Mauritius: 5 East Coast Islands Tour with Snorkeling & Lunch

One fast boat, five islands, and real snorkeling. I love the way you get Ile aux Cerfs beach time with swimming and snorkeling, and I love adding the Grande River South East waterfall stop into the same day. The one catch: it’s a speedboat, so the ride can feel bumpy.

This is a full-day route that starts at 9 AM and aims to be action-packed without feeling rushed. You’ll bounce from island to island, pause for photos and sightseeing, and then get your long beach break with lunch and drinks.

Do note the tour runs only in good weather, and it’s not suitable for children under 4 or for pregnant women.

Key Things I’d Note Before You Go

Speedboat energy plus real water time: swimming and snorkeling at multiple spots, not just one quick dip.

Grande River South East waterfall is a true East Coast highlight: longest river in Mauritius meeting the sea.

Ile aux Phares and Ile de la Passe add colonial-and-naval context: the Grand Port battle area is part of the story.

BBQ lunch and drinks land right on the island: you get a proper beach break on the way back to Trou d’Eau Douce.

Bring what you need for comfort: sunscreen, towel, swimwear, and ideally your own snorkeling gear.

Small-group feel is common: I’ve seen days with very few people, which usually makes the timing smoother.

The Big Idea: A 5-Island Speedboat Day on Mauritius East Coast

If you want Mauritius with movement—fast water, short stops, and then long beach breaks—this is the right style of tour. The East Coast islands are scattered, and doing them by car alone would eat half your day. By speedboat, you get more time where it matters: snorkeling sites, swim spots, and beaches.

I also like that the day doesn’t feel like one-note sightseeing. You’ll bounce between island beaches and a landmark inland-meets-coast moment at the Grande River South East waterfall. And the day ends with lunch on the island, not back on land where it’s easy to rush through.

Just remember the trade-off. Speedboats are thrilling, but they also mean spray, wind, and a bumpy ride when conditions aren’t calm.

How the Schedule Actually Feels (9 AM to 4 PM)

The tour runs about 7 hours, generally from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, returning you to the meeting area in Trou d’Eau Douce. Your starting point is the beach opposite Green Island Restaurant, and your guide keeps the day flowing with tight timing between islands.

Pickup is optional. If you choose it, you’ll send your accommodation address (on WhatsApp), and you’ll get a scheduled pickup time that depends on where you’re staying. Drop-off can be at multiple locations across different districts, so your return may vary by where your hotel sits.

For planning, this is a do-it-all day. You’re not going to sleep in, and you won’t have much time for extra stops on your own. If you like to pack your days with one big anchor activity, this works great. If you prefer slow sightseeing, consider pairing the boat trip with calmer evenings instead.

Ile aux Cerfs: Market Time, Snorkeling, and a Proper Beach Break

Ile aux Cerfs is where the day turns into a beach day. You start here with a sightseeing-and-arts-and-crafts market stop (about 45 minutes). It’s not a long market crawl, but it’s enough to pick up small souvenirs and get oriented to the island vibe.

Then you get your swimming and snorkeling time (about 35 minutes). This is one of the tour’s most beloved parts because it combines easy beach access with water you can actually enjoy right away. One practical tip: if you’re serious about snorkeling, don’t leave it to chance—pack or request gear ahead of time. Some equipment can be provided, but bringing your own snorkel setup is the safest bet.

Later in the day, you’ll also have time around Ile aux Cerfs again for the lunch-and-beach phase, where drinks are served. This “second window” matters. It helps you avoid the feeling of snorkeling once and then never really getting your legs back on sand.

Grande River South East Waterfall: The Longest River Meets the Sea

This is your photo stop with momentum. The Grande River South East waterfall visit is timed for about 30 minutes, and the day includes a short boat cruise and scenic viewing along the way.

What makes this worth it is the setting: the longest river in Mauritius flows down and meets the sea here. That gives you both waterfall drama and coastal context in one stop. You’re also in an area where you can look out and understand why the East Coast is different from other parts of the island—more river-and-coast energy than inland peaks.

For timing, don’t expect a long hike or extended viewpoint trail. You’re going for the key moment, quick photos, and back on the boat.

Ile aux Phares and Ile de la Passe: Lighthouse History Plus a Napoleonic-Era Naval Battle

After your first big island blocks, the route shifts toward heritage. Ile aux Phares is an old lighthouse dating back more than 200 years, and it’s recognized as a historical monument. Expect a photo stop plus some sightseeing time (around 25 minutes).

Then you pass by Ile de la Passe. The story connected to both islands is one of the most interesting historical threads on this tour: in 1810, these areas were part of the naval battle of Grand Port between the French and the British. The Grand Port naval victory is also referenced in the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

You don’t get a museum visit. This is more like: a guide points you toward the right spots, shares the context, and helps you connect the dots as you cruise past. If you like your history short and placed directly into the landscape, you’ll probably enjoy this segment.

If you prefer purely beach-and-water days, this part may feel like a pause. But it’s a useful pause—one that changes the day’s rhythm.

Eau Bleu Snorkeling and Ile aux Aigrettes: Where You Get to Chill in Clear Water

Between the sightseeing stops, you’ll get dedicated water time for snorkeling and swimming. The overview includes snorkeling at Eau Bleu, and the itinerary adds swimming at Ile aux Aigrettes for about 45 minutes, with an aperitif as part of the stop.

This is where the tour’s “value” becomes obvious. You’re not just taking a boat ride and hoping you find good conditions. You’re built around several water sessions, so if one moment isn’t perfect, another usually is.

