From Blue Bay: Ile aux Cerfs Speedboat Excursion with BBQ

This full-day speedboat trip to Ile aux Cerfs is interesting because it stacks snorkeling and island sightseeing into one tight loop from Blue Bay. In about 7 hours, you get water time, land time, and a proper meal, without bouncing between vehicles all day.

I especially like the Blue Bay Marine Park snorkeling time, with mask and snorkel gear included. I also love that lunch is a BBQ with drinks, so the middle of the day actually feels like a reward, not a rushed pit stop.

One thing to plan for: the day is busy, so your time on Ile aux Cerfs is a real break, but not a long, slow linger kind of stay.

Key highlights you should care about

• Blue Bay Marine Park snorkeling with mask and snorkel gear included
• Speedboat route with multiple stops, not just one beach visit
• Ile aux Phare lighthouse ruins for a quick walk and photos
• Grand River South East waterfall with cheeky monkeys nearby
• Ile aux Cerfs BBQ lunch and drinks served on the beach area
• Return snorkeling near Ile aux Aigrettes for extra water time

Speedboat route from Blue Bay, starting at 09:30

This tour begins at 09:30am from Blue Bay Public Beach, in Mauritius’ southeast. You should expect a straightforward day structure: quick land visits, then snorkeling breaks where you can get back on the boat feeling satisfied rather than drained.

The meeting point is simple, which you’ll appreciate when you’re traveling without local knowledge. You meet opposite the main Parking and Blue Bay Tuck Shop, and then you follow the path to the beach. There’s a small stand with a dark grey parasol marking the spot.

One practical thing: there’s no hotel pickup. You will need to get yourself to Blue Bay Public Beach, on time, using your own transport. If you’re staying elsewhere on the island, this is the one detail that can affect your day as much as the scenery does.

The guides run the show in English or French, so you’re not stuck guessing what’s going on or where to be next. And when conditions change, the pace can shift so you still get the key experiences.

Snorkeling in Blue Bay Marine Park (35 minutes) without the fuss

Your morning starts with snorkeling in the Blue Bay Marine Park. This is described as the largest coral reserve from Mauritius, which matters because it’s the kind of place where the water time actually feels like “the main event,” not just a quick swim.

You’re given snorkeling equipment (mask and snorkel) plus a life jacket. That’s helpful if you’re not traveling with your own gear, or if you just don’t want to pack one more case. The snorkeling time is 35 minutes, which is long enough to settle in, take a few good looks, and enjoy the reef without turning the session into a workout.

What you should do to make this 35 minutes count:

• Get your mask comfortable before you go in, so you’re not fixing it mid-session.
• Keep your eyes open for colorful fish, since this is exactly the kind of reef environment that draws them in.
• If you’re prone to feeling rushed on tours, use this stop to slow down mentally. This is the part of the day where you can just watch what’s moving below you.

One bonus you might catch during snorkeling is a shipwreck view. It’s not guaranteed in the way a clock is guaranteed, but it’s the kind of extra interest that can make this stop feel more memorable.

Ile aux Phare lighthouse ruins and the coast viewpoint feel

After snorkeling, the boat runs along the coast in the direction of Point d’Esny, then Mahebourg, and onward to Ile aux Phare. Mahebourg is described as the former capital of the island, so even though you’re not turning this into a long history tour, you are at least grounding yourself in the real geography of the southeast.

At Ile aux Phare, you get 30 minutes to visit. This is the stop for the ancient lighthouse ruin. If you like travel photos that look different from the usual beach shots, this is where you can grab some atmosphere. It’s not a long museum visit, so don’t expect a deep guided lecture on the site. Think short walk, quick look, and photos that show the coastline in context.

You also have time to simply walk around the island area. That short window is valuable because it helps you balance the day. You go from water to land to water again, without losing the rhythm of a single outing.

Grand River South East waterfall, monkeys included

Next up is the Grand River South East waterfall visit, scheduled for 25 minutes. This stop changes the mood of the day because it’s not about the reef. It’s about a waterfall setting in a lively natural spot.

Here’s the practical note you should take seriously: it’s home to cheeky monkeys. That means you should keep your belongings close and avoid leaving items lying around. If you’re the kind of person who likes to take your phone out for a quick clip, do it intentionally, then put it away right after. You don’t want to spend your short waterfall time negotiating with monkeys or worrying about what they might do.

This is the kind of stop that pairs well with people who like quick nature moments. If you’re hoping for a long hike or a slow, detailed nature walk, this isn’t that format. But in a packed speedboat day, 25 minutes at the waterfall is a good hit.

Ile aux Cerfs BBQ lunch, beach break, and lagoon timing

Ile aux Cerfs is the star of the southeast, and the schedule gives it the most time of the day. You’ll arrive, and your lunch is built around BBQ with fish and chicken, plus included alcoholic and soft drinks.

Lunch is 100 minutes, which is long enough to do more than just eat. You also get a beach break at the entrance to the lagoon from Ile aux Cerfs. This is your chance to switch from “tour mode” to “vacation mode” for a bit.

A key value detail here: if you want vegetarian food, tell the provider when you reserve. That’s one of those simple things that can make or break a tour meal. If you don’t mention it in advance, you may be stuck with what’s served.

