Trou d’Eau Douce: 5 Islands Tour with Snorkeling and BBQ

If you like your Mauritius day planned around ocean time and short, scenic island stops, this 5 islands speedboat trip is a good fit. It mixes a real snorkeling session, a proper BBQ lunch, and dolphin watching from the water, all in about 5 hours.

What I like most is the balance between action and breaks. You get a focused hour on Île aux Aigrettes to snorkel, then you slow down later with lunch and island time. One thing to consider: the schedule is fast, so if you want lots of long beach time on just one island, you might feel rushed.

Key things to know before you go

• Speedboat day in 5 hours: multiple islands, plus waterfall and village stops, without a full-day commitment
• Snorkeling equipment included: you’re set up for water time at Île aux Aigrettes
• Dolphin watch from the boat: you watch for dolphins without turning it into a chaotic chase
• BBQ lunch on Margénie Island: chicken, fish, sausages, sides, and dessert, with vegetarian options on request
• Drinks are part of the BBQ: rum, beer, wine, coke, fruit juice, plus pineapple or banana flambé

Speedboat Start From Cabane du Pêcheur in Trou d’Eau Douce

This outing starts in Trou d’Eau Douce, at Cabane du pêcheur. The whole vibe is built around speedboat travel, which means the day feels like a string of postcard moments, not one long ride followed by a long wait.

Right away, you’re looking out at the Indian Ocean and settling into the rhythm of the trip. The boat hop to Île aux Cerfs is only about 20 minutes, and that sets expectations: you’ll spend most of your time doing things, not traveling. If you hate rushing, bring patience. If you love efficient days, you’ll feel right at home.

The tour is designed for English and French speaking guests with a live guide, and you’ll likely hear entertaining commentary. I’ve seen this trip run with guides like Danilo who bring energy to the day, and Ayen who keeps snorkeling and island time moving in a fun way.

Ile aux Cerfs in Your First Hour: shopping, views, and a quick plan

Your first real stop is Île aux Cerfs. You’ll get about an hour: time to visit, see the sights, and do a bit of browsing and shopping on your own.

Why I think this part works: it’s a low-pressure landing zone. You’re not yet committing to water gear. You can orient yourself, take photos, and decide what you want to do with the time. The island stop is short enough that you don’t feel trapped, but long enough to feel like you actually arrived somewhere.

The only drawback is obvious once you see the schedule: an hour disappears quickly. If you want to linger for long beach walks or extended swimming, you may want to prioritize those activities during your free time later, not here.

Traditional village stop: guided views and wildlife time

After Île aux Cerfs, you move to a traditional village stop with a guided component. Plan on about 35 minutes. The idea here is cultural context and scenic views along the way, plus wildlife viewing.

Even if you’re mainly there for the islands and snorkeling, this stop adds variety. A speedboat day can start to feel like scenery only. A village and guided segment give you a different pace and a human angle to the day. The route is also structured so you get movement and viewpoints without making this the whole trip.

The practical takeaway: wear shoes you can walk in comfortably. This part includes walking and scenic viewing. You might not spend hours here, but you’ll likely want traction.

Dolphin watching and the 45-minute self-guided walk

Next comes another 35-minute guided stop that includes dolphin watching along the route, plus scenic viewing and wildlife viewing. This is the part many people remember, but it helps to keep expectations sensible.

Dolphins are wildlife, not a scheduled show. What you can control is how you’ll handle it when they appear. In past runs of this type of tour, the guidance has been respectful and safety-focused, including keeping everyone on the boat when dolphins come close. That matters because it keeps the experience calm and prevents chaos around the animals.

After that, you get about 45 minutes of sightseeing and a self-guided walk. This is a breather, and it’s also your chance to slow down and take photos without someone steering you every few minutes. If you enjoy wandering, this is where you can.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, keep it in mind here. You’ll have boat time before and after, and walking time won’t fully erase that. Bring the basics, and go easy on heavy food before longer rides.

Ile de la Passe pass-by: short scenic payoff

You’ll pass by Île de la Passe for about 10 minutes, mainly for scenic views. It’s not a long stop, so don’t plan your day around it. Think of it as a quick bonus viewpoint while you’re on the move.

I like these quick pass-by moments because they help break up the day. You’re not only thinking about the big anchor activities, snorkeling and lunch. You get more variety of coastline and island shapes in a short time.

Île aux Aigrettes snorkeling hour: what included gear means for you

Then comes the heart of the tour: Île aux Aigrettes. You get about 1 hour that includes free time, sightseeing, swimming, and snorkeling, plus marine life viewing and local snacks.

Because snorkeling equipment is included, you don’t have to think about rental logistics or carrying extra gear. That’s a big deal on a short trip. It also means you can pack lighter, and your energy stays focused on the water experience.

What you should plan for: this part is timed, and it’s easy to lose track of time when the water is clear and the fish are active. I’d treat it like a structured window, not a flexible all-day beach hang.

One more practical note from how dolphin watching has been handled on this kind of trip: if dolphins appear close by, you may be asked to stay on the boat and wait before jumping back in. That’s usually about safety and animal respect, not about ruining your day. Still, it can affect your personal snorkeling timing, so be ready for the schedule to flex a bit.

Bring a camera you’re comfortable getting near salty spray, but protect it. Also, sunscreen matters here. You’re likely to spend real time in sun and glare, and reef water plus reflected light can catch you off guard.

