Speed boat to Ile aux Cerfs: Full day incl Lunch & Transfer

Mauritius saves some of its best scenery for the water. This full-day outing combines a fast speedboat ride, beach time on Ile aux Cerfs, the Grand River South-East Waterfalls, and a generous three-course BBQ lunch with drinks included. I especially like the easy hotel pickup and the relaxed pace, since you are not rushed from one sight to the next.

I also like the warm, social finish to lunch, with live guitar and jambé music. The main drawback is that the day may not suit you if you want a quiet beach outing, since the boat ride includes sharp turns and high-speed runs. The return transfer also needs a little patience, as one recent booking involved a long wait and confusion over another pickup.

At $90 per person, this is a strong package if you plan to use the included lunch, drinks, private transport, and boat sightseeing. Just remember that parasailing, banana rides, tube rides, snorkeling, and other water sports cost extra.

Key points to know before booking

• Hotel pickup anywhere in Mauritius: A private, air-conditioned vehicle collects you from your accommodation and returns you afterward.
• Speedboat access to Ile aux Cerfs: The ride from Trou d’Eau Douce crosses the clear east-coast lagoon and offers a more exciting approach than a slow ferry.
• Grand River South-East Waterfalls: The boat cruises along the waterfall channel, where monkeys and fruit bats may appear among the trees.
• Feet-in-the-sand three-course lunch: You get a BBQ meal, a local dessert, bottled water, soft drinks, wine, beer, and local rum.
• Live guitar and jambé after lunch: The music adds a friendly island feel and gives the meal a social, celebratory finish.
• Optional water sports cost extra: Beach time is included, but activities such as parasailing and banana riding are not part of the $90 price.

Starting from your hotel in Mauritius

The day begins with pickup at your accommodation anywhere on the island. You will meet a certified guide and driver, then travel in a fully air-conditioned vehicle toward Trou d’Eau Douce on the east coast.

This pickup is a major part of the value. Mauritius is spread out, and arranging your own taxi to the boat departure point can add cost and hassle. A private vehicle also means you do not need to find your way to a marina before breakfast.

The exact starting time depends on availability, so check when booking. The advertised duration is about seven hours. Tell the operator your hotel or accommodation name clearly, and give advance notice if you need a child or infant seat.

A small practical warning: keep your phone charged and watch for pickup updates. The transport is described as private, but a recent transfer did not go smoothly. A driver arrived about 30 minutes late, searched for another group, and briefly tried to combine the two pickups. The issue was eventually sorted out with the central office, but it shows why you should allow some flexibility at the end of the day.

Trou d’Eau Douce and the first boat ride

Trou d’Eau Douce is a fishing village on the east coast and the departure point for the speedboat. Once you leave the vehicle, you board the boat and head across the lagoon toward Ile aux Cerfs.

This is one of the strongest parts of the outing. The east-coast water is clear, and the ride gives you wide views of the shore, palms, and pale sand. You get a sense of Mauritius as an island rather than simply a beach resort.

The speedboat is fitted with a 150-horsepower Yamaha or Mercury outboard engine. That matters because this is not just transport. The boat ride is part of the entertainment, with quick acceleration, tight turns, and plenty of spray.

If you prefer a gentle cruise, tell the skipper. The itinerary specifically promises a thrilling ride, including sharp twists and wet stops. Wear swimwear under your clothes, protect your phone, and bring a change of clothes. Sunglasses can help, but secure them well.

Free time on Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the day’s main beach stop. As the boat approaches, you see white sand, palm trees, and bright turquoise water. You can swim, walk along the beach, snorkel on your own, or simply settle into the sand and enjoy the sun.

The appeal here is simple. You have several hours to choose your own pace instead of following a guide from one fixed point to another. If you want activity, you can ask about parasailing, banana riding, tube rides, an undersea walk, and other water sports. If you want less action, the beach and lagoon are enough.

