Mauritius: Full-Day Speedboat Tour to Ile aux Cerfs & BBQ

Mauritius looks best from the water. This 7-hour speedboat trip packs the southeast lagoon with snorkeling, a 1902 shipwreck, the old lighthouse, Grand River South East waterfall, and a generous beach BBQ. I especially like the small-boat feel and the chance to see more than Île aux Cerfs alone.

I also like the crew’s friendly, lively approach. Guides such as Hans, Giovanni, Nathaniel, Ashley, and Daren are repeatedly praised for keeping the day organized, explaining the sights, and making guests feel looked after. The main consideration is price: at $147 per person, this is not Mauritius’s cheapest boat outing, and the snorkeling can be ordinary when sea conditions or reef visibility are poor.

Why This Speedboat Trip Gets So Much Right

• A proper southeast coast circuit: You visit the lighthouse, shipwreck, waterfall, snorkeling area, Île aux Cerfs, and Île aux Aigrettes in one day.
• A smaller, faster boat: The speedboat covers more ground than a slow catamaran and is often less crowded.
• A beach BBQ with time to relax: Lunch includes grilled chicken and fish, with a vegetarian option available if requested ahead of time.
• Drinks are included all day: Water, soft drinks, local beer, and rum are available on board.
• Wildlife can add surprises: Dolphins, monkeys, starfish, turtles, and tropical fish have all been seen, though none should be treated as guaranteed.
• Pickup can be arranged across Mauritius: Hotel pickup is optional, which matters if you are staying far from Shandrani Beach.

Starting at Shandrani Beach Around 9:30 AM

The usual meeting point is the beach beside Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa. If you are driving, parking is reached by taking the small rocky road on the left side of the hotel.

The boat normally leaves at about 9:30 AM and returns between 4:00 and 4:30 PM. That gives you roughly seven hours on the water, with several stops and a long lunch break. The schedule is full, but it does not feel like a race if the day runs smoothly.

A short safety briefing comes first. You should arrive in swimwear if possible, rather than waiting until the first snorkeling stop to change. Bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. A change of clothes is a smart extra, especially because the boat can move quickly and you will probably get wet several times.

Optional pickup is available from accommodation or a designated point anywhere in Mauritius, but you need to contact the operator to confirm the time and place. This can be a very good value if you are staying on the west coast and would otherwise need to arrange a long taxi ride to the southeast. One reported pickup from the west coast was well organized, though the drive itself adds time to an already long day.

Snorkeling in the Grand Port Lagoon

The first major water stop is in the Grand Port area. The boat pauses in clear lagoon water for about 30 minutes, and snorkeling equipment is included.

The appeal here is easy to understand. You can swim above coral and look for tropical fish without committing to a full scuba excursion. The lagoon setting also keeps the activity accessible for people who prefer calmer water. Several outings have produced clear views of coral, fish, and other marine life.

Still, keep your expectations sensible. One experienced visitor found the snorkeling only average, which is a useful warning. Visibility depends on weather, water movement, and the exact stopping point. This is a pleasant reef swim, not a specialist marine expedition. If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, ask the crew where conditions are best on the day.

You will likely spend a lot of time in and around the boat, so keep your camera and phone protected from spray. The speedboat is comfortable and spacious by excursion standards, but space is tighter than on a catamaran. That trade-off is part of the appeal: you get a quicker ride and a smaller group, but less room to stretch out.

The D’Alblair Wreck and Île aux Fouquets Lighthouse

After snorkeling, the boat heads toward the coral barrier and the D’Alblair shipwreck. The vessel sank in 1902, giving this stop a little more substance than another pretty photo point. You see the wreck from the boat, with the reef and open water adding context to the story.

Next comes Île aux Fouquets, also known as Lighthouse Island. The old lighthouse makes a memorable landmark, especially when viewed from a low boat close to the water. The stop lasts about 30 minutes and allows time for photographs and a short guided visit.

The island is not presented as a large historical site with many rooms to explore. Its attraction is the setting, the weathered structure, and the sense of passing through a working stretch of coastline with old navigation markers. Guides usually add useful background about Mauritius and the places you are seeing. Hans and Giovanni are particularly praised for combining clear explanations with plenty of humor.

Bring footwear that can handle wet conditions. The instructions call for comfortable shoes, and this is sensible for getting in and out of the boat and walking at the lighthouse stop. Avoid bringing anything precious that you do not want splashed.

Grand River South East Waterfall by Speedboat

One of the day’s more unusual sections comes when the speedboat leaves the open lagoon and travels upstream along Grand River South East, the longest river in Mauritius. The river narrows the experience and changes the scenery from open sea to a greener, more enclosed setting.

The boat ends at the Grand River South East waterfall. You get around 30 minutes to look around, take pictures, and enjoy the stop. Monkeys have been spotted here, adding a lively bit of wildlife to the visit. Some outings have also included fun swims or jumps from rocks, but you should follow the crew’s instructions and not assume every condition will suit that activity.

This stop is valuable because it breaks up the sea time. After snorkeling, cruising, and island views, the river provides a different side of Mauritius. It also gives the tour more range than a standard beach-and-snorkel trip.

The waterfall itself is not a full hiking destination. You are visiting by boat, with a short stop rather than a long walk inland. If you want extensive time at waterfalls, this excursion is not designed for that. Its strength is variety.

Lunch on Île aux Cerfs

The main midday stop is Île aux Cerfs, one of the most famous island escapes on Mauritius’s east coast. The boat leaves you with about 90 minutes for lunch, swimming, and beach time.

The BBQ includes grilled chicken and fish. A vegetarian lunch is possible if you request it in advance. The food receives unusually strong praise for a boat excursion, with generous portions and a beach setting that makes the meal feel like part of the experience rather than a practical refueling stop.

