A fast boat. A tight route. Lots of water time. This 5 Islands Speedboat Cruise turns the Mauritius east coast into a one-day hit list, with snorkeling near Blue Bay and an island BBQ plus open bar. I also love the built-in variety, from Ile aux Cerfs beach time to a nature reserve stop. One thing to weigh first: transportation isn’t included, so you’ll want to plan your ride to Trou d’Eau Douce.

Here’s the vibe in plain terms: you’ll bounce from swimming stops to view stops, with a solid pace and time to actually enjoy the beaches. One captain named Danilo gets called out for fun and humor, which matters because speedboat days can feel rushed if the crew is flat. The main consideration is still logistics, getting to and from the dock, since the tour starts and ends at Trou d’Eau Douce.

Key things I’d circle before you book

• Ile aux Cerfs for sunbathing, swimming, and a BBQ lunch with open bar
• Ile aux Fouqets Lighthouse for big sea views and a true focal point stop
• Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve stop, including swimming and open bar
• Snorkeling near Blue Bay Marine Park, planned at a dedicated spot
• Grand River South East Waterfalls plus Ilot Mergenie to break up the day with nature moments

From Trou d’Eau Douce to five islands in one 7-hour window

This is a 7-hour speedboat day on Mauritius, running from 08:30 to 15:30, and it starts and ends at Trou d’Eau Douce. That timing is great if you want ocean time without sacrificing your whole day to transfers, because it’s compact and pretty direct.

You’ll meet the crew by coordinating via WhatsApp to receive your exact embarcation details. Then you’ll spend the day bouncing around the east coast: beach time, lighthouse views, a nature reserve stop, a snorkeling window near Blue Bay Marine Park, and a couple of additional nature stops including waterfalls.

The speedboat ride: fun speed, real sea sound

This trip is built around the engine roar and the sense of motion, not a slow ferry crawl. If you like adventure and exploration, you’ll probably enjoy the rhythm: short travel stretches, then a stop where you can swim, stretch out, or get your bearings on a viewpoint.

A quick heads-up: because you’re on a speedboat, this is one of those days where you’ll want to come comfortable and sunscreened early. One day with decent weather is ideal, but even when conditions aren’t perfect, the overall structure still works well, and the day can stay enjoyable when the captain keeps things upbeat.

Ile aux Cerfs: beach time, swimming, and the BBQ-and-open-bar block

Ile aux Cerfs is the classic comfort stop on this itinerary, and it’s a big one. You’ll get time for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing, plus the included island recipe barbecue lunch and an open bar. There are also watersports shops there, which is handy if you want to rent something extra while others are eating.

What I like about this stop is the way it’s scheduled. You’re not doing a quick photo stop only. You have enough time to actually settle, cool off in the water, and then eat without turning lunch into a rushed chore.

Practical tip: keep your swimwear on under your clothes if you can. It makes your arrival feel smoother and saves time when you get that first beach access window. And yes, bring a towel, because you’ll want to dry off and stay comfortable between swimming and eating.

Ile aux Fouqets Lighthouse: the main attraction stop for sea views

Next up is Ile aux Fouqets with its lighthouse, and this is the tour’s standout “look” moment. Even if you’re not the type who reads every sign, a lighthouse stop usually delivers what you came for: wide ocean views and a change of pace from sand and water.

The value here is simple. You get a visual anchor during the day, so the experience doesn’t feel like a loop of just beaches. It also gives you a chance to regroup on a calmer surface point, then head back to swimming later.

If you get even mildly motion sick, this is a good moment to close your eyes on the boat for a bit before you reach shore. You’ll be glad you did when you settle into a viewpoint stop.

Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve: swimming plus a different kind of scenery

The itinerary includes a stop at Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve, and it’s another place where you don’t just sit and watch. You’ll have time for swimming, and the open bar continues to keep the day fun and social.

Nature reserve stops can be surprisingly good for people who want more than beach scenery. The water and coast feel different here than on the bigger island beach breaks, and it gives the day extra texture. You also get to switch mental gears, from “relax and eat” to “look around and enjoy the natural setting.”

What to keep in mind: bring sunscreen and cover when you need it. Even when you’re shaded at times, reserve or coastal stops can still mean strong sun when you’re moving between boat, shore, and water.

Blue Bay Marine Park snorkeling spot: one focused window to see sea life

Your snorkeling is planned at a snorkeling spot near Blue Bay Marine Park. This is the part of the day you can treat like a mini mission: get geared up, swim carefully around the area you’re directed to, and enjoy whatever marine life is present that day.

One caution from people’s experience of this kind of day: you’ll likely get one main snorkeling window rather than multiple repeats. That’s not bad, but it does mean you’ll get more out of it if you go in ready. Bring your best attitude, be comfortable in the water, and consider spending a little extra time watching rather than chasing.

