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

Mauritius is at its best from the water, and this trip covers a remarkable amount of the southeast coast in one day. You’ll snorkel over coral, pass a 1902 shipwreck, visit a weathered lighthouse, ride upriver to a waterfall, and eat grilled chicken and fish on Île aux Cerfs.

I like the small-group speedboat because it moves faster than a catamaran and avoids the packed feeling found on some lagoon trips. I also like the easygoing crew, especially guides such as Hans, Giovanni, and Nathaniel, who mix local stories with music, drinks, and careful attention to safety.

The main consideration is the price, $147 per person. That is not a budget outing, and seven hours on a speedboat can feel busy if you prefer long, quiet stretches on one beach. Snorkeling conditions also depend on the weather and sea.

Key points at a glance

• A full southeast-coast circuit: Cover snorkeling waters, a shipwreck, Lighthouse Island, Grand River waterfall, Île aux Cerfs, and Île aux Aigrettes.
• Fast boat, smaller feel: The speedboat lets you reach more stops than a slower boat, with private-group options available.
• Beach BBQ included: Eat grilled chicken and fish on Île aux Cerfs, with a vegetarian meal available by request.
• Drinks throughout the day: Water, Coca-Cola, Orangina, local beer, and rum are provided onboard.
• Wildlife is possible: Dolphins, monkeys, turtles, tortoises, tropical fish, coral, and starfish have all been seen during the trip, though sightings are never guaranteed.
• Plan for the sun: Wear your swimsuit from the start and bring a towel, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and clothes that dry quickly.

Why this speedboat day works so well

The strength of this outing is its range. Many Mauritius boat trips focus mainly on Île aux Cerfs, but this one uses the island as the lunch and beach stop within a much broader route. You get reef time, coastal views, a bit of maritime history, a river excursion, and a long beach break.

The boat normally leaves at about 9:30 a.m. and returns to Shandrani Beach around 4:00 to 4:30 p.m. Optional hotel pickup is available anywhere in Mauritius, so you can avoid arranging your own taxi to the southeast coast. Pickup times need to be confirmed with the operator.

The boat itself matters. A speedboat gives you a lively ride and makes it possible to reach several points in one day. You’ll feel the motion more than you would on a catamaran, especially when the boat accelerates, so hold onto your drink before the skipper opens the throttle. The tradeoff is less room to stretch out and less shade than on some larger boats.

The group size can vary. Private groups are available, and some departures have been particularly small, with only a handful of people onboard. That creates a more personal outing, but you should confirm the group arrangement if that is important to you.

Snorkeling over coral and tropical fish

The first swimming stop usually comes after a short ride. You’ll receive snorkeling equipment and enter clear lagoon water where coral and tropical fish are the main attraction.

This is a good place to set realistic expectations. The water can be beautiful, with colorful fish and visible coral, but snorkeling quality changes with wind, visibility, and the condition of the reef. One past visitor found the snorkeling ordinary, while others considered it one of the best parts of the day. Both reactions can be true on different dates.

You should wear your swimsuit from the moment you arrive. There may not be a convenient changing area once the boat leaves the beach. Bring a towel and, ideally, a spare set of clothes. Quick-drying footwear is useful because you’ll be stepping between boat, sand, and shallow water.

The crew provides the equipment, but bring your own mask if you care about a precise fit. That is not required, only a useful comfort tip. If you are not a strong swimmer, tell the crew before entering the water and follow the safety briefing.

The d’Alblair wreck and Lighthouse Island

The boat continues toward the d’Alblair shipwreck, which sank on the coral barrier in 1902. You may not get a long stop here, but the wreck adds a welcome piece of maritime interest to what could otherwise be a purely scenic cruise.

The next stop is Île aux Fouquets, commonly called Lighthouse Island. The old lighthouse gives you a striking photo subject and a glimpse of the exposed, working coast. The stop is generally brief, around half an hour, so think of it as a visit and photo opportunity rather than a long island walk.

The guides add value here. Hans, Giovanni, Nathaniel, and other crew members have been praised for explaining the island’s past and pointing out sights along the route. You are not simply being driven from one swim stop to another. The amount of commentary may depend on your guide, but the best crews keep it light, useful, and connected to what you can see.

The lighthouse is weathered rather than polished. That is part of its appeal. You get an older, less manicured side of Mauritius, with sea, stone, and open sky instead of a resort setting.

Up the Grand River to its waterfall

From the coast, the boat turns into the Grand River South East, the longest river in Mauritius. This shift is one of the day’s best changes of pace. The boat ride becomes calmer, and the river narrows the view around you.

The waterfall is reached by boat, so you do not need to hike to it. The stop lasts about 30 minutes, giving you time to look, take photos, and enjoy the setting. Monkeys have been spotted around the waterfall, and several outings have also included other wildlife sightings.

You may be able to swim near the falls or jump from rocks, depending on conditions and the guide’s instructions. Do not assume that every departure will offer the same activity. Rain, water levels, safety concerns, and time can change what is possible.

This stop also shows why the speedboat format has value. You see the coast and then move inland along the river without arranging a second excursion. The day feels varied rather than like seven hours of repeated beach stops.

Lunch on Île aux Cerfs

Île aux Cerfs is the main beach break and the place where lunch is served. The BBQ includes grilled chicken and fish, with a vegetarian option available if you request it in advance.

