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

Leave the crowded jetty behind. This 5 to 6-hour speedboat trip begins at the private beach of Chantauvent Guesthouse, then threads through Mauritius’ broadest lagoon toward Ile aux Cerfs. I like the small maximum group of 10, which gives the day a more personal feel, and I like the mix of swimming, island stops, coastal sights, and a beach barbecue rather than one long ride to a single destination. The main caution is lunch: vegetarian and dietary requests should be confirmed again before departure, since one booking did not receive the promised vegetarian meal.

The $81.30 price is reasonable for a half-day outing that includes several stops, a boat ride, time on Ile aux Cerfs, and a meal. You will not get a long, quiet island stay, though. The schedule covers plenty of ground, so the day feels active and sightseeing-focused.

Five things to know before booking

• The tour starts at Chantauvent Guesthouse: You leave from a private beach at Pointe d’Esny, away from the busier jetties.
• The boat carries no more than 10 people: That helps the outing feel more flexible than a large group cruise.
• The route includes several southern stops: Expect the Dalblair 1902 wreck, Lighthouse Island, Ile aux Aigrettes, and a waterfall area.
• Ile aux Cerfs gets about three hours: This is the main beach, swimming, snorkeling, and barbecue stop.
• The host matters: Sebastian received special praise for creating a personal route and acting as a capable captain.
• Lunch needs attention: Vegetarian food is said to be available, but you should confirm your request directly before setting off.

Starting quietly at Pointe d’Esny

The meeting point is on Coastal Road at Chantauvent Guesthouse, also called Maison d’Hotes, in Pointe d’Esny. Departure is scheduled for 9:30 a.m., and the activity returns to the same place.

This start is one of the tour’s strongest features. Rather than gathering at a crowded public jetty, you walk onto a private beach connected with a family-run guesthouse. The setting gives the first part of the day a slower, more local feel. You can take in the morning air before the boat heads across the lagoon.

The first cruise lasts about 30 minutes. That short opening ride is useful because it lets you settle into the boat and see the coastline before the stops begin. The small group size also matters here. With no more than 10 people, it should be easier to hear the host, ask questions, and get a clear view from the boat.

The boat itself has been described as modern and clean, a basic detail that becomes important on a several-hour outing. You will spend much of the day on the water, so a well-kept boat makes the ride more comfortable.

Ile aux Aigrettes and the southern coral coast

One early point of interest is Ile aux Aigrettes. Unlike Mauritius, which is volcanic, this island is made of coralline limestone. It also protects the last remains of the dry coastal forest that once covered much of the island.

The information provided does not promise a landing here, so expect to view the island from the boat unless the crew tells you otherwise. Even from the water, it adds useful context to the trip. Mauritius is often associated with volcanic peaks and beaches, but its smaller coral islands tell a different part of the story.

This is not a tour built only around sunbathing. The route gives you a look at the geology and ecology of the southeast, then moves on to places tied to maritime history and coastal conservation.

Passing the Dalblair 1902 shipwreck

The boat also passes near the remains of the Dalblair, a three-masted steel ship that ran onto the rocks in Blue Bay during the night of February 6 to 7, 1902.

The ship had come from Cardiff in the United Kingdom and was carrying coal toward Port Louis. Its crew numbered 24 men under Captain McLaren. The stop lasts about 15 minutes and has no admission charge.

Do not expect a full museum visit or a long shore excursion. This is a short boat-side look at a wreck site, with the story providing much of the interest. It is a good pause between the beach sections, especially if you enjoy old shipping routes and the hazards faced by vessels around Mauritius.

Because the stop is brief, keep your camera ready and listen when the captain explains where to look. The boat may not linger for long.

Forty-five minutes near Lighthouse Island

The route continues to Ile aux Fouquets, better known as Ile au Phare or Lighthouse Island. The island is made of coral and has held Islet National Park status since June 5, 2004.

It sits about five kilometers off Mauritius’ southeast coast, near Ilot Vacoas and Ile de la Passe. The planned stop lasts about 45 minutes, giving you more time here than at the wreck.

Again, the schedule does not clearly promise a landing. That makes this portion more of a coastal and island viewing stop than a walking tour. The lighthouse gives the island a distinctive character, while its protected status points to the need for care around the small offshore islands.

If your ideal boat trip means constant swimming, this may feel like a pause. If you like seeing different types of island scenery and learning why a place matters, it adds welcome variety.

The main event at Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the longest stop, with about three hours set aside for the beach, food, swimming, and snorkeling. This is where the outing shifts from sightseeing to free time.

You can expect the day to center on the island’s shore and clear lagoon water. The schedule specifically allows time to swim and snorkel, so bring what you need for a wet outing and protect personal items from splashes. The information does not confirm whether snorkeling equipment is supplied, so ask before departure if you need gear.

The three-hour block is long enough to avoid a rushed visit. You should have time to enjoy the beach, eat, and get back in the water without treating every minute like a photo stop. That is a major reason the price makes sense. You are not simply passing the island from a boat. You have a proper stretch of time there.

The barbecue is intended to be part of the island stop. It adds a social, informal meal to the day, but it is also the area where expectations need to be managed. One person had requested vegetarian food and did not receive a suitable lunch. The provider apologized and stated that vegetarian meals are accommodated. I would still send the request in writing and confirm it with the host before boarding. The same advice applies to other dietary requirements.

Do not expect a restaurant meal with a broad menu. This is a beach barbecue, so the attraction is the setting and the simplicity. If you are happy with casual food by the water, it fits the tone of the trip. If lunch is a major part of your holiday planning, confirm exactly what will be served.

A river mouth and waterfall finish

The route also includes a passage through a river mouth. The boat glides among trees toward a waterfall where freshwater meets the sea.

This section offers a change from open lagoon views. Instead of looking across the ocean, you move through a narrower natural setting before reaching the falling water. The description does not give a separate duration or promise that you will get out of the boat, so treat it as a scenic cruise and viewing stop.

That variety helps the tour feel fuller than a simple beach transfer. In one morning and afternoon, you see coral islands, a wreck, a lighthouse, a river mouth, and a beach lagoon. The tradeoff is that no single location receives a full-day treatment.

Returning to Chantauvent Guesthouse

The boat returns to the same Chantauvent meeting point. The final scheduled hour allows you to either head to your taxi or remain by the beach for a while.

That extra time is a thoughtful touch. You can end the day without rushing straight from the boat into a vehicle. Sit on the warm sand, have a cocktail, and enjoy the last afternoon light if you choose. The guesthouse setting also makes the return less abrupt than ending at a busy public dock.

Because the tour starts and finishes at the same location, you need to plan your own transport to Pointe d’Esny. The meeting point is near public transportation, but the tour does not state that hotel pickup is included.

How personal is the boat trip?

The maximum group size is 10, and that is one of the clearest advantages. Small groups work well on a speedboat because everyone has a better chance of seeing the sights and getting the captain’s attention.

Sebastian is specifically praised as a captain who created a unique route for a very small party. That suggests the crew may adjust the feel of the day when the group is especially small, though you should not assume that every departure will follow a custom itinerary.

The host is another strong point. The boat ride and the host both received high praise, with one booking describing the boat as modern and clean. Those details are worth more than flashy extras on a water trip. A friendly captain, a tidy boat, and a well-paced route shape the whole day.

Is $81.30 good value?

At $81.30 per person, the price is fair if you want a compact introduction to the southeast coast. The outing combines transport by speedboat, several points of interest, a long stop at Ile aux Cerfs, a barbecue, and time for swimming and snorkeling.

You are also paying for a small-group format rather than a large boat carrying dozens of people. With a maximum of 10, the cost is higher than a basic transfer might be, but the route covers much more than a ride from one beach to another.

The value is less convincing if your priority is a long, quiet day on one beach. The schedule has several stops, and some are viewed from the boat. You are paying for movement and variety.

The trip is commonly booked well ahead, with an average booking point of 52 days before departure. That does not mean last-minute space is impossible, but it is sensible to reserve early, especially if you want a particular date or are visiting during a busy period.

Who should book this outing?

I would choose this tour if you want a half-day on the water without committing to a full-day cruise. It suits couples, families, and small groups who like mixing beach time with short sightseeing stops.

It is also a good fit if you prefer a personal setting to a crowded jetty. The private beach departure and 10-person limit give the trip a more relaxed start and a better chance of direct contact with the captain.

You may want another option if you require tightly controlled dietary arrangements, dislike moving between several stops, or want a guaranteed island walk at every location. The route is active, and not every stop is described as a landing.

The tour is generally open to most people, but the provider does not offer a detailed accessibility breakdown. If you have specific mobility needs, ask before booking.

Weather, cancellation, and practical details

The trip depends on good weather. If conditions force a cancellation, you can accept another date or receive a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the 9:30 a.m. start time. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not accepted for a refund, and all cut-off times use local Mauritius time.

A mobile ticket is provided. Confirmation normally arrives at booking, unless you reserve within one day of departure. In that case, confirmation arrives as soon as possible and depends on space.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a small-group water day with variety. The private beach departure, clean modern boat, friendly host, and 3-hour Ile aux Cerfs stop make this a well-rounded choice at $81.30.

Before paying, confirm your meeting arrangements and repeat any vegetarian or dietary request. If you do that, this trip offers a useful balance of lagoon scenery, island history, swimming, snorkeling, barbecue food, and relaxed beach time without the feel of a mass-market cruise.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Chantauvent Guesthouse, on Coastal Road in Pointe d’Esny, Mauritius.

What time does the tour depart?

The scheduled start time is 9:30 a.m.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at Chantauvent Guesthouse, the original meeting point.

How long does the tour last?

The trip lasts approximately 5 to 6 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $81.30 per person.

How many people can join?

The maximum group size is 10 participants.

Is Ile aux Cerfs included?

Yes. The route includes about three hours at Ile aux Cerfs for beach time, swimming, snorkeling, and a barbecue.

Does the tour visit Lighthouse Island?

Yes. The route includes a stop of about 45 minutes at Ile aux Fouquets, also called Ile au Phare or Lighthouse Island.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You will be offered another date or a full refund if poor weather prevents the trip from operating.