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

Mauritius packs a lot into this seven-hour speedboat day. You skim across the southeast lagoon, stop to snorkel, pass the d’Alblair shipwreck, visit a lighthouse island, run upriver to a waterfall, and finish with a BBQ on Île aux Cerfs. It is an active day, but with plenty of time to swim and sit on the sand.

I like the small-boat feel and the guides. Hans, Giovanni, Nathaniel, Ashley, and others are repeatedly praised for good humor, local stories, and careful handling of the boat. I also like the food and drinks: grilled chicken and fish on the beach, vegetarian food by request, soft drinks, local beer, and rum.

The main trade-off is the price, $147 per person. That is not a cheap boat ride, and the schedule is full. Snorkeling can also be ordinary on some days, and a speedboat gives you less room than a catamaran. Still, the amount packed into one day makes the cost easier to justify.

What makes this Mauritius boat day worth considering

• A fast route through the southeast lagoon: You cover far more ground than you would on a slow beach-hopping cruise.
• Snorkeling equipment is included: Swim among coral and tropical fish without arranging a separate rental.
• The beach BBQ is a real part of the experience: Lunch includes grilled chicken and fish, with vegetarian food available if requested.
• History and nature share the same route: You see the d’Alblair wreck from 1902, the old lighthouse, a river waterfall, monkeys, and marine life.
• Small groups feel possible: Private groups are offered, and several outings had only a handful of people on board.
• Drinks are available throughout the day: Water, Orangina, Coca-Cola, local beer, and rum are included.

A seven-hour route with plenty of variety

The day begins around 9:30 a.m. and usually ends between 4:00 and 4:30 p.m. at Shandrani Beach. That timing gives you a full morning and afternoon on the water without turning the trip into an overnight commitment.

The route works because no single stop carries the whole day. You get sea time, short sightseeing stops, swimming, lunch, and a little river travel. I like this mix for a first full day in Mauritius, especially if you want to see several southeast highlights without arranging separate excursions.

You should expect movement. The boat is fast, and the ride can be exhilarating when it picks up speed. It can also be wet, particularly if you are holding a drink when the skipper accelerates. Wear swimwear from the start, keep your camera protected, and bring a change of clothes.

Starting at Shandrani Beach

The standard meeting point is the beach at Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa. If you are driving, parking is found by taking the small rocky road on the left side of the hotel.

Pickup can also be arranged from accommodation or a designated point anywhere in Mauritius, but you need to confirm the time and location with the operator. This matters if you are staying on the west coast or far from the launch beach. One reported pickup from the west coast worked well, but allow time for the road journey.

Before setting off, you receive a safety briefing of about 15 minutes. The guides speak English and French. The trip is also available as a private group, which is useful if you want more control over the pace or are traveling with family and friends.

Snorkeling in the clear lagoon

The first water stop is for swimming and snorkeling. The lagoon is sheltered by the coral reef, and the water can be remarkably clear, with tropical fish and coral visible below the boat.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so this stop is easy to join. Bring your own mask only if you prefer a particular fit. You will need a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. A waterproof pouch is a sensible addition for phones, though it is not listed as included.

Keep your expectations sensible. The snorkeling is attractive, but marine conditions change with weather, tide, and visibility. One account found it somewhat ordinary, while many others enjoyed the fish and coral. This is best viewed as one pleasant part of a broad day, not as a specialist reef expedition.

The d’Alblair wreck and old lighthouse

The boat continues toward the d’Alblair shipwreck, which dates from 1902 and rests on the coral barrier. The wreck is mainly a sightseeing feature from the boat rather than a promised wreck dive, so do not book this day expecting a technical underwater exploration.

A short stop follows at the old lighthouse island, also called Île aux Fouquets Lighthouse. You have about 30 minutes for a visit, guided explanation, and photographs. The abandoned structure gives the day a bit of character beyond beaches and cocktails, and the offshore setting makes for strong pictures.

This is a brief stop, not a long historic tour. The value comes from seeing an unusual piece of Mauritius in context, with the reef and surrounding islands all around you. Comfortable footwear helps, as the advice for the trip specifically asks you not to rely on delicate beach sandals.

Up the Grand River to its waterfall

The speedboat then heads along the east coast and upstream on Grand River South East, described as the longest river in Mauritius. The change from open lagoon to river is one of the best reasons to choose this route over a simple island cruise.

The waterfall stop lasts about 30 minutes. You may see monkeys around the area, and some outings included time to jump from rocks into the water. Treat that as an optional possibility, not a guaranteed part of the program. Conditions, safety instructions, and water levels determine what is sensible on the day.

The river section also gives you a break from the boat’s speed. You can look up at the banks, listen to the guide, and see a different side of the southeast. The stop is short, so you will not have hours to wander. It is a scenic pause within a busy route.

Lunch on Île aux Cerfs

Île aux Cerfs is the main beach stop, with about an hour and a half for lunch and free time. The BBQ includes grilled chicken and fish, served on the sand or beside one of the island’s postcard beaches. Vegetarian lunch is possible if you request it in advance.

The food receives unusually strong praise for a boat trip. Expect a generous, relaxed meal rather than a formal restaurant service. Several outings also included a secluded-feeling beach spot, though the level of quiet will depend on the day and on how many other boats are in the area.

