5 Islands Boat Trip, Snorkeling and Lunch on Ile aux Cerfs

Mauritius looks best from the water. This full-day speedboat trip links the Grand River South East Waterfall, Ile aux Cerfs, historic islets, Ile aux Aigrettes, and Blue Bay Marine Park in one busy but appealing day. I especially like the mix of beach time and island history, plus the chance to snorkel in clear water without arranging separate activities.

I also like that the price of $111 per person includes the boat, snorkeling gear, lunch, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The main caution is the sea itself: rough weather can shorten the outing, and the speedboat, fast pace, and occasional excitement on board may not suit anyone prone to seasickness.

Key points at a glance

• Five very different stops: You move from a river waterfall and beach resort island to old military sites, a protected nature area, and a marine park.
• Grand River South East Waterfall: The boat brings you close enough to feel spray and take photographs from the water.
• Ile aux Cerfs: This is the main relaxation stop, with white sand, turquoise water, and time for swimming or other water activities.
• Blue Bay Marine Park snorkeling: Clear water, coral, and marine life make this the day’s main underwater stop.
• Lunch and drinks included: You do not need to buy a separate meal or carry a full day’s supply of refreshments.
• Pick-up requires checking carefully: Hotel transport is optional and not included in the listed price, so confirm your meeting point and transport plan before booking.

Setting out from Trou D’eau Douce

The day begins with a meeting at the Sirena Moris point, unless you arrange optional hotel pick-up and drop-off. The listed price does not include this transport, so you need to check the exact arrangement before you pay. A promised pick-up is only useful if the time and location are clear.

From there, you board a speedboat at Trou D’eau Douce. This matters because a speedboat lets you cover several islands in one day, but it also means more wind, spray, engine noise, and movement than you would get on a broad sightseeing boat. Bring sunglasses and secure loose items. Sunscreen is essential, not optional, even when the wind makes the sun feel mild.

The pace is lively. You are not spending a quiet half-day at one beach. You are moving from stop to stop, with short sightseeing visits mixed with longer periods for swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and relaxing. That makes the trip a good fit for you if you want a lot of Mauritius in one outing and a weaker fit if you prefer long, unhurried stops.

Grand River South East Waterfall from the boat

The first major sight is the Grand River South East Waterfall. The boat approaches the cascade, giving you a water-level view rather than a lookout-point view. You can expect spray, a close look at the falling water, and a strong early photo opportunity.

This is a scenic stop rather than a long walk or a demanding activity. The value comes from seeing the waterfall as part of a river journey. You remain on the boat, so the experience is easy for anyone who can handle the ride itself.

Weather can change the experience. One outing had to end early because conditions were poor, a reminder that no boat operator controls the sea or sky. If the forecast looks unsettled, ask how the route may change and keep your expectations flexible.

Ile aux Cerfs, the main beach break

Ile aux Cerfs is the day’s tropical pause. After the speedboat ride and waterfall stop, you get time to slow down around pale beaches and clear lagoon water. You can swim, sit by the shore, take photographs, or choose a water activity if one is available as part of the stop.

I like this part because it prevents the day from becoming a string of historical explanations and quick photographs. You have room to enjoy Mauritius at an easy pace, even though the overall tour remains active.

Do not expect Ile aux Cerfs to feel like a deserted island. Its appeal is the combination of easy beach access, warm water, and a convenient place to relax during a multi-stop trip. If your main goal is a secluded beach, this schedule may feel too busy. If you want one attractive beach stop without giving up the rest of the itinerary, it works well.

The day’s lunch is included, along with drinks. This improves the value of the $111 price, especially because food and refreshments are already handled while you are out on the water. Alcoholic drinks are served as well, so pace yourself in the sun and on a moving boat.

Ile aux Phare and Ile de la Passe

The historical center of the trip comes at Ile aux Phare and Ile de la Passe. You land on both islands, which gives you more than a passing view from the boat. The guide provides the background, and the stops connect Mauritius’s natural beauty with its maritime and military past.

Ile aux Phare is associated with its lighthouse, while Ile de la Passe is known for its strategic position and wartime history. The information provided for the tour does not give a full lecture outline or specify how long you stay on each island, so treat these as guided sightseeing landings rather than a museum visit.

That distinction matters. You will see the sites in their setting, but you may not get extensive signage, indoor exhibits, or a long formal history talk. I find the stops worthwhile because the islands explain why these small points of land mattered to ships and to the defense of Mauritius.

Wear shoes that can cope with a boat landing and uneven ground. The supplied information does not describe the exact shore conditions, so practical footwear is safer than delicate sandals. Keep your camera ready, but also listen while the guide explains what you are looking at. Without context, a lighthouse or old structure can be easy to photograph and easy to forget.

Ile aux Aigrettes and the natural side of Mauritius

Ile aux Aigrettes brings the focus back to nature. It is known as a habitat for endemic plants and animals, which means species found in Mauritius or the surrounding region rather than everywhere in the world.

This stop is important because the trip is not only about beaches and cocktails. It shows a more fragile side of the island, where local wildlife and plant life deserve protection. The available details do not promise a specific walking route, animal sighting, or length of visit, so you should view it as a nature-focused stop rather than a guaranteed wildlife encounter.

Some outings have included sightings of monkeys and wild tortoises, and one guide was praised for knowing places to see dolphins and turtles in their natural surroundings. These encounters are not listed as guaranteed inclusions, so consider them lucky extras, not the reason to book. Nature keeps its own schedule, as it should.

