Mauritius by speedboat is a fast way to fall in love with the coast. This full-day ride links five East Coast islands with swimming and snorkeling, plus a stop at the Grande River South East waterfall and a BBQ lunch that comes with drinks. I like that the day feels packed but not chaotic: you get real time at the beaches, not just a quick photo. One thing to consider: this is a speedboat, so it can feel bumpy, and the whole day depends on good weather.

You’ll start on the east side near Trou d’Eau Douce, then move island to island along calmer-water coves. Along the way, you’ll also get a bit of context for what you’re seeing—especially around the historic battle area near Ile de la Passe and Ile aux Phares.

Key highlights you should care about

• Five islands in one day along the East Coast, so you don’t have to plan separate trips
• Grande River South East waterfall with a photo stop plus a boat cruise view
• Snorkeling at Eau Bleu plus swimming time at more than one island
• Ile aux Margenie BBQ lunch and drinks so you’re not hunting for food mid-tour
• English/French live guide to explain what you’re passing and what’s worth looking for

Pickup, Timing, and Meeting Point on the East Coast

This tour runs a full day—about 7 hours—with your start around 9:00 AM and a return to Trou d’Eau Douce by 4:00 PM. The meeting point is on the beach opposite Green Island Restaurant, so you’re not wandering through a maze of hotels to find the boat.

Pickup is optional. If you choose it, you’ll need to send your accommodation address, and the pickup time varies by where you’re staying. If you don’t choose pickup, plan on getting yourself to the meeting beach in time for the 9:00 AM start.

The Speedboat Part: Why It’s Fun (and When It’s Not)

This experience is built around a full-day speedboat. That means you get more coastline, more islands, and more “how is this real” ocean moments than a slow cruise. It also means you should expect some motion and a bit of spray—especially if conditions aren’t flat calm.

Good news: several people describe the ride as exciting but smooth enough to enjoy. Still, if you’re sensitive to choppy water, this is the part to take seriously. Pack sunscreen and sunglasses, and bring your towel and swimwear so you’re ready the minute you’re called to jump in.

And yes—weather matters. If the day gets canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Ile aux Cerfs: Market Time Plus Beach Water Time

Your morning begins with Ile aux Cerfs, a popular island stop where you’ll have around 45 minutes to explore and get a first look at the beaches. There’s also time for a stop that includes arts and crafts market browsing, which is a nice way to buy a small souvenir without turning the day into a shopping errand.

Later, Ile aux Cerfs becomes more than a viewpoint. You’ll also have a dedicated block for swimming and snorkeling (about 35 minutes). If you want the classic Mauritius moment—warm shallow water, easy beach access, and time to actually float—this is where you’ll get it.

Grande River South East Waterfall: A Long River Meeting the Sea

After the first island, you head to the Grande River South East waterfall area. You’ll get about 30 minutes for a mix of photo stops, a boat cruise, and scenic views on the way.

The standout detail here is that you’re seeing the longest river in Mauritius as it meets the sea. Even if waterfalls aren’t your main thing, this stop gives your day variety. It breaks up the “island beach rhythm” with a wetter, greener-feeling moment and better sightlines for photos.

Ile aux Phares and Ile de la Passe: Lighthouse Views and Napoleonic-Era History

Next comes a photo stop at Ile aux Fouquets Lighthouse (often referred to as Ile aux Phares), with about 25 minutes for sightseeing. The lighthouse is described as being more than 200 years old and declared a historical monument.

Then you’ll pass Ile de la Passe—not a long landing here, more like a viewpoint moment tied to history. In 1810, the area was the theater of a naval battle between the French and the British, called the naval battle of Grand Port. It’s noted as the only victory of the Napoleonic Navy and is also listed on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

If you like learning what’s behind a place name, this is a smart addition. It turns the route from “five pretty beaches” into “why this coastline matters.”

Eau Bleu Snorkeling: The Moment You’ll Remember

Midday brings snorkeling at Eau Bleu. This is where the tour becomes more than scenic travel—it turns into water time that depends on what you want to see and how clear conditions are.

One practical note: the tour encourages bringing your own snorkeling gear. Even if equipment is available, don’t plan your day like it will be perfect for your setup. If you’ve got your own mask and snorkel, you’ll feel more comfortable faster and get more time enjoying rather than adjusting.

