A fast boat day on Mauritius can be pure fun. This 5 Islands speedboat cruise mixes island beach time with stops like the Ile aux Fouqets lighthouse and a nature reserve swim, plus snorkeling and an included BBQ lunch. I especially like the variety—sand, sea, and waterfalls in one go—and the fact that the cruise has an open bar built in; my main heads-up is that snorkeling time is brief, so don’t expect a long underwater session.

It runs a tight 08:30 to 15:30 schedule from Trou d’Eau Douce, which keeps momentum high and morning energy high too. The vibe is built for people who want to move—if you’re chasing maximum lounging, you’ll want to claim your island time early.

At $100 per person, it’s not a budget toy cruise. You’re paying for transport by speedboat between multiple sites, plus tickets, snorkeling, open bar, and lunch; just remember fresh grilled lobster is excluded, and you handle getting yourself to the meeting point.

Key Points to Know Before You Go

• 08:30–15:30 timing: a full day that stays focused instead of dragging.
• Ile aux Cerfs is the big beach stop with lunch, swimming, and open bar.
• Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve adds a protected, scenic feel to the sea day.
• Snorkeling near Blue Bay Marine Park is included, but plan for one main shot.
• Grand River South East Waterfalls break up the day with a land moment for photos.
• A captain like Danilo is known for keeping the mood light and the pace fun.

Speedboat Basics: Start Time, Meeting, and What 7 Hours Feels Like

This tour starts and ends at Trou d’Eau Douce on Mauritius’ east coast, with departure at 08:30 and return around 15:30. Total time on the schedule is about 7 hours, which is long enough to get real variety but short enough to avoid the “are we there yet?” feeling.

Your meeting details are sent over WhatsApp, so expect to message first to get the exact boarding info. Transportation to and from the boat is not included, but the operator can organize private transport if you ask.

One more practical note: the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. That matters mostly because it’s built around speedboat boarding and water-to-boat movement.

Trou d’Eau Douce to the East Coast: The Ride That Sets the Tone

The whole day is powered by the speedboat itself. You’ll feel the roar of the engine and the quick acceleration as you zip along the coast toward the chain of stops.

Why that matters: it changes the kind of day you’ll have. Instead of doing one beach and calling it a day, you get several different “settings” with minimal downtime between them—water views early, island time mid-day, and inland scenery at the end.

It’s also the kind of excursion where comfort prep helps. If you bring the right swimwear and sunscreen, you can stop thinking and just enjoy the ride.

Ile aux Cerfs: Your Big Beach Block with Lunch and Open Bar

Ile aux Cerfs is the anchor stop. Expect sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing, plus a barbecue-style lunch and open bar during your island time. There are also watersports shops around, so if you want extra activities (outside what’s included), you’ll find options nearby.

Here’s how I’d use the time if I were building my day: arrive ready to swim, then switch to “eat and shade” mode for lunch, then squeeze in a final swim before you’re called back. The island stop is your chance to slow down without losing the cruise momentum.

Also, island time can pass faster than you think—so don’t treat the lunch window like a random break. It’s part of the schedule, and it’s part of what you’re paying for.

Ile aux Fouqets Lighthouse and the Coastal Photo Stops

One of the standout attractions is the Ile aux Fouqets lighthouse. Even if you’re not a hardcore history person, a lighthouse stop works because it’s all about scale and sea views—Mauritius coastline, strong horizon lines, and dramatic lighting depending on the day.

You’ll also move around other nearby spots as part of the route, including Ilot Mergenie. This is the kind of stop that’s usually short, but it gives you those “we’re actually exploring, not just passing by” moments.

The trade-off with lighthouse-and-photo stops: they’re often shorter than the beach time. If you’re the type who hates rushing, focus on the big island block (Ile aux Cerfs) for your downtime.

Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve: Open Bar Plus a Protected-Swim Feel

Then you get a different kind of scenery: Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve. This stop includes time for swimming, and yes, the open bar continues during the experience.

Why the nature reserve matters for your day: it tends to feel more intentional than a pure beach hop. You’re not just chasing water; you’re doing it in a protected setting, which gives the stop a calmer, “slower eyes” vibe.

Quick reality check: the reserve adds a scenic, scenic-walk feeling, but it’s still a cruise day. You’ll want to keep moving when they call for it so you don’t miss the next segment.