At Ile aux Aigrettes, the best part is the slow-down. You’re in a setting made for floating and relaxing rather than rushing. It’s also one of the stops tied to what people love most about this route—crystal-clear water and a chance to actually enjoy the sea, not only look at it.

One practical note: wind and sun can be intense on a speedboat. Even on a warm day, you can leave with a sunburn on your face and shoulders if you don’t apply sunscreen before you hit the water.

Ile aux Margenie BBQ Lunch and Drinks: Filling, Island-Style, and Time Well Spent

Lunch is served during the island phase, with BBQ lunch and drinks included. The information provided points to lunch on Ile aux Margenie, and the day also includes beer and wine as part of the lunch setup. Either way, you’re getting a proper break on sand instead of a boxed meal.

Food is offered with options: vegetarian and non-vegetarian, and food is halal. That’s good news for flexibility, especially compared to tours that only cater in theory.

That said, one vegetarian lunch experience didn’t land as well as expected—so if you eat a specific way (or you’re a confident picky eater), I’d pack a small snack just in case. You’ll still likely enjoy lunch, but having a backup keeps the day comfortable.

The Speedboat Reality: Fun, Fast, and Sometimes Choppy

This is a key part of choosing this tour. The speedboat ride is the engine behind the whole itinerary. It lets you fit five islands into one day. It also means you should plan for motion and wind.

Expect:

• Fast turns and a bit of spray
• Wind chill if it’s breezy
• Quick transfers between islands, so you’ll be standing, sitting, and moving on and off the boat

If you’re sensitive to motion sickness, consider bringing what you normally use. And if you hate bumpy rides, you might prefer a more stable catamaran-style outing.

Small-group vibes can help. I’ve seen experiences described with very small parties (including one day that felt nearly private), and other days with a couple of extra people. Either way, the boat setup keeps things social without turning it into a huge cattle-herd day.

What to Pack (So You Enjoy Every Stop)

You’ll be on the water for long enough that gear matters. Bring:

• Comfortable shoes (for boarding and walking on uneven surfaces)
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• Snorkeling gear

If you forgot snorkeling gear, don’t panic. Some snorkel-related equipment may be offered, but your best plan is to bring your own so you can get the fit you like quickly.

Also bring a dry way to store your phone/camera. Boat spray is part of the deal.

Value for the Price: Is $85 a Good Deal?

At $85 per person, you’re paying for three main things: boat transport that covers multiple islands in one day, guided stops with interpretation, and lunch with drinks.

For the East Coast of Mauritius, that combination tends to be better value than piecing together multiple half-day activities. The speedboat saves hours of travel time, and lunch reduces the temptation to spend extra money on the spot.

The real value depends on how you like to travel:

• If you want action plus beach time, the price feels fair.
• If you only care about one island, it’s probably more tour than you need.
• If you’re sensitive to rough rides, you’re paying for a specific type of transport, not just a sightseeing program.

Given the included BBQ lunch, snorkeling and swimming time, and the Grande River South East waterfall stop, I think the pricing makes sense for most first-time visitors who want a highlight-packed day.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Should Skip It)

This tour is a great match if you:

• Want snorkeling and swimming with more than one water stop
• Like structured days that still leave room to relax
• Are comfortable with boats and want a speedboat thrill
• Enjoy short history context that’s tied to what you’re seeing

It’s not a great match if you:

• Get sick easily on fast boats
• Want a gentle, slow-paced trip
• Have a child under 4 or are pregnant (the tour data says it’s not suitable)

A Quick Note on Guides and Atmosphere

Guide quality can make or break island days. In the feedback tied to this experience, names like Derek (skipper), Thomas (guide), and Ronny come up with positive notes about friendliness and keeping the day enjoyable. That matters because timing is tight in a day like this. A good guide helps you manage transitions, find the best views, and stay calm when you’re hopping from stop to stop.

Should You Book This East Coast 5-Island Speedboat Tour?

I’d book it if you’re visiting Mauritius and want one day that covers the East Coast highlights without you coordinating ferries and separate tours. The mix of Ile aux Cerfs beach/snorkeling, the Grande River South East waterfall photo stop, and the BBQ lunch with drinks makes it feel like a full, worthwhile day rather than a long ride with short payoff.

I would skip or rethink it if you hate speedboats, deal with motion sickness, or need a quiet, slow pace. And if snorkeling is your top priority, plan to bring your own snorkeling gear so you’re ready at every water stop.

If you’re in good weather, comfortable on a fast boat, and you want a high-impact day, this is the kind of tour that can genuinely anchor your Mauritius trip.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the tour?

Meet your guide on the beach opposite to Green Island Restaurant.

What time does the tour run?

It starts at 9:00 AM and returns around 4:00 PM.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Pickup and drop-off are included only if you select the option with transport. Drop-off locations can vary by district.

What islands and activities are included?

You’ll visit Ile aux Cerfs, Grande River South East waterfall, Ile aux Phares (photo stop), Ile de la Passe (sightseeing/pass by), Ile aux Aigrettes (aperitif and swimming), and a BBQ lunch on the island. Snorkeling and swimming are included.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?

You should bring snorkeling gear, plus a towel and swimwear. Some snorkel-related equipment may be available, but packing your own is the safest move.

What food is included, and are there dietary options?

BBQ lunch and drinks are included. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available, and food is halal.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, camera, sunscreen, and snorkeling gear.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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