5 Islands Tour: New OCÉANE Private Pontoon Boat cruise

Mauritius looks best from the water. This private pontoon cruise gives you a relaxed way to see the southeast lagoon, with the Grand River South East Waterfall and several small islands on the route. I like the mix of sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, and a meal served on board. I also like that your group can set the pace instead of following a crowded boat schedule.

The main drawback is the price: $871 for a group of up to two is a serious spend, even with lunch and unlimited drinks included. The route can also change, and one recorded outing skipped Ile aux Aigrettes. I would confirm the exact stops and meal arrangement before paying.

Key points to know before booking

• A private boat for up to 11 people: The quoted price covers a group of up to two, but the pontoon can carry as many as 11 passengers, which can make the cost more attractive for a larger party.
• The southeast’s best-known sights: You may see the Grand River South East Waterfall, Ile aux Fouquets Lighthouse, Îlot Flamants, Ile aux Cerfs, and other island scenery.
• Snorkeling comes before alcohol: Drinks are included, but alcoholic drinks are served only after snorkeling. The operator may cancel snorkeling if alcohol is consumed first.
• Lunch stays on board: You get a cold lunch, unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and scenic views without needing to leave the boat for a restaurant.
• A calm, flexible pace: The indicative route can be customized, and the captain may allow extra time for swimming, photos, or exploring.
• Meet near Shangri-La: The meeting point is just before the Shangri-La le Touessrok hotel at Pointe Maurice. Hotel pickup is not included.

Setting out from Pointe Maurice

The six-hour trip begins at Pointe Maurice, just before the Shangri-La le Touessrok hotel. You will need to arrange your own way to the meeting point, since hotel pickup and drop-off are not part of the package. Check the starting time when booking, as the exact departure schedule is subject to availability.

The route heads toward the southeast lagoon from Trou d’Eau Douce. This is a good part of Mauritius for a boat day because the scenery changes often: open turquoise water, green mountain ridges, low sandy islets, and sheltered swimming areas. A pontoon boat suits this kind of outing well. It gives you room to sit, eat, and dry off rather than keeping you perched on a narrow speedboat all day.

The boat can carry up to 11 people, although the advertised price is for a private group of up to two. That distinction matters. For two people, this is a luxury splurge. For a family or group sharing the full boat, the per-person cost could make more sense. Ask how many people will actually be assigned to your booking and what kind of seating is available.

One earlier outing began with a speedboat pickup and friendly service, then used the faster boat for parts of the journey. That may not be the standard arrangement, so treat it as something to confirm rather than a guaranteed feature.

Grand River South East Waterfall from the lagoon

The first major sight is the Grand River South East Waterfall, reached by boat. You get time for a photo stop, sightseeing, and wildlife viewing before continuing through the lagoon.

The waterfall is best understood as a scenic boat stop rather than a long land excursion. You remain close to the water and see the falls as part of the river and coastal setting. The boat route also gives you a chance to watch for monkeys along the riverbanks. On one outing, monkeys were seen and fed, but feeding wildlife is not listed as a formal part of the tour, so do not book this trip expecting it.

This stop works well early in the day, before lunch and swimming. Bring your camera, but keep it secure around spray and movement. Sunglasses and a hat are useful here, as the boat offers sun exposure for much of the trip.

Snorkeling at Eau Bleu

The schedule includes a snorkeling stop at Eau Bleu, described as a place with clear water and an undersea world worth exploring. Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you do not need to bring your own mask or fins. You should still bring swimwear, a towel, high-SPF sunscreen, and a change of clothes.

The value here is simple: you can swim directly from the boat, see the water below, and then return aboard without losing time traveling to a separate beach facility. The route allows time to swim and relax under the sun, rather than treating snorkeling as a rushed ten-minute photo opportunity.

The alcohol rule is important. Alcoholic drinks are served after snorkeling, and the operator reserves the right to cancel the snorkeling activity if alcohol has already been consumed. If you want the best chance of enjoying both parts, do your swimming first and save the beer, wine, or aperitif for later.

Water conditions can affect what you see. The description promises clear water, but it does not guarantee a particular marine species or visibility level on your date. Snorkeling equipment is included, though you may prefer to bring personal gear if you have a close-fitting mask.

Ile aux Aigrettes and the flexible route

Ile aux Aigrettes is listed as a possible stop or pass-by, with time for an aperitif, swimming, and snorkeling. It is one of the named southeast islands, but the route is explicitly described as indicative and customizable.

That flexibility is useful when conditions change or your group wants more time in the water. It also means the printed sequence should not be treated as a fixed promise. On one recorded day, Ile aux Aigrettes was not visited. I would ask the captain at the start of the morning which islands are planned and how much time is likely to be spent at each.

This is especially important if one particular island is your main reason for booking. A private trip gives you more say than a standard group cruise, but customization depends on the captain, conditions, and the practical timing of the day.

Ile aux Fouquets Lighthouse and lunch afloat

Ile aux Fouquets Lighthouse is one of the most photogenic parts of the route. The boat stops for photographs, sightseeing, scenic views, and free time. Lunch is served on board while the boat is anchored, so you can eat with the lighthouse and surrounding water as your backdrop.

The meal is described as a cold lunch. That is worth keeping in mind if you are expecting a hot barbecue. However, one earlier outing included a barbecue at a private beach later in the day, with time to relax there. Since the planned experience specifies lunch on board, ask directly whether a barbecue or private beach stop is included on your departure.

