Reviewed · ILE AUX CERFS TRIPS
Full Day Shared Speed Boat in Ile Aux Cerfs Lunch & Transfer incl
A speedboat transfer to Île aux Cerfs is interesting because the ride is part of the holiday, not just a commute. You trade slow comfort for wind-in-your-face speed and sweeping views from the water, starting early at 8:30am from Mauritius.
I like two things a lot: snorkelling is included, and the lunch setup is solid with a 3-course BBQ plus unlimited beverages (with a halal option). You also get real convenience with pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation.
One drawback to consider is timing. With shared boats and shared schedules, delays can happen, and there have been issues in the past with pick-up details if you do not double-check them.
Key things to know before you go

- Shared speedboat energy: fast water time, with the sea doing the scenery work
- Snorkelling included: plan your swim gear and keep some energy for after lunch too
- 3-course BBQ lunch on Île aux Cerfs: veg and non-veg, with halal food available
- Unlimited drinks with lunch: alcoholic and non-alcoholic options are included
- Small group cap: maximum 30 travelers means it feels more personal than big bus days
- Private transport to/from your hotel: pick-up and drop-off around Mauritius are included
Why a shared speedboat to Île aux Cerfs feels like a real upgrade

If you like Mauritius for its water and light, you’ll understand why Île aux Cerfs is the classic day trip. The usual version is a boat, then a beach. This version adds one extra ingredient: the speedboat ride itself.
That matters because you’re not stuck waiting through the boring middle. You’re moving, you’re getting fresh air, and you’re seeing the coastline from a perspective most people never get. It’s the kind of trip where the first half hour already feels like a highlight.
You also get a full day structure, about 7 hours total, so you’re not doing a rushed hit-and-run. The day is long enough for snorkelling and real island time, with food and drinks built in so you don’t end up managing hunger and costs all day.
More Airport Transfers in Port Louis
- Enchanting South of Mauritius: Full-day tour Incl CASELA Park, Lunch & Transfer
★ 4.0 · 100 reviews - Mauritius: Scenic Helicopter Flight with Hotel Transfers
★ 4.6 · 62 reviews - Mauritius: Turtle Swim and North Discovery Tour with Pickup
★ 3.1 · 25 reviews
The 7-hour day plan, in plain order
Here’s the flow you should expect, based on how the experience is designed:
You start at 8:30am. Pick-up is arranged from your accommodation somewhere around Mauritius, then you head to the boat departure area.
Next comes the shared speedboat transfer to Île aux Cerfs, where you’ll have time on the island. The day includes snorkelling, plus time to explore the natural setting and beaches at a pace that lets you actually enjoy it.
Lunch happens on the island: a 3-course BBQ lunch (veg and non-veg). Drinks are included during lunch, and the provider notes unlimited beverages, with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. Halal food is available too.
Some versions of this outing also include time related to cascades, meaning you might get a stop that breaks up the day beyond just beach time. Don’t count on a detailed itinerary order here, but do expect the day to include more than only a straight line from boat to lunch to beach.
Finally, you return to Mauritius and get drop-off back at your accommodation.
Speedboat transfer: fast water time, what to do with your camera

This is a shared speedboat, so you’re not guaranteed a perfectly private photo experience. Still, the trade-off is worth it if you like motion and views.
For most people, the biggest comfort factor is simple: dress for wind and water spray. Even if it’s warm out, speedboat conditions cool you down fast. I’d bring sunglasses you don’t mind getting a little salty, and a small dry bag for your phone.
Because it’s a shared ride, you’ll also want to be ready when it’s time to board. The day runs on a schedule, and missing a window can cost you time. Keep your mindset flexible, but be punctual.
The best part of the transfer is the way it changes your sense of scale. Mauritius looks different from the water, and Île aux Cerfs feels more dramatic once you approach it by sea. That’s not a small thing. It’s the kind of view that makes you stop thinking about logistics and start enjoying the day.
Île aux Cerfs island time: snorkeling plus real beach breathing room
Île aux Cerfs is known for its beaches and calm, pretty water, and that’s exactly why snorkelling is included. During the island portion, you’ll have time for a snorkel session, then a chance to relax and explore.
A practical tip: snorkelling days are not the time to plan an outfit that needs a careful rinse. You’re going in and out of water, so wear something you can get wet, and keep a towel accessible.
Also, consider what kind of snorkel experience you want. The tour includes snorkelling, but the exact style, duration, and equipment details aren’t spelled out in the information you provided. If you have a mask that fits you perfectly, bring it. If you don’t, just go in with the mindset that you might need a little patience at the start so you can actually enjoy the swim.
After snorkelling, you’ll want that slower pace. This is where Île aux Cerfs earns its reputation. The goal is to enjoy the island without feeling like you’re on a schedule every five minutes.
More Private Drivers in Port Louis
- Private speed boat to Ile aux Cerfs full-day Incl: Lunch & Transfer
★ 4.0 · 19 reviews - PORT, AIRPORT & HOTEL transfer in mauritius.
★ 5.0 · 10 reviews - Mauritius Le Morne Hiking including transfer
★ 4.5 · 8 reviews - Discover Mauritius Full Day with Your Personal Driver-Guide
★ 5.0 · 4 reviews
The 3-course BBQ lunch with halal option and unlimited drinks

