Full Day Tour 5 Island to Ile Aux Cerfs Incl. Lunch and Transfer

The Indian Ocean puts on a fast show. This full-day trip combines Blue Bay snorkeling with shipwrecks, lighthouse ruins, a waterfall, beach time, and a barbecue lunch on Ilot Margenie. I especially like the small-group speedboat format and the range of stops, which gives you much more than a simple beach transfer.

I also like that hotel pickup, snorkeling equipment, lunch, drinks, and a guide are included in the $151.21 price. The main caution is the tour’s party atmosphere. Unlimited alcohol, music, and an open boat can be a great fit for couples and social groups, but less so for families or anyone wanting a quiet, history-focused outing.

Key points to know before booking

• Blue Bay Marine Park: Snorkel in clear water at an average depth of about 5.5 meters, with coral and reef fish.
• Fast speedboat ride: You cover a lot of Mauritius’ southeast coast in one day, with less time spent plodding between islands.
• Historic island stops: Ile aux Phare and Ile de la Passe add old lighthouses, military ruins, and stories from the Battle of Grand Port.
• Beach barbecue: Lunch includes chicken, fish, salads, garlic bread, drinks, and a banana flambé dessert, with vegetarian and halal food available.
• GRSE waterfall: The boat enters the river channel for views of the waterfall, monkeys, and possibly fruit bats.
• Social atmosphere: Music, dancing, rum, and an open bar are part of the experience, not a small side note.

What the $151 price really covers

At $151.21 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Ile aux Cerfs. A basic boat transfer or a shorter island cruise can cost much less. Here, though, the price includes private air-conditioned transport from your accommodation, a certified guide and driver, the speedboat, snorkeling gear, lunch, drinks, and several separate coastal stops.

That package can offer good value if you plan to use most of the inclusions. A full day of transport around the southeast coast would be costly and awkward to arrange alone. You also avoid piecing together a hotel transfer, boat trip, snorkeling rental, lunch, and island visits.

The value is less convincing if you mainly want two quiet hours on Ile aux Cerfs. A sizeable part of the day is spent moving between sites, and the trip is designed as a busy sightseeing circuit. You pay for variety, speed, and convenience rather than a slow beach day.

The tour normally takes eight to nine hours. The advertised start is 8:00 a.m., but pickup times can vary sharply depending on your hotel and the day’s boat arrangements. Some people have been collected as early as 6:00 or 6:30 a.m. and then waited before boarding. Check the latest pickup message in your booking app and confirm the time with the operator.

From your hotel to Blue Bay

Pickup is offered at hotels and accommodations anywhere in Mauritius. You ride in a private, air-conditioned vehicle to Blue Bay, a village on the east side of the island, and meet the guide before boarding the boat.

This road transfer is more useful than it may sound. The southeast coast is spread out, so having a driver handle the journey lets you save your energy for the water. Some drivers also share local background during the ride. Kavi received especially warm praise for his driving and scheduling, while Chris was singled out for guiding and organizing the day.

Communication is the weak point to watch. Pickup details have not always been consistent, with times changing through messages and app updates. Use the Viator app for current information, and do not rely only on an earlier email.

The boat holds a maximum of 15 people, although some departures have been much smaller. A group of five or ten gives the trip a more personal feel than a large catamaran. It also makes it easier to hear the captain and move between stops.

Blue Bay Marine Park and the first snorkel

Blue Bay Marine Park is the first major stop, and it is one of the strongest parts of the day. The boat heads out to the reef, where you stop for about an hour of snorkeling in clear water.

The stated average depth is 5.5 meters, with good visibility and more than 50 coral species recorded in the park. You can expect to see reef fish and coral formations below the boat. Snorkeling equipment is included, which saves you from carrying your own mask and fins.

You do not need to be a confident snorkeler to enjoy this stop. One person can swim while another stays aboard, takes photographs, or simply enjoys the view. The boat crew provides the basic equipment, but bring your own sun protection and consider wearing a rash vest or other sun-safe clothing. You may spend much of the day exposed to the sun.

Conditions depend on weather and sea state. On a clear, calm morning, the water can be the day’s best visual experience. In poor weather, visibility and comfort may drop, and the operator can alter or cancel the trip.

