REVIEW · FIVE ISLANDS CRUISES
5 islands tour: New Private OCÉANE Speedboat
A fast speedboat trip in Mauritius beats the slow boats. You get quiet time on private beaches plus quick island stops, all wrapped in a ride that feels like a roller coaster on crystal-clear water.
I particularly loved the mix of speed and sea time, and the chance to spend real hours enjoying the water instead of waiting around. Lunch on the Ile aux Cerfs private beach is the kind of payoff that makes the whole day feel worth it.
One thing to consider: this is not an easy ride for everyone, since it is not suitable for people with back problems or mobility impairments, and it is listed as not suitable for pregnant women.
In This Review
- Key highlights at a glance
- Why this private speedboat day feels different than a catamaran
- Pointe Maurice start: what you need to know before you go
- Grand River South East: waterfall area, photos, and monkeys
- Ile aux Aigrettes: the short pass that leads to real snorkeling time
- Ile aux Fouquets Lighthouse and Îlot Flamants: quick stops with great payoff
- La Flibuste and Ile aux Cerfs: BBQ lunch in a quiet corner
- The snorkeling rhythm: what you should expect on a fast-island day
- Skippers Angelo and Brian: how service shows up in the details
- Price and value: what you are really paying for
- Comfort, safety, and who should sit this one out
- What a great day looks like for you
- Should you book the 5 islands private Océane speedboat?
- FAQ
- How long is the 5 islands private speedboat trip?
- Where is the meeting point?
- What is included in the price?
- Are alcoholic drinks available, and when are they served?
- What should I bring for the day on the water?
- Is Wi-Fi provided during the tour?
- How many passengers can the speedboat carry?
- Who should not book this activity?
Key highlights at a glance

- Fast private Océane speedboat ride from Pointe Maurice, made for people who want energy on the water
- Grand River South East stop for photos and wildlife viewing, including monkeys around the tropical forest
- Snorkeling session on the south east side, planned around island views and marine life
- Ile aux Cerfs private beach BBQ lunch, in a quiet corner with time to swim
- Lighthouse and small-island photo stops (Ile aux Fouquets Lighthouse, Îlot Flamants) that break up the day
- Skippers Angelo or Brian running the show with a hands-on, accommodating style
Other five-island runs we have compared
Why this private speedboat day feels different than a catamaran

If your Mauritius wish list includes clear water, quick stops, and not spending your whole trip in a crowd, this private speedboat format makes sense. The big idea here is simple: you cover the south east islands faster, so you get more actual beach and water time.
The itinerary also has built-in variety. You start with a scenic wildlife stop near the GRSE waterfall area, then shift to island cruising, then back to water time with snorkeling, and finally a proper sit-down BBQ lunch on a private beach. That pacing matters because you are not burning the whole day on transit.
You also have some control over the day. In real-world use, skippers have been able to work with your group’s preferences, including choosing how long to stay when conditions are right. That is hard to do on larger shared boats.
One more practical win: the speedboat is new and in good condition per past guest comments, and the ride itself is part of the fun. When you are traveling by fast watercraft, you feel the sea more directly, with spray and wind that you do not get on bigger, slower boats.
Pointe Maurice start: what you need to know before you go

Your day begins at Pointe Maurice Jetty near Trou d’Eau Douce. This matters because it keeps the trip grounded in one main departure area, rather than a long hotel pickup chain.
Duration is listed as 390 minutes. You will still want to treat it like a half-to-two-thirds-of-a-day commitment, with a return around mid-afternoon (approximately 3:30 PM after the last cruising segment). Starting times vary, so check what your departure time is before you plan lunch back at your hotel.
Because it is a private group, you are not sharing the boat with random strangers. The speedboat carries up to 8 passengers, and the price is shown as per group up to 2, which tends to make it a great fit for couples who want an elevated day.
What to bring is straightforward and really important on a sea day:
- Sunglasses
- Swimwear, plus a change of clothes
- Towel
- Flip-flops (practical on and off boats)
- High SPF sunscreen, plus a hat or cap
- Camera
Caps and t-shirts can be available for purchase on board, but I would still show up prepared.
Grand River South East: waterfall area, photos, and monkeys

