5 Islands Speedboat Cruise incl. Snorkeling in Blue Bay + Lunch at Ile aux Cerfs

Five islands, one fast-moving day. This east-coast speedboat outing packs Blue Bay snorkeling and several historic islets into roughly seven hours, with lunch, drinks, snacks, water, and equipment included. I like the lively pace and the chance to see Mauritius from the water rather than from a coach window.

I also like the small, capped group of 18, which makes the boat feel more personal than a large cruise. Skippers such as Andy have earned praise for their warm energy and good humor. The main drawback is that some stops can feel rushed, and the day may include a long lunch break that leaves less time for swimming or snorkeling.

Five things to know before you go

• Blue Bay is the main event: Expect up to two hours around the marine park or nearby Ilot Mangenie, depending on weather and coral protection rules.
• The boat covers real ground: You visit Ile aux Cerfs, Ile aux Fouquets, Ile aux Aigrettes, Blue Bay, and the Grand River South East area.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Snacks, bottled water, alcoholic beverages, lunch, and snorkeling gear are part of the price.
• The group is limited to 18 people: That is a useful middle ground between a private charter and a crowded party boat.
• The pace can vary: Some outings have short island visits, while lunch may take much longer than expected.
• This is an active day: You need to be comfortable boarding a speedboat, swimming or snorkeling if you choose, and sitting in the open air for hours.

Why this speedboat trip works well for a first day

At about $110.79 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning in Mauritius. It can be good value if you want several separate activities in one booking: an island visit, a waterfall view, historic sights, a marine park, lunch, open-bar drinks, and snorkeling equipment.

The value comes from the variety. You are not spending seven hours in one bay or on one beach. Instead, the boat moves through the east and southeast coast, giving you a broad introduction to the area. If your Mauritius stay is short, that range can save you from arranging several day trips.

The speedboat also changes the feel of the day. You get wind, spray, music, and quick views of the coast between stops. It is more energetic than a catamaran cruise, though that also means less shade and less room to stretch out.

The group limit matters. With no more than 18 people, you have a better chance of hearing the skipper and getting help with equipment. It is still a shared trip, not a quiet private charter, so expect a social atmosphere.

The strongest praise goes to the crew. Andy is singled out for his energy and friendliness, and other comments describe the captain as enthusiastic and attentive. That human touch can make a major difference on a boat trip, where the skipper controls both the mood and the timing.

Starting at Ile aux Cerfs

The first island stop is Ile aux Cerfs, one of the best-known coastal attractions in Mauritius. You get about 45 minutes here, with refreshments before the boat continues toward Grand River South East.

Treat this as a short introduction rather than a full beach day. Forty-five minutes gives you time to look around, take photos, and enjoy the setting, but it is not enough for a slow wander or a long swim. If you picture yourself spending half a day on the island, this tour is not designed for that.

Ile aux Cerfs is useful at the start because it gives you an immediate sense of the island’s popular east-coast side. You see why this area attracts so many boat trips, but you also learn that the day is about movement. Keep your belongings together and listen for the departure instructions. A short stop disappears quickly.

The itinerary also passes the Grand River South East waterfall after this opening visit. The falls run into the Indian Ocean, creating one of the day’s most striking natural views. You may see the waterfall from the boat rather than take a long walk to it, so think of this as a scenic stop, not a hiking visit.

Ile aux Fouquets and the story of Grand Port

Ile aux Fouquets, also called Ile Phare or Lighthouse Island, gives the outing a welcome historical layer. Dutch settlers discovered the islet in 1598, and a lighthouse built in 1864 remained in service until the early twentieth century.

The island also sits within the wider story of Grand Port. Ile aux Fouquets and nearby Ile de la Passe were linked to naval activity during the 1810 Battle of Grand Port, fought between French and British forces. The battle was a hard contest, and the British lost four frigates, though one was later recaptured.

You will not get a full museum visit here. The value is in seeing the place from the water while the guide explains why these small rocks mattered. This is where the quality of the commentary becomes important. The excursion includes local history and culture, and the crew has been praised for explaining the islands well.

Allow your expectations to match the stop. The islet is not a developed attraction with a long list of facilities. Its appeal comes from the lighthouse, the position in the bay, and the connection to Mauritius’s colonial and naval past.

Two hours at Blue Bay Marine Park

Blue Bay Marine Park is the heart of the trip. The snorkeling session is planned for about two hours, either at Blue Bay or near Ilot Mangenie. The exact location can change with weather and the coral breeding season, so the advertised site is not guaranteed on every departure.

Blue Bay became a national park in 1997 and was later recognized as a wetland site under the Ramsar Convention in 2008. Its coral garden includes many varieties of coral and supports a wide range of marine life. The water near the coast is described as calm and shallow, which makes the area suitable for a relaxed snorkeling session.

You do not need to hire a mask, snorkel, or related equipment separately. The use of snorkeling gear is included, along with bottled water. That saves both money and the bother of finding equipment before the trip.

Still, two hours on the schedule does not always mean two full hours in the water. One account found the snorkeling shorter than expected, while another described swimming and snorkeling as a highlight. Boat loading, safety instructions, weather, group preferences, and marine protection rules can all affect the actual time.