Snorkeling Near Blue Bay Marine Park: The One Included Underwater Stop

Snorkeling is included with a spot near Blue Bay Marine Park. This is where you’ll go looking for the fauna and flora in the water, and it’s often the part people remember most—especially if you don’t snorkel often.

Here’s my advice from how these days tend to run: treat snorkeling as a single main window, not a whole series of long sessions. One person specifically wished they could snorkel again in a nice spot, which tells you the underwater time is likely limited.

What to bring helps a lot here. Bring your swimwear and towel so you can get dry fast after your gear time. Sunscreen is a must too; your face and shoulders can burn even when you think the wind is cooling you down.

Grand River South East Waterfalls: A Land Moment on the Best Speed Day

After all that sea time, you hit Grand River South East Waterfalls. This is the part that adds variety and gives you a break from the boat rhythm.

What you’ll likely enjoy most: photos, short viewing moments, and the contrast of green scenery next to the earlier coastal views. Waterfalls are a classic “Mauritius wow” stop, and even a limited stop can still deliver.

The only consideration is timing. When a day is built around speedboat segments, your waterfall time tends to be practical—not a long hike day. If you want a deep trail experience, this isn’t that kind of tour.

Open Bar and BBQ Lunch: Does $100 Actually Add Up?

At $100 per person, the math works better than it looks at first glance—because so much is bundled. You get tickets to the attractions, snorkeling, open bar, and an island recipe barbecue lunch (fresh grilled lobster is excluded).

That open bar + lunch combo is where you feel the value. Many boat days charge extra for drinks and food, so having them included makes the day easier to manage and easier to enjoy. You’re not doing mental budgeting between stops.

Also, the itinerary is designed for “best-seller” pacing—multiple signature places in one day instead of one major stop and a bunch of transit. If you’re short on time in Mauritius and you want variety, this layout is a real strength.

One extra note: if you’re thinking about fresh grilled lobster, you’ll need to treat it as an add-on since it’s not included.

Weather, Waves, and Comfort: How to Plan for a Smooth Day

This is a speedboat cruise, so conditions matter. Even when weather isn’t perfect, the day can still be a good one—there’s a specific note that despite not being great, people still had a wonderful time. That suggests the operation keeps going, but it may not feel the same as a calm glass-ocean day.

So plan comfort like a grown-up:

• Bring sunscreen even if clouds show up.
• Wear beachwear that dries fast.
• Keep your towel handy so you can switch out quickly after swims.

If you’re someone who gets motion sickness, consider how you handle boat rides in general. The tour is built around that roaring-engine thrill, so it helps to be comfortable with it.

Who This Cruise Is Perfect For (and Who Should Rethink It)

This tour is a strong match for:

• People who want adventure + exploration without separate tickets and logistics.
• Families and mixed groups—especially if you want a day with beach, food, and a bit of storytelling at the lighthouse stop.
• Snorkelers who want one included session near Blue Bay Marine Park rather than a half-day dedicated solely to snorkeling.

You might rethink it if:

• You need long, unhurried snorkeling time.
• You want door-to-door transportation. Transportation isn’t included, and you’ll need to arrange or request private transport.

And if wheelchair access is a must, this one isn’t listed as suitable.

Should You Book This 5 Islands Speedboat Cruise?

If you want a packed, satisfying day on Mauritius’ east coast, I’d book it. The combination is hard to beat for the price: speedboat time, multiple signature locations, included snorkeling, open bar, and BBQ lunch all in one stretch from 08:30–15:30.

I’d skip it only if your priority is a long snorkeling session or an ultra-relaxing day with minimal movement. Otherwise, this is the kind of trip that makes you feel like you saw more than you planned—without making you do all the work.

FAQ

How long is the 5 Islands speedboat cruise?

The tour runs for about 7 hours, starting at 08:30 and returning at 15:30.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends at Trou d’Eau Douce. You’ll receive the exact boarding details by WhatsApp.

What’s included in the $100 price?

The price includes tickets to the attractions, snorkeling, open bar, and an island BBQ lunch. Fresh grilled lobster is not included.

Is transportation from my hotel included?

Transportation is not included, but you can ask the operator to arrange private transportation to and from your accommodation.

Is there snorkeling on this tour?

Yes. There is a snorkeling spot near Blue Bay Marine Park, and snorkeling is included.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. You’ll also want to be ready for swimming at the islands and nature reserve stops.