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

One boat, many sides of Mauritius. This seven-hour speedboat tour packs reef snorkeling, a 1902 shipwreck, a lighthouse island, a river waterfall, and lunch on Île aux Cerfs into one lively day. I especially like the small-boat feel and the generous mix of sights, and the guides, including Hans and Giovanni on many departures, add plenty of humor and local color.

The main trade-off is pace. You cover a lot of water and make several stops, so this is not a slow, quiet beach day. The speedboat ride can also feel lively, and the snorkeling is pleasant rather than a guaranteed world-class marine encounter. Still, at $147 per person, the boat, food, drinks, equipment, and full-day route make a strong case for the price.

Key points at a glance

• A fast route along the southeast coast: You see several islands and coastal sights without spending the day on one beach.
• Snorkeling stays inside the lagoon: The boat stops in clear water among coral and tropical fish.
• The BBQ is a real highlight: Grilled chicken and fish are served on Île aux Cerfs, with a vegetarian option available on request.
• Small groups feel more personal: The boat is often praised for avoiding the packed feel of larger cruises, and private groups can be arranged.
• Drinks are included all day: Water, soft drinks, local beer, and rum are available on board.
• Weather matters: The date may be changed if the forecast makes conditions unsuitable, so keep some flexibility in your schedule.

Why this speedboat day works so well

Many Mauritius boat trips focus on one big attraction. This one tries to give you the whole southeast coast in a single outing. You get open-water views, short sightseeing stops, swimming, a proper beach lunch, and a ride up the Grand River South East.

That variety is its greatest strength. If you have only a few days in Mauritius, you can use this trip to see several places that would otherwise require separate excursions. I also like that the schedule includes time to relax. You are not simply stepping off the boat, taking a photograph, and rushing away all day.

The boat leaves around 9:30 a.m. and returns to Shandrani Beach at about 4:00 to 4:30 p.m. The advertised duration is seven hours, though the exact timing can shift with conditions and the pickup arrangements. Optional transfers are available from accommodations anywhere in Mauritius, which is useful if you are staying away from the southeast coast.

The meeting point is the beach at Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa. If you drive, parking is reached by taking the small rocky road on the left side of the hotel. Confirm your pickup time if you book transport, since the boat departure point and hotel transfer are separate parts of the day.

Starting with a swim and a snorkel

After a safety briefing, the boat heads to a clear-water stop in the lagoon. You can swim and use the supplied snorkeling equipment to look for coral and brightly colored tropical fish.

This is a good first stop because you get wet early, before the sun is at its strongest. Wear your swimsuit from the start. Anant, who joined with family, specifically advised bringing dry clothes and footwear that dries easily. That is sound advice. A towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat also belong in your day bag.

The snorkeling is one of the most appealing parts of the trip, but keep your expectations sensible. The water is described as clear and the marine life is attractive, yet one experienced visitor found the snorkeling fairly ordinary compared with the rest of the day. Conditions, visibility, and the chosen stopping point can change.

The crew may select the best available spot according to the weather. Hans has been praised for choosing good snorkeling locations, while other guides have received similar credit for keeping the group comfortable and safe. If you are mainly booking for coral and fish, ask the crew about conditions at the start.

Passing the D’Alblair shipwreck and Lighthouse Island

The boat continues toward the D’Alblair shipwreck, which dates from 1902 and rests on the coral barrier. You view the wreck from the boat, so this is a short sightseeing moment rather than a wreck-exploration activity.

It is a nice detail in the route because it adds a bit of maritime history to what could otherwise be a string of beaches and swimming spots. The wreck is also a reminder that this coast is not just postcard scenery. Boats, reefs, currents, and weather have shaped life here for generations.

The next stop is Île aux Fouquets, better known as Lighthouse Island. You get roughly 30 minutes for photographs, a visit, and an explanation from the guide. The old lighthouse gives the outing a stronger sense of place than a simple cruise past the shoreline.

Do not expect a long island walk. This is a compact stop with time to see the lighthouse and take pictures before returning to the boat. Comfortable footwear matters, as the operator specifically recommends it. The ground around small islands can be uneven or rocky.

The guides are part of the appeal here. Jeffrey singled out Nathaniel and Hans for explaining the island’s sights and history while keeping the mood relaxed. Other departures have featured Giovanni, Ashley, Joel, Jamal, and Daren. The exact crew is not fixed, but the repeated praise for friendly, entertaining skippers is one of the trip’s strongest points.

Riding upstream to Grand River South East

The boat then follows the east coast and turns upstream along Grand River South East, described as Mauritius’s longest river. The change from open lagoon to river gives the day a useful change of rhythm.

At the waterfall, you have about 30 minutes to look around. Several departures have included monkeys near the falls, and some people have jumped from rocks into the water. Treat the jumping as an optional personal choice, not a promised part of the tour. The important point is that you get time to see the waterfall rather than merely passing it.

This is also one of the stops where the guide adds value. The boat crew can point out features along the river and explain what you are seeing. If rain arrives, as it did on one departure, the waterfall stop can still be enjoyable, but bring a dry change of clothes and protect your camera.

Dolphin sightings have also occurred during some trips, along with occasional sightings of monkeys, turtles, and other wildlife. These are bonuses, not guaranteed inclusions. The route itself is the reason to book, not a promise of dolphins.

Lunch on Île aux Cerfs

The longest stop is Île aux Cerfs, with about an hour and a half for lunch and free time. A BBQ of grilled chicken and fish is served on the sand, followed by time to swim and relax on the beach.

