Mauritius: 5 Islands of the East Speedboat Tour with BBQ

The east coast packs plenty into one boat day. This seven-hour speedboat trip combines mangroves, the Grand River South East Waterfall, old naval sites, coral reefs, and the white beach of Île aux Cerfs. I especially like the mix of scenery and the small-boat feel, with one recent outing carrying only six people. The BBQ, drinks, and snorkeling equipment also make the $88 price easier to justify.

I also like that the day is not just a beach transfer. You get stories about the lighthouse and naval battles, a chance to spot monkeys and dolphins, and a stop near protected Île aux Aigrettes. The main drawback is timing: one booking reported waiting more than an hour before the boat departed, and the island visits depend on tides and protection rules.

Key points to know

• A full seven-hour east coast route: Waterfalls, mangroves, open sea, coral reefs, and two famous beach islands fill the day.
• Île aux Phare gives you the best historic photo stop: Its 19th-century lighthouse sits on volcanic rock above the waves.
• The BBQ is part of the value: Grilled chicken, fish, chicken sausages, salads, flambéed bananas, and local drinks are included.
• Snorkeling is provided at a secret stop: Gear is available on request, with tropical fish, coral, and perhaps a sea turtle.
• The five-island promise needs a little explanation: Some protected islands are viewed from the boat, and tides affect where you can stop.
• The setting changes constantly: Mangrove channels lead to a waterfall, then open ocean, quiet sandbars, reefs, and Île aux Cerfs.

Why this east coast boat trip works

Mauritius has plenty of water activities, but this one is useful for people who want several kinds of scenery in one outing. You start at Le Four a Chaux Restaurant near Trou d’Eau Douce, then move through calm coastal waterways before reaching the open lagoon.

The speedboat matters. It lets you cover a broad stretch of the east coast in a single day, while still allowing time to swim, snorkel, eat, and walk on Île aux Cerfs. You get more variety than on a simple waterfall cruise or a short beach shuttle.

The group atmosphere can also be a strong point. A recent trip had only six people on the boat, which gave guide Kenny room to explain the islands in both French and English. Another outing praised John for being available and helpful throughout the day. Group size can vary, so I would treat a small boat as a pleasant possibility, not a guarantee.

You should also set your expectations correctly. The title refers to five islands, but the practical plan includes both stops and pass-by views. Protected areas may not allow you ashore, and tides can change the order or access. You still see the islands, but this is not five separate island walks.

Trou d’Eau Douce and the safety briefing

The meeting point is Trou d’Eau Douce Beach, with the listed starting location at Le Four a Chaux Restaurant. Once you are aboard, the captain gives a safety briefing covering life jackets, onboard rules, and the route.

That briefing is important because the day includes calm river water, faster open-water travel, swimming, and snorkeling. Bring your own towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and camera. Snorkeling gear is listed as available on request, so ask for it before leaving rather than waiting until you reach the reef.

One practical warning concerns the start. You are told to arrive before departure, but one person reported waiting over an hour without clear direction about which operator to find. I would arrive prepared, then actively confirm the boat and meeting instructions at the beach. Optional hotel or villa transfers are available, but they cost extra.

Mangroves and Grand River South East Waterfall

The first part of the route is gentle. The boat passes through mangrove-lined waterways, where the guide explains how mangrove roots protect the shore and provide nursery areas for young marine life.

This is one of the quieter parts of the trip, and it gives you a good change of pace from the speedboat ride. The green channels are also useful for photographs, especially if you enjoy seeing a side of Mauritius that is less about resort beaches.

The boat then continues upriver to Grand River South East Waterfall, one of the few waterfalls in Mauritius that can be reached by boat. Fresh water spills over dark basalt rock into the river and sea, creating a sharp contrast between inland greenery and the nearby lagoon.

Keep your eyes on the trees along the river. Monkeys may be visible climbing or playing, but sightings are not promised. The same applies to dolphins later in the day. Treat wildlife as a fortunate extra, not as the main reason to book.

