5 Islands Tour: New OCÉANE Private Pontoon Boat cruise

This 5 Islands Tour in Mauritius is interesting because it turns the South East coast lagoon into one smooth, guided half-day plan. You get scenic stops, a proper snorkel session in clear water, and time on small island beaches, all without the stress of timing multiple boats.

I especially like the private pontoon boat setup, which keeps the day feeling relaxed instead of crowded. I also like that you’re not just “passing by,” you’re doing real water time at Eau Bleu and then settling in with lunch on board and drinks while the scenery rolls past. One possible drawback to keep in mind: there’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll need to get to the meeting point near Shangri-La le Touessrok on your own.

Key things to notice before you go

• Private pontoon pacing means plenty of time at stops, not constant rushing between them
• Grand River South East Waterfall is built into the day as a photo stop plus sightseeing
• Snorkeling at Eau Bleu is the main “wow” water moment, with snorkeling gear included
• Ile aux Aigrettes and Ile aux Cerfs give you variety, from islet scenery to longer island relaxation
• On-board lunch and unlimited drinks make it feel like a complete experience, not just a boat ride
• Boat capacity up to 11 passengers helps explain why this works well as a private group day

Private pontoon cruising in Mauritius, at the right speed

A pontoon boat is a smart choice on Mauritius’ lagoon routes because it keeps things calm. Instead of white-knuckle speed, you can actually enjoy the colors of the sea and the shifting views of coastline and hills. The day still moves, but it feels like a cruise, not a transit exercise.

You’re also getting a private group experience. That matters here because island days go better when you can hear the guide clearly and adjust your personal rhythm. If you want extra photo time at a lighthouse stop or a slower swim at anchor, the tone is more flexible than with large group speed tours.

Finally, plan for the weather and the sun. Even if the boat ride feels easy, this is still a lagoon day with outdoor downtime. Bring the kind of sunscreen you trust, plus a hat or cap, and you’ll enjoy the full half-day instead of thinking about shade.

Starting at Pointe Maurice, then heading to the waterfall

Your tour begins at Pointe Maurice, and the early portion sets the tone. The first big “land-based” moment is the Grand River South East Waterfall. Expect a photo stop plus sightseeing, with wildlife viewing possible around the area.

This is a good early choice. When you hit the water later, you’ll be focused on snorkeling and island time. But that waterfall stop gives you a land contrast, and it also wakes up the day visually. It’s one of those spots where the scenery feels instantly Mauritius, with lush surroundings right near the coast.

If you’re the type who likes quick wildlife moments, this part of the route has that kind of energy too. I’d wear sunglasses and keep your camera ready, because you’re not just watching water. You’re watching the area around it.

Ile aux Aigrettes: aperitif, breaks, and snorkeling setup

Next up is Ile aux Aigrettes. This portion includes break time, an aperitif, and a mix of swimming and snorkeling options. The idea is to give you a stretch of relaxed island time before the main open-water snorkeling session.

What makes this stop valuable is variety. You’re not stuck on the boat the whole time. You get to step into an island rhythm, take a break, and then return to the plan with energy.

Then the day’s key water moment comes next: you head toward Eau Bleu for snorkel time. This is the spot designed for clear-water viewing, so you can expect calm conditions for floating and looking around at the undersea world.

Practical tip: try not to overpack this phase with too many expectations. The goal is good snorkeling time, not a checklist of fish species. If you go in relaxed, you’ll enjoy the visibility and the feeling of being in warm, clear lagoon water.

Eau Bleu snorkeling: what you’ll notice underwater

At Eau Bleu, snorkeling is the centerpiece. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, and the plan is built around swimming, relaxing, and exploring the undersea world in crystal-clear water.

I love this kind of snorkel stop because it feels made for beginners and casual snorkelers. You’re not forced into a frantic swim. You can take your time, float, look around, and re-center when you need a breather.

Timing also matters. The tour’s flow is designed so you snorkel, then you cool down and refuel. That’s why the next stages feel more comfortable, especially in the midday sun.

One important rule to know: alcoholic drinks are served after snorkeling. The management can cancel the snorkeling activity if alcohol is consumed beforehand. So if you want both snorkeling and cocktails, keep the first part alcohol-free and treat the drinks as part of the reward.

Île aux Fouquets lighthouse stop, with meal time and free time

After the water time, you’ll cruise toward the Ile aux Fouquets lighthouse. This is another photo stop and sightseeing moment, plus a longer stretch that includes lunch on board and free time.

Why this works well in a half-day format is simple. You get:

• A scenic landmark moment (the lighthouse)
• A food reset (lunch on board)
• Time to slow down and do your own thing

The scenery on the way is part of the experience too. The route between island points is where you get the “turquoise sea meets white sand” vibe that makes Mauritius special. If your group likes photos, this is a great place to pause and collect them.

A small planning note based on real-world experience: at the later beach BBQ-style stop included in some versions of the day, drinks may not be unlimited in that exact moment, with coffee possibly costing extra. Since your tour includes unlimited drinks on board, the safest approach is to treat the on-board drinks as your guaranteed “unlimited” time, then be ready for the possibility of extra purchases when you’re off the boat.

Îlot Flamants and the pass-by moments

You’ll also see Îlot Flamants as a photo stop and pass-by moment. These quick scenic stretches matter because they add variety without draining your energy.

The practical value of pass-by stops is that they keep the day from feeling like a series of long interruptions. You get to enjoy the shapes of islands and the texture of coastlines, while still saving your focus for the bigger moments, like snorkeling and your longer island relaxation.

If you’re the type who likes to get good photos without sprinting, this section is exactly your speed. Look, snap, and let the boat carry you onward.

