5 Islands Tour: NEW Private OCÉANE Speed Boat

Five islands, one fast boat, one full day. This private Mauritius cruise appeals to me for its small-group freedom and its smart early stop at Ile aux Cerfs, before the beach gets busier. I also like the chance for a very personal meal on the sand, with one guest describing a memorable sea urchin tasting prepared by guide Angelo. The main drawback is the price: at $675.37 for up to two people, this is a serious splurge.

The seven-hour route packs in beaches, a sandbank, a lighthouse, a nature reserve, and waterfalls without the feel of a large group excursion. You should also allow for changing sea conditions, and note that the Ile aux Aigrettes reserve is passed rather than included as a full visit.

Five details that shape the day

• A private boat for up to two people: You get the boat and crew to yourselves, rather than sharing the day with a large party.
• An early visit to Ile aux Cerfs: The timing is designed to reach the island before lunch crowds build.
• A beach BBQ in a quiet corner: Lunch is served at the back of Ile aux Cerfs, away from the main beach area.
• Five very different coastal stops: The day moves from swimming and sand to a lighthouse, wildlife areas, and a waterfall.
• A possible sea urchin tasting: Guide Angelo has been praised for catching and preparing sea urchins on a small beach.
• A 9:30 AM start with a 3:30 PM return: The schedule gives you a full day on the water, with the activity ending back at the starting point.

Why this private Océane cruise costs $675.37

At $675.37 per group of up to two, this is not a budget boat trip. If two people share the cost, it works out to about $337.69 each. That is still a lot for one day, but the comparison should be with a private charter, not a standard seat on a crowded excursion.

The value comes from control and attention. Your group is the only group participating, so the day can feel more personal than a fixed coach-and-boat package. The route also covers seven hours, five points of interest, lunch, beach time, swimming opportunities, and a crew with 37 years of experience in the area.

I would book this for a special day, a honeymoon, an anniversary, or a couple who wants the sea to be the main event. I would not choose it if your priority is simply getting from one island to another at the lowest possible price.

The operator places strong emphasis on environmental care and safety. The crew receives training of international standing, and the company describes its work as eco-friendly. That does not turn the tour into a nature study, but it matters when you are choosing a boat operation in a delicate coastal setting.

Starting at Pointe Maurice at 9:30 AM

The meeting point is at Pointe Maurice, on an unnamed road in Trou d’Eau Douce. The tour begins at 9:30 AM and returns to the same place at the end of the day.

That return arrangement keeps the day simple. You do not need to plan a separate pickup point after the boat trip. Still, I would check your route to Pointe Maurice before booking, since the supplied details do not include hotel transfers.

The tour lasts about seven hours. The published timing places your return at roughly 3:30 PM, though a boat day can shift with weather, sea conditions, and the pace of the stops. Start the morning ready for sun, salt water, and a long stretch outdoors.

Ile aux Cerfs before lunch

The first major stop is Ile aux Cerfs, reached before lunch to avoid the thickest crowds. This is a smart use of the morning. The island is known here for its clear blue water and sandy beach, so you can swim, sunbathe, and settle into the day before eating.

You get about an hour and a half at this stop. That is enough time for a swim and a little beach rest, though not enough for a slow, all-day island visit. I like that the stop is not treated as a quick photo pause. The plan gives you time to enjoy the water rather than simply step ashore and leave.

Lunch is served as a BBQ in a quiet corner at the back of Ile aux Cerfs. That setting is one of the strongest reasons to choose this tour over a large shared outing. Instead of eating wherever the busiest part of the island happens to be, you are taken to a quieter beach area.

The exact BBQ menu is not specified, so do not book this expecting a particular meat, seafood dish, or dietary arrangement unless the operator confirms it. The same applies to drinks and special meal requests. The beach meal is part of the experience, but the food details are not fully set out.

After lunch, you have time to relax or swim again before returning to the boat. If you want a peaceful start, use the first part of the stop for swimming, then save some dry time for the meal and the beach afterward.

Île aux Flamants and the sandy bank

The next stop is Île aux Flamants, with about an hour around a sandy bank. The focus here is marine life, not a long walk or a built attraction.

This part of the route adds variety. Ile aux Cerfs is about beach time, while Île aux Flamants gives you a chance to look outward into the water and notice the marine setting around the sandbar. The information provided does not promise snorkeling equipment, guided wildlife interpretation, or a specific list of animals, so keep your expectations practical.

You may find this stop especially appealing if you enjoy quiet water views and coastal wildlife. It is less suited to anyone looking for a packed schedule of activities every minute. An hour can pass quickly on a sandbank, particularly if conditions limit swimming or if you prefer shade.

Ile aux Fouquets Lighthouse from the water

The boat then passes Ile aux Fouquets Lighthouse, with around 30 minutes assigned to the stop. A stopover may be possible, but it is not guaranteed by the schedule.

That distinction matters. You should treat the lighthouse as a scenic coastal point first, and a landing second. If the crew allows a stopover, it could give the day a more varied feel. If not, you still see the site from the boat.

The short timing suggests that this is a brief visit rather than a long historical tour. No detailed background about the lighthouse is provided, so the pleasure here comes mainly from the setting, the view, and the chance to see another island in the chain.

Ile aux Aigrettes, seen as a private reserve

Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve is listed as a pass-by stop for about 30 minutes. It is a private reserve, and admission is not included.

