5 Islands Private Speedboat w/ Snorkeling + Lunch & Drinks

Fast boats, calm lagoons, and a full day at sea. This private Mauritius excursion links five east-coast islands with snorkeling at Blue Bay Marine Park, a waterfall stop, beach time, and lunch on Ile aux Cerfs. I especially like the private boat and the chance to see dolphins and sea turtles without joining a large shared group.

I also like the practical mix of sightseeing and downtime: you get a powerful boat ride, island stops, a barbecue, drinks, and two hours on white sand. The main caution is that the advertised nine-hour day has not always run that long, and some bookings had limited drinks before lunch or a guide who did not speak the requested language.

Key things to know before booking

• Five islands in one day: The route includes Ile aux Cerfs, Ile aux Phares, Ile de la Passe, Ile aux Aigrettes, and Ilot Margenie.
• Blue Bay snorkeling: Equipment is included, with a chance to see tropical fish, sea turtles, and possibly dolphins.
• Lunch on Ile aux Cerfs: Expect grilled chicken, grilled fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, salad, and drinks, with vegetarian requests reportedly accommodated.
• Private speedboat: The group has its own boat rather than sharing the full day with a large party.
• Early departure helps: An early start can mean fewer boats and calmer conditions at the main stops.
• Check the day’s details: Confirm the guide language, return time, and what is available in the drinks cooler before setting off.

A private boat across Mauritius’ east coast

This nine-hour outing begins and ends at Trou d’Eau Douce, a useful launch point for the east-coast islands. You pay $498 for a group of up to four, which works out to $124.50 per person if the boat is full. For a couple, the per-person cost is much higher, but the privacy can make the price fair if you value your own space and a flexible day on the water.

The boat is the heart of the experience. You hear the engine, feel the speed across the waves, and move between island stops without spending the day on a slow cruise. That energy will appeal to you if a quiet boat ride sounds dull. It may be less comfortable if you dislike wind, spray, or a fast ride.

The route has a pleasing mix. You are not simply taken to one beach and left there. Instead, the day combines scenery, wildlife, snorkeling, a waterfall, food, and time to relax. The tradeoff is that the schedule is ambitious. Five islands, a marine park, a waterfall, lunch, and beach activities require careful timing.

Ile aux Cerfs gives you your first island taste

The first planned stop is Ile aux Cerfs, with about 45 minutes for a visit and refreshments. It is a short introduction rather than the main beach session, since you return later for roughly two hours.

This opening stop lets you get a feel for the island before the boat continues. You might use the time for a quick walk, a drink, photographs, or a look at the bright sand and shallow water. Do not expect a long swim here. The later two-hour visit is where the tour gives you real beach time.

Ile aux Cerfs is also where optional paid water activities may be available, including parasailing and a tube ride. These are not part of the $498 price, so budget separately if you want more than swimming and sunbathing. The tour also describes coconut water, a barbecue lunch, music, and a possible sega show on the island.

That combination makes the final stop feel more like a beach outing than a quick sightseeing call. It also means the island can become lively around lunchtime. If you prefer peace, you should be ready to walk away from the main food and entertainment area. One positive account noted that it was possible to find a quieter place nearby, even when other people were in a party mood.

Grand River South East brings the waterfall and monkeys

The boat next heads to Grand River South East, where a waterfall drops toward the Indian Ocean. The view is best understood from the water, and the stop gives the day a change of pace after the open-water ride.

You also have the chance to see and feed wild Mauritian monkeys. This is an unusual part of the route, but it deserves some thought. The food described in one poor account was chips, which raises a real concern about feeding wild animals. I would ask the crew what food is being used and follow local guidance rather than treating the encounter as a petting-zoo visit.

The monkey stop may be fun for families and anyone interested in local wildlife, but it is not the reason I would book this tour. The waterfall view and the ride through the river area are the stronger parts. Keep your camera ready, but protect it from spray and hold onto loose items aboard the speedboat.

Three more islands make the route feel like an island circuit

After the waterfall, the boat passes Ile aux Phares and Ile de la Passe before reaching Blue Bay. These islands help explain the route’s historical and geographic character, even though the information supplied does not promise long guided walks or detailed talks at each one.

Ile aux Phares is a quick island sighting in the broader cruise. Ile de la Passe is passed on the way toward the marine park. You should think of these as scenic stops or landmarks, not separate full excursions. The value comes from seeing several islands in a single private route, with the boat able to cover ground quickly.

The itinerary also includes Ile aux Aigrettes, where you stop for refreshments after the marine park. It adds another pause to the day and gives you time to come out of the water, dry off, and enjoy the open-air setting.

The exact amount of time at these islands can matter. Since some bookings ended far earlier than expected, ask the operator to confirm which stops are planned and how long you will have at each one. A private group should have a clearer conversation about timing before departure.

Blue Bay Marine Park is the main water activity

Blue Bay is the strongest reason to bring your swimsuit and use the included snorkeling equipment. The marine park is known for tropical fish, and the tour includes a dedicated snorkeling session rather than only a quick photo stop.

You may also see sea turtles and dolphins. These sightings are never guaranteed, so treat them as a bonus rather than the promise that justifies the entire price. One highly positive outing included a dolphin school and a sea turtle seen at close range, along with enough snorkeling time to enjoy the underwater life near Ile aux Aigrettes.

