5 Islands Speedboat Cruise, Snorkeling + Lunch & Open Bar

Mauritius rewards you at full speed. This seven-hour cruise combines fast boat rides and island stops with a barbecue lunch, open bar, snorkeling, and the striking Ile aux Fouqets Lighthouse. I like the lively pace, and I like that history, swimming, food, and sea views all fit into one day.

I also appreciate the friendly crew. Danilo earned special praise for keeping the day fun and well paced, and the captain’s good humor helped make the trip enjoyable for families. The main consideration is simple: you snorkel only once, so this is better for people who want a broad day of sightseeing than for serious snorkelers.

Key things to know before booking

• Ile aux Fouqets Lighthouse is the visual centerpiece, with a striking historic stop on a tiny offshore island.
• The day runs from 8:30 to 15:30, beginning and ending at Trou d’Eau Douce.
• Lunch and an open bar are included, but fresh grilled lobster costs extra if you reserve it.
• The itinerary mixes six named stops, including Ile aux Cerfs, Ilot Mergenie, a snorkeling site, and Grand River South East Waterfalls.
• Transportation to the boat is not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the meeting point or request private transport.
• This suits active families and mixed-interest groups, but not wheelchair users or visitors seeking several snorkeling sessions.

Why this east-coast cruise works so well

At $100 per person, this is not simply a boat transfer between islands. Your fare covers the speedboat outing, attraction tickets, snorkeling, open bar, and an island-style barbecue lunch. That bundle gives the price solid value if you plan to swim, eat, and spend the day on the water anyway.

You will need to budget separately for transportation, and fresh grilled lobster is not included. If you want lobster, tell the operator in advance by WhatsApp. That small planning step matters, since the meal is part of the day’s rhythm and you do not want to sort out special food arrangements at the last minute.

The schedule also gives you a full day without running late into the evening. You leave at 8:30 and return at 15:30, which leaves time to get settled after the cruise. The tradeoff is that seven hours can feel long if you are not comfortable in the sun, on moving water, or in swimwear for most of the day.

The tour starts and ends at Trou d’Eau Douce. You receive the exact embarkation details by WhatsApp, so keep your phone available before the outing. The meeting process is less formal than a large coach tour, but it means you should not arrive without confirming where to go.

Speeding out from Trou d’Eau Douce

The boat ride is a major part of the appeal. You are not being quietly carried from one stop to the next. The powerful engine, open water, and quick movement give the day its adventurous feel.

I would choose a seat with comfort in mind rather than focusing only on the best view. You will want sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, and beachwear close at hand. A dry bag or waterproof phone pouch is also a sensible personal choice, although it is not listed as a required item.

The pace helps cover a lot of the east coast in one outing. It also means the boat itself can be lively, particularly for anyone who prefers calm sightseeing. If you are prone to motion discomfort, bring whatever you normally use, but the provided information does not specify the boat size or whether special seating is available.

The crew appears to shape the mood of the day. Danilo is specifically praised for keeping a good pace and making the outing fun. Another captain was singled out for good humor, while a family described the guide as excellent for a day with children. Those details suggest a social, relaxed atmosphere rather than a silent sightseeing ride.

Ile aux Cerfs: swimming, lunch, and open-bar time

Ile aux Cerfs is the most relaxed stop on the route. Here you have time for sunbathing, swimming, and taking a break from the speedboat. Watersports shops are also available, although the tour information does not say which activities they offer or whether they cost extra.

This stop gives the day some breathing room. Not every minute is about moving to the next attraction, and that matters after a fast ride along the coast. You can settle into a slower rhythm before or after lunch.

The island barbecue is included in the price. It is described as an island recipe barbecue lunch, which gives the meal a local setting rather than making you return to town for food. The open bar is included too, although the available information does not list the drinks.

Fresh grilled lobster is the exception. It costs extra and must be requested in advance through WhatsApp. If lobster is important to you, arrange it before departure. If not, the included lunch keeps the day straightforward and protects you from an unexpected supplement.

Ile aux Cerfs is also where the tour may feel most popular and recreational. It is designed for swimming, sun, and easy relaxation, not quiet solitude. If you want a day built around remote shores and long periods alone, this stop may feel too active. If you want a comfortable lunch break with a chance to get in the water, it fits well.

Ile aux Fouqets Lighthouse and the historical side

The Ile aux Fouqets Lighthouse is described as the main attraction of the cruise, and it is easy to see why. The lighthouse adds a strong sense of place to a day that could otherwise become a simple run of beaches and swimming stops.

The attraction is viewed as part of the boat route, and the information does not promise a lighthouse interior visit or a guided historical tour. You should therefore expect the setting and the sight itself to be the focus. Bring a camera, but protect it from spray.

This stop also gives the itinerary some variety. You are not only sunbathing at Ile aux Cerfs or waiting for lunch. You are seeing a more distinctive coastal landmark and learning, at least visually, about the islands’ maritime past. The tour is aimed at people who like history and exploration, but the historical detail provided during the cruise may depend on the crew.

That balance is worth noting. The lighthouse is a compelling sight, yet anyone seeking a long, formal history talk should ask about the commentary before booking. The listed languages are French and English, so you can expect support in either of those languages.

Ile aux Aigrettes and the nature-reserve setting

Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve is another stop connected with swimming and the open bar. The combination gives you another chance to get into the water and relax away from the main lunch stop.

The wording around this visit is worth clarifying before you go. The itinerary identifies the place as a nature reserve, but it does not describe a land tour, wildlife walk, or admission procedure beyond the included attraction access. You should not assume that a guided reserve visit is part of the day.

Instead, think of this section as a scenic island and water stop within the wider cruise. The open bar helps keep the mood easy, but remember that sun, alcohol, and swimming require care. I would swim before drinking and keep water and sunscreen in your routine.

