Five islands in one morning. This trip is built for people who want snorkeling time and an easy, fun onboard vibe, then reward it with a BBQ lunch on Margénie. The day moves quickly, so if you love slow, linger-on-the-beach moments, this may feel like a lot.

I like how the plan mixes big water views with real nature time, from island-hopping to wildlife spotting. You also get live guidance in English or French, and the crew tends to keep energy high, with music and drinks part of the rhythm. One thing to consider: you will spend a decent chunk of the 5 hours on the boat between stops, so pack snacks, sunscreen, and patience.

If you’re aiming for a classic Indian Ocean day that still feels organized, this one fits. It’s also one of those “more than one highlight” tours, not just a single snorkeling stop and done. The dolphin watching is done from the outside, not chased like a sport, which makes the whole experience calmer.

Key points before you go

• Five islands on one speedboat route, built around short, high-impact stops
• Snorkeling gear included at Île aux Aigrettes, plus time to swim and look for marine life
• Dolphin watch with a respectful approach, focused on observation from the boat
• BBQ lunch on Margénie Island with chicken, fish, sausages, salad, garlic bread, and dessert
• Rum, beer, wine, soda, and fruit juice served during the BBQ stretch

Setting off from Cabane du pêcheur, and how the day actually feels

Your tour starts at Cabane du pêcheur, where you meet up and get on the speedboat. From there, the whole itinerary keeps a steady tempo. Expect a fast start, quick transit between sites, and then pockets of time where you can actually do stuff, like shopping at Île aux Cerfs and snorkeling at Île aux Aigrettes.

The best part is that this tour doesn’t make you choose between “boat day” and “nature day.” You get both, and the crew keeps it moving without making it feel chaotic. I also like that you’re not stuck doing everything alone. There’s a live guide in English and French, and the day is structured so you know what comes next.

One small but important practical note: the price is for a 5 hour experience that includes boat time, snorkeling equipment, and lunch with drinks. Transport to the boarding point is not included, so factor that into your total cost if you’re not staying nearby.

Île aux Cerfs: free time, sightseeing, and a quick shopping break

Île aux Cerfs is your first big island stop. You’ll get about an hour of free time, with sightseeing and self-guided wandering on the schedule, plus time for shopping. This is the moment where the day shifts from riding and watching to actually moving around on land.

What makes Île aux Cerfs useful is how it balances the tour. You’re not only there for views. You can browse, take photos, and reset after the early speedboat ride. If you’re traveling with mixed interests in your group, this stop tends to work well because it’s flexible.

If you want photos, do them early in your hour. With speedboat tours, the lighting can change fast, and you’ll never wish you had more time in the first part of the day.

Traditional village stop: guided viewpoints and wildlife time

After Île aux Cerfs, the itinerary includes a short traditional village visit with guided touring and scenic viewpoints along the way. You also get wildlife viewing during this portion, and in practice that’s where you might spot monkeys. The vibe here is less about a single attraction and more about seeing the area in a guided, easy format.

This is also where the guide’s personality matters. In the day’s rhythm, you may find yourself watching, listening, and taking in little details you’d miss if you were just passing through on your own. Some guides are especially fun with music and storytelling, and names like Danilo and Ayen show up in the guide roster for this experience.

The possible downside of this kind of stop is time. You get guided time, but not long enough for a deep, slow cultural immersion. Think of it as a taste that adds context to the rest of the island day.

Dolphin watch and the Grse waterfall visit: nature viewing with boundaries

Next comes the dolphin watching segment, built into the guided portion with scenic views along the way. The dolphin part is meant for watching, not chasing. A clear benefit of this tour format is that you stay focused on the sighting while the crew keeps things orderly.

You should also know that this tour does not revolve around getting into the water during the dolphin moment. That makes sense for safety and for keeping the animals calm. It also means your attention stays on what you’re there for: seeing dolphins from a comfortable vantage.

The tour also includes a visit to the Grse waterfall. That’s a nice change of pace after open-water time. A waterfall stop adds “Mauritius variety” to a day that could otherwise feel like it’s only boat and beaches.

If you get motion-sick, this is where timing matters. You’re on a speedboat for multiple legs, so bring your coping plan early, not after the first turn.

Île de la Passe: short pass-by views that still matter

You’ll pass Île de la Passe during a brief scenic segment. This is not long free time, so don’t plan on a big landing here. But it’s still worth paying attention, because pass-by views often give you clean angles of the coastline and the island setup.

I treat these short moments as “photo bonuses.” If you’re the type who loves capturing a sequence of views across the day, these quick segments help stitch everything together into one satisfying story.

Île aux Aigrettes: snorkeling and marine-life time in crystal-clear water

Then comes the star stop for many people: Île aux Aigrettes. You get about an hour here with free time plus snorkeling and swimming. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you can focus on enjoying the water rather than hunting for gear.

This is also the part of the day where the tour earns its reputation. The snorkeling location is the one thing you can’t fake with good marketing. You’re looking for clear water and enough underwater life to make time feel worthwhile, and this stop is designed for exactly that.

You’ll also have marine life viewing time and even time for local snacks during the island free time. That combination matters. Snorkeling can make you hungry fast, and having the food option right there prevents you from losing the mood.

