All inclusive SPEEDBOAT FULL DAY to ILE AUX CERF & GRSE WATERFALL

One day, three shoreline moments, and a waterfall with monkeys. This all-inclusive speedboat day links island time at Ile aux Cerfs with the famous Gris Gris waterfall, plus a beach stop at Trou d’Eau Douce. Two things I really like: the private resort pickup/drop-off and the included food and drinks (BBQ lunch, beer, local rum, cocktails). One thing to consider: the ride can change with weather, and the day may run a bit differently on rough sea days.

This is aimed at people who want a full Mauritius highlight day without planning logistics. You’ll travel from the Chamarel area in air-conditioned comfort, then get on the water with a small group (up to 15). The value here is the package feel: transport, entrances, lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear are all handled—mostly—so you can just show up and enjoy the scenery.

Before you book, set your expectations for timing and flexibility. The waterfall stop is short (around 20 minutes) and can be adjusted by water levels and sea safety, and on bad-weather days a bigger boat may replace the speedboat transfer. If you’re the type who needs a perfectly fixed schedule, you’ll want to mentally “flex” for Mother Nature.

Key points to know before you go

• Private pickup and drop-off in Mauritius: they collect you from your resort or villa, then bring you back after the trip.
• All-inclusive BBQ + drinks: lunch is included (vegetarian option), and you get beer, arranged local rum, and soft drinks/cocktails.
• Small-group feel: maximum 15 travelers, so it’s not a giant cattle-car excursion.
• Ile aux Cerfs time is limited: you get about 2 hours on the islet, so bring your swim plans.
• Gris Gris waterfall duration can shift: visit length depends on conditions—sea safety and water level come first.
• Snorkeling depends on the sea: gear is available, but it’s not guaranteed when conditions are rough.

From Chamarel to Trou d’Eau Douce: the start that sets the tone

The day begins early, with a 7:30 am start time. If you’re staying near Chamarel, the big win is how direct the transport feels: you’re picked up at your resort or villa by an air-conditioned private vehicle and taken to Trou d’Eau Douce, the harbor where speedboats and catamarans depart for Ile aux Cerfs.

What I like about this setup is the “frictionless” factor. You don’t have to figure out where to meet, how long the transfer takes, or how to get back later. That matters on tours like this because the schedule is built around the water—miss the timing and the whole island rhythm can get messed up.

One practical note: the tour description says you’re near public transportation, but the experience is still built around their private pickup. So if you’re thinking of meeting yourself, it’s worth confirming—your best bet is letting their drivers handle the moving parts.

You’ll also get a briefing from the driver team, and this is where you can get your bearings fast. In plain terms: you’ll know what’s coming next and what to do when you reach the port.

Ile aux Cerfs: how you’ll use your ~2 hours on the islet

Ile aux Cerfs is the island stop that most people book for. It’s famous, it’s easy to recognize on a Mauritius map, and it’s designed for that classic island-day feeling—blue water, beach time, and a “just off the boat” vibe.

You’ll spend about 2 hours on the islet. The itinerary lists admission ticket as free, so there’s no surprise entry cost sitting on top of your ticket price. That’s a small detail, but it’s a real value point: you’re paying for the trip package, not hacking together separate island fees.

Here’s how I’d plan your time on Ile aux Cerfs with this kind of schedule:

• First: pick your lane (swim/relax photos vs. a quick wander vs. snorkeling if conditions allow).
• Second: build in comfort. When you only have two hours, you don’t want to burn 20 minutes figuring out where your towel goes.
• Third: remember the day moves on. Even if you love it, the tour has to keep moving toward Gris Gris and the rest of the route.

A key point from the experience info: lunch can be aboard a catamaran or on the islet depending on weather. That means your “when do I eat?” timing might shift slightly based on sea conditions. The good part is that lunch itself is included—so you aren’t hunting for food at an awkward moment.

Also, keep in mind this is an all-inclusive sharing trip. You’ll meet other people on the boat, and the vibe tends to be social rather than silent-guide museum pacing.

