Full Day Tour 5 Island to Ile Aux Cerfs Incl. Lunch and Transfer

This is interesting because you’re not doing one beach. You’re bouncing across Mauritius’ east coast by speedboat, mixing reef snorkeling, small island strolls, and a big island-holiday hit at Ile aux Cerfs all in one long day.

I really like the built-in variety: snorkeling in Blue Bay Marine Park with clear-water reef time, then a second lagoon break near Ilot Flamants. I also like how the day typically runs with a friendly, hands-on crew, and I’ve seen positive notes tied to guides like Chris, Nelson, and Donovan, plus captains known as Emmanuel and even the Jack Sparrow nickname.

One consideration: the day is weather-dependent and water time can change if conditions are rough, and you should also be clear about what you mean by included drinks and onboard vibe. If you want a calm, low-alcohol day, plan to ask questions before you go.

Key Highlights to Know Before You Book

• Blue Bay Marine Park snorkeling stop with gear provided and a reef-focused swim in clear water
• Multiple island micro-stops, including a shipwreck and two small-island swimming pauses
• GRSE waterfall visit where land and sea meet, with wildlife sightings possible
• Ile aux Cerfs beach time + BBQ lunch show, with music, dancing, and banana flambé
• Small-group feel (up to 15 travelers) paired with hotel pickup and drop-off

A Fast, Fun East-Coast Day Trip With Real Island Variety

This tour feels like an East Coast sampler, done the quickest way possible. You start with a hotel pickup anywhere in Mauritius, then head to Blue Bay for a speedboat cruise that keeps your day moving. The route is built around short, high-impact stops rather than long bus rides and waiting.

The big win is how many different “Mauritius moments” you get in one go. You’re likely to see reef fish and corals, then switch to sandy-island scenes, then add a waterfall with monkeys around the trees. And late-day, you land at Ile aux Cerfs for a more classic beach break.

Hotel Pickup to Blue Bay: How the Day Starts Smooth or Not

The experience begins at 8:00 am, with complimentary pick-up and drop-off at any hotel or accommodation in Mauritius. Your driver and guide are described as certified, and the plan is to move you from land to the dock without complicated transfers.

In practice, the experience quality often comes down to timing and communication. Keep an eye on your booking updates on the day of travel, not only the email you received earlier, since some people reported confusion about pickup times. If you’re the type who likes to be early, you’ll be happier too, since dock areas can get busy.

One more practical note: the tour includes a fully air-conditioned vehicle, so you can reset between stops. That matters because the day is long, typically 8 to 9 hours, and you’ll likely want a comfortable ride when the boat isn’t running.

Blue Bay Marine Park Snorkeling: Clear Water, Lots of Coral, Easy Gear Setup

The morning’s snorkeling stop at Blue Bay Marine Park is the reef anchor of the whole day. You’ll go out to the reefs, then stop in the middle of the marine park for snorkeling time. The water depth is listed as about 5.5 meters, and the conditions are described as ideal for visibility.

What I love about this type of stop is that it’s reef-first, not “look for fish for five minutes and move on.” You get enough time to actually enjoy what you came for: coral colonies, reef fish, and a sense of scale when you’re looking down into clear water. The park is noted for having 50+ coral species, which gives you variety even on a short swim.

Snorkeling gear is included, so you’re not scrambling for rentals or figuring out fit. If you’re a non-snorkeler, you might still find enjoyment here by just watching the water and sitting close to the action, since visibility is part of the appeal.

Pointe d’Esny Shipwreck + Ile aux Aigrettes Cocktail Swim Break

After the marine park, you head to Pointe d’Esny, where you’ll visit the Dalbair shipwreck. The story connects to a 1902 shipwreck, and the route is framed around learning the context, not just taking photos and leaving.

Then comes Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve, where the vibe shifts from history and reef to a softer island-water moment. You’ll enjoy a cocktail and have time to swim in a natural swimming pool in the lagoon. The lagoon is described as clear, and it’s also associated with starfish in the swimming area.

This is a good stop if you want a change of pace from the reef. You’re not trying to “find the perfect fish,” you’re enjoying warm sun, easy swim conditions, and a calmer island setting. The time here is short (around 40 minutes), so it’s best for swimmers who want a quick splash, not a long beach day.

Ile aux Phare Lighthouse Ruins and Ile de la Passe Defenses: History With Sea Views

Two of the islands add a historical layer without turning the day into a museum tour.

First is Ile aux Phare (often called Phare Island), where you’ll visit the lighthouse area and have time to walk around or look at the lighthouse ruin. The lighthouse is said to have been built in 1864 and the island has ties to the Battle of Grand Port between French and British forces. That gives you a “why this place matters” story even if you’re just taking in the view.

Next is Île de la Passe, where the focus is on ruins of coastal defenses. The defenses are described as built by both French and British forces during the colonial era, with ruins dating back about two and a half centuries. The stop time is about 30 minutes, and you can also enjoy wide views of the mainland and turquoise sea.

One thing to know: this stop can depend on sea tide, so if you’re counting on it as a must-see photo spot, treat it as “planned, but not guaranteed.”

GRSE Waterfall Canal Views: Wildlife Odds and What You Should Expect

At mid-to-late day, you’ll visit Grand River South East Waterfalls (GRSE Waterfalls). The experience isn’t only a walk to the falls. The speedboat also sails along a waterfall canal for views where the river and sea merge, which can feel very different from a standard waterfall stop.

