Speedboat days move fast. This one is a tidy mix of islands, water time, and included lunch that keeps the day from feeling expensive or fussy. I also love that snorkeling equipment is provided, so you are not hunting gear or paying extra.

One thing to keep in mind is the pacing. The land stops are short, so if you want long beach time at every stop, this itinerary may feel a bit tight.

Key points before you go

• Small group, capped at 18: less crowding and easier to hear the skipper during explanations.
• Snorkeling gear is included: mask and snorkel time is built in, not an add-on.
• Lunch plus drinks are included: you get snacks, bottled water, and an alcoholic drinks option.
• Blue Bay Marine Park is the main water stop: ideal conditions are close to shore, with calm, shallow water when conditions allow.
• Weather can shift the snorkel spot: it can be Blue Bay or near Ilot Mangenie depending on conditions and coral breeding season.
• Parking at the meeting point: easier start when you are driving or getting dropped off locally.

A 7-hour plan along Mauritius’ east coast

This is a classic half-day style speedboat tour with a full day feel, running about 7 hours and starting at 8:30 am. The meeting point is the Blue Alizé Catamaran at Trou d’Eau Douce, and the day ends back where you started.

The key to enjoying it is mindset. This is not a slow island-hopping stroll. You are moving between viewpoints, lighthouses, nature reserves, and then committing to real water time at Blue Bay Marine Park.

Meeting at Blue Alizé Catamaran, then out onto open water

You’ll meet at the Blue Alizé Catamaran, Ile aux Cerfs (Trou d’Eau Douce). One practical bonus in the highlights is that there is parking at the meeting point, which can save you time if you are arranging transport.

Once aboard, you’ll have a small, capped group, and your skipper is part storyteller. The vibe is friendly and upbeat, with one captain named Andy showing up in the feedback as fun and enthusiastic, and that matters on a boat where everyone is together for hours.

Ile aux Cerfs stop: 45 minutes, refreshments, and ocean views

Your first stop is Ile aux Cerfs for about 45 minutes. Expect a quick hit of the island experience plus refreshments, then you’ll be back on board to head toward the next scenery stop.

This is a great launch point because it sets the tone fast. Even if your time on land is limited, you get that iconic island feel early, and you are not waiting hours before your first memorable view.

Grand River South East waterfall views after Ile aux Cerfs

After Ile aux Cerfs, the route includes a viewpoint over the Grand River South East area, with a waterfall that flows into the Indian Ocean. The tour also returns later for another short look at the Grand River South East scenery.

If you like the “see it from the water, then see it again from another angle” style, this schedule works. It gives you repetition without the sense of doing the same thing twice.

Ile aux Fouqets lighthouse island: quick history, big silhouette

Next is Ile aux Fouqets, also known as Ile aux Phare (lighthouse island). The stop is another 45 minutes.

This island has a compact dose of backstory: Dutch discovery in 1598, then a lighthouse built in 1864 that stayed operational until the early 1900s. It also links to naval conflict in the Grand Port area, which your guide can help bring into focus when the boat glides around the coastline.

Even if you do not care about dates, you likely will care about the look. Lighthouses make everything feel more “real” and less postcard. You get a clear landmark, then move on before the day drags.

Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve: the short stop with the open bar break

After Blue Bay Marine Park, the plan calls for a quick stop at Ile aux Aigrettes, about 20 minutes. This is a nature reserve and research station, and it is popular with both locals and visitors.

The moment that turns this stop into a party break is the open bar that is mentioned as available during the stop. That pairing makes the day feel balanced: nature and science time first, then a chance to cool off and refresh with drinks right after.

Time is short here on purpose. Think of it as a breather stop where you stretch your legs, enjoy the coastal views, and reset before the main snorkeling window.

Blue Bay Marine Park snorkeling: the heart of the day

This is where the tour earns its name. You get about 2 hours at Blue Bay Marine Park for snorkeling, either at Blue Bay or near Ilot Mangenie depending on weather and coral breeding season.

Blue Bay is recognized in major conservation terms. It was declared a national park in 1997, and later designated as a Ramsar Wetland site in 2008. What you care about as a swimmer is the conditions: the marine park is close to shore, and the water can be calm and shallow, which usually means an easier snorkel than you might expect from a marine park.

You’ll also get that “real marine life” feeling because the park is known for a coral garden with lots of coral varieties and abundant fauna. Since the equipment is included, you can focus on the water time instead of spending the day managing rentals.

Snorkel plan, or just relax on board

The tour is set up so you do not have to snorkel. The overview says you can choose to snorkel and swim, or you can simply relax on board. That flexibility is worth noting if you prefer scenery over gear time.

Also remember, snorkeling on a schedule depends on conditions. The tour explicitly mentions the possibility of a different snorkel location based on coral breeding season, so it is not a bait-and-switch idea. It’s how they protect the area while still giving you time in the water.

Grand River South East waterfalls: short, scenic, and tied to 1810

Your last scenery stop is linked to Grand River South East waterfalls and involves a rocky islet area in the Grand Port bay. The tour frames the area with the 1810 conflict, when battles took place between British and French frigates and the British campaign did not end well.

The practical takeaway is simple: the stop is 15 minutes, and it’s for views rather than a long walk. If you like history, the guide can connect the scenery to the battle story. If you do not, you still get one last coastal moment before the boat heads back.

Captain energy, dolphin moments, and what to expect onboard

One of the most praised elements is the skipper’s energy. The tour includes snacks and alcohol options, so the captain’s tone helps you read the day: relaxed but active.

In feedback, people talk about dolphin sightings and how the boat can get animated around that moment. That can feel exciting. It can also feel a little intense if you are not into the hunt-like energy people associate with fast animal spotting. Either way, it is part of why speedboat cruising feels different from a calm catamaran.

Music is another detail you should know about. One note calls out that the music on board can be a bit loud. If you plan to talk a lot, you might need to raise your voice.

And sometimes the day goes off-script in small ways. There’s at least one mention of extra animal sightings like monkeys around the boat. You cannot count on it, but it adds to the sense that the islands are alive beyond the schedule.

Price and value: $110.79 for a full day of inclusions

At $110.79 per person, the value mostly comes from what you do not pay separately.

Included in the package:

• Lunch
• Snacks
• Alcoholic beverages
• Bottled water
• Use of snorkeling equipment
• All fees and taxes

What you do need to budget separately:

• Private transportation (if you want it)

For many people, the biggest deal is the snorkeling equipment being included. That alone can make a big difference versus tours where you pay again at the marina for masks and fins. Add the included lunch and drinks, and you get a day that is easier to manage money-wise.

It is also a full schedule with multiple stops, not just a long boat ride with one swim. The capped group size helps too, because you spend less time stuck behind a crowd.

Who this tour suits best (and who might want another option)

This speedboat cruise is ideal if you want:

• A single half-day that mixes islands, viewpoints, and one real snorkeling block
• A plan with no extra snorkel rental costs
• A small-group day where the skipper can talk and guide you through what you are seeing
• Flexibility on water time, since snorkeling is optional

It may not be perfect if you hate tight schedules. Because the land stops are short, you have less time to wander slowly. If you want long beach hangs or a slow island rhythm, you might prefer a different style of tour.

Practical tips to make the day easier

• Plan around time on land. You get brief island windows, so wear what you can move comfortably in and keep bags easy to handle.
• Bring your snorkel mindset. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and you get time inside the marine park window when conditions allow.
• Pace your drinks. Alcoholic beverages are included, so keep an eye on how you feel once you are in the water.
• Expect some variability. The snorkeling location can shift based on weather and coral breeding season, but the day is built to protect the reefs and still deliver water time.
• If music bothers you, be ready. There are notes that the onboard music can be a bit loud, so adjust your expectations for quiet.

Should you book the 5 Islands Speedboat Cruise?

I’d book it if you want a straightforward day that hits several of Mauritius’ east-coast highlights without extra headaches. The best reasons are practical: snorkeling gear is included, lunch and drinks are included, and the group stays small enough for a more personal feel.

I’d hesitate if you are the type who needs lots of time on land at each stop. This is a moving tour. You’ll enjoy it most if you treat the islands as quick, scenic chapters, and the snorkeling time as the main event.

If you match that style, this cruise is a strong value way to experience Blue Bay Marine Park and multiple island landmarks in one shot.

FAQ

How long is the 5 Islands speedboat cruise?

It runs for about 7 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:30 am.

Where is the meeting point and where does it end?

The meeting point is Blue Alizé Catamaran, Ile aux Cerfs, Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included for the snorkeling session.

Do I have lunch on the tour?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with snacks and bottled water.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages are included, and the open bar is noted during the Ile aux Aigrettes stop.

Where is snorkeling done?

Snorkeling is done at Blue Bay Marine Park or near Ilot Mangenie, depending on weather conditions and coral breeding season.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 18 travelers.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy window?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time.

If you want, tell me your travel dates and whether you plan to snorkel, and I’ll help you decide if the timing fits your Mauritius itinerary.