Mauritius: 5 Islands of the East Speedboat Tour with BBQ

The east coast packs a lot into one boat day. This seven-hour speedboat trip links mangroves, a waterfall, old naval outposts, coral reefs, and the beaches of Île aux Cerfs, with a BBQ lunch along the way. I especially like the mix of scenery and activities, and the fact that the day includes local snacks, drinks, and snorkeling equipment on request. The main caution is timing: one booking party waited more than an hour before departure, and some stops depend on tides and government access.

The smaller boat can make the day feel personal, too. One recent group had only six people aboard, while guides such as Kenny and John earned praise for being friendly and helpful in both French and English. You should also know that the tour is sold as a five-island outing, but some islands are viewed only from the water, and conditions can reduce the number of actual stops.

Key points at a glance

• Grand River South East Waterfall by boat: Cruise upriver through calm waterways to one of Mauritius’s few waterfalls reachable by boat.
• Five-island route with changing access: See Île aux Phare, Île de la Passe, Île aux Flamant, Île aux Aigrettes, and Île aux Cerfs, though tides and protection rules affect where you can land.
• Snorkeling near Île aux Aigrettes: Stop in clear water with coral and tropical fish, with a chance of seeing a turtle.
• BBQ beside Île aux Cerfs: Expect grilled chicken, fish, chicken sausages, salads, flambéed bananas, and local drinks.
• Wildlife is possible, not promised: Monkeys near the river and dolphins offshore may appear, but neither sighting is guaranteed.
• Good value for a full day: At $88 per person, the price covers the speedboat, guide, lunch, drinks, snacks, waterfall visit, island route, and snorkeling.

Starting at Trou d’Eau Douce

The day begins at Le Four a Chaux Restaurant, with the meeting point listed as Trou d’Eau Douce Beach. You will receive a welcome before boarding, followed by a safety briefing covering life jackets, boat procedures, and the day’s route.

That briefing matters. A speedboat is more exciting than a slow lagoon cruise, but it also means wind, spray, and sudden movement. Listen carefully, keep your belongings secure, and bring a waterproof bag if your phone or camera matters to you. A hat and sunglasses are useful, though you will want to hold onto both when the boat gathers speed.

The listed duration is seven hours. Starting times vary, so check the schedule before booking. One practical weakness is the meeting point itself: a recent booking party reported waiting over an hour without clear help finding the correct operator. Arrive early, but if the departure process seems unclear, ask directly for the Paradis Discover crew rather than waiting quietly.

The boat is described as comfortable and wheelchair accessible. Still, the day includes swimming, snorkeling, beaches, and movement on and off a boat, so anyone with mobility concerns should confirm exactly how boarding and shore access will work before paying.

Mangroves and the Grand River South East Waterfall

The first stretch takes you through mangrove-lined coastal waterways. This is a slower, calmer opening than the open-water run, and it gives you time to settle into the boat.

Your guide explains why mangroves matter. Their tangled roots help protect the shore and provide nursery areas for young marine life. For you, the appeal is also visual: green channels, still water, and close views of the coast that you would miss from a road.

The boat then continues toward Grand River South East Waterfall, often shortened to GRSE Waterfall. Fresh water runs over dark basalt rock into the sea, creating a pleasant contrast between river and lagoon. Keep watch along the trees for monkeys climbing and playing. The guide may point them out, but sightings are not guaranteed.

This is a useful reminder that the tour is not only about beaches. You get a little river scenery, a little wildlife, and a look at the volcanic terrain that gives Mauritius its character. The waterfall itself is not presented as a long hike or a major trek. It is a boat-accessible sightseeing stop, which makes it suitable for people who want nature without spending the day on foot.

Offshore dolphin watching and the first island

After the river, the speedboat heads out toward the islands. This is where the ride becomes more open and energetic. You can expect sea breeze, spray, and wide views across the turquoise water.

Dolphins are sometimes seen leaping through the waves on this stretch. Treat that as a lucky extra, not a promised part of the program. If dolphin watching is your main reason for booking, this is not the right kind of excursion to depend on. The boat is following a wider route, not offering a dedicated wildlife search.

