about seven hours. Departure is scheduled around 9:30 AM, with arrival back at Shandrani Beach generally between 4:00 and 4:30 PM.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is on the beach at Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa. Parking is available by taking the small rocky road on the left side of the hotel.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is optional, and the driver can collect you from accommodation or a designated pickup point in Mauritius. You need to contact the provider to confirm the pickup time and location.

What languages are offered?

The live tour is offered in English and French.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the full-day speedboat tour.

What food is served for lunch?

The beach BBQ includes grilled chicken and fish. A vegetarian lunch is possible if you request it in advance.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Water, Orangina, Coca-Cola, local beer, and rum are included during the day.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, comfortable footwear, and a camera if you want photographs. A change of clothes and footwear that dries quickly are also useful.

Can the tour date change because of weather?

Yes. The trip or date may be modified according to the weather forecast.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.