All inclusive SPEEDBOAT FULL DAY to ILE AUX CERF & GRSE WATERFALL

Mauritius looks best from the water. This full-day outing pairs Ile aux Cerfs with the GRSE Waterfall, then adds a BBQ lunch, drinks, music, snorkeling gear when conditions allow, and pickup from your resort or villa. I like the convenience of the private air-conditioned transfer, and I like that the package includes beer, local rum, cocktails, and soft drinks rather than leaving you to build up extra costs all day.

The main consideration is flexibility. The boat type can change with weather and sea conditions, and a speedboat trip may become a catamaran transfer in rough weather. The tour is also described as lasting five to eight hours, so you should allow a generous part of your day rather than planning a tight afternoon appointment.

Five things to know before booking

• Ile aux Cerfs gets about two hours: This is the main beach stop, with time for sand, swimming, and the island setting.
• GRSE Waterfall is a short visit: You may spend around 20 minutes there, depending on sea conditions, water levels, and boat traffic.
• The package includes more than transport: BBQ lunch, mashed potatoes, dessert, beer, arranged local rum, cocktails, and soft drinks are included.
• Your ride begins at 7:30 a.m.: Pickup is available from resorts and villas, with transportation to Trou d’Eau Douce.
• Boat plans can change: Rough seas may require a larger catamaran instead of the advertised speedboat.
• The group is capped at 15 people: That is smaller than a large excursion boat, though the exact vessel can vary.

Why this Mauritius boat trip works well

This excursion is designed as an easy, all-in-one day on the east coast of Mauritius. You are collected in an air-conditioned vehicle, taken to Trou d’Eau Douce, placed on a boat, fed, given drinks, and returned to your accommodation. For many people, that simple arrangement is the real value.

The advertised price is $117.11 per person. That is not the cheapest way to reach Ile aux Cerfs, but it covers private transportation, the boat outing, lunch, several alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, waterfall access, and return service. If you would otherwise need to arrange a taxi, boat ticket, lunch, and drinks separately, the total can become less attractive than it first appears.

I especially like the private vehicle element. Mauritius is spread out, and reaching the east coast from a resort in another part of the island can take time. An air-conditioned ride matters in the tropical heat. You also get a driver who can provide information along the way, though the main focus here is transport rather than a formal guided cultural tour.

The boat portion is shared, with a maximum of 15 people. That keeps the group reasonably small, but do not confuse it with a private charter. You will be sharing the boat, lunch arrangements, music, and stops with other people. For a sociable day, that can be a plus. For a quiet, private cruise, it is the wrong format.

The early start at Trou d’Eau Douce

The day begins at 7:30 a.m., with pickup from your resort or villa. The exact collection time and drive length will depend on where you are staying, since the departure point is Trou d’Eau Douce on the east coast.

Trou d’Eau Douce is the launch point for boats heading toward Ile aux Cerfs. The port area is practical rather than polished, and its importance comes from its location. You are close to the eastern lagoon, the islet, and the route toward GRSE Waterfall.

The transfer vehicle is described as private and air-conditioned, even though the boat outing is shared. That distinction matters. You get a more comfortable start and finish to the day, but you should still expect a group activity once you reach the port.

The full experience takes roughly five to eight hours, including transport and sailing. That broad time range reflects the conditions on the water and the day’s operation. I would keep the rest of your schedule light, especially if you have an evening reservation or a long drive afterward.

Ile aux Cerfs and its famous beach setting

Ile aux Cerfs is the centerpiece of the excursion. You get about two hours here, which gives you enough time to enjoy the beach without turning the stop into a rushed photo break.

The islet is known for its bright coastal water and sandy beaches. The appeal is straightforward: you leave the vehicle behind, spend time beside the sea, and enjoy one of Mauritius’s best-known island settings. If you want a major dose of beach time, this is where the tour delivers it.

Two hours is useful but not endless. You can swim, sit on the sand, take photos, and explore a little, but you should not expect a full day on the islet. Lunch may be served aboard a catamaran or on the islet, depending on weather conditions. That can affect how much free time you have, so listen to the day’s instructions before wandering too far from the group.

