Speedboat days in Mauritius can feel like chaos. This one feels planned. You hop between classic east-coast islands on a comfortable boat, hit snorkeling in Blue Bay Marine Park, and end up with an included beach BBQ plus a properly stocked open bar.

Two things I really like: the pace is sporty without feeling rushed, and the snorkeling setup is taken care of so you can focus on the water. One thing to consider: this is a long 9-hour day on the sea, so if you get seasick easily, bring a plan (and maybe skip the watersports on Ile aux Cerfs).

Key things to know before you go

• Max 8 people in a small group: less crowding, more space to hear the guide and move around.
• Open bar included: rum, wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and water throughout the day.
• Beach BBQ on Ile aux Cerfs: grilled chicken and fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, salad.
• Snorkeling gear is provided: you’ll get what you need for the Blue Bay Marine Park session.
• Monkeys + waterfall viewpoint: a nature-and-scenery stop before you head deeper into the island circuit.
• Private speedboat possible for 4+: if you’re traveling as a family or small group, it’s a good way to upgrade.

Trou d’Eau Douce to Ile aux Cerfs: the easy rhythm of a long day

Most people underestimate the logistics of a full-day speedboat trip: you’re not just “going to an island,” you’re crisscrossing the east coast on a set timeline. Here, the day is built around a steady flow—start at the jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce, visit islands in a sequence that keeps travel time efficient, and then return to Ile aux Cerfs for a proper beach block.

You’ll meet at the Debarcader Trou d’eau Douche jetty. Plan to arrive early enough to park, walk to the right spot, and check in without stress. One useful tip from the vibe of the schedule: the meetup time and the actual departure can be separated by a bit, so don’t treat the first clock time as “engine start.”

Right after you head out, the day’s theme becomes clear: speedboat adventure plus curated stops. You’re cruising through the lagoon area, getting viewpoints from the water, and then hopping onto islands only when it makes sense. That pacing matters, because it keeps the snorkeling and beach time from feeling like rushed checkboxes.

Speedboat style: comfortable, sporty, and guided

This isn’t a slow ferry. It’s a speedboat experience along the east coast—yes, you’ll hear that powerful engine as you glide on waves. The payoff is distance: you can cover a lot of famous spots in one day without needing to drive between locations.

Two practical strengths here:

• A live guide is with you (English, French, German, Italian, Romanian). You’ll get context while you’re moving, which helps the islands feel more than “pretty scenery.”
• A small group limit (8 participants) keeps things from turning into a shuffle. When you’re snorkeling, having fewer people also makes it easier to follow instructions and keep your gear sorted.

One caution: because the boat is fast, you’ll feel motion more than on a calm cruise. If you’re sensitive, think about seasickness prevention before you go. And if the sea is choppy, you’ll want to keep your valuables secured and your own expectation realistic—this is about speed and sea time, not a floating lounge.

Ile aux Cerfs first: 45 minutes that set up the whole day

Your first island stop is Ile aux Cerfs for about 45 minutes. This is a warm-up round: enough time to get oriented, grab refreshments, and start soaking up the beach views that make this part of Mauritius famous.

What I like about this order is psychology. You begin with a classic island so the day feels rewarding right away. Then the rest of the itinerary builds outward—waterfall viewpoints, animal moments, another island run, and finally the snorkeling and long beach lunch block.

Even if you’re not jumping straight into parasailing or a tube ride (those are optional watersports while you’re on the sand), the short first stop helps you calibrate. You know where you’ll land later, and the beach vibe makes the day feel less like a boat-only tour.

Grand River South East: waterfall views and feeding Mauritian monkeys

After Ile aux Cerfs, you head toward Grand River South East. This is where the trip becomes more than island hopping. You get a view of a waterfall flowing into the Indian Ocean, and then you have the chance to meet and feed wild Mauritian monkeys.

A moment like this is memorable, but it also comes with basic real-world behavior rules. Expect it to feel a bit wild—because it’s wild. Keep your distance when you’re told to, follow the guide’s instructions, and don’t treat it like a photo-op with no consequences. Feeding animals means you’re participating in their space, so polite caution is the right move.

Why this stop is worth it: it breaks up the sea time. You’re not only watching scenery from water—you’re switching gears to land-based wildlife and a strong sense of place along the coast.

Ile aux Phares, plus the big lagoon cruise feel

Next, you’ll pass to Ile aux Phares, and then the route continues toward Blue Bay, with sightseeing along the way (including passing Ile de La Passe and later Îlot Margenie on the return).

These “pass-by” segments matter more than people think. On a long speedboat day, seeing iconic features without constantly stopping helps you avoid the fatigue of constant boarding and disembarking. It’s also a good way to get that lagoon viewpoint that you can’t always see from shore.

This is also where you start noticing how the boat layout and guidance work. With a small group, you can often position yourself for better views during the cruising segments. If you care about photos, this is the portion where it’s smart to stay ready with your camera.

Blue Bay Marine Park snorkeling: the main event

The day’s centerpiece is the snorkeling session at Blue Bay Marine Park. You’ll cruise to Blue Bay, then head into crystal clear waters with snorkeling equipment provided.

This is the moment that turns the trip from “nice islands” into “an active day.” The point isn’t just to see fish—it’s to snorkel in a protected marine area where underwater life is part of the experience. You should expect bright water conditions, and you’ll likely get some great close-up sightings of tropical species.

One useful consideration: currents can matter in open water. You’ll get instruction before you go in, and the guide will keep an eye on everyone. The goal is to keep you safe while still making snorkeling feel fun and natural.

Also, the experience includes the possibility of spotting wildlife from the boat route—there’s a mention of sea turtles and dolphins. Even when you don’t see them, the snorkeling itself is still the win. But if marine animals are your priority, keep an eye on the water during the cruise legs, not only during the snorkel time.