This is the clearest point where you should avoid assuming too much. You are not being promised a full reserve visit, guided walk, or landing. The boat route takes you past the reserve, giving you a look at the protected area from the water.

That can still be worthwhile for someone interested in conservation, but it is not a substitute for a land-based nature reserve tour. If Ile aux Aigrettes is your main reason for booking, contact Océane Cruises Mauritius before paying and ask exactly what the boat can access on your date.

The reserve also fits the operator’s stated concern for the environment. Passing a private protected area rather than treating it like an open beach stop reflects the limits of the site, though the tour details do not explain any specific conservation program.

Grand River South East Waterfalls and local wildlife

The final listed stop is Grand River South East Waterfalls, with about 25 minutes to see the natural waterfall and look for monkeys and birds.

This is a short stop, so think of it as a compact viewing visit. You will not have hours for a long walk or a broad exploration. The appeal is the change of scene: after open sea, beaches, and islands, you finish near flowing water and forest wildlife.

Monkeys and birds are mentioned as part of what you may see, but wildlife is never guaranteed. Keep your camera ready, but do not treat the stop as a zoo visit. The natural setting is the point.

The 25-minute window should be enough for a look and some photographs if conditions are good. If the water or landing conditions affect the visit, the crew’s safety judgment should take priority over a fixed timetable.

The Angelo touch and the value of a family crew

Océane Cruises Mauritius describes a family spirit among its crew, backed by 37 years working in the coastal area. That combination matters on a private trip. You are not buying only a route. You are also paying for the crew’s feel for local water, timing, and the small choices that make a boat day more comfortable.

One particularly memorable detail comes from a day with Angelo. He caught sea urchins, prepared them, and served them on a small beach where the group felt completely alone. That is the sort of unscripted local moment that can make a private excursion feel different from a standard sightseeing circuit.

I would not assume Angelo will be your guide, or that sea urchins will be available on every departure. But if he is on board, ask about the possibility and about the conditions. It is a fine example of how a crew member’s personal touch can add value beyond the printed route.

The company also says its crew receives high-level international safety training. That is useful reassurance for a full day on a speedboat, especially when the route includes open water and several separate landing areas.

What the speedboat format means for you

A speedboat lets the tour cover several sites in one day. That is the practical reason this route can include Ile aux Cerfs, Île aux Flamants, Ile aux Fouquets, Ile aux Aigrettes, and Grand River South East Waterfalls within about seven hours.

The tradeoff is that a speedboat day is active. You will spend much of the outing moving between stops, getting on and off the boat, and adjusting to sun and wind. The supplied information says most people can participate, but it does not list specific facilities for mobility needs or medical conditions.

If you prefer a slow cruise with long stretches of quiet sailing, this may feel too busy. If you want to see several coastal sights without sharing your boat with strangers, the pace makes good sense.

The private format also gives you room to ask questions and request a little more time where conditions allow. Still, the route has a planned structure, and the crew must balance your wishes with weather, tide, safety, and the next stop.

Weather, timing, and what to plan for

Good weather is required for this experience. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. That policy is helpful, but the sea may still affect the order or length of stops on a day that goes ahead.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, and the local Mauritius time applies to the cutoff.

The tour is booked about 35 days ahead on average. I would use that figure as a planning clue, especially if you have only a few days in Mauritius or need a particular date for a celebration.

The practical packing list is simple: swimwear, sun protection, a towel, and a camera that can handle a wet boat setting. Since the provided details do not confirm what equipment, drinks, or special food arrangements are supplied, ask those questions before departure.

Who should book the Océane 5 Islands Tour?

I think this tour suits couples and small private groups who want a full day built around the coast. It is especially strong for people who value personal service, beach time, swimming, and a varied route more than a low price.

It also suits visitors who want a quieter meal and a chance for local interaction. The Ile aux Cerfs BBQ and the possible sea urchin tasting with Angelo are the most distinctive parts of the day.

I would be more cautious if you mainly want to visit Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve. The route passes the private reserve, and admission is not included. I would also think twice if you dislike speedboat travel, need a highly predictable schedule, or want long visits at every stop.

Should you book this private Mauritius boat day?

Book it if you want privacy, a broad coastal route, and a full seven hours on the water. The early Ile aux Cerfs visit, quiet beach BBQ, and chance for a personal touch from crew member Angelo give the day more character than a basic island transfer.

Skip it if $675.37 for two stretches your budget or if one specific site, especially Ile aux Aigrettes, is your main goal. For the right pair, though, Océane offers a polished private outing with strong local experience, careful safety standards, and enough variety to make the price easier to justify.

FAQ

How long does the 5 Islands Tour last?

The tour lasts approximately seven hours. It starts at 9:30 AM and is expected to return to the meeting point at about 3:30 PM.

Where does the tour start and finish?

The meeting point is Pointe Maurice, PQRV+VF2, Unnamed Road, Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How many people can join the private tour?

The price covers one private group of up to two people. Only your group participates in the activity.

Is lunch included?

A BBQ lunch is served in a quiet corner on the back of Ile aux Cerfs. The specific menu and details about drinks or dietary requests are not provided.

Is admission to Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve included?

No. Ile aux Aigrettes is listed as a pass-by stop, and admission is not included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

Because the tour requires good weather, a cancellation caused by poor conditions gives you the choice of another date or a full refund.