5 Islands Speedboat w/Snorkeling Sea Turtle + Lunch & Drinks

Fast boats mean fast fun. This VIP-style 5 Islands speedboat day strings together lagoon cruising, quick island visits, a waterfall viewpoint, and time to snorkel in Blue Bay Marine Park.

Two things I really like about this trip: the chance to see wildlife along the way (including sea turtles in the mix), and the way the experience keeps you fueled. You get beach snacks and drinks all day, plus a proper BBQ lunch once you land on Ile aux Cerfs.

One thing to plan for: you meet at the jetty at Trou d’Eau Douce and the actual departure can run later than the check-in time. That’s not unusual for boat days, but it does mean you should avoid scheduling anything tight before or after.

Key Highlights You’ll Feel Immediately

• Small group flow (up to 8 people) keeps the pace relaxed and the boat feeling more like a day with friends than a cattle call
• Blue Bay Marine Park snorkeling is the main underwater payoff, with clear water and serious fish life
• Grand River South East waterfall + wild monkeys adds a non-beach, nature-and-culture stop
• Beach BBQ on Ile aux Cerfs plus open bar makes the “VIP” part real, not just marketing
• Dolphins and sea turtles spotting (when nature cooperates) is built into the route and timing

Why This Mauritius Speedboat Day Feels More VIP Than Typical Tours

This tour is built around speed, but it’s not a chaos-fuel “race around the islands” kind of day. You’re on a comfortable speedboat designed for Mauritius’ east coast route, and the small-group size (limited to 8) matters. With fewer people on board, the guide can keep an eye on everyone during transfers and snorkeling sessions, and the day tends to feel smoother.

The VIP tone also shows up on the food and drinks. An all-inclusive open bar is part of the deal—rum, wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and water—plus unlimited snacks. After you spend hours moving by sea, it’s a practical perk, not a luxury you only notice in fancy photos.

If you can go as a family of 4 people or more, you can request the speedboat private for your group. That doesn’t just change the vibe. It usually means more control over pacing and a calmer feeling at the stops, since you’re not sharing every moment with a full roster of strangers.

Ile aux Cerfs, Waterfalls, Monkeys: Your 9-Hour Route Step by Step

The day runs about 9 hours, starting and ending at Trou d’Eau Douce. The meeting point is the Debarcader Trou d’Eau Douce jetty, so give yourself time to find the dock and check in. There’s also a separate entrance so you can typically avoid the longest lines.

1) First stop: Ile aux Cerfs (about 45 minutes)

You start with a visit to Ile aux Cerfs, including refreshments. This is a good “warm-up” stop: you get your bearings, you switch from land-time to island-time, and then you’re off again.

If you want, Ile aux Cerfs also offers optional watersports like parasailing and tube rides. These aren’t listed as included, so treat them as extras you can choose when you’re already on the sand with time to spare.

2) Grand River South East: waterfall viewpoint

Next you head toward Grand River South East for a viewpoint of a waterfall flowing into the Indian Ocean. This is the part of the day that adds a little drama beyond beaches, and it also helps break up the speedboat rhythm.

It’s a short, scenic stop, and it’s exactly the kind of break you want when you’ve been on the water and you don’t want the day to feel like nonstop “transfer, transfer, transfer.”

3) Feed the wild Mauritian monkeys

After the waterfall view, you get the chance to meet and feed wild Mauritian monkeys. This is one of those stops that can feel both fun and a little wild, because these are animals living their own lives, not zoo pets.

Practical note: keep your phone/camera ready but keep your hands and snacks under control. When animals are involved, you’ll want to follow the guide’s lead on what to offer and how to behave around them.

4) Island hopping through Ile aux Phares and more

You then continue to Ile aux Phares, with iconic spots along the way. The route includes passing sights like Ile de La Passe as you work your way toward Blue Bay.

These sections matter because they’re not just “in transit.” The boat cruise is part of the product: you’re seeing the coastline and lagoons from the water, and that view is hard to recreate from shore.

5) Blue Bay Marine Park: snorkeling session

Now you hit the centerpiece: snorkeling in Blue Bay Marine Park. The water here is described as crystal clear, and it’s the moment where the tour stops feeling like a checklist and turns into a real “wow” experience.

Snorkeling sessions are guided, with snorkeling equipment provided. The current can be something to respect, so listen closely and stay with the group even if the fish are very tempting.

6) Ile aux Aigrettes for refreshments

After snorkeling, you pass toward Ile aux Aigrettes for refreshments. This is another palate cleanser: you’re back above water, you cool down, and you reset before the beach time at Ile aux Cerfs.

7) Back to Ile aux Cerfs: beach time + lunch + drinks

On the way back, you cruise past Îlot Margenie, then you return to Ile aux Cerfs for relaxing time on the white sands. This is when you slow down: swim, sunbathe, or just take in the island atmosphere.

This is also when your BBQ lunch is being prepared on the beach, paired with the all-inclusive open bar and live entertainment like sega music. That combo is what makes the day feel like more than “transport plus snorkeling.”

Blue Bay Snorkeling: What You Should Expect Underwater

Blue Bay Marine Park is the highlight for a reason. The water clarity is part of what makes it fun, and the fish life is the other part. The snorkeling experience is set up so you’re not just dropped in and left to figure it out.

Equipment is included, and the snorkeling is guided. In practical terms, you should expect the guide to explain the basics and help you stay oriented in the water, especially since currents can show up faster than beginners expect.

If you want to make the most of it:

• Put sunscreen on before you gear up, not after
• Keep your mask secure and breathe calmly so you can enjoy the fish instead of worrying about your setup
• Stick to the group even when you see turtles or the most colorful schools

And about turtles: the tour includes opportunities to view sea turtles. You shouldn’t treat that as guaranteed, but the way the route is designed gives you a real shot.

Beach BBQ Lunch + Open Bar: Real Value for a Full Day

This is one of the most practical “value” elements on the schedule. At $125 per person, you’re not only paying for the boat. You’re paying for an all-in-one package that covers lunch and a full range of drinks and snacks.

The BBQ lunch includes grilled chicken, grilled fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, and salad. That’s a solid mix and, importantly, it’s served in a beach setting when you’re ready to eat.

Then there’s the open bar: rum, wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and water, all included. It’s hard to overstate how much easier the day feels when you’re not doing mental math every time you want a drink on a long outing.

One more thing: live music entertainment or a sega show is part of the vibe on Ile aux Cerfs. Even if you’re not planning to dance, it turns lunch into a mini event instead of a break you’re trying to survive.

Wildlife and Iconic Spots: Dolphins, Monkeys, and the “Nature Controls the Schedule” Factor

Mauritius wildlife shows up in this itinerary in several ways. The monkey stop is active and close-up: you meet and feed the wild Mauritian monkeys. That’s a memorable moment because it’s interactive, not just “look from far away.”

Then there’s the wildlife viewing on the water. The experience is set up to help you spot dolphins and sea turtles. Again, sightings depend on conditions, but having wildlife built into the route is better than booking a tour that claims animals but spends most of the time parked in one place.

The best mindset is simple: enjoy the boat cruise and the scenery, and treat wildlife like a bonus your day earns. When dolphins or turtles appear, it feels like the whole itinerary paid off.

Logistics That Matter: Transfers, Timing, and Staying Comfortable

The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off around Mauritius only at an additional cost. If you don’t want to add that, you’ll handle your own arrival to the meeting jetty at Debarcader Trou d’Eau Douche.

Small-group trips are often easier on the ground. Still, boat days come with real timing behavior. You should plan for a window between check-in and actual departure. One of the clearest “heads up” from real experiences is that departure may be later than the first meeting time you’re given.

On the water, you’ll be moving at speed. That can be thrilling and also a little intense if you’re sensitive to boat motion. If that’s you, consider packing motion-sickness meds and be cautious with too much alcohol right before snorkeling.

Bring:

• Sunscreen
• A camera
• And ideally a small day bag that won’t go flying when you’re hopping between boat and beach

Price and Value: Is $125 a Fair Deal for This Much Time?

At $125 per person for a 9-hour outing, the question isn’t just “is it expensive?” It’s “what are you actually getting for one payment?”

You get:

• Island hopping and a lagoon cruise
• Snorkeling equipment
• A BBQ lunch on the beach
• Unlimited snacks plus an all-inclusive open bar
• Multiple sightseeing stops, including a waterfall viewpoint and wild monkey feeding
• An experience designed for small groups (up to 8), with a private boat option for groups of 4+

If you tried to build this yourself, you’d likely pay for transport by sea, boat crew time, snorkeling gear, and food/drinks separately. Even if you manage to find a cheaper boat rental, coordinating stops plus a guided snorkeling session and a proper beach lunch is a lot of moving parts.

This is exactly the kind of day where paying for the bundle can save stress and time.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This one is a strong match if you want:

• A full day on Mauritius’ east coast with multiple stops
• Snorkeling that’s guided and equipment-included
• Beach time at Ile aux Cerfs with a meal and drinks
• A small-group feel, not a mass tour bus situation

It’s also a good choice for groups that want to celebrate something without doing a bunch of separate bookings. And if you can travel with 4+ people for the private boat, the day is likely to feel even more relaxed.

If you’re the type who hates being on a tight schedule, the 9-hour plan may feel like a lot. But if you like seeing more than one side of an island in a single day, this route is built for that.

Should You Book This 5 Islands Speedboat Tour?

I think you should book if you want a day that balances sea, wildlife, snorkeling, and actual food and drinks—without spending your time managing logistics. The small-group setup, the snorkeling in Blue Bay Marine Park, and the beach BBQ lunch with an open bar are the core reasons this is worth your attention.

Skip it (or at least adjust your expectations) if you’re highly sensitive to boat motion or you really dislike waiting around between check-in and departure. Otherwise, this is the kind of Mauritius outing that feels like a real experience, not just a sightseeing checklist.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the 5 Islands speedboat tour?

The tour lasts 9 hours.

What’s included in the price?

It includes island hopping, a waterfall visit, snorkeling equipment, a BBQ lunch on the beach, unlimited snacks plus alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, a lagoon cruise, and chances to view dolphins and sea turtles.

What drinks are available on the open bar?

The open bar includes rum, wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and water.

Is hotel pick-up and drop-off included?

Pick-up and drop-off around Mauritius are available but at an additional cost.

How big is the group?

The tour is limited to a small group of up to 8 participants.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at the Debarcader Trou d’Eau Douche jetty.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide is available in English, French, German, Italian, and Romanian.