DAY TRIP: Private Speedboat Excursion in Mauritius

Catch five islands in six hours. This private Mauritius speedboat trip combines quiet lagoon time with a lobster barbecue, waterfall views, and several island stops. I like the freedom to shape the day around your group, and I like that the guide takes coral protection seriously. The main catch is the price, especially for two people, and the fast boat may not suit anyone prone to seasickness.

The strongest personal touch comes from skipper Joël, praised for his care, clear explanations, and close attention to the group. Dominique’s guitar performance added a memorable touch for one party, but you should book this for the sea, food, and privacy first, not for a guaranteed concert.

Key details that shape the day

• A private boat for up to four: The $850 group price works out to $212.50 per person when four people share it.
• Six hours on the southeast coast: You combine boat travel, island visits, snorkeling, swimming, a barbecue, and a waterfall stop.
• Five island discoveries: The day includes Île aux Aigrettes, Île aux Cerfs, Lighthouse Island, and additional island stops in the southeast.
• A full beach meal: The barbecue includes lobster, chicken, local fish, salad, fruit, and drinks, including alcoholic and nonalcoholic choices.
• A conservation-minded guide: You receive practical advice about avoiding coral damage, touching marine life, and using reef-friendly sunscreen.
• A flexible private schedule: Birthday cakes and other special requests can be arranged, subject to confirmation.

Why this private Mauritius boat trip is different

Mauritius has no shortage of lagoon cruises. Many place you on a shared boat with a fixed route and a set departure time. This outing takes a different approach: one private speedboat, a group of no more than four, and a guide who can adjust the day to your interests.

That matters most if you care about space and control. You can ask for more time in the water, request a particular stop, or arrange a special touch such as a birthday cake. The schedule still follows a planned route, but it is not as rigid as a large-group cruise.

You leave from Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point aboard Tennessee, a white and grey boat. The route follows the southeast coast, an area known here for its islands, lagoon water, river outlet, and waterfall. You should expect a mix of quick speedboat runs and longer stops rather than six straight hours on the water.

The private format also helps with conversation. Your guide can explain the islands and the marine environment without trying to address a packed boat. Joël received especially strong praise for being attentive and for explaining the story of the islands and Mauritius clearly. That kind of personal guidance can turn a pretty boat ride into a more meaningful day.

Setting out from Pointe Jerome on Tennessee

The first leg takes about 20 minutes. That is long enough to get a feel for the boat and the open water, but short enough that the morning starts with an attraction rather than a long transfer.

A speedboat gives you a livelier ride than a slow motorboat. You will cover ground quickly, which makes it possible to visit several places in a six-hour window. The tradeoff is motion. This trip is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, and it is also not recommended for pregnant women or people with back problems.

Wear swimwear under your clothes if possible. Bring a hat, towel, camera, and sunscreen. The operator supplies snorkeling equipment and drinks, but sunscreen and towels are not included.

The boat is private, so you do not need to worry about strangers taking the best seat. Still, a speedboat has limited room. Pack lightly and keep your camera protected from spray.

Île aux Aigrettes and the first hour in the water

The first named island stop is Île aux Aigrettes, with about an hour set aside for swimming. The island is described as a natural reserve, so this is not simply a quick photo stop in the middle of a standard cruise.

The reserve setting gives this part of the route a different feel from Île aux Cerfs. Here, the interest is the protected natural setting and time in the water. You get a chance to swim before the barbecue and before the longer afternoon sightseeing.

Do not assume that every minute of the hour will be spent swimming. Boat conditions, group preferences, and the guide’s timing can affect the stop. The private setup helps, since you can discuss what you want to do rather than follow a large group’s fixed pace.

You also need to respect the reserve. Touching plants is not allowed, and eco-responsible behavior is encouraged. That rule is more than a formality on an island with protected natural features. Keep your hands off coral and marine life, and use eco-friendly sunscreen to limit harm to the lagoon.

Snorkeling across the southern lagoon

Snorkeling is one of the main reasons to choose this trip. Equipment is provided, and the route includes what is described as some of the most beautiful snorkeling in the southern lagoon.

