Blue bay: boat trip for ile au cerf (5 islands, barbecue)

Sea time, island stops, and a very good lunch.

This seven-hour boat trip from Blue Bay brings together the best parts of Mauritius’s southeast coast: snorkeling in the marine park, lighthouse views, a river waterfall, and a barbecue on Ile aux Cerfs. I especially like the small-group limit of 10 people and the way the day mixes active stops with plenty of time to swim, eat, and relax.

The other strong point is the food. The beach barbecue includes fish, chicken, and lobster, with homemade punch and a steady stream of dishes. The main consideration is the length of the day: you will be moving between several stops, so this suits you best if you want a full outing rather than a quiet few hours on one beach.

Key Things To Know Before You Go

• Snorkel in Blue Bay Marine Park: The first water stop focuses on fish and coral in one of the area’s best-known marine settings.
• See five island-area highlights: Ile aux Aigrettes, Ile aux Fouquets, Ile aux Cerfs, and nearby coastal and river stops give the day plenty of variety.
• Small boat, maximum 10 people: A shared trip feels more personal than a large cruise, while private departures are also possible.
• Lunch includes lobster: The barbecue is a major part of the experience, with fish, chicken, seafood, fruit, and homemade punch.
• The trip ends at Pointe Jerome: You start near the Blue Bay parking area and finish at the Pointe Jerome embarkation point.
• Bring water shoes and cash: A hat, towel, water shoes, and cash are specifically recommended.

Why This Seven-Hour Route Works

Many boat outings around Mauritius focus on one attraction, often a sandbank or a single island. This one tries to give you a full picture of the southeast coast in one day. You get time in the water, views from the boat, short guided stops, a river visit, and a long beach break with lunch.

That variety is the main reason I would consider the $111 price reasonable. The cost includes a guide, life jackets, a safety kit, snorkeling equipment, and the barbecue meal. You are not paying only for a boat ride. You are paying for a structured day with several stops and food already arranged.

The small group matters, too. With no more than 10 people on a shared trip, it should be easier to hear the guide, get help with equipment, and find a comfortable place on the boat. You can also ask about an exclusive trip if you want the boat and schedule to be more private.

The pace is active but not extreme. You will get in the water, walk around some stops, take photos, and spend free time on the beach. If you prefer to stay in one place all day, this may feel busy. If you want to see a lot of the southeast in one outing, the schedule makes good sense.

Meeting Near Blue Bay Marine Park

The meeting point is listed as HP49+C2C, next to the parking area. Your guide will wear a white polo shirt, which should make the group easier to find. Since the location is given as a plus code, check the map carefully before leaving and allow time to locate the parking area.

The day begins with a boat ride from the Blue Bay area. The company puts strong emphasis on care for the sea, fish, coral, and the wider natural setting. That message is backed up by the activity itself, which gives you a chance to see the marine environment rather than simply race past it.

English and French are available. The boat trip is also listed as wheelchair accessible, though you should confirm the practical details of boarding and moving around the boat before booking if you use a wheelchair.

Snorkeling In Blue Bay Marine Park

The first major stop is Blue Bay Marine Park, where you use the provided snorkeling equipment. The focus here is the fish and coral reserve, so this is the part of the day to bring your mask, water shoes, and attention to the water.

The marine park is valuable because it gives you a closer look at the lagoon’s life. You are not just looking at pale water and pretty coastlines. You may see many kinds of fish among the coral, and the setting provides the natural heart of the trip.

Keep your expectations practical. Snorkeling depends on sea conditions, visibility, and your own comfort in the water. The activity supplies equipment and life jackets, but you should still bring a towel and a hat for the hours outside the water.

This stop has received some of the strongest praise from the available feedback. One French-speaking participant described seeing many fish near Blue Bay, while another account praised the chance to see turtles and dolphins during the day. Those sightings are not guaranteed, but they show why keeping your eyes open matters.

Ile aux Aigrettes And The First Island Views

The route continues toward Ile aux Aigrettes for a photo stop, cocktail, and swimming. This is a pleasant change of pace after snorkeling. You can dry off, take pictures, and enjoy a drink before the route moves farther along the southeast coast.

The stop is not presented as a long island tour. Think of it as a short scenic pause with time in the water. That can be welcome on a seven-hour trip, since repeated short stops keep the day moving without asking you to spend every minute on the boat.

The boat travels along the coast and passes several islands. From the water, you get a different view of Mauritius than you would from a road. The coast becomes the setting for the day, with the changing angle of the boat giving you repeated chances for photographs.

Ile aux Fouquets Lighthouse: A Short, Photogenic Visit

Ile aux Fouquets is home to the lighthouse stop. The plan includes a photo break and a guided visit of about 20 minutes. The lighthouse gives this boat trip a clear visual landmark, and it is likely to be one of the day’s best places for photographs.

The short visit is worth treating as a focused stop rather than a full historical tour. You will have enough time to look around, listen to the guide, and take pictures, but not enough time for a slow, unplanned exploration.

That limited time is both a benefit and a drawback. It keeps the schedule moving and prevents one stop from taking over the day. On the other hand, if lighthouse sites are your main interest, 20 minutes may feel brief.

Bring your camera, but also keep it protected from spray. The route is built around a boat, and even calm lagoon conditions can mean wet gear.

Grand River South East And The Waterfall

Next, the boat heads toward Grand River South East, with a photo stop and guided visit. The river section adds a different setting to the day. Instead of coral and open lagoon, you get a larger waterway and a chance to see the coast from farther inland.

The waterfall is one of the route’s more distinctive moments. It gives you a break from the usual island-and-beach pattern and adds a little sightseeing beyond the sea. The guide can point out the main view and help you understand what you are seeing.

There is also the possibility of spotting monkeys along the river. This happened during one departure, but wildlife is never a promise, so consider it a bonus rather than a scheduled attraction.

The river visit is handled as a guided stop and photo opportunity. It is not described as a long hike, which makes it suitable for people who want variety without turning the day into a strenuous excursion.

Ile aux Cerfs And The Beach Barbecue

The main beach break takes place on Ile aux Cerfs. Here you get time to swim, take pictures, explore the beach, and eat lunch. After several stops, this longer pause gives the day room to breathe.

The barbecue is one of the biggest reasons to choose this trip. The menu includes fish, chicken, and lobster, along with homemade punch. Seafood is not treated as a small extra. The meal is a central part of the outing, and the food has been praised for its flavor, quality, and generous rhythm.

One account described different meats and seafood arriving at the table at regular intervals, with lobster included in the meal. That suggests a lunch with plenty of variety rather than one basic plate. Another praised the secluded setting and the care given to drinks and safety throughout the day.

The exact menu and serving order can change, so you should not treat every dish as guaranteed beyond the listed fish, chicken, and lobster. Still, the meal appears to be a real strength of the experience.

The homemade punch adds to the festive mood, but use common sense. You still have to return by boat, and the day includes swimming. Drink lightly, eat well, and keep water on hand.

Ile aux Cerfs is also where you get the most unstructured time. If you like swimming and beach time, this is your chance to slow down. If you prefer cultural visits or long guided walks, the beach break may feel too long. The trip clearly favors sea views, food, and easy outdoor fun over formal sightseeing.

Guides, Safety, And The Feel Of The Day

The company provides life jackets, a safety kit, snorkeling gear, and experienced guides. The crew’s role is practical: help you move between stops, keep an eye on the group, explain what you are seeing, and make sure the day stays comfortable.

Several crew members have been praised by name, including Pascale, Christopher, William, Mathéo, Val, Valérie, and Steeve. The exact team can change, but the repeated strength of the operation is its friendly service. The crew has been described as attentive with drinks, safety, food, and general mood.

That personal service is easier to provide with 10 people than with a large boatload. You can ask questions without shouting across a crowded deck, and the guide has a better chance of noticing if you need help with the equipment.

The trip also makes a clear effort to promote respect for nature, fish, and coral. That is important in a marine park. You should follow the guide’s instructions, avoid touching coral, and treat wildlife as something to watch rather than chase.

What $111 Includes, And Who Gets Good Value

At $111 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get onto the water in Mauritius. The value depends on how many parts of the day you would otherwise book separately.

You receive a seven-hour boat outing, a guide in French or English, snorkeling equipment, safety gear, several scenic stops, a waterfall visit, beach time, and a substantial barbecue. The small group also adds value, especially if you dislike the noise and fixed feel of a large cruise.

I think the price makes the most sense for you if you want a full day with lunch included and do not want to arrange separate activities. It is less compelling if you only want a short swim, a basic boat transfer, or a quiet beach visit.

The private option may suit couples, families, or small groups who want more control. A shared trip is limited to 10 people, so it should still feel fairly personal while costing less than a fully exclusive outing.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later make planning easier. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date.

What To Pack For The Boat

Pack light, but bring the items that make a wet day easier:

• Hat for sun protection
• Towel for the snorkeling and swimming stops
• Water shoes for wet, uneven, or rocky areas
• Cash for personal needs
• Camera or phone protection from spray
• Dry clothing if you dislike staying in swimwear all day

The supplied information does not list hotel pickup, so do not assume transport from your accommodation is included. Plan around the meeting point near the parking area and the finish at Pointe Jerome.

Because the boat trip includes snorkeling and swimming, wear practical clothing rather than anything difficult to change. Keep valuables secure and bring only what you need.

Who Should Book This Boat Trip?

I would recommend this experience to you if you want several highlights in one day and enjoy being on the water. It is especially well suited to couples, families, and small groups who value personal service, seafood, and a relaxed but varied schedule.

It also works well for people who want more than a beach day. You will see coral and fish, islands, a lighthouse, a river, a waterfall, and Ile aux Cerfs in one outing.

You should think twice if you dislike boats, swimming, changing locations, or group meals. The day has a lot packed into it, and the schedule depends on the sea and weather. It is also not the right choice if you want a long, quiet visit at every stop.

Should You Book It?

Book this trip if you want a small-group southeast coast tour with strong food, several scenic stops, and time in the water. The lobster barbecue, Blue Bay snorkeling, lighthouse visit, and waterfall make the $111 cost easier to justify than a simple boat transfer.

Skip it if your ideal day means staying on one beach or avoiding boats altogether. For everyone else, this is a well-balanced way to see a broad slice of Mauritius’s southeast coast without organizing each part yourself.

FAQ

How long is the Blue Bay to Ile aux Cerfs boat trip?

The activity lasts seven hours. Starting times vary, so you should check availability for your chosen date.

Where do I meet the guide?

The meeting point is HP49+C2C, next to the parking area. The guide will be wearing a white polo shirt.

Where does the trip finish?

The tour finishes at the Pointe Jerome Embarkation Point.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and a safety kit are included.

What languages are available?

The live guide is available in French and English.

What food is included at lunch?

The beach barbecue includes fish, chicken, and lobster, along with homemade punch and other food.