This snorkeling stop is also a great reason to go early in the day. Light and water clarity can change as the afternoon goes on, and you’re more likely to get that calm, glassy feeling when the morning schedule is on track.

Ile aux Aigrettes: Aperitif, Calm Water, and a Slower Pace

After snorkeling, you head to Ile aux Aigrettes, where the day shifts to a more relaxed mode. You’ll have around 45 minutes that includes an aperitif and time for swimming.

This stop is valuable because it’s not only about rushing to the next point. Ile aux Aigrettes gives you room to cool off, rinse off, and actually enjoy the beach-to-water rhythm without feeling like you’re constantly boarding and disembarking.

Ile aux Margenie BBQ Lunch: Food, Drinks, and Beach Time

Lunch happens on Ile aux Margenie, and it’s built as the day’s fueling moment. You’ll get a BBQ lunch with a selection of drinks, plus time to relax on the beach.

You should know how the food options work: the tour says there are vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, and the food is halal. That’s helpful if you’re eating with specific needs. Still, if food is a big deal for you, I’d treat lunch as part of the package rather than the main attraction. The overall value is the day’s experience, not a restaurant meal.

One more smart move: eat earlier rather than later if you want maximum beach time afterward. With the island rhythm, it’s easy to lose “free” moments while waiting for the group.

What About Dolphins and Turtles?

You may see wildlife from the boat—some departures are described as exciting for sightings like dolphins and turtles. It’s never guaranteed, but the route and time on the water mean you at least have a decent chance.

My advice is to be flexible in your expectations. Think of wildlife as a bonus, not the ticket price justification. If you go with that mindset, you’ll enjoy the snorkeling, the beaches, and the history stops even on a quiet wildlife day.

Price and Value: Is $85 a Fair Deal?

At $85 per person for a 7-hour speedboat day, the value mostly comes from the “bundle.” You’re paying for:

• Five island stops along the East Coast
• A look at the Grande River South East waterfall
• Snorkeling and swimming time
• BBQ lunch and drinks
• A live guide in English and French

If you tried to reproduce this yourself, you’d likely pay for boat transport, island access, and a guide—or you’d lose the structure that keeps the day moving. The lunch and drinks also matter more than they sound. Nothing kills a beach day like spending time finding a place to eat while the tide keeps changing.

The only time the value shifts is if you’re not into speedboats or you don’t care about snorkeling. If those are deal-breakers for you, you might prefer a slower catamaran-style cruise. But for the right traveler, this is a well-priced way to pack the coast into one day.

Comfort Tips That Make the Day Easier

Speedboat days have their own logic. Here’s what I’d do to make your day smoother with what you know now:

• Wear comfortable shoes for boarding and moving around on the boat deck.
• Bring sunglasses and sunscreen, then reapply after island swims.
• Pack swimwear and a towel so you’re not scrambling at stops.
• Bring a camera if you care about lighthouse views, waterfall photos, and beach time.

Snorkeling gear is listed as something to bring, and that’s solid advice. The water time is the key part of the tour—don’t waste it fiddling with gear you didn’t choose.

Who Should Book This East Coast Islands Tour?

This is a great fit if you want an active day that mixes beaches, history, and water time without planning a whole stack of separate activities. It works particularly well for:

• People who like fast-paced sightseeing
• Snorkel-and-swim fans who want multiple water moments
• Travelers who want history context during sightseeing
• Anyone who values included lunch and drinks

It’s not for everyone. It’s not suitable for children under 4, and it’s also not suitable for pregnant women. If that affects you, you’ll want a different format.

Also be honest about your comfort with speed and motion. If bumpy rides would ruin your day, choose a less intense boat experience.

Should You Book the Mauritius 5 East Coast Islands Tour?

I’d book this if you want one day to cover a lot of ground: Ile aux Cerfs, waterfall views at the Grande River South East, a lighthouse stop at Ile aux Fouquets, snorkeling at Eau Bleu, swim time at Ile aux Aigrettes, and then lunch on Ile aux Margenie with drinks. For $85, the mix of water time plus structured stops makes the price feel reasonable.

I would skip it if you’re sensitive to motion or you’re mainly chasing a super-calm, no-rushing cruise vibe. Also, if you’re very picky about the quality of a beach lunch, treat food as a perk—not the headline.

If you’re going this week and you can handle a speedboat day, this tour is an efficient way to experience Mauritius’s East Coast like you actually moved through it.

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