5 Islands Speedboat Cruise incl. Snorkeling in Blue Bay + Lunch at Ile aux Cerfs

Five islands, one lively day. This speedboat outing packs Mauritius’s east and southeast coast into about seven hours, combining island stops, a waterfall, a historic lighthouse, snorkeling at Blue Bay Marine Park, lunch, snacks, drinks, and a small group capped at 18 people. I like the mix of water time and local history, and I like that snorkeling gear, food, water, and alcoholic drinks are included. The main drawback is pace: some stops can feel brief, while the lunch break may feel very long if you prefer a busy sightseeing day.

The mood depends heavily on your skipper. Andy gets particular praise for his energy and friendliness, and other accounts describe a cheerful captain who kept checking that everyone was happy. Music may be loud, and one account found the dolphin encounter uncomfortable, so this is not a quiet nature cruise. It is a social, upbeat speedboat day with plenty packed into the schedule.

Key points before you book

• Blue Bay snorkeling is the main event: You get up to two hours in or around the marine park, depending on weather and coral breeding conditions.
• The group is limited to 18 people: That is more personal than a large catamaran outing, though the boat can still feel lively.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Snacks, bottled water, alcoholic beverages, lunch, and snorkeling equipment are covered.
• The historic islands are viewed from the water: Ile aux Fouquets and Ile de la Passe add stories about Dutch settlement and the Battle of Grand Port.
• The itinerary mixes short stops with a longer pause: Ile aux Cerfs gets 45 minutes, Ile aux Aigrettes 20 minutes, and the snorkeling portion about two hours.
• A full day depends on good weather: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Why this speedboat day works well

The best feature is the variety. You are not spending seven hours doing only one thing. The boat moves from the popular Ile aux Cerfs to a historic lighthouse, then toward Blue Bay’s coral garden and the southern islets. You get a quick look at Mauritius’s coastal past, time to swim, and a proper lunch.

The speedboat also gives the day energy. You cover more water than you would on a slow boat, and the changing views keep the outing from feeling static. The ride is part of the entertainment, especially when the captain turns up the music and the group settles into a sociable mood.

I also see good value in the inclusions. At $110.79 per person, the price is not pocket change, but it covers lunch, snacks, bottled water, alcoholic drinks, all fees, and snorkeling equipment. You do not need to rent a mask and fins separately or hunt for lunch along the coast. That matters in Mauritius, where separate boat trips, meals, and water activities can quickly add up.

Still, do not expect a carefully timed private excursion. The published stops total less than the full seven-hour outing, leaving time for boat transfers, lunch, swimming, and schedule changes. One account describes a lunch stop lasting about two and a half hours. That may be welcome if you want to eat, drink, and relax, but it can feel like dead time if your priority is seeing as much as possible.

Starting at Trou d’Eau Douce

The meeting point is Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs in Trou d’Eau Douce, with departure at 8:30 am. The activity ends back at the same meeting point. Parking is available there, which is useful if you are driving and do not want to arrange separate parking near the waterfront.

Private transportation is not included. You need to make your own way to the meeting point, so allow enough time to arrive before departure. Your booking confirmation is received at the time of booking, and the operator caps the group at 18 people.

That group size is one of the stronger practical points. It is small enough for the skipper to keep an eye on the group, explain the islands, and organize snorkeling without the crowd of a large boat. It is not an intimate private charter, though. Expect conversation, shared space, music, and a social atmosphere.

The tour suits most people, but the operator says good weather is required. If conditions force cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Last-minute changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

Ile aux Cerfs: a fast look at Mauritius’s famous island

The first scheduled stop is Ile aux Cerfs, with about 45 minutes for a visit and refreshments. This is one of the best-known island stops in Mauritius, so it makes sense as an introduction to the coast.

The short timing is both a benefit and a limitation. You get a taste of the island without spending the entire day there, which leaves room for Blue Bay and the historic sites. But 45 minutes is not enough for a slow wander, a long swim, and a relaxed meal. Think of this stop as a first look, not a full beach day.

