Full Day Tour 5 Island to Ile Aux Cerfs Incl. Lunch and Transfer

The best part of this tour is the fast, open-water ride linking Mauritius’s southeast islands. You get reefs, a shipwreck, a lighthouse, old defenses, a waterfall, white sand, and Ile aux Cerfs in one long day. I especially like the Blue Bay snorkeling and the beach barbecue on Ilot Margenie, where lunch comes with music, sega dancing, and drinks.

I also like that hotel pickup and drop-off are included anywhere in Mauritius, along with snorkeling gear and a private air-conditioned road transfer. The main caution is the tour’s party mood: some departures feature plenty of rum, music, smoking, and lively boat banter, so this may not suit families seeking a quiet, educational day.

Key points to know before booking

• Blue Bay snorkeling: Spend about an hour above shallow reefs with fish and more than 50 coral species.
• Nine water and island stops: The route includes a shipwreck, lighthouse ruins, old defenses, a waterfall, sand islets, and Ile aux Cerfs.
• Small speedboat format: Groups can reach a maximum of 15 people, making the ride quicker and more active than a large catamaran.
• Beach barbecue and open bar: Expect chicken, fish, salads, garlic bread, drinks, music, sega dancing, and banana flambe.
• Full hotel transfer: Pickup begins around 8:00 a.m., with a return to Blue Bay expected around 4:30 p.m.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can cancel the trip, and Ile de la Passe depends on the tide.

A fast start from Blue Bay

This is an ambitious day on the southeast coast of Mauritius. You leave your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle, meet the guide and driver, and head toward Blue Bay, a coastal village known for its marine park.

The road transfer is more than a simple taxi ride when the driver is engaged. Several guides have been praised for explaining the island along the way, with names such as Chris, Kavi, and Donovan appearing in especially positive accounts. Pickup times can change, though, and a few people were given different times through messages and the booking app. Check the current pickup time the evening before and again on the morning of departure.

At the dock, the day changes pace. The speedboat is the main attraction, not just a way to move between stops. You should expect spray, wind, sun, and a lively ride. If you prefer a calm boat with plenty of shade, this format may feel tiring after several hours.

The boat carries no more than 15 people, although actual group size can be smaller. One group had only five people with guide Chris, while another had 10 aboard. A smaller boat makes it easier to move quickly between locations, but it also means less room to escape the sun or stretch out.

Blue Bay Marine Park and the morning reef

Your first water stop is Blue Bay Marine Park, where you spend about an hour snorkeling. The stated snorkeling area averages about 5.5 meters deep, with clear water and good visibility when conditions cooperate.

The reef is the strongest nature stop of the morning. The park has more than 50 coral species, along with reef fish and broad coral formations. You receive snorkeling equipment, so you do not need to bring your own mask or fins, though you should bring sun protection and a towel.

You do not have to snorkel to enjoy this stop. You can stay on the boat, swim, or watch from the surface. That flexibility helped make the trip suitable for mixed groups, including people who wanted to swim but were not keen on snorkeling.

Conditions are not guaranteed. Wind, cloud, waves, and the number of boats in the park can change the experience. Some departures have had excellent visibility and abundant fish, while poor weather has caused parts of the route to be shortened.

The Dalbair shipwreck at Pointe d’Esny

The boat then heads toward the Dalbair shipwreck near Pointe d’Esny. The wreck dates from 1902 and has a controversial story, which the guide may explain before you continue.

This is a short stop of roughly 30 minutes, so think of it as a quick historical and photographic pause rather than a long archaeological visit. The appeal comes from seeing a real wreck on the reef and hearing the story behind it while standing in the middle of the southeast seascape.

The quality of this stop depends heavily on the guide. Captains such as Nelson, Emmanuel, and Kevin, also called Jack Sparrow by one group, have been praised for keeping the day informative and entertaining. Other departures have offered fewer explanations. If history matters to you, ask questions rather than waiting for a long formal talk.

