REVIEW · GRAND RIVER SOUTH EAST
5 Islands All-Inclusive Speedboat w/Snorkeling Sea Turtle
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Mauritius Luxury Tours & Transfer · Bookable on GetYourGuide
This 9-hour all-inclusive speedboat tour is built for people who want a lot of Mauritius in one day, without sitting around. You’ll move between famous East Coast islands, catch views of waterfalls and lagoon scenes, and get multiple chances to get in the water.
I especially like the mix of easy beach time and active stops, including snorkeling in Blue Bay Marine Park. And the included BBQ-on-the-beach lunch plus the open bar makes the day feel like a proper VIP outing, not just transportation between photo spots.
One drawback to consider: your experience depends on having the right guide on the day, and if language support drops, you may get fewer explanations and less guidance on stops like snorkeling.
In This Review
- Key things that make this tour worth your time
- A Speedboat Day Around Mauritius East Coast
- Meeting at Debarcader Trou d’Eau Douce (and how to find it fast)
- Trou d’Eau Douce to Ile aux Cerfs: the first island hit
- Grand River South East: waterfall views and Wild Mauritian Monkeys
- Ile aux Phares and the route toward Blue Bay
- Blue Bay Marine Park: snorkeling sessions with equipment included
- Ile aux Aigrettes refreshments and when the open bar goes live
- The return cruise: lagoon scenes and possible sea turtle sightings
- Ile aux Cerfs: 2 hours on white sand and beach-style freedom
- BBQ lunch on the beach (and what’s actually on the plate)
- What $125 covers: value, pacing, and group size
- The human factor: guides, language, and how to protect your day
- Practical tips that make the day smoother
- Who this tour is best for
- Should you book the 5 Islands All-Inclusive Speedboat?
- FAQ
- Where is the meeting point for this tour?
- Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
- How long is the tour?
- How big is the group?
- What’s included in the all-inclusive package?
- Is snorkeling included?
- What food is served for lunch?
- What drinks are included?
- What languages are offered by the live guide?
- Are parasailing and tube rides included?
Key things that make this tour worth your time

- Small group (max 8) means less waiting and more personal pacing
- Open bar + unlimited snacks keeps you comfortable on a long water day
- Blue Bay Marine Park snorkeling is a centerpiece stop with equipment provided
- Grand River South East waterfall + monkeys adds a real nature-and-culture moment
- 2 hours at Ile aux Cerfs gives you proper time to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the beach
- Chances to see dolphins and sea turtles turn the cruise part into more than just transit
A Speedboat Day Around Mauritius East Coast

If you picture Mauritius as only beaches, this tour nudges you toward the full East Coast story. You get lagoon cruising, island hopping, and a couple of land-and-nature moments packed into one day.
The “comfort + speed” concept matters here. A fast boat doesn’t just save time; it also changes the feel of the day, because you’re constantly switching scenery—rather than repeating the same road views.
You can also read our reviews of more snorkeling tours in Grand River South East
Meeting at Debarcader Trou d’Eau Douce (and how to find it fast)

You meet at the jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce, called Debarcader Trou d’Eau Douche. The easiest move is exactly what the organizer suggests: type that name into your map app and go straight to the dock.
There’s no hotel pickup included in the base price, so plan to get yourself there. If you’re staying outside Trou d’Eau Douce, you might want to budget extra for transfer options.
Once everyone’s aboard, the tour really starts to feel like a group outing rather than a random collection of transfers. The boat schedule runs forward as planned, and the pace stays tight for the full route.
Trou d’Eau Douce to Ile aux Cerfs: the first island hit

After boarding, your first major stop is Ile aux Cerfs, with about 45 minutes there. You’ll get refreshments early, and that short visit helps you orient yourself before the longer island time later.
I like this structure. You get a taste of the beach vibe early, then you’re not stuck waiting in the water the whole time.
Also, it sets you up for the day’s rhythm: speedboat movement, brief sightseeing moments, then breathing room on sand. If you’re the type who wants time to relax but still cares about seeing things, this pacing works.
Grand River South East: waterfall views and Wild Mauritian Monkeys