The itinerary also links this part of the route with Grand River South East, where you can see a waterfall flowing toward the Indian Ocean. The water views are a nice change from the open sea, and the boat ride gives you a different angle on the coast.

If you want a long, quiet stretch of sand, this tour may feel rushed at Ile aux Cerfs. If you would rather see several parts of Mauritius in one day, the brief stop works in your favor.

Ile aux Fouquets and the old lighthouse

Ile aux Fouquets, also called Ile Phare or Lighthouse Island, adds a worthwhile historical layer to the cruise. Dutch settlers discovered the island in 1598, and a lighthouse built there in 1864 gave it its name. It remained operational until the early 20th century.

The island also sits near Mahébourg and Grand Port, an area tied to naval battles. The lighthouse was part of a strategic coastal setting, not merely a scenic object on a rocky islet. From the boat, your guide can connect the view with Mauritius’s Dutch, French, and British past.

This is one of those stops where the guide matters. The tour promises explanations of local history and culture, and the skipper’s commentary helps turn a small island into a meaningful place. Without that context, you might simply see a lighthouse offshore and move on.

The stop is not presented as a long landing with a full museum visit. You should expect a boat-based look and an explanation rather than an extended historical tour. That keeps the schedule moving, but history fans may wish for more time.

Blue Bay Marine Park: the strongest part of the day

The snorkeling session lasts about two hours, making it the main activity rather than a quick add-on. Blue Bay Marine Park became a national park in 1997 and was designated a Ramsar wetland site in 2008. Its shallow, calm water and coral garden make it a practical place for snorkeling.

The marine park is known for hundreds of coral varieties and abundant sea life. The water near the coast is generally suited to snorkeling because it is shallow and calmer than the open sea, though conditions can change. The exact location may shift to Blue Bay or near Ilot Mangenie because of weather or the coral breeding season.

That flexibility is sensible. Protecting coral matters more than following a fixed route, and moving to a better location can also improve safety and visibility. You should treat the advertised site as the intended area, not a guarantee of one exact patch of water.

Snorkeling equipment is included, which improves the value. You do not need to pack or rent your own mask and fins, though you may prefer your own equipment if fit is important. The tour allows you to snorkel and swim or stay aboard and relax, so you are not forced into the water.

The main caution is timing. One account found the snorkeling too short, while another enjoyed the swimming stops. The advertised two hours gives you a fair amount of water time, but the actual session can be affected by weather, boat movement, group organization, and the route chosen that day.

Dolphins have also been seen during outings, but dolphin viewing is not listed as a formal stop or promise. If the boat encounters dolphins, the way the group approaches them may not suit everyone. A report of following dolphins too closely raises a fair ethical question. I would enjoy a respectful sighting, but I would not book this trip specifically for dolphin chasing.

Ile aux Aigrettes and the drinks break

After Blue Bay, the boat passes by Ile aux Aigrettes for refreshments. The stop is about 20 minutes, and the open bar is available. Bottled water, snacks, alcoholic beverages, and lunch are included in the overall price.

Ile aux Aigrettes is an islet off Mauritius’s southeast coast that serves as a nature reserve and scientific research station. It is also a popular place for both local people and international visitors. On this tour, however, you are passing by for a refreshment stop, not taking a dedicated reserve visit.

That distinction matters. If your goal is a guided nature walk on Ile aux Aigrettes, this is not that experience. You get a coastal view and a short break instead. The stop works well after snorkeling, when people want a drink and a chance to settle down before the rest of the route.

The open bar adds a festive touch, but pace yourself. You still have boat travel and water activities in the same day. The tour provides water, so you can choose a nonalcoholic option and stay comfortable.

Ile de la Passe and the Battle of Grand Port

The route also includes Ile de la Passe, a rocky islet in the bay off Grand Port. Its importance comes from the Battle of Grand Port, fought from August 20 to 25, 1810, during the British campaign to take Mauritius, then called Isle de France, from the French.

The battle was hard fought between roughly equal French and British forces. Britain lost four frigates, although one was later recaptured. The French squadron did not survive the later British invasion of Mauritius.

