5 Islands Trip & Ile aux Cerfs inc Lunch, Drinks & Transport

Mauritius looks best from the water. This six-hour speedboat trip packs several sides of the southeast and east coasts into one day, from snorkeling near Blue Bay to lighthouse ruins, a waterfall, beach lunch, and Ile aux Cerfs. I like the all-in-one format and the fact that hotel transport, food, drinks, and snorkeling gear are included. The main tradeoff is pace: the snorkeling stop lasts about 30 minutes, and the day depends heavily on good weather.

I also like the small-group plan, with space for up to 15 people, plus the chance to see dolphins, monkeys, fruit bats, turtles, and fish. Guides such as Georges have earned praise for keeping the mood upbeat and making extra wildlife sightings possible. Still, I would not book this as a quiet beach day. You spend much of it moving by speedboat, and one reported outing had 17 people on board despite the stated limit.

For $176 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Mauritius from the sea. It can be good value if you want a single organized outing that handles the long transfer from your hotel and includes lunch, drinks, gear, and several sights. If you mainly want to snorkel, the short water stop may leave you wanting more.

Key points before you book

• Blue Bay snorkeling lasts about 30 minutes: You get a quick look at tropical fish near Ile aux Aigrettes, but this is not a long dedicated snorkeling session.
• The speedboat links several coastal sights: You pass Ile aux Aigrettes, Ile de la Passe, Fouquets Island, and Ile au Phare without needing separate transport.
• The Grand River Southeast waterfall is a boat-side sight: You view it from the water rather than taking a land walk to the falls.
• Lunch takes place on Ilot Mangenie: Expect chicken, fish, sausage, garlic bread, salad, and fruit, with local drinks and alcohol included.
• Ile aux Cerfs gives you about 90 minutes: This is your main chance to slow down on white sand after the faster sightseeing.
• Early pickup matters: The boat starts around 8:00 a.m. in the east, so pickup may be between 6:00 and 7:30 a.m., depending on your hotel.

Why this six-hour trip works well

Mauritius has many separate coastal sights, and fitting them together on your own can mean arranging taxis, finding a boat operator, and deciding where to eat. This outing solves that problem in one stroke. You are collected from a hotel, B&B, or apartment anywhere on the island, then taken to the east or southeast coast for the boat portion.

That convenience is the real selling point. The listed pickup areas cover places such as Grand Baie, Flic en Flac, Le Morne, Belle Mare, Mahebourg, Port Louis, and Black River. If you are staying far from the launch point, the early start can be tiring, but it saves you from arranging a separate taxi.

The boat day itself is built around variety. You get marine life, colonial-era military remains, a waterfall, a beach meal, and free time on a famous island. I would choose this over a single-island cruise if you want a broad introduction to the coast and do not have many days in Mauritius.

The format is active but not strenuous in the usual sense. The only clear restriction is that the activity is not suitable for pregnant women. You should also be comfortable boarding and riding in a speedboat, spending time in open conditions, and swimming during the snorkeling stop.

Blue Bay and the 30-minute snorkeling stop

The morning begins with a roughly 15-minute speedboat ride to the Blue Bay area. The snorkeling stop is near Ile aux Aigrettes, in or around Blue Bay Marine Park, one of the best-known snorkeling areas in Mauritius.

Snorkeling equipment is provided, which keeps the morning simple. You do not need to pack fins or a mask unless you prefer using your own. The water is described as clear, and the stop is meant to give you a look at tropical fish close to shore.

Keep your expectations measured. Thirty minutes goes quickly once you receive gear, enter the water, and get settled. One person felt the snorkeling should have lasted an hour longer. Another found the fish more ordinary than colorful, with coral in poor condition. That is useful context: you may see fish and clear water, but this is not guaranteed to resemble a pristine coral garden.

Conditions matter greatly. In good weather, the stop can be one of the most enjoyable parts of the morning. In rain or rough water, it can feel rushed or less appealing. If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, look for a longer specialist trip instead.

