Speed boat to Ile aux Cerfs: Full day incl Lunch & Transfer

Mauritius puts its best colors on the water. This seven-hour outing combines a fast speedboat ride with beach time at Ile aux Cerfs, a three-course BBQ lunch, drinks, live guitar and jambé music, and a visit to Grand River South-East Waterfalls. I like the easy hotel pickup and the fact that lunch, soft drinks, wine, beer, and local rum are included. The main drawback is that the optional water sports cost extra, and one recent return transfer took far too long.

You begin at Trou d’Eau Douce on the east coast, then cruise through clear lagoon water to the island. It is a good choice if you want a full day by the sea without arranging several separate activities. Just bring a towel, dry clothes, and patience for the transfer schedule, since one account describes a 30-minute wait in full sun on the way back.

Five things to know before you book

• The speedboat is the main event: Expect quick runs, sharp turns, and plenty of spray, not a quiet sightseeing cruise.
• Ile aux Cerfs gives you flexible beach time: Swim, stroll, snorkel, sunbathe, or pay extra for a water sport.
• Lunch takes place on a private island: The three-course BBQ includes vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices, plus alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Grand River South-East Waterfalls is reached by boat: The skipper takes the boat along the waterfall channel, where monkeys and fruit bats may be visible.
• Pickup covers the whole island: Private air-conditioned transport and a certified guide-driver are included, but confirm your exact hotel details when booking.

From your hotel to Trou d’Eau Douce

The day starts with pickup at your accommodation anywhere in Mauritius. A certified guide-driver meets you, and you ride in a fully air-conditioned vehicle to Trou d’Eau Douce, a fishing village on the east coast.

That arrangement adds real value. Mauritius is spread out, and getting from a hotel to the east coast can be awkward if you are not driving. You do not need to find a taxi, arrange a second ride, or worry about parking near the boat departure point. Bottled water is provided on arrival.

The word private applies to the transport listed for the experience, but the information does not promise that the entire boat trip is private. Ask the operator if that distinction matters to you. The same practical question applies to pickup time, since the experience lasts about seven hours but does not give one fixed starting hour.

Speeding across the east coast lagoon

At Trou d’Eau Douce, you board the speedboat for the ride to Ile aux Cerfs. The boat cuts across the east coast lagoon, with clear water, palm trees, white sand, and open views along the way.

The ride is more than a simple transfer. The boat has a 150-horsepower Yamaha or Mercury outboard engine, and the afternoon portion is described as a high-speed run with hard turns and splashing stops. If you want a calm, floating boat ride, this may feel too lively. If you enjoy a little sea spray and engine power, it is one of the strongest parts of the day.

Wear swimwear under your clothes and protect your sunglasses with a strap if you have one. A hat and sunglasses are useful, but hold onto them when the boat picks up speed. You should also bring a change of clothes because a wet ride is possible, especially during the fast coastal cruise later in the day.

White sand and open time at Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the beach centerpiece. As the boat approaches, you see bright turquoise water, palms, and pale sand. Once ashore, you have free time rather than a tightly managed sequence of stops.

You can swim in the lagoon, stroll along the beach, snorkel, sunbathe, or simply sit near the water. That flexibility is valuable because not everyone wants the same island day. One person can swim while another reads in the shade, although the supplied details do not promise reserved loungers or umbrellas.

The island also offers optional activities such as parasailing, banana riding, tube riding, an undersea walk, and other water sports. These are not included in the $90 price, so budget separately if you want more than beach time. The trip works perfectly well without them, but you should not assume the advertised lunch and drinks cover these add-ons.

The best way to view Ile aux Cerfs is as a place for simple pleasures. The appeal is not a long cultural program or a list of monuments. It is warm sand, lagoon water, palms, and a few hours when you can set your own pace.

A three-course BBQ lunch with local drinks

Around noon, the boat takes you to a private island for lunch. The meal is a three-course BBQ, ending with a local dessert. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals are available, but you need to request the vegetarian option when booking.