After lunch, you can swim or relax. This is the least rushed part of the tour, and it matters. You have already been snorkeling and sightseeing, so time on the sand lets you enjoy Île aux Cerfs instead of treating it as a quick photo stop.

The island is also where the tour can feel busiest, since it is a well-known destination. If you want a completely empty beach, this may not be the right outing. If you want a beautiful beach, good food, and a well-timed rest, it works very well.

The last swim at Île aux Aigrettes

The final stop is Île aux Aigrettes, where you can have another drink and swim in a natural pool with starfish. This is a gentle way to end the water activities after the longer morning route.

Starfish should be treated carefully and left where they are. The point of the stop is the clear water and marine setting, not collecting or handling wildlife. Bring your camera, but protect it from spray and salt.

The exact order of stops can shift. The listed route places Île aux Aigrettes, the lighthouse, snorkeling, the waterfall, and Île aux Cerfs in a sequence, while the main description presents the stops in a slightly different order. Weather and sea conditions can change the plan, and the date may be moved if the forecast is poor.

The boat, guides, and atmosphere

The modern speedboat is repeatedly described as clean, comfortable, spacious, and fast. It is not as roomy as a catamaran, but it carries a smaller group and can reach more stops in the same time.

The guides are a major part of the day. Hans and Giovanni are often named, with Nathaniel, Ashley, Joel, Jamal, Daren, and others also praised for friendly service. You can expect music, explanations about the island, help with snorkeling, and a steady supply of drinks. The best guides make the boat feel social without forcing everyone into the same mood.

The drinks include water, Orangina, Coca-Cola, local beer, and rum. That is generous for a full-day outing, but remember that the boat is moving quickly. Drink responsibly, especially before swimming or climbing near the lighthouse and waterfall.

The trip has a fun, informal tone. It is not designed as a quiet nature cruise. You may get music, jokes, rum, and a lively ride between stops. Families have enjoyed it, but anyone seeking a silent, slow-paced day should consider a different boat style.

Is $147 a fair price?

At $147 per person, this is more expensive than a basic shared boat ride. The price covers seven hours, the speedboat, snorkeling equipment, BBQ lunch, soft drinks, beer, rum, and the major stops. Optional pickup adds convenience, especially if you are staying away from Shandrani.

I see the value in the range of the day. A simple Île aux Cerfs transfer would cost less, but it would not include the wreck, lighthouse, river waterfall, snorkeling stop, final natural pool, lunch, and drinks. The boat also saves time between sites.

The value drops if you only want a few quiet hours on the beach. It also drops if bad weather cuts the sea time or makes snorkeling less appealing. The operator can modify the trip date according to the forecast, and the free cancellation policy allows cancellation up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund.

Who should book this speedboat trip?

I would choose this for a first visit to Mauritius when you want a broad sample of the southeast in one day. It suits couples, families, and small groups who like swimming, scenic stops, a fast ride, and a relaxed BBQ.

It is also a good fit if you dislike crowded catamarans. Several outings had only four to six people, and the private-group option gives you another way to keep the day personal. Group size can vary, so do not assume every departure will be tiny.

I would hesitate if you get motion sick, dislike speed, or want a slow beach day. The boat stays within the reef, which helped one passenger who had worried about seasickness, but conditions can still be choppy. If you are unsure, bring suitable medication and ask the operator for current sea conditions.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Wear your swimsuit before boarding. You may reach the first snorkeling stop soon after departure, and changing on a boat is not the point of the morning.

Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, towel, camera, and a dry change of clothes. Shoes that dry quickly are better than heavy footwear, especially after swimming and the waterfall stop.

Ask for a vegetarian lunch when you book. Do not wait until you are sitting down on Île aux Cerfs. If you arrange hotel pickup, confirm the exact time and meeting point, particularly for accommodation far from the southeast coast.

Finally, keep the schedule in mind. You are not spending a full day at Île aux Cerfs. You are paying for a moving tour with several distinct stops, so the strongest reason to book is variety.

My verdict: book it for variety, not just the beach

I would book this tour if I wanted one lively day that combines the sea, history, wildlife, river scenery, and a proper lunch. The guides, small-boat atmosphere, well-kept vessel, and generous food and drinks make the $147 price easier to accept.

I would skip it if my ideal Mauritius day means lying quietly on one beach or spending hours focused on serious snorkeling. For everyone else, this is a well-rounded way to see the southeast, with enough free time to relax and enough movement to keep the day interesting.

FAQ

How long is the speedboat tour?

The experience lasts about seven hours. Departure is around 9:30 a.m., with arrival back at Shandrani Beach usually between 4:00 and 4:30 p.m.

Where does the tour start?

The usual meeting point is the beach at Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa. Parking is reached by taking the small rocky road on the left side of the hotel.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is optional and can be arranged from accommodation or a designated point anywhere in Mauritius. Confirm the pickup time and location with the activity provider.

What languages do the guides speak?

The live guides speak English and French.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ on Île aux Cerfs includes grilled chicken and fish. Vegetarian lunch is available on request.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Soft drinks include water, Orangina, and Coca-Cola. Local beer and rum are also available on board.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

No. Snorkeling equipment is included. You should still bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

Can the tour date change because of weather?

Yes. The trip or date may be modified according to the weather forecast. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.