Mauritius: 3 Activities + Ile aux Cerfs Boat tour w/ BBQ

This is one of those Mauritius days that stacks fun back to back: lagoon thrill activities in Belle Mare, then a speedboat ride over to the postcard beaches of Ile aux Cerfs, with a waterfall stop and a beach BBQ in between. It’s interesting because you get both the high-energy water sports and the classic island-and-lagoon scenery, all in about one working day.

I really like two things here. First, the morning set of activities in the lagoon is genuinely hands-on, including parasailing plus an undersea walking option and a tube ride. Second, the day doesn’t just end at Ile aux Cerfs, you also get the Grand River South East Waterfall area and a proper 3-course BBQ lunch on a nearby island.

One drawback to plan around: the tour runs at two locations, and you handle transport between the morning activities area and the speedboat departure point. If you lose time, the afternoon part can feel tight.

Key things to know before you go

• Three lagoon sports in the morning: parasailing, underseawalk, and tube ride are included, and other listed options may appear in the schedule.
• Two-location flow: after the Belle Mare water activities, you travel onward by taxi or rental car for the speedboat departure.
• Cascade Diamamouve waterfall stop: expect a guided stop and boat cruise with a chance to spot monkeys along the riverbank.
• Ile aux Margenie BBQ on the beach: a 3-course BBQ lunch plus drinks including local rum.
• Ile aux Cerfs time for swimming: white sand, lagoon swimming, and a stop at an arts & crafts market area.
• Weather matters: if conditions cancel water elements, it can trigger partial refunds, so build in some flexibility.

A full day that mixes lagoon thrills and island postcards

This is a 6-hour Mauritius combo that aims for variety instead of one long sitting around. You start with water sports in the Belle Mare area, then shift gears to a speedboat trip off the east coast. Along the way, you hit a waterfall stop and get a lunch that’s more than a snack.

If you like your day structured but still fun, this fits. Parasailing and the tube ride give you an adrenaline moment early, while the waterfall and island beach time balance it out. Just keep your eyes on timing, because the day includes a location change.

Belle Mare: parasailing, undersea walking, and tube ride

Your day kicks off at Aquasea Watersports Belle Mare, a practical base for lagoon activities. You’re there for a block of water fun (listed as around 2 hours) and the included highlights focus on parasailing, underseawalk, and a tube ride.

Here’s what these choices mean for your experience:

• Parasailing: you get lifted above the water for views over the lagoon. It’s the “big moment” activity, usually the one people talk about after.
• Underseawalk: you walk in a controlled undersea setup, so you can see what’s below without the full commitment of a long scuba-style outing. It’s described as practical for kids from 9 with broad shoulders, and the overall tour has a minimum age of 8.
• Tube ride: it’s a quick, high-energy add-on that keeps the adrenaline going between bigger moments.

Important practical note: you should wear swimwear and expect to get wet. Also, bring sunscreen you trust, then plan to reapply. The lagoon sun does not negotiate.

What I’d do if I were booking this for a first-timer is ask the staff at the start of the morning for the order of activities and the handoff timing to the speedboat portion. A small slip can create a bigger stress later.

The location change that decides whether your afternoon feels smooth

After the morning activities, this tour runs from a second location for the speedboat to Ile aux Cerfs. You meet the team at Aquasea Watersports Belle Mare, between Long Beach hotel and Emperror Restaurant, and then you travel onward yourself (taxi or rental car) to the speedboat departure area at Trou D’eau Douce.

That’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s the kind of detail that matters. Some schedules get crowded, and if your morning runs long, you need a buffer so you don’t feel rushed. I recommend you:

• confirm the departure time early
• plan transportation so you arrive at least 20 to 30 minutes before you think you need to
• keep your water gear packed and accessible, not buried at the bottom of a bag

Also, this tour does not include hotel pickup and drop-off, so you’ll want to be self-sufficient.

Trou D’eau Douce to Ile aux Cerfs by speedboat

Once you’re at Trou D’eau Douce, you board the speedboat and the crew welcomes you. The speedboat portion is the “bridge” from the mainland water sports to the island day.

As you head out, you’ll see that east-coast approach effect, where palms and coastlines slide into view and then suddenly you’re out in open water. Expect possible wet conditions on the boat. Bring sunglasses, and consider a hat if it’s sunny enough to justify it.

This is also where your day shifts into sightseeing mode. The tour includes sightseeing through valleys and scenic views on the way to the waterfall stop, so you’re not just traveling, you’re getting context for what you’re seeing.

Cascade Diamamouve: the waterfall stop with a monkey chance

A major highlight is the visit to the Grand River South East Waterfall, known here as Cascade Diamamouve. The plan includes a photo stop, guided tour, and a boat cruise portion around the waterfall area.

This stop works for two reasons. First, it breaks up the ocean-only feeling so your day feels like a true east-coast circuit. Second, it comes with an actual “look closer” experience. You get close enough to admire the natural phenomenon, and you also get the fun little bonus of monkey-spotting along the riverbank.

I like that it’s not treated as a quick glance and a sprint. Even if the waterfall time is short, the boat cruise element helps you see it as something in a living river system rather than just a distant view.

If you’re the type who likes photos, you’ll want your camera ready. The waterfall stop is meant for pictures, and the views on the way also help you catch variety beyond a single landmark.