Those activities are optional and not included in the $90 price. Ask about the cost before signing up, especially if you are traveling with a family or group. Extra water sports can quickly change the total price.

Bring a towel, hat, sunglasses, swimwear, and dry clothes. Sunscreen is also a sensible addition, although it is not listed among the required items. Bottled water is provided upon arrival, and drinks are also served with lunch, but you should still keep track of your water intake in the tropical heat.

One point worth knowing is the snorkeling plan. Snorkeling is listed as something you can enjoy, but there is no guaranteed dedicated snorkeling stop. A recent booking specifically wished for one. If snorkeling is your top priority, ask the operator in advance rather than assuming the boat will visit a particular reef.

Lunch on a private island

Around noon, the boat takes you to a private island setting for a three-course BBQ lunch. The meal is served in a feet-in-the-sand atmosphere, which fits the day perfectly. You are not stopping at a generic roadside restaurant after a beach trip. The meal keeps you close to the lagoon and the island scenery.

Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals are available. You need to request the vegetarian option when booking, and you should report food allergies or other dietary concerns ahead of time.

The meal includes a local dessert, so this is more substantial than a quick sandwich or snack. One vegetarian diner found the portion generous and the food tasty, which is useful if you are unsure whether the meat-free option will feel like an afterthought.

Drinks are a major part of the package. You receive water, soft drinks, red, rosé, and white wine, beer, and local rum. The drinks are described as unlimited during lunch. That inclusion helps explain the $90 price, particularly if you would otherwise pay separately for lunch, alcohol, and a full-day transfer.

Use some restraint in the heat, especially before the final speedboat run. A relaxed lunch with one or two drinks is one thing. Treating unlimited rum as a challenge is a poor plan when you still have a boat ride ahead.

Guitar, jambé, and the social side of lunch

After eating, live guitar and jambé music add a local performance element. This is not presented as a formal concert. It is more of a friendly post-lunch show, giving the group a chance to listen, clap along, and enjoy the easy mood.

This part is valuable because the day is not only about taking photographs of beaches. The music creates a shared moment and gives the lunch a distinctly Mauritian touch. If you prefer a quiet meal, the performance may feel a little lively, but most people looking for a festive island day should enjoy it.

The warm atmosphere was one of the most praised parts of the experience. The food, friendly guides, and relaxed meal all received particularly positive attention. The overall rating of 4.2 from 59 bookings suggests a solid experience, though not one without the occasional transport problem.

Cruising to Grand River South-East Waterfalls

After lunch and beach time, the skipper takes the boat toward the Grand River South-East Waterfalls, often shortened to GRSE. The waterfall area is where the river meets the sea, with the boat traveling along the channel for views from the water.

The approach is different from a beach stop. Instead of open lagoon and sand, you see older trees, riverbanks, and thick plant growth around the waterway. The boat allows you to view the falls without a long walk, which makes this a useful addition to a beach-focused day.

Keep your eyes on the riverbanks. Monkeys may jump through the trees, and Mauritian fruit bats may be resting high above you. Neither sight is guaranteed, but the chance to see wildlife gives the stop more character than a simple boat pass.

The waterfall itself may feel modest compared with famous falls elsewhere. Its appeal comes from the meeting of river, sea, trees, and wildlife. You are seeing a piece of Mauritius from the water, not visiting a large developed attraction with viewing platforms and crowds.

Photography can be tricky from a moving boat. Have your camera ready, but protect it from spray. A waterproof phone pouch is a sensible item for the whole day.

The final high-speed run

Around 3:30 p.m., you board the speedboat again for a more energetic coastal ride. The description promises full-throttle runs, sharp twists, and splashy stops powered by the 150-horsepower engine.

This final section will please anyone who likes a bit of excitement after a slow beach afternoon. The boat can accelerate quickly and turn hard, so hold on and expect to get wet.

It is less suitable for anyone with motion sensitivity, back problems, or a strong dislike of sudden movement. Parents should consider the ride carefully for small children. Infants aged one to three are free, but you must request an infant or child seat when booking, and the speedboat portion may still feel intense.