Next up is the Grand River South East area, where you’ll stop to view a waterfall flowing into the Indian Ocean. Even from a viewpoint, it’s one of those “Mauritius isn’t only flat coastline” moments.
Right after, you’ll have a chance to meet and feed the Wild Mauritian Monkeys. This is the kind of stop that can be fun and memorable—but it’s also the one where you should follow the guide’s lead and keep expectations realistic.
If you care about wildlife moments, this is also where your day becomes more than scenery. It’s a living, moving experience, and that contrast helps the tour feel balanced.
One practical note: monkeys are quick and curious. Keep your bags zipped, keep your phone secure, and don’t act like you’re in full control—let the guide handle the feeding setup.
Ile aux Phares and the route toward Blue Bay

Between the earlier nature stop and the snorkeling highlight, you’ll pass through Ile aux Phares, and you’ll also see other islands from the boat along the way.
This section of the trip is about windows—meaning you’ll get views without a long on-land scramble. If you’re traveling with someone who doesn’t want a hike, the route still gives plenty to look at.
As you head onward, you’ll pass by Ile de La Passe on the way toward Blue Bay. That kind of “from the water” sightseeing is one of the reasons this format feels different from a standard bus tour.
Blue Bay Marine Park: snorkeling sessions with equipment included
Blue Bay Marine Park is where the tour turns sporty. You’ll have several snorkeling sessions here, and snorkeling equipment is included.
What I like about this setup is that it doesn’t treat snorkeling as a single rushed minute. Multiple sessions give you time to get comfortable in the water and actually enjoy what you came for—colorful tropical fish in a marine park setting.
This is also a stop where conditions matter. Visibility, currents, and how the boat schedules the water time can change what you personally notice underwater. Still, the tour is designed so snorkeling isn’t optional—it’s a core part of the plan.
Important consideration: if your guide isn’t able to provide the usual explanations that day, you may need to be more self-directed about timing and where you’re meant to snorkel. So if snorkeling is your top goal, it’s worth choosing a departure with solid language support.
Ile aux Aigrettes refreshments and when the open bar goes live

After Blue Bay, the tour passes by Ile aux Aigrettes for refreshments. This is also when the included open bar comes into the picture, with rum, wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and water listed as part of the all-inclusive set.
I see the value here. On a long day on the water, having drinks already handled removes stress. You don’t need to find a shop, refill a bottle, or worry about payment.
The open bar isn’t just a nice extra; it’s part of what makes the day feel like a VIP outing. It also helps the beach BBQ later feel like one continuous experience, not a series of separate chores.
The return cruise: lagoon scenes and possible sea turtle sightings

As you head back toward Ile aux Cerfs and your final stretch, you’ll cruise past Îlot Margenie. The tour includes views of dolphins and sea turtles, which is one reason speedboat day feels more magical than a calm ferry ride.
Just keep expectations smart. Seeing dolphins or sea turtles depends on timing and conditions. But the route and marine activity are exactly the kind of environment where wildlife sightings can happen.
If you’re a “wait for the next view” person, you’ll probably appreciate this cruise portion. Even if you don’t spot wildlife, the lagoon and island shapes from the water keep the day moving.
Ile aux Cerfs: 2 hours on white sand and beach-style freedom