The scheduled stop connected with this area is only about 15 minutes, so expect a quick look and a concise explanation. This is not a long historic-site visit. Still, the setting gives the boat trip substance. You are not only passing pretty islands. You are seeing positions tied to a major naval clash in the island’s past.

The itinerary’s island names can be confusing because Ile aux Fouquets is also called Ile Phare, while Ile de la Passe is another historic islet in the Grand Port area. Listen to the guide’s explanations, and do not worry if the names take a moment to settle.

Lunch, music, and the social mood

Lunch is included, along with snacks, water, and alcoholic drinks. That makes the day easier because you do not need to leave the boat route to find food. It also helps justify the price for anyone comparing this with a bare-bones boat transfer.

The lunch stop may be the most flexible part of the day. One account describes a long pause at an island with little to see, lasting around two and a half hours. Some people will love that: eat slowly, have a drink, swim, and enjoy the freedom of not being rushed. Others will feel that two islands would have been enough and that the time could have gone toward snorkeling or sightseeing.

The captain sets much of the tone. Andy is singled out for his energy and sympathy, and the general descriptions point to friendly staff who check that people are comfortable. That personal touch can turn a basic boat ride into a very enjoyable day.

Music is part of the package, but it may be loud. If you want a peaceful coastal outing with quiet commentary, this may not be the right fit. If you like a cheerful boat, shared laughs, and a captain who keeps the energy high, the atmosphere should suit you.

Is $110.79 good value?

At $110.79 per person, I would call this a fair price for a full-day package, provided you use the included features. Lunch, drinks, snacks, bottled water, snorkeling gear, and all fees are covered. You also get a seven-hour route, a small group, several island views, historical commentary, and a substantial snorkeling session.

The value is strongest for someone who would otherwise book separate snorkeling and sightseeing outings. You get both in one day, with no equipment rental and no need to arrange lunch. Parking at the meeting point is another small saving in hassle.

The value is weaker if you want extended time at each island or a quiet, private boat. The tour is built around variety, not depth at every stop. Some stops last only 15 or 20 minutes, and the long lunch pause may not match your preferred pace.

I would also compare the price against your own interests. A keen snorkeler may wish for more uninterrupted water time. A history fan may want longer explanations and shore visits. A couple seeking a calm boat ride may find the music and social atmosphere too much. For a first Mauritius visit, though, the range of sights is useful.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this outing if you want one active day that combines:

• Snorkeling and swimming
• Island scenery
• A waterfall view
• Short historical explanations
• Lunch and drinks
• A lively group setting
• A boat ride faster than a standard catamaran cruise

It is especially useful for a first visit when you want to sample the east and southeast coast without planning several separate trips.

I would think twice if you dislike changing locations, long shared meals, loud music, or short sightseeing stops. The schedule can feel packed in one part and slow in another. You also need to reach Trou d’Eau Douce yourself because private transportation is not included.

Should you book the 5 Islands cruise?

Book it if variety matters more than a relaxed, carefully paced schedule. The Blue Bay snorkeling, included lunch and drinks, historic island views, and small group make the $110.79 price reasonable. Friendly skippers, including Andy, appear to be a major part of the fun.

Skip it if you want a dedicated Blue Bay snorkeling trip, a quiet private charter, or long visits at each island. Before booking, decide what you value most: several coastal experiences in one day, or more time in one place. For the first choice, this is a strong Mauritius day out. For the second, a simpler snorkeling or beach excursion may suit you better.

FAQ

How long is the 5 Islands speedboat cruise?

The experience lasts approximately seven hours.

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 8:30 am.

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs in Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius.

Does the tour return to the meeting point?

Yes. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included in the tour price.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The package includes bottled water, snacks, and alcoholic beverages.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The use of snorkeling equipment is included.

Where does the snorkeling take place?

Snorkeling takes place at Blue Bay Marine Park or near Ilot Mangenie, depending on weather conditions and the coral breeding season.

How many people can join the tour?

The group has a maximum of 18 participants.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is also available up to 24 hours before the experience starts.