The quality of this part depends on timing, weather, and sea conditions. An early start is a smart choice. A recent booking that began early found fewer boats at the stops and calmer conditions. Later departures can bring more traffic on the water and a busier snorkeling area.

Take sunscreen, a camera, and any personal swim items you need. Snorkeling equipment is included, but the supplied information does not specify sizes, brands, or whether prescription masks are available. If you need special equipment, ask before booking.

Lunch on the beach is generous, but the all-inclusive promise needs checking

The barbecue lunch includes grilled chicken, grilled fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, and salad. A family with vegetarian children reported that individual food requests were handled, which is useful if you need a meat-free meal. Still, tell the operator about dietary needs in advance rather than relying on a last-minute request.

Drinks are advertised as unlimited, including Mauritian rum, wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and water. Snacks are also listed. On paper, that makes the price easier to justify, especially for a full-day private charter.

The practical experience has not always matched that description. Some bookings found that most drinks and food appeared at the final island, while the earlier part of the day included only a small amount of snacks and a couple of drinks. Another account described the all-inclusive supplies as fitting into a small cooler. That does not necessarily mean you will go hungry, since the lunch itself is described as substantial, but you should clarify what is available before lunch.

The beach meal can also be social and noisy. Music or a sega show may be part of the entertainment, and other groups can be in a celebratory mood. I like having live Mauritian music as an option, but you may prefer a quiet picnic. The good news is that you can often move away from the main crowd after eating.

Guide quality can change the whole day

The tour lists English, French, German, Italian, and Romanian. That is helpful if you want more than a boat ride, since island names, wildlife, and local details are easier to appreciate with clear explanations.

You should confirm the language directly. Several German-speaking bookings paid for or requested a German guide but received an English-speaking guide instead. In some cases, information was offered only when people asked, and questions about the route went unanswered. That is a serious issue on a tour promoted for history, adventure, and exploration.

There are better reports, too. Anil was praised for being engaged, friendly, and capable as both guide and boat driver. A good skipper can make the day feel easy, point out wildlife, and keep the schedule moving. But the mixed language reports mean you should not assume the requested language is guaranteed without written confirmation.

If your group cares about commentary, ask three things before departure: who will guide the boat, which language will be used, and whether the guide will explain the sites as you pass them. If you mainly want transport, swimming, and scenery, this issue may matter less.

The nine-hour promise deserves a direct question

The stated duration is nine hours, with the route starting and ending at Trou d’Eau Douce. Optional hotel or Airbnb transfers are available around Mauritius, but they are not included in the listed price. One booking near the departure point received complimentary pickup and return, though you should confirm the charge and coverage for your own address.

The most important practical warning is the return time. Several bookings ended around 2 p.m. after roughly five hours, despite an expectation of returning at 5 p.m. Another booking finished at 3:15 p.m. instead of 5 p.m. Early returns may happen for operational reasons, but a shorter day greatly changes the value of a private charter.

Before you leave Trou d’Eau Douce, confirm the planned departure and return times. Also ask whether all five island passes, the snorkeling session, lunch, beach time, and drinks are included that day. A private group has a better chance of getting clear answers before the engine starts.

Who will get the most from this speedboat day?

I would recommend this experience to a group of up to four that wants a busy day on the water and prefers privacy over a shared boat. It suits couples, families, and friends who want to split the cost and enjoy several different activities without arranging separate excursions.

It is especially good for you if you want:

• A fast, lively ride between Mauritius islands
• Snorkeling with tropical fish
• A chance to see dolphins or sea turtles
• A beach barbecue with drinks
• Optional parasailing or a tube ride
• A private setting rather than a large group

I would be more cautious if you need a guaranteed nine-hour schedule, a confirmed non-English guide, or a tightly managed all-inclusive service. You should also think twice if feeding wild monkeys feels uncomfortable, especially if the food offered is not appropriate for wildlife.

The 4.2 rating from 18 ratings suggests a generally positive but uneven experience. The best days appear to combine an early start, a strong skipper, good sea conditions, and clear communication. The weakest days were hurt by short duration, poor language matching, and limited refreshments before lunch.

Should you book the five-island speedboat tour?

Book it if the private boat, Blue Bay snorkeling, and full island route are your priorities. At $498 for four people, it can be good value for a private day that includes lunch, snorkeling equipment, and drinks, especially when you would otherwise pay separately for a cruise, marine park stop, and beach meal.

Before paying, confirm the guide language, the actual return time, hotel transfer cost, and when snacks and drinks will be served. Ask what food will be used for the monkey encounter. If those answers are clear, this can be a lively and varied way to see Mauritius from the water. If the operator cannot confirm them, choose a tour with a firmer schedule and clearer inclusions.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

The tour starts and ends at Trou d’Eau Douce.

How long is the experience?

The advertised duration is nine hours. Some bookings returned much earlier, so confirm the exact schedule before departure.

How much does the private boat cost?

The price is $498 for a private group of up to four people.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel and Airbnb pickup and drop-off are optional and are not included in the listed price. Confirm the cost for your location.

Which islands are included?

The route includes Ile aux Cerfs, Ile aux Phares, Ile de la Passe, Ile aux Aigrettes, and Ilot Margenie.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Where does snorkeling take place?

The snorkeling session takes place at Blue Bay Marine Park.

What food is served at lunch?

The barbecue includes grilled chicken, grilled fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, and salad. Vegetarian requests have been accommodated.

What drinks are included?

The advertised open bar includes rum, wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and water. Snacks are also listed as included.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.