The final ride also means dry clothes are not just a suggestion. Store electronics securely, and avoid bringing anything onto the boat that cannot handle spray.

Is the $90 price good value?

At $90 per person, I see this as a good-value full-day package for someone who wants several elements handled at once. You get hotel pickup and drop-off, a private air-conditioned vehicle, a certified guide and driver, speedboat transport, Ile aux Cerfs beach time, GRSE waterfall sightseeing, lunch, dessert, and a wide range of drinks.

The package is especially useful if your accommodation is far from Trou d’Eau Douce. Paying for separate transport, a boat trip, lunch, and drinks could easily approach the same total, though the exact comparison depends on your hotel and the water sports you choose.

The value is weaker if you only want beach time. Ile aux Cerfs can be reached through other arrangements, and you may not need the waterfall cruise, live music, or high-speed boat ride. It is also not the best choice if you want a dedicated snorkeling day, since no specific snorkeling stop is promised.

The optional water sports deserve a budget line of their own. Parasailing, banana riding, tube rides, undersea walks, and similar activities are not included. If you plan to add one, confirm the price and timing before you go.

Who will enjoy this Mauritius boat tour?

I would recommend this outing to couples, families with older children, and small groups who want a ready-made day on the east coast. It works well if you like variety: a scenic drive, a fast boat ride, a famous beach, a generous lunch, music, a waterfall, and another burst of speed.

It also suits people who want to avoid planning every detail. The hotel pickup is useful, and the included lunch and drinks make the day easy to manage.

I would be more cautious if you want a calm, silent boat cruise or a serious snorkeling trip. The speedboat is intentionally lively, the lunch includes entertainment, and the transfer operation may occasionally run behind schedule.

Vegetarians are well catered for if they request the meal in advance. English and French are available, and the host or greeter can communicate in either language.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The trip depends on good weather. If conditions force cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

What to pack for the day

Keep your packing light, but bring the things that make a wet beach day easier:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Change of clothes
• Waterproof protection for your phone
• Any required medication or allergy information

You may also want sunscreen and a small dry bag. The boat ride, beach time, and waterfall cruise all create chances for splashes, and the last high-speed run is specifically designed to be wet.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs speedboat tour?

Book it if you want an easy, social island day with transport, lunch, drinks, music, and several boat stops included. The white beaches of Ile aux Cerfs are the main draw, but the GRSE waterfall cruise and lively speedboat runs give the experience more range than a simple beach transfer.

Skip it if you want a quiet boat ride, a guaranteed snorkeling session, or total control over your schedule. Also keep a little patience in reserve for the return transfer.

For most visitors, the strongest value comes from the combination. At $90, you are paying for a full day rather than a single attraction, and the friendly lunch atmosphere, vegetarian option, drinks, and well-praised guides help make the package feel generous. Ask about snorkeling, water-sport prices, dietary needs, and pickup timing before booking, then bring dry clothes and enjoy the spray.

FAQ

How long does the Ile aux Cerfs speedboat tour last?

The experience lasts about seven hours. Starting times depend on availability, so check the available departure times when booking.

Is hotel pickup included in Mauritius?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are provided at hotels or other accommodation anywhere in Mauritius. You should provide the exact accommodation or hotel name when booking.

What food is included?

A three-course BBQ lunch is included, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. A local dessert is also served.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Yes. Lunch includes water, soft drinks, red, rosé, and white wine, beer, and local rum. The drinks are described as unlimited during lunch.

Is the Grand River South-East Waterfall included?

Yes. The speedboat cruises along the waterfall channel for sightseeing. Monkeys and Mauritian fruit bats may be visible, but wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Are water sports included in the price?

No. Parasailing, banana riding, snorkeling, tube riding, undersea walking, and other water sports are optional extras.

What languages are available?

The host or greeter can provide service in English or French.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.