Trou D’Eau Douce: 5 island tour Mauritius with lunch/drinks

This is one of the most fun ways to see Mauritius’ east coast, because you do it fast. You hop by speedboat between islands and sandbanks, then slow down for swimming and a proper BBQ lunch on the beach.

I especially like the mix of island types. Île aux Cerfs gives you that classic white-sand, turquoise-water beach break, and Île aux Aigrettes brings in a calmer, nature reserve feel with swimming time and a quick aperitif stop.

The one thing to watch is comfort on the boat. Departures can feel tight, and people seated toward the front may catch more sun with limited shade, so bring a hat and consider asking about seating if that matters to you.

Key highlights that make this tour worth your time

• Île aux Cerfs beach time twice, including lunch on-site
• BBQ lunch plus drinks, including local rum and soft drinks
• Snorkeling time (the tour includes snorkeling gear in its description, but still plan to bring your goggles)
• Dolphin watching at Fouquets Island
• Île aux Aigrettes nature reserve, with swimming and an aperitif
• Old-lighthouse history tied to Île aux Phares and the naval battle of Grand Port

Why the east coast feels different on a 5 island speedboat day

The east side of Mauritius is famous for its clear water and big, photogenic contrasts. On this tour, you actually get to see that variety in one afternoon, from calm lagoon stretches to open-ocean energy when the boat faces the Indian Ocean side.

The format also helps. Instead of one long stop, you get several short, high-impact ones. It means you spend less time on transit logistics and more time where it counts: water, beaches, and a few well-timed sightseeing moments.

If you like days that feel active but still have food and relaxation built in, this tour hits the sweet spot.

Check-in at Blue Alizé Catamaran, and what to do about boat comfort

You start from the Blue Alizé Catamaran at Ile aux Cerfs. When you arrive at the meeting spot, come at the end of the jetty, next to the Mauritian flag.

Here is the practical part. Even if the group size is kept reasonable, speedboats are still speedboats. Based on real operations you might find the boat already has a full load when you board, and the front area can mean more exposure to sun and spray.

My advice: arrive a bit early, keep your sun hat on your person, and pack light but smart. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a change of clothes matter more than you think, because you will get wet and salty.

Also, you will get a live guide in English and French, and the captain and crew run the day with an eye toward keeping the route smooth.

Île aux Cerfs: beach time, swims, and the best part of the schedule

Île aux Cerfs is the anchor island of the tour. You visit first for free time, and later you return for lunch and more swimming. That double visit is what makes the timing work, because you get both a relaxed arrival and a longer, planned beach block later.

What you do here is simple. You explore the shoreline, swim when the tide and conditions are friendly, and enjoy the beach vibe without needing to do your own planning. The tour is built around the look Mauritius is known for: white sand and bright turquoise water.

For your personal comfort, plan your order. Do a quick swim early if you want it, then return later for lunch when you can stay put longer. With a 6-hour day, those two chunks of time are what you will remember most.

Grand River South East waterfall: quick stop, better photos

Between island time, the schedule includes a Grand Rivière South East waterfall photo stop and sightseeing, with about 20 minutes on the ground.

This is not a long hike stop. It is more about seeing the waterfall from the viewpoint the route provides, taking a few photos, and moving on. If you want the best pictures, give yourself a minute or two to pick your angle, then capture from there.

Bring a dry-ish camera plan. You will be wet from boat spray at other points, so keep your phone secure and consider a small zip bag.

Snorkeling session: short, guided, and focused on what you can see

The itinerary includes snorkeling for about 40 minutes. The tour description says snorkeling gear and guided sessions are included, but the list of what to bring and what might not be included suggests you should still show up prepared.

Here is the safe approach:

• Bring your goggles
• Wear swimwear under your clothes
• Expect you may need to double-check gear availability that day

During snorkeling, your best bet is to treat it as a focused taste, not a full diving lesson. The schedule is tight enough that the crew will likely keep things moving so everyone gets their turn.

Even if you are not a strong swimmer, this part is usually manageable because it is time-limited and guided. Just listen carefully and do not rush.

Fouquets Island for dolphin watching, plus photo stops and ocean viewpoints

After the snorkeling segment, the route shifts toward marine moments and viewpoints. You spend time at Fouquets Island for dolphin watching, plus a separate photo stop and short visit later.

Dolphins are not guaranteed on any ocean tour, but the stop is clearly timed for a chance to spot them. The best move is patience without panic. Keep your eyes forward when the captain points things out, and stay ready with your phone or camera.

You also get an additional window for photos and views, about 20 minutes. That is long enough to get a few shots and take in the coastline.

Then there is Île de la Passe, where the plan is sightseeing and a pass-by, not a full long landing. This part is about perspective, since you will be near the history-linked areas and learn the story as you go past.

Île aux Aigrettes: aperitif, swimming, and a protected nature reserve feel

One of the calmer, more special stops is Île aux Aigrettes. The tour includes an aperitif and swimming for about 45 minutes.

