5 island tour all inclusive with Ile aux cerfs and snorkeling

Five islands, one smooth day on the water. This Mauritius tour is interesting because you get open-water time, Ile aux Cerfs beach lunch, and snorkeling in one 6-hour outing. I especially like the small-group cap of 14, because the day stays flexible instead of turning into a moving stampede.

One thing to consider: this is run with a speedboat, so it feels more active than a slow, lounge-on-deck catamaran day. If you’re traveling with young kids, plan for limited shade on the boat and at stops.

Key points before you go

• Small-group feel (up to 14) so you can actually hear the guide and ask questions.
• Speedboat pacing: you’ll cover a lot in about 6 hours, with minimal dead time.
• GRSE waterfall cruise + a lighthouse visit inside gives you more than just beach time.
• Blue Bay snorkeling in clear water, with a glass-bottom boat stop mentioned by past participants.
• Ile aux Cerfs lunch on the beach, with a grilled meal (lobster is specifically mentioned in one featured review).
• Family-friendly, but sun and shade matter—bring sunscreen and plan around limited cover.

Trou d’Eau Douce start: meet at Chez Tino and get moving

The day begins in Trou d’Eau Douce, with the meeting point listed at Chez Tino (B59). The schedule starts at 8:30am, and the tour returns to the same place at the end, which makes it easier to plan your next stop.

You’re also not stuck figuring out the whole transport puzzle. There’s mention of a hassle-free transfer from the Trou d’Eau Douce area, and the meeting spot is near public transportation, which helps if you’re not driving. Plus, the tour is capped at 14 people, and it’s private for your group, which tends to make the handoffs smoother when you’re moving from land to boat.

One practical tip: don’t show up thinking this is a calm cruise where you barely get wet. You’re on a boat for multiple legs of the route, and you’ll likely be changing positions to snorkel and get photos. Past participants also note that water is provided, and drinks may be available during the meal stop, so you won’t be starting the day empty-handed.

If you’re sensitive to sun, pack like you’re going to the beach plus snorkeling: reef-safe sunscreen (if you use it), a hat, and a dry bag for phones and passports. Shade is never guaranteed on the boat or the islands.

GRSE waterfall cruise: views without the long hike

After you set off from Trou d’Eau Douce, the itinerary includes a cruise to the GRSE waterfall area. This is one of those moments that’s more about seeing the island from the water than spending hours on land. You’ll get the best value from this stop if you treat it as a quick photo and scenery window.

What makes this part worthwhile is timing. In a 6-hour tour, they’re using the boat time efficiently: you’re already out on open water, so you get a change of scenery without adding extra transfers. And since the waterfall is viewed from the cruise, you’re not forced into a long walk that might not match the pace of your group.

The drawback is that this is not positioned as a deep excursion. Don’t expect a long viewing platform or extended time. Think of it as an intermission on the water—great for pictures and a sense of Mauritius’ coastline, but not a standalone adventure.

If you’re someone who likes “see it, then move on” days, this fits your style. If you prefer slow and grounded, you may feel the day is a bit short when you reach later stops—especially because the boat legs keep you busy.

Lighthouse Island: visiting inside makes it more memorable

Next up is Lighthouse Island, reached after the GRSE waterfall cruise. This stop isn’t just about standing outside and snapping a shot. You’ll be able to visit the lighthouse inside, which is a meaningful difference if you’ve ever been on tours where the best part is only on the dock.

Why I like this kind of stop: it adds variety beyond ocean time. You also get a change of pace—standing, walking a bit, and learning something from the structure itself. And for photos, lighthouse interiors and surrounding views usually offer angles you won’t get from sea level alone.

There’s also a practical realism here. Lighthouses are compact, and access can involve stairs or tight spaces, so it helps to wear something comfortable and secure. If anyone in your group has mobility concerns, you’ll want to plan based on how comfortable they are with indoor viewing and steps.

Shade is another consideration. This tour mixes sunny beach time with boat time, and lighthouse stops are often exposed. Bring a hat and keep water handy, even if the tour provides it.

Blue Bay snorkeling: clear water, plus a glass-bottom look

The snorkeling stop is near Blue Bay, specifically described as being in turquoise waters south of Blue Bay. This is the part of the day most people book for, and it’s easy to see why. When the water is calm and clear, snorkeling off the coast turns into an “I didn’t expect this much fish” kind of moment.

One detail that stands out from past participants: they were put on a glass-bottom boat at Blue Bay, from which they snorkeled afterward. Even if you’re already comfortable in the water, that glass-bottom segment helps set expectations. You can spot movement below you, see where the activity is, and then gear up with a clearer sense of where to aim your swim.

What to pack for snorkeling here:

• A rash guard or swim shirt if you burn easily
• Reef-safe sunscreen before you get in (if you use it)
• Water-friendly footwear if you tend to get sandy on entry and exit
• A dry bag for your phone and valuables

Also, keep the energy level in mind. You’ll do snorkeling after a boat leg. That means you want to eat the earlier meal light if you’re prone to seasickness. If you’re okay on boats, you’ll likely be fine.

If you want marine sightings, you’ll be pleased. One past review mentions dolphin and turtle sightings, and while that’s never guaranteed, this area is exactly the sort of water where chances can happen.