Ile aux Aigrettes, Ile de la Passe, and Fouquets Island

After snorkeling, the boat continues past a string of small islands. Ile aux Aigrettes is viewed from the water after the snorkeling stop, while Ile de la Passe and Fouquets Island receive about 30 minutes each for sightseeing or a closer pass.

Ile de la Passe and Ile au Phare are especially interesting because they connect the scenery with Mauritius’s military past. From the boat, you can see old building remains and hear about the role these islands played in controlling the approach to the coast. The lighthouse on Ile au Phare is a key visual landmark, and the trip information says you may have a chance to visit it.

I would treat the lighthouse visit as a possibility rather than a promise of a long walk ashore. The published route describes these islands mainly as pass-by stops, so the actual amount of time on land may depend on sea conditions and the skipper’s plan. You will still get a useful view of the ruins from the boat.

This portion suits anyone who likes a little context with their beaches. The islands are not just pretty dots in the sea. Their ruined structures and lighthouse give the boat ride a sense of place, and the guide provides information in English or French.

The Grand River Southeast waterfall from the boat

The route then heads toward Ile aux Cerfs, passing the Grand River Southeast waterfall. The waterfall is one of the coast’s signature sights, though this experience views it from the water rather than stopping for a hike.

That distinction matters. You are not getting a land-based waterfall walk, a long photo session, or a picnic beside the falls. Instead, the skipper positions the boat for a look and photographs before continuing along the river and coast.

The stop is brief in practical terms, even though the schedule allows about 30 minutes for the waterfall portion. The boat ride itself is part of the attraction, and the speed adds a little fun to the transfer. One highly praised guide was described as keeping the energy high and moving the boat at a good pace.

You might also see wildlife along the route. Dolphins, monkeys, fruit bats, and turtles have all been reported during outings. These sightings are never something to count on, but the variety of possible wildlife adds interest to the ride.

Beach barbecue on Ilot Mangenie

Lunch takes place on the wilder side of the Ile aux Cerfs area, at Ilot Mangenie. This is a welcome change from the boat, giving you about an hour to eat and enjoy the beach setting.

The barbecue includes chicken, fish, sausage, garlic bread, salad, and fruit. Other descriptions mention cabbage salad and rice, and some outings offered sea urchin and lobster for those who wanted to try them. The core meal is straightforward rather than fancy, which is exactly right for a beach barbecue.

Drinks are included, including local alcoholic options. That makes the $176 price easier to justify, especially since you are not stopping to buy lunch and refreshments separately. You should still think of this as a relaxed outdoor meal, not a restaurant experience with a broad menu.

The mood is part of the appeal. The meal gives the group time to sit together, and several strong ratings praised the food and the friendly atmosphere. If your ideal day includes a simple plate of grilled food with sand nearby, this is a good match.

The main weakness is that lunch quality can feel basic. One account called it correct rather than special. I would book this expecting a tasty, practical barbecue in a beautiful setting, not a gourmet spread.

Ile aux Cerfs and 90 minutes on the beach

After lunch, the boat takes you to the postcard side of Ile aux Cerfs. This is the part of the day built for rest. You get about an hour and a half to walk on the white sand, swim, take photos, or simply sit down after the morning’s activity.

Ile aux Cerfs is famous for its pale beaches and bright water, and it is the most polished beach stop on this route. The earlier islands feel more remote and historical. Here, the focus is on leisure and the familiar Mauritius beach scene.

You may find other activities available on the island, though the information provided does not specify which ones are included or how much they cost. I would not assume extra activities are part of the $176 package. Use the included time to enjoy the shore unless you have confirmed the details of anything additional.

Ninety minutes is enough to enjoy the beach without making the tour feel like a full resort day. It is not enough for a long, unhurried island stay. If you want several hours on Ile aux Cerfs, book a dedicated beach or island excursion instead.

Speedboat comfort, weather, and group size

The speedboat is central to the experience, not just a way to get from one stop to the next. It lets you cover the southeast and east coasts quickly, and several people especially liked the ride itself. The route includes a 15-minute opening ride and another 15-minute return journey, with shorter boat transfers between sights.

