Mauritius: 5 Islands of the East Speedboat Tour with BBQ

Mauritius’s east coast is at its best from the water, and this seven-hour speedboat trip packs a lot into one day. You cruise through mangroves, head upriver to Grand River South East Waterfall, watch for dolphins, stop to snorkel, and finish with a beach BBQ near Île aux Cerfs.

I like the mix of scenery and activity: the waterfall gives the morning a change of pace, while the small boat makes it easy to enjoy open-water views. I also like the food setup, with grilled chicken, fish, sausages, salads, flambéed bananas, and local drinks included.

The main drawback is that the day can feel rushed, especially if you want long beach time. Some islands are protected or tide-dependent, and one recent booking reported more than an hour of waiting before departure, so clear instructions at the meeting point would help.

Key points at a glance

• A small-boat route with plenty of variety: Mangroves, a river waterfall, open sea, historic islets, snorkeling, and a white-sand beach all fit into one outing.
• Grand River South East Waterfall by boat: You reach one of Mauritius’s few boat-accessible waterfalls, with basalt rocks, forest, and possible monkey sightings.
• Island stops are not all walk-on visits: Île aux Phare and Île aux Cerfs receive the most attention, while Île de la Passe and Îlot Flamants are generally viewed from the boat.
• Snorkeling equipment is available on request: Bring your own gear if you have it, or ask the crew before the swim stop.
• A proper island lunch is included: The BBQ features chicken, fish, chicken sausages, salads, flambéed bananas, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Good reports about the crew: Kenny is praised for his friendly guiding in both French and English, and John is also singled out for being attentive.

A full day on Mauritius’s east coast

This excursion costs $88 per person and lasts about seven hours. For Mauritius, that is a fair price if you want transport on the water, a guide, snorkeling, drinks, and lunch in one package. It is less attractive if your main goal is several quiet hours on Île aux Cerfs, since the route includes many short scenic stops.

You meet at Trou d’Eau Douce Beach, near Le Four à Chaux Restaurant. The day begins with a welcome and a safety briefing in Trou d’Eau Douce. The captain explains life-jacket use, boat safety, and the order of the day before the speedboat heads into the lagoon.

The experience is offered in English and French. Kenny has been praised for explaining the islands clearly in both languages, while John is also noted for his helpful approach. One group had only six people on its boat, though group size can vary. A smaller boat makes it easier to hear the guide and ask questions, but you should confirm the exact boat arrangement if that matters to you.

Mangroves and Grand River South East Waterfall

The opening ride through mangrove-lined waterways is a calm start before the faster open-water sections. Your guide explains how mangroves help protect the coast and provide a nursery for young marine life. The green channels also give you a different view of Mauritius than the usual beach setting.

The boat then continues upriver to Grand River South East Waterfall, often called GRSE Waterfall. Fresh water pours over dark volcanic rock into the river near the sea. It is not a huge waterfall, but reaching it by boat makes the stop special, and the change from saltwater to forested river scenery is welcome.

Keep an eye on the trees for monkeys. They may appear along the riverside, but sightings are not guaranteed. The same applies to dolphins, which can sometimes be seen when the boat returns toward open water. If you spot them, the moment can be memorable. If you do not, the trip still has plenty of scenery and wildlife viewing.

Île aux Phare and Île de la Passe

The first major island stop is Île aux Phare, also known as Île aux Fouquets. Its old lighthouse sits on volcanic rock above the sea. Waves break around the islet, and the view gives you a strong sense of Mauritius’s exposed east coast.

This is mainly a photo and sightseeing stop. You should expect dramatic views rather than a long island walk. Bring a camera, but protect it from spray, especially when the boat is moving between stops.

The route then passes Île de la Passe. Small fort remains and its position near the shipping route connect the island to colonial naval battles and Mauritius’s maritime past. The guide adds context as you cruise by, but you may not get off the boat.

That distinction matters. The tour is described as a five-island adventure, but tides, sea conditions, and government protection affect what you can actually visit. Some islands are pass-by stops, so book this for a moving coastal tour rather than five separate island landings.

Îlot Flamants and the protected Île aux Aigrettes

Îlot Flamants is another pass-by stop. It is a shallow, peaceful island, though flamingos are now rarely seen there. It works best as part of the wider boat route, not as a destination where you spend a long period on shore.

The snorkeling stop comes next, in clear water near Île aux Aigrettes. You can swim above coral and look for tropical fish, and a sea turtle is possible but not promised. Snorkeling gear is supplied on request, so ask the crew early in the day rather than waiting until everyone is already in the water.

The guide keeps an eye on the group and gives safety instructions. Still, you should be comfortable in open water and bring sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, and sunglasses. A hat is useful on the boat, but secure it well during the faster sections.

Île aux Aigrettes itself is a protected nature reserve. It is known for species such as the Aldabra giant tortoise and the endangered pink pigeon. You do not disembark on the reserve, but you get a nearby break with swimming, snacks, drinks, music, and views toward the sanctuary.