Ile aux Cerfs: dessert and real sand-and-water time

One of the most recognizable names in Mauritius lagoon cruising is Ile aux Cerfs, and this stop is built into the day as a pass-by with dessert and scenic views on the way.

This is a location that tends to deliver on the feeling of Mauritius: bright sand, ocean views, and a sense that you’re out in the postcard part of the island. Even if you’re not spending hours on land here, having it in the route gives the day a strong “final stretch” vibe.

When a tour includes both island scenery and dessert timing, it usually means the schedule is designed around comfort. You don’t just get rushed from one place to the next. You get a treat at the right point so you can enjoy the cruise back.

The on-board experience: what’s included and why it matters

This tour is built around a private pontoon boat trip with several key inclusions. Here’s what you get, and how it affects your day:

• Snorkeling equipment is included, so you don’t have to hunt down gear in town
• Lunch on board keeps you from turning the day into a meal scavenger hunt
• Unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included, which is rare for lagoon days
• The snorkeling-first rule for alcohol keeps the water time safe and on schedule

With unlimited drinks on board, the vibe is more celebratory than “just sightseeing.” It’s the kind of format that works for couples, friends, or anyone who wants a smooth day rather than a DIY route.

Also, the pontoon boat can carry up to 11 passengers. Even though this is private, that number helps you picture how the boat feels. It’s not a tiny personal skiff, but it’s also not a massive party vessel. You get a comfortable group size where you can actually enjoy the view.

Itinerary flow and timing: how to make the day feel easy

The overall tour duration is 6 hours, and you return to Trou d’Eau Douce at about 15h30. There are multiple stops, but they’re grouped in a way that prevents the day from feeling like chaos.

A useful way to think about the flow:

• Start with a scenic land moment (waterfall)
• Add islet time and then the key snorkel session (Ile aux Aigrettes, Eau Bleu)
• Switch to landmark sightseeing and meal time (Ile aux Fouquets lighthouse)
• Finish with sand and island scenery (Îlot Flamants, Ile aux Cerfs), then head back

That structure is good for your energy. You’re not going from snorkeling to hiking to more snorkeling without a break. You get meals and cruising time where you can just sit, cool down, and enjoy the sea.

Meeting point reality: you’re responsible for getting there

The meeting point is just before the Shangri-La le Touessrok hotel. That means you should plan to arrive with buffer time, and you’re on your own for getting to Pointe Maurice and the pickup area.

Since hotel pickup and drop off aren’t included, it’s best for travelers staying close to Trou d’Eau Douce. If you’re staying far away, you’ll want to factor in transport time so you don’t feel rushed before the tour begins.

What to pack for a 6-hour lagoon day

This is the kind of tour where the right small items make a big difference. Bring:

• Sunglasses
• Change of clothes
• Towel
• Sunscreen (high SPF)
• Flip-flops
• Swimwear, hat or cap, and a camera (you’ll want it)

Also, think about sun management. Lagoon mornings and afternoons can still get intense. If you only apply sunscreen once, you might end up thinking about reapplying around the time you’re snorkeling.

Who this tour suits best

This 5 Islands Tour is ideal if you want:

• A private group experience on a lagoon-friendly boat
• Real snorkeling time at Eau Bleu
• A mix of scenery, with landmarks like the Ile aux Fouquets lighthouse
• A full service feel, lunch and drinks included

It’s also a good fit for travelers who don’t want a complicated day. You’re not choosing between multiple tours. One boat day covers the highlights on the South East coast.

If you’re the type who loves long, uninterrupted beach lounging, you may still enjoy it, but note that some island points are pass-by or photo-stop focused. You get relaxation, but this is more “scenic island variety” than “all day beach camp.”

Price and value: is $871 per group worth it?

The price is $871 per group up to 2 for a 6-hour private pontoon tour. On its face, that’s not a budget day. But lagoon days in Mauritius can get expensive fast when you add private boats, snorkeling gear, and a full meal plan.

Here’s what you’re really paying for:

• Private boat time, not sharing with strangers
• Snorkeling gear included and a plan that moves to the best water moment
• Lunch on board plus unlimited drinks

If you compare this to piecing together transport, day boat rentals, and lunch and drinks separately, the value becomes more reasonable. It’s especially good if you’re traveling as a couple or a small group where the privacy matters.

If you’re traveling solo, this price may feel steep compared to shared group tours. But if you want the day to feel personal and smooth, the private format can be worth it.

Should you book the 5 Islands Tour with Oceane Cruises?

I think you should book this tour if your ideal Mauritius day is: easy pacing, clear-water snorkeling, and a private boat with lunch and drinks included. The route covers waterfall scenery, islet stops, a lighthouse landmark, and a classic lagoon island experience, without turning your day into a logistics puzzle.

Skip it or consider alternatives if:

• You need hotel pickup included
• You want long beach time at one single island, with no pass-by/photo-stop moments
• You’re planning to drink right away, because alcohol is served after snorkeling and snorkeling can be canceled if alcohol is consumed beforehand

FAQ

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet just before the Shangri-La le Touessrok hotel.

Is hotel pickup and drop off included?

No, hotel pickup and drop off are not included.

How long is the 5 Islands Tour?

The duration is 6 hours.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes a private pontoon boat trip, snorkeling equipment, lunch on board, and unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

When are alcoholic drinks served?

Alcoholic drinks are served after snorkeling.

How many passengers can the pontoon boat carry?

The pontoon boat can carry up to 11 passengers.

What snorkeling location is part of the day?

You snorkel at Eau Bleu.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, change of clothes, a towel, sunscreen, and flip-flops. Swimwear, a hat or cap, and a camera are also recommended.

Is free cancellation available?

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