The private boat gives the guide room to choose among several spots, depending on the day and your group’s wishes. That is useful because a snorkeling site can feel very different with wind, water conditions, or crowds. The stated aim is to avoid busy areas and let you enjoy the lagoon with more privacy.

I would treat the snorkeling as a strong feature, but not as a guaranteed wildlife show. The information promises beautiful spots and equipment, not a specific list of fish, turtles, coral formations, or water visibility. You should go for the chance to see the marine environment, not a fixed animal checklist.

The conservation message is unusually clear for a boat trip. The guide is personally involved in coral conservation and shares information about the fragility of the marine environment. That gives the swimming stops more purpose. You are not just using the lagoon as a backdrop. You are being asked to leave it unharmed.

Non-swimmers should not book this trip. Snorkeling and swimming are central parts of the day, and the outing is not presented as a dry sightseeing cruise.

Lighthouse Island and the two flexible island visits

The route includes Lighthouse Island, one of the more distinctive stops on the southeast coast. Its name alone suggests a change of pace from the beach setting at Île aux Cerfs, and the stop gives the day a clear sightseeing element beyond swimming and food.

The published timing includes a 30-minute visit after a 30-minute speedboat ride, followed later by another 30-minute visit after a one-hour boat ride. The exact names of those two additional stops are not supplied, so you should confirm the final route with Sunkid C. Ltd before departure if a particular island matters to you.

This is a useful point to clarify when booking. The overview refers to five islands in the southeast, while the named stops include Île aux Aigrettes, Lighthouse Island, and Île aux Cerfs. Ask which two other islands are planned and whether each stop is for walking, sightseeing, swimming, or photography.

The longer one-hour boat section may be the least action-packed part of the day. Some people will enjoy the open-water ride and changing views. If you prefer constant activity, it may feel like a lot of time in transit. The speedboat makes the route possible, but it does not remove the distances between islands.

Île aux Cerfs and a two-hour beach barbecue

Île aux Cerfs receives the longest stop, two hours, and it is the culinary center of the outing. The beach barbecue includes lobster, chicken, local fish, salad, and fruit. Drinks are also included, with alcoholic and nonalcoholic choices available on board.

That menu makes the price easier to understand. You are not paying only for transport and a guide. You are also receiving a substantial seafood meal in a beach setting, plus drinks and the use of a private boat for the day.

The lobster drew especially warm praise from one verified booking, which described it as excellent. That same party praised the meal overall and found the guitar performance by Dominique magical. The music is a charming detail, but it should be treated as an occasional personal addition rather than a guaranteed part of every departure unless the operator confirms it.

Two hours gives you time to eat without rushing. You can also enjoy the beach and water before returning to the boat. Because this is a private group, the stop can feel more relaxed than a meal tied to a large tour timetable.

There are still practical limits. A beach barbecue is outdoors, so conditions can affect comfort. You should bring your own towel and sunscreen, and a hat is useful during the meal and time on shore. If you have dietary restrictions, tell the provider when arranging the trip. The supplied details confirm the standard menu, but they do not promise substitutions.

Grande Rivière Sud Est Waterfall at the end

The final major stop is Grande Rivière Sud Est Waterfall, with about an hour for sightseeing. This gives the trip a welcome change from open lagoon and sandy beach. You finish with a river setting before the boat returns to Pointe Jerome.

The waterfall stop is reached after a 15-minute speedboat ride from Île aux Cerfs. That short transfer keeps the day moving and avoids another long stretch on the water immediately after lunch.

The information describes this as sightseeing, not swimming. Plan on viewing and photographing the falls rather than assuming you can enter the water. The exact viewing arrangement is not specified, so ask the guide about the best way to see the waterfall on your departure.

After the waterfall, the return trip takes about 45 minutes. By this point, you will have spent a full day in sun, wind, and water. Keep some drinking water in mind, even though drinks are provided, and protect your camera and phone from spray.