This is one of the more thoughtful parts of the route. You get a sense of the reserve without treating a protected habitat like an ordinary beach stop. If you are hoping to walk among giant tortoises, this tour will not provide that. If you want a short rest between the active portions of the day, the stop fits well.

BBQ lunch near Île aux Cerfs

Lunch is served at or near Îlot Mangenie, with views toward Île aux Cerfs. The meal is more substantial than a simple packed snack: grilled chicken, fish, chicken sausages, fresh salads, flambéed bananas, and local drinks are included. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic options are available.

The BBQ is a strong part of the value. Paying separately for a boat trip, a meal, drinks, and a snorkeling outing would quickly add up, and the beach setting makes the food feel part of the day rather than a break from it. Previous bookings have especially praised the BBQ and the friendly atmosphere.

Vegetarian meals must be requested in advance. If you have dietary needs, do not wait until the boat leaves. Personal expenses are not included, so bring money for anything beyond the listed meal, drinks, and included stops.

The lunch stop also gives you a chance to slow down. A speedboat day can become a blur of photographs and quick swims, so this pause helps balance the schedule. Still, timing depends on the day’s sea conditions and the length of earlier stops.

The final stop at Île aux Cerfs

Île aux Cerfs is the grand finale, with powdery white sand and a clear lagoon. You have time for swimming, sunbathing, walking, photographs, or a self-guided look around the island.

This is the stop most likely to match the classic Mauritius postcard. It is also where the tour can feel short for beach lovers. The day includes a waterfall, several islands, a snorkel stop, lunch, and open-water cruising, so you should not expect an entire afternoon on the sand.

Paid activities on Île aux Cerfs are not included. Parasailing, glass-bottom boat rides, and undersea walks cost extra. You can simply enjoy the beach and lagoon without adding anything, which is the better choice if you want to keep the $88 price as your full activity budget.

The boat then returns to Le Four à Chaux Restaurant. Hotel or villa pickup and drop-off are optional rather than included, so check the transfer arrangement before booking. If you are staying elsewhere in Mauritius, allow time to reach Trou d’Eau Douce Beach.

What the $88 price really covers

The price works because it combines several separate holiday costs into one day. You receive the speedboat, guide, waterfall visit, island route, snorkeling opportunity, equipment on request, local snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and BBQ lunch.

I would call it good value for active sightseers. You get a full east-coast introduction without arranging boats, food, and stops on your own. The value is weaker if you dislike boat rides, want a slow beach day, or expect to step ashore on all five islands.

The rating of 4.8 from 41 bookings supports the idea that the overall package is working well. The strongest points are the crew, food, scenery, and variety. The practical weakness is organization at the meeting point. One recent booking reported waiting for over an hour without clear help finding the correct operator, so arrive prepared and look for the boat or staff connected with the activity.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Bad weather or rough seas can cause a reschedule. Those policies are useful here because the east coast can be exposed, and the best parts of the day depend on safe sea conditions.

Who should book this speedboat day

I would choose this trip if you want to see several sides of Mauritius in one outing. It suits couples, families, and small groups who enjoy swimming, scenic boat rides, light wildlife watching, and a relaxed lunch with drinks.

It is also a good choice for anyone staying near the east coast who wants more than a single beach. The mix of mangroves, forest, volcanic rock, coral, and white sand gives you a broad sense of the area.

You may want a different plan if you need guaranteed wildlife sightings, dislike open-water travel, or have your heart set on visiting every island on foot. Dolphins, monkeys, turtles, and flamingos are all possible but not certain, and protected islands may be viewed only from the boat.

People using wheelchairs should confirm the exact boarding conditions in advance, even though the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. Boat access, the beach setting, and the snorkeling stop can make the practical details important.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a busy but enjoyable day that joins Mauritius’s east-coast highlights with a good meal. The waterfall, lighthouse, coral stop, local drinks, and Île aux Cerfs beach give you plenty for the price, and guides such as Kenny and John add a personal touch.

Skip it if you want long, unhurried time on one beach or guaranteed contact with wildlife. Also allow for the possibility of a less polished meeting-point experience. For most active visitors, though, $88 is a sensible way to see the east coast by water without arranging each piece separately.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

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

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts about seven hours, though the exact starting time depends on availability.

What languages does the guide speak?

Live guiding is available in English and French.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel or villa pickup and drop-off are optional and are not included in the standard activity.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling equipment is available on request. You should also bring your own gear if you prefer to use it.

Are lunch and drinks included?

Yes. The BBQ includes grilled chicken, fish, chicken sausages, salads, flambéed bananas, and local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Can I request a vegetarian meal?

Yes, but you must request a vegetarian meal in advance.

Will I visit all five islands?

The route includes five named islands or islets, but you may only stop at some of them. Tides and government protection can mean passing certain islands without disembarking.

Are dolphins, monkeys, and turtles guaranteed?

No. Dolphins, monkeys, sea turtles, and flamingos may be seen, but sightings are not guaranteed.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour may be rescheduled in bad weather or rough seas. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.