REVIEW · ÎLE AUX CERFS
5 Islands Boat Trip, Snorkeling and Lunch on Ile aux Cerfs
Five islands, one speedboat, and saltwater air. This day trip in Mauritius mixes big views, island landings, and a real snorkeling stop at Blue Bay Marine Park. You start from the Trou D’eau Douce area, then hop between small islands like Ile aux Cerfs and Ile aux Aigrettes for nature and scenery.
What I like most is the split between photo-worthy stops and downtime that feels genuinely relaxing. Ile aux Cerfs gives you the beach and turquoise-lagoon vibe, while the Blue Bay snorkeling time is the part you will talk about after you dry off.
One thing to keep in mind is that the tour is not suitable for people prone to seasickness. If you know boats make you feel rough, this is a tough match, even with a shower facility on board.
In This Review
- Key highlights at a glance
- Speedboat Five Islands in Mauritius: your day starts at Trou D’eau Douce
- Grand River South East Waterfall: the misty first wow moment
- Ile aux Cerfs: beach time that feels like a real reset
- Ile aux Phare and Ile de la Passe: short landings, history built in
- Ile aux Aigrettes: endemic flora and fauna stop with a nature angle
- Blue Bay Marine Park snorkeling: clear water, provided gear, real expectations
- On-water fun beyond islands: animals and photo moments
- Lunch on board plus drinks: the practical energy boost
- Guides and group vibe: what the best days feel like
- Price and value around $111 per person
- Who should book, and who should skip this one
- Practical tips before you go
- Should you book the Five Islands boat trip?
- FAQ
- FAQ
- Where does the tour start and end?
- Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
- What is included in the price?
- Is snorkeling gear provided?
- Do you get lunch and drinks during the trip?
- Is there a shower available?
- Is the tour suitable for people prone to seasickness?
- What should I bring with me?
- What languages are the guides available in?
- Can I cancel if plans change?
Key highlights at a glance
- Grand River South East Waterfall views from the water, with mist and that wow feeling
- Ile aux Cerfs beach time, with turquoise water and easy island wandering
- Island landings at Ile aux Phare and Ile de la Passe, where history is part of the stop
- Ile aux Aigrettes as a habitat for endemic flora and fauna
- Blue Bay Marine Park snorkeling with provided gear and safe, guided time in the water
Other crossings to Ile aux Cerfs, compared
Speedboat Five Islands in Mauritius: your day starts at Trou D’eau Douce

Most people picture Mauritius as beaches and resorts. This tour gives you a different angle: a fast, open-water ride that changes scenery every time you turn your head. The day begins with a driver pickup from your hotel being an option, but you can also meet at the provided meeting point, Sirena Moris, depending on your arrangement.
Once you reach Trou D’eau Douce, you board a speedboat and the pace ramps up right away. You are not waiting around in one place. You are moving across the lagoon and coastal waters, with multiple stops that range from nature sights to small island landings.
If you like active travel but do not want to plan anything, this format is strong. Your time is built around a few clear highlights, and you get the structure of an itinerary without feeling trapped inside a single museum-like stop.
Grand River South East Waterfall: the misty first wow moment

The first major highlight is the Grand River South East Waterfall. Even if you have seen waterfalls before, the key here is perspective. Seeing it with coastal waters around you, on a boat day, tends to make the moment feel bigger and more immediate.
Expect an up-close feel. The trip description talks about mist on your face, and that is exactly the kind of detail that matters when you are planning: it means you may want quick-dry clothes if you tend to get chilly or wet easily.
This is also the kind of stop where the guide choices can affect your photo results. Speedboat tours have limited time, so you want a guide who knows when to angle the boat and when to move on. The guides on this experience are often praised for keeping the energy up and adding fun, including photo stops and requests.
Ile aux Cerfs: beach time that feels like a real reset

After the waterfall, you head to Ile aux Cerfs, and this is where the day softens. The focus becomes leisure. You get time to wander the beaches and take in the look of the lagoons, with that classic turquoise-water impression.
For me, the value of this stop is that you can choose your own pace. You can simply relax, or you can add water activities if that fits your day. One of the best parts of island tours is when you get both structure and freedom, and Ile aux Cerfs is where that balance shows up.
Also, this stop works well for mixed groups. If some people want to swim and others want to lounge, the island gives space for both. That matters when you are sharing a boat ride with a group you do not know yet.
Ile aux Phare and Ile de la Passe: short landings, history built in