The Dalbair shipwreck at Pointe d’Esny

The boat then pauses at Pointe d’Esny to see the Dalbair shipwreck, also spelled Alblair in some tour details. The vessel has been on the coral reef since 1902, and the guide explains the circumstances and disputed story behind the wreck.

This is a short stop of about 30 minutes, but it gives the day some substance beyond beaches and drinks. You can ask questions while the guide explains what you are seeing, then continue through the lagoon.

Do not expect to walk onto the wreck. The attraction is the view from the boat and the story connected with it. If you like maritime history, this is one of the more distinctive moments on the route.

Cocktail and swimming at Ile aux Aigrettes

At Ile aux Aigrettes, you get roughly 40 minutes for a cocktail and a swim in clear lagoon water. The stop is described as a natural swimming pool, with starfish visible in the shallows.

This is a pleasant change of pace after the first snorkel. You can cool off, float, or sit back with the included drink. The clear water also makes the stop attractive to anyone who prefers easy swimming to reef snorkeling.

The time is limited, so do not expect a long visit. Also, treat starfish gently and leave them in the water. The appeal here is the quiet lagoon setting, not a long guided nature walk.

Ile aux Phare and Ile de la Passe

Ile aux Phare, also called L’Île aux Fouquets, is a small rocky island in Grand Port Bay. Its lighthouse was built in 1864 to guide ships toward Mahébourg, and the island played a role in the Battle of Grand Port between French and British forces.

You have about 45 minutes to walk around and see the old lighthouse ruins. This is one of the rare chances on the route to get off the boat and explore a historic site on foot. Wear footwear that can handle uneven ground, since the island is rocky and the remains are old.

The next stop, Ile de la Passe, adds another half hour of colonial military history. French and British defenses were built here, and ruins from roughly two and a half centuries ago remain. The islet also connects to the Battle of Vieux Grand Port, an event commemorated by an inscription on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

Access to Ile de la Passe depends on the tide. That detail matters. Even with a clear itinerary, the captain may need to pass by if sea conditions or water levels make landing unsafe. You still get views of the ruins and the surrounding sea, but do not treat a walk on the island as guaranteed.

Ilot Flamants and Eau Bleu

During the cruise, you pass Ilot Vacoas before reaching Ilot Flamants, a small white-sand island in the lagoon. The stop lasts about 30 minutes and may include another chance to snorkel in turquoise water.

This is a classic barefoot island pause. You can swim, look across the lagoon, and enjoy the contrast between bright sand and open water. It is also a useful second water stop if you did not want to stay in the deeper Blue Bay snorkeling area for long.

The schedule is full, so the time can feel brief. You will not have hours to settle in. The point is to sample several different coastal settings in one day.

Grand River South East Waterfall by boat

The GRSE waterfall is reached by speedboat along the Grand River South East channel, where the river meets the sea. The boat moves close to the falls for about 30 minutes, giving you a view of the water, riverbanks, and surrounding plant life.

Monkeys sometimes move through the old trees beside the waterfall, and fruit bats may be visible high in the branches. These sightings are not guaranteed, but they add a welcome element of wildlife to the route.

Weather can change this stop. One outing did not reach the waterfall because conditions were poor, while another got close enough for a strong view. The captain has to balance safety with the day’s timetable, so expect flexibility here.

Ile aux Cerfs and lunch on Ilot Margenie

Ile aux Cerfs is the main beach stop, with about two hours for swimming, snorkeling, strolling, relaxing, or optional water sports. The island is known for white sand, palm trees, and bright lagoon water, and it is the most polished beach setting on the route.

Water sports are not included. The supplied information lists an optional cost of about 40 euros, so ask what is available and confirm the price before signing up. If you prefer not to pay extra, the beach and lagoon provide enough to fill the stop.

Lunch is served around noon on Ilot Margenie, within the Ile aux Cerfs portion of the trip. The meal is a three-course beach barbecue, generally with chicken, fish, salads, garlic bread, and other sides. A vegetarian barbecue can be arranged if you request it in advance, and halal food is included.