If snorkeling is your top priority, tell the crew early. Stay ready when the boat reaches the site, and do not assume every minute of the marine-park window will be spent swimming. The area itself is a strong reason to book, but the experience depends on sea conditions and the day’s running order.

Some outings have also included dolphin sightings. That can be exciting, but chasing dolphins can feel uncomfortable if the boat gets too close or follows them aggressively. I would enjoy a respectful sighting and prefer the skipper to put animal welfare ahead of getting a closer photo.

Ile aux Aigrettes and the drinks break

After Blue Bay, the boat passes Ile aux Aigrettes for refreshments. The islet is a nature reserve and scientific research station off the southeast coast, and it is also visited by both local residents and international visitors.

This tour does not include an extended land visit to the reserve. You should see it as a passing point with a short refreshment stop, not as a guided wildlife walk. That distinction matters because the name may suggest a full reserve tour.

The open bar is available during this part of the outing, and alcoholic beverages are included. Snacks, lunch, and water are included as well, so you are not left to find food at each stop. Drink sensibly, especially if you plan to snorkel later or the boat is moving quickly between islands.

Food is one of the most praised practical features of the day. There is no need to pack a full meal or buy lunch separately. The exact lunch setting and timing may vary, and one outing included a much longer lunch stop than expected. If you prefer more time in the water, it is worth asking the crew how the schedule looks that day.

Grand River South East and the final coastal views

The Grand River South East section brings the trip back to one of the area’s best-known natural sights. The waterfall flows toward the Indian Ocean, and the boat gives you a water-level view that you cannot get from a normal road tour.

The listed viewing time is only about 15 minutes, so keep your camera ready. This is a quick scenic pause, not a long exploration. The same area also connects with the history of Ile de la Passe and the Battle of Grand Port, giving the guide another chance to link the scenery with Mauritius’s past.

The route can feel slightly repetitive if you are mainly interested in beaches. Ile aux Fouquets, Ile aux Aigrettes, Ile de la Passe, and the other small islets are often best appreciated through their stories and positions in the bay. You will get more from the trip if you listen to the guide instead of treating every stop as another place to sunbathe.

Lunch, music, and the overall mood

This is a social outing with a holiday mood. The captain may play music, and the boat’s energy is part of the appeal. One person found the music too loud, so bring patience if you prefer quiet wildlife watching or calm conversation.

The crew’s friendliness is a consistent strength. Several comments describe the captain as fun, enthusiastic, and eager to check that everyone is happy. That helps when the sea is choppy, the schedule shifts, or a snorkeling stop ends sooner than planned.

Lunch is included, but the schedule deserves attention. The experience is advertised as about seven hours, yet the individual stops add up to less than the full day because time is also spent moving by boat, eating, boarding, and handling equipment. A long lunch pause can make the day feel leisurely to one person and wasteful to another.

If you want a relaxed day with food and drinks already arranged, that can be a benefit. If you want maximum time in the water, ask about the lunch duration before departure.

Practical details that affect your choice

The meeting point is Blue Alizé Catamaran at Ile aux Cerfs in Trou d’Eau Douce. The start time is 8:30 am, and the activity returns to the same meeting point. Private transportation is not included, although parking is available at the meeting point.

You receive booking confirmation at the time of reservation. The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel the outing, you can take a different date or receive a full refund.

Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

Most people can participate, but you should be comfortable around boats and water. Snorkeling is an option, not an obligation, so you can remain on board and relax if you do not want to swim.

I would bring sun protection, a towel, a dry bag or sealed pouch for valuables, and a light layer for the boat ride. These items are not listed as included, but they are sensible for a full day in open water. Keep your phone secure during fast runs between stops.

Language is another point to confirm. One booking expected a French-language guide but was placed with the English group. If guide language matters to you, check it before the morning begins rather than assuming the requested option will be available.

Who should book this 7-hour island run?

I would choose this tour if you want a full coastal sampler rather than a slow beach day. It suits active couples, friends, and solo visitors who enjoy being on the water, meeting a small group, and switching between snorkeling, scenery, food, and history.

It is also a sensible choice for a first visit to Mauritius when you want to cover several southeast sights in one outing. The included equipment and meal make the $110.79 price easier to justify, especially if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat, snorkeling gear, lunch, and drinks.

I would hesitate if you want long, quiet stops or a carefully fixed schedule. The island visits can be brief, the snorkeling time may vary, and the music may be too lively for some. Families and less confident swimmers should also ask the crew about the day’s sea conditions before committing.

Book it if the idea of a fast boat, several historic islets, Blue Bay’s coral garden, and an included lunch sounds like a good day out. Skip it if one perfect beach or an unhurried marine-park session matters more than variety.

FAQ

How long does the speedboat cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately seven hours.

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 8:30 am.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins at Blue Alizé Catamaran at Ile aux Cerfs in Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius, and returns to the same meeting point.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with snacks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The use of snorkeling equipment is included in the price.

Where does snorkeling take place?

Snorkeling takes place at Blue Bay Marine Park or near Ilot Mangenie, depending on weather conditions and the coral breeding season.

How many people can join the tour?

The group is capped at a maximum of 18 people.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. Free cancellation for a full refund is also available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.