Ile aux Cerfs lunch: grilled food, beach time, and sea views

Then comes Ile aux Cerfs, where the tour schedules lunch after snorkeling. This is the payoff stop: you get a beach setting, time on land, and a proper meal break.

The lunch is described as grilled, and in one featured review, lobster is mentioned alongside other food. That matters for value. A 6-hour tour that includes both snorkeling and a full meal is easier to justify, because you’re not scrambling for lunch afterward.

Also, consider the rhythm. Instead of jumping directly from snorkeling back to another speedboat leg, you land here and slow down. That break helps you reset—especially if you came out early in the morning and did multiple water segments.

A couple of realism notes:

• Shade can be limited on the beach and around lunch areas. If you’re traveling with young kids, plan for sunscreen and hats.
• This is still part of a timed tour. You’ll have time to eat and enjoy the beach, but it’s not an all-day linger.

If you’re the kind of person who likes to combine a specific activity (snorkeling) with a satisfying meal and a memorable setting, Ile aux Cerfs delivers. It’s also a good stop for photos—sea views, boats in the distance, and bright daytime light.

One tip from a previous participant that I agree with: if you’re already staying on Mauritius’ east coast, don’t book this primarily for beaches. You’ll likely already have beautiful shore time. Book it for snorkeling, the lighthouse visit, and the day out on the sea.

Speedboat pace and comfort: fast legs, active day

This tour is run with a speedboat, not a catamaran. That affects everything about the feel of the day. You’ll likely be moving quickly between stops, and the pace can feel like a day of highlights rather than a long floating afternoon.

That’s not automatically bad. It’s a big reason the itinerary can pack in waterfall cruise views, lighthouse access, snorkeling near Blue Bay, and then lunch at Ile aux Cerfs. If your idea of a good day is checking off a few “wow” moments before you’re exhausted, speedboat pacing works.

But if you want relaxed deck time—waterproof comfort, slow turns, and lots of lingering—this may not match your style. One review explicitly notes the difference: it’s not the type of trip where you’d expect a calm, lounging experience.

Also, shade is limited. One review calls out that for young children, the boat doesn’t offer much shade. Even if you’re not traveling with kids, it’s a reminder that you should assume the sun will be part of your day.

My practical takeaway: wear sun protection like you’re going to the beach, even if you think you’ll just be sitting. Bring water, and keep a small towel or quick-dry shirt handy if you get splashed on the way back.

Price and value: what $103 buys you in Mauritius

At $103 per person, this tour is priced like a true half-day activity with multiple inclusions. And for Mauritius, the value comes from combining three expensive-on-your-own tasks into one ticket:

• A boat cruise between islands and viewpoints
• Snorkeling time near Blue Bay
• Lunch on Ile aux Cerfs

If you tried to DIY this, you’d spend time coordinating transport, arranging snorkeling access, and then paying for lunch separately. Even basic boat time and snorkeling gear can add up fast. Here, the day is built around doing those parts together.

It also helps that the group is small. With a cap of 14 people, the experience tends to feel organized instead of chaotic. That can matter as much as the itinerary itself—especially when you need to get everyone ready for snorkeling and then back on the boat.

Booking timing is another small value signal. The tour is described as commonly booked about 30 days in advance. In practical terms, that suggests demand stays steady, so it’s smart to lock your date if you’re traveling during busy weeks.

Who should book this 5-island Mauritius mix

This tour fits best if you want variety, not just one beach. I’d book it if you’re looking for:

• Snorkeling near Blue Bay with a clear-water stop
• A lighthouse visit that goes beyond a roadside photo
• A beach lunch on Ile aux Cerfs
• A boat day with multiple scenic moments in about 6 hours

It’s also a good choice if you’re on the east side of the island and want a structured day that doesn’t require you to drive and coordinate multiple stops yourself.

On the other hand, reconsider if:

• You want a long, slow catamaran-style cruise
• You hate speedboat rides or sun exposure
• You expect a full-day beach holiday with lots of shade and downtime

If you’re flexible, you’ll get a lot out of this. If you want maximum relaxation, you might be happier with a slower day tour.

Should you book? My call

Yes, I’d book this one if your priority is an active, well-paced Mauritius day: boat cruising, snorkeling, and a beach lunch, all capped at a small group size. The lighthouse interior visit and the GRSE waterfall viewing add variety that you don’t usually get on shorter snorkeling-only trips.

Skip it if you’re chasing a calm, shaded, all-day cruise vibe. The speedboat pace and sun factors are real, and this tour is built to move.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 6 hours.

Where does the tour start, and where does it end?

It starts at Chez Tino, B59, Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius, and ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour depart?

The start time is 8:30am.

Is the tour a small group?

Yes. It is capped at 14 guests, and it’s private for your group.

What’s included in the experience?

The tour includes the islands boat cruise, a stop for GRSE waterfall views, a lighthouse island visit including inside the lighthouse, snorkeling near Blue Bay, and lunch on Ile aux Cerfs.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is it easy to attend without a car?

The meeting point is near public transportation, and the tour mentions a hassle-free transfer from the Trou d’Eau Douce area.