What I like about making BBQ lunch the centerpiece at Ile aux Cerfs is that you’re not hungry again the moment you finish. The day already has snorkeling, land walking, and a waterfall stop, so the meal needs to be satisfying. And since drinks are included during the meal and the entire excursion, the middle of the day feels complete.

One consideration to keep in mind: some people want more time on Ile aux Cerfs. Since the day is built around several stops, the island time is generous but still structured. Plan to enjoy it as a highlight break rather than an all-day hangout.

Also, if you’re sensitive to background noise, note that the music onboard can be a bit much. It’s not a deal-breaker for most people, but it’s worth knowing so you can mentally prepare, or ask calmly if you want it turned down.

Ile aux Aigrettes return snorkeling break (45 minutes)

On the way back, the boat makes one more water stop near Ile aux Aigrettes. You get swimming and snorkeling time here for about 45 minutes, which is a nice payoff after lunch and the land stops.

This timing is smart because it prevents the day from feeling like it ends right after the BBQ. Instead, you still get that saltwater satisfaction near the end, so you return to Blue Bay feeling like you got your money’s worth.

If you’re planning your energy, this is where it helps to pace yourself during the day:

• Don’t spend all your energy at Ile aux Cerfs snorkeling.
• Save some enthusiasm for this final swim. The 45-minute block gives you room to settle in again and enjoy the water without feeling rushed.

Snorkeling gear, life jackets, and what to bring

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, but you still need to pack the basics that keep you comfortable once you’re at the beach and in and out of the water.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Water shoes
• Snorkeling gear (optional, since mask and snorkel are provided)

Water shoes are specifically recommended, and I’m glad they’re mentioned. It’s the small comfort that makes getting in and out easier when you’re moving between beach areas and boat transfers.

You also receive a life jacket. That’s a practical safety inclusion that helps you focus on enjoying the water time.

Price and value: does $106 make sense for 7 hours?

At $106 per person for about 7 hours, you’re paying for a bundle, not just one beach visit. You get speedboat transport, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, multiple snorkeling and land stops, plus BBQ and drinks.

The value is strongest if you want variety without complex planning. If you were trying to set this up yourself, you’d likely spend time coordinating boat access, snorkeling gear, and a meal plan. Here, it’s packaged into one smooth day.

The tradeoff is also clear: you don’t get hotel pickup. So your effective cost includes your transport time and money to reach Blue Bay Public Beach. If getting there is easy for you, the price feels fair. If you’re farther out and scrambling for transit, it can feel more expensive than it looks.

Overall, the pricing lines up well with what’s included, especially because the BBQ includes both fish and chicken, and drinks are part of the deal during lunch and across the excursion.

Who should book this Ile aux Cerfs speedboat BBQ day trip

This tour is a good fit if you:

• Want multiple snorkeling sessions in one day rather than committing to a single site
• Like a mix of reef time plus quick land sights like lighthouse ruins and a waterfall
• Prefer a packaged day with BBQ and drinks included, so you’re not hunting for food mid-trip
• Can start at 09:30am and comfortably make your own way to Blue Bay

It’s also the right choice for couples and small groups who want a structured day that still leaves room to relax at Ile aux Cerfs.

If your main goal is a long, unhurried beach day with hours to explore at your own pace, you may feel like the island time is too scheduled. In that case, consider a different format that gives you more hours solely on Ile aux Cerfs.

Final call: should you book this tour?

I think you should book this tour if you want a well-rounded southeast Mauritius day that hits the big names without turning your schedule into a juggling act. The included snorkeling gear, the life jacket, the reef time in Blue Bay Marine Park, and the extra swim stop near Ile aux Aigrettes make it feel like a true water day. Add in the BBQ with drinks at Ile aux Cerfs, and you end up with a complete experience rather than a half-day of activity.

Skip it only if the idea of a packed schedule sounds stressful. Your time on Ile aux Cerfs is great, but it’s not designed for an all-day drift. And if you don’t want to handle the “get yourself to Blue Bay” part, choose another option with pickup.

FAQ

What time does the excursion start?

It starts at 09:30am from Blue Bay Public Beach.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 7 hours, with the day ending around 16:00.

Where is the meeting point?

You meet opposite the main Parking and Blue Bay Tuck Shop. From there, take the path to the beach where there is a small stand with a dark grey parasol.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Mask and snorkel equipment are included, and life jackets are provided.

How much snorkeling time do you get?

You get snorkeling in Blue Bay Marine Park for about 35 minutes, snorkeling near Ile aux Aigrettes on the way back for about 45 minutes, plus additional swimming time on that return stop.

Which islands and sights are included?

The itinerary includes Ile aux Phare (with a lighthouse ruin visit), Ile aux Cerfs (with lunch on the beach area), and stops at the Blue Bay Marine Park, Grand River South East waterfall area, and Ile aux Aigrettes.

What is included for lunch?

Lunch is a BBQ with fish and chicken, plus drinks. If you prefer vegetarian, you need to request it with your reservation.

What languages is the live tour guide?

The tour guide is available in English and French.