What the six-hour schedule really feels like

The listed timing adds up to roughly six hours, including boat travel. That is important. This is not six hours of lounging at one beach. It is a moving day with several short visits and two longer stops.

The broad rhythm looks like this:

• About 20 minutes from Pointe Jerome to the first island
• One hour at Île aux Aigrettes for swimming
• A 30-minute boat transfer and a 30-minute island visit
• A one-hour boat transfer and another 30-minute visit
• About 20 minutes to Île aux Cerfs
• Two hours for the barbecue and beach time
• A 15-minute ride to Grande Rivière Sud Est Waterfall
• One hour of sightseeing
• A 45-minute return to Pointe Jerome

The plan rewards people who want variety. You see islands, swim, snorkel, eat, and visit a waterfall in one outing. It is less suited to someone who wants a slow, single-beach day with almost no movement.

The exact starting time depends on availability. Since the trip is private and flexible, confirm the departure time and the order of stops when you book. That is also the right moment to discuss birthday arrangements or other special requests.

Price, group size, and what you receive

The cost is $850 per group of up to four. With four people, that works out to $212.50 each. For two people, the effective cost rises to $425 per person, which makes this a serious splurge.

The value improves if you care about privacy. The fee covers a private speedboat excursion, snorkeling equipment, drinks, and the barbecue. You also get an English or French-speaking guide and a route that combines several southeastern highlights.

A shared cruise may cost less per person, but it will not offer the same level of control or personal space. You are paying for a small group, flexible timing, and the chance to avoid crowds. If those things are secondary to you, the price may be hard to justify.

The strongest case is for four friends or family members who want one private day and would otherwise pay for several separate outings. The weakest case is for a solo visitor or couple on a tight budget. Before paying, I would ask for the exact island plan, confirm any special food needs, and decide if the private format matters enough to cover the premium.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms add flexibility, but they do not change the need to check weather and sea conditions before departure.

Who should book this boat day

I would recommend this trip for:

• Couples celebrating a special occasion
• Families or friends who can share the four-person price
• Confident swimmers who want both snorkeling and sightseeing
• People who prefer a private boat to a large group cruise
• Visitors who value local food, drinks, and a flexible schedule
• Anyone interested in coral conservation and responsible lagoon use

I would not recommend it for pregnant women, people with back problems, non-swimmers, or anyone prone to seasickness. It also may not suit you if you dislike boat travel or want a quiet day in one place.

Bring the practical basics: hat, swimwear, towel, camera, and sunscreen. Use an eco-friendly sunscreen, avoid touching coral and marine life, do not touch plants, and do not smoke or litter.

Should you book the Tennessee speedboat excursion?

Book it if you want a private, full-day style outing packed into six hours, and if your group can share the $850 cost. The combination of Île aux Aigrettes, Lighthouse Island, snorkeling, Île aux Cerfs, a lobster barbecue, and Grande Rivière Sud Est Waterfall gives you a broad taste of southeastern Mauritius.

I especially like the personal care associated with skipper Joël, the clear conservation message, and the food. The lobster and Dominique’s guitar made one booking feel truly special, though the music should not be treated as guaranteed.

Skip it if you are watching every dollar, dislike fast boats, or want to spend most of the day on a single beach. For the right group, this is an expensive but well-filled private outing. Ask about the two unnamed island stops before booking, then go prepared for sun, spray, swimming, and a generous meal.

FAQ

Where does the excursion start and finish?

The trip starts and returns at Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point.

What is the name and color of the boat?

The boat is named Tennessee and is white and grey.

How long does the excursion last?

The excursion lasts six hours, including boat travel and stops.

How many people can join the private group?

The price covers a private group of up to four people.

Which languages does the guide speak?

The live guide speaks English and French.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What food is included?

The beach barbecue includes lobster, chicken, local fish, salad, and fruit. Drinks are provided on board, including alcoholic and nonalcoholic choices.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, and sunscreen. Sunscreen and towels are not included. Eco-friendly sunscreen is recommended to protect the marine environment.