Quick practical check: since the tour includes snorkeling and you’ll be in the water, your towel matters even more here. Also reapply sunscreen afterward if you can.

Grand River South East Waterfalls and Ilot Mergenie: the nature breaks that add variety

The day also includes Grand River South East Waterfalls, plus Ilot Mergenie. These stops are important because they prevent the itinerary from becoming only sea, sand, and food. Even if waterfalls are more of a “walk and look” type moment, they provide a land-and-view pause.

Ilot Mergenie adds another island flavor between swim moments. It’s a good reminder that the route is curated for variety: you’re not stuck repeating the same coastline experience.

If the weather isn’t great, nature stops like these can still keep the day interesting, and the overall schedule usually holds up. The most important thing is keeping flexible expectations, because sea conditions affect how long you’ll spend in motion.

What’s included in the $100 price, and where the value really comes from

At $100 per person, you’re paying for a full, organized day: tickets to the attractions, snorkeling, an open bar, and an island BBQ lunch. That’s the big value cluster, especially the food and drink. When lunch and entry are built in, you avoid the annoying “add-on” feeling that often happens on day trips.

One cost that’s not included is transportation to the dock. If you’re staying far from Trou d’Eau Douce, that can change the real cost of the day. The good news is that the operator says they can help you organize private transportation from your hotel or accommodation, and you can ask via WhatsApp.

Also note the optional upgrade: fresh grilled lobster is not included, but you can request it. If you’re a lobster person, this might be one of the few times on the island where ordering it fits naturally into the day instead of becoming a separate plan.

My take on value: the price makes sense if you want a structured day with included lunch and open bar and you don’t want to coordinate snorkeling plus multiple island stops on your own.

Who this cruise suits best (and who should think twice)

This is a good match for people who like history, adventure, and exploration. The lighthouse stop and the mix of nature areas make it more interesting than a simple beach-only island run.

It’s also a solid fit for families in the “everyone’s active” sense. One experience highlighted it as fun for the whole family, and that tracks with how the day is staged: swim breaks, food, open bar, and a captain who keeps the energy up. If you enjoy group energy on water, you’ll probably have a good time.

Who might think twice:

• If you need wheelchair access, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users.
• If you hate planning logistics, you should be ready to handle getting to Trou d’Eau Douce or request the private ride.

Practical tips to make your day smoother

Here’s how to set yourself up for an easy cruise day:

• Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. These aren’t optional extras, they’re your day.
• Plan for the sun. Even with shade at stops, you’ll be exposed during boating and beach time.
• Coordinate via WhatsApp before you go, so your embarcation details are clear.
• If you’re motion sensitive, choose stable seating early and keep water time paced.

Also, keep the snorkeling window in mind. Don’t save all your focus for after lunch. Get your snorkeling mindset first, then let the day turn into relax mode after.

Finally, remember that the captain matters. A skipper named Danilo has been praised for humor and the overall good atmosphere, and that kind of leadership can make a big difference when you’re bouncing between islands.

Should you book the 5 Islands Speedboat Cruise?

Book it if you want one organized day that mixes islands, snorkeling near Blue Bay Marine Park, a lighthouse view stop, and nature moments, all wrapped with BBQ lunch and an open bar. The timing from 08:30 to 15:30 is especially convenient, and the included attractions tickets help it feel like a real package instead of a bunch of separate decisions.

Skip it or double-check plans if getting to Trou d’Eau Douce is a hassle, since transportation isn’t included unless you arrange it. Also think twice if you need wheelchair access, because the tour isn’t set up for that.

If you’re aiming for a fun, active Mauritian day on the water, this is the kind of itinerary that tends to deliver what you pictured.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends back at the meeting point in Trou d’Eau Douce. You’ll receive the exact embarcation details by WhatsApp.

What time does the cruise run?

The tour starts at 08:30 and returns at 15:30, for a total duration of 7 hours.

Is transportation to and from my hotel included?

No. Transportation is not included. You can ask if private transportation can be organized from your accommodation to the boat and back.

What islands and attractions are included?

The tour includes Ile aux Cerfs, Ile aux Fouqets (with the lighthouse), Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve, a snorkeling spot near Blue Bay Marine Park, Grand River South East Waterfalls, and Ilot Mergenie.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The price includes an island recipe barbecue lunch.

Is an open bar included?

Yes. Open bar is included during the included parts of the day.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling is included, with a snorkeling spot near Blue Bay Marine Park.

Do I have to pay extra for lobster?

Fresh grilled lobster is not included, but you can request it in advance via WhatsApp.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. It is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What languages are spoken?

The tour is offered in French and English.