5 Islands Speedboat Cruise, Snorkeling + Lunch & Open Bar

The most appealing part of this day is the mix of fast water travel and varied stops. You move from a lighthouse and nature reserve to a snorkeling site, waterfall, and beach lunch, rather than spending the whole day at one resort-style island. The speedboat gives the outing a lively pace, with the engine, spray, and open sea forming part of the experience.

I like the six-stop route and the fact that barbecue lunch and an open bar are included in the $100 price. I also like the chance to see Ile aux Fouqets Lighthouse, a striking old navigation point that gives the trip more character than a simple beach cruise.

The main drawback is that snorkeling happens at one listed location, near Blue Bay Marine Park. If underwater time is your top priority, this may feel brief. You should also arrange your own transport to Trou d’Eau Douce unless you request a private hotel transfer in advance.

Key points at a glance

• A fast east-coast route: The speedboat departs Trou d’Eau Douce at 8:30 and returns at about 15:30.
• Ile aux Fouqets Lighthouse: This is the most distinctive stop, with history and photography rather than a standard beach break.
• Snorkeling near Blue Bay: You get time in the water to see local marine life, but snorkeling is listed at one spot.
• Lunch and open bar included: The price covers an island barbecue meal and drinks, with fresh grilled lobster available at an added cost.
• A full day outdoors: Expect swimming, sun, boat spray, beaches, and changing weather conditions.
• Best for active groups: Families, couples, and friends who enjoy a busy day on the water will get the most from it.

Why this seven-hour boat day works

This excursion covers a lot of ground in one morning and afternoon. You are not simply ferried to Ile aux Cerfs and left there. Instead, the route links several well-known points along Mauritius’s east coast, with short visits and water time woven between them.

That variety matters. Ile aux Cerfs offers the classic beach setting, while the lighthouse adds a historical stop, the nature reserve brings a quieter natural setting, and the Blue Bay area supplies the snorkeling. Grand River South East adds a freshwater feature before the boat returns toward Trou d’Eau Douce.

I would choose this trip if you want a broad introduction to the coast and do not mind moving often. If you prefer long, quiet hours on one beach, the itinerary may feel too busy.

The boat departs at 8:30 and finishes around 15:30, for a total of seven hours. That early start gives you most of the daylight for the route. Because transportation is not included, your first practical task is getting to the meeting point in Trou d’Eau Douce. The operator asks you to send a WhatsApp message for embarkation details, so do that before the morning of your trip.

Speedboat travel from Trou d’Eau Douce

The boat is a central part of the attraction, not just a way to move between stops. You will feel the speed, hear the motor, and spend much of the day exposed to sun and sea spray. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear that can handle getting wet.

A speedboat also means a livelier ride than a slow catamaran or ferry. That is good news if you want movement and excitement. It may be less comfortable for anyone who dislikes bouncing on open water, though the supplied information does not give a boat size or group limit.

The crew can provide the experience in English or French. The captain’s personality can shape the day, and Danilo is one skipper specifically praised for keeping a good pace and a cheerful atmosphere. You can ask who will be piloting your boat when confirming the meeting details.

Weather can affect the feel of the outing. One successful day took place despite poor weather, which suggests the route can still be enjoyable when conditions are not perfect. Even so, sun protection and a light layer are sensible. The operator may adjust the rhythm of stops according to conditions, though no formal weather policy is provided.

Ile aux Cerfs: beach time, lunch, and an open bar

Ile aux Cerfs is the most relaxed section of the day. Here you can sunbathe, swim, and take a break from the boat. The island also has watersports shops, so you can look into extra activities if you want more action, though those purchases are not listed as part of the package.

This stop is useful because the morning route includes several points of interest. After moving from island to island, you get time to slow down and enjoy the beach. Families may especially appreciate having space to swim and unwind, while couples can use the pause for a quieter stretch of the day.

Lunch is an island-style barbecue and is included in the price. The exact menu is not specified, so do not book this expecting a detailed restaurant meal or a particular dish. Fresh grilled lobster can be reserved, but it is excluded from the standard price. If lobster matters to you, request it through WhatsApp before the trip.

The open bar is also included. Since the tour lasts seven hours, this adds real value, but you should still bring water if you prefer to stay hydrated throughout the day. The information supplied does not list the drink selection, so ask when confirming your booking if you need a specific beverage.

Ile aux Fouqets Lighthouse, the day’s signature stop

Ile aux Fouqets Lighthouse is the most unusual stop on the route. The lighthouse is identified as the main attraction, and it gives the cruise a sense of place beyond sand and swimming.

This is where the history-minded part of the tour comes into play. You are not only looking at the sea from a beach. You are stopping at a man-made landmark set among small offshore islands, with the boat providing the best way to reach it.

The supplied details do not promise an interior visit or a guided historical talk, so set your expectations around viewing and photography. You may find the stop most rewarding if you enjoy coastal landmarks and want pictures that look different from standard resort scenes.

The lighthouse also breaks up the water activities. After sunbathing or swimming, a short sightseeing stop gives the day another purpose. Its appeal will depend on sea conditions and how close the boat can get, details that are not specified in advance.

Ile aux Aigrettes and Ilot Mergenie

Ile aux Aigrettes is presented as a nature reserve, with swimming and an open bar included in the stop. The supplied itinerary does not describe a land tour, wildlife walk, or admission procedure, so treat this as a coastal and swimming visit rather than a formal reserve tour.

That distinction matters. The word nature reserve may suggest a guided conservation experience, but the listed activities here are swimming and drinks. You may enjoy the setting as a change from Ile aux Cerfs, but do not assume that a ranger-led visit or wildlife viewing is part of the day.

Ilot Mergenie is also included among the places visited, though no separate activity or viewing detail is given. It appears to be one of the smaller island stops that helps create the five-island route. Ask the crew how much time is planned there if this stop is especially important to you.

The itinerary uses the phrase five islands while naming Ile aux Cerfs, Ile aux Fouqets, Ile aux Aigrettes, and Ilot Mergenie, along with the mainland waterfall and Blue Bay snorkeling area. The exact island count and stop order may depend on how the operator groups the sites. WhatsApp confirmation is the best place to clarify the sequence.

Snorkeling near Blue Bay Marine Park

The snorkeling stop is near the Blue Bay Marine Park, known here for its marine fauna and flora. You get snorkeling equipment and access included in the tour price, so there is no separate equipment fee listed.

This is likely to be one of the most anticipated parts of the day. You can get into the water and look for marine life rather than viewing the coast only from the boat. Bring your own mask only if you prefer a personal fit, since snorkeling is already included.

The important limitation is time. Snorkeling is listed at one location, and one passenger specifically wished for another session at a better spot. That is useful guidance for anyone booking mainly for underwater exploration. This is a sightseeing cruise with snorkeling, not a dedicated snorkeling expedition.

Conditions can also affect visibility and comfort. The tour operates outdoors, and one day remained enjoyable in less-than-ideal weather, but that does not guarantee perfect water clarity. I would treat the marine stop as a welcome part of a varied day, not the sole reason to pay for the excursion.

Grand River South East Waterfalls by boat

The Grand River South East Waterfalls add a different setting to the itinerary. After beaches, islands, and open sea, you get a river feature surrounded by the coast’s natural scenery.

The supplied information does not state whether the boat goes directly beneath the falls or how long the visit lasts. You should expect a viewing stop rather than a long land excursion unless the crew tells you otherwise.

This part of the route helps explain the tour’s broad appeal. In one day, you see a lighthouse, beaches, small islands, a marine area, and waterfalls. You are not getting an in-depth visit to any single place, but you are getting a strong sample of the east coast.

The guide and captain matter here. A good skipper can keep the day moving without making it feel rushed. Several comments praise the crew’s humor, pace, and family-friendly attitude. That is worth considering if you are booking for a group with mixed interests.

What the $100 price really covers

At $100 per person, the value depends on how much of the included package you would otherwise pay for separately. The price covers tickets to the listed attractions, snorkeling, open-bar service, and an island barbecue lunch. It also includes the speedboat experience itself.

That is a solid bundle for a seven-hour outing, especially if you plan to swim, snorkel, eat lunch, and visit several locations. You are paying for a full day on the water rather than a short transfer to one island.

The price does not include transportation to Trou d’Eau Douce. You can ask the operator to arrange private transport from your hotel or accommodation, but that cost is not stated and should be confirmed before booking. Fresh grilled lobster is also extra.

I would compare the price with your own priorities. If you want a packed day with lunch and drinks handled for you, the package makes sense. If you only want a few hours on Ile aux Cerfs and plan to make your own meals, a simpler boat trip may be better value.

Who should book this cruise

I would recommend this day to families, couples, and friend groups who want a lively coast tour with several different stops. The swimming, beach time, food, and open bar make it easy to build a relaxed day around the faster boat ride.

It is also a good fit for first-time visitors who want to see several east-coast sights without arranging separate excursions. The route gives you a taste of the islands, lighthouse, marine area, and waterfalls in one booking.

You should think twice if you use a wheelchair, as the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. It may also be a poor match if you want extensive snorkeling, a slow sailing experience, or a long guided visit at the nature reserve.

Pack light, but bring the essentials: swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. Confirm the meeting point, transport, lobster option, and skipper details through WhatsApp before setting out.

Final call: book it for variety, not one perfect stop

I would book this cruise if I wanted an active day that combines speedboat travel, history, swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and island scenery. The strongest features are the varied route, included meal and drinks, and the lighthouse stop. The friendly crew style, including the upbeat approach associated with skipper Danilo, is another plus when available.

I would not book it expecting a dedicated snorkeling tour or a slow, private island escape. You get one listed snorkeling stop, several sightseeing visits, and limited detail about time at each site. At $100, the trip offers good value for a full seven-hour package, provided you can arrange your own transport and enjoy a busy schedule.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat cruise start?

The activity starts at Trou d’Eau Douce. Send the operator a WhatsApp message for the exact embarkation details.

What time does the tour depart?

The stated embarkation time is 8:30.

What time does the cruise return?

The boat is scheduled to return at about 15:30, making the total duration seven hours.

Which places does the cruise visit?

The route includes Ile aux Cerfs Island, Ile aux Fouqets Lighthouse, Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve, a snorkeling spot near Blue Bay Marine Park, Grand River South East Waterfalls, and Ilot Mergenie.

Is lunch included?

Yes. An island barbecue lunch is included in the price. Fresh grilled lobster is not included, but you can request it in advance.

Are drinks included?

Yes. An open bar is included during the listed stops and activities.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling is included, with the stop located near the Blue Bay Marine Park.

Is hotel transportation included?

No. Transportation is not included. You can ask the operator to arrange private transport from your hotel or accommodation to the boat and back.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.