Snorkeling at Blue Bay Marine Park

Blue Bay Marine Park is the main underwater stop. Here, you receive snorkeling equipment and enter clear water around coral and marine life. The guides aim to make the activity accessible to different skill levels, but you should still tell the crew if you are nervous or inexperienced before entering the water.

This is one of the strongest reasons to choose the trip. You get a chance to see Mauritius below the surface without arranging a separate marine excursion. The boat, equipment, and instruction are packaged into the day, which keeps the planning simple.

Equipment quality deserves attention. One outing had dirty, improvised gear, a breathing tube came loose, and there were concerns about enough working life jackets. That does not prove every trip has the same problem, but it is useful advice: inspect your mask and snorkel before you enter the water, ask for replacement equipment if it does not fit, and make sure your life jacket works.

You should never feel pushed into the water before you are ready. A lively guide can make the boat fun, but safety comes first. If you are not confident in open water, stay close to the boat and follow the crew’s instructions.

Lunch, drinks, and the mood on board

Lunch is included and served during the day, with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available on board. That gives the trip a sociable feel rather than a quiet picnic feel. Rum, soft drinks, snacks, and even vanilla rum have been part of the refreshments on some outings.

The food and drink setup is a real convenience. You do not need to leave the route in search of lunch, and you can spend more of the day enjoying the islands. Still, I would bring water if allowed and avoid treating the drinks service as a substitute for sun protection or sensible pacing.

The atmosphere can be a major part of the fun. Guide Danilo has been singled out for making a day feel like a celebration, stopping for photographs and even joining dance-party requests. If you enjoy music, conversation, and a cheerful boat crew, this social style could be a highlight.

It may not suit everyone. A guide described as shouty or highly excited can make some people feel rushed, especially before snorkeling. Tell the crew what you need, particularly if you want time to get comfortable in the water or prefer a quieter ride.

What the $111 price really covers

At $111 per person, the tour is not the cheapest way to visit one beach. Its value comes from combining several separate experiences:

• Speedboat transport between the islands
• A waterfall visit
• Time at Ile aux Cerfs
• Landings at Ile aux Phare and Ile de la Passe
• A nature stop at Ile aux Aigrettes
• Snorkeling at Blue Bay Marine Park
• Snorkeling equipment
• Lunch
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
• Shower facilities on board

If you tried to arrange transport, a boat, food, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and multiple island visits separately, the convenience alone would be worth something. The price makes the most sense for you if you want variety and limited planning.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a calm beach day, a polished historical tour, or a private experience. The schedule covers a lot of ground, and the quality of the day may depend on weather, equipment, pick-up timing, and the guide assigned to your boat.

Practical advice before you book

You need to be comfortable with speedboat travel. The tour is specifically unsuitable for people prone to seasickness, and the sea can become rough enough to affect the route. Take your own comfort seriously rather than hoping the boat ride will be easy.

Pack sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera. I would also bring a towel, a secure dry bag for valuables, and swimwear, although only the first three items are formally listed. Since a shower facility is available on board, you may be able to rinse off after snorkeling, but do not assume the shower replaces a towel.

Confirm transport. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are optional, not part of the standard listed price. One outing had a pick-up delay of about an hour, and the passengers only got a clear update after calling the activity provider. Ask where you must meet, what time you should arrive, and who to contact if the vehicle is late.

Bathroom access may be limited during the day. A complaint about being told to use nature rather than being directed to a proper toilet is worth taking seriously. Plan ahead at the dock and ask about facilities before setting off, especially if you need regular access.

The tour is offered in English, French, Hindi, and Urdu. That is useful if you want explanations in one of those languages. Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later, which gives you some flexibility while making plans.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

I would recommend it to you if you want a full day of scenery, swimming, history, wildlife possibilities, and friendly group energy. Families with older children, couples, first-time visitors to Mauritius, and active beach lovers should find plenty to enjoy.

It is also a strong choice if you have limited time on the island. Rather than choosing between a waterfall, a marine park, and an island visit, you see all three in one route.

I would be more cautious if you get seasick, dislike loud or highly animated guides, need guaranteed restroom access, or want carefully maintained snorkeling equipment every time. People who prefer private, slow travel may find the schedule too packed.

The overall rating is 4.6 from 22 ratings, which fits the experience’s character: high enjoyment, with a few practical weak spots. The best days appear to come from good weather, a strong guide, and well-fitting equipment.

Should you book the Five Islands trip?

Book it if you want maximum variety from one boat day and you value convenience over a slow, private pace. The waterfall, Ile aux Cerfs, historic islands, protected nature area, and Blue Bay snorkeling give you a broad taste of Mauritius for one price.

Before confirming, check the pick-up plan, ask about current snorkeling equipment and life jackets, and consider the weather forecast. If those details are acceptable and you enjoy an upbeat group atmosphere, this is a worthwhile way to see the island from the water. If you want guaranteed calm seas, quiet beaches, or a highly polished service, choose a simpler and more focused excursion instead.

FAQ

How much does the Five Islands boat trip cost?

The listed price is $111 per person.

What islands does the trip visit?

The route includes Ile aux Cerfs, Ile aux Phare, Ile de la Passe, and Ile aux Aigrettes. The experience is described as a Five Islands trip and also includes the Grand River South East Waterfall and Blue Bay Marine Park.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the snorkeling stop takes place at Blue Bay Marine Park.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included as part of the trip.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are served on board.

Is hotel pick-up included?

Hotel pick-up and drop-off are optional and are not included in the listed price. The standard meeting point is with the Sirena Moris team.

What languages are available?

The experience is offered in English, French, Hindi, and Urdu.

Is the tour suitable for people prone to seasickness?

No. The experience is specifically listed as unsuitable for people prone to seasickness because it takes place on a speedboat.