5 island tour all inclusive with Ile aux cerfs and snorkeling

Beautiful water, plenty to see. This six-hour boat trip packs several of Mauritius’ best-known coastal sights into one morning and afternoon, starting from Trou d’Eau Douce. You cruise to the GRSE waterfall, enter a lighthouse, snorkel near Blue Bay, and finish with lunch on Ile aux Cerfs.

I like the wide mix of stops and the fact that lunch, drinks, the boat ride, and snorkeling are included in the $103 price. I also like the smaller setup, capped at 14 people, which should feel more personal than a large cruise. The main thing to consider is the boat itself: this is a speedboat-style trip, not a leisurely catamaran cruise, and one review found little shade for young children.

Key points before you book

• GRSE waterfall by boat: Begin with a cruise toward the Grand River South East waterfall, one of the area’s signature sights.
• Lighthouse Island visit: You can go inside the lighthouse, not just view it from the water.
• Blue Bay snorkeling: The trip heads south for clear water and abundant fish, with a glass-bottom boat used around the snorkeling area.
• Beach lunch at Ile aux Cerfs: Expect a grilled meal, drinks, and, according to the food description, lobster served on the beach.
• Small-group format: The boat is capped at 14 people, though the booking information also describes it as a private activity for your group.
• Good weather matters: The outing can be moved or refunded if poor conditions make it unsafe or impractical.

What this Mauritius boat trip actually includes

This is an active coastal outing rather than a resort transfer with a quick photo stop. From Trou d’Eau Douce, you spend the day moving between waterfalls, islands, open water, and a snorkeling site near Blue Bay.

The advertised price is $103 per person. For that amount, you receive the boat cruise, snorkeling, lunch, and drinks. You are also getting several separate experiences in one booking, which gives the trip good value if you want to see more of the east and southeast coast without arranging several outings yourself.

The tradeoff is pace. Six hours is enough time for a varied route, but it is not enough time for long visits at every stop. You should expect a busy day with short transitions between sights rather than a slow beach day.

The tour begins at 8:30 a.m. at Chez TinoB59 in Trou d’Eau Douce and returns to the same meeting point. Public transportation is nearby, and confirmation is sent when you book. Since the description also calls this a private activity, only your group is meant to participate, while the small-group information gives a maximum of 14 people. If that distinction matters for your plans, confirm the exact boat arrangement with Tino Boats before paying.

Leaving Trou d’Eau Douce for the GRSE waterfall

Trou d’Eau Douce is the launch point for the first part of the route. Once you are aboard, the boat heads toward the GRSE waterfall, short for Grand River South East waterfall.

The waterfall is best appreciated from the water. You do not need to spend the day hiking to reach it, and the boat approach gives you changing views as you move along the river and coast. This first stop also sets the tone for the trip: you are not simply being taken to Ile aux Cerfs and dropped on a beach.

The practical point is that water conditions can affect how close the boat gets and how long the stop lasts. The outing requires good weather, so a rough or rainy day may change the experience. If conditions are poor enough to cancel the tour, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Do not expect the GRSE waterfall to be the main event of the day. It is one piece of a larger route, and its value is in the boat ride and the setting rather than a long land visit.

Inside Lighthouse Island’s old tower

After the waterfall, the boat continues to Lighthouse Island. Here you can visit the inside of the lighthouse, which gives this stop more substance than a quick offshore view.

A lighthouse visit adds variety to a day that might otherwise be all water and sand. You get a brief land-based stop and a chance to see one of the islands’ distinctive structures from close range. It is also a useful break before the longer cruise toward the snorkeling area.

The listing does not give a precise visit length or describe the condition of the interior, so keep your expectations practical. This is not presented as a museum visit or a long guided tour. You are stopping to see the lighthouse and go inside, then continuing by boat.

The route is a good fit if you like several kinds of activity in one day. If your ideal excursion means staying in one place with a book and a cold drink, this itinerary may feel too busy.

Blue Bay snorkeling and the glass-bottom boat

The boat then heads south toward Blue Bay for snorkeling. This is likely the most rewarding stop for anyone who enjoys seeing marine life, since the water is described as clear and full of fish.

A notable detail is the use of a glass-bottom boat around the snorkeling area. That matters because you can see below the surface even when you are not swimming, and it gives non-swimmers a way to share part of the experience. One account also described sightings of dolphins and turtles, though you should treat those as lucky possibilities, not guaranteed features.

The snorkeling itself is included, but the provided details do not specify how long you will be in the water or what equipment is supplied. Ask Tino Boats if you need particular gear or have concerns about swimming conditions.

The route to Blue Bay also makes this trip different from a basic Ile aux Cerfs excursion. You are spending time reaching a separate marine area rather than staying close to the east coast. That means more boat time, but also a greater range of scenery and a better chance to see something beyond the usual beach setting.

One important tip is to bring drinking water. Water and other drinks are provided, but the advice from the trip itself is to carry some extra. Bring sun protection as well, especially if you are sensitive to direct sun. A French-language review specifically noted that the boat did not have much shade for young children, so families with small children should plan carefully.

Lunch on Ile aux Cerfs

After snorkeling, the boat continues to Ile aux Cerfs for lunch. This island is the most beach-focused part of the outing, with pale sand, clear water, and time to eat near the shore.

The meal is described as a grilled lunch, with lobster included in the food account, along with drinks. That gives the $103 price more weight, since you are not paying separately for a restaurant meal after the boat trip. Still, menus can vary, so anyone with allergies or strict dietary needs should check what is available before booking.

