Mauritius: 5 Islands of the East Speedboat Tour with BBQ

Fast boat, calm water, big scenery. This seven-hour trip combines the Grand River South East Waterfall, historic offshore islands, coral snorkeling, and a beach BBQ for $88 per person. I especially like the mix of nature and island history, plus the relaxed lunch stop near Île aux Cerfs. The main drawback is that some islands are only viewed from the boat, and one recent booking began more than an hour late.

The small-boat setting can make the day feel personal, especially when the group is limited. Guide Kenny has received praise for speaking both French and English, while John was thanked for his warm service. I would arrive early, but I would also be prepared for a little waiting at Trou d’Eau Douce Beach before departure.

Key things to know before booking

• The waterfall is reached by boat: The Grand River South East Waterfall gives you a refreshing change from open sea views, with basalt rock, forest, and possible monkey sightings.
• The islands are not all walking stops: You may visit some islands directly, while protected areas and tide-sensitive stops can be viewed only from the speedboat.
• The snorkeling stop is a major part of the day: Clear water, coral, tropical fish, and possibly a sea turtle make this more than a quick photo stop.
• Lunch is part of the price: The beach BBQ includes grilled chicken, fish, chicken sausages, salads, flambéed bananas, and local drinks.
• Île aux Cerfs is the final crowd-pleaser: You get time for swimming, walking, sunbathing, and enjoying its white sand and lagoon.
• The tour is weather dependent: Rough seas can lead to a rescheduled outing, and dolphin or monkey sightings are never guaranteed.

Starting at Trou d’Eau Douce

The day begins at Le Four a Chaux Restaurant, with the meeting point listed as Trou d’Eau Douce Beach. You board a speedboat here, receive a safety briefing, and learn how to use the life jacket and what to expect during the ride.

That briefing matters. The east coast can feel calm inside the lagoon, but the open-water sections are more exposed. You should expect wind, spray, and a moving boat. Keep your camera secure, and bring a towel even if you plan to stay mostly dry.

The tour lasts about seven hours. It is a full day on the water rather than a short boat transfer with a few stops. That makes the $88 price reasonable, especially since it includes the boat, guide, snorkeling equipment on request, snacks, drinks, and lunch. You are paying for a full route along the east coast, not just transport to Île aux Cerfs.

One point deserves clear attention: the tour is promoted around five islands, but the actual stops depend on tides and government protection. You may step ashore at some locations and pass close to others. If you expect to walk on all five islands, adjust that expectation before booking.

Mangroves and the Grand River South East Waterfall

The first stretch takes you through mangrove-lined waterways. This is a gentler start than racing straight into the open lagoon. Your guide explains how mangroves help protect the coast and provide nursery areas for young marine life.

For you, the real value is the change of pace. The narrow green channels offer calmer water, close views of the shoreline, and good photo chances. The boat ride here also gives you a better sense of how water shapes the east coast, from sheltered channels to broad sea passages.

The route then continues upriver to the Grand River South East Waterfall. Mauritius has only a small number of waterfalls accessible by boat, so this stop adds something different to a beach-focused day. Fresh water falls over dark basalt rock and meets the sea, creating a scene that feels cooler and more enclosed than the open lagoon.

Keep watch in the trees. Monkeys may be visible along the riverbanks, but sightings are not guaranteed. The same is true of dolphins later in the day. The guide can point out wildlife, but no responsible operator can promise it will appear on schedule.

Dolphin watching on the way offshore

After the river section, the boat heads toward the islands. This is when you may see dolphins leaping through the waves. It is an exciting possibility, but it should remain a bonus rather than the main reason you book.

Your best approach is to keep looking without forgetting the ride itself. The turquoise water, sea breeze, and changing view of the coast are part of the experience. If dolphins appear, the moment can be special. If they do not, the tour still has plenty of planned stops.

The speedboat is useful here because it covers several parts of the east coast in one day. A slower boat might offer a quieter ride, but it would make this broad route harder to fit into seven hours. The tradeoff is a bumpier, windier journey, especially for anyone sensitive to motion.

Île aux Phare and its old lighthouse

The first major island stop is Île aux Phare, also called Île aux Fouquets. Its 19th-century lighthouse sits on volcanic rock above the water, with waves breaking below.

This is one of the most visually striking places on the route. The lighthouse gives you a clear subject for photographs, while the surrounding water and rocky shore create wide views in every direction. The island also helps place Mauritius in its wider maritime setting. This was not only a beach destination. Its offshore islands helped guide ships and protect important sea routes.

The stop is described as a photo stop and sightseeing visit, so do not assume you will have a long, free-form walk across the island. Tide conditions and access can affect what happens on the day. You may spend much of the time near the boat or viewing the lighthouse from the water.

That is not necessarily a weakness. Île aux Phare works well as a compact scenic stop. Just think of it as a chance to see an unusual lighthouse in its setting, not a long island hike.

Île de la Passe and Île aux Flamant

The boat then passes Île de la Passe, a small island connected with Mauritius’ naval past. Your guide shares stories about colonial battles and the remains of old forts. The island is viewed rather than treated as a full walking stop, but the explanation gives the scenery more meaning.

I like this part because it prevents the day from becoming a string of beaches. You get a little context about why these islands mattered, not just another pretty view. The ruins may be modest, yet their position in the channel makes the island easy to understand as a strategic place.

Next comes Île aux Flamant, a shallow and quiet island. Flamingos rarely visit now, despite the name, so do not book this trip expecting a flock of pink birds. The island is mainly a peaceful pass-by, with low sand and shallow water adding another texture to the route.

These two islands are good examples of why the wording around the tour matters. You see five island areas, but the amount of time on land varies. Île de la Passe and Île aux Flamant are best enjoyed from the boat, with the guide’s explanation filling in what you cannot explore on foot.

Snorkeling near Île aux Aigrettes

The snorkeling stop is one of the day’s strongest reasons to book. The boat pauses in clear water near Île aux Aigrettes, where you can swim over coral and look for tropical fish. A sea turtle is possible, but never guaranteed.

Equipment is available on demand, and the guide helps with safety. The supplied information also recommends bringing your own snorkeling gear, which may be useful if you prefer a familiar mask or need a particular fit. Pack sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, and a hat as well.

You do not disembark on Île aux Aigrettes. This is important because the island is a protected nature reserve known for rare wildlife, including Aldabra giant tortoises and the endangered pink pigeon. Instead, you enjoy the water and a nearby beach while the guide explains the reserve.

This arrangement protects the island while still letting you appreciate its setting. It also means the stop is partly about the surrounding marine area, not an island tour. If you want a long snorkeling session, ask how much time is planned on the day, since the route includes many stops.

After swimming, you can have local snacks and drinks, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. The stop is designed as a relaxed break, so you have time to dry off, take photographs, and settle into the second half of the day.

Beach BBQ near Îlot Mangenie

Lunch takes place near Îlot Mangenie, with a beach BBQ and views across the water. The menu includes grilled chicken, fish, chicken sausages, fresh salads, flambéed bananas, and local drinks. Vegetarian meals must be requested in advance.

Food is one of the most praised parts of this outing. The BBQ is described as especially good, and the friendly atmosphere adds to the appeal. This is not a formal restaurant meal. It is a casual beach lunch, which suits the day better than anything elaborate.

The menu gives you a useful mix of filling food, fresh sides, and a sweet finish. Drinks include beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic choices. If you do not drink alcohol, you should still have options, but personal expenses are not included beyond what the tour provides.

The beach setting also gives you a chance to slow down. Seven hours on a speedboat can be tiring, particularly under strong sun. Use lunch as a real break, reapply sunscreen, and drink water. The supplied information promises local drinks, but it does not specify every beverage, so bring extra cash if you want something beyond the included selection.

Île aux Cerfs and the final beach stop

The final major stop is Île aux Cerfs, one of the east coast’s best-known beach destinations. Here you can swim, walk, sunbathe, take photographs, or simply enjoy the white sand and lagoon.

This is a good ending because it gives you free time after the more structured parts of the day. At the waterfall and lighthouse, you are following the group’s schedule. At Île aux Cerfs, you can choose your own pace.

The island also offers paid activities such as parasailing, glass-bottom boat rides, and undersea walks. These are not included in the $88 price. If you want a quiet beach finish, you can skip them and stay with the included swimming and walking time. If you are tempted by an extra activity, budget separately.