Next come the neighboring islands, including Ile aux Phare and Ile de la Passe. These are not framed only as scenery stops. They are part of the tour because each island has history, and the guide provides context as you land.
This is the spot where you might notice a shift in the tour tone. Earlier parts are more about big visuals, then you add explanation. If you like learning while you travel, this is one of the more useful elements of the route, because it turns the day from purely recreational into something with meaning.
Practical note: landings can feel like quick transitions. If you want a long sit-down view with perfect lighting, plan to treat these as “step off, look around, take photos, then go.” That is still worthwhile, but it is not a slow beach day.
Other five-island runs we have compared
- Catamaran Mauritius: South East 5 Islands Catamaran Cruises★ 4.8 · 90 reviews
- 5 Islands Private Speedboat w/ Snorkeling + Lunch & Drinks★ 4.2 · 18 reviews
Ile aux Aigrettes: endemic flora and fauna stop with a nature angle

Another island visit is Ile aux Aigrettes, described as a habitat for endemic flora and fauna. That detail matters because it signals you are not just seeing pretty water. You are also getting a nature-focused stop.
This kind of island is often a great choice if you want variety. You get beach time earlier, then you get something calmer and more about ecosystems. It is a nice counterpoint after snorkeling, too.
If you care about wildlife and plants, this stop is where you can appreciate Mauritius beyond the usual postcard view. The itinerary keeps nudging you from lagoon to land to sea life, instead of sticking to one theme.
Blue Bay Marine Park snorkeling: clear water, provided gear, real expectations

The snorkeling highlight happens at Blue Bay Marine Park. The tour description calls out crystal clear water and a guided snorkeling experience, and that is exactly what you want to hear if you are planning your day around this activity.
You get snorkeling gear provided, and guides ensure a safe and enjoyable exploration for different skill levels. So you are not stuck renting or figuring out equipment on your own.
In one account from a past outing, snorkeling gear was an issue, with equipment that did not look properly maintained. That is not the standard everyone should assume, but it is a good reminder for you: if something feels dirty or not fitting right, speak up quickly after you get the gear.
Also, do not treat snorkeling as an automatic guarantee of perfect conditions. Even with strong planning, weather can change what is possible on the water. One trip was cut short due to weather, which affected the time available.
What you should do to maximize your snorkeling time:
- Start with a comfortable mask fit before getting into the water
- Take a minute to ask where the guide wants you to focus
- Bring sunscreen, even if you think the boat ride will stay cool
On-water fun beyond islands: animals and photo moments
One reason people love boat days in Mauritius is the chance of wildlife sightings. On this kind of route, you might spot animals in their natural environment, including monkeys, dolphins, and turtles.
You should keep your expectations flexible. Wildlife sighting depends on conditions, timing, and where the guide steers the boat. Still, it is a real part of the experience when the day is running well.
Guides can also add fun that makes the day feel less like a checklist. One guide, Danilo, was praised for being super friendly and funny, and for adding special photo stops and even dance-party requests. That matters because on tours with tight timing, personality can turn “good” into “you will remember this.”
Lunch on board plus drinks: the practical energy boost

Lunch is included on board. You also get alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages served on the boat, plus a shower facility on board. That combo sounds small, but it improves the day a lot.
Why? Because after snorkeling and beach time, you want to rinse off and reset without scrambling. And because beverages and lunch make the day feel complete. You are less likely to end the trip hungry, grumpy, or running out of energy.
One past day included snacks and an opportunity to try vanilla rum, which fits the overall “food and drinks during the ride” vibe. You should not expect every single item to be identical, but the key promise is clear: you eat and drink as part of the tour.
To make it work for you, eat enough at lunch to carry you through the afternoon. Even with drinks on board, plan to pace yourself if you plan to snorkel or swim again.
Guides and group vibe: what the best days feel like
A speedboat tour lives or dies by the guide. The route involves multiple islands, water time, and snorkeling, so you need someone who can manage timing and keep the group calm.
You will see two different styles in this kind of tour. Some guides keep things light and playful, with photo stops and jokes. Others are more direct and move the group quickly. If you prefer structure, you will likely like the quick transitions. If you prefer more time to settle before getting in the water, you might want to communicate your pace early.
One caution from an earlier outing: a guide was described as shouty and excitable, and the group felt rushed into jumping in before everyone was comfortable. You should go into snorkeling time knowing you might have to advocate for your comfort. Ask for a moment if you need it, and take your time setting up.
The best approach is simple: tell your guide your comfort level and ask when you can start. That single habit helps both safety and your enjoyment.
Price and value around $111 per person

