5 Islands Boat Trip, Snorkeling and Lunch on Ile aux Cerfs

Speedboat days in Mauritius can feel like a cheat code. This one strings together five islands plus a snorkeling stop at Blue Bay Marine Park, so you get scenery, wildlife, and time in the water all in a single outing. It’s the kind of trip where the pace stays active, but you’re still given room to relax.

I also love how practical the setup is: snorkeling gear comes with the tour, and there’s even a shower facility on board. The included beverages and lunch keep the day from turning into a constant money-and-snack hunt. The main consideration is motion: this tour is not suitable if you’re prone to seasickness, since you’ll be on a speedboat.

Key highlights at a glance

• Grand River South East Waterfall: a dramatic first wow-factor, with mist and big views.
• Ile aux Cerfs: beach-and-lagoon time in one of Mauritius’s most popular isles.
• Historic stops across small islands: Ile aux Phare and Ile de la Passe for landmarks and island stories.
• Ile aux Aigrettes: an area focused on endemic flora and fauna.
• Blue Bay Marine Park snorkeling: provided gear and clear water for a reef-focused swim.

Speedboat-to-islands flow: how the day actually works

This tour is built around a simple idea: don’t spend your whole day driving or switching plans. You start near the meeting point area (Sirena Moris), then head toward the dock at Trou D’eau Douce to board a speedboat for the island circuit. Even if you skip hotel pickup (it’s optional), you should expect a smooth handoff to the crew and a clear plan for when to be ready.

Once you’re on the water, the rhythm becomes: quick travel between stops, then enough time to step off the boat, look around, and take photos before the next hop. You’ll also get small comforts that matter on sea days—shower facilities on board help you reset after snorkeling, and beverages plus lunch mean you’re not scrambling mid-day.

One small reality check: weather can change how the day plays out. If conditions aren’t great, boat routes and timing can shift. That’s normal for marine tours in Mauritius, but it’s worth keeping flexible expectations.

Grand River South East Waterfall: the misty start you remember

The first big highlight is the Grand River South East Waterfall. It’s not just a background sight you glance at; you’re there for the moment—water noise, mist in the air, and that feel of standing close to something that keeps moving no matter what you do.

What makes this stop valuable is the contrast. You start with a mainland waterfall, then you quickly pivot back onto the boat toward tropical islands. That shift makes the day feel like a true “Mauritius sampler”—waterfall drama first, then beach and reef later.

If you’re sensitive to dampness or humidity, dress with that in mind. Bring sunscreen and plan to reapply after outdoor time. And if you want photos, this is one of those moments where the best shots come when you step into position quickly rather than waiting for perfect light.

Ile aux Cerfs: beach time with turquoise-lagoon energy

Next comes Ile aux Cerfs, the island many people dream about when they picture Mauritius: sandy shoreline, shallow turquoise water, and plenty of room to just be there. The tour gives you leisure time here, which is key. You’re not forced into one long activity—this is when you can choose your vibe.

You might use the time for a swim, wander along the coast, or simply relax with the view. And because you’re arriving by boat, the island feels like a destination rather than a stop you’re rushing through.

Practical tip: this is exactly the kind of place where sunglasses help and sunscreen matters. You’re outside for extended periods, and sea-day sun can be sneaky. Also, keep your phone/camera protected from splashes if you plan to move near the water.

Ile aux Phare and Ile de la Passe: small islands, strong island stories

After Cerfs, you visit neighboring islands including Ile aux Phare and Ile de la Passe. The tour positions these stops around history and island landmarks, which gives the day more texture than “just more beaches.”

These two islands matter for a simple reason: they break up the trip so it doesn’t feel like a one-note sequence. You get off the boat, look around, and there’s usually a bit of context from the guide about what you’re seeing and why it’s remembered.

What to expect in practice: these are short-island moments. You’ll want to move at a comfortable pace—don’t sprint for every viewpoint—because the real payoff is seeing how each island differs while still feeling connected by the boat route.

Ile aux Aigrettes: spotting endemic life without overdoing it

Then there’s Ile aux Aigrettes, described as a habitat for endemic flora and fauna. This stop adds something important: it reminds you the islands aren’t only scenic—they’re living environments with conservation goals.

Even if you’re not a hardcore nature person, this kind of stop can be a highlight because it changes what you’re paying attention to. Instead of chasing water views only, you start looking for details: plant types, animal presence, and the overall sense that this is an environment worth protecting.

Do keep an eye on your guide’s instructions. Island conservation areas often expect visitors to behave respectfully and stay aware of how you move around. That’s also how you get better wildlife moments.

