5 Islands Speedboat Cruise, Snorkeling + Lunch & Open Bar

This 5 Islands speedboat cruise feels like a mini adventure circuit along Mauritius East Coast, with stops that range from sandy downtime to a big historic-looking sight, the Ile aux Fouqets lighthouse. You move fast, but the day still has real moments to swim, snorkel, eat, and reset.

I love the built-in mix of water time plus breaks, especially the lunch and open bar setup on Ile aux Cerfs. I also like that the trip includes a nature stop at Ile aux Aigrettes and a snorkeling stop near Blue Bay Marine Park, so you are not just riding waves. The main consideration is logistics, transportation to and from Trou d’Eau Douce is not included, so plan that in advance if your hotel is farther out.

Key things that make this cruise worth your time

• 5 island stops in one day along the East Coast, keeping your time efficient
• Ile aux Cerfs lunch and open bar for a relaxed break after the ride
• Ile aux Fouqets lighthouse as the standout photo and sightseeing moment
• Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve for a calmer, nature-focused swim stop
• Snorkeling near Blue Bay Marine Park for easy marine-life spotting
• A full 08:30 to 15:30 day with a clear start and return back to Trou d’Eau Douce

Speedboat energy, plus real island breaks: what the day feels like

A speedboat tour can be either all action or mostly transit time. This one manages a good middle ground. You start at Trou d’Eau Douce, head out toward the east islands, and then spend enough time at each stop that you actually feel like you left the mainland, not just skipped across it.

The heart of the experience is simple: you get movement and variety in the same 7-hour block. That matters in Mauritius, because you can easily waste a “day trip” on long waits, slow transfers, or feeling like you are always in transit. Here, the schedule is built around a smooth day on the water, with a lunch break that does not feel like a random add-on.

The tone also tends to be upbeat. One skipper named Danilo was specifically praised for humor and keeping the day fun, even when conditions were not perfect. That is a small detail, but it really changes how the day lands, because speedboat days can feel intense if the crew is stiff.

The route in order: from Trou d’Eau Douce to Ile aux Cerfs and beyond

This runs as a single outing that starts and ends at Trou d’Eau Douce, with an embarkation time of 08:30 and a return time of 15:30. You can think of it as one long arc, where each stop adds a different flavor: beach relaxation, a lighthouse viewpoint, a nature reserve swim, one main snorkeling moment, then waterfalls and a final island stop.

Here is how the day is paced, stop by stop, and what each one is likely to give you.

Ile aux Cerfs: your main beach break with lunch and open bar

If you only care about one “big island moment,” make it Ile aux Cerfs. This is the stop built for you to slow down. You will have time for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing, plus lunch and an open bar.

Why this matters: speedboat tours can feel like constant motion. Ile aux Cerfs is the decompression zone. You can actually cool off, eat without rushing, and take your time walking around the shoreline area where watersports shops exist.

One practical note: open bar and sun go together. If you plan to snorkel later or want clear energy for the rest of the day, sip steadily and drink water too. It sounds obvious, but on island schedules it is easy to forget.

Ile aux Fouqets Lighthouse: the standout sightseeing hit

Next up is Ile aux Fouqets Lighthouse at Ile aux Fouqets. This is the main attraction people point to, and the reason is straightforward: it is the kind of landmark you can photograph from the water and connect to the feeling of “we are really out on the islands.”

Even if you are not a history buff, lighthouses tend to make a trip feel more grounded. You are not just visiting beaches, you are seeing infrastructure tied to how ships move through these waters. For many people, that is the moment the day clicks from activity to story.

Expect this to be a viewing stop. You are there for the sight and the photos, not a long stroll plan.

Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve: calm water time with a nature feel

The next stop is Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve, where you can enjoy swimming and another open bar setup.

Nature reserve stops often deliver two things: a sense of space and a different vibe than a typical resort beach. You may find the water experience to be quieter, with a more protected feel. Even though you are still on a cruise, this stop nudges the day toward wildlife and ecology rather than just downtime.

If you are the kind of person who likes to swap between active and quiet, this is a great mid-day reset.

Snorkeling near Blue Bay Marine Park: the one moment for marine life

There is a snorkeling spot near Blue Bay Marine Park. This is where you should focus your expectations. You are not getting a full multi-hour snorkeling session with a guided reef walk, you are getting a dedicated snorkeling window tied to the itinerary.

That matters because it shapes your gear and your mindset. If you are serious about snorkeling, go in ready and efficient: put your mask on quickly, watch your buoyancy, and do not waste your short window on fiddling. One downside that comes up for some people is that there is only one main snorkeling chance in the day, so you want to make that time count.

But if you are a first-timer or you just want a clear taste of Mauritius marine life, this is a very reasonable way to do it without turning your day into a gear marathon.

Grand River South East Waterfalls: break up the beach and boats

After swimming and snorkeling, you get a change of scenery with Grand River South East Waterfalls.

Waterfall stops are a good palate cleanser. They bring you inland-style views, even if you still feel anchored to the island cruise. Also, waterfalls give you a rest from the salt water routine, which helps if you want energy for the final island portion.

Do not expect it to replace a full hiking day. Think of it as a scenic stop that rounds out the day.

Ilot Mergenie: the final island note

The itinerary includes Ilot Mergenie as an additional stop. Even without extra detail on how long you will spend here, the purpose is clear: it adds a final “island texture” so your day feels like a true circuit rather than a couple of stops plus a return ride.