The stop adds another setting without turning the day into a museum-style excursion. That is a strength for people who want movement and variety. It may be less satisfying if your main goal is detailed nature interpretation.

Snorkeling near Blue Bay Marine Park

The snorkeling stop near Blue Bay Marine Park is the clearest chance to see local sea life and plant life. The tour specifically highlights the area’s fauna and flora, so this is more than a quick swim off the boat.

Still, set your expectations correctly. Snorkeling is included, but the schedule provides one snorkeling session. One person found the stop worthwhile but wished there had been another session in a better spot. That is the most important limitation for anyone choosing this cruise mainly for underwater time.

I like that snorkeling is part of a wider day rather than sold as the only activity. You can see a lighthouse, waterfalls, islands, and a marine area in one outing. But if you want repeated entries into the water, long reef viewing, or several different sites, a dedicated snorkeling trip may offer better value.

The tour information does not specify whether masks and snorkels are supplied, so confirm that detail with Island Cove Mauritius before you go. Do not assume equipment arrangements if having the right gear is central to your plans.

Grand River South East Waterfalls by boat

Grand River South East Waterfalls gives the cruise a freshwater and river setting after the open-sea sections. Seeing the falls from a boat keeps the day focused on water access and avoids turning the outing into a land walk.

The attraction is also a useful change of scene. After islands, beaches, a lighthouse, and snorkeling, the waterfalls prevent the route from feeling repetitive. You get a different kind of coastal view without needing to leave the boat for a long hike.

The information does not state how long the boat stays at the falls or whether you disembark. Plan to view this as a scenic stop rather than a full waterfall excursion. If you want a long walk or close land access, ask the operator what the actual stop involves.

Ilot Mergenie completes the island route

Ilot Mergenie is named among the stops, but no separate activity is described for it. That makes it a pleasant part of the route to discover rather than a stop you should book for one promised feature.

Its inclusion helps explain the five-island theme, although the schedule also names the waterfalls and snorkeling area. The route is therefore best understood as a mix of islands, a marine site, and a waterfall stop rather than five identical island visits.

This is one reason the cruise appeals to mixed groups. One person can enjoy the boat speed, another can look forward to lunch, and someone else can focus on the lighthouse or snorkeling. The day does not depend on a single attraction.

Lunch, drinks, and what the $100 covers

The $100 price is easiest to judge by looking at what you would otherwise pay for separately. You receive a full-day speedboat outing, access to the listed attractions, snorkeling, lunch, and an open bar. For a person who wants all of those elements, the package is reasonably strong.

The value is less clear if you do not drink, do not swim, or prefer to arrange your own meals. Transportation is extra, and lobster is extra, so the headline price is not the final possible cost. Ask about private hotel transport and lobster before the day if either matters to you.

Lunch also provides a practical benefit. You do not need to search for a restaurant during a tightly timed island route. The meal is built into the day, and the setting is part of the pleasure.

I would still confirm the exact menu and drinks included before paying if you have dietary needs or strong preferences. The supplied details identify an island recipe barbecue, but they do not provide a menu or list of bar options.

The people this cruise suits best

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a busy, social day with plenty of variety. Families can benefit from the swimming, lunch, open bar, and enthusiastic crew. Mixed-interest couples and groups also get a good spread of activities without needing to book several separate excursions.

It is a good match for you if the boat ride itself sounds exciting. The speed, engine noise, and open-water movement are not filler between attractions. They are part of the product.

You may want another option if your priority is serious snorkeling. One session is included, and the timetable has many stops, so underwater time is limited. The same applies if you want a quiet, slow boat ride or a long guided nature visit.

The cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users. The operator does offer French and English, and cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your plans are still shifting.

What to pack for a comfortable day

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. You will use all four, not just carry them as backup.

Keep your belongings compact and protected from spray. The provided information does not mention storage, lockers, or changing facilities, so it is wise to avoid bringing items you would worry about getting wet.

If you want a lobster lunch or hotel transport, send the request by WhatsApp before the trip. You should also use WhatsApp to confirm the exact meeting details at Trou d’Eau Douce, since the operator sends the embarkation information that way.

The weather can affect the feel of the outing. Even on a less-than-perfect day, the route can still be enjoyable, but clouds or rougher water may change the amount of time you want to spend swimming. Bring your towel and sunscreen even if the morning looks uncertain.

Should you book this Mauritius speedboat cruise?

Book it if you want one energetic day that combines island time, a lighthouse, waterfalls, one snorkeling stop, lunch, and drinks. The strongest part is the range of activities, supported by a crew that has been praised for good humor, family-friendly energy, and a well-managed pace.

Think twice if snorkeling is your main reason for going, since there is only one session. Also calculate the extra cost of transport and lobster before deciding if $100 fits your budget.

For most active visitors staying near the east coast, I think the mix offers good value. Confirm the meeting point, ask about snorkeling equipment, and reserve any private transport or lobster in advance. Then bring sunscreen, a towel, and a willingness to get a little wet.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start and finish?

The activity starts and ends at Trou d’Eau Douce. The operator sends the exact embarkation details by WhatsApp.

What time does the cruise leave?

The scheduled embarkation time is 8:30.

What time does the cruise return?

The scheduled return time is 15:30.

How long is the tour?

The total duration is seven hours.

Is transportation from my hotel included?

No. Transportation is not included, but you can ask the operator to organize private transportation from your accommodation to the boat and back.

Is lunch included?

Yes. An island recipe barbecue lunch is included in the price.

Is fresh grilled lobster included?

No. Fresh grilled lobster costs extra and should be reserved in advance through WhatsApp.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling is included, with a stop near Blue Bay Marine Park.

What languages are available?

The tour is offered in French and English.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear.