Ile aux Cerf: Speed boat with Parasailing & Tube Riding and Lunch

A day at Ile aux Cerfs moves fast. You get speedboat thrills plus real water-time on Mauritius’s east coast.

I really like that the trip bundles multiple activities—undersea walking, parasailing, and tube riding—with a proper lunch and drinks built in. It also feels good to have pickup included and a water bottle waiting for you before you head out.

One thing to keep in mind: it’s a full day (about 7–8 hours), and like any action-packed schedule, the timing can feel tight if weather or sea conditions get a little cranky.

Key Things I’d Circle Before You Go

• Speedboat transfers with high-speed fun and lagoon views on the way to Ile aux Cerfs
• Undersea walking in a coral reef garden where you can feed fish shoals
• Parasailing for a clear view of the marine panorama from above
• Tube riding with fast runs pulled through the water, including big gear-style turns
• Barbecue lunch on Islet Margenie with drinks and a chance to watch sega dance
• Grand River South East Waterfalls plus wildlife spotting (monkeys and fruit bats)

Picking Up the Day: Trou d’Eau Douce by 8:30

Your day starts early, with a start time of 8:30 am. Pickup is included from your accommodation anywhere on Paradise Island, and it may vary a bit depending on where you’re staying. You’ll meet your guide and head to Trou d’Eau Douce, a fishing village on Mauritius’s east coast.

This first stretch is mostly about getting you organized. If you like a smooth start, this part matters. The ride is described as comfortable, with clean vehicles and air conditioning reported as working well. It’s also the moment to confirm your swim plan, towel situation, and what you want to prioritize if the day runs on a tight schedule.

The Speedboat Leg: East Coast Lagoons at Full Speed

Once you reach Trou d’Eau Douce, you board the speedboat for the trip to Ile aux Cerfs. This is one of the main reasons to book. The boat ride is timed as a highlight: you cut across the lagoon with views of turquoise water and scenery along the east coast.

Expect it to feel like a proper speedboat day, not a scenic cruise. You’ll get the fun side of high speed plus the practical side—getting you to the island fast enough to fit the water activities.

You’ll also receive a provided water bottle, which sounds small but helps. On hot days, it keeps your first hours from feeling like a scramble to stay hydrated.

Undersea Walking: Coral Reef Garden, Feet First

On Ile aux Cerfs, one of the most unique activities in the package is undersea walking. The experience is described as walking into the coral reef garden inside the reef, with the lagoon’s clear water giving you a view of aquamarine species in their natural habitat.

From a practical angle, this is a good choice if you want marine life without spending time snorkeling gear or chasing calm water. You’re also guided through a nature-focused session where you can feed fish shoals and learn about the lagoon’s flora and fauna through the clear water around you.

Timing-wise, it’s slotted as a shorter activity (about 30 minutes). That can be a plus: you get the signature experience without losing most of your day to one long session.

Parasailing Over Ile aux Cerfs: Marine Views From Above

Next up is parasailing, scheduled for about 30 minutes. The idea is simple and effective: you view the marine panorama from above the sea, with that eye-catching feeling of being up in the air while you look down at the coastline and water.

For many people, this is the one that changes the whole tone of the day—from hands-on water fun to a big-picture view. If you’re the type who likes photos and wide angles, parasailing is where you’ll probably enjoy the scenery most.

One more reality check: parasailing is weather dependent. If sea or wind conditions make things unsafe, the operator may shift or adjust the experience. Plan to stay flexible and not build the whole day around one single activity.

Tube Riding: Big Turns, Fast Water, Serious Fun

If you want adrenaline, the tube riding portion is built for it. You ride a tube pulled through a speedboat, aiming at fast fun and rougher water moments—so yes, it’s meant to feel like high-speed play.

The description calls out banana-shaped gears and fast runs that include surfing through rough waves. That combination usually means you’ll get the kind of movement that makes you laugh and grab on at the same time. It’s typically slotted as one of the main island water activities, and it pairs well with the earlier undersea walking if you’re trying to cover both calm curiosity and chaos.

Bring a common-sense approach here: secure what you can, wear what you’re willing to get wet, and assume you’ll want a change of clothes after.

Islet Margenie Lunch: Barbecue, Drinks, and Sega

Around noon, you head to Islet Margenie, next to Ile aux Cerfs, for a freshly prepared barbecue lunch. This is not just a quick bite. The menu is described as grilled chicken, fish, salad, and more, and it includes drinks like soft drinks, water, beer, wine, and local rum.

There’s also a chance to watch sega dance, which adds a bit of culture to the day without making you sit through a long show. It’s the kind of simple cultural moment that fits into a busy schedule.

If you’re vegetarian, there’s a vegetarian option available if you tell the operator when booking. That’s important for value. You don’t want to arrive hungry or hope there’s something you can eat.

Also: one good sign from prior experiences is that lunch has been rated as tastier than expected, even compared with food at some resorts. For many people, that’s the moment you decide if the overall day feels worth the price.

Back on Land: Grand River South East Waterfalls and Wildlife

On the way back, you stop for a view of the Grand River South East Waterfalls (G.R.S.E). The longest river of Mauritius ends at a beautiful area accessible by boat. If you’re lucky, this is where you might spot monkeys along the riverbanks.

You can also look for Mauritian fruit bats perched high in the trees as you approach the waterfall. The key here is not expecting a zoo. Instead, treat it like wildlife-spotting on a moving day: watch quietly, be patient, and keep your eyes up.

Then you return by speedboat again, with fast rides and spins noted as part of the fun. This second boat leg can feel like “one last round,” especially after the island activities.

Price and Value: What $152.69 Really Buys You

At $152.69 per person, you’re not paying for a single activity. You’re paying for a full bundle: round-trip speedboat transport to Ile aux Cerfs, a mix of water experiences (undersea walking, parasailing, and tube riding), plus a barbecue lunch and a drink selection that includes local rum.

You’re also getting “soft logistics” included: pickup from Paradise Island, a provided water bottle, and a mobile ticket. For a day like this, the value isn’t only about the price tag—it’s about avoiding the work of booking each separate component and trying to fit timing across different providers.

A small caution: the trip rating is mixed (3.5 overall). That often happens when a day depends on timing between multiple activities. Even with good operators, a full schedule can feel less relaxed than a slower beach day. If you’re the type who hates waiting, keep your expectations realistic and stay flexible.

Timing, Sea Conditions, and Staying Sane

This experience requires good weather. If there’s cyclone or torrential rainfall alert, you should receive a full refund if cancellation is made by the operator. If conditions are poor, you may be offered a different date or a full refund.

Sea conditions matter because speedboat rides and water sports are built around safety and practicality. That’s also why the day can feel unpredictable in timing. One practical approach: pack like you’re going to get wet twice—because you probably will.

Bring your own towels and another spare set of clothes. Even if you think the lunch stop will be your “dry” moment, the rest of the day is water-forward. Spare clothes save the day when you’re tired and ready to sit down for the ride back.

It can also help to carry a bit of cash. One short note from a past traveler was to take cash, which is often useful for small extras when you’re on island or between activities.

Who Should Book This Ile aux Cerfs Speedboat Day

This is a strong fit if you want:

• One-stop planning for multiple island activities
• A day that balances nature (undersea walking, wildlife, waterfalls) with adrenaline (tube riding, parasailing)
• Enough structure to let you enjoy the day without chasing transport

It may be less ideal if you want a calm, lounge-on-the-beach-only itinerary. You’ll have beach time in the mix, but the day is built around moving and doing.

For families: watersport activities are not included for children in this package because it depends on parents, and children are paying only the speedboat seat. If you’re traveling with kids, it’s best to confirm in advance what they’ll be able to participate in and what you’ll handle yourselves.

Should You Book This Tour?

If you want a high-energy Ile aux Cerfs day and you’re happy to trade a slower pace for more activities in one go, I think it’s a solid value. The combination of undersea walking, parasailing, tube riding, lunch, and a waterfall/wildlife stop makes it the kind of trip that feels like you got your money’s worth.

Skip it if your top priority is relaxation, because this is a structured, action-packed schedule where weather can change the flow. Also, if you’re the type who gets stressed when timing gets tight, plan to stay patient and stick close to your guide so you don’t waste time guessing what comes next.

FAQ

FAQ

What time does the Ile aux Cerf speedboat trip start?

It starts at 8:30 am.

Is pickup included, and where does it take place?

Yes, complimentary hotel pickup is offered from accommodations anywhere on Paradise Island. Pick-up time may vary depending on your location.

How long is the full day?

The duration is about 7 to 8 hours.

What activities are included on Ile aux Cerfs?

The package includes undersea walking, parasailing, and tube riding, plus time on the island for relaxation such as swimming and snorkeling.

Is lunch included, and can I get a vegetarian meal?

Yes, lunch is included around noon at Islet Margenie, and a vegetarian option is available if you advise the operator at booking.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring your own towels and another spare set of clothes since you’ll be in the water.

If I travel with children, are watersports included?

Watersport activities are not included for children in this package because it depends on their parents. Children pay only the speedboat seat.

What happens if weather is bad?

If the trip is canceled due to cyclone or torrential rainfall alert, you receive a full refund if cancellation is made by the operator. If canceled due to poor weather, you should be offered a different date or a full refund.