Early on, you head to Grand River South East for about 30 minutes. The focus here is a photo stop plus sightseeing and wildlife viewing.
Why this works: the GRSE area gives you a different Mauritius feel than beaches alone. You get tropical forest scenery, and if you are lucky, you see the monkeys that roam around. Past guest experiences have highlighted this stop as a lively start to the day.
This is also a good stretch of time to reset your expectations. On a fast-island day, the urge is to think only about swimming. The GRSE stop is where you remember that Mauritius is not just water, it is also green, wild, and a bit cheeky.
Practical tip: wear sunscreen even if it is cloudy. You may not realize how quickly you get sunburned when you are also on open water later.
Ile aux Aigrettes: the short pass that leads to real snorkeling time
Next comes Ile aux Aigrettes for a quick stop, around 20 minutes, mostly described as sightseeing and passing by. But the bigger payoff is what happens around it: the day includes snorkeling near this area.
Snorkeling quality is usually what people remember, and here the tour design leans into that. You are out in the south east waters where the water is described as clear, and the plan includes cold drinks while you enjoy the scenery.
One useful nuance from real experiences: people have talked about crystal-clear water and seeing marine life without feeling packed in. That lines up with the private speedboat format. You are not squeezed into a long line at a crowded launch.
If you are new to snorkeling, keep your expectations simple. You are going for clear-water views and fish life, not a guaranteed Instagram-perfect underwater scene. Conditions matter, and the best move is to keep it relaxed.
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Ile aux Fouquets Lighthouse and Îlot Flamants: quick stops with great payoff
As you keep cruising through the south east islands, you get a sequence of smaller island highlights.
First is Ile aux Fouquets Lighthouse, where you get a photo stop plus time for sightseeing and a visit. Then you pass Îlot Flamants, again with photo opportunities and a sightseeing pass.
These are not long, slow museum-style stops. They are the kind of moments that break the day into chapters. You go from water to land viewpoints and back again, which helps the pacing feel natural instead of exhausting.
Why I like this structure: it gives you variety without padding. A long day on the water needs micro-moments to keep your energy up. If the day’s main goal is sea time, these lighthouse and islet moments are like the punctuation marks.
Bring your camera for this section. One reason is simple: the speedboat gives you quick angles from the water, and you often get better perspective during cruising passes than you do once you are stationary.
La Flibuste and Ile aux Cerfs: BBQ lunch in a quiet corner

This is the part that makes people smile when they talk about the day. Lunch is served as a BBQ at La Flibuste, and it is tied to the private beach of Ile aux Cerfs.
The lunch setup is described as being in a quiet corner of a private beach. That is the big difference. You are not stuck eating while looking at sunbeds that feel like a parking lot. You get a calmer moment to actually enjoy the meal and the setting.
After lunch, the day gives you time to:
- Sunbathe
- Swim in the clear blue water
In past experiences, guests have described swimming in coral areas and having a “nobody around” feel in the water. Even if your underwater time is simply “good,” the combination of swimming plus a relaxed BBQ lunch usually lands well.
Also note the alcohol rule. Drinks are served after snorkeling. The management reserves the right to cancel snorkeling if alcohol is consumed beforehand. In practice, that means you have two clean choices:
- Keep it alcohol-free until the snorkeling part is done
- Or skip alcohol entirely and focus on the water
If you want beer or cocktails, plan your timing around the snorkeling window.
The snorkeling rhythm: what you should expect on a fast-island day

Snorkeling is included, and the tour includes the kind of setup that helps you stay comfortable: you cruise, you snack on drinks, you get in the water, and then you move on before you start feeling bored or overheated.
The snorkeling session timing is built into the south east island flow, rather than being an isolated activity that eats the whole day. This matters because it helps you end the trip still feeling like you had a full day, not like you traded your afternoon for one short swim.
If you bring your own attitude, you will do fine. Keep your movements steady, keep an eye on where the boat is, and do not fight the water. On a speedboat day, conditions can change fast, and the goal is calm viewing, not heroic swimming.
One more practical tip: bring your swimwear ready to go. Changing clothes takes time, and you have a schedule full of cruising and short stops.
Skippers Angelo and Brian: how service shows up in the details
The quality of a private boat day often comes down to the skipper. Here, real experiences have named skippers like Angelo and Brian, and the recurring theme is that they are accommodating and attentive.
You will likely feel it in how the day is paced. Guests have described the skipper working with requests, avoiding the masses, and spending as long as you want when dolphins or other highlights show up.
Another real-world detail: some people have experienced dolphins during the trip and then stayed with them as long as their group wanted. That kind of flexibility is not always possible on rigid schedules, so it is one reason the private speedboat format tends to feel special.
Price and value: what you are really paying for