Gris Gris Waterfall: monkeys, quick viewing, and safety-first timing

The second anchor of the day is GRSE (Gris Gris) Waterfall—one of Mauritius’s most famous falls, widely shared on social media for a reason. Expect a short visit at about 20 minutes, and also expect that the exact timing can change.

Why? The tour notes that the waterfall stop depends on:

• water level
• sea danger
• boat occupancy

That’s not just fine print. It’s the difference between a “pretty view” and a “couldn’t get to the viewpoint” day. Gris Gris is connected to coastal conditions, and the tour treats safety as the rule.

Now for the fun part: this waterfall visit is described as a monkey moment. The info specifically notes local monkeys, so it’s the stop you’ll likely remember most if you like wildlife sightings that aren’t behind an enclosure.

The trade-off is duration. Twenty minutes isn’t enough to do an extended photo expedition for every angle, and if water levels or crowds affect what’s safest to do, you may have less time on the ground than you hoped. Plan for a quick hit: walk, look, snap, and be ready to move.

Also, the tour includes access to the waterfall. That’s one less thing you have to pay for separately.

Trou d’Eau Douce beach break: the payoff before and after the water

Before you head out, Trou d’Eau Douce is the port base. The tour also includes a beach stop here—listed at about 45 minutes—and it’s described as one of Mauritius’s mesmerizing beaches.

This is a smart piece of the itinerary because it works like a buffer:

• It gives you a moment to reset between sailing segments.
• It can be a “dry land” break when you want sand, shade, and breathing room after time on the water.

It’s also where you’ll see the choreography of the day: boats leaving, passengers boarding, and the small-group flow happening in real time. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to understand the rhythm of a day, this stop helps you get it fast.

Since the admission ticket is listed as free, again, you’re not getting nickel-and-dimed for this part. You’re buying time and convenience.

If the weather is even mildly choppy, you might appreciate this stop the most, because it’s on land with a bit more control over your comfort.

The all-inclusive package: BBQ lunch, beer/rum/cocktails, and the fine line

This is marketed as all-inclusive, and most of the essentials are included:

• BBQ lunch with a vegetarian option
• Drinks: beer, arranged local rum, and soft drinks/cocktails
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Private transportation
• Access to Gris Gris waterfall
• Pick up and drop off at your location
• Snorkeling equipment available depending on sea conditions

That’s why the price can make sense even if you’re comparing against a “just book the boat” option. You’re not only paying for transport; you’re paying for the full day package: meal + drinks + entries + the coordinating work.

One thing to note: lobster lunch is not included. So if you were hoping for a premium seafood upgrade, you’ll need to plan for that separately (or manage expectations and go for what’s included).

Another practical detail: lunch location might change with weather. On calmer days it can be served on the islet; on others, it might be on the catamaran. That can affect the feel of lunch—more beach picnic vibe vs. boat-meal vibe—but the key point is that the tour handles it.

Also, the experience description mentions music on board. That can sound like a small thing, but on a boat day, it’s often what makes the ride feel like an event rather than just transportation.

When weather changes the plan: speedboat swaps and what that means for you

Here’s the part you should take seriously: the tour explicitly warns that boat sizes can change depending on weather and sea conditions. In other words, the name of the day may not match the exact ride you get.

On rainy or rough sea days, the tour provider’s guidance (shared in customer responses) indicates they may use a bigger boat to move guests to islands where corals and wave conditions make smaller speedboats less safe. That’s reasonable. It’s also not the same thing as getting a smooth speedboat day every time.

In fact, one disappointment described a day where it wasn’t what was booked: the speedboat piece didn’t happen the way expected, and lunch was different than the ideal meal setup. That doesn’t mean the tour is always like that—it means you should expect the possibility of weather-based substitutions.

So how do you protect yourself before booking?

• Pick a day where you’re okay with “plan B.” If you’re traveling in a season known for choppier seas, build in flexibility.
• Keep your expectations realistic: this is a water tour, and the sea decides.

The good side: the tour is built around safety-first operations. And because the tour is an all-inclusive day, even if the boat type changes, you’re still getting the main parts of the experience—transport, meal, drinks, and the route.