Drinks include alcoholic and non-alcoholic options without a stated limit. The information from one outing mentioned that only one drink was free with the barbecue and that coffee cost extra. That does not match the broader promise of unlimited drinks, so clarify what is included in the actual meal service. A quick question about beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and any beach meal can prevent an awkward surprise.

The lighthouse stop is more than a quick photo opportunity if the captain allows time to look around. Still, the stop involves exposed sun and water, not a museum visit or formal historical tour. The appeal is the setting, the old lighthouse, and the chance to see the islands from close range.

Îlot Flamants, Ile aux Cerfs, and the return route

After lunch, the boat continues toward Îlot Flamants. The itinerary lists it mainly as a photo stop and pass-by, so expect scenery rather than a long shore visit. This is one of several moments when the boat itself is the attraction. You get changing views of small islands, white sand, and open lagoon water without packing and unpacking your beach things at every stop.

Ile aux Cerfs follows, with a dessert stop, scenic views, and a pass-by. The island is one of the southeast’s most recognizable names, so seeing it from the water gives you a useful contrast with the quieter islets. You may not get a full island excursion here. If you want extensive beach time on Ile aux Cerfs, ask how long the boat will remain nearby.

One earlier outing allowed about an hour for independent time at Ile aux Cerfs, followed by a private beach stop. That suggests the day can sometimes include more shore time than the basic schedule indicates, but it is not guaranteed. The exact plan should be confirmed before departure.

The route then returns toward Trou d’Eau Douce, with a final photo stop and more views from the boat. The advertised return to Pointe Maurice is around 3:30 p.m., giving you a full half-day on the water without taking the entire evening.

What the private format really adds

The strongest feature here is not simply the number of islands. It is control over the pace. A private group can ask to linger for another swim, take more photos, or enjoy lunch without feeling rushed by a large party.

That does not mean every request will be possible. The captain still has to manage the route, safety, weather, and daylight. The schedule can change, and some locations may be passed rather than visited. But the option to customize is valuable if your group has mixed interests.

The pontoon also makes the day comfortable for people who want more than an energetic boat ride. You can alternate between snorkeling, sunbathing, eating, and sightseeing. The experience is still active enough for swimmers, but it does not require you to spend six hours in the water.

Captain Joey received especially warm praise for keeping the day easygoing and allowing plenty of time at the stops. If he is assigned to your trip, his relaxed handling of the schedule may be a real plus. Since a captain is not guaranteed by the information provided, ask who will operate your boat.

Price, drinks, and who gets good value

At $871 for a private group of up to two, this is not a budget boat excursion. The price includes the pontoon, snorkeling equipment, lunch, and unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. It also buys privacy, flexibility, and a six-hour route through some of Mauritius’ most attractive southeast waters.

For a couple marking a special occasion, the cost may feel worthwhile if you value space and a personal schedule. For a family or group that can share the boat, the economics improve. With up to 11 passengers allowed, the price per person could become much lower, assuming the booking terms let your whole party use the boat at that rate.

I would not choose this trip mainly for the food. Lunch is cold according to the main description, and the details of the menu are not provided. The real value is the combination of water time, island scenery, swimming, and private use of the boat.

The drink policy sounds generous, but the separate account of one free drink at a barbecue means you should ask for a precise explanation. Confirm whether unlimited drinks apply throughout the day, whether coffee is extra, and whether a barbecue is part of your plan. These are small questions for a costly booking.

Who should book this cruise

I would recommend it most strongly to couples, families, and small groups who want a private day rather than a basic shared cruise. It suits you if you enjoy a mix of sightseeing and swimming, and if you would rather eat on a boat than stop at a crowded restaurant.

It is also a good fit if your group has different energy levels. Strong swimmers can snorkel, while others can stay aboard, take photos, or relax in the sun. The boat’s capacity makes it practical for a larger private party, not just two people.

I would look elsewhere if you want a firm, hour-by-hour route or a guaranteed visit to every named island. You may also prefer another experience if your priority is a hot meal, a formal island tour, or hotel transportation.

Bring sunglasses, a towel, swimwear, a change of clothes, flip-flops, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera. Smoking is not allowed. Plan to be in the sun, and keep your best camera gear protected from water during boarding and snorkeling.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your schedule is still moving, but they do not remove the need to confirm the meeting point, departure time, route, and meal details.

Should you book the 5 Islands Tour?

Book it if you want a private, unhurried day built around the southeast lagoon. The waterfall, lighthouse, snorkeling stop, island views, lunch, and drinks make a well-rounded outing, and the option to adjust the route is useful.

Before booking, ask four things: which islands will definitely be visited, who will captain the boat, exactly what lunch includes, and how the unlimited drinks policy works. If the answers match your priorities, the high price can be justified for a private group. If you are traveling as only two people and mainly want a cheap boat ride, this is probably more luxury than you need.

FAQ

Where does the 5 Islands Tour start?

The meeting point is at Pointe Maurice, just before the Shangri-La le Touessrok hotel.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must arrange your own transportation to and from Pointe Maurice.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts six hours. The return to Pointe Maurice is expected at approximately 3:30 p.m.

How many people can join the private boat?

The pontoon boat can carry up to 11 passengers. The listed price is for a private group of up to two.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and is served on board while the boat is anchored. The main description specifies a cold lunch.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included. Alcoholic drinks are served after snorkeling.

Can the snorkeling stop be canceled?

Yes. The management may cancel snorkeling if alcoholic drinks are consumed beforehand.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, a change of clothes, flip-flops, high-SPF sunscreen, a hat or cap, and a camera. Smoking is not allowed.