The area is described as wild and green, with wildlife mentioned right next to the action. It’s common to hear about monkeys in the trees near the waterfalls. The fruit bats are also mentioned as possibly perched in higher trees as you approach.

Expectation-setting matters here. Wildlife sightings are “if you’re lucky,” and nature doesn’t schedule itself. Still, GRSE is a strong add-on because it breaks up the day’s beach-and-reef pattern with something that feels more alive, more natural, and less controlled.

Ilot Flamants and a Second Snorkeling Moment in the Lagoon

Between the waterfall stop and Ile aux Cerfs, you get Ilot Flamants, a small island of white sand in a lagoon. You’re given about 30 minutes here, and the day description pairs it with another snorkeling session in the turquoise lagoon.

This is the kind of stop that works well because it doesn’t ask you to commit. You can snorkel if you want, or simply relax and look at the water texture from the edge. It also helps if you want to keep that reef energy going after Blue Bay, rather than switching straight from history and falls to a full beach afternoon.

Ile aux Cerfs: Beach Time, Optional Water Sports, and the BBQ Party Moment

The day’s main highlight is the time at Ile aux Cerfs. As you approach by boat, the island is described as having swaying palms, white beaches, and vivid turquoise water. You get about two hours of free time, which is the right length for most people to do the basics: stroll, swim, snorkel, or just relax.

If you want more than beach time, there are water sports available at an additional cost (the option noted is 40EUR). Since that extra cost is clearly separate, you can treat it as a “maybe” decision depending on your energy level and comfort.

Then comes lunch at around noon, and it’s where the day often turns into a real celebration. You’ll have BBQ lunch described as typically including chicken BBQ and fish BBQ, plus sides and salads such as garlic bread. If you’re vegetarian, you’re told to inform the operator in advance so a BBQ veg lunch can be arranged. Halal food is also noted.

Lunch isn’t only food either. It’s paired with sega dance, live music and entertainment, and the crew prepares banane flambé. You also get a complimentary selection of drinks during lunch, and there’s described as an open bar.

One practical reality check: since drinks are listed as unlimited onboard and at lunch, you should expect alcohol options if you’re interested. But because onboard drink experiences can vary, I’d recommend you confirm exactly what unlimited means for your group that day, especially if you’re traveling with people who care about drink quality or timing.

Price and Value: Is $151.21 Worth It?

At $151.21 per person, this tour isn’t cheap, but it can be good value if you want a “high-effort day” rather than a single-site beach outing. You’re paying for several things that add up quickly on your own: hotel pickup and drop-off, speedboat transport, multiple island stops, snorkeling equipment, and BBQ lunch with entertainment.

The value gets even better if you can use the included perks. If you snorkel, you’re not paying for gear and you get two aquatic-focused moments, not just one. If you like food and you’re the social type, the lunch show and drinks can feel like the payoff for the long day on the water.

Where the value can dip is if you strongly prefer quiet travel, or if you dislike an alcohol-forward atmosphere. Some people also reported issues like cold food or less smooth drink service, so if you’re picky about that kind of thing, aim to go in with eyes open.

Who Should Book This Tour, and Who Should Skip It

This is a great fit if you’re a sea lover who wants snorkeling, island variety, and an upbeat day schedule. It’s also ideal for people who want to see more than one part of the east coast without renting a car or doing multiple separate tours.

It may not be ideal if:

• You’re traveling with kids who need a calmer vibe, since alcohol and party energy are part of the overall description.
• You’re very sensitive to onboard behavior like smoking or vaping, since one negative note specifically called this out.
• You want a fully relaxing, slow-paced day. This tour is fast and stop-heavy.

If you can handle a long day, love being on the water, and want your lunch to include more than just food, you’ll likely enjoy it.

Should You Book the 5 Islands to Ile aux Cerfs Speedboat Tour?

If you want a single-booking solution for Mauritius east-coast highlights, this one makes sense. The combination of Blue Bay snorkeling, a strong island anchor at Ile aux Cerfs, and the fun of BBQ lunch with live entertainment can feel like you squeezed a lot into one day without losing the vacation mood.

I’d book it if you’re comfortable with a speedboat pace and you’re excited about both reef time and beach time. I’d pause and ask questions first if you care a lot about quiet travel, or if you want strict confirmation of the drinks and onboard atmosphere.

FAQ

What time does the tour start, and what time do we return?

The tour starts at 8:00 am. You’re expected to return to the mainland at around 16:30.

Do you get hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes. There is complimentary pick-up and drop-off at any hotel or accommodation in Mauritius.

Where do we snorkel, and is equipment provided?

You snorkel at Blue Bay Marine Park, and snorkeling equipment is provided. You also get snorkeling in the crystal clear lagoon around Ilot Flamants.

What’s included in lunch, and is vegetarian or halal food available?

Lunch is a 3-course lunch at Margenie Islet and/or a BBQ lunch described as typically chicken and fish BBQ with sides. A vegetarian option is available if you inform the operator in advance, and halal food is noted.

Are water sports included?

Optional water sports are not included. They’re listed as an extra cost (noted as 40EUR).

Does Île de la Passe always stop?

The stop at Île de la Passe is noted as depend on sea tide, so it may not be guaranteed.