Margénie Island BBQ: the meal, the drinks, and the downtime

The tour’s food moment happens on Margénie Island, where you’ll enjoy a BBQ lunch for about 1.5 hours. This is one of those “you’ll remember this” parts, because it’s not just a snack. It’s a full BBQ spread.

Here’s what’s on the BBQ based on the menu:

• chicken
• fish
• sausages
• garlic bread
• mixed salad
• pineapple or banana flambé for dessert

Vegetarian options are available if you request them ahead of time. That’s worth doing early in your planning, since it helps the kitchen plan properly.

Drinks are included with the BBQ, and that’s part of the value. You can expect a selection like rum, beer, wine, coke, and fruit juice. If you’re the kind of person who likes a drink with lunch, this makes the meal feel like a full outing rather than a budget add-on.

I also like the structure of this part: you get free time with the meal window. That means you can eat, relax, and take a breath before the final boat ride back.

Grse waterfall and how it fits the island-hopping rhythm

Between the earlier island and the big lunch moment, you also visit Grse waterfall. The tour has you moving through the day in a sequence: island time, guided village and wildlife viewing, dolphin watch, walk, then more ocean-focused stops.

A waterfall visit can feel random if you think of this trip as only an “islands and snorkeling” day, but it actually helps. It breaks the day’s temperature and texture. Instead of only ocean colors, you get a different setting and a short nature moment.

The lesson for your planning: don’t overthink this stop. Enjoy it as a quick reset, especially if you’ve been in sun for hours already.

Price and value: why $106 can feel fair here

At about $106 per person for a 5-hour tour, the pricing looks competitive when you look at what’s included, not just the headline number.

You’re getting:

• a speedboat tour across multiple islands
• snorkeling equipment
• dolphin watch
• a BBQ lunch on Margénie Island
• drinks during the BBQ (including alcohol options)
• time on Île aux Cerfs and Île aux Aigrettes
• a visit connected with Grse waterfall

What’s not included is transport to the boarding point and personal expenses. So your real cost depends on how you’re getting to Cabane du pêcheur.

For me, the best value question is simple: are you saving time and hassle versus piecing this together on your own? With the snorkeling gear and lunch handled, you avoid renting equipment, chasing meal stops, and coordinating separate boat segments. This tour bundles a lot into a short window, which is exactly why the price feels more reasonable.

Practical tips that make a difference on this kind of day

Here’s how you can have an easier time on a fast, water-heavy route like this.

Pack smart for water and sun

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat. You’ll be outside for most of the tour, and water activities mean sunscreen reapplication helps, not hurts.

Bring a camera, but keep it protected. Salty air and splashes happen fast on speedboats.

Plan your clothing

Wear something quick-drying under coverups if you can. The tour includes swimming and snorkeling, then transitions to lunch, so you want to avoid being soaked and uncomfortable.

Think about motion sickness

Speedboats are fun, but they can be rough if you’re sensitive. If you need help, consider motion sickness measures in advance. The itinerary is mostly short boat legs, but the total boat time adds up.

Alcohol and snorkeling

Because drinks are included during the BBQ, it’s easy to get carried away. If you still have any water time afterward, keep alcohol moderate. Even if the snorkeling window has passed, hydration still matters.

Who this tour is best for (and who should skip it)

This is a strong fit if you want:

• a half-day Mauritius plan that still feels like an adventure
• guaranteed snorkeling time with included gear
• a BBQ lunch on an island setting with drinks included
• dolphin watching as part of the experience, not as a random bonus

It’s less ideal if you want:

• long stays and slow travel on one beach
• lots of independent freedom to roam without structure

Also note the tour is not suitable for people over 95 years. If that applies to someone in your group, it’s better to look for a different pace.

Should you book this 5 islands tour in Mauritius?

Book it if you want a well-paced Mauritius speedboat day that combines snorkeling at Île aux Aigrettes, a fun island stop at Île aux Cerfs, dolphin watching from the boat, and a real BBQ lunch on Margénie Island. The included snorkeling equipment and meal with drinks are the big reasons this feels like good value for a 5-hour trip.

Skip it if you dislike rush schedules or you want a single-island beach day with zero time pressure. This tour is about variety and motion, not lingering.

If you’re the type who enjoys short guided moments, quick walks, and then real ocean time, this one fits your style well.

FAQ

What islands does the tour include?

The tour includes stops connected with Île aux Cerfs, Île aux Aigrettes (snorkeling), Margénie island (BBQ lunch), plus Île de la Passe (pass-by). You also get stops that include Phare Island and Deer Island as part of the overall route, and a visit to Grse waterfall.

How long is the 5 islands tour?

The tour duration is about 5 hours.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is at Cabane du pêcheur.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is lunch included, and what is it like?

Yes. Lunch is included on Margénie island as a BBQ. The menu includes chicken, fish, sausages, garlic bread, mixed salad, and pineapple or banana flambé. Vegetarian options are available upon request.

What drinks are included?

During the BBQ, you get a selection of drinks including rum, beer, wine, coke, and fruit juice.

Is dolphin watching included?

Yes. Dolphin watch is included as part of the tour.

Is the tour suitable for seniors?

The tour is not suitable for people over 95 years.

What should I bring and what is not allowed?

Bring hat, swimwear, towel, camera, and sunscreen. Pets are not allowed. Transport to the boarding point is not included, and personal expenses are not included either.