Blue Bay Marine Park snorkeling: clear water and real comfort

The mid-day centerpiece for many people is snorkeling at Blue Bay Marine Park. This is where the tour becomes very “active vacation,” with provided snorkeling gear and a guided session in crystal-clear water.

Two practical details stand out as the kind of things you should check right away:

• Snorkeling gear fit: gear is provided, but make sure your breathing tube and mask sit comfortably before you head in. One review noted an issue with snorkeling equipment (a breathing tube came loose), so it’s smart to do a quick fit check with the crew.
• Life jacket basics: safety matters. One review also mentioned life jackets weren’t available in the right count for everyone, so it’s worth confirming you have one that works for you before the water time begins.

The payoff is the marine life and coral-reef color you’re there for. If you’re comfortable in the water, you’ll likely enjoy this portion the most. If you’re not, the guided format usually helps you ease in at a pace you can manage.

Also, note the tour includes a shower facility on board. That’s a real win after snorkeling—no one wants a wet swim suit situation for the rest of the day.

Lunch on board and drinks: fueled for the last leg

Lunch is included on board, and the tour also serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages during the day. Having drinks and food built into the plan is part of the value—because on island routes, finding something later can be harder than it sounds.

One review described a lunch spot as BBQ island-style, and even if your exact lunch setup varies, the point is the same: you get something filling before the final return. That matters because snorkeling and sun can wear you out faster than you expect.

If you drink alcohol, keep it light. Sea days already stress your hydration, and snorkeling adds a bit of exertion. I’d treat the beverages like vacation extras, not as a reason to skip water.

Guides, photo stops, and the fun factor

Something you can’t plan for but should still mention: the guide energy often shapes how fun this day feels. In particular, one guide name that shows up is Danilo, and the overall style described is playful—friendly, helpful, and responsive to requests like photo stops and a dance-party kind of mood.

That kind of guide approach can turn “a list of islands” into a memory you’ll actually talk about later. It also helps if you’re the kind of person who wants the day to move at a good pace without feeling rigid.

You’ll also hear guidance tied to what you’re seeing—history on the island stops and help during snorkeling. If you have a specific interest (wildlife spotting, photography, or just knowing where to stand for the best view), this is where being a bit proactive with your guide can pay off.

Price and value: is $111 per person a good deal?

At $111 per person, you’re paying for a package that would be more expensive if you had to piece it together yourself:

• speedboat transportation for multiple island landings,
• snorkeling equipment,
• lunch,
• beverages,
• and even a shower facility on board.

That doesn’t make it “cheap,” but it does make it feel like a fair deal for what’s included. The real value is that you’re getting a full day of varied Mauritius: waterfall, beach island time, island-landmark stops, conservation-area time, and reef snorkeling.

The one cost consideration is hotel pickup. It’s described as optional. If you’re staying near convenient meeting access, you might prefer to skip the extra transfer fee and meet at Sirena Moris instead. If you hate logistics on vacation, choose pickup so you lose less time and less brain energy.

Who should book this five-island speedboat trip?

This tour fits best if you want:

• a full day with multiple island stops rather than one long beach,
• snorkeling at Blue Bay Marine Park with provided gear,
• and a trip structure that feeds you and keeps you moving.

It may be a poor choice if:

• you’re prone to seasickness (the tour specifies it’s not suitable),
• you need lots of downtime between stops,
• or you’re extremely picky about equipment condition and expect everything to feel brand-new.

If you’re comfortable with a speedboat day and you like variety—waterfall to beach to reef—this is a strong match.

So, should you book it?

I’d book it if your goal is a one-day Mauritius hit: islands you can walk on, a waterfall moment, and snorkeling time in a marine park setting—with lunch and drinks handled for you. The included shower facility is also the kind of detail that makes the day feel more pleasant than “adventure only.”

I’d skip it if you know you get motion sickness, or if you hate uncertainty around weather affecting sea-time. If you’re okay with that trade-off, this is a well-rounded day that delivers more than the usual single-activity tours.

If you’re deciding today, your best move is to plan around sun and water, do a quick gear fit check, and assume you’ll get the most fun from going with the flow and letting the guide run the show.

FAQ

FAQ

What’s the price for the 5 Islands boat trip?

The price is listed as $111 per person.

Where does the tour start and end?

You meet with the team at Sirena Moris, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, but they are optional.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gears are provided, and you’ll have a snorkeling stop at Blue Bay Marine Park.

Does the tour include lunch and drinks?

Yes. Lunch is provided on board, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are served.

Is the tour suitable for people who get seasick?

No. It is not suitable for people prone to seasickness.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a camera, and sunscreen.

What languages are the tour guides likely to use?

Languages listed for the tour are English, French, Hindi, and Urdu.