From Blue Bay: Ile aux Cerfs Speedboat Excursion with BBQ

The best part of this excursion is how much of southeast Mauritius it packs into one boat day. You snorkel in Blue Bay Marine Park, visit a weathered lighthouse ruin, look for cheeky monkeys at Grand River South East, and finish with a BBQ on Ile aux Cerfs. I like the route because it mixes water time with short island visits rather than leaving you on one beach all day. I also like that snorkeling gear, drinks, and lunch are included.

The trade-off is time. You get only about 35 minutes at the Marine Park, 30 minutes at the lighthouse, and 25 minutes at the waterfall, so this is a broad introduction rather than a slow, thorough visit. You also spend about 100 minutes at Ile aux Cerfs, which some people may find too short, especially if the island is the main reason you booked.

Key points at a glance

• Blue Bay Marine Park first: Begin with a 35-minute snorkeling stop in one of Mauritius’s best-known coral reserves.
• A lighthouse with a storybook setting: Walk around the old ruin on Ile aux Fouquets, also called Ile aux Phare.
• Monkeys at Grand River South East: The 25-minute waterfall stop adds a bit of wildlife and river scenery to the boat ride.
• BBQ on Ile aux Cerfs: Fish and chicken are served with alcoholic and soft drinks, with a vegetarian option available if requested when booking.
• Two chances to swim: Snorkel again near Ile aux Aigrettes before returning to Blue Bay.
• A practical small-group feel: The boat is described as comfortable and not overloaded, though music may be louder than some people prefer.

Why this southeast Mauritius route works

Mauritius has plenty of beautiful beaches, but a boat trip gives you a better sense of the southeast coast. From Blue Bay, the route follows the shore past Pointe d’Esny and toward Mahébourg, the former capital of the island, before heading out among smaller islands and into the Grand River South East.

I like this format because you are not paying only for a transfer to Ile aux Cerfs. The day includes several distinct stops, and each one has a different character. You get coral, coastal views, a ruined lighthouse, a river waterfall, a beach meal, and more snorkeling.

The excursion runs from about 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., making it a true full-day outing. That matters in practical terms. You need to be comfortable spending most of the day in open air, moving between boat rides, swimming stops, and beach time. If you want a quiet morning or a short, easy excursion, this is not the right shape of day.

The boat leaves from Blue Bay Public Beach, opposite the main parking area and Blue Bay Tuck Shop. Look for the path to the beach and a small stand with a dark gray parasol. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so plan your own way to Blue Bay and allow enough time to find the meeting point.

Blue Bay Marine Park and the first snorkel

The day begins with around 35 minutes of snorkeling in Blue Bay Marine Park. The reserve is described as the largest coral reserve in Mauritius, and this first stop gives you an early chance to see coral and fish before the boat continues along the coast.

This is one of the strongest reasons to choose the tour. You are not waiting until the afternoon for the main water activity. The first stop gets you into the sea while the day is still fresh, and the excursion includes a mask, snorkel, and life jacket.

You should still treat the snorkeling as a timed sample, not a long session. Thirty-five minutes is enough to see the marine area and enjoy a swim, but not enough for a leisurely exploration. Bring your own equipment if you have a mask and snorkel you prefer, although basic gear is supplied.

The sea can also affect the plan. On one outing, changing weather led the skippers to adjust the route. That is a good sign from a safety and comfort point of view, but it means the exact rhythm of the day can change. Pack swimwear, a towel, and water shoes, and expect the crew to make practical calls based on conditions.

Ile aux Fouquets and its old lighthouse

After following the coast toward Mahébourg, the boat heads to Ile aux Fouquets, known here as Ile aux Phare. You have about 30 minutes to walk on the island and see the old lighthouse ruin.

This stop gives the trip a little more texture than a string of swimming breaks. The lighthouse is weathered and historic rather than polished or fully restored. That is part of its appeal. You get a short walk, a change of footing, and a chance to photograph the structure from the island.

Do not expect a long historical tour. The visit is brief, and the available information does not promise a formal museum or extended interpretation. I would treat it as a scenic stop with a memorable ruin, not the main cultural visit of the day.

Water shoes are useful here because they can make transitions between boat, shore, and uneven ground more comfortable. You should also keep your belongings compact. The day is built around a speedboat, so this is not the time to carry a large beach bag filled with extras.

Grand River South East and the waterfall

The boat then enters Grand River South East for a 25-minute visit to the waterfall. The river gives you a change from open sea, and the short ride upriver is one of the more pleasant transitions in the program.

The waterfall is also known for its monkeys. The description calls them cheeky, and the warning is worth taking seriously. Keep food and loose items secure, and do not assume that a friendly-looking animal is harmless. The monkeys add fun to the stop, but they are wild animals, not part of a controlled wildlife encounter.

This is another brief visit, so expect a look at the falls rather than a long river expedition. The point is the combination of river scenery, the waterfall, and the chance to spot monkeys. If you prefer a tour with one main attraction and plenty of time there, the schedule may feel rushed. If you like variety, the 25-minute stop fits the day well.

BBQ and beach time at Ile aux Cerfs

The main beach break lasts about 100 minutes on Ile aux Cerfs. Lunch is a BBQ with fish and chicken, and alcoholic and soft drinks are included during the meal and throughout the excursion. A vegetarian meal is available if you request it when booking.

That inclusion improves the value of the $106 price. You are not adding the cost of lunch, standard drinks, snorkeling equipment, or the boat ride after paying for the excursion. For a seven-hour day with several stops, the price is reasonable if you plan to use the included meal and drinks.