Ile aux Aigrettes and a swim in the lagoon

At Ile aux Aigrettes, you receive a cocktail and get time in a natural swimming pool. The water is described as clear, with starfish visible in the area.

This is one of the more relaxed stops. After the speedboat ride and snorkeling, it gives you time to float, swim, and look around without rushing straight into the next landmark. You have about 40 minutes, so bring reef-safe sun protection and keep an eye on the boat’s return time.

The island’s name can cause some confusion. This stop is presented as a lagoon swimming area and cocktail break, not as a long guided visit through a land-based nature reserve. The experience is mainly about the water, starfish, and setting.

Lighthouse Island and Ile de la Passe

Ile aux Phare, also called Ile aux Fouquets or Lighthouse Island, is a small rocky island in Grand Port Bay. You get around 45 minutes to walk around and see the old lighthouse ruins.

The lighthouse was built in 1864 to guide ships toward Mahebourg. The island also connects to the Battle of Grand Port, fought between French and British forces. You can climb out of the boat and look across the turquoise water while examining the weathered remains.

Next comes Ile de la Passe, a small defensive islet with old French and British fortifications. The ruins date back roughly two and a half centuries, and the island played a role in the conflicts around Vieux Grand Port.

This stop is tide-dependent. If the sea level or conditions do not allow access, you may pass by instead. When you can land, the visit adds useful historical context to what could otherwise be a nonstop beach-and-drinks excursion. Allow about 30 minutes, enough for a brief walk and views rather than a full historical tour.

Ilot Flamants and the open lagoon

Ilot Flamants is a small white-sand islet in the lagoon. You get about 30 minutes here, with time for swimming and another snorkeling session before continuing toward Ile aux Cerfs.

This is the classic postcard part of the route: pale sand, shallow turquoise water, and open views in every direction. The stop is simple, but that is its appeal. You can leave your shoes on the boat, wade through the water, and enjoy a short break before lunch.

The tour also passes Ilot Vacoas along the way. This is a passing view rather than a full stop, so do not expect time to explore every island named in the description.

GRSE waterfall from the boat

The Grand River South East waterfall is viewed from the speedboat as it moves into the river channel. This is where the freshwater river meets the sea, framed by thick coastal vegetation and old trees.

The boat spends about 30 minutes in the area. You may see monkeys moving through the trees and Mauritian fruit bats resting high above the river. Sightings are not guaranteed, but the river approach gives the day a welcome change from open lagoon water.

The waterfall is best understood as a boat-viewing stop. You are not promised a long walk or a land-based waterfall hike. The captain’s route and weather determine how close the boat can get. Several accounts singled out the waterfall as one of the most memorable parts of the day, especially when the boat could travel close to the falling water.

Ile aux Cerfs and two hours of free time

Ile aux Cerfs is the headline stop. You get about two hours to swim, stroll along the beach, relax, snorkel, or pay extra for water sports.

The island has the white beaches and palm trees many people picture when they think of Mauritius. It is also the busiest and most commercial-feeling part of the day, with optional activities available at an additional cost. Water sports are listed at about 40 euros, so budget for them separately if you want more than swimming and beach time.

Two hours sounds generous, but it passes quickly once you have found a place to sit, changed clothes, walked the beach, and ordered or joined lunch. Keep your belongings together and confirm the meeting point with the crew before wandering too far.

This stop suits both active and relaxed visitors. You can snorkel and swim, or simply take in the view. Families may appreciate the free time, though the overall boat atmosphere may still be livelier than a family-focused island cruise.

Barbecue lunch on Ilot Margenie

Lunch is served on Ilot Margenie, with a three-course barbecue meal prepared on the beach. The usual menu includes chicken, fish, salads, garlic bread, and other side dishes. A vegetarian meal is available if you request it when booking, and the food is described as halal.

Drinks include alcoholic and non-alcoholic choices. The open bar is a major part of the day’s social feel, with rum, soft drinks, and other beverages available. Music, sega dancing, live entertainment, and banana flambe dessert add to the island-party mood.