The meal is more than a practical refueling stop. You sit on or near the sand, with time to swim, relax, and enjoy the island rather than rushing through a restaurant meal. The food has received unusually strong praise for this type of boat trip, and the generous portions and fresh setting are central to the experience.

I like that the lunch is built into the route instead of treated as an optional extra. At $147, included food and drinks matter when judging the total value. You are not paying for the boat and then discovering that lunch, snorkeling gear, and refreshments cost more.

You should still know what Île aux Cerfs is like. It is a famous beach destination, not an untouched private island. Other boats can be in the area, and the level of quiet depends on the day. Some departures have found a more secluded patch of beach, but you should not book this expecting complete solitude.

The island stop lasts about 90 minutes. That is enough for lunch and a swim, though not enough for a full island exploration. If your priority is spending most of the day lying on one beach, a dedicated beach day may suit you better.

Île aux Aigrettes and the starfish pool

The final stop is Île aux Aigrettes, where you can have a last drink and swim in a natural pool with starfish. This is a gentle ending after the faster ride, snorkeling, river visit, and BBQ.

Starfish are easy to damage, so follow the guide’s instructions and avoid lifting or handling them. The appeal is seeing them in their natural pool, not treating them as souvenirs or props for photos.

The stop is listed at about 30 minutes. It is enough for a final swim and a drink, but you may find the day moving quickly by this point. That is the central rhythm of this excursion: several short visits, one longer lunch break, and a lot of water between them.

Drinks, music, and the crew

Soft drinks include water, Coca-Cola, and Orangina. Local beer and rum are also available onboard throughout the day. Several departures have included rum drinks, music, and a festive atmosphere, with guides keeping the mood lively without making the whole outing feel like a party boat.

That balance depends on your crew. Hans and Giovanni are names that come up often in connection with friendly service and good humor. Nathaniel has also been praised for making people feel comfortable and adding useful information along the way. Other guides, including Daren, Ashley, Jamal, and Gennaro, have been singled out for warmth and flexibility.

The crew’s attitude is a major part of the value. They pour drinks, help with the stops, explain the sights, and keep an eye on safety. If you want a silent, independent cruise, the music and conversation may feel like too much. If you enjoy a social day with a drink in hand, it is a strong match.

Drink responsibly. A speedboat is not the place to overdo the rum, especially in hot sun and moving water.

Is $147 a fair price?

At $147 per person, this is a premium day trip, but the price includes a lot: the speedboat, guide, snorkeling gear, BBQ lunch, soft drinks, local beer, rum, and optional transport from your accommodation.

The value is strongest if you want to see several parts of the southeast coast in one day. Paying separately for a boat, snorkeling, river visit, lunch, and transport could quickly narrow the price gap. The speedboat also saves time between stops and gives you a more active route than a single-island cruise.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want a quiet beach day or if you do not drink and would not use the included alcohol. You also need to enjoy being on a boat for much of the day. This is an experience-led excursion, not a cheap transfer to Île aux Cerfs.

A 4.8 rating from 429 bookings supports the idea that the package is consistently well received, but your enjoyment will still depend on weather, sea conditions, group size, and the guide assigned to your boat.

Who should book this Mauritius boat tour?

I would recommend it to first-time visitors who want an efficient introduction to the southeast coast. It suits couples, families, and small groups who prefer a busy day with several kinds of activity.

It is especially good for you if:

• You want a speedboat rather than a slower catamaran.
• You enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and beach time.
• You like having food and drinks included.
• You want a guide who adds stories and humor.
• You would rather see several places than spend all day at one resort beach.

Families can enjoy it, and the crew has been praised for looking after children. Still, young children and anyone prone to motion sickness should consider the boat’s speed and movement. One useful point is that much of the route stays within the reef, which can make the ride easier than an open-sea crossing, but conditions still vary.

Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, towel, swimsuit, camera, and footwear that dries easily. Comfortable footwear is specifically recommended. You may also want a dry bag for phones and cameras, since the boat, spray, snorkeling, and waterfall stop all involve water.

The date can be changed if the weather forecast is poor. That flexibility is valuable in Mauritius, where a sunny morning does not always guarantee calm water all day. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later.

My verdict: a strong choice for an active island day

Book this tour if you want a full, social day that combines the best-known southeast-coast sights with a well-prepared beach lunch. The speedboat route, good crew service, included drinks, and unusually well-liked BBQ make the price easier to justify.

Skip it if you want long, quiet hours on one beach, a completely private experience at the standard rate, or a slow cruise with lots of room. For everyone else, this is one of the more efficient ways to see Mauritius from the water without reducing the day to a single postcard stop.

FAQ

How long does the speedboat tour last?

The tour lasts about seven hours. Departure is scheduled for around 9:30 a.m., with arrival back at Shandrani Beach expected between 4:00 and 4:30 p.m.

Where does the tour leave from?

The meeting point is on the beach at Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa. For parking, take the small rocky road on the left side of the hotel.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is optional and can be arranged from accommodation or a designated pickup point anywhere in Mauritius. You need to contact the activity provider to confirm the pickup time and location.

What food is served at lunch?

The BBQ includes grilled chicken and fish on Île aux Cerfs. A vegetarian lunch is possible if requested in advance.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Water, Orangina, and Coca-Cola are included, along with local beer and rum.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the tour stops in clear water where you can see tropical fish and coral.

Which languages are spoken by the guides?

The live tour is offered in English and French.

Can the trip be changed because of bad weather?

Yes. The trip date or plan may be modified according to the weather forecast. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.