5 Islands Private Speedboat w/ Snorkeling + Lunch & Drinks

A private speedboat day on Mauritius sounds fun on paper, but this one is interesting because it strings together island hopping + snorkeling + a VIP waterfall moment in one tight loop. You start from Trou d’Eau Douce, cruise the east coast, and spend time on Ile aux Cerfs sand, with stops that feel like a greatest hits reel.

I especially like the all-inclusive open bar approach, because you are not stuck waiting for a bar tab every time you order. I also like that you can get a hands-on guide experience, and some people even mention guides like Anil making the day feel easy and personal.

One drawback to keep in mind: your experience can depend on guide language and how the day runs to the minute, and a few participants reported mismatches in expected language or an earlier finish than planned.

Key points to know before you go

• Private boat for up to 4: you are paying for space, timing control, and a calmer vibe than big-group tours.
• Blue Bay Marine Park snorkeling: sea turtles show up, and you can also spot dolphins on the cruise routes.
• Beach BBQ on Ile aux Cerfs: grilled fish and chicken, plus sides, and it’s served right where you’re relaxing.
• All-inclusive open bar: rum, wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and water, with snacks included.
• Wild monkey feeding stop: you get a structured moment to feed Mauritian monkeys during the route.
• Optional extras at Ile aux Cerfs: parasailing and a tube ride are available if you want a little adrenaline.

A fast, fun route for seeing Mauritius’ east coast highlights

This tour is built around speedboat comfort and a packed route. The idea is simple: use the boat to cover distance quickly, so you can spend your time where it matters, like snorkeling in Blue Bay Marine Park and relaxing on Ile aux Cerfs beach time.

Because it is private and capped at 4 people, the day tends to feel less like a conveyor belt. You still visit multiple islands, but the pace is more flexible than typical group hop-ons.

You also get what feels like a “storyboard” day: a waterfall viewpoint, wild monkey feeding, island passes with scenic moments, then a proper water break with snorkeling and sea-life spotting. If you like activity mixed with real downtime, this is the kind of itinerary that works.

The day’s flow: Ile aux Cerfs, waterfall views, and monkey feeding

Your cruise starts and ends at Trou d’Eau Douce, and the route follows the east coast in a way that gives you a mix of land-to-water sights. Early on, you head to Ile aux Cerfs for about 45 minutes. This is your first taste of the day, with refreshments and a quick landing moment before you keep moving.

From there, you go toward Grand River South East for a view of a waterfall flowing into the Indian Ocean. This stop is mainly about the sight and the mood, not a long hike. If you want photos with water in the frame and you do not want to spend hours commuting to viewpoints, this works.

Next comes wild Mauritian monkey feeding. It is a short, structured interaction during the route. One practical note from real-world experience: some participants said the monkeys were fed using chips, so do not expect it to feel like a guided animal sanctuary session with a lot of educational depth.

You then continue on to Ile aux Phares, and the cruise keeps giving you “pass by” scenery along the way, including passes near Ile de La Passe.

Blue Bay Marine Park snorkeling: sea turtles, plus what to expect

The centerpiece for most people is snorkeling around Blue Bay Marine Park. You get snorkeling equipment provided, so you do not need to show up hunting for gear at the last minute. The tour also includes the chance to see sea turtles during the session, and dolphins can appear on the routes as well.

Blue Bay is the kind of place where conditions matter. The time you hit the water can affect crowding and how calm it feels. One tip that comes up often in planning similar day trips: if your schedule lets you choose earlier start times, you may avoid more boats later in the day and keep the water a bit calmer.

What I suggest you do once you get on the boat and before you gear up: focus on the session, not the whole checklist in your head. Ask your guide how long you expect to be in the water, and then commit. If your goal is sea turtles and interesting fish, you will enjoy it more when you treat snorkeling as the main event.

Also, keep expectations grounded. You are being shown a marine park and wildlife moments, not guaranteed a specific animal every second. Still, the inclusion of sea turtle sightings is a big reason people pick this day.

Ile aux Phares and Ile aux Aigrettes, then back to Ile aux Cerfs

After snorkeling, the itinerary keeps moving. You pass by Ile aux Aigrettes for some refreshments. This is not described as a long activity stop, more like a break in the cruise rhythm so you can reset before returning to the main beach time.

Then you set pace back toward Ile aux Cerfs, passing Îlot Margenie along the way. This return leg is where you start to feel like you are settling into the island portion of the day again: you know you will get your stretch of sand time, drinks, and lunch.

Back on Ile aux Cerfs, you get about 2 hours relaxing on the white sands. You can swim and sunbathe, and you might have coconut water while you wait for lunch to be cooked. If you want optional adrenaline, this is also where parasailing and a tube ride come in. They are listed as available, but they are not included.

You will also hear something going on in the background, like live music entertainment or a sega show. Even if you are not a party person, it adds that island-day atmosphere.

BBQ lunch on the beach, and the all-inclusive bar reality check

The lunch setup is one of the strongest parts of this itinerary. Your BBQ lunch is prepared on the beach, with grilled chicken, grilled fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, and salad. That mix matters because it gives you both “I just snorkeled” comfort food and enough variety to keep you from feeling stuck with one option.

