FULL-DAY CATASPEED – East Lagoon cruise including transfer.

The lagoon moves fast on this island-hopping day. I like the private speedboat format, which lets you choose when to swim, snorkel, stroll, or simply stay aboard, and I like the mix of five-island scenery, a waterfall stop, and a barbecue lunch. The included hotel transfer also makes an early start far easier.

The main point to weigh is the boat itself. This is a fast speedboat, not a quiet catamaran, so you may get a lively ride over the waves rather than a calm, slow cruise. The long stop at Ile aux Cerfs can also disappoint if you expect pristine sand, a quiet beach, or snorkeling right from the island.

Key points at a glance

• Private seven-hour speedboat: The boat stays with your party for the day, giving you more control than a fixed group cruise.
• Five-island East Coast route: Stops and views include Ile aux Flamants, Ile aux Phares Lighthouse, Ile de la Passe, Ile aux Aigrettes, Ile aux Margenie, and Ile aux Cerfs.
• Snorkeling gear supplied: Masks, snorkels, fins, and life jackets are provided for infants, children, and adults.
• Barbecue served on Ile aux Margenie: Lunch includes chicken, fish, sausages, garlic bread, salads, dessert, and drinks.
• Grand River South East Waterfall: You can visit and swim near the waterfall, with chances to see monkeys and fruit bats.
• Drinks stay cold onboard: The ice box includes bottled water, juices, soft drinks, local beers, white and rosé wine, and rum.

Why this East Coast cruise works well

At $170 per person, this is not a budget boat outing. But the price includes private transport from your hotel, a full seven hours on the water, food, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and a private boat that remains with your party. If you plan to see several East Coast sights in one day, the package can offer solid value.

I especially like the freedom built into the format. A standard excursion often moves you along on someone else’s timetable. Here, you can ask to spend more time swimming, take a walk on an island, relax on the boat, or move on when a stop has given you enough.

That flexibility matters because the islands offer different kinds of scenery. Some are best viewed from the water. Others make sense as short beach or wildlife stops. Ile aux Cerfs is the biggest crowd-pleaser, but it is also the stop where expectations need the most adjustment.

The boat has an adventurous feel. One account describes a comfortable modern speedboat, plenty of wave-jumping, and an energetic skipper who created a friendly atmosphere. Another preferred a slower catamaran and found the speedboat less peaceful. I would treat that contrast as useful advice: book this for movement and fun, not for a quiet sailing day.

The 7:00 a.m. hotel pickup

Your driver collects you at 7:00 a.m. from your hotel or another agreed location in a private car. You are then taken to the cruise harbor in time for the 8:30 a.m. departure.

That transfer is more important than it sounds. East Coast boat trips start early, and arranging your own taxi before breakfast can add stress and extra cost. A private pickup also means you are not working around a large shared transfer route.

You should be ready before 7:00 a.m. and keep anything you need for the boat easy to reach. The day includes swimming, snorkeling, and time in the sun, so a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and a dry change of clothes are sensible choices. The supplied information does not specify storage arrangements, so keep valuable electronics protected from spray.

The cruise is listed as a private charter. That means the speedboat stays with your group for the whole outing rather than dropping you at one location and returning on a fixed schedule. The exact size of your party is not provided, so ask the operator if space onboard matters to you.

Cruising past the five East Coast islands

The route takes in a chain of small islands and coastal sights. You may see Ile aux Flamants, Ile aux Phares with its lighthouse, Ile de la Passe, Ile aux Aigrettes, Ile aux Margenie, and Ile aux Cerfs during the day.

Do not think of every island as a full walking visit. Some are scenic points viewed from the boat, while others serve as places for lunch, swimming, or a beach break. The changing views are part of the appeal, especially if you enjoy seeing the coast from different angles rather than staying in one resort area.

Ile aux Phares Lighthouse gives the route a strong visual marker. Ile de la Passe adds another historic-looking island setting, although no detailed historical commentary is provided. You should expect attractive island scenery, photographs, and time on the water rather than a formal guided history tour.

Ile aux Aigrettes is also named among the places visited, while the itinerary separately lists Ile aux Flamants. Since the exact order and length of each stop may vary, your skipper is the best person to ask about the day’s sequence.