Snorkeling equipment is available when sea conditions permit. That wording is important. Tropical weather does not guarantee calm water, and equipment availability does not mean snorkeling will always be possible. If snorkeling is the main reason you want this trip, treat it as a bonus rather than the central promise.

The islet can also be busy. Ile aux Cerfs is one of the most popular coastal stops in Mauritius, and several boats use the area. The smaller group limit helps, but it cannot make a famous beach feel private. Go for the setting and the easy access, not for solitude.

GRSE Waterfall and the monkey encounter

The GRSE Waterfall stop lasts about 20 minutes. That is enough for a look, a few photographs, and a quick change of scenery, but it is not a long waterfall walk.

The falls are reached by boat, and the visit depends on water levels, sea safety, and how many boats are operating in the area. In rough conditions, the captain may shorten or alter the stop. This is a practical safety issue, not a flaw unique to this company. The route is controlled by the conditions on the day.

One of the memorable details here is the local monkey population. You may see monkeys around the waterfall, which adds an entertaining wildlife moment to what could otherwise be a brief scenic stop. Keep your belongings secure and avoid treating the animals like pets. The information provided for this experience does not promise close contact, feeding, or a guaranteed sighting, so think of the monkeys as a possible bonus.

The waterfall is heavily photographed and well known in Mauritius. That makes it a good stop for variety. You get beaches, open water, and then a lush inland-looking scene beside falling water. Still, do not book this trip mainly for a long waterfall visit. The beach and boat time are the larger parts of the day.

What lunch and drinks really include

Lunch is a BBQ meal with mashed potatoes and dessert, and a vegetarian option is available. It is a useful inclusion because you do not need to search for food during the excursion or carry enough provisions for the whole day.

The meal is served aboard a catamaran or on the islet, depending on weather. That change can affect the atmosphere. Eating on the boat keeps the group together, while eating on the islet gives you a more beach-centered break. You may not know the exact arrangement until the day itself.

Drinks include beer, arranged local rum, cocktails, and soft drinks. This is a generous part of the package, especially for a warm day on the water. It also helps explain the price. A lower advertised tour rate can lose its advantage quickly once you add lunch and several drinks separately.

There is one clear limit: lobster lunch is not included. If you see a seafood-focused version of the outing elsewhere, do not assume it is part of this package. The stated meal is the BBQ lunch, with a vegetarian choice.

One practical point deserves attention. The advertised meal description is specific about BBQ food, mashed potatoes, and dessert, while one disappointed customer expected a three-course meal and did not receive a speedboat. I would book this expecting a casual group BBQ, not a restaurant-style lunch or a formal three-course service.

Speedboat promises and weather changes

The word speedboat sets a certain expectation: a quicker ride, more open-air excitement, and a sharper sense of movement across the lagoon. On a calm day, that may be the feel you get.

The operator also makes clear that boat sizes can change with weather and sea conditions. In rain or rough water, a larger catamaran may be used to move people more safely toward the islet. One previous complaint centered on receiving a catamaran instead of the expected speedboat. The response explained that the substitution was made because of dangerous sea conditions and coral areas with larger waves.

That is the key tradeoff. If safety and reaching the island matter most, the larger vessel is a sensible adjustment. If the speedboat itself is the main attraction, you need to accept that the advertised vessel is not guaranteed.

Music and a social atmosphere are part of the experience. The operator presents the outing as a chance to meet other people and enjoy a lively boat day. I would expect conversation, shared seating, and group energy rather than a quiet private cruise.

The trip has a maximum of 15 people, which helps keep the outing from becoming a mass-market boat party. Even so, boat capacity and layout can change. If you need a particular seat, a private deck, or a guaranteed low-noise setting, this is not the safest choice.

The value of pickup, drinks, and a small group

At $117.11, the price makes the most sense for someone who wants convenience. You are paying for the complete day rather than simply for a boat ticket. Pickup and drop-off from any resort or villa remove the need to negotiate local transport, and the air-conditioned vehicle is welcome before and after time in the sun.