Île aux Aigrettes refreshments and the return toward the beach

After the snorkeling session, the itinerary continues with more sightings and short stops. You’ll pass by Île aux Aigrettes for refreshments and then head back toward Ile aux Cerfs (passing Îlot Margenie along the way).

These mid-route refresh points do something practical: they keep energy up without breaking the day into awkward long pauses. You’re on the go, but you’re not running on empty.

And once you’re back at Ile aux Cerfs, that’s where the day slows in the right way.

Ile aux Cerfs beach time: coconut water, BBQ lunch, and open bar pacing

This is the portion you’ll likely remember even more than the snorkeling, because you get a true beach block instead of a quick stop. You’ll have relaxing time on white sand, with the option to swim and sunbathe.

On the included side, you’ll get:

• BBQ lunch on the beach: grilled chicken, grilled fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, and salad
• All-inclusive open bar: rum, wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and water
• Snacks unlimited
• A barman who’s making drinks for you

This is where the “VIP” idea shows up. It’s not just a boat ride with a snack. It’s a full beach-meal setup, with drinks kept flowing so you’re not stuck waiting in line or rationing your own water.

There’s also live music entertainment or a sega show in the background. Even if you’re not trying to turn it into a party, it adds that east-coast Mauritius mood while you eat.

Optional watersports are available while you’re on Ile aux Cerfs. The important thing: since those are optional, you’ll want to decide based on sea conditions and how you feel after the snorkeling. Tube ride and parasailing can be fun, but don’t force it if your body is already tired from the 9-hour day.

Food and drinks: why the included lunch is a real value here

At $125 per person for a 9-hour tour, it’s worth asking what you’re actually buying. You’re paying for more than a ticket to islands—you’re buying convenience and timing.

The included BBQ lunch is a big part of that. On tours like this, the hidden cost is often food that’s either expensive or rushed. Here you get multiple components (meat, fish, sides like rice and pasta, garlic bread, salad), plus unlimited snacks and drinks. That means you can treat the day like a one-stop plan instead of juggling beach cafés and water purchases all day.

The open bar helps too, because it keeps the mood consistent. If you’re traveling with people who don’t want to spend the day chasing drinks, this setup lets everyone stay together.

Group size and the private upgrade: who this suits best

With a limit of 8 participants, the experience is built to avoid crowd pressure. That matters at three key moments:

• when the guide gives snorkeling instructions
• when you’re moving between boats and islands
• when you’re trying to enjoy beach time without feeling surrounded

This is a great fit if you want a lively day but still prefer order. It also fits couples and small friend groups who want to see the east-coast highlights without spending their entire trip on transport.

If you have 4 pax and above, there’s a private speedboat option. For families, that can be a smart way to reduce waiting and keep kids (or anyone) from feeling boxed in by other groups. For friends, it can turn the day into a more personal experience with less noise and more flexibility.

What I’d plan for: practical packing and expectations

You’ll want to bring:

• Camera
• Sunscreen

And honestly, based on the day’s structure, I’d add a few common-sense extras even though they’re not listed:

• a hat or cap for sun time on Ile aux Cerfs
• a rash guard or swim shirt if you burn easily
• a small waterproof bag for your phone

What you should expect from the experience itself:

• a mix of sea time and island time
• snorkeling as a guided activity
• short wildlife and waterfall moments that add meaning to the scenery
• food that’s included and eaten on the beach, not in a distant restaurant

Price and logistics: where the value feels real

Let’s talk value without pretending this is budget travel. At $125 per person, you’re paying for a full-day package: speedboat transport, multiple island stops, a snorkeling session with gear, a beach BBQ lunch, and an open bar.

The best way to judge value here is to price out what you’d otherwise pay for:

• a private or semi-private boat day
• snorkeling equipment rental and a guided route
• lunch at island beach areas
• drinks and snacks across the day

When you stack those costs, the total usually gets messy fast. This tour keeps it simple: you show up, you get fed, you get guided, and you get your snorkeling time in one continuous plan.

The only “logistics friction” is the meeting point and the time on the water. If you can manage that part, the rest feels efficient.

Should you book this VIP 5 Islands speedboat day?

Book it if you want a classic Mauritius east-coast day with a sporty boat, real beach time, and snorkeling that’s a main event—not an optional add-on. I’d also lean toward this tour if you like the idea of mixing scenery, wildlife, and a waterfall viewpoint in one loop, instead of choosing just one theme.

Don’t book if you’re extremely sensitive to sea motion or you hate long days on the water. Also think carefully if you’re only interested in one thing (like snorkeling only). This is best when you want the full set: islands, sea life, lunch, and drinks.

In short: if you’re traveling to Mauritius for “see it all” days, this is one of the more complete packages—especially because lunch and drinks are handled and the group stays small.

FAQ

How long is the 5 Islands speedboat tour?

The duration is 9 hours.

What’s included with the snorkeling?

Snorkeling equipment is included, and you’ll have a snorkeling session in Blue Bay Marine Park.

Is lunch included?

Yes. You’ll get a BBQ lunch on the beach with grilled chicken, grilled fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, and salad.

What drinks are included?

An all-inclusive open bar is included with rum, wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and water, plus unlimited snacks.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet at Debarcader Trou d’eau Douche. You can find the jetty by searching that name on Google Maps.

Is hotel pickup available?

Hotel pickup and drop-off all around Mauritius is available for an additional cost.

How big is the group?

The tour runs as a small group with a limit of 8 participants.

Can I get a private speedboat?

If you have a family of 4 pax and above, the operator can offer a private speedboat for you.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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