The first major island stop is Île aux Phare, also called Île aux Fouquets. Its old lighthouse sits on volcanic rock, with waves breaking below. The setting makes an excellent photo stop, especially because you can take in the open sea and surrounding islands from the boat.

The lighthouse gives this outing a stronger sense of place than a simple beach cruise. You are seeing a working piece of Mauritius’s maritime past, not just another patch of sand. Access can depend on conditions, so the exact experience may be a close view and photo stop rather than a long walk around the island.

Île de la Passe and Île aux Flamant

The boat next passes Île de la Passe, a small island linked to naval battles and colonial-era defenses. Remains of forts can be seen, while the guide explains the island’s role in Mauritius’s maritime story.

This stop works best if you enjoy context. Without the guide, it might look like a rocky island in a beautiful lagoon. With the story attached, the view becomes a reminder that these waters were once important military routes. You pass by rather than spend a long period ashore, so do not expect a museum visit or a formal historical tour.

Île aux Flamant follows. The island is shallow and peaceful, though flamingos are now rare there. The name may raise expectations, but you should think of this as a scenic pass-by stop rather than a wildlife encounter. The low water and pale sand add variety to the route, especially after the darker rocks around the lighthouse and fort.

The tour’s five-island title needs a little translation. You see five named islands or islets, but not all are places where you get off the boat. Government protection and tides affect access. The day is still full of island scenery, but the count does not mean five separate beach visits.

Snorkeling near Île aux Aigrettes

The snorkeling stop is one of the day’s main active moments. In clear water near Île aux Aigrettes, you can look for coral and tropical fish, with a possible turtle sighting. Snorkeling gear is provided on demand, so request it when you book or as soon as you arrive.

The protected island itself is known for rare wildlife, including Aldabra giant tortoises and the endangered pink pigeon. You do not disembark on Île aux Aigrettes, so this is not a nature-reserve tour. Instead, you view the protected area from nearby water and spend time at a nearby beach.

This distinction matters. If you want to walk among giant tortoises, this boat day will not provide that. If you want a swim, a reef stop, and some background about a protected island, it fits well.

Snorkeling conditions can change with tides and weather. Bring your own gear if you prefer a familiar mask, but the tour does provide equipment on request. You should also bring sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, and a camera that can handle water or spray. The crew is there to help with safety, but you still need to be comfortable in the sea.

A beach break with snacks and drinks

After snorkeling, the group gets a relaxed pause near Île aux Aigrettes. The stop can include swimming, photos, music, local snacks, and drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

This is the point in the day when you can stop chasing sights. Sit on the beach, dry off, and let the schedule breathe a little. The exact balance of music, swimming, and sightseeing will depend on the group and the sea, but the break keeps the day from becoming a nonstop sequence of boat departures.

The included drinks are a useful part of the package. You do not have to arrange every snack and bottle yourself, though personal purchases are not included. If you are vegetarian, request that meal in advance. That is especially important because the standard BBQ centers on meat and fish.

BBQ lunch near Îlot Mangenie

Lunch is served around Îlot Mangenie, with views toward the islands and water. The menu includes grilled chicken, fish, chicken sausages, fresh salads, flambéed bananas, and local drinks.

The BBQ receives strong praise, and I can see why. A meal cooked beside the sea is more memorable than a packed sandwich eaten on a moving boat. It also makes the $88 price easier to justify, since food, drinks, snacks, and the boat are all bundled into one day.

Do not expect a restaurant-style lunch with a large menu. This is a beach BBQ, so the attraction is the setting and the shared meal. If you have dietary needs, make them clear in advance. Vegetarian meals must be requested before the tour.

The atmosphere can be a real strength. Recent feedback singled out the food, friendly welcome, and good mood aboard. The guide may serve beer, cocktails, or other drinks, but you should pace yourself. The day still includes swimming and boat movement, and the return ride can be lively.

The final stop at Île aux Cerfs

Île aux Cerfs is the grand finale, with white sand and a broad lagoon. Here you have time to walk, swim, sunbathe, take photos, or enjoy the island at your own pace.

This stop is less guided than the earlier points. That is welcome after a morning filled with commentary and movement. You get a chance to choose your own rhythm, provided you return to the boat on time.