The included food and drinks add real value. A BBQ lunch, dessert, beer, rum, cocktails, and soft drinks can cost a surprising amount when purchased independently. Snorkeling equipment, when conditions allow, adds another small saving.

The small group limit is also useful. A maximum of 15 people gives the outing a more manageable feel than a large catamaran packed with dozens of passengers. It does not make the experience private, but it should make boarding, eating, and moving between stops easier.

The weakest part of the value is certainty. The duration varies from five to eight hours, the boat type can change, and the waterfall visit may be shortened. You are buying a flexible day shaped by the sea. That is normal for a water excursion, but it should be clear before you pay.

The overall rating is 3.9 out of 5 from 12 ratings. That is a middle-of-the-road result, not a guarantee of perfection. The sharpest criticism concerns the difference between the promised speedboat experience and the catamaran arrangement on a rainy day, plus confusion around a booking during the New Year period. Check your confirmation carefully and make sure you understand the weather conditions that can change the plan.

Who should choose this Ile aux Cerfs excursion?

I would recommend this outing to you if you want one organized east-coast day without piecing together transport, lunch, and drinks. It suits couples, families, and solo visitors who enjoy shared activities and want several sights in one outing.

It is also a good match if you like variety. In one day, you can ride from your accommodation to the port, visit a famous islet, stop at a waterfall, possibly see monkeys, eat a BBQ lunch, and spend time on the water.

You may want a different option if your priority is a private boat, a guaranteed speedboat, extended snorkeling, or a quiet beach with no schedule. You should also think twice if you dislike early starts, group music, or plans that can shift with the weather.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If poor weather cancels the excursion, you can be offered another date or a full refund. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, so do not leave your plans until the last minute.

My practical booking advice

Read the confirmation for your pickup details and keep your morning open. Since the start time is 7:30 a.m., have your belongings ready before the vehicle arrives, especially if you are staying far from Trou d’Eau Douce.

Bring what you need for sun and water time, but remember that the tour supplies snorkeling equipment only when sea conditions allow. The supplied information does not specify towels, sunscreen, or personal gear, so you should not assume those items are provided.

Set your expectations around the strongest parts of the day: Ile aux Cerfs, the boat ride, the included food and drinks, and the chance to see GRSE Waterfall and monkeys. Treat snorkeling, the exact vessel, the lunch location, and the length of the waterfall stop as condition-dependent.

Most of all, choose this trip for its convenience and range. It is not a precision-planned private charter. It is a flexible island day that tries to put the major ingredients in one package.

Should you book this tour?

Book it if you want a practical all-inclusive day with resort pickup, a shared boat, Ile aux Cerfs, GRSE Waterfall, BBQ lunch, and drinks. The $117.11 price is reasonable when you value transport and having most expenses handled in advance.

Skip it if a guaranteed speedboat, a formal meal, or long, calm snorkeling time matters more than convenience. The sea controls much of the schedule, and a catamaran may replace the speedboat in poor conditions. For the right kind of visitor, that flexibility is a fair trade for seeing several eastern Mauritius highlights in one day.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The stated start time is 7:30 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The total duration is approximately five to eight hours, including transportation and sailing.

Is pickup available from my accommodation?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are offered at resorts and villas in Mauritius by certified drivers.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The package includes a BBQ lunch with mashed potatoes and dessert. A vegetarian option is available.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Beer, arranged local rum, cocktails, and soft drinks are included.

Is lobster lunch included?

No. Lobster lunch is specifically listed as not included.

Is snorkeling guaranteed?

No. Snorkeling equipment is available depending on sea conditions, and snorkeling itself depends on the weather and the state of the sea.

Can the speedboat be replaced by another boat?

Yes. Boat size can change with weather and sea conditions. In rough or rainy conditions, a larger catamaran may be used for safety.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The activity has a maximum of 15 people, although the exact boat size can change.

What happens if poor weather cancels the tour?

You may be offered a different date or a full refund if the experience is canceled because of poor weather.