Speedboat days feel like vacation on fast-forward. You get wind-in-your-hair ocean time, plus a waterfall stop called Cascade Diamamouve where you might spot monkeys along the riverbank. The main thing to watch is that the schedule can feel busy, and the island area can get crowded depending on the day.

You start on the east coast at Trou D’eau Douce, then roll from scenery to food to beach time: waterfall views, a beachside BBQ on Ilot Margenie, and swimming at Ile aux Cerfs. I like that this tour balances action and downtime, so you’re not stuck on a bus the whole trip.

One more heads-up before you go: this tour is not suitable for pregnant women, and you’ll want solid comfort gear since you’re moving from boat to beach to lunch areas. If you’re good with that, it’s a fun, value-minded way to see Mauritius from the water.

Key Things I’d Plan Around

• Trou D’eau Douce speedboat departure: You’re out on the water early, so plan to be ready and on time.
• Cascade Diamamouve waterfall photo stop: Scenic views plus potential monkey sightings from the riverbank.
• Ilot Margenie BBQ lunch on the beach: A real highlight with a 3-course BBQ meal.
• Drinks are included: Soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum, so you can relax with no extra shopping.
• Ile aux Cerfs lagoon swimming: White sand, clear water, and time to cool off.
• Optional sea activities not included: Parasailing and tube riding may cost extra if you want them.

Trou D’eau Douce to Ile aux Cerfs by Speedboat

If you like Mauritius best when it feels outdoorsy, this tour hits the right rhythm. You leave from Trou D’eau Douce on the east coast, then spend your morning cruising along the coast with that unmistakable salt-air feeling. This is the kind of trip where you actually watch the shoreline, not just the sky.

The tour runs 330 minutes, which is long enough to feel like a proper half-day excursion, but not so long that you get mentally exhausted. With a small group limited to 14 participants, you usually get more room to move and less chaos than big-van sightseeing. Still, remember it’s a speedboat day, so you’ll feel the motion and sun.

Logistically, you’ll also want to pay attention to how you get dropped off. The tour includes multiple drop-off locations across districts (like Port Louis, Moka, Pamplemousses, and others), so your return may not go straight back to your exact pickup point unless your option matches your hotel.

Cascade Diamamouve Waterfall Stop, Plus Monkey-Spotting Moments

The first real “wow” moment is the Grand River South East Waterfall, locally known as Cascade Diamamouve. You’ll get a photo stop with scenic views along the way, and the timing is tight enough that it feels like a quick nature break rather than a long hike.

What makes this stop worth your attention is the combination of viewpoint and wildlife possibility. You can get close to the waterfall area where you can admire the natural sight up close, and you may spot monkeys among the trees on the riverbanks. It’s not a guarantee, but it’s exactly the kind of detail that can turn an ordinary photo stop into a memorable one.

Practical tip: wear comfortable shoes even if you’re not doing a hike. The route is more about being able to move on uneven ground and get into position for photos without slipping. Also, bring sunglasses and sunscreen, because even if it’s not full noon yet, the sun in Mauritius can surprise you.

One more consideration: waterfall stops on boat tours often become “photo and go,” especially when the group is moving. If you love slow, lingering viewpoints, you may wish you had more time. But if you want a solid highlight without committing to a full day of hiking, this is a good fit.

Ilot Margenie BBQ Lunch With a Real Drink Lineup

Then comes the part most people are happy to talk about later: lunch. Your next major stop is Ilot Margenie, a small island where you enjoy a 3-course BBQ lunch on the beach. This is one of those meals that feels like it belongs on a tropical island, not like a “tasting” that’s mainly there for show.

What you get matters. Drinks are included with the lunch, including soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum. That means you can actually pace your meal, take your time, and not spend the rest of the day calculating extra purchases. Food is halal, and vegetarian options are available on request, so you’re not stuck guessing.

Why this stop is valuable for your day: it’s not just eating. It’s a reset. You go from boat motion to beach time, and then you get a full swim window later. If you’ve ever had tours that cram too much into one stretch, this one does a better job of balancing energy.

What to do with your lunch time:

• Take advantage of the beach setting and put your towel down properly before you eat.
• If you plan to swim after, keep your swimwear accessible so you’re not scrambling.
• If you’re picky about timing, give yourself a little buffer before moving back toward the water.

Ile aux Cerfs Time: White Sand, Swimming, and Market Browsing

After lunch, you head to Ile aux Cerfs. Approaching the island is part of the fun: you’ll see palms swaying and those striking white beaches framed by vivid turquoise water. When you finally step onto the sand, the vibe shifts from active sightseeing to laid-back island time.

You get around 2.5 hours on Ile aux Cerfs. During that time, you can relax on the white sandy beaches and swim in the lagoon. This is the tour’s second major “anchor moment,” and it’s the one that justifies doing the speedboat in the first place. You’re not only visiting a place, you’re using it.

The tour also includes a visit connected to arts and crafts market time while you’re on the island. You might find local items here, and it’s a nice option if you want something light to do besides swimming and beach lounging.

About sea activities: parasailing and tube riding are not included. That’s not a dealbreaker, but go in knowing you may need to budget extra if you want those thrill rides. If you don’t care about paid add-ons, you’ll still have plenty to enjoy just from swimming and lounging.

Practical tip: bring a change of clothes and a towel. You’ll likely get sandy and wet, and doing it without a plan makes the afternoon feel longer than it needs to. Sunscreen should be reapplied, especially if you’re in and out of the water.

Group Size, Boat Comfort, and When Crowds Can Feel Real

This is a small group tour limited to 14 participants, which is a big plus for comfort and attention. On a speedboat, smaller group size also helps you spread out and keeps the boat from turning into a packed corridor.

Still, it’s smart to be realistic about how quickly things can feel crowded on popular islands. One part of the day is a waterfall viewpoint, and another part is a beach island with multiple tour operators. If you’re sensitive to crowds, you’ll want to embrace the tour’s structure: take photos fast, then focus on swimming and relaxing.

Boat comfort tips based on the nature of this day:

• Wear comfortable shoes for the land stops.
• Bring sunglasses and a hat, because the sun will hit you at sea.
• If you’re motion-sensitive, sit where you feel the motion least, and keep your eyes forward when you can.

Also, this tour isn’t listed as suitable for everyone. It’s not suitable for pregnant women, so choose another option if that applies to you.

Price and Value: Is $56 Worth It?

At $56 per person, you’re paying for a mix that’s harder to replicate on your own: speedboat transport, a waterfall stop, a beach BBQ meal on Ilot Margenie, and a drinks package, plus the inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off if you choose that option.

Here’s how I’d think about value:

• If you want a speedboat day but would otherwise pay separately for a boat transfer, a day meal, and a guided route to waterfall and Ile aux Cerfs, this price starts to look reasonable.
• The drinks inclusion is a real value boost. When alcohol is on the menu and you’re on island time anyway, being able to order without extra costs changes the feel of the day.
• The timing is efficient. You’re not losing your whole day to transit, which matters in Mauritius where you might want to fit other activities in.

What could lower the value for some people is the “day tour” pace. You’re going to see highlights, but you’re not getting hours and hours at a single spot. If you’re hoping for a slow travel style with lots of wandering, you may feel rushed. If you want a packed highlight day with beach swimming at the end, it’s priced like that.

My bottom line: for a first-time or “I want the east coast hits” visit, this is a strong value because the lunch and drinks are doing a lot of heavy lifting.

What to Pack for a Speedboat Day (Do This, Not That)

This tour gives you a clear list of what to bring, and I’m glad it does, because it’s the kind of day where forgetting one item ruins your comfort.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes
• Sunglasses and a hat
• Swimwear, towel, and a change of clothes
• Camera and sunscreen
• Water

A small advice that goes a long way: keep your swim stuff accessible. If it’s buried in a bag you have to dig out later, you lose momentum and you end up waiting around. Also, sunscreen matters even on days that start cool, because once you’re on the water and near the beach, you’ll bake fast.

Booking Smart: Who This Tour Suits Best

This tour is best for you if you want:

• A speedboat ride from Trou D’eau Douce
• A proper island lunch on Ilot Margenie with included drinks
• Lagoon swimming at Ile aux Cerfs without planning separate tickets
• A tour structure that keeps things simple, with a small group size

You should consider a different option if:

• You’re pregnant (this tour is not suitable)
• You hate any hint of crowds, since island and viewpoint stops can feel busy
• You want an unhurried, independent day with maximum flexibility, since this is a set-route experience

If you’re the type who likes day trips where the best moments come in clusters, this tour fits your style.

Should You Book This Ile aux Cerfs Speedboat Tour?

I’d book it if your ideal Mauritius day looks like fast water time, waterfall photos, and then real beach rewards. The combination of BBQ lunch on Ilot Margenie plus a full drinks lineup, and then swimming at Ile aux Cerfs, is exactly the kind of value that makes day tours work.

Skip it or think twice if you want a slow travel pace or you’re very crowd-averse. The itinerary is built around highlights, so you’ll move. But if you’re okay with that trade-off, you’ll likely come away feeling like you got the island experience without doing a lot of planning.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is across from Green Island Restaurant on the beach.

How long is the Ile aux Cerfs boat tour?

The duration is 330 minutes.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you select the pickup option. If not, you meet at the listed meeting point.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes the speedboat tour, BBQ lunch on Ile aux Margenie, drinks, and hotel pickup and drop-off if you choose that option.

Is the lunch vegetarian-friendly and is the food halal?

Vegetarian options are available upon request, and the food is halal.

Are parasailing and tube riding included at Ile aux Cerfs?

No. Watersports activities at Ile aux Cerfs, including parasailing and tube riding, are not included.

What drinks are included with lunch?

Included drinks are soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum.

Is there a cancellation policy?

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