Ile aux Margenie: 3-course BBQ lunch plus local drinks

After the waterfall stop, you head to Ile aux Margenie, a small island stop built around lunch on the beach. You get a 3-course BBQ lunch, and it comes with a selection of drinks including soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum.

This is one of the most practical parts of the day. When your morning includes active water sports, you want food that’s satisfying but not complicated. The BBQ format fits well because you can settle in, cool down, and still feel like the day is moving.

What to watch for: BBQ lunch on a beach island can mean waiting a little while food is cooked and served. Plan to slow your pace for this part of the day, even if you’re excited to get back to swimming and sand.

Also, this lunch stop is a good time to top up sunscreen and water. You’ll be in sun again soon, especially once you reach the more open lagoon areas around Ile aux Cerfs.

Ile aux Cerfs: white sand, lagoon swimming, and a market stop

Then it’s time for Ile aux Cerfs. As you approach, you’ll see palm trees and those classic white sand beaches framed by bright turquoise water. The tour includes time to relax on the beaches and swim in the lagoon.

You’ll also have a second segment of Ile aux Cerfs time that includes free time and sightseeing, plus an arts & crafts market visit. That market stop can be a nice way to break up beach time, especially if you’re traveling as a couple or group and one person wants a quick wander while the other is ready to float in the water.

Here’s the best way to enjoy your time on Ile aux Cerfs:

• swim early if you want the easiest entry and the most relaxed feeling
• then slow down for beach time and photos
• if you’re interested in crafts, use the market slot efficiently, since it’s not designed to turn into a shopping trip that lasts hours

If you’re prone to motion sickness, take it into account before you decide to swim right after the speedboat ride. Let your body adjust first, then get in.

Price and logistics: what $124 buys you, and where people get burned

At $124 per person for about 6 hours, this tour is priced like a “do a lot in one day” option. The value comes from the stack of included experiences, not from any single item.

What you’re getting for the money:

• multiple included lagoon activities (parasailing, underseawalk, tube ride)
• speedboat transportation to the island area
• a waterfall visit with guided elements
• a 3-course BBQ lunch on Ile aux Margenie
• a drinks selection that includes beer, wine, and local rum
• Ile aux Cerfs beach and swimming time, plus market time

Where the value can slip is timing and movement between locations. Since hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and the tour operates from two locations, you must manage the transfer yourself after the morning activities. When the day runs smoothly, it feels like a win. When it doesn’t, you can end up feeling like you missed the point of the afternoon.

So my practical advice is simple: treat this as a day where punctuality is part of the itinerary. Confirm the transition plan early, keep water and sunscreen accessible, and don’t assume you can squeeze in errands between the two parts.

Who should book this tour, and who should skip it

This is best for active people who want a fast-paced day. If you enjoy water sports, you’ll likely love the morning set. If you prefer calm and long beach lounging, you might still enjoy Ile aux Cerfs, but you’ll likely find the rest of the schedule busy.

The tour is not suitable for:

• children under 8
• pregnant women
• people with back problems
• people with heart problems
• people with recent surgeries
• people with low level of fitness

Underseawalk has a specific note that it’s practical for kids from 9 with broad shoulders, so if you’re bringing family, it’s worth checking fit and comfort before you commit.

If you have any medical considerations, I’d read the suitability list carefully and then speak with the operator directly. The activities are water-based and physically active, so it’s not a gentle sightseeing-only day.

Should you book this Mauritius water and island combo?

If you want one day in Mauritius that delivers both adrenaline and classic scenery, this is a strong candidate. I like that it doesn’t just rely on beaches. You get a waterfall visit with a guided component and even a monkey-spotting possibility, then you return to the lagoon for swimming and sand.

Book it if:

• you’re comfortable with water sports and some physical activity
• you’re able to handle the between-location transfer without stress
• you want an included lunch with drinks, not another “snack and go” day

Skip it or think twice if:

• you need a fully guided end-to-end experience with no self-transfer
• you hate tight schedules and prefer slow days
• you fall into any of the health or age restrictions listed for the tour

If you do book it, do one thing that makes the whole day easier: build time buffer into your move from Belle Mare to the speedboat departure point at Trou D’eau Douce, then keep sunscreen and swimwear ready to go. You’ll turn this into a smooth, memorable Mauritius day instead of a scramble.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the activities?

Meet at Aquasea Watersports office between Long Beach hotel and Emperror Restaurant.

Is hotel pickup or drop-off included?

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

What’s the duration of the tour?

The tour runs for 6 hours.

What activities are included?

Parasailing, underseawalk, tube ride, a speedboat tour, a 3-course BBQ lunch, visits to the Grand River South East Waterfall and Ile aux Cerfs, and local drinks during lunch.

What’s included at the BBQ lunch?

A 3-course BBQ lunch is included on Ile aux Margenie, along with drinks such as soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum.

Do I need to travel between two locations?

Yes. The tour uses two different locations, and you need taxi or a rental car to travel between the morning activities and the speedboat departure for Ile aux Cerfs.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, a camera, sunscreen, and water.

What if weather cancels part of the activity?

If activities are cancelled due to bad weather conditions, they are dealt with using a partial refund.