Review · MAURITIUS

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

★ 4.0 · 12 reviews From $117 Operated by Beguided Tours · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

The lagoon is your main attraction. This full-day Mauritius outing combines a private, air-conditioned pickup with a shared boat trip to Ile aux Cerfs, GRSE Waterfall, and the launch point at Trou d’Eau Douce. I like the simple all-inclusive setup: BBQ lunch, beer, local rum, cocktails, soft drinks, transport, and snorkeling equipment are covered. I also like the small maximum group of 15 people. The main caution is that the advertised speedboat may become a larger boat or catamaran when rain, waves, coral, or sea traffic make conditions unsafe.

The tour costs about $117.11 per person, which is fair if you want transport, food, drinks, and a full day on the water bundled together. Still, you should not book it expecting a fixed boat type or guaranteed snorkeling. Weather controls much of the day, and lunch may be served aboard a catamaran or on the islet.

Key points to know before booking

All inclusive SPEEDBOAT FULL DAY to ILE AUX CERF & GRSE WATERFALL - Key points to know before booking

  • Ile aux Cerfs gets about two hours, giving you time for the beach, water, and a slower look at the islet.
  • GRSE Waterfall is a short stop, usually around 20 minutes, with local monkeys near the falls.
  • Private pickup and drop-off are included from resorts or villas anywhere in Mauritius.
  • The package covers BBQ lunch and drinks, including beer, arranged local rum, cocktails, and soft drinks.
  • The boat can change with the weather, so a catamaran may replace the speedboat in rough or rainy conditions.
  • The trip may last five to eight hours, including road transfers and time on the water.

A full morning from your resort to Trou d’Eau Douce

All inclusive SPEEDBOAT FULL DAY to ILE AUX CERF & GRSE WATERFALL - A full morning from your resort to Trou d’Eau Douce

The day begins around 7:30 a.m. with pickup from your resort or villa. The vehicle is air-conditioned and described as private, so you are not starting the day by finding your own way to the harbor or squeezing onto a public shuttle.

That matters in Mauritius. The tour includes the road journey to Trou d’Eau Douce, one of the main departure points for boat trips to Ile aux Cerfs. Your certified driver also provides information during the transfer, giving you some context before you reach the coast.

The total outing lasts about five to eight hours, and that figure includes transportation and sailing. Your exact time on the beach will therefore be shorter than the full duration. I would treat the early start as a benefit, especially for a water-based day where weather and sea conditions can shape the schedule.

The group limit is 15 people. That is small enough to feel more manageable than a large excursion, though the boat used on the day can still change. Pickup is offered at any resort or villa in Mauritius, which makes this a practical choice if you are staying outside the immediate Trou d’Eau Douce area.

Trou d’Eau Douce sets the tone

All inclusive SPEEDBOAT FULL DAY to ILE AUX CERF & GRSE WATERFALL - Trou d’Eau Douce sets the tone

The launch area receives about 45 minutes in the stated schedule. Trou d’Eau Douce is not just a place to board. Its beach and coastal setting are part of the eastern Mauritius experience, and it gives you a first look at the clear water that defines this side of the island.

The town is also the practical gateway to Ile aux Cerfs. Catamarans and speedboats leave from here, so the stop connects the road portion of the tour with the main sea excursion.

Do not read the 45 minutes as a separate beach holiday. This is a transition point, and part of the time may involve boarding, organizing equipment, or waiting for safe departure conditions. The value comes from having the transfer and boat arrangements handled for you.

Ile aux Cerfs gives you the main beach time

All inclusive SPEEDBOAT FULL DAY to ILE AUX CERF & GRSE WATERFALL - Ile aux Cerfs gives you the main beach time

Ile aux Cerfs is the centerpiece of the outing, with about two hours set aside. The islet is one of Mauritius’s best-known stops in the maritime zone, and its appeal is straightforward: beautiful water, beaches, and time away from the road.

Two hours is enough to enjoy the setting without making the entire day feel like a rushed photo stop. You can use the time to walk along the beach, sit near the water, or take part in water activities if conditions allow. The exact amount of free time can be affected by the boat schedule, weather, and the waterfall visit, so keep your plans loose.

The water is a major reason to book this trip. Mauritius is famous for its tropical sea, and the boat ride gives you a better sense of the coast than a land-only tour. At the same time, this is a popular destination, so do not expect a private island experience. The appeal is easy access to a famous beach setting, not solitude.

The pace should suit you if you want several highlights in one day. It may not suit you if you prefer spending an entire day at one beach with no transfers. The tour is designed around variety: road pickup, boat travel, an islet, a waterfall, lunch, music, drinks, and wildlife.

