Blue bay: boat trip for ile au cerf (5 islands, barbecue)

Small boats make big days better. This seven-hour Mauritius outing combines Blue Bay snorkeling, island stops, a lighthouse, a river waterfall, and a beach barbecue without packing too many people onto the boat. I especially like the maximum group size of 10 and the care given to the lagoon, fish, coral, and surrounding nature.

The second strong point is the food. Lunch is more than a quick sandwich: the crew prepares a barbecue with fish, chicken, and lobster, along with homemade punch. The main consideration is that this is a full-day water activity, so bring a hat, towel, water shoes, and cash, and be ready for sun, swimming, and boat time.

Five good reasons to consider this trip

• A small group of up to 10 people: You get a more personal day than on a large catamaran cruise.
• Snorkeling in Blue Bay Marine Park: The stop is aimed at seeing fish and coral in a protected marine setting.
• A varied south-east coast route: You move from reef and islands to a lighthouse, river scenery, waterfall, and beach.
• A proper beach barbecue: Fish, chicken, lobster, seafood, homemade punch, and other food make lunch a major part of the day.
• Nature-first guiding: The crew places clear importance on the sea, fish, coral, and ecology.
• French and English guiding: The tour is offered in both languages, with experienced guides and safety equipment provided.

What kind of day is this?

This is not just a short boat ride to Ile aux Cerfs. The route links several of the south-east coast’s main sights into one long outing. You start near Blue Bay, snorkel in the marine park, stop at islands for photographs and swimming, visit the lighthouse at Ile aux Fouquets, travel up Grand River South East, and finish with lunch and free time on Ile aux Cerfs.

The pace is varied. Some stops are active, such as snorkeling and swimming. Others are brief scenic pauses, including the lighthouse and river waterfall. That mix matters because seven hours in one activity can feel long if there is no change of scene.

You can book a shared trip or request an exclusive option. The shared boat is limited to 10 people, which is a useful middle ground: more social than a private charter, but far less crowded than a large group cruise.

Starting near Blue Bay and meeting the crew

The starting location is listed as HP49+C2C, with the meeting point next to the parking area. Your guide wears a white polo shirt, making the crew easier to spot when you arrive.

The finish is at Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point. Since the starting and finishing points are listed separately, you should pay attention to the meeting instructions when planning your day. The available information does not state that hotel pickup is included, so do not assume transport from your accommodation.

The crew includes guides and boat pilots such as Pascale, Christopher, William, Mathéo, Val, Valerie, and Steeve. Several names appear in the feedback, with Pascale praised for her kindness and William and Mathéo described as strong captains and guides. The exact crew can change, but the repeated theme is attentive service and a friendly atmosphere.

Snorkeling in Blue Bay Marine Park

The first major stop is Blue Bay Marine Park, where snorkeling equipment and life jackets are provided. The aim is to see fish and coral in a marine reserve, making this one of the most nature-focused sections of the outing.

I like that the trip places snorkeling near the beginning. You are likely to have more energy for getting into the water, and the marine park gives the day a clear purpose beyond sightseeing from the boat. The crew also presents respect for fish, coral, and the sea as part of the experience, rather than treating the lagoon as merely a backdrop for photographs.

The snorkeling stop is not described as a technical session, so you should think of it as a guided recreational swim rather than a specialist marine excursion. If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the crew. Life jackets and safety equipment are included, but the supplied information does not specify water depth, current conditions, or the length of time spent in the water.

One useful detail comes from the experience descriptions: the Blue Bay stop gave one group the chance to see many fish. That makes the marine park a highlight for anyone who prefers wildlife and coral to a packed list of beach stops.

Ile aux Aigrettes for swimming and photographs

The boat then reaches Ile aux Aigrettes for a photo stop, cocktail, and swimming. This is a lighter, more relaxed pause after snorkeling.

The cocktail adds a social touch, while the swimming stop gives you another chance to cool off. Bring a towel and water shoes, since both are specifically recommended. Water shoes are especially practical around rocky or uneven shoreline areas, though the exact beach conditions are not provided.

The island stop is mainly about enjoying the setting rather than taking part in a long guided visit. Keep your camera ready, but do not let photographs take over the day. The charm here is the simple sequence of boat, island, swim, and drink.

Ile aux Fouquets lighthouse and the south-east coast

Ile aux Fouquets is the most clearly structured sightseeing stop. You get a photo opportunity, a visit, and a guided tour lasting about 20 minutes.

The lighthouse gives the route a visual landmark and a change from the water-based activities. The setting is described as especially good for photographs, with wide views from the island. You should expect a short visit rather than a long historical tour. The information provided does not give the lighthouse’s construction date or a detailed account of its past, so the emphasis is on the place itself, the views, and the guide’s explanation.

The boat also travels along the south-east coast, passing several islands. This part of the route is valuable because you see the coast from the water instead of rushing between isolated stops. It also gives you time to sit back, enjoy the sea, and let the crew handle the route.

Grand River South East and the waterfall

At Grand River South East, the boat turns toward river scenery and a waterfall. The stop includes photographs and a guided visit.

This is one of the better contrasts in the program. You begin with open lagoon and coral, then shift toward a river environment. The route is not only about beaches, and that variety helps the day feel more like an exploration of the south-east coast.

