5 Islands Speedboat Cruise incl. Snorkeling in Blue Bay + Lunch at Ile aux Cerfs

The east coast packs a lot into one day. This seven-hour speedboat cruise links Ile aux Cerfs, old lighthouse islands, Grand River South East, and Blue Bay Marine Park in one lively outing. I like the mix of short island visits and a proper two-hour snorkeling stop, and I like that lunch, drinks, water, snacks, and equipment are already covered.

The capped group of 18 keeps the boat from feeling too crowded, while included parking at the meeting point removes one small travel headache. The main caution is pace: some stops last only 15 to 45 minutes, and one account found the snorkeling time too short despite the advertised two-hour window. Loud music may also bother you if you prefer a quiet cruise.

Key points before you book

• Five coastal sights in one morning and afternoon: You visit Ile aux Cerfs, Ile aux Fouquets, Ile aux Aigrettes, Blue Bay Marine Park, and the Grand River South East area.
• Two hours set aside for water time: Snorkeling takes place at Blue Bay or near Ilot Mangenie, depending on weather and coral breeding conditions.
• Lunch and an open bar are included: You also get snacks, bottled water, and alcoholic drinks, so the $110.79 price covers more than the boat ride.
• A small group of up to 18 people: That gives you a better chance of hearing the guide and finding room to move around than on a large catamaran.
• The route mixes nature with naval history: Ile aux Fouquets and Ile de la Passe connect the day to the Battle of Grand Port and Mauritius’s colonial past.
• The day begins at 8:30 a.m.: You meet at Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs in Trou d’Eau Douce and return there at the end.

Why this east-coast route works so well

Mauritius has no shortage of boat outings. Many focus on one beach, one reef, or one island. This trip tries to give you the whole east and southeast coast in a single day, with scenery changing often enough to keep the ride interesting.

I like that the schedule is not only about swimming. You get island scenery, a waterfall, old military landmarks, a nature reserve, lunch, and snorkeling. That variety helps if your group cannot agree on one type of activity.

The speedboat also makes a difference. You cover more water than you would on a slower vessel, and the ride itself becomes part of the outing. Expect wind, spray, and a more active journey than a quiet sightseeing cruise. Music is played on board, and one account described it as a little loud, so this is better suited to an upbeat day than a peaceful one.

At $110.79 per person, the value depends on how much of the package you use. Lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, snacks, bottled water, parking, and all listed fees are included. If you plan to swim and snorkel, the price is easier to justify than if you mainly want a boat ride and scenic photos.

Ile aux Cerfs sets the tone

The first substantial stop is Ile aux Cerfs, one of Mauritius’s best-known island outings. You have about 45 minutes here, with refreshments included before the boat continues toward Grand River South East.

That short visit is useful for getting your bearings, taking photos, and enjoying the island without giving up the rest of the route. It is not enough time for a long beach session, so keep your expectations realistic. You are sampling the island, not spending the day there.

The tour title identifies Ile aux Cerfs as the lunch stop, and lunch is included in the package. The supplied schedule also describes refreshments during the first visit, so the exact timing of food may depend on how the crew runs the day. I would avoid eating a heavy breakfast right before departure, but do not expect to go hungry.

The island is also where the trip’s social side begins. With no more than 18 people, you can usually get to know the group without the outing feeling like a mass excursion. The skipper’s personality matters here. Andy was singled out for his energy and friendliness, while another highly positive account praised a fun, enthusiastic captain and the way the crew checked that everyone was comfortable.

Grand River South East adds a waterfall view

The route includes Grand River South East, where a waterfall flows toward the Indian Ocean. This is more of a scenic passage and viewing stop than a long walk or hike.

You will see the falls from the water, giving you a broad view of the river mouth and coast. The stop helps break up the island visits, but do not expect a long shore excursion. The listed time for the waterfall area is only 15 minutes.

That brevity is part of the tradeoff. You get more variety, but each individual sight receives only a quick look. Keep your camera ready and listen when the guide points out landmarks. If you prefer slow exploration, a focused waterfall trip may suit you better.

Ile aux Fouquets and the lighthouse story

Ile aux Fouquets, also called Ile Phare or Lighthouse Island, brings a strong historical element to the day. Dutch settlers discovered the island in 1598, and a lighthouse built in 1864 operated until the early 20th century.

The island also played a strategic role in the bay of Mahébourg. Its position mattered during naval battles around Grand Port, making the lighthouse more than a pretty ruin on a small offshore island. The guide provides local history and cultural context as the boat moves between the sights, which adds meaning to what you are seeing.

You do not get a land visit here, based on the listed schedule. The boat view is the attraction, and the stop is allotted 45 minutes. That makes it a good fit for people who enjoy stories and coastal views, but less satisfying if you want to walk around old structures.

Blue Bay Marine Park is the main event

The snorkeling session is the heart of the trip. You get up to two hours at Blue Bay Marine Park, or near Ilot Mangenie if conditions or coral breeding activity require a change.

Blue Bay became a national park in 1997 and later gained Ramsar wetland status in 2008. It is known for shallow, calm water, coral gardens, and varied marine life. Those conditions make the area a practical choice for a mixed group, including people who want to swim without dealing with strong open-water conditions.