On top of that, the tour includes an open bar. It is listed as unlimited snacks and drinks, including rum, wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and water. A barman is part of the beach setup, and cocktails are prepared for you at the bar.

Still, I think it’s smart to plan for how tours like this can feel in the real world. A few participants reported that drinks and snacks were heavier at the end rather than continuously throughout the day, even though the plan says all-inclusive. So my practical advice is this: drink early, snack early, and do not save all your cravings for the final island leg.

If you have kids or vegetarians, pay attention to the menu language and ask how dietary needs are handled. One participant said the kitchen worked with vegetarian children, which is a good sign. I would confirm it directly so you are not guessing.

Timing, guide language, and avoiding common disappointments

This is a private speedboat tour, so you expect smooth communication. The tour lists a live guide with multiple languages: English, French, German, Italian, and Romanian. That is great on paper, but the day can still depend on which language the guide actually speaks at the time you go.

Some people reported an issue where the guide did not match the language they booked. That can matter most when you want background stories, clarification about what’s next, or help understanding the snorkeling rules. If language is important to you, message ahead and confirm the language for your exact departure.

Timing is the other big consideration. Your tour duration is listed as 9 hours, but a couple of reports described finishing earlier than the advertised return time. That does not automatically mean every trip ends early, but it is enough of a pattern that you should avoid booking a tight connection right after pickup return.

Also, do not assume every island moment will feel equally “packed” with food and drinks. Even when the bar is included, the flow of when things are served can vary. When you board, ask where lunch and drinks will be staged and when you should expect them.

Who this tour fits best (and who should think twice)

This works best for people who want a high-activity day without losing the beach part. If you like snorkeling but also want sand time on a classic Mauritius island, this is a strong fit.

It also makes sense for groups up to 4 who want private boat comfort. At $498 per group, the price is not low, but you are not paying per person for the boat. You are paying for the ability to keep the day tailored to your group size, your pace, and your comfort level.

That said, this may be less ideal if you need lots of in-depth explanation in a specific language. If you are the type who wants a very structured, interpretive tour at every stop, you might feel shortchanged if language does not line up or if the guide spends more time managing the boat than narrating.

Price and value: what $498 per group really buys you

Let’s put the number in perspective. The tour is priced $498 per group up to 4 people, and it lasts 9 hours. For that, you get a private speedboat experience, multiple islands, snorkeling equipment, a beach BBQ lunch, and an open bar plus snacks.

The value is strongest when you actually use all parts of the package. If you snorkel seriously, eat a real meal on the beach, and enjoy the drinks, the cost starts to make sense quickly. If you plan to skip snorkeling or do not care about the beach lunch setup, then you are paying for parts you might not fully use.

The private nature is the hidden value. You are not competing for space at the rail or waiting in a line to move between stops. You also get a separate entrance noted as part of the experience, which can help your day feel less chaotic.

Practical tips: what to bring and how to set yourself up

Bring sunscreen and a camera, since you will be moving between islands and you will want photos, especially around the waterfall viewpoint and the snorkeling session.

Also bring a basic plan for comfort. You will spend time in the sun on Ile aux Cerfs, and you will be on the water before and after snorkeling. Reef-safe sunscreen is a good idea if you have it, but the key here is simply to protect your skin and stay hydrated.

If you want the extra fun at Ile aux Cerfs, keep an eye on what costs extra. Parasailing and tube ride are listed as optional. So treat them as a “nice if you feel like it” add-on, not as part of the main package.

Should you book this 5 Islands Private Speedboat tour?

I would book it if you want a private day that mixes island hopping, Blue Bay snorkeling, and a proper beach lunch, all under one cruise plan. The sea turtle chance, the open bar setup, and the fact that you get actual time on Ile aux Cerfs sand are the big reasons this works.

Hold off or ask more questions first if language and timing precision matter a lot to you. Confirm the guide language before you go, and plan your schedule so you are not stuck with a rushed connection if the day runs a little tighter.

If you want a memorable east coast sampler without hours of planning, this is a solid pick, especially for couples or small families that can share the boat cost and make full use of the included food and drinks.

FAQ

How long is the 5 Islands private speedboat tour?

The tour duration is listed as 9 hours.

What is the price and group size?

It costs $498 per group, for up to 4 people.

Where does the tour start and end?

The journey starts and ends at Trou d’Eau Douce.

What islands and stops are included?

The itinerary includes a stop at Ile aux Cerfs, a view stop at Grand River South East waterfall area, monkey feeding, Ile aux Phares, Blue Bay Marine Park for snorkeling, a refreshment stop at Ile aux Aigrettes, and a return cruise passing Îlot Margenie.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included.

What wildlife can you see during the tour?

The tour includes chances to see dolphins and sea turtles, and it also includes feeding wild Mauritian monkeys.

Is lunch included, and what is it?

Yes. Lunch is a beach BBQ with grilled chicken, grilled fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, and salad.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes rum, wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and water.

Do they offer hotel pick-up and drop-off?

Optional hotel pick-up and drop-off are offered all around Mauritius. Transfers are not listed as included by default.

What languages is the live guide available in?

The live guide is available in English, French, German, Italian, and Romanian.