The waterfall is viewed during the river portion. The available details do not state that you walk behind the falls, swim there, or spend a fixed amount of time at the site. Plan on a scenic guided stop rather than a separate hiking excursion.

Wildlife can add an unexpected bonus. One account describes seeing monkeys while heading up the river, and another mentions turtles, dolphins, and a monkey during the wider day. These sightings are not guaranteed, so treat them as luck rather than a promised feature. The confirmed attraction is the river and waterfall setting.

Ile aux Cerfs and the beach barbecue

The final major stop is Ile aux Cerfs, where you have a break, photographs, a visit, lunch, free time, and swimming. The beach setting provides room to slow down after the morning’s movement.

Lunch is the strongest selling point for many people. The crew prepares a barbecue with fish, chicken, and lobster, served with homemade punch and additional food. One detailed account describes new meat and seafood dishes arriving at the table every few minutes, while another calls the lobster lunch a highlight. That suggests a generous meal rather than a basic grill stop.

The food also appears to be prepared in a more personal way than standard excursion catering. An on-site host is praised for being friendly, and the meal is described as flavorful and unexpectedly good. The exact menu and portions can change, so do not book solely on the assumption that every item will appear in the same order or quantity.

I like the timing of lunch at the end. You can spend the earlier part of the day snorkeling and sightseeing, then enjoy a long beach break with food, swimming, and free time. The tradeoff is that a barbecue with several courses may take a good part of the afternoon. If you want a fast lunch and maximum beach time, this may feel leisurely.

Food, drinks, and the social atmosphere

This outing treats lunch as part of the experience, not an afterthought. Fish, chicken, lobster, seafood, homemade punch, and a positive mood are central to the plan.

The drink service is also praised in the feedback, with the crew making sure people had drinks throughout the day. Cash is listed among the items to bring, but the supplied details do not explain exactly what cash is needed for. Bring some anyway, while keeping valuables limited during swimming stops.

The small group helps the meal feel more relaxed. With no more than 10 people on a shared trip, the crew can give attention to the group without managing a large crowd. It also makes conversation easier, though the social side depends on the people booked on your date.

Safety, equipment, and care for nature

The tour includes life jackets, a safety kit, and snorkeling equipment. Guides are provided in French and English, and the activity is described as wheelchair accessible.

The nature message is unusually direct. The crew emphasizes respect for the sea, fish, coral, and ecology, and expresses a strong affection for the lagoon. That matters in Blue Bay, where the attraction depends on a healthy marine setting. You should follow the crew’s instructions around coral and wildlife, avoid touching marine life, and keep the water clean.

The provided information does not spell out the boat design, toilet facilities, shade, or exact swimming conditions. Those details may matter if you need specific comfort arrangements. Ask the operator before booking if any of them are important to you.

Is $111 a fair price?

At $111 per person, the value depends on how much of the included day you would otherwise arrange separately. The price covers a seven-hour guided boat outing, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, safety gear, multiple island and coastal stops, a river visit, and a substantial barbecue lunch with lobster included in the stated menu.

You also receive the benefit of a small shared group. A larger cruise might cost less, but the comparison is not equal if you value personal attention and a quieter boat. A private option may offer more control, though the supplied information does not give an exclusive-trip price.

The best value comes if you want several experiences in one booking: marine life, islands, a lighthouse, river scenery, beach time, and lunch. It is less compelling if you only want a quick trip to Ile aux Cerfs or prefer to spend most of the day on one beach.

What to bring and what to expect

Pack lightly, since you will be moving between boat and shore. The recommended items are:

• Hat
• Towel
• Water shoes
• Cash

You should also be ready for swimming, snorkeling, and sun exposure. The tour lasts seven hours, so comfortable clothing and practical swimwear make sense, though these are general suggestions rather than listed requirements.

The shared group is capped at 10 people. French and English are available, and the tour can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Mauritius schedule is still shifting.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want a full south-east coast day with plenty of variety. It suits couples, families, small groups, and solo visitors who enjoy meeting a few other people but do not want a large cruise.

Food lovers should give it serious attention. The barbecue, particularly the lobster and seafood, receives some of the strongest praise. The trip also works well for people who care about the lagoon and want the crew to treat nature as part of the attraction.

You may want another option if you dislike long boat days, cannot comfortably manage repeated transfers between boat and shore, or want a highly structured historical tour. The lighthouse visit is only about 20 minutes, and the waterfall section is scenic rather than a major walking adventure.

Should you book the Blue Bay to Ile aux Cerfs trip?

Book it if you want one well-filled day combining snorkeling, islands, a lighthouse, a waterfall, beach time, and a generous barbecue. The small group, attentive guides, and nature-minded approach give it an advantage over a standard crowded cruise.

The main caution is pace. Seven hours is a long outing, and the day includes several stops rather than one slow beach visit. For most people who want variety and good food, $111 is a fair package price. For a quiet, minimalist beach day, choose something shorter.

FAQ

How long does the boat trip last?

The activity lasts seven hours.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $111 per person.

Where does the tour start?

The starting location is HP49+C2C, with the meeting point next to the parking area.

Where does the tour finish?

The tour finishes at Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point.

How many people can join the shared trip?

The shared group is limited to a maximum of 10 participants.

Which languages are available?

Live guiding is available in French and English.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and a safety kit are included.

What food is served at lunch?

The barbecue includes fish, chicken, and lobster, along with homemade punch and other food.

Can I cancel the booking?

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