This island is described as a protected nature reserve, known for rare species and native vegetation. Even if you only experience it from the boat and shoreline time, the tone here is different from the beach-party feel of the larger islands.

Swimming time is a solid chunk. After you hop around all morning, that extended swim is a nice reset. It also helps you cool down after sun, because you can spend real time in the water rather than just dipping.

Lunch on the beach: BBQ, drinks, and how to pace your swims

Your big beach meal happens back on Île aux Cerfs. Lunch is served as a BBQ on the beach, and it comes with drinks. The refreshment list specifically mentions local rum and soft drinks, so this is not just a snack stop.

You get about 2 hours here for lunch plus swimming. That matters because it gives you time to eat without feeling like you are on a strict schedule.

A few pacing tips that make a difference:

• Eat before your second long swim if you get nauseous on boats
• Put sunscreen on right after any towel break, not only before you leave the mainland
• If you are sensitive to sun, aim for shade breaks after lunch rather than before

Also, bring a change of clothes. You will likely end the tour wet, sandy, and salty, and it is nice to be comfortable when you get back.

Ile aux Phares and the Grand Port battle story you can actually picture

This is where the tour adds more than just scenery. The tour highlights Île aux Phares, known for an old lighthouse in Mauritius, and you also learn about the 1810 naval battle of Grand Port between the French and the British.

One of the neat details is that this battle is referenced as being listed on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. That makes a Mauritian seascape feel tied to a bigger European story, without turning the day into a museum visit.

You also get a vivid visual contrast when the boat faces different sides of the island. One side looks calm with turquoise lagoon water, while the other shows the harsher Indian Ocean waves hitting the breakers.

Even if you are not into history, it is a good way to make the scenery meaningful. It helps you understand why these islands matter, not just how they look.

Price and value: is $88 per person a good deal?

At $88 per person for about 6 hours, the value is strongest for three reasons: you get transportation by speedboat between islands, you get a scheduled meal, and you get multiple nature and water stops in one day.

This is not a DIY day where you buy your own boat and figure out lunch. Instead, you are paying for the route and the time management. The tour includes lunch and drinks, with a BBQ setup on the island beach, plus time for swimming and scheduled snorkeling.

If you were to piece this together on your own, you would likely spend more once you add boat time, meal costs, and gear. So the price is reasonable if you plan to actually use the water time and eat there.

When it is less good value is when you are the type who only wants one beach and one short swim. In that case, you might prefer a simpler half-day. This tour is built for people who want variety.

Who this tour suits best, and who should think twice

This tour fits couples, families, and groups who want an easy way to see several islands without thinking too hard about timing. It also works well for travelers who like being active but still want a proper meal included.

It is probably not the best match if you have mobility limits or back issues, since speedboat transfers can be bumpy and the schedule includes a mix of water and beach movement.

The tour is listed as not suitable for:

• People with back problems
• Wheelchair users
• People over 95 years

If you are traveling with kids, you will still likely have a good day, but do keep an eye on sun protection and hydration. Water time is fun, but the sun can sneak up on you fast.

Should you book the Trou d’Eau Douce 5 island tour?

If you want a one-day sampler of Mauritius’ east coast, this is a smart choice. The highlights are clear: Île aux Cerfs beach time, snorkeling, dolphin watching, and Île aux Aigrettes swimming in a nature reserve setting, plus a BBQ lunch and drinks.

I would book it if:

• You want multiple islands in one visit
• You plan to snorkel or at least use the water time
• You care about a planned lunch so you are not searching for food mid-day

I would think twice if:

• You hate tight seating on boats and really rely on shade
• You want a slow, minimal-moving itinerary
• Your priority is just one calm beach without the added sightseeing stops

One final tip I strongly recommend: ask your guide about seating when you board. It can shape your comfort level a lot on a speedboat day.

FAQ

How long is the 5 island tour?

The duration is 6 hours.

Where does the tour start and where should I meet?

The starting location is Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs. For the meeting point, come at the end of the jetty next to the Mauritian flag.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch is included, along with drinks. The description also mentions local rum and soft drinks.

Is snorkeling included?

Snorkeling time is on the itinerary (about 40 minutes). The package information says snorkeling gear is included, but the not-included list also mentions snorkeling gear, so it is smart to bring your own goggles and ask about gear availability for your departure.

What islands are visited during the tour?

The schedule includes stops at Ile aux Cerfs, Fouquets Island, Ile de la Passe, and Ile aux Aigrettes, plus snorkeling and a waterfall photo stop. The tour description also highlights Ile aux Phares as part of the experience.

Does the tour have a live guide, and what languages are available?

Yes, there is a live tour guide. The languages listed are English and French.

What should I bring with me?

You should bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, change of clothes, a towel, sunscreen, flip-flops, and goggles. Snorkeling gear is also listed.

Is the tour refundable if plans change?

Yes, free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.