The meal is served on a beach near the entrance to the Ile aux Cerfs lagoon. You have time to eat and take a break, with the water close by for a swim. The setting is a major part of the appeal, but do not confuse this with a private beach day. Ile aux Cerfs is one of the island’s famous stops, and the time is shared with the demands of a busy sightseeing route.

The 100-minute break is long enough for lunch and some beach time, but it is not generous if you want to explore the island at length. One clear criticism of the schedule is that some people would prefer more time on Ile aux Cerfs. If you want to walk widely, settle into a long swim, and enjoy the beach without watching the clock, consider that limitation before booking.

The food itself has received strong praise, and that fits the design of the trip. A BBQ is practical for a boat excursion, easy to serve outdoors, and satisfying after a morning in the water. Tell the operator about a vegetarian meal at reservation time rather than waiting until lunch.

Ile aux Aigrettes and the final swim

On the way back, the boat stops near Ile aux Aigrettes for about 45 minutes of break time and snorkeling. This gives you a second real chance to get in the water, which I consider an important part of the tour’s value.

The afternoon stop also breaks up the return ride. After lunch and the Ile aux Cerfs visit, you can swim again instead of simply sitting on the boat until Blue Bay. Conditions may shape the exact location or timing, so keep your plans flexible.

The program ends at Blue Bay Public Beach at around 4 p.m. Since no transport is provided afterward, arrange your own onward plans. The finish is convenient if you are already based near Blue Bay, but you should not assume the boat will take you back to your hotel.

The speedboat, guides, and overall feel

The excursion uses a speedboat, so the ride itself is part of the experience. You move quickly between Blue Bay, the small islands, the river, and Ile aux Cerfs, with coastal views along the way. It is a more active day than a slow cruise.

The guides speak English and French. The skippers have been described as attentive, and the boat as comfortable without feeling overloaded. That matters on a seven-hour outing. You will spend a fair amount of time seated on the boat, so crowding can make a major difference to comfort.

Music may be played during the ride, and one account found it a little too loud. If you prefer conversation and the sound of the sea, ask the crew to lower it. The practical lesson is simple: speak up early if the volume is bothering you. The crew has shown flexibility in adapting the program to weather, so a polite request is reasonable.

The overall rating is 4.8 from 118 reviews, with especially strong marks for the snorkeling stops, helpful guides, the food, and the comfortable boat. A dolphin sighting has also occurred, but it should be treated as luck, not a promised part of the itinerary.

What the $106 price includes

At $106 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day at the beach. The value comes from the number of separate services bundled together:

• Speedboat transport for the full route
• Snorkeling at Blue Bay Marine Park and near Ile aux Aigrettes
• Mask, snorkel, and life jacket
• Visits to Ile aux Fouquets and Grand River South East waterfall
• BBQ lunch on Ile aux Cerfs
• Alcoholic and soft drinks
• English or French guidance

You still need to arrange transport to Blue Bay, and you should bring your own towel, swimwear, and water shoes. If you already have snorkeling equipment, bringing it may give you a better fit, but the supplied gear removes the need to rent basic equipment separately.

I see the price as good value for someone who wants a packed southeast coast day and would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, lunch, drinks, and snorkeling. It is less attractive if your only goal is to spend several quiet hours on Ile aux Cerfs, since the schedule gives you many stops and limits the island break.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this excursion to you if you like active sightseeing, short stops, and a full program. It suits couples, families, and small groups who want to combine swimming with a bit of history, wildlife, and scenery.

It is also a good choice if you want a guided day without having to organize the boat, snorkeling gear, lunch, and drinks yourself. The English and French options make the practical side easy for many visitors.

You may want a different plan if you dislike speedboat rides, need long periods of quiet beach time, or want an in-depth visit at one location. The day keeps moving, and the short stops are central to its character.

For comfort, pack light and bring the basics: swimwear, towel, water shoes, and sunscreen. Keep valuables protected from spray, and use care around the monkeys at Grand River South East. If you want vegetarian lunch, request it when you reserve.

Should you book the Blue Bay speedboat excursion?

Book it if you want to see several southeast Mauritius highlights in one well-organized day. The strongest reasons are the two snorkeling opportunities, the lighthouse ruin, the waterfall and monkeys, and the included BBQ with drinks. The crew’s willingness to adjust the program in poor weather is another useful advantage.

Think twice if Ile aux Cerfs is your only priority. You get about 100 minutes there, and some people will want more. For everyone else, this is a lively and practical introduction to the coast, with enough variety to justify the full-day commitment and the $106 cost.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your plans are still shifting, but the more important decision is whether you want a busy boat day or a slower beach day.

FAQ

Where does the excursion start?

It starts at Blue Bay Public Beach, at the Totof Tours meeting point. Opposite the main parking area and Blue Bay Tuck Shop, follow the path to the beach and look for a small stand with a dark gray parasol.

What time does the tour start and finish?

The excursion starts at about 9:30 a.m. and ends at around 4 p.m., for a total duration of about seven hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to Blue Bay Public Beach.

Which languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in English and French.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. A mask, snorkel, and life jacket are included. You should also bring swimwear, a towel, and water shoes.

How long is the first snorkeling stop?

The snorkeling stop at Blue Bay Marine Park lasts about 35 minutes.

What food is served at lunch?

Lunch is a BBQ with fish and chicken. A vegetarian meal can be requested when you make your reservation.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Alcoholic and soft drinks are included during the meal and throughout the excursion.

How long do you spend at Ile aux Cerfs?

The scheduled stop at Ile aux Cerfs lasts about 100 minutes, including the BBQ lunch and beach break.

Can you cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.