At $842 per group (up to 2), this is not a budget day. The key question is whether you are buying convenience, time, and a calmer experience.
Here is what you get that usually justifies the cost for couples:
- Private speedboat experience with a small passenger cap
- Snorkeling session included
- BBQ lunch on a private beach
- Alcoholic drinks after snorkeling
- A planned route that mixes wildlife, islands, viewpoints, and swimming
If you split it between two people, the effective cost per person drops compared to typical shared-day tours. But even for one person, the value is tied to the privacy and the way the day avoids long crowds.
Compare this mentally to catamaran-style cruises. This speedboat is marketed for the excitement of a faster ride and more responsive sea time. If what you want is a lively, active day, you are paying for that energy.
If you want slow, lounging, and zero motion, a speedboat might not be the right match. The boat is fast, and that is a selling point.
Comfort, safety, and who should sit this one out
The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or people with mobility impairments. That is not just legal language. With a fast speedboat and real sea movement, it can be tough even if you are usually fine on ordinary boats.
Also, smoking is not allowed. So if you need a nicotine break, plan accordingly.
One more reality check: because alcohol is served after snorkeling and there is a rule about not consuming it beforehand, the crew is treating snorkeling time seriously. That is good for safety and timing, but it does mean you should follow their pacing instructions.
What a great day looks like for you
This tour is a strong fit if you want:
- A couples day with privacy and no big-group chaos
- Clear-water snorkeling time plus a proper lunch setting
- Quick island viewing, including lighthouse and islet photo moments
- A skipper who seems ready to accommodate real requests and adjust timing when possible
It is less ideal if you prefer:
- Completely sedentary travel
- Long, slow sightseeing
- Zero motion on the water
The best approach is to pack smart, keep your expectations flexible, and enjoy that you are not rushing through everything with strangers in your space.
Should you book the 5 islands private Océane speedboat?
Yes, if you are aiming for a high-value private day that blends speed, snorkeling, and a BBQ lunch on Ile aux Cerfs without the crush. The price is steep for Mauritius standards, but you are paying for the combination of private boat time, snorkeling, and a calmer beach lunch setup.
I would book it especially if you:
- Like active travel and fast water rides
- Care about getting to the water quickly
- Want lighthouse and islet stops without a packed schedule
- Prefer having the skipper manage the day for your group
I would skip it if you are sensitive to boat motion, have back or mobility concerns, or know you want a slower, more lounging style of cruise. In that case, a different type of cruise will fit better.
If you do book it, show up with swimwear, sunscreen, and your camera ready. The whole day is built around the feeling of being out on the sea, then landing at small, special moments that make Mauritius feel wide open.
FAQ
How long is the 5 islands private speedboat trip?
The duration is listed as 390 minutes, which is about 6.5 hours. You should check the starting time available on your date since return time depends on it, with arrival back around 3:30 PM noted.
Where is the meeting point?
You meet at Pointe Maurice Jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius.
What is included in the price?
Included are a private speedboat trip, a snorkeling session, BBQ lunch, and alcoholic drinks served after snorkeling.
Are alcoholic drinks available, and when are they served?
Alcoholic drinks are served after snorkeling. The management reserves the right to cancel the snorkeling activity if alcoholic drinks are consumed beforehand.
What should I bring for the day on the water?
Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, flip-flops, high SPF sunscreen, a hat or cap, and a camera.
Is Wi-Fi provided during the tour?
No, Wi-Fi is not included.
How many passengers can the speedboat carry?
The speedboat can carry up to 8 passengers.
Who should not book this activity?
It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or people with mobility impairments. Smoking is also not allowed.
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