Practical tip: pack your sunscreen and put it on before you’re in the sun for too long. The day is compact, and it’s easy to miss reapplying.

Margénie Island BBQ: the best “food and drinks” payoff of the day

Your lunch happens on Margénie Island, with a BBQ session that runs about 1.5 hours. This part of the itinerary is the payoff. You’re not just eating quickly. There’s time built in for an aperitif moment, drinks, and a proper BBQ meal, plus a little extra free time.

The BBQ menu is substantial: chicken, fish, sausages, garlic bread, mixed salad, and fruit for dessert, including pineapple or banana flambé. Vegetarian options are available on request, so if you eat plant-based, plan ahead when you book.

Drinks are included too, and that’s a real value piece here. You’ll find rum, beer, wine, coke, and fruit juice served during the BBQ. On a day that includes multiple boat legs, that matters, because you don’t have to budget for drinks separately while you’re already paying for the excursion.

A small consideration: you still want to pace yourself. It’s a fun social stretch, but you’re still finishing the tour with a boat ride back, and you’ll be under the sun.

Pricing and value: what you’re paying for in real terms

At about $106 per person for a 5 hour outing, you’re paying for a bundle: speedboat transport, snorkeling equipment, dolphin watch, lunch on Margénie with BBQ and dessert, and drinks during the meal. You’re also paying for the guide and the time-saving organization across multiple islands.

If you tried to piece it together yourself, you would likely spend more time coordinating boats and transfers, and you’d still have to manage snorkeling gear and lunch. Here, that work is handled for you. That’s why this price can feel fair, even if $106 sounds like a splurge compared to a simple half-day excursion.

The biggest value tradeoff is your time on the clock. The tour is short enough to pack in five islands and multiple activities, which means each stop is limited. If you’re the type who wants hours on one beach, you might find the pacing a bit brisk.

What to bring, and quick “don’t-mess-this-up” tips

Bring the basics that match a speedboat plus snorkeling day: hat, swimwear, a towel, camera, and sunscreen. You’ll be in and out of sun and water, and the tour timing doesn’t leave much room for improvising.

Snorkeling is included, but your personal comfort still matters. Wear something that dries fast, and keep your valuables secured. Also plan for humidity. Even when it feels breezy on the boat, the sun is still working.

You can bring your own drinks, which is unusual for some tours. That said, included drinks are already part of the BBQ flow, so you don’t need to overdo it.

Not allowed: pets. Also, the tour is not suitable for people over 95 years, so if age is a factor for anyone in your group, it’s worth thinking early.

Who this 5 islands speedboat tour is best for

This is a strong fit if you want a high-activity half-day with a mix of nature, water time, and food. It’s also ideal when you have a group with different moods. Someone can snorkel at Île aux Aigrettes, someone else can enjoy island time at Île aux Cerfs, and everyone gets lunch and drinks together on Margénie.

It’s less ideal if you dislike speedboats or if you want a long, slow beach day. Motion and sun are real factors on tours like this, and the schedule is designed to keep you moving.

If you care about guide energy, this operator tends to bring it. Guides like Danilo and Ayen are part of the experience some groups get, and they’re described as entertaining. That kind of guidance can make the in-between boat segments feel shorter.

Should you book this tour?

Book it if you want an efficient sampler of Mauritius coast life, with snorkeling at Île aux Aigrettes and a real BBQ lunch payoff on Margénie. The included snorkel gear, lunch, and drinks help justify the price, and the dolphin watch is designed for calm observation rather than chaos.

Skip it if you prefer slow travel, long stays on one island, or you know speedboat days and heat are tough for you. Also, if your group needs step-by-step planning for accessibility or age-related limitations, double-check fit early since the tour has an age suitability note and is not meant for people over 95.

FAQ

What is the duration of the 5 islands tour?

The tour lasts 5 hours.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is at Cabane du pêcheur.

Which islands are included in the tour?

The tour includes Ile aux Cerfs, Ile de la Passe (pass by), Ile aux Aigrettes, Ile aux Margénie (Margénie island), plus lighthouse island and Phare Island stops.

Is snorkeling included, and is equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you’ll have snorkeling time at Ile aux Aigrettes.

Do you do a dolphin watch?

Yes, the itinerary includes a dolphin watch.

What is included in the BBQ lunch?

Lunch on Margénie island is a BBQ with chicken, fish, sausages, garlic bread, mixed salad, and pineapple or banana flambé. Vegetarian menu is available on request.

What drinks are included?

Drinks included during the BBQ include rum, beer, coke, wine, and fruit juice.

Is there free time on any of the islands?

Yes. You have free time on Ile aux Cerfs and also free time on Ile aux Aigrettes.

Is transport to the boarding point included in the price?

No. Transport to the boarding point is not included.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible, and are pets allowed?

It is wheelchair accessible. Pets are not allowed.

Final call on booking

If you want a structured, fun half-day that hits snorkeling, dolphin watch, island time, and a filling BBQ lunch with drinks, this is a very solid pick. If you hate speedboat motion or you want long beach time at one place, choose something more slow and single-location.