Île aux Cerfs is also where optional activities are available, including parasailing, glass-bottom boat rides, and an undersea walk. Those are not included in the $88 price. If you want one, budget separately and confirm how much free time will remain for the included beach visit.

The island is popular for good reason, but it may feel more developed and activity-focused than the quieter islets. If you want a peaceful, empty beach all day, this is not that kind of trip. If you want a scenic finish with swimming and several optional ways to spend your time, it is a strong ending.

What the $88 price really covers

At $88 per person, this is a solid value for a seven-hour outing. The package includes the speedboat, guide, waterfall visit, mangrove route, island sightseeing, snorkeling, BBQ lunch, local snacks, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

You are paying for variety. A separate boat trip to the waterfall, an island cruise, a snorkeling outing, and a beach lunch could easily take more planning and cost more when arranged individually. Here, the day is organized around one route and one crew.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a long stay on Île aux Cerfs. Much of the day is spent moving between places, and access to the islands changes with tides and protection rules. You should book this for the whole mix, not just for the final beach.

Optional Île aux Cerfs activities and personal expenses cost extra. Hotel or villa pickup and drop-off are also optional, so check the transport arrangement carefully. The listed meeting point is Trou d’Eau Douce Beach.

Guides, group size, and the feel of the day

The guide can shape this experience more than the scenery does. Kenny received warm praise for being kind and for explaining the islands in clear French and English. John was also singled out for his helpful attitude and personal attention.

Group size may vary. One recent group had only six people on its boat, which allowed for a more intimate feel and easier conversation with the guide. Do not assume every departure will be that small, but it shows the outing can sometimes feel far more personal than a large sightseeing boat.

The live guide service is offered in English and French. The captain provides the safety briefing before departure, and the crew helps with snorkeling. You should still be prepared for a full outdoor day: sun, wind, water, and changing weather.

Bad weather or rough seas can lead to rescheduling. That is sensible for safety, but it means you should avoid placing this tour on the final day of a tight Mauritius schedule.

Who should book this speedboat tour?

I would recommend it to you if you want one busy day that combines scenery, water time, food, and light history. Couples, families, and small groups who enjoy being outdoors should find plenty to like.

It is also a good fit if you want more than a standard beach day. The waterfall, mangroves, lighthouse, naval sites, protected island, and snorkeling stop create a varied route. The BBQ and included drinks remove much of the hassle of organizing lunch.

You may want another option if you dislike speedboats, have limited tolerance for sun and spray, or want guaranteed wildlife sightings. The dolphin and monkey encounters are possible but not certain. You should also think twice if your priority is spending most of the day on one beach.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your weather plans are uncertain, but they do not change the need to check the meeting point and transport details.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want the east coast in one energetic, well-fed day. The strongest reasons are the mixed route, the friendly bilingual guiding, the chance of a small group, and a BBQ that several people found especially good.

Go in with realistic expectations. The five-island name includes pass-by views, the number of landings depends on tides and protection rules, and wildlife sightings are luck. If that sounds fair, $88 buys a generous day of boat travel, water activities, island scenery, and lunch without much planning on your part.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Trou d’Eau Douce Beach, at or near Le Four a Chaux Restaurant.

How long does the speedboat tour last?

The tour lasts seven hours.

What languages does the guide speak?

Live guiding is available in English and French.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling equipment is available on demand. You should bring your own gear if you prefer to use it.

Can I see dolphins on the tour?

Dolphins may be seen during the boat ride, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Are monkey sightings guaranteed?

No. Monkeys may be visible near Grand River South East Waterfall, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Can I visit Île aux Aigrettes?

You do not disembark on Île aux Aigrettes. You can snorkel nearby and enjoy a beach break with views of the protected reserve.

What food is served at lunch?

The BBQ includes grilled chicken, fish, chicken sausages, fresh salads, flambéed bananas, and local drinks.

Can I request a vegetarian meal?

Yes. Vegetarian meals must be requested in advance.

Are activities at Île aux Cerfs included?

No. Parasailing, glass-bottom boat rides, undersea walks, and other optional activities at Île aux Cerfs are not included.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, a camera, sunscreen, and snorkeling gear if you prefer your own.

Can the tour be canceled or rescheduled?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour may be rescheduled if weather or sea conditions are poor.