If you love collecting variety in one trip, this final stop helps.

Lunch and open bar: how the included food shapes the value

For $100 per person, the best value element is not just that you get lunch. It is that lunch is paired with tickets to attractions, snorkeling, and open bar all bundled into the price.

That matters in real terms because, in Mauritius, day-trip costs can balloon fast once you add snorkeling fees, boat time, and the basic “island day” extras. Here, the price is more all-in, and you spend less time calculating what you still have to pay for later.

About lobster add-ons

Your lunch is included as an island recipe barbecue lunch. The one thing not included is fresh grilled lobster. If lobster is your priority, you will need to choose that as an optional add-on during coordination.

My advice: if you are paying extra for lobster, decide early and keep expectations clear. It is a premium, and it is easy for decision fatigue to steal your appetite.

What you do and do not have to organize

Included

The tour price includes:

• Tickets to the attractions visited
• Snorkeling
• Open bar
• Island recipe barbecue lunch
• Access tied to the island stops on the route

Not included

• Transportation to the meeting point and back

This is the one planning detail that can change your comfort level. The cruise starts and ends at Trou d’Eau Douce, and the provider offers the option to organize private transportation if you ask by WhatsApp. If you are staying close to the east coast and can get there easily, great. If you are farther away, budget time and cost for the transfer.

Timing, comfort, and seasense: practical tips that help

This is a 7-hour total duration outing with 08:30 to 15:30 timing. That is long enough to feel like a real day, but short enough that you do not lose your whole vacation block.

Speedboat days also come with physical realities. Bring the basics and you will feel more in control:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Beachwear

Also, keep your day plan simple. You are moving, swimming, and eating on islands. If you bring extra valuables, you risk dealing with storage friction. If you bring a small waterproof pouch for phone and essentials, you will likely have a calmer day.

One more note: this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. If anyone in your group has mobility constraints, you should plan a different style of excursion.

Crew and pacing: why the skipper matters on a speedboat day

On speedboats, the crew’s rhythm is a big part of your experience. Even with a solid itinerary, you still feel the boat handling, the timing between stops, and how efficiently the crew gets you in and out.

People often remember two things: whether the ride was fun, and whether the day felt rushed. In the details provided, the skipper experience is highlighted, including praise for a captain named Danilo for humor and a good pace. I take that as a sign that this is not a chaotic cattle-call cruise, it is run with enough attention that you feel in control.

If weather is less than perfect, speedboats can be bumpy. One group said they still had a wonderful day despite not-great conditions, which suggests the crew keeps morale up and adjusts the day in a way that stays enjoyable.

Who this tour fits best (and who should choose something else)

This works best if you want:

• Adventure and exploration along Mauritius East Coast
• A day with multiple island environments, not just one beach
• A balanced combo of swimming, snorkeling, and scenic stops
• A trip that includes lunch and open bar so you are not tracking costs all day

It is a weaker fit if:

• You hate speedboat rides or get seasick easily, since you are traveling by high-speed water
• Your group needs wheelchair accessibility, since it is not suitable
• You want multiple long snorkeling sessions. This day includes one main snorkeling stop, so it is more of a taste than a full underwater course.

Price and value: is $100 a fair deal for Mauritius?

At $100 per person, the value hinges on what is included. Here, it is not just a boat rental. You are getting:

• Attraction access tied to the itinerary stops
• Snorkeling
• Lunch
• Open bar
• The core speedboat routing between the islands

In practice, that bundling reduces the “nickel and dime” effect of many tours. If you were to piece together a similar day yourself, you would likely spend time and money on separate bookings. So even though transportation is not included, the rest of the experience is strongly package-based.

My take: this is a good choice for couples and families who want one organized island day that feels complete, especially if you are already spending time on the east side and can handle the transfer to Trou d’Eau Douce.

Should you book the 5 Islands speedboat cruise?

Book it if you want a single, well-paced day that mixes beach relaxation (Ile aux Cerfs), a big lighthouse photo stop (Ile aux Fouqets), nature reserve swimming (Ile aux Aigrettes), one solid snorkeling window near Blue Bay Marine Park, and a scenic change with Grand River South East Waterfalls.

Skip or compare if you are a hardcore snorkeler chasing lots of reef time, or if logistics for getting to Trou d’Eau Douce is a hassle for your hotel situation.

If you do book, send a WhatsApp message to get your embarkation details and confirm what you need for transport. Also, bring your snorkel-day readiness kit, you will get more from the experience when you are not scrambling mid-ride.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends back at Trou d’Eau Douce. The meeting details are shared by WhatsApp before the trip.

What are the tour times and duration?

Embarkation time is 08:30, and return time is 15:30. Total duration is 7 hours.

What islands and sights are included in the route?

The tour includes Ile aux Cerfs, Ile aux Fouqets Lighthouse (Ile aux Fouqets), 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. Lunch is included as an island recipe barbecue lunch.

Is snorkeling included, and how many snorkeling opportunities are there?

Snorkeling is included, with a snorkeling spot near Blue Bay Marine Park. The itinerary provides one main snorkeling stop.

What about drinks?

The tour includes an open bar during the day.

Is transportation included?

No. Transportation is not included, but you can request private transportation through WhatsApp.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear.