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

Speedboat days in Mauritius feel like pure freedom. This 7-hour east-coast cruise mixes island-hopping with local landmarks, short waterfall views, and time in Blue Bay Marine Park for snorkeling. I especially like the included snorkeling gear and the fact that your day is built around real stops, not just endless riding.

The one thing to keep in mind is that the snorkeling plan depends on weather and coral-breeding timing, so the exact spot near Blue Bay can shift.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Small group (max 18): easier to hear the guide and manage the day’s flow
• Snorkeling equipment included: no rental juggling on your vacation
• Ile aux Cerfs lunch + refreshments: you won’t be scrambling for food mid-cruise
• Blue Bay Marine Park timing: about 2 hours in calm, shallow water conditions
• Open-bar moment at Ile aux Aigrettes: a short stop that still feels like a treat

Price and logistics: what you’re really paying for

At $110.79 per person for about 7 hours, this isn’t just a ride. You’re paying for a full package of time on the water plus multiple island stops, with lunch, snacks, bottled water, and snorkeling gear included. You also get alcoholic beverages included, which is great if your plan is to treat this like a proper day out, not a budget-only outing.

The cruise is capped at 18 travelers, which matters more than you’d think. On bigger tours, you lose time to regrouping and you spend your day chasing people. Here, the pace feels more human.

One logistical note: private transportation is not included. You’re meant to handle your way to the meeting point near Trou d’Eau Douce, where the tour ends back at the start. The good news is that the meeting point has parking, so you’re not stressed if you’re coming by car.

Start at Blue Alizé Catamaran in Trou d’Eau Douce

The day begins at 8:30am at the Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs in Trou d’Eau Douce. That early start is part of the value: you’re using the morning for sea time and island stops, then saving the snorkeling window for when conditions tend to be best.

If you’ve never done a speedboat day before, here’s the plain truth: you’ll feel the motion. Bring sea-sickness basics if you’re sensitive. Also plan to wear something you can get wet without worrying.

Ile aux Cerfs: refreshments, a quick island reset, and lunch energy

Your first major stop is Ile aux Cerfs for about 45 minutes. This is the kind of stop that works even if you’re not a big “tourist island” person. You get a short chance to take in the place, grab refreshments, and move your body before the next stretch.

And yes—the tour includes lunch at Ile aux Cerfs. That’s a big deal for value. Many boat days in Mauritius forget food until you’re starving and grumpy. Here, the meal is part of the schedule, so you can actually enjoy the snorkeling later without thinking about where you’ll eat.

After Ile aux Cerfs, the route continues toward Grand River South East for a waterfall view. The stop time is short, so don’t expect a long hike. Think viewpoint energy: see it, snap photos, then keep cruising.

Ile aux Fouqets Lighthouse (Ile Phare): Dutch-era discovery, naval history

Next up is Ile aux Fouqets Lighthouse, also known as Ile aux Phare or Ile Phare. You get another 45-minute stop here, and it’s not just about the scenery. You also get the story.

You’ll hear that the island was among the first discoveries by the Dutch settlers in 1598, and that the name comes from a lighthouse built in 1864, which was operational until the early 1900s. The area also ties into naval action during the battle of Grand Port, a British campaign to capture Mauritius (then called Isle de France).

Even if history isn’t your hobby, this stop helps break up the day. It gives context for what you’re seeing on the east coast instead of treating the cruise like a series of photo stops.

Ile aux Aigrettes: short nature reserve stop with an open-bar perk

After Blue Bay, you pass by Ile aux Aigrettes for about 20 minutes. This is described as a nature reserve and scientific research station, and it’s also a popular visitor attraction for both tourists and Mauritians.

This is a quick hop, not a long tour. But the upside is that it still adds variety to the day. One of the nicest touches is the open bar during this stop, which gives you something fun to do in the middle—especially if your snorkeling time runs long later (it can happen when conditions dictate the schedule).

Blue Bay Marine Park snorkeling: coral gardens and calm water

This is the star of the itinerary. At Blue Bay Marine Park, you’ll get a snorkeling session for about 2 hours. Admission is included, and the big benefit is that you’re not hunting down equipment or paying extra for gear.

The snorkeling location can be inside Blue Bay or near Ilot Mangenie, depending on weather and coral breeding season. That’s worth noting. If you’re the kind of person who hates surprises, keep in mind the exact spot may shift to protect the ecosystem and match conditions.

What you can count on is the setting: Blue Bay is known for its coral garden and abundant marine life. Because the site is close to the coastline, the water tends to be calm and shallow, which is ideal if you want a relaxed snorkeling experience rather than wrestling waves.

Practical tip: bring goggles if you already have your own preferred fit, but you should be set thanks to the included snorkeling equipment. Also, take a moment at the start of your swim to settle—calm water makes it easier to enjoy the colors and not just survive.

Grand River South East viewpoints and the Grand Port battle story

Later in the day, you’ll also get time for Grand River South East viewpoints and waterfall scenery. The itinerary includes a short stop connected to Ile de la Passe, a rocky islet in the bay off Grand Port.

This is where the narrative gets specific: between 20 and 25 August 1810, during the British campaign against the French on Mauritius, this area was part of the battle of Grand Port. It was a hard-fought action between frigates of roughly equal forces, and the British ended up defeated overall—losing frigates in the process.

You won’t have time to linger like a museum visit. But that kind of battle history gives the coast meaning. You’re not just looking at rocks; you’re watching a place that mattered to real naval events.

Crew vibe, music volume, and how the day actually feels

The day runs on the skipper’s style. In the reviews, the skipper Andy shows up as a standout: fun, enthusiastic, and friendly. That matters on a speedboat day because the best tours feel like a moving hangout with structure, not a strict timetable where you feel like cargo.

There’s also a recurring theme around the crew checking that everyone’s doing okay. That can be a relief when you’re on open water and you’re not sure what the pace will be like.

Two real-world considerations from feedback:

• The boat music can be a bit loud for some people.
• If you encounter dolphins, the experience can feel intense up close. If you prefer distance from wildlife, you might find that part of the day a little unnerving.

And one fun detail: at least one group experienced extra entertainment moments like monkeys jumping on the boat. Whether that happens on your day is unknown, but it hints at the overall playful, spontaneous feel.

What to pack so you don’t spend the day uncomfortable

Since you’ll be in and out of the water, pack for wet + sun, not just for sightseeing:

• Swimwear + quick-dry top (you’ll thank yourself later)
• Sun protection (reef-safe isn’t mentioned, so just use whatever you trust)
• A towel if you usually prefer your own
• Non-slip sandals or water shoes for getting around comfortably
• A dry bag or waterproof phone pouch so you’re not running your life off memory

Also: keep your “phone camera” plans simple. The speedboat moves fast, and your best shots will often be the quick ones.

Timing and how the itinerary adds up

The day is organized around multiple 45-minute island stops plus a longer 2-hour snorkeling block. Short stops can sound rushed on paper, but the pacing works because each stop has a clear purpose: refreshments and lunch, a lighthouse/history moment, a nature reserve break, then snorkeling, then a viewpoint close to the water story of the area.

If you’re hoping for hours and hours on one island, this isn’t that kind of tour. It’s built for variety. You’ll feel like you’re moving through the east coast highlights rather than settling in one place.

Weather also plays a role. This tour requires good weather. If conditions are poor, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

Is the value good at $110.79?

For many visitors, the biggest hidden cost on a day like this is the equipment and food. Here, you get:

• Lunch
• Snacks
• Bottled water
• Alcoholic beverages
• Use of snorkeling equipment
• All fees and taxes

Private transportation isn’t included, but once you’re at the dock, the day is mostly taken care of.

If your alternative is booking separate transfers, paying for snorkeling gear, and then buying lunch on your own, this starts to look like a smart use of time. Even if you’re not a heavy drinker, the drinks being included signals that the tour is structured as a full outing, not a short stop-and-go.

Who this tour suits best (and who should pass)

This cruise is a strong fit if you:

• Want snorkeling at Blue Bay without arranging gear separately
• Prefer a small-group format
• Like a day that combines nature, brief history context, and viewpoints
• Are okay with a schedule that moves and adapts to conditions

It might be less ideal if you:

• Want a slow, long beach day with no boat time
• Are sensitive to loud onboard music
• Dislike the possibility of a close encounter if dolphins show up

Should you book this Mauritius speedboat cruise?

I’d book it if your ideal Mauritius day is active but organized: a small-group speedboat, multiple island stops, an included meal, and real snorkeling time in Blue Bay Marine Park. The price is easier to justify because the snorkeling gear and lunch are part of the package, not add-ons.

If you want one “main event” and several quick supporting scenes, this hits that sweet spot. Just go in expecting short stops, weather-dependent snorkeling location, and a lively boat atmosphere—especially around the music.

If that sounds like your kind of day, you’ll likely have a memorable east-coast cruise.

FAQ

What time does the speedboat cruise start?

The tour starts at 8:30am.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 7 hours.

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

It meets at Blue Alizé Catamaran Ile aux Cerfs, Trou d’Eau Douce and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The tour includes the use of snorkeling equipment.

Where will snorkeling take place?

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

What’s included for food and drinks?

You get snacks, lunch, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages.

Is private transportation included?

No, private transportation is not included. Parking is available at the meeting point.