Searching for dolphins on the open lagoon

After the river, the boat heads into the open water. This is where the speed and sea breeze become part of the fun, though rough conditions can make the ride less comfortable.

Dolphins are often seen in this area, and the captain may look for them along the route. A recent outing included dolphins and a sea turtle, but you should remember that both sightings are possible rather than guaranteed.

The open-water section also gives you wide views of the east coast and the islands ahead. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring whatever personal remedy you normally use. The activity can be rescheduled if the sea is rough or the weather is poor.

Île aux Phare and the old naval story

Île aux Phare, also called Ile aux Fouquets in the route details, is one of the most memorable stops. Its 19th-century lighthouse sits on volcanic rock, with waves breaking below and broad views across the lagoon.

You may stop for photographs and sightseeing, but conditions and access matter. The lighthouse is mainly a visual and historic attraction here, not a promise of a long interior visit. The rocky setting can make the island look dramatic from the boat, especially against the blue water.

Next comes Île de la Passe. You pass by this small island while the guide explains its role in colonial naval battles and points out remnants of old fortifications. This is where the tour gains depth. You are not only looking at sand and water, you are getting a short introduction to the maritime conflicts that shaped Mauritius.

Because the stop is mostly from the boat, listen closely during the explanation. The story is part of the experience, and you will not have much time to wander around independently.

Île aux Flamant and the protected islands

Île aux Flamant is another pass-by stop. It is shallow and peaceful, and its name suggests flamingos, though flamingos rarely visit now. That makes it a nice example of why names and present-day conditions do not always match.

The protected status of some islands is a key detail. You may see more than you can visit, and that is normal for this route. The description refers to five islands, while the practical notes say that three islands may be visited depending on tides, with protected islands viewed from the boat.

For you, the benefit is access to places that are otherwise difficult to see. The trade-off is limited time on land. If your dream is to step ashore on every island, this trip may disappoint. If you want a broad view of the east coast with a few well-chosen stops, the arrangement makes sense.

Snorkeling among coral and tropical fish

The snorkeling stop takes place at a quiet location near Île aux Aigrettes. The water is described as clear, with coral reefs and tropical fish. You might also see a sea turtle.

The guide handles safety, and equipment is available on request. You should still bring sunscreen that is suitable for time in the water, along with a towel and dry clothes for the rest of the boat ride.

This stop is best understood as a short reef visit, not a full marine park session. The duration of the swim is not specified, and sea conditions can affect visibility. Still, it breaks up the sightseeing and gives you time to experience the lagoon from below the surface.

Île aux Aigrettes itself is a protected nature reserve known for rare wildlife, including Aldabra giant tortoises and the endangered pink pigeon. You do not disembark on the reserve during this trip. Instead, you get views from nearby and a relaxed beach stop with music, snacks, drinks, and time for swimming.

That restriction is a positive sign for conservation, but it also means you should not book this trip expecting a tortoise encounter. The reserve is part of the setting and the guide’s explanation, not a walk-through attraction.

BBQ lunch beside Îlot Mangenie

Lunch is served next to Îlot Mangenie, on the way to Île aux Cerfs. The meal includes grilled chicken, fish, chicken sausages, fresh salads, flambéed bananas, and local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

The BBQ receives some of the strongest praise attached to this experience. One recent booking described it as excellent, and another specifically praised the food and warm welcome. That matters because a beach lunch can be a weak point on a long excursion if it is rushed or forgettable. Here, food is a central part of the day rather than an afterthought.

Vegetarian food must be requested in advance. If you do not eat meat or fish, make that request before the tour date. Personal expenses are not included, so you should also budget separately for anything beyond the provided meal, snacks, and drinks.

The lunch setting is informal. You are eating near the water, with views along the route and time to enjoy the beach surroundings. It is not a formal restaurant meal, which is exactly the appeal, but weather and sand are part of the package.

Île aux Cerfs, the final beach stop

Île aux Cerfs is the grand finale. The island is known for powdery white sand and a broad lagoon, and you get time to walk, swim, sunbathe, or explore at your own pace.