Snorkeling equipment is supplied, which saves you from renting a mask and fins separately. You can also choose to stay on board and relax rather than enter the water. That flexibility matters if someone in your group is not a confident swimmer or simply wants a break from activity.

Still, the actual water time may feel shorter than the schedule suggests. One account found the snorkeling too brief, and the day includes travel, boarding, and group coordination. If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, tell the crew early that you want to make full use of the water stop.

The marine park is also sensitive to environmental conditions. The alternative location and possible schedule changes are linked to weather and coral breeding season, not poor planning. You should treat the exact snorkeling site as flexible.

Ile aux Aigrettes offers a short pause

After the marine park, the boat passes Ile aux Aigrettes for refreshments. The stop lasts about 20 minutes, and the all-inclusive open bar is available at this point in the day.

Ile aux Aigrettes is an islet off the southeast coast that functions as a nature reserve and scientific research station. It is also visited by both local people and international visitors. The key thing to understand is that this stop is a refreshment break and pass-by, not a full reserve tour.

The open bar can be welcome after time in the water, especially in the heat. Alcoholic drinks are included, along with bottled water and snacks. Pace yourself, though. You still have a speedboat ride ahead, and the combination of sun, swimming, and alcohol can catch up with you quickly.

Ile de la Passe connects the scenery to war history

The route also brings you near Ile de la Passe, a rocky islet in the bay off Grand Port. From August 20 to 25, 1810, it was the scene of the Battle of Grand Port, a hard-fought naval action between French and British forces.

The French won that battle, with the British losing four frigates, although one was later recaptured. The event formed part of the British campaign to take Mauritius, then known as Isle de France. The French squadron did not survive the wider British invasion.

This background gives the boat ride a useful sense of place. You are not just passing rocks and water. You are moving through a bay that shaped control of the island. The historical explanation is especially valuable if you enjoy learning how Mauritius fits into the wider Indian Ocean story.

Lunch, drinks, and the value of the package

The tour includes lunch, snacks, alcoholic drinks, bottled water, and all fees. That makes budgeting simple. You do not need to carry cash for a separate meal or rent snorkeling equipment at the beach.

The price is fair for a full-day boat outing if you use the included food and water activities. A seven-hour private charter would cost far more, while a basic short boat transfer would offer much less. The best value comes from the combination of transport, sightseeing, food, and water time.

The one point to clarify is the exact lunch timing. The experience is promoted with lunch at Ile aux Cerfs, while the schedule describes the first Ile aux Cerfs stop as a 45-minute visit with refreshments. The crew may organize food according to weather and timing, so ask at check-in if lunch timing matters to you.

Group size, meeting point, and practical details

You meet at Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs in Trou d’Eau Douce at 8:30 a.m. The activity ends back at the same meeting point. Parking is available there, which is useful if you are driving.

Private transportation is not included. You need to arrange your own way to Trou d’Eau Douce, and this is the main logistics point to solve before booking. Confirmation is provided when you book.

The maximum group size is 18 people. That is small enough for a more personal feel, but it is still a shared outing. You should expect to follow the skipper’s timing rather than linger wherever you like.

The French-language guiding point also deserves attention. One booking was made expecting a French guide but was placed with the English group. If language is important to your enjoyment, confirm the language arrangement in advance instead of assuming the requested option is guaranteed.

Weather affects the entire experience. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this trip if you want a busy but varied day on the water. It suits couples, friends, and families who like combining swimming, snorkeling, history, food, and island views instead of spending seven hours in one place.

It is also a good option if you have limited time in Mauritius. The route gives you a taste of the east and southeast coast without arranging several separate excursions.

You may want a different outing if your priority is long, quiet beach time. The stops are short, the music can be loud, and the speedboat keeps the day moving. The same applies if snorkeling is your only goal. A dedicated marine park trip may give you more uninterrupted time in the water.

One additional point is wildlife etiquette. An account of the trip found the boat’s pursuit of dolphins uncomfortable, describing it as feeling like a hunt. Dolphins are not part of the listed itinerary, but if they appear, you can ask the skipper how the boat will approach them and decide what feels right to you.

FAQ

How long is the 5 Islands Speedboat Cruise?

The experience lasts about seven hours.

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 8:30 a.m.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins at Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs in Trou d’Eau Douce and ends back at the meeting point.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with snacks, bottled water, alcoholic beverages, and an open bar during the Ile aux Aigrettes refreshment stop.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included in the price.

Where does snorkeling take place?

Snorkeling takes place at Blue Bay Marine Park or near Ilot Mangenie, depending on weather conditions and coral breeding season.

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.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want one energetic day that covers islands, history, food, waterfalls, and snorkeling without piecing together separate tours. The included meals, drinks, parking, and gear make the $110.79 cost reasonable for an active seven-hour outing.

Skip it if you need long stops, quiet water, or guaranteed language arrangements. For the right person, though, this is a strong all-round introduction to Mauritius’s east and southeast coast, with enough variety to make the day feel full rather than repetitive.