This meal receives unusually strong praise for a boat excursion. The food is described as generous and delicious, with the chicken and fish standing out. A vegetarian lunch can be prepared if requested in advance. Do that before the trip rather than hoping the crew can adjust everything at the last moment.

The beach setting changes the feel of lunch. You are not eating at a hotel dining room or returning to a marina. You can sit by the sand, eat, swim, and let the day slow down for a while.

Île aux Cerfs is also the most developed and popular stop on the route, so do not picture a guaranteed private island. Some departures have found a quiet beach spot, while the wider island can draw plenty of visitors. Your boat’s exact lunch area and the day’s crowd level will vary.

This is where the $147 price begins to make sense. The cost includes the boat, a full meal, snorkeling gear, soft drinks, beer, and rum. A cheaper boat trip may exist, but once you add food, drinks, transfers, and several separate stops, the difference can narrow quickly.

The final swim at Île aux Aigrettes

The final stop is Île aux Aigrettes, where you get a drink and time in a natural swimming pool with many starfish. The stop lasts about 30 minutes, making it a gentle finish after the busier island visit.

Starfish are living animals, so handle them carefully and follow the crew’s instructions. The appeal here is less about a long visit and more about one last swim in an unusual natural setting before the return ride.

The route descriptions use both Île aux Aigrettes and Île aux Fouquets for separate stops, so pay attention to the guide’s explanations during the day. The lighthouse stop is the historic photo visit, while the later stop is associated with the natural pool and starfish.

Speed, comfort, and group size

The speedboat is one of the main reasons to choose this tour instead of a catamaran. You cover more ground, move between stops quickly, and get a lively ride along the coast. Several people have described the boat as modern, clean, spacious, comfortable, and well kept.

You should also know what speed means in practice. Seating is tighter than on a large catamaran, and the ride can be bouncy when the water is rough. Hold on to drinks before the boat accelerates. One useful warning from the day’s practical wisdom: finish your drink before the skipper opens the throttle, or it may end up on your clothes.

The group size can make a major difference. The tour is often arranged so that the boat does not feel overcrowded, and one small group had only four people on board. A private group option is also available. Confirm the exact arrangement when booking, since group size can depend on the selected option and date.

Music, rum, and conversation are part of the atmosphere. This is not a silent nature cruise. If you like a social day with upbeat guides and plenty of drinks, that is a plus. If you want a calm boat ride with long stretches of quiet, choose a slower sailing trip instead.

Food, drinks, and what to pack

Soft drinks include Orangina, Coca-Cola, and water. Local beer and rum are also available throughout the day. Wine has been mentioned on some departures, but the listed inclusions specifically name beer and rum, so do not book expecting a full bar.

Drink responsibly in the sun. You will be swimming, walking on small islands, and moving on a fast boat. Water, sunscreen, and a hat matter more than the rum.

Pack lightly, but bring:

• Swimsuit worn under your clothes
• Towel and sunscreen
• Sunglasses and a hat
• Dry clothes
• Footwear that dries quickly
• Camera or phone in a waterproof pouch

A camera is worthwhile because the route gives you changing views of the lagoon, reef, lighthouse, waterfall, and beaches. Keep it secure on the boat, especially during faster sections.

Who should book this day

I would choose this tour if you want to see many of Mauritius’s southeast highlights without arranging several separate outings. It suits couples, families, and small groups who enjoy swimming, short walks, a lively boat ride, and a relaxed lunch.

Families have received attentive service from the crew, but you should decide if your children are comfortable on a speedboat. The boat is fast and the day includes swimming, rocky landing areas, and a long stretch in the sun.

It is also a good match for first-time visitors who want an efficient introduction to the coast. The guides speak English and French, and their explanations add useful context at the lighthouse, waterfall, and other stops.

I would hesitate if your main goal is serious snorkeling, a quiet sailing experience, or a completely empty beach. The schedule is full, the boat is active, and the snorkeling quality depends on conditions. You may also prefer a slower, more focused excursion if you dislike moving from place to place.

The operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and allows you to reserve while paying later. Weather can lead to a changed date, so avoid placing this trip on the final day of your holiday if possible.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want one energetic day that combines the lagoon, islands, a shipwreck, lighthouse, waterfall, BBQ, and swimming. The strongest reasons are the well-liked crew, the small-boat atmosphere, the excellent lunch setting, and the amount included in the price.

I would book it early in your stay, leave room to shift the date for weather, and request a vegetarian meal in advance if needed. Wear your swimsuit, bring dry clothes, and expect a fast, social day rather than a quiet cruise. For most visitors, that mix makes this one of the better-value ways to see Mauritius from the water.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat tour start?

The meeting point is on the beach at Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa. If you are driving, use the small rocky road on the left side of the hotel to find parking.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is optional, and the provider can arrange collection from your accommodation or a designated pickup location anywhere in Mauritius. Contact the provider to confirm the time and location.

What time does the tour leave and return?

The boat departs at about 9:30 a.m. and usually returns to Shandrani Beach between 4:00 and 4:30 p.m. The total experience is listed as seven hours.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the boat stops in clear water where you can swim among coral and tropical fish.

What food is served at lunch?

The BBQ includes grilled chicken and fish and is served on Île aux Cerfs. 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. The listed drinks are served on board throughout the day.

Can the tour date change because of weather?

Yes. The trip or date may be modified according to the weather forecast. Keep some flexibility in your itinerary.

What languages are spoken on the tour?

The live tour is available in English and French.