The included drinks make a noticeable difference to the price. You get water, soft drinks, red, rosé, and white wine, beer, and local rum. That is a broad selection for a beach lunch, particularly if you plan to stay at the table for the music afterward. Drink sensibly, though. You still have a speedboat ride and a wet, high-speed cruise later in the afternoon.

The food has received some of the warmest praise in the available feedback. A February 2026 booking described the meal as excellent and the atmosphere as warm. Another recent account specifically praised the vegetarian portion as generous and flavorful. That is encouraging for people who often find island BBQ menus heavy on meat and light on actual vegetarian food.

Tell the operator about food allergies or illness in advance. The provided information does not list the exact menu, so anyone with strict dietary needs should ask what the three courses contain before setting out.

Guitar, jambé, and a relaxed island atmosphere

After lunch, live guitar and jambé music adds a social touch to the meal. Jambé is a hand drum, and the show is presented as something you can enjoy and participate in, rather than a distant stage performance.

This portion helps break up the beach routine. You get a taste of local entertainment without booking a separate evening show. The available feedback describes the atmosphere as warm, which fits the combination of open-air dining, music, drinks, and sand nearby.

Still, keep your expectations practical. This is a lunch entertainment segment, not a full concert or a dedicated cultural performance. If you prefer a quiet meal, the music may not be your favorite part. If you like a little rhythm and group participation, it gives the middle of the day more character.

Grand River South-East Waterfalls by boat

After several hours around the island and lunch, the skipper takes you toward Grand River South-East Waterfalls. The boat travels along the waterfall channel, where the river meets the sea.

The setting changes quickly. Instead of open beach and lagoon, you see the river corridor, old trees, and vegetation around the falls. The description notes that monkeys may jump through the trees along the banks. Mauritian fruit bats may also be perched high above the river. These sightings are possible, not guaranteed, so treat them as a bonus rather than the reason to book.

The waterfall stop is viewed from the boat. That matters because you are not promised a hike, a shore walk, or time to stand beneath the falls. The benefit is ease: you remain in the boat and see the waterway from a low, close position. The limitation is that the stop may feel brief if you wanted a long nature visit.

I like the contrast between this stop and Ile aux Cerfs. The island offers sun, sand, and open water. Grand River South-East adds trees, river scenery, and wildlife possibilities. Together, they make the day more varied than a beach transfer alone.

The 3:30 p.m. speedboat finale

Around 3:30 p.m., you board again for the final coastal cruise. This is the most active section of the outing, with full-throttle runs, sharp twists, quick stops, and sprays from the 150-horsepower engine.

The wording promises a wet and wild ride, so do not treat this as a quiet return trip. Keep your phone protected, wear swimwear, and use the change of clothes you packed. Anyone prone to motion sickness should consider that the combination of speed, sudden turns, heat, and alcohol may be uncomfortable.

This portion suits couples, friends, and families with older children who enjoy action. It may not suit very young children or anyone who wants a gentle boat trip. Infants aged one to three are free, and a child or infant seat can be requested, but the information does not specify age limits for the high-speed portion. Ask before booking if your child is small or sensitive to fast movement.

The experience description says you return to your hotel afterward. It also refers to a sumptuous dinner, but dinner is not listed among the inclusions. Read that as a return after the afternoon outing, not as a promise that an evening meal is part of the package.

What the $90 price really covers

At $90 per person, the package includes a lot of separate costs:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Mauritius
• Air-conditioned private transport
• A certified guide-driver
• Speedboat transport and the high-speed cruise
• Ile aux Cerfs beach time
• Grand River South-East Waterfalls sightseeing
• Three-course BBQ lunch
• Vegetarian meal option when requested in advance
• Water, soft drinks, wine, beer, and local rum
• Bottled water on arrival
• Live guitar and jambé entertainment

That is a solid bundle for a full day, especially if you would otherwise pay separately for a taxi, boat ride, lunch, and drinks. The value is strongest for anyone who wants a ready-made east coast day with transport handled from the hotel.