Now for the big decompression block: you get about 2 hours on Ile aux Cerfs with time to swim and sunbathe. During this time, you may have coconut water, and you can also enjoy optional watersports like parasailing and a tube ride.
This is the moment that turns a tour into a vacation moment. You’re not only watching Mauritius—you’re using it. The schedule gives you enough time to rinse off, settle in, and not feel like you’re always rushing.
If you want a beach break that doesn’t require planning, this is why the tour works. Many day trips leave you with a short stop. Here, you actually get space to breathe.
BBQ lunch on the beach (and what’s actually on the plate)
Your island BBQ lunch is prepared on the beach, which is a big part of the appeal. The menu is spelled out: grilled chicken, grilled fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, and salad.
On top of that, you’ll get unlimited snacks and the included drinks. That’s the practical side of the value: you’re not stuck counting calories or pricing out every beverage.
Entertainment is also part of this segment. The tour mentions live music entertainment or a sega show, and that aligns with the cultural vibe people usually want in Mauritius. The exact feel can vary depending on setup and where your group is seated, but expect some sort of performance moment.
What $125 covers: value, pacing, and group size
At $125 per person for a 9-hour day, this tour’s value depends on how you compare it. If you were separately paying for a boat transfer, a marine activity, and lunch, the “all-inclusive” format starts to look more sensible.
Here’s what you’re really buying:
- Transportation + lagoon cruise for the full East Coast island route
- Multiple snorkeling sessions with equipment included
- Beach time with two distinct island blocks (45 minutes plus 2 hours)
- Food and drinks handled for you
- Guided sightseeing stops, including waterfall viewing and monkey feeding
The small group size—limited to 8 participants—also matters. Fewer people means less crowding, fewer delays, and a better chance the captain and guide can keep the schedule tidy.
The human factor: guides, language, and how to protect your day
This tour runs with a live guide, offered in English, French, German, Italian, and Romanian. The boat skipper is also part of the experience, and one trip note mentions a skipper named Sino.
Here’s the balanced reality: if a language guide is suddenly unavailable, the day may feel more like “follow the route” than “learn every stop deeply.” The boat crew can still get you where you need to be, but explanations might shrink.
So if you really want guided storytelling, do this smart move: confirm you’re booked for the language you want and keep flexibility. A backup plan is simple—bring your own curiosity, bring questions, and don’t assume every stop will come with the same level of detail.
Practical tips that make the day smoother
This is an easy day to enjoy if you pack like you’re going to the beach and the water at the same time.
Bring:
- Sunscreen (seriously, you’re on the sun-exposed water for hours)
- A camera so you don’t miss the lagoon scenes and island passes
If you’re sensitive to speed and waves, consider how your body handles fast boats. Even with a comfortable ride, a speedboat is still a speedboat.
Also, plan your mindset. You’re not doing one long museum day. This is active sightseeing with short stops. If you show up ready to move, you’ll get more out of it.
Who this tour is best for
You’ll probably love this if:
- You want snorkeling + beach time in the same day
- You prefer island hopping over long road transfers
- You like small-group outings where the schedule actually holds
- You’re okay with a full, busy day rather than a slow travel pace
It may be less ideal if you want unhurried sightseeing, or if your top priority is deep, detailed history delivered step-by-step at every stop. This tour trades depth for breadth and time efficiency.
Should you book the 5 Islands All-Inclusive Speedboat?
I’d book it if your goal is a high-value East Coast day: multiple island scenery changes, real beach time at Ile aux Cerfs, and snorkeling built into the schedule with equipment provided.
I’d hesitate only if snorkeling is your absolute make-or-break priority and language support is critical to how you want to experience stops. In that case, double-check the language you’re booking and arrive ready to enjoy even if explanations are lighter than you expected.
If you want a practical Mauritius day that feels like more than a transfer, this one fits the bill—fast boat, multiple islands, BBQ on sand, and an open bar that keeps the day comfortable.
FAQ
Where is the meeting point for this tour?
The meeting point is at the jetty called Debarcader Trou d’Eau Douce. You can find it by searching Debarcader Trou d’Eau Douche in Google Maps.
Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
No. Hotel pickup and drop-off around Mauritius are not included and cost extra.
How long is the tour?
The duration is 9 hours.
How big is the group?
The group is limited to 8 participants.
What’s included in the all-inclusive package?
Included items list unlimited snacks and drinks (including alcoholic and non-alcoholic), snorkeling equipment, BBQ lunch on the beach, and key sightseeing items like the lagoon cruise and views of dolphins and sea turtles.
Is snorkeling included?
Yes. The itinerary includes several snorkeling sessions, and snorkeling equipment is provided.
What food is served for lunch?
Lunch is a beach BBQ with grilled chicken and grilled fish, plus rice, pasta, garlic bread, and salad.
What drinks are included?
An open bar is included with rum, wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and water.
What languages are offered by the live guide?
The live guide is available in English, French, German, Italian, and Romanian.
Are parasailing and tube rides included?
The itinerary says you may take parasailing and a tube ride during your time at Ile aux Cerfs. The provided details do not specify whether those specific watersports are included in the price.

