I would not book this trip expecting a private island. Île aux Cerfs is a well-known destination, and beach conditions can vary with the number of boats visiting. Yet the operator may set up lunch in a quieter section of the beach, and several outings have been described as calm, spacious, and surprisingly secluded.

The 90-minute break is long enough to eat without rushing and take a swim. It is not long enough for a full island exploration or a string of extra water sports. If you want parasailing or similar activities, some outings have included them, but they are not listed among the core inclusions. Ask before booking if that matters to you.

The Final Stop at Île aux Aigrettes

The last stop is Île aux Aigrettes, where you can enjoy a drink in a natural swimming pool surrounded by starfish. This is a gentle way to end the active part of the day.

The natural pool is different from the earlier snorkeling stop. Instead of looking for fish across a reef, you are enjoying shallow water and the unusual sight of starfish nearby. Treat the marine life with care and follow any instructions from the crew.

The stop lasts around 30 minutes, so think of it as a final swim and drink rather than another major island visit. By this point, you will have spent hours in the sun and water. The short pause gives you one more chance to cool off before the return trip.

Dolphins and turtles have appeared on some trips, and a few outings have had close dolphin sightings. These encounters are pleasant bonuses, not part of the reliable route. The same goes for wildlife at the waterfall. The boat takes you through good areas for sightings, but nature keeps its own timetable.

The Boat, Crew, and Onboard Mood

The boat is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip over a larger catamaran. It is described as modern, clean, fast, and comfortable, while still offering a more personal atmosphere. You see many other boats on the lagoon, but this experience is often praised for avoiding severe overcrowding.

The speed is fun, especially in open stretches of water. It also lets you reach several stops in one day without spending all your time in transit. The drawback is that a fast boat can be wet and bouncy. If you are prone to motion sickness, staying within the reef may help, and one person who had worried about seasickness found the ride manageable. Conditions still vary, so take your own comfort seriously.

The crew shapes the mood. Guides including Hans, Giovanni, Ashley, Nathaniel, Jamal, and Daren are praised for being attentive, amusing, and willing to explain local sights. Music is often part of the day, and the crew may keep drinks topped up as you cruise.

Included drinks are water, Orangina, Coca-Cola, local beer, and rum. The rum is a strong part of the island flavor, but pace yourself. The boat may accelerate suddenly, so finish your drink before the skipper opens the throttle unless you want a rum-and-Coke souvenir on your shirt.

Is $147 a Fair Price?

At $147, this tour costs more than a basic shared boat trip to Île aux Cerfs. The price makes more sense when you count what is included: a full-day speedboat, snorkeling gear, lunch, soft drinks, local beer, rum, multiple sightseeing stops, and possible hotel pickup.

You are also paying for range. A simpler outing may take you directly to Île aux Cerfs and perhaps one snorkeling area. This route adds the shipwreck, Lighthouse Island, Grand River South East waterfall, and Île aux Aigrettes. The speedboat also gives you a better chance of fitting those stops into one day than a slower vessel.

The value is strongest if you want an all-in-one day and appreciate a smaller group. It is weaker if you only want a quiet beach afternoon, do not drink alcohol, or prefer spending a long time at one snorkeling site.

Private groups are available, which may be worth considering for families or couples who want more say over the pace. The standard experience can still feel intimate when the boat is lightly booked, but group size can affect the atmosphere.

Weather, Timing, and Practical Preparation

Weather matters in Mauritius. The date or route may be changed according to the forecast, so keep some flexibility if your schedule allows. A cloudy day does not automatically ruin the trip, and one outing remained enjoyable despite rain, but sunshine makes the lagoon colors and lighthouse photographs far better.

Wear your swimsuit from the start. Pack a dry change of clothing, a towel, suncream, sunglasses, and a hat. Footwear that dries quickly is especially useful. You should also bring a camera, but protect it from spray and saltwater.

The activity is offered in English and French. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, useful if the weather forecast is still uncertain. These policies make it easier to hold a place without locking every detail into your plan immediately.

This tour suits active couples, families who can manage a long water day, and anyone visiting Mauritius for a short stay who wants several southeast highlights in one outing. It is less suitable if you dislike speed, need lots of dry seating, or want a slow, quiet cruise with no fixed sequence of stops.

Should You Book This Mauritius Speedboat Tour?

I would book it if you want a lively day that combines scenery, swimming, food, and local character. The best parts are the modern speedboat, the small-group feel, the excellent BBQ, and the crew’s care. Guides such as Hans and Giovanni have helped make the day especially memorable for many groups.

I would think twice if snorkeling quality is your top priority or if $147 feels high for a beach excursion. The reef can be underwhelming, Île aux Cerfs can attract other boats, and the schedule gives you short visits rather than deep exploration.

For most visitors, though, the balance is strong. You see the southeast coast from several angles, eat on the beach, cruise a river, and have plenty of chances to swim. Book this one when you want Mauritius in motion, not just Mauritius from a sun lounger.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat tour begin?

The meeting point is on the beach of Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa. If you are driving, use the small rocky road on the left side of the hotel to find parking.

Is hotel pickup available anywhere in Mauritius?

Yes, pickup is optional from accommodation or a designated pickup location anywhere in Mauritius. You need to contact the activity provider to confirm the pickup time and exact location.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch is a BBQ with grilled chicken and fish on Île aux Cerfs. A vegetarian meal is available on request. Water, Orangina, Coca-Cola, local beer, and rum are available during the day.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included. The snorkeling stop lasts about 30 minutes in the Grand Port area.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, comfortable footwear, and a camera if you want photographs. A change of clothes and quick-drying shoes are also useful.

What languages are available, and can I cancel?

The tour is available with a live guide in English or French. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later.