Do not confuse this stop with a deserted-island experience. Île aux Cerfs is famous and can have a lively holiday atmosphere. Its appeal is the easy combination of pale sand, clear lagoon water, and a choice of activities. The exact amount of free time depends on the day’s route, tides, and sea conditions.

Guides, group size, and the pace of the day

Guide quality can shape this tour. Kenny is noted for speaking French and English and for explaining the islands clearly. Another booking specifically praised John for his helpful service. The tour offers live guiding in both English and French, which is useful for mixed-language groups.

One small group was made up of only six people, creating a more intimate boat ride. Group size can vary, so I would not book on the assumption that every departure will be that small. Still, the speedboat format generally feels more direct than a large excursion vessel.

The pace is active. You move from mangroves to river, open sea, historical islands, snorkeling water, a beach lunch, and Île aux Cerfs in one day. That variety is the attraction, but it can also feel rushed if you prefer spending half a day in one place.

One practical warning concerns the start. A recent booking reported waiting more than an hour before departure, with no clear direction about which operator to find. The tour itself was praised, but the check-in process was frustrating. Arrive at the stated meeting point with your booking details and allow extra patience at the start.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want to see several sides of Mauritius in one outing. It suits people who like boat rides, short scenic stops, swimming, light history, wildlife possibilities, and a social beach lunch.

Families may like the mix of activities, though younger children should be comfortable on a speedboat and in the sea. The tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, but boarding and movement around a boat can vary. If that matters for your group, confirm the practical arrangements before paying.

This is also a good choice if you are staying on the east coast and want a full day without arranging separate transport to the waterfall, islands, snorkeling site, and Île aux Cerfs. Optional hotel or villa transfers are available, but they are not included in the base price.

I would hesitate if you dislike open-water boat rides, need a quiet schedule, or want guaranteed wildlife encounters. I would also choose another plan if your main goal is spending many hours on one protected island, since several locations are viewed only from the boat.

Is the $88 price good value?

At $88 per person, the outing offers solid value. The price covers seven hours, a speedboat, a live guide, the waterfall visit, island sightseeing, snorkeling access, snacks, drinks, and a BBQ lunch. Paying separately for those elements would likely require more planning and transport.

The best value comes from the range of experiences. You get freshwater scenery, sea views, a lighthouse, naval history, coral snorkeling, a protected nature reserve, and a famous beach. Few parts last long, but the day gives you a broad introduction to the east coast.

The value drops if you expect private-island access at every stop or a guaranteed dolphin and turtle sighting. You are also paying for a group experience with a fixed route, not a custom charter. For most people who want variety, that is a fair trade.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the trip and the option to reserve now and pay later make planning easier. Bad weather or rough seas can cause a reschedule, so keep some flexibility in your holiday schedule.

Should you book the Mauritius east coast speedboat tour?

Book it if you want a busy, scenic day that connects the east coast’s main highlights by boat. The strongest reasons are the waterfall, snorkeling, good BBQ, and Île aux Cerfs, with the lighthouse and island stories adding useful variety.

Go in with realistic expectations. Some islands are pass-by views, wildlife is never promised, and the start may involve waiting. Bring sun protection, swimwear, a towel, and your own snorkeling gear if you prefer it. Request a vegetarian meal ahead of time, and confirm transfer details if you are not making your own way to Trou d’Eau Douce.

For a first look at Mauritius’ eastern waters, this is a well-packed day at a fair price. It is less suitable for anyone seeking a slow, private, or entirely beach-based outing.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat tour start?

The meeting point is Trou d’Eau Douce Beach, at Le Four a Chaux Restaurant.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately seven hours, including the boat ride, sightseeing stops, snorkeling, lunch, and time at Île aux Cerfs.

Are all five islands visited on foot?

No. Access depends on tides, and some islands are government-protected. You may pass by certain islands without disembarking.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling equipment is available on demand. You can also bring your own snorkeling gear, along with swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a camera.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The beach BBQ includes grilled chicken, fish, chicken sausages, fresh salads, flambéed bananas, and local drinks. Vegetarian meals must be requested in advance.

Are dolphin and monkey sightings guaranteed?

No. Dolphins and monkeys may be seen during the trip, but sightings depend on conditions and are not guaranteed.