Drinks include alcoholic and non-alcoholic choices, with an open bar and unlimited selections advertised. The crew also prepares banana flambé for dessert. Sega dancing, live music, and entertainment turn lunch into a social beach gathering rather than a quiet picnic.

Food quality can vary by departure. Some people have found the barbecue generous and enjoyable, with chicken, fish, sausages, salads, and shaded seating. Another account described smaller portions and cold food. If you have dietary needs, allergies, or a medical condition, tell the operator at booking and bring a snack in case the meal does not suit you.

The speedboat style and onboard mood

The speedboat is the reason to choose this excursion over a slower catamaran cruise. You cover the coast quickly and spend more of the day at actual stops. Several outings also included memorable wildlife sightings such as dolphins, sea turtles, monkeys, and fruit bats, although none of these can be promised.

The ride can be thrilling. You may feel spray, wind, and quick turns as the boat moves between islands. If you prefer a calm ride, or if you have back or motion sensitivity, a slower boat may be more comfortable.

The onboard mood is lively. Music, dancing, rum, snacks, and a steady supply of drinks are central to some departures. That creates a fun, friendly day for couples and groups who want a celebration on the water.

It can also feel too loud or alcohol-focused if you want quiet nature viewing. Smoking and vaping have been reported as part of the atmosphere, so families should think carefully before booking. The advertised vegetarian option exists, but the meal and social setting may still be a poor match for someone seeking a food-focused or low-key tour.

The captain makes a major difference. Names mentioned positively include Nelson, Donovan, Emmanuel, Joel from Ting Tours, and Kevin, nicknamed Jack Sparrow. Their style ranges from informative guiding to music-led entertainment. Because different crews may operate different departures, your experience can depend heavily on who is running the boat that day.

Practical advice for a better day

Bring high-factor sunscreen and reapply often. You may sit in the sun for long stretches, even with shade available at lunch.

Pack a swimsuit, towel, sunglasses, a hat, and a waterproof way to carry valuables. Closed or secure sandals are useful for the rocky lighthouse island.

Tell the operator about vegetarian requirements, allergies, or illness when you book. Vegetarian food is available, and the meal is halal, but advance notice matters.

Keep your schedule flexible. The exact route can change with weather, tide, boat problems, and sea conditions. Ile de la Passe depends on the tide, and GRSE Waterfall may be skipped in bad weather.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can receive another date or a full refund. The operator also requires at least two people to book, and the group limit is 15.

Who should book this Mauritius island tour?

I would book it if you want a full, active day with many different sights and do not want to arrange transport yourself. It suits couples, friends, and social groups who enjoy speedboats, swimming, music, rum, and a little harmless chaos.

It is also a good choice if you want more than the standard Ile aux Cerfs beach visit. The shipwreck, lighthouse, colonial defenses, reef, waterfall, and small sand islets give the day a broad look at Mauritius’ southeast coast.

I would choose another excursion if your priority is silence, detailed historical guiding, a relaxed catamaran, or a strictly family-oriented setting. The advertised route is ambitious, and not every stop is guaranteed. The party atmosphere is not an occasional extra, either. It shapes the day.

For the right person, the $151 price buys a memorable mix of sea, history, food, and speed. Just confirm your pickup time, prepare for strong sun, and book this as a lively island circuit rather than a quiet beach retreat.

FAQ

Where does the 5 Island tour take place?

The tour operates from Blue Bay on the southeast coast of Mauritius and visits several islands and coastal sites, including Ile aux Cerfs.

How long does the excursion last?

The experience lasts approximately eight to nine hours. The stated start time is 8:00 a.m., with return to the mainland expected around 4:30 p.m.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are offered at hotels or accommodations anywhere in Mauritius, using private air-conditioned transportation.

How many people can join the speedboat tour?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers, and a minimum of two people is required for a booking.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, with snorkeling scheduled at Blue Bay Marine Park and at another lagoon stop.

What food is included at lunch?

Lunch is a three-course barbecue, usually including chicken, fish, salads, garlic bread, and other sides. Vegetarian food can be arranged in advance, and halal food is available.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Yes. The tour includes a selection of unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including an open bar during the beach lunch and cruise.

Are water sports at Ile aux Cerfs included?

No. Optional water sports cost about 40 euros and are not part of the tour price.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.