That first speedboat ride is pure momentum. I love the fast transfer to Ile aux Cerfs and the chance to do parasailing above the lagoon. My one caution: the day can feel rushed and some parts depend on timing and conditions, so if you hate waiting around, plan your expectations.

The tour is built as a small group (up to 12), with hotel pickup around Trou d’Eau Douce and a certified guide steering the schedule. I also like that lunch isn’t a sad sandwich situation—there’s a proper 3-course BBQ at Islet Margenie, with drinks included for at least part of the outing. Still, organization and on-time flow can be uneven, so bring patience and keep your towel and spare clothes ready.

For the price, you’re paying for transportation, the island experience, and the extra activity time—not just beach access. With a 7 to 8 hour day starting at 8:30 am, it’s a great value if you want action plus scenery, but it’s less ideal if you want a slow, lazy island day with lots of flexibility.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Speedboat ride through the east-coast lagoons: scenic, high-energy, and the quickest way to feel like you’re arriving fast
• Parasailing over the turquoise water: short but memorable, with a real bird’s-eye view moment
• Islet Margenie BBQ lunch: grilled chicken, fish, salad, and drinks tied to the meal window (timing matters)
• GRSE Waterfalls on the return: river views plus chances to spot monkeys and fruit bats
• Maximum 12 travelers: smaller group pacing and more guide attention than big coach tours

Trou d’Eau Douce start: pickup and the speedboat jump-off

Your day begins at 8:30 am with pickup offered from your accommodation anywhere on Mauritius (you’ll meet your certified guide and the group, then head to Trou d’Eau Douce village). This part matters because the speedboat transfer is the core of the whole experience. If you’re delayed getting to the pickup point, the rest of the day compresses fast.

Trou d’Eau Douce itself is a working fishing village on the east coast, which helps the mood. You’re not starting from a glossy resort dock. You’re starting from the “real” side of the island, with ocean air in the mix.

One practical note: you’ll want to treat the morning like an arrival sprint. The itinerary is timed for boat travel, island activities, and later return, so you shouldn’t expect long delays to stretch the day in your favor.

Ile aux Cerfs beach time: white sand with a tourist-friendly setup

After you reach the dock area, you board a speedboat for the ride to Ile aux Cerfs. The point isn’t just getting there—it’s the scenery during the trip. You’ll see crystal-clear lagoons and turquoise water along Mauritius’ east coast, with palm-lined views as the island comes into sight.

Once you arrive, expect a classic Ile aux Cerfs experience: white sandy beaches, swimming time, and a chance to relax. This is the part where you can actually breathe. Put on sunscreen early, because the sun on open water and on the beach adds up quickly.

That said, Ile aux Cerfs is popular. It’s beautiful, but it’s still a lively place built for visitors. If you’re looking for a total escape into quiet nature, this stop may feel busy. If you want postcard beaches plus activities, it hits the mark.

The tour includes about 4 hours on the island, which is enough to swim and enjoy the beach. It’s also enough time to fit in parasailing without turning the day into a full write-off.

Parasailing over the lagoon: quick flight, big view, know the timing

Parasailing is the adrenaline centerpiece. The basic idea is straightforward: you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the lagoon and beaches, suspended over the water while the coastline stretches out below you.

Here’s what to expect in plain language:

• The experience can feel intense in the moment, because you’re clearly above the water and moving with the wind.
• In terms of time, the flight can be short. One note from a past traveler pointed out that the flight lasted around 3 minutes. You should treat it as a fast highlight, not a long scenic hang.

Also, there’s an important family detail: parasailing activity is not included for children in this package as it depends on parents. Children pay only the speedboat seat. If you’re traveling with kids, confirm what’s included for your exact group before you go, so you don’t end up paying last-minute differences for the activity.

One more caution from experience reports: water landing conditions can vary. On one case, a family reported their parachute descent didn’t go exactly as expected, and they ended up in the sea instead of on a platform. That’s not something you can fully predict, but it’s a reminder to keep expectations realistic for any water sport.

If you do parasail, wear what you can safely get wet in, and keep your phone secure—saltwater and sand are not your friends.

Islet Margenie BBQ lunch: more than food, with drinks timing

Around noon, you head to Islet Margenie for lunch. This is where the day stops being only about movement and turns into a proper break.

The lunch is described as a freshly prepared BBQ with a 3-course menu: grilled chicken, fish, salad, and more. Drinks are included too—listed as soft drinks, water, beer, wine, and local rum.

Now here’s the practical part: one traveler noted that drinks being included may be limited to a window near the end of the excursion (they cited 2 pm to 3 pm, about one hour). That doesn’t mean drinks never show up earlier, but it does mean you shouldn’t assume unlimited free drinks all day from the start.

So I’d do this:

• Eat lunch like it’s your main meal of the day.
• Bring a bit of cash or plan for paid drinks before the included window, just in case your timing lines up with that shorter inclusion period.

Also, lunch here isn’t only about sitting. You may be treated to live dance performances during the meal. Even if you don’t understand the choreography, it adds energy and makes lunch feel like an event instead of a pit stop.