The food can be enjoyable, but you should set realistic expectations. Portion size and temperature have not been consistent on every departure, and one account described a simple meal with a small piece of chicken, fish, bread, and pineapple. Bring a snack if you tend to get hungry, especially since lunch comes after several hours in the sun.

Vegetarians should notify the operator in advance rather than assuming a full meat-free meal will be ready. People who avoid alcohol or smoke may also want to ask about the group atmosphere. Some boats keep the drinks and music flowing for much of the day.

The ride home and what the price covers

The advertised price is $151.21 per person. That is not cheap, but the value improves if you use the included hotel pickup, private road transfer, snorkeling gear, lunch, drinks, guide, and a full day on the water.

You are also covering several separate experiences in one booking: marine park snorkeling, a wreck visit, two historic islands, a sand islet, a waterfall, Ile aux Cerfs, and a beach barbecue. Booking each piece separately could take more planning, though a bundled day means you have less control over how long you spend at any one place.

The return boat ride to Blue Bay is expected around 4:30 p.m. The entire outing lasts about eight to nine hours, but the day can feel longer if pickup is far from the southeast coast or if there is a delay at the dock. A few departures experienced waiting for a boat or changing boats because of weather or operator arrangements.

There have also been isolated complaints about warm soft drinks, missing alcohol, worn snorkeling gear, delayed pickup, and a boat problem. These are not small details if you are paying for an open bar and a speedboat. The operator has also handled problems well at times, with one broken boat replaced while the group kept enjoying the day. Service can depend on the crew assigned that morning.

Who should book this speedboat day

I would choose this tour if you want a high-energy day with many sights and do not mind a packed schedule. It works especially well for couples, friends, and mixed groups who want snorkeling, swimming, scenery, rum, music, and a beach lunch without arranging several separate activities.

It is also a good fit if you are staying far from Blue Bay and value door-to-door transport. The included vehicle and guide remove much of the planning, and the small maximum group can feel more personal than a large cruise boat.

I would look elsewhere if you want a quiet nature trip, detailed history at every island, or a strongly family-oriented atmosphere. The tour can include smoking, vaping, loud music, and plenty of alcohol. Parents may still enjoy the swimming and beaches, but you should understand the social tone before booking.

The minimum booking is two people, and the maximum group size is 15. Most people can participate, but tell the operator about food allergies, illness, or dietary needs in advance. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Poor weather or too few bookings can cancel the trip, with a different date or refund offered.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if your ideal Mauritius day means speed, sea, variety, and a social beach lunch. The strongest parts are the Blue Bay reef, the quick island-to-island travel, the GRSE waterfall, and the chance to see historic ruins without giving up swimming time.

Skip it if the promise of unlimited drinks worries you, if you need a quiet boat, or if you want every stop explained in depth. Before paying, confirm the pickup time in the app, request a vegetarian meal if needed, pack snacks and strong sun protection, and ask what boat and crew are operating that day. With those expectations in place, this can pack a remarkable amount of southeast Mauritius into one active day.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

Pickup is offered from any hotel or accommodation in Mauritius. The listed start time is 8:00 a.m., followed by a road transfer to Blue Bay.

How long does the tour last?

The experience takes approximately eight to nine hours. Return to the mainland at Blue Bay is expected around 4:30 p.m.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, including for the Blue Bay Marine Park stop and the lagoon snorkeling session near Ilot Flamants.

What food is served at lunch?

The beach barbecue usually includes chicken, fish, salads, garlic bread, and other sides. A three-course meal is provided, and vegetarian food can be arranged if requested at booking.

Are drinks included?

Yes. A selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks is included, with an open bar during the lunch portion and drinks available during the boat trip.

Can I take part if I do not snorkel?

Yes. You can swim, stay on the boat, relax on the beaches, or walk around the islands during free time.

Are water sports included?

No. Optional water sports at Ile aux Cerfs cost extra, listed at about 40 euros.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.