You should prepare for wind, spray, and changing weather. A bad-weather outing received a much lower rating because the group spent more than three hours in rain. The activity continued during an official storm warning, which made the day unpleasant and reduced the value of the sightseeing.

That is the biggest practical risk. A sunny day can make the same route feel excellent, while rain can affect snorkeling, views, lunch comfort, and the time on Ile aux Cerfs. Check the forecast before you go and bring protection for sun and rain. The provided details do not state what rain gear is supplied, so do not assume the boat has enough for everyone.

The advertised group limit is 15 participants. That is small enough for a more personal guide experience than a large cruise, though one report counted 17 people on board. If group size matters to you, confirm the expected number when booking.

The guides can make a real difference. Georges was singled out for spotting or helping create a memorable monkey sighting, while other comments praise the captain for making an effort to keep everyone happy. The official languages are English and French.

Is $176 a fair price?

At $176 per person, the price is easiest to assess by adding up what you would otherwise arrange yourself. The package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a full speedboat excursion, snorkeling gear, the guide, barbecue lunch, local drinks, alcohol, and time on Ile aux Cerfs.

You are paying for convenience as much as for the sights. A visitor staying in the west or north may spend a long time reaching the east coast without included transport. Here, that transfer is handled for you, though the early pickup can be as soon as 6:00 a.m.

The price is less attractive if you care most about one feature. A dedicated snorkeling trip may offer more time in the water. A private boat may give you more control over stops. A land-and-beach day may cost less if you do not want drinks, lunch, or several island visits.

For someone with only a short stay, I think the bundle can make sense. You see several major coastal sights in one outing and avoid the work of coordinating them. For a relaxed beach holiday, the pace and price may feel excessive.

Who should book this boat day?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A broad look at Mauritius’s southeast and east coasts
• Hotel pickup from almost anywhere on the island
• A small-group boat trip rather than a large cruise
• A mix of swimming, history, wildlife, beach time, and food
• An included barbecue with local drinks and alcohol
• A guide who adds energy and information to the route

I would be more cautious if you want:

• More than 30 minutes of snorkeling
• A guaranteed lighthouse visit
• A long, quiet stay on Ile aux Cerfs
• A luxury lunch
• A weather-proof activity
• A very small private group

The cancellation terms are practical: you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. That is useful for a weather-sensitive boat day, though it does not remove the need to check conditions before departure.

Should you book the 5 Islands Trip?

Book it if you want variety and ease in one well-filled day. The strongest parts are the speedboat route, the mix of islands and wildlife, the barbecue setting, and the included hotel transport. A good guide can turn the scattered stops into a lively outing, and Ile aux Cerfs gives you a proper beach finish.

Skip it if snorkeling is your top priority or if you dislike early starts and open-water weather. For the best value, book on a clear forecast, confirm your pickup time and group size, and think of the snorkeling and lighthouse as short highlights rather than long standalone visits. At $176, it is a convenient full package, not a bargain beach transfer.

FAQ

How long does the 5 Islands Trip last?

The activity lasts about six hours, including the boat route, snorkeling, sightseeing, lunch, Ile aux Cerfs, and hotel transport arrangements.

What is included in the price?

The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the speedboat excursion, snorkeling equipment, a barbecue lunch, local drinks including alcohol, a guide, and time on Ile aux Cerfs.

Where does snorkeling take place?

Snorkeling takes place near Ile aux Aigrettes in the Blue Bay Marine Park area. The scheduled snorkeling time is about 30 minutes.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The barbecue includes chicken, fish, sausage, garlic bread, salad, and fruit. Some outings also offered rice, cabbage salad, sea urchin, or lobster.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Yes. Local drinks, including alcohol, are included with the beach barbecue lunch.

Will I visit the lighthouse on Ile au Phare?

You may have the chance to visit the historical lighthouse. The route also describes Ile au Phare and Ile de la Passe as sightseeing or pass-by stops, so the amount of time ashore can vary.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide service is offered in English and French.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are available from hotels, B&Bs, and apartments across Mauritius. Pickup is generally between 6:00 and 7:30 a.m., depending on where you stay, with the boat activity beginning around 8:00 a.m. in the east.