GRSE Waterfall adds wildlife and a short adventure

All inclusive SPEEDBOAT FULL DAY to ILE AUX CERF & GRSE WATERFALL - GRSE Waterfall adds wildlife and a short adventure

The trip to GRSE Waterfall is listed at about 20 minutes. That is a short stop, but it adds something different from the beach. The waterfall is famous in Mauritius and can be viewed from the water, with local monkeys often present near the falls.

The monkeys are one of the more unusual features of this excursion. If you enjoy seeing animals during a boat trip, this stop gives the day an extra point of interest. Keep your expectations sensible, though. A 20-minute visit is enough for a look and some photographs, not a long nature walk or extended wildlife session.

The time spent here depends on several things: water level, sea safety, and how crowded the area is with boats. Those factors are outside the operator’s control. If the sea is dangerous, the boat may stay away or reduce the time at the waterfall.

This is also where the advertised speedboat format needs a clear explanation. In rough weather, or when waves and coral make a smaller boat unsafe, a larger boat may be used to move people toward the islet. The operator states that this applies when conditions require it, and the captain explains the procedure before departure.

That flexibility is sensible from a safety point of view, but it can disappoint if you have chosen the trip mainly for a fast ride. Book this as a flexible island-and-waterfall excursion, not as a guaranteed speedboat thrill.

A few more speedboat days around Mauritius worth a look

BBQ lunch and drinks make the price easier to judge

All inclusive SPEEDBOAT FULL DAY to ILE AUX CERF & GRSE WATERFALL - BBQ lunch and drinks make the price easier to judge

Lunch is included, with a BBQ meal, smashed potatoes, dessert, and a vegetarian option. Depending on the weather, lunch may be served aboard a catamaran or on the islet.

I see this as one of the stronger parts of the package. Food on a full-day boat trip can quickly become an extra expense, and the included meal means you do not need to arrange lunch during the busiest part of the day. The vegetarian option is useful, though the available information does not describe the exact menu.

Drinks are also included. The package lists beer, arranged local rum, cocktails, and soft drinks. Music is part of the entertainment, so the mood is likely to be social rather than quiet and formal.

The exception is lobster. A lobster lunch is not included, so you should not assume that every seafood option comes with the basic price. If you want a special lobster meal, ask about the cost before departure.

The all-inclusive wording has real value, but it also sets an expectation. You are paying for convenience and a sociable day, not a luxury private charter. The food and drinks are part of the shared excursion experience.

Snorkeling depends on the sea, not the brochure

All inclusive SPEEDBOAT FULL DAY to ILE AUX CERF & GRSE WATERFALL - Snorkeling depends on the sea, not the brochure

Snorkeling equipment is available when sea conditions permit. That final phrase matters. Mauritius has tropical water, but calm-looking conditions near shore do not always mean the sea is suitable for swimming or snorkeling.

You may get the chance to use the equipment during the boat outing, but it is not guaranteed. Weather, waves, water movement, and safety decisions can alter the plan. I would bring your own swimwear and treat snorkeling as a welcome extra rather than the main reason to reserve this trip.

The same principle applies to the boat itself. The company may use different boat sizes depending on weather and sea conditions. On a calm day, the speedboat may provide the lively ride you expect. On a rainy or rough day, a catamaran or larger vessel may be the safer choice.

One complaint about the experience centered on receiving a catamaran trip instead of the expected speedboat, along with lunch served at the back of the boat rather than as a more elaborate meal. The operator explained that rough sea conditions led to the change. That does not erase the disappointment, but it gives you an important booking lesson: the sea decides the format.

What the $117.11 price really includes

All inclusive SPEEDBOAT FULL DAY to ILE AUX CERF & GRSE WATERFALL - What the $117.11 price really includes

At about $117.11 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Ile aux Cerfs. It can still be good value because the price includes several costly pieces:

  • Private air-conditioned transport
  • Pickup and drop-off at your resort or villa
  • Boat access to Ile aux Cerfs and GRSE Waterfall
  • BBQ lunch with a vegetarian option
  • Beer, local rum, cocktails, and soft drinks
  • Snorkeling equipment when conditions allow
  • A shared experience capped at 15 people

If you arranged your own taxi, boat, lunch, and drinks, the total could become less predictable. The bundled format is especially useful if you are visiting Mauritius for a short stay and want to cover several eastern-coast highlights in one day.

The value is weaker if you only want a few quiet hours on a beach, or if you dislike organized group outings. It is also weaker if you expect a private speedboat, a fixed catamaran-free itinerary, or a three-course restaurant meal. The included lunch is a BBQ with sides and dessert, and the lobster option costs extra.

