5 Islands Trip & Ile aux Cerfs inc Lunch, Drinks & Transport

Fast mornings, big water.

I like that this trip stacks snorkeling and a real beach day into one smooth, hotel-to-hotel outing. You get Ile aux Cerfs time on white sand, plus a barbecue lunch on the island and drinks (including alcohol). The main drawback to plan for is the early start—pickups often land in the 6:00–7:30am range depending on where you stay, so you’ll want to be ready for a get-going day.

What makes this excursion feel good is the pacing: you’re moving by speedboat through the Southeast/East coast islands, with short, purposeful stops instead of one long slog. The day also mixes wildlife-spotting moments (monkeys, fruit bats, dolphins, turtles show up here) with sights like the old lighthouse area on Ile aux Phare. One more consideration: snorkeling time is brief, and conditions matter—if weather turns rough, you may spend more of the trip in rain than in sun.

You’ll spend about 6 hours total on the water and islands, guided in English or French, with a small group format (limited to 15). In practice, boat space can feel tight if the group runs on the higher side, so if you like elbow room, go in with that mindset.

Key highlights you’ll actually feel in your day

• Blue Bay Marine Park snorkeling: gear provided, with a focused stop near Ile aux Aigrettes
• Ile aux Phare + Ile de la Passe: you view historic ruins from the boat and can visit the lighthouse on Ile aux Phare
• Grand River Southeast waterfall pass: a sightseeing stop tied to wildlife spotting (monkeys and fruit bats are possible)
• Beach barbecue on Ilot Mangenie: local drinks included, with chicken, fish, sausage, garlic bread, salad, and fruit
• Ile aux Cerfs beach time: golden sand downtime after the lunch-and-wild-side portion of the day
• Hotel pickup and drop-off: transport across many resort areas, so you’re not hunting buses or taxis first

Hotel pickup to speedboat: how the day is timed

This is built as a stress-free format. You’re collected from many spots around the island, including popular coastal bases like Port Louis area, Grand Baie, Flacq district, Mahebourg, Blue Bay, Belle Mare, Albion, and Le Morne. The operator notes the tour starts around 8:00am in the East, so your pickup depends on distance—often 6:00–7:30am.

Once you’re at the launch point, the speedboat ride is relatively quick (you’ll be on the water within minutes). That speed is part of the value here. Instead of spending your whole morning waiting, you get to use daylight for multiple island moments: a snorkeling stop, two historic islands, a waterfall pass, lunch on one island, and then beach time on Ile aux Cerfs.

One practical tip: plan to pack light. On a boat day, you want your essentials (sunscreen, dry bag, swimwear, towel if you prefer your own) accessible without turning the day into a rummage mission. You’ll be moving between boat and shore, and the less you have to manage, the more fun it stays.

Snorkeling near Ile aux Aigrettes and Blue Bay Marine Park

The first big “wow” block is the snorkeling stop near Ile aux Aigrettes, set in the Blue Bay Marine Park area. Snorkeling gear is provided, so you don’t have to show up with your own kit. The stop is about 30 minutes, which means it’s not the kind of experience where you spend ages getting used to the water—you’ll want to be ready to go.

In terms of what you’ll see, the selling point is “crystal clear waters” and tropical fish. From actual day-to-day feedback, this route can deliver real marine life sightings, though it’s not a guarantee of a colorful coral carnival. Some people describe the fish experience as more “ordinary fish” than “bright, reef-wall spectacle,” and coral condition can affect what you see underwater. Translation: the clear water and the short duration are the core strengths; the exact look of the reef isn’t something you can control.

If you’re choosing between “snorkel for quick fun” and “snorkel for hours and reef perfection,” this tour clearly leans toward the first one. For many visitors, that’s perfect—especially because you still get to do Ile aux Cerfs afterward.

What to bring (so the 30 minutes stays fun)

• Bring reef-safe sunscreen and reapply later if you stay in sun
• A dry bag for your phone/camera makes life easier when boarding/unboarding
• If you’re not a strong swimmer, you’ll still want to be comfortable in open water, even if the stop is short

Ile de la Passe and Ile aux Phare: history from the water

After the first snorkeling moment, the day shifts into “look and learn” mode. You head toward Ile de la Passe and Ile au Phare (the Lighthouse Island area). You’ll pass by and get explanations from the guide while viewing historic remains from the boat. The chance to see ruins from the water gives you a different feel than reading signs later—everything looks more real when you’re surrounded by it.

Ile aux Phare is the island where you may have the option to visit the lighthouse itself. If you like photos, this is one of the better stretches of the trip because you’re getting viewpoints from the sea, then angles from the island side. It’s also a good stop for people who enjoy old-world details but don’t want to spend a half day locked into a museum.

This part of the route also helps the tour stay varied. You’re not only doing beach and water; you’re seeing a slice of Mauritius tied to maritime structures and island isolation. It’s the kind of contrast that keeps the day from feeling like one repeated activity.

Fouquets Island and the Grand River Southeast waterfall pass

Your route includes passing Fouquets Island for sightseeing (about 30 minutes). Even without a big “shore visit,” these passes are useful. They break up long stretches and give you a chance to scan the coastline, spot wildlife from the boat, and keep the day feeling active.

Next comes the Grand River South East waterfall pass. You’ll see the waterfall from the boat area (around 30 minutes for the stop). This is also where you’re likely to catch wildlife moments. People on this trip have reported monkeys and fruit bats during the day, tied to this general area and stop timing.