I like the order of the day. Snorkeling comes before lunch, so you can finish the active part of the trip and then settle down for a meal. The beach setting gives you a pleasant change from the boat, although the visit may feel short if you want a full afternoon on Ile aux Cerfs.

This is also where you should set your priorities. One useful piece of advice is not to choose this outing mainly for the beach if you are already staying on Mauritius’ east coast. The beaches there may be just as appealing or better suited to a relaxed day. Ile aux Cerfs is more valuable here as the final stop in a varied island route, paired with the waterfall, lighthouse, and snorkeling.

Speedboat or catamaran: choose the right mood

The vessel makes a real difference. This is described by one customer as a speedboat that mainly takes you from one stop to another, rather than a catamaran designed for lounging and onboard entertainment.

That is not automatically a weakness. A speedboat can cover more ground in a limited time, which helps explain how the route fits in GRSE waterfall, Lighthouse Island, Blue Bay, and Ile aux Cerfs within about six hours. You spend less time drifting and more time reaching the next stop.

But you should not book this expecting a quiet sailing day. If you want a guide-led cruise with room to stretch out, music, and a relaxed pace, a catamaran may suit you better. If you want to visit several places and do not mind a brisk ride between them, this format makes sense.

The small capacity is another advantage. With no more than 14 people, the boat should be easier to manage than a large group vessel. The booking information also says the activity is private, so clarify whether your reservation is exclusively for your party or placed on a boat with other small groups.

Guides, service, and the feel of the day

The crew receives warm praise for being friendly and attentive. Joey is singled out as fun, kind, and helpful, and the captain is described as particularly cheerful. That personal touch matters on a boat outing because the crew controls the pace, safety instructions, snorkeling arrangements, and meal timing.

The food also earns positive attention. The grilled lunch, lobster, beach setting, and included drinks are repeated highlights. It is still best to think of this as a practical island lunch rather than a formal dining experience.

There can be bumps at the start. One person arrived at the stated meeting point and found nobody there, but a taxi driver called the operator and was told to drop the person at the jetty. That sounds like a communication problem rather than a problem with the excursion itself, but it gives you a useful precaution: save the booking contact details and confirm the exact jetty or boarding point before the morning of the trip.

The stated meeting point is Chez TinoB59 in Trou d’Eau Douce. Since the departure is early, do not rely on finding help at the last minute. A quick confirmation can prevent an avoidable scramble.

Who will get the most from this outing?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want to see several coastal sights in one booking. It suits active couples, families with older children, and small groups who prefer a boat that moves efficiently between stops.

You will probably enjoy it most if you value variety over long stays. The route includes natural scenery, a lighthouse, snorkeling, and a beach meal, so the day never depends on one attraction carrying the whole experience.

It may be less suitable for very young children because of the limited shade on the boat. It may also disappoint you if you want a slow catamaran ride, long beach time, or a heavily narrated cultural tour.

Most travelers can participate, according to the activity information, but swimming ability and comfort on a speedboat remain personal considerations. Ask the operator about equipment and conditions if you have any concern before booking.

Is $103 a fair price?

At $103 per person, this is a solid package when you count the included elements. The boat ride, snorkeling, lunch, drinks, and multiple stops are bundled together, so you avoid the cost and hassle of arranging each part separately.

The value is strongest for someone based near Trou d’Eau Douce who wants a full coastal day without planning transport between sites. A six-hour outing also leaves you with part of the day outside the tour, though the exact finish time may vary.

The value is weaker if your main goal is simply to sit on Ile aux Cerfs. You could be paying for stops you do not care about, including the waterfall, lighthouse, and longer ride toward Blue Bay.

The 4.7 rating from 64 reviews and 94 percent recommendation rate suggest a dependable experience overall. The lower scores focus on fit and expectations: one person found the day ended earlier than expected, and another wanted a more relaxed catamaran-style trip. Those are useful warnings, not reasons to reject the tour.

Booking, weather, and cancellation advice

You receive confirmation at the time of booking, and the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the 8:30 a.m. start. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

Because the activity depends on good weather, the operator may cancel and offer you another date or a full refund. Cutoff times use local Mauritius time, so keep that in mind if you are booking from abroad.

I would book this only after checking the precise pickup instructions. The published start is Chez TinoB59, but the jetty may be the practical boarding location. Having the operator’s contact information ready is a sensible step.

Should you book the 5-island tour?

Book it if you want a varied, value-focused boat day with snorkeling, a lighthouse visit, a waterfall cruise, and lunch on Ile aux Cerfs. The friendly crew, small capacity, included meal, and Blue Bay snorkeling make it an appealing choice for an active half-day outing.

Skip it if you want a calm catamaran cruise, lots of shade, or several unhurried hours on the beach. Also think twice if your only goal is Ile aux Cerfs, since much of the price and schedule covers the other stops.

For the right kind of day, Tino Boats gives you a useful snapshot of Mauritius by water: a little nature, a little history, a good swim, and lunch with your feet near the sand.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Chez TinoB59 in Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 8:30 a.m.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Trou d’Eau Douce.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately six hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch on Ile aux Cerfs is included, along with drinks.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling near Blue Bay is part of the tour.

What places does the boat visit?

The route includes the GRSE waterfall, Lighthouse Island, the Blue Bay snorkeling area, and Ile aux Cerfs.

How many people can join the boat?

The tour is capped at 14 guests. The activity information also describes it as private, with only your group participating, so confirm the exact arrangement with Tino Boats if needed.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded, and poor weather may lead to a different date or full refund.