At about $111 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Mauritius, but it is also not priced like a private yacht. What makes it feel like fair value is that your day includes several pieces that would cost extra if you booked separately.
You are paying for:
- Speedboat transport between stops
- Snorkeling gear
- Lunch on board
- Drinks on board
- A shower facility on board
- A guided snorkeling experience
- Multiple island landings, including Ile aux Cerfs and Ile aux Aigrettes
You also get a day that is difficult to assemble alone without a lot of coordination. The itinerary is built for an order of operations that makes sense, from waterfall and beach time to island hopping and snorkeling.
If your top goal is a full day on the water with less effort, this price often makes sense. If you only care about one stop, like just snorkeling, you might find cheaper options. But for a mix of islands plus a planned lunch and drink service, it is a solid value.
Who should book, and who should skip this one
This tour fits best if you:
- Want a full, active day that mixes landings and sea time
- Plan to snorkel at Blue Bay Marine Park
- Like guided context, not just sitting on a beach
- Are comfortable with a speedboat ride and changing scenery often
Skip or think twice if you:
- Are prone to seasickness, since the tour is not suitable for that
- Need guaranteed long toilet breaks, since one outing included instructions to go in nature when toilets were requested
- Are very sensitive to equipment quality, since there was an equipment cleanliness issue reported on one trip
If you are flexible, a little patient with boat-day timing, and ready for a fun day with a guide who sets the mood, this experience tends to deliver.
Practical tips before you go
Bring the items listed for the tour: sunglasses, camera, and sunscreen. That is not just basic advice. It matters because you will spend time in direct sun on the boat, at the beach, and during snorkeling.
A few extra habits that help:
- Pack a small towel or wear a quick-dry layer, since you may get mist and spray
- Keep your phone in a dry bag for the boat ride and snorkeling prep
- If you have snorkel breathing-tube fit issues, test it right away and ask for adjustments
Also, learn the day’s reality: weather can affect whether you get the full schedule. If you are on a tight trip plan with only one day available for this, you might still want to book, but keep backup options in mind.
Should you book the Five Islands boat trip?
Yes, if you want a Mauritius day that feels like both adventure and downtime. I like that you get multiple islands, not just one long beach stop. And the Blue Bay Marine Park snorkeling is the kind of anchor activity that gives the day a clear reason to exist.
I would be cautious if boats make you feel sick or if you need very calm, slow pacing. Weather and sea conditions are real factors, and one trip was shortened because of it.
If you are traveling with the right mindset, this is a fun way to see Mauritius from the water: waterfall mist, Ile aux Cerfs lagoon time, endemic nature at Ile aux Aigrettes, and snorkeling with gear included.
FAQ
FAQ
Where does the tour start and end?
The tour starts at Meet with Our Team (Sirena Moris) and ends back at the meeting point.
Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Hotel pickup and drop-off is listed as optional. You may need to meet at Sirena Moris depending on your arrangement.
What is included in the price?
The price includes the boat ticket, snorkeling gear, a shower facility on board, alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages, and lunch on board.
Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes, snorkeling gears are provided.
Do you get lunch and drinks during the trip?
Yes. Lunch is provided on board, and alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages are served on board.
Is there a shower available?
Yes, there is a shower facility on board.
Is the tour suitable for people prone to seasickness?
No. The tour is not suitable for people prone to seasickness.
What should I bring with me?
Bring sunglasses, a camera, and sunscreen.
What languages are the guides available in?
The languages listed are English, French, Hindi, and Urdu.
Can I cancel if plans change?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
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