Snorkeling at the Aquarium

The snorkeling stop takes place at a site called Aquarium. Masks, snorkels, and fins are included, so you do not need to rent basic equipment separately. Life jackets are available for infants, children, and adults.

The stop is one of the strongest parts of the day for anyone who wants to get into the water. One account describes colorful fish and calls the snorkeling particularly good. That gives you a useful guide to expectations: this is a chance to see marine life in a lagoon setting, but conditions can change with weather and water visibility.

You should listen closely to the skipper before entering the water. Wear the life jacket if you need extra support, and remember that fins take a little practice if you rarely use them. The trip is designed for a broad range of ages, but the supplied information does not give a detailed swimming or accessibility assessment.

The private setup is helpful here. If some people in your group want to snorkel while others prefer to stay dry, the boat can remain nearby and the day does not have to revolve around one activity for everyone.

Barbecue lunch on Ile aux Margenie

Lunch is served on Ile aux Margenie rather than at a restaurant. That gives the meal a simple outdoor feel and keeps the group close to the water.

The menu includes garlic bread, mixed salads, sausages, chicken, fish fillets, and a dessert of flaming bananas or local pineapple. Drinks include bottled water, juice, soft drinks, white wine, rosé wine, local beer, and rum.

I like the range here because it is more than a token sandwich. You get several filling choices and both alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. The meal also removes the need to search for lunch during a tightly timed island day.

Food is prepared and served by the cruise team, including chefs who meet you during the outing. Keep your expectations in the right place: this is a beach barbecue, not a fine-dining meal. Its value comes from the setting, convenience, and generous selection.

If you have dietary restrictions, ask before booking. No special-diet arrangements are stated, so you should not assume that substitutions are available.

Grand River South East Waterfall and wildlife

The itinerary includes a visit and swim at Grand River South East Waterfall. This is a welcome change from the open lagoon, giving the day a freshwater and coastal-wildlife element.

The waterfall area may offer views of monkeys in their natural habitat. A particularly memorable account also describes fruit bats sleeping upside down in the trees and monkeys being fed. You should not count on a specific animal sighting, but the stop adds more than another beach pause.

The waterfall visit can be a good choice for you if you want variety. Seven hours of beaches and boat rides can begin to feel repetitive, while a waterfall and wildlife stop breaks up the day.

Swimming conditions and access details are not provided, so ask the skipper what is suitable on the day. Weather can affect the water, the route, and how long you spend at each point.

Ile aux Cerfs: beautiful, popular, and not perfect

Ile aux Cerfs is likely to be the best-known island on the route. Its appeal is easy to understand: beaches, lagoon views, room for a stroll, and a familiar tropical-island setting.

It is also where you should lower your expectations. One account found trash across the island and felt the long stop turned the place into a tourist trap. The same account noted there was no opportunity to snorkel there, so do not assume Ile aux Cerfs is the day’s main snorkeling location.

I would think of Ile aux Cerfs as a place for a beach break and photographs, not as an untouched island escape. Its popularity can be part of the experience, but it may not suit you if you want silence, empty sand, or a carefully protected natural setting.

The private boat gives you some protection from a disappointing stop. If the island is too busy or does not hold your interest, you can discuss spending more time elsewhere or returning to the boat. The actual flexibility depends on the skipper and the day’s conditions, but that is one reason to choose a private charter over a fixed public cruise.

Dolphins, wave rides, and the boat’s personality

Dolphin sightings are possible, but they are luck rather than a promised feature. One very fortunate outing had dolphins close to the boat, which became one of the day’s great memories.

The speedboat is central to the character of this trip. It can move quickly between the islands and add excitement when it rides over the waves. Some people will love that energy, especially families, couples, and anyone who wants more action than a slow catamaran provides.

Others will prefer a gentle ride with little spray and less engine noise. If you get seasick or want a peaceful boat day, ask about the vessel before paying. The published experience is specifically a Cataspeed speedboat, not a traditional sailing catamaran.

The skipper also affects the mood. Accounts describe a friendly, motivated skipper who helped create a relaxed atmosphere and was willing to add excitement to the ride. No skipper’s name is supplied, so you cannot request a particular guide.

Drinks, timing, and what seven hours really means

The boat leaves at 8:30 a.m. and returns at about 4:00 p.m., making this a full day rather than a short coastal outing. The schedule includes travel between islands, snorkeling, lunch, the waterfall, beach time, and possible swimming.