A quick reality check: a waterfall viewing stop depends on water flow and weather. Rain can change what you see, but it can also make the boat ride feel more like a moving shower. If you’re sensitive to getting wet, bring a rain layer you don’t mind wearing and plan for spray.

Ilot Mangenie beach BBQ: lunch that actually feels like a beach meal

Lunch happens on Ilot Mangenie, the wilder side of the Ile aux Cerfs area. This is the part I think most people remember because it’s not “lunch near a pool” style. You’re on the beach, and you’re eating a barbecue with a laid-back island vibe.

The included menu is straightforward and filling: chicken, fish, sausage, garlic bread, salad, and fruit. You’ll also have drinks included, and alcohol is part of the package.

In terms of atmosphere, this is when the day shifts from sightseeing to downtime. Even if you weren’t sure you’d care about barbecue logistics, it’s worth it here because it buys you a real break—shade when available, sand underfoot, and enough time to eat without rushing.

A balanced note on food quality

Most feedback is positive about the lunch being “right” or “perfect,” but some people describe it as simple. That’s not a dealbreaker—it’s still a day that includes transport, speedboat time, snorkeling gear, and island stops. Just don’t expect fine dining. Expect a solid beach meal that fits the day.

Ile aux Cerfs: golden sand time and optional island activities

After lunch, you move to Ile aux Cerfs for the main beach block (about 1.5 hours). This is the postcard-time portion of the trip: white sand, easy ocean views, and the kind of relaxed feeling that makes you forgive the early wake-up.

There’s also room for other island activities once you’re there. The tour info doesn’t list specific add-ons, but the key point is simple: you’ll have time to choose your own pace—swim, walk the shoreline, or just sit and soak up the beach atmosphere.

Because your time here is finite, you’ll want to plan your priorities before you arrive. If your top goal is swimming, go earlier in the beach window so you’re not racing the clock. If your top goal is photos, take a short circuit first, then settle in.

Small-group feel: what it’s like on the boat

This excursion is listed as limited to 15 participants, and that small-group size is part of the appeal. With a speedboat day, smaller groups usually mean less crowding during wildlife scans and easier movement around shared space.

One real-world consideration: a few people have reported a higher number onboard (around the high teens). If you’re the type who hates tight quarters, you can still enjoy the day, but it’s smart to mentally prepare for “lively boat energy” rather than a private charter vibe.

On the bright side, the guide and captain approach matters. Several write-ups highlight upbeat guiding and a skipper who works hard to make the day go well, including adding excitement when opportunities for wildlife appear. One guide name that comes up clearly is Georges, recognized for making the day feel lively and friendly.

Value for $176: what you’re really buying

At about $176 per person for a roughly 6-hour outing, you’re paying for a bundle—not just “boat + beach.”

Here’s what that price covers based on the tour details:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off across a wide set of locations
• A full-day speedboat excursion along the Southeast/East coast islands
• Snorkeling near Blue Bay Marine Park with gear provided
• Stops/passes that include historic Ile aux Phare / Ile de la Passe
• A Grand River South East waterfall viewing stop
• Lunch (BBQ) plus drinks, including alcohol
• Time on Ile aux Cerfs for beach relaxation

When you add that up, the value is strongest if you don’t want to organize transport yourself. If you’re staying at a resort far from local meeting points, pickup alone can save time and hassle.

Would I call it “cheap”? No. Would I call it a fair price for what you get? Yes—especially if you want the mix of snorkeling + history + waterfall + beach + included drinks without building your own day from scratch.

Who should book this 5-island speedboat day

This is a great match if you:

• Want a single morning-to-afternoon plan that covers multiple highlights
• Like snorkeling but don’t need a long, all-day reef session
• Prefer pickup convenience over piecing together taxis and timings
• Enjoy a mix of nature stops and a bit of history from island ruins

It may be less ideal if you:

• Need lots of time underwater (the snorkeling stop is 30 minutes)
• Hate getting wet and hate the idea of rain affecting boat comfort
• Are pregnant (this tour is listed as not suitable)

Quick decision: should you book it

If you’re aiming for an efficient Mauritius day that feels like a true island escape, this tour makes sense. The combination of snorkeling near Ile aux Aigrettes, a historic lighthouse-area stop, a waterfall pass, and beach time on Ile aux Cerfs—with BBQ lunch and drinks included—is a strong mix for the time you have.

My one caution is expectations around snorkeling and weather. You’re getting a short snorkeling window, and coral conditions can vary. If you’re the type who plans vacations around perfect underwater reefs, you might want a longer snorkeling-focused day instead.

If you want a balanced day that’s fun, scenic, and practical, book it.

FAQ

How long is the 5 Islands trip?

It runs for about 6 hours total. The exact start time depends on your pickup, since the activity begins around 8:00am in the East.

What’s included in the price?

You get hotel pickup and drop-off, a full-day speedboat excursion, snorkeling near Ile aux Aigrettes (snorkeling gear provided), sightseeing of the islands including Ile de la Passe and Ile au Phare, a Grand River South East waterfall pass, BBQ lunch, and drinks (including alcohol), plus time on Ile aux Cerfs.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?

No. Snorkeling gear is provided for the stop near Ile aux Aigrettes.

What language is the guide?

The live guide speaks English and French.

How many people are in the group?

The tour is described as a small group limited to 15 participants.

Is this trip suitable for pregnant women?

No. It is listed as not suitable for pregnant women.