The lunch is one of the clearest value points in this experience, because it’s not a snack and it’s not a make-do meal.
You get a 3-course BBQ lunch with both veg and non-veg options. The provider also notes halal food is available, which makes a big difference if you eat with dietary rules and don’t want to hunt for options on a tight timeline.
Drinks are included during lunch: unlimited beverages, covering alcoholic and non-alcoholic choices. That’s a genuinely useful inclusion. Otherwise, island lunches often turn into an expense surprise.
What I like about this setup is how it lets you focus on the day instead of budgeting. You’re already paying for the full experience. Once lunch starts, you stop doing mental math and just eat.
One caution: alcohol plus speedboat plus sun can add up. If you plan to snorkel, keep drinks light during or after snorkel time. If you snorkel early and lunch is later, you still want to stay hydrated. Mauritius sun is the same for everyone, and it does not care if your drink ticket is unlimited.
Pickup and drop-off around Mauritius: convenient, but be proactive

The tour includes pick-up and drop-off at any accommodation around Mauritius, which is one reason people pick this kind of day trip. It saves you from trying to coordinate local transport, timing, and meeting points.
The practical risk is that the system is only as good as the details you provide. One negative experience reported that an advanced request for pick-up confirmation was ignored, and that direct contact with the driver became necessary to fix things. Another issue mentioned lateness.
So here’s how you protect yourself:
- Confirm your pick-up details early after booking.
- Keep your phone accessible the morning of the tour.
- Be ready to message or call if the provider asks for confirmation.
- If you’re on a tight schedule or relying on a cruise or specific arrival window, give yourself extra margin.
This is a shared day, and that means coordination matters. You can’t eliminate human error, but you can reduce the odds by being organized.
Price check: does $88.47 feel fair for this full-day package?
At $88.47 per person, this isn’t a budget “hop on a boat, eat a snack” outing. It’s a packaged day with several value components:
- Shared speedboat transfer to Île aux Cerfs
- Snorkelling included
- 3-course BBQ lunch
- Unlimited drinks during lunch
- Private transportation with pick-up and drop-off around Mauritius
- A cap of up to 30 travelers
When you add those up, the price starts to make sense. The big value levers are lunch and drinks, because they remove two common spending points on island time. The second is the door-to-door style transport, which can be costly and complicated if you try to plan it alone.
Is it worth it? For me, the answer is yes if you want a structured day and you’ll actually use what’s included. If your priorities are only a beach and you’d rather keep costs low, you might compare other lower-cost boat options.
But if you like snorkeling, want included meals and drinks, and you hate complicated logistics, this price is easier to justify.
Who this shared Île aux Cerfs speedboat day is for
This works best for you if you:
- Want a fast, fun transfer and not a slow ferry vibe
- Like snorkelling and want it built into the day
- Appreciate an included lunch where you don’t need to make decisions mid-trip
- Prefer pick-up and drop-off instead of figuring it out yourself
It’s also a solid choice for groups that still want some energy. The max group size of 30 travelers keeps the day from feeling like chaos, even though it’s shared.
This might not be your best match if:
- You’re extremely sensitive to timing and hate even minor delays
- You rely on very exact logistics and cannot tolerate a late pick-up
- You want a private boat or a highly customized route
Weather and shared-ride reality: plan for a smooth day, not a perfect one
The tour requires good weather. That’s common for any sea activity, but it’s especially important for speedboats. If the sea is rough, the provider may cancel or reschedule.
Because it’s a shared boat, you’re also riding with a mixed group. That usually just means a little more coordination at boarding and return times. It can also mean that your timeline is shared, not personal.
My advice: build in a calm buffer to the rest of your schedule. If you’re the type who has every minute planned, put this day in a slot where you can absorb a delay without ruining your mood.
What the experience team seems to get right
Even within a small number of ratings, the positive themes are clear. People describe the excursion as well organized and fun, and they specifically called out helpful staff and an acceptable lunch.
That aligns with what you’d hope for from a day trip like this: smooth coordination, decent meal quality for an included BBQ, and friendly communication.
Just remember, the day is shared and weather-dependent. When everything goes right, it’s the kind of day you’ll talk about because you got both the speedboat excitement and the island time without extra planning.
Should you book this Île aux Cerfs speedboat with lunch and transfer?
I’d book it if you want a single, efficient day that covers the main wins of Île aux Cerfs: speedboat fun, snorkelling, and a real 3-course BBQ with halal food available and unlimited drinks during lunch.
I would be more cautious if you have a strict external schedule, because there have been complaints about lateness and pick-up confusion. If you choose to go, protect yourself by confirming pick-up details early and staying reachable on the morning of the tour.
In short: this is good value for a full-day island experience, and it’s especially strong if you don’t want to think about transport or food planning.
FAQ
What time does the speedboat to Île aux Cerfs start?
The start time is 8:30am.
How long is the full-day shared speedboat experience?
It lasts about 7 hours.
Is lunch included, and is there a halal option?
Yes. Lunch is a 3-course BBQ on Île aux Cerfs, with both veg and non-veg options. Halal food is available.
Are drinks included with lunch?
Yes. Unlimited beverages are included during lunch, with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.
Does the tour include snorkeling?
Yes. Snorkelling is included as part of the island time.
Do I get pick-up and drop-off?
Yes. Pick-up and drop-off are included at any accommodation around Mauritius.
What happens if weather is bad or I need to cancel?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time.
More Speedboat Runs from Port Louis
- Full day Shared Speedboat Tour – South West Lagoon Dolphin Swim
★ 3.0 · 13 reviews - Black River: Dolphin Swim and Whale Watching by Speedboat
★ 4.5 · 595 reviews - Mauritius: Full-Day Speedboat Tour to Ile aux Cerfs & BBQ
★ 4.8 · 429 reviews - Black River: Swim with Dolphin Speed Boat Tour with lunch
★ 4.3 · 279 reviews
More Boats across to Ile aux Cerfs
- All inclusive CATAMARAN with BBQ : Ile aux cerf & GRSE waterfall
★ 4.0 · 22 reviews - Full Day Shared Tour Catamaran to Ile Aux Cerfs
★ 3.0 · 19 reviews - Ile aux Cerfs Speedboat Trip & Transport: Private or Shared
★ 4.2 · 17 reviews - >TAXI ONLY< to DOLPHIN OR ILE AUX CERFS PARADISE ISLAND MAURITIUS
★ 4.5 · 5 reviews
Newest listings around Port Louis
- Creole Culinary Workshop★ 5.0 · 3 reviews
- Port Louis: China Town Guided Food Tour★ 5.0 · 4 reviews
- Airport/hotel transfers★ 5.0 · 12 reviews
- Mauritius : Swim with turtles and Port Louis Street food tour★ 4.5 · 38 reviews
- Casela World of Adventures, West of Mauritius★ 4.0 · 82 reviews
- Mauritius Private South West Tour★ 5.0 · 3 reviews
- Southern Mauritius: Volcanoes & Coloured Earth★ 5.0 · 3 reviews
- 1 way Airport transfer★ 4.0 · 3 reviews
Ile aux Cerfs Trips, compared.

Ile Aux Cerfs Catamaran Trip w/ Lunch & Transfer
Read our review →
Catamaran Cruise to Ile Aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch
Read our review →
Full-Day Catamaran Cruise to Île aux Cerfs with BBQ Lunch
Read our review →
Catamaran Day Cruise to lle aux Cerfs with Lunch
Read our review →
Full-Day Speedboat Tour to Ile aux Cerfs & BBQ
Read our review →
Ile aux Cerf Catamaran w/Waterfall Visit & Lunch
Read our review →