One good value point: lunch is included for everyone on the tour as part of the schedule, and it’s substantial enough to keep your energy stable for the waterfall portion later.

GRSE Waterfalls on the return: river views and wildlife chances

After lunch, the tour continues back toward the mainland, with a stop to see the Grand River South East Waterfalls (GRSE). This part is usually the “nature payoff” of the day—the scenery changes from beach to river and rainforest edge vibes.

What you’ll appreciate here is the setting and the wildlife potential. The GRSE waterfall area is connected to the river’s longer run, and it’s accessible by boat. You might spot monkeys along the river banks, and fruit bats can also be seen perched in higher trees as you approach the waterfall area.

If you’ve only seen Mauritius from beaches and roads, this adds texture. The coast is bright and open; the GRSE stop is about water sounds, greenery, and a slower pace than the boats.

In terms of timing, plan for the waterfall viewing to be part of a return flow, not a standalone long hike. You’ll also continue back with the speedboat ride, which can include high speeds and sharp turns. If you’re prone to motion sickness, take that seriously—this tour is heavy on boat time.

Price and logistics: what $138.60 is buying you

At $138.60 per person, you’re paying for a full-day package with:

• hotel pickup
• speedboat transfers (both ways)
• beach time on Ile aux Cerfs
• parasailing
• BBQ lunch with drinks
• GRSE waterfall viewing

Is that fair? In Mauritius terms, it’s a reasonable price if you want the combo. A speedboat day alone can cost real money, and adding parasailing and a lunch stop typically pushes you into a higher budget category.

Where the “value” can wobble is schedule reliability. One disappointment report pointed to long waiting for the speedboat and confusion after arriving on Ile aux Cerfs when parasailing was expected. Another pointed out the parasailing flight can be very short.

So, think of this tour as a good deal when:

• you like an active day
• you’re flexible with timing
• you don’t need every moment to be perfectly choreographed
• you’re ready to enjoy the beach even if one activity feels brief

It’s also worth booking soon. The tour is often booked around 5 days in advance, so if you know your travel dates, lock it in rather than gambling on last-minute availability.

Group size and guide attention: the advantage of staying under 12

A tour capped at 12 travelers changes the feel. You’re less likely to be herded like cattle, and your guide can spend a bit more time keeping people together.

I also like that the guide can bring local context beyond just logistics. One account mentioned a guide who was an archaeologist, sharing history and adding meaning to island stops. Even when you’re not a history nerd, that kind of storytelling makes the day feel less like a checklist.

That said, small-group doesn’t automatically mean smooth. If there’s a delay at the dock, it affects everyone. Just know that speedboat schedules are a big factor here.

What to pack (and what can ruin your day)

This is a practical day. Here’s what I’d take so you enjoy it instead of fussing:

• Towels (bring your own)
• Spare clothes (you’ll be on boats and around water)
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Water shoes if you don’t love stepping on shells or rocks
• A waterproof phone pouch or dry bag for parasailing and beach time

Also, eat something light before you start if you’re the kind of person who gets shaky without food. Parasailing plus lunch later can feel like a long wait for some people.

If you have food allergies or illness concerns, the operator asks you to advise ahead of time. Vegetarian options are available too, but you need to request them during booking.

Who should book this Ile aux Cerf speedboat + parasailing day

This tour is a strong match if you want:

• Ile aux Cerfs beach time with minimal travel hassle
• one main adrenaline activity (parasailing)
• a full-day structure that includes both coastline and waterfalls
• a small-group day rather than a huge bus tour

You might skip it if you:

• want a slow, private, quiet island day
• are extremely sensitive to motion sickness (boats return at speed)
• get stressed when plans shift or timing stretches

Should you book? My straight call

If your goal is a classic Mauritius day—fast transfer to Ile aux Cerfs, beach time, parasailing as a highlight, BBQ lunch at Islet Margenie, and a GRSE waterfall stop—I think this is a good booking choice. The small-group size and included lunch make it more satisfying than DIYing all the pieces.

But book with your eyes open. Parasailing can be brief, and the schedule can be tight enough that you’ll want a calm, flexible mindset. If you’re the type who needs everything perfectly timed, look for alternatives with more breathing room.

If you do go, pack smart, bring patience, and treat the speedboat rides as part of the fun. That momentum is half the point of the day.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour start time is 8:30 am, with pickup arranged from your accommodation.

Where is the tour located?

The tour runs from Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius, with a speedboat transfer to Ile aux Cerfs and a later stop for GRSE Waterfalls.

Is parasailing included for everyone?

Parasailing is part of the package, but it is not included for children, since it depends on their parents. Children pay only for the speedboat seat.

What’s included in lunch?

Lunch at Islet Margenie is described as a BBQ with a menu that includes grilled chicken, fish, salad, and other items, plus drinks such as soft drinks, water, beer, wine, and local rum.

Do you offer vegetarian meals?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available, and you need to advise when booking.

What should I bring?

Bring your own towels and another spare set of clothes since you’ll be around water and on boats.

What happens if weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to cyclone or torrential rainfall concerns or poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.