Price and value: what $117.11 really buys you

At $117.11 per person, this is priced like a midrange day excursion, not a budget snack-and-sail. The reason it can still feel like good value is the “stack” of inclusions.

For this price, you’re typically covering:

• private pickup and drop-off (not just a shared bus)
• boat day to Ile aux Cerfs
• access to Gris Gris waterfall
• a Trou d’Eau Douce beach stop
• BBQ lunch (vegetarian option included)
• drinks (beer + local rum + cocktails/soft drinks)
• snorkeling equipment if conditions allow
• entrance tickets for the stops listed as free

If you were to price these pieces separately—transport, boat transfers, island access, meals, drinks—you’d likely spend more. What you’re buying is convenience plus a coordinated itinerary with food and drink handled for you.

The not-included part is also clear: lobster lunch is not included. And, just like any shared tour, you’re not paying for extreme exclusivity. Still, with maximum 15 travelers, it’s not a huge crowd.

Duration is listed as 5 to 8 hours including sailing and transportation. That’s a wide range, and it tells you the sea conditions affect the pacing. If you want a fixed “five-hour” day, you might be disappointed. If you want an easy, managed day where the provider handles the moving parts, it’s a strong fit.

Who should book this day trip—and who should skip it

This tour is a great match if you:

• want a single full-day plan that covers Ile aux Cerfs + Gris Gris + a Trou d’Eau Douce beach stop
• like the convenience of private resort pickup
• care about having lunch and drinks included so you don’t do midday money math
• enjoy wildlife moments like monkeys during the waterfall visit
• are okay with snorkeling being “conditional” based on sea conditions

You may want to skip or choose something more flexible if you:

• are very speedboat-specific and want the ride to be exactly that every time
• hate schedule uncertainty caused by water levels and sea safety
• expect a long, slow experience at the waterfall (the visit is short and can shift)

Group size matters too. With a limit of 15 travelers, you’ll usually get a manageable shared experience. It won’t feel like a mass event.

Also, the start time is 7:30 am, so plan for an early wake-up.

Should you book this Mauritius speedboat day to Ile aux Cerfs and Gris Gris?

My call: yes, book it if you want an organized, all-inclusive highlight day and you can tolerate weather-based changes.

Book with confidence if:

• you like the idea of private pickup
• you’re excited for Ile aux Cerfs beach time
• the Gris Gris waterfall is on your must-do list (especially for the monkey factor)
• you enjoy having beer/rum/cocktails included with lunch

Reconsider if:

• you need the “speedboat” promise to be guaranteed in all conditions
• you’re expecting a longer waterfall stop than about 20 minutes
• you’re the type who gets stressed by day-of substitutions when seas are rough

One more practical tip: when tours run via third-party booking platforms, double-check your email and confirmations. There was at least one case where confusion around trip availability led to a partial frustration—while the provider indicated a refund was processed, the lesson is simple: keep your confirmations and messaging clean so you’re not chasing answers on vacation.

If you show up flexible, this kind of day can be a satisfying way to pack in Mauritius without turning your vacation into a logistics project.

FAQ

How long is the trip from pickup to drop-off?

It runs about 5 to 8 hours total, and that includes sailing and transportation.

What time does the tour start?

Start time is listed as 7:30 am.

Are pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. The tour includes private pickup and drop-off at resorts or villas in Mauritius.

What’s included for food and drinks?

BBQ lunch is included (vegetarian option available). Drinks included are beer, arranged local rum, and soft drinks/cocktails.

Do I need to pay for tickets at Ile aux Cerfs and the waterfall?

No additional admission fees are listed for Ile aux Cerfs and Gris Gris (both are shown as free).

Is snorkeling included?

Snorkeling equipment is available, but it depends on sea conditions.

What happens if the sea is dangerous?

The tour notes that weather and sea conditions affect boat size and the timing of visits. The provider indicates that transfers may use a bigger boat on rough days, and the waterfall visit duration can change based on water and sea safety.