The free time is useful after a busy route. By this point you have been moving between waterways, islands, reefs, and lunch, so a final beach stop lets you slow down. You can enjoy the water without needing to follow another explanation or board immediately for the next sight.

Optional activities such as parasailing, glass-bottom boat trips, and an undersea walk are not included. That gives you choice, but it can also raise the total cost if you add several extras. I would decide in advance if your priority is a relaxed beach hour or a more active finish.

The island can also feel like the most familiar part of the trip. Mauritius is known for beautiful beaches, and Île aux Cerfs delivers that postcard setting. The earlier stops, especially the mangroves, waterfall, lighthouse, and naval island, provide the more distinctive character.

The real value of the $88 price

At $88 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day on the water, but it bundles a lot: speedboat transport, the waterfall, island sightseeing, snorkeling, equipment on request, snacks, drinks, and a BBQ lunch.

I consider the price fair if you want variety. Booking separate transport to the waterfall, a reef stop, and Île aux Cerfs would take more planning and could cost more once meals and boat transfers are added. The guided explanations also give the old islands more meaning than a fast pass-by would provide on its own.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a quiet beach day. Île aux Cerfs can be visited without committing to a seven-hour route, and you may prefer a shorter outing if you dislike speedboat travel or scheduled stops.

You should also factor in extra costs for hotel transfers and activities on Île aux Cerfs. The listed price covers the core excursion, not every possible water sport.

Who should book this trip

I would recommend it to you if you want a single, active day that covers several sides of Mauritius. It suits couples, families, and small groups who enjoy being on the water and do not mind moving through a busy schedule.

It is particularly good for you if:

• You want both natural scenery and historical context.
• You like snorkeling but do not need a long specialist reef session.
• You value lunch and drinks being included.
• You want time on Île aux Cerfs without spending the entire day there.
• You are comfortable with possible wildlife sightings rather than guaranteed ones.
• You can request a vegetarian meal ahead of time if needed.

I would think twice if you require guaranteed island landings, dislike uncertain departure arrangements, or want a slow and silent boat ride. The route is broad and energetic, and its best feature is the range of experiences rather than a long stay at any one place.

The tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, with English and French guides. Because the experience includes a beach meeting point, speedboat boarding, swimming, and snorkeling, I would still confirm the practical arrangements for your needs before booking.

Should you book the five-island speedboat tour?

Book it if you want maximum variety in seven hours and like the idea of a proper island lunch included. The lighthouse, naval sites, coral reef, waterfall, mangroves, and Île aux Cerfs give you a fuller picture of Mauritius’ east coast than a basic beach trip.

Go in with realistic expectations: some islands are pass-by views, wildlife is never certain, and the start may require patience. Confirm the meeting point, request snorkeling equipment and any vegetarian meal in advance, and keep your beach gear ready. With those details handled, the $88 package offers a lively, well-rounded day on Mauritius’ water.

FAQ

Where does the Mauritius speedboat tour start?

The meeting point is Trou d’Eau Douce Beach, with Le Four a Chaux Restaurant listed as the starting location.

How long does the tour last?

The activity lasts seven hours, including the boat route, sightseeing stops, snorkeling, lunch, and time at Île aux Cerfs.

Which islands can I visit?

The route includes Île aux Phare, Île de la Passe, Île aux Flamant, Île aux Aigrettes, and Île aux Cerfs. Some islands are protected or affected by tides, so you may pass by them rather than disembark.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling equipment is available on request. You should bring your own snorkeling gear if you prefer, along with swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a camera.

What food is included at lunch?

The BBQ includes grilled chicken, fish, chicken sausages, fresh salads, flambéed bananas, and local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Vegetarian meals must be requested in advance.

Are dolphins and monkeys guaranteed?

No. Dolphins and monkeys may be seen during the trip, but sightings are not guaranteed. A sea turtle may also be seen during the snorkeling stop.