The price is less attractive if you only want to sit on Ile aux Cerfs for a short time. You are also paying for the waterfall visit, the lunch program, the return transport, and the speedboat experience. Optional water sports are extra, so add those costs before deciding.

The overall score is 4.2 out of 5 from 59 ratings, which suggests a generally positive experience with some room for operational problems. Food, friendliness, and the relaxed pace receive the clearest praise. The weakest point in the available feedback is the return transfer.

The transfer issue you should plan around

One January 2026 account describes a serious delay after the boat portion. The driver arrived only after a 30-minute wait in strong sun, then tried to locate another group and initially wanted to take that group first. The situation was eventually sorted out with the central office, but it created an avoidable end to the day.

That does not prove every transfer will run late. The same account describes the driver as friendly, and the problem may have come from too many assigned pickups. Still, I would plan for a buffer after the tour. Do not book a flight, fixed dinner reservation, or important appointment immediately after the expected return.

Stay near shade while waiting, keep water with you, and make sure the driver knows your hotel before leaving the boat area. If there is confusion, contact the operator promptly rather than assuming the matter will resolve itself.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this experience to you if you want several east coast highlights in one booking. It suits people who value hotel pickup, like a lively boat ride, enjoy a generous lunch with drinks, and want free time rather than a guide directing every minute.

It is also a good fit for couples and friends who want a social beach day. The music and included alcohol make lunch more festive, while the beach schedule leaves room to slow down.

Families can consider it too, particularly if older children enjoy swimming and speedboats. Ask about the seating and fast-boat arrangements for young children. Infants aged one to three are free, but the available information does not explain every safety restriction.

I would think twice if you want a quiet, private boat charter, a long nature walk, or a detailed cultural tour. You may also prefer another option if you have a tight schedule after the outing or dislike sudden turns and getting wet.

Practical packing and booking advice

Bring the items specifically requested: sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and dry clothes. Put valuables in a water-resistant bag, since the afternoon speedboat run is designed to splash.

Tell the operator about allergies, illness, or vegetarian requirements when you book. The vegetarian lunch is available and has been described as ample and tasty, but advance notice is required.

The experience needs good weather. If bad weather forces cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later, which helps if your Mauritius plans are still changing.

The host or greeter speaks English and French. A minimum of two people is required per booking. When entering your reservation, provide the exact accommodation name and pickup location so the driver can find you.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs speedboat trip?

Book it if you want a well-packed east coast day with beach time, a real lunch, drinks, music, waterfalls, and an exciting boat ride for one price. The food and friendly service appear to be the strongest parts, and the generous vegetarian meal is a useful plus.

Skip it if you want a slow, silent day on the water or if you need a guaranteed precise return time. Confirm the pickup details, ask about the boat arrangement if privacy matters, and leave room in your schedule after the tour. With those expectations in place, $90 is fair value for an active Mauritius day that covers much more than a simple ride to the beach.

FAQ

Where does the Ile aux Cerfs speedboat trip take place?

The experience takes place in Mauritius, with departure from Trou d’Eau Douce on the east coast. The day includes Ile aux Cerfs and Grand River South-East Waterfalls.

How long does the experience last?

The stated duration is seven hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are provided at hotels or other accommodations anywhere in Mauritius. You should provide your accommodation name or pickup location when booking.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A three-course BBQ lunch is included. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals are available, but you should request the vegetarian option in advance.

Which drinks are included?

Included drinks are water, soft drinks, red wine, rosé wine, white wine, beer, and local rum. The drinks are served on a private island during lunch.

Are water sports included in the price?

No. Activities such as parasailing, banana riding, tube riding, snorkeling, and the undersea walk are optional and not included.

Can I visit Grand River South-East Waterfalls?

Yes. The speedboat travels along the waterfall channel for sightseeing. You may see monkeys in the trees and fruit bats above the river, but wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Is the boat ride calm or fast?

The experience includes a high-speed coastal cruise with sharp turns, fast runs, and splashing stops. You should bring swimwear and a change of clothes.

What languages are spoken?

The host or greeter speaks English and French.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.