An ice box onboard holds bottled water, juices, soft drinks, local beers, white wine, rosé wine, and rum. That is useful in the heat and means you are not dependent on finding refreshments at every stop.

The all-day timing is both a benefit and a commitment. If you want a quick taste of the East Coast, seven hours may feel long. If you want to combine island scenery, wildlife, lunch, and snorkeling without arranging separate activities, the length makes sense.

The tour runs rain or shine. Mauritius weather can shape the quality of a boat day, and the operator does not promise a weather cancellation. Bring sun protection, but also prepare for changing conditions. The supplied details do not state whether rain gear is provided.

Who will get the most from this trip?

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want to see many East Coast highlights in one outing and enjoy an active day on the water. It suits people who like swimming, snorkeling, quick transfers between sights, and the freedom of a private boat.

It is also a good fit for mixed groups. Some people can snorkel, others can relax onboard, and the skipper can adjust the pace within the limits of weather and timing. Life jackets are supplied for infants, children, and adults.

Families should consider the speedboat’s movement before booking. The boat offers excitement, but it is not the calmest option. Ask about the ride if you are bringing young children or anyone sensitive to motion.

I would be more cautious if your ideal day involves a quiet sail, untouched beaches, or detailed historical interpretation. The route has attractive island names and landmarks, but the focus is on scenery, food, swimming, and fun rather than museums or long guided talks.

French and English are available, which helps mixed-language groups. The private hotel pickup and included meals also make the package easier to manage than planning several East Coast activities separately.

Is $170 per person good value?

At $170, the price is easiest to justify for a group that will make full use of the private boat. You are paying for transport, a seven-hour cruise, equipment, lunch, drinks, a waterfall visit, and the ability to shape parts of the day around your interests.

The value is weaker if you mainly want to sit on a quiet beach or spend hours snorkeling at one reef. You may find a shorter, simpler boat trip better suited to that plan.

The included food and beverages add real value. Buying lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and private transfers separately could quickly narrow the price difference. The private charter is the biggest factor, especially if your group wants control over the pace.

Before booking, confirm the precise island order, the expected group size, and how much time is normally spent at Ile aux Cerfs. Those details will help you decide if the day matches your priorities.

My verdict on the Full-Day Cataspeed

I would book this trip if I wanted an energetic, all-in-one East Coast day with a private boat, good food, snorkeling, wildlife, and plenty of time outside. The best parts are the flexible format, the warm onboard atmosphere, the waterfall stop, and the chance of colorful fish or even dolphins.

I would skip it if I wanted a quiet catamaran, an untouched island, or guaranteed snorkeling at Ile aux Cerfs. Treat the speedboat as an adventure and Ile aux Cerfs as a popular beach stop, and the $170 price makes much more sense.

The strongest choice is to book when your group values variety over perfection. You get a full day of Mauritius scenery, but the trip is at its best when you enjoy the ride itself, not just the postcard stops.

FAQ

How long does the Cataspeed East Lagoon cruise last?

The cruise runs for about seven hours. Pickup is scheduled for 7:00 a.m., the cruise starts at 8:30 a.m., and the return transfer is planned for around 4:00 p.m.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. A driver collects you from your hotel or another agreed location in a private car and returns you to the pickup location after the cruise.

What is the price per person?

The listed price is $170 per person.

Is the boat private?

Yes. The speedboat is described as a private charter and remains with your group for the entire day.

Which islands are included?

The route includes Ile aux Flamants, Ile aux Phares Lighthouse, Ile de la Passe, Ile aux Aigrettes, Ile aux Margenie, and Ile aux Cerfs Island.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks, snorkels, and fins are supplied. Life jackets are also available for infants, children, and adults.

Where does snorkeling take place?

The planned snorkeling stop is at a site called Aquarium.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch is a barbecue on Ile aux Margenie, with garlic bread, mixed salads, sausages, chicken, fish fillets, and either flaming bananas or local pineapple. Drinks include water, juice, soft drinks, local beer, white wine, rosé wine, and rum.

Does the tour visit a waterfall?

Yes. The route includes Grand River South East Waterfall, where you can visit and swim. Monkeys may be seen in their natural habitat, and fruit bats may also be visible in the trees.