The trip works best for flexible, social visitors

All inclusive SPEEDBOAT FULL DAY to ILE AUX CERF & GRSE WATERFALL - The trip works best for flexible, social visitors

This outing suits you if you want a convenient day with several activities and do not want to plan each part yourself. Families, couples, and small groups can all use the included transport and meal arrangements, and most people can participate according to the available information.

It is also a good match if you like a lively boat atmosphere. Music, drinks, shared transport, and a group limit of 15 create a more social day than a private sightseeing charter. The mix of beach, waterfall, monkeys, and food keeps the schedule moving.

You should think twice if you need a very precise itinerary. The stop at GRSE Waterfall can shorten or change based on sea conditions and boat occupancy. Snorkeling may not happen, and the boat type can change.

You should also think twice if the speedboat itself is the main attraction. On a safe, calm day, it may be the highlight. On a rough day, the operator may rightly choose a larger boat. That is a practical safety decision, but it means the experience can differ from your mental picture.

Booking and cancellation details worth knowing

Confirmation is provided at booking, and the activity starts at about 7:30 a.m. The tour is near public transportation, although the included pickup means you may not need to use it.

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund. If bad weather causes the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.

The tour is weather dependent. That policy is important here because rain and rough water can affect the boat, the waterfall stop, snorkeling, and lunch location. If the forecast looks uncertain, keep the next day flexible rather than scheduling another fixed activity immediately afterward.

Should you book this Mauritius boat trip?

Book it if you want a convenient, all-inclusive day that combines Ile aux Cerfs, GRSE Waterfall, transport, lunch, and drinks for one price. The private pickup, small group limit, and included food make the $117.11 cost reasonable for many visitors.

Skip it if you want a guaranteed speedboat, a quiet private outing, or a fixed snorkeling session. The best way to approach this trip is with flexibility. Accept that the sea may change the boat, lunch setting, or waterfall time, and you get a well-rounded introduction to Mauritius’s eastern coast rather than a rigid ride with every detail locked in.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

Pickup is offered from any resort or villa in Mauritius, with the day beginning at about 7:30 a.m. The road transfer takes you to Trou d’Eau Douce.

How long does the full experience last?

The total duration is approximately five to eight hours. This includes transportation and sailing time.

Is transport included?

Yes. The package includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, along with pickup and drop-off by certified drivers.

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 in the package.

Is lobster included?

No. Lobster lunch is not included.

Is snorkeling guaranteed?

No. Snorkeling equipment is available depending on sea conditions, and the activity may not take place if conditions are unsuitable.

Can the speedboat be replaced by another boat?

Yes. Boat sizes can change according to weather and sea conditions. A larger boat or catamaran may be used when waves, rain, coral, or other conditions make a speedboat unsafe.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You are offered a different date or a full refund if the experience is canceled because of poor weather.

More like this

Mauritius Speedboat Tours, compared.

The full Mauritius Speedboat Tours list →
Black River: Dolphin Swim and Whale Watching by Speedboat
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 595 reviews· from $129

Black River: Dolphin Swim and Whale Watching by Speedboat

Read our review →
Full-Day Speedboat Tour to Ile aux Cerfs & BBQ
★★★★★★★★★★4.8· 429 reviews· from $147

Full-Day Speedboat Tour to Ile aux Cerfs & BBQ

Read our review →
Black River: Swim with Dolphin Speed Boat Tour with lunch
★★★★★★★★★★4.3· 279 reviews· from $74

Black River: Swim with Dolphin Speed Boat Tour with lunch

Read our review →
Speedboat Tour to Ile aux Cerfs with Lunch
★★★★★★★★★★4.6· 158 reviews· from $64

Speedboat Tour to Ile aux Cerfs with Lunch

Read our review →
5 Islands Speedboat w/Snorkeling Sea Turtle + Lunch & Drinks
★★★★★★★★★★4.4· 156 reviews· from $125

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

Read our review →
Snorkel and Swim with Dolphins on Speedboat Tour
★★★★★★★★★★4.3· 147 reviews· from $49

Snorkel and Swim with Dolphins on Speedboat Tour

Read our review →
Speedboat to Ile aux Benitier: Dolphin Encounter & Lunch
★★★★★★★★★★4.2· 144 reviews· from $70

Speedboat to Ile aux Benitier: Dolphin Encounter & Lunch

Read our review →
From Blue Bay: Ile aux Cerfs Speedboat Excursion with BBQ
★★★★★★★★★★4.8· 118 reviews· from $106

From Blue Bay: Ile aux Cerfs Speedboat Excursion with BBQ

Read our review →

Browse the lists this tour appears in

Scroll to Top

Explore by kind of ride

Pick a hull, a cave or a reef.