A Mauritian speedboat day is hard to top. You get three island scenes—Île aux Cerfs, the lighthouse island, and Île aux Aigrettes—plus snorkeling without dead time between stops.

I also love how smoothly it runs, with a professional, on-time guide and skipper briefings that make each arrival feel organized. One caution: this is not a private boat; it’s shared, usually around a dozen people, so don’t book expecting a crew-and-boat just for your group.

The long stretch at sea is real—about 1h30 each way—so this is a great fit for people who want a full-day hit of Mauritius and can handle the pace.

Key things that make this trip worth it

• Shared speedboat, capped at 15 people, which keeps it social but not chaotic
• BBQ and drinks on Île aux Cerfs on the sand, with lunch included
• Multiple islands in one day: Cerfs, Île aux Fouqets (lighthouse), and Île aux Aigrettes (beach)
• Snorkeling at Eau Bleue in Vieux Grand Port, built into the schedule
• A short shipwreck stop at D’Alblair plus a waterfall break at Grande Riviere Sud Est
• 7:30am start from Trou d’Eau Douce, with travel time included in the ~7 hours

The real draw: a fast route through Mauritius highlights

If your goal is to see Mauritius beyond one beach and one hotel, this speedboat format is a smart move. In a single day, you bounce between island time, a quick lighthouse visit, beach-only scenery at Île aux Aigrettes, and a snorkeling stop that breaks up the long sea stretch.

What I like most is the balance of “wow” and “easy.” You’re not stuck doing one long excursion at a time. You get time to actually be on the sand at Île aux Cerfs, time to walk around the lighthouse island area, and then you get back on the water for the next highlight.

And yes, you’ll have a proper lunch with drinks. That matters, because these sea days can chew up your energy fast.

Timing and getting there from Trou d’Eau Douce

The day starts at 7:30am in Trou d’Eau Douce, and you finish back at the same meeting point. The full duration is about 7 hours, and that includes ~1h30 of boat travel each way—so plan your day around a true morning-to-afternoon schedule.

Because hotel pickup isn’t included, you’ll want to be ready to get to the meeting point on your own. If you’re in the right area, it’s convenient that it’s near public transportation, and a mobile ticket makes entry straightforward once you’re there.

Practical tip: if you’re staying anywhere that requires a transfer before breakfast, give yourself extra margin. Speedboat days run on a strict schedule, and missing the start means missing the boat.

Île aux Cerfs: where the BBQ happens and the day starts to feel like vacation

This is your main island stop: about 1 hour 30 minutes on Île aux Cerfs. You’ll have lunch and drinks served there, and the day’s BBQ experience is tied to this stretch—food in a beach setting is exactly the kind of “Mauritius day” payoff you came for.

Here’s the key value for you: you’re not just photographing scenery from a dock. You’re given enough time to settle in, swim, and eat without rushing every five minutes. That 90-minute window is often the difference between a stop that feels like sightseeing and a stop that feels like you’re actually there.

What to watch for:

• You’ll be at the water earlier than you think, so sunscreen and sun protection matter.
• The trip is shared, so you’ll want to be flexible. If you’re hoping for the most secluded corner of the beach, you may need to arrive early during your shore time.

Île aux Fouqets lighthouse island: short but scenic and guided

Next up is Île aux Fouqets Lighthouse, with about 30 minutes for visiting the island area (often referred to as Île aux Phare). The skippers brief you on the island’s history, which turns a quick stop into something more meaningful than a quick photo moment.

This is a good stop if you like contrast. You’re coming from an active beach-and-lunch atmosphere, then you shift to a coastal viewpoint feel. With only 30 minutes, it’s not a wandering hike. It’s more like: get the story, take in the views, and move on when the group is ready.

If you’re the type who loves photo angles, this is where you can usually get the best “from the island, looking out” shots before the day turns back into sea time.

Île aux Aigrettes: beach-only time and an easy reset

You’ll stop at Île aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve for around 30 minutes, and the time is described as beach only. On a day packed with moving parts, this is a nice reset. It’s not trying to be a long guided walk. It’s simply a chance to relax, enjoy the water, and regroup before the final pushes of the trip.

One small but practical detail: there’s a last drink served during the return stop here. That means you can keep your energy up while you still have a bit of island comfort at the end of the tour.

If you prefer your nature time to be laid-back, this is the stop for you.

Snorkeling at Vieux Grand Port’s Eau Bleue and the D’Alblair shipwreck

This is where the day shifts from beach scenery to underwater fun. You’ll make a stop at Vieux Grand Port for snorkeling at a natural aquarium called eau bleue, with about 40 minutes set aside for the water.

The big advantage of this setup is timing. You’re already on the water, and instead of dragging the day out with long transfers, snorkeling is built into the schedule. You also get the benefit of clear tropical waters—ideal for spotting tropical fish close to where you’re swimming.

You’ll also have a small stop at the shipwreck of D’Alblair. Think of it as a quick visual moment on the route—enough to add variety, without turning the day into an all-day history lesson.

Practical tip: snorkeling stops are the easiest places to overdo it in the sun. Keep an eye on how you feel, take breaks when you need them, and don’t treat this like a swimming endurance test.

Grande Riviere Sud Est waterfall: the quick land break

After the Cerfs stop, you’ll also visit Grande Riviere Sud Est, described as the second longest waterfall in Mauritius. Your time here is short—about 15 minutes—but it gives you a land moment between the water segments.

This is a good match for a speedboat day. A long waterfall hike would throw off the whole schedule. Instead, you get a quick view and a chance to stretch your legs before you’re back on the boat again.

If you love photos, this is likely one of your best chances for classic Mauritius greenery-and-falls shots. If you’re not into waterfall viewing, at least treat it as a rest stop for your body before the return ride.

The sea-day reality: group size, pace, and weather

The trip runs with a maximum of 15 travelers, and it’s a shared boat. That’s usually the sweet spot: you’re not stuck with an enormous crowd, but you’re also not getting a private experience.

This shared nature matters most for your expectations. If your group wants a private pace, private guide attention, or a boat that’s truly yours, this won’t match that. But if you’re happy with a social day where the focus is seeing multiple spots efficiently, it works well.

Weather is another big factor. This kind of speedboat schedule requires good conditions. If weather isn’t right, your day can be changed or canceled, so keep your plans flexible if you’re trying to stack other activities.

Finally, the tour asks for moderate physical fitness. That usually means you don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable with boarding boat steps, moving around during short island stops, and spending a full day on the go.

What you’re paying for: analyzing the $88.81 value

At $88.81 per person, this trip sits in an appealing range for a full-day speedboat experience in Mauritius—especially because multiple costs are wrapped in.

Here’s what you’re getting that usually costs extra when booked separately:

• Full day speedboat tour (including travel time)
• Lunch
• Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks
• Several structured stops that would be hard to stitch together yourself efficiently

You’re not just paying for transportation. You’re paying for an organized route: island time, lighthouse stop, beach reserve stop, a snorkeling slot, and a waterfall view—plus the convenience of having it all timed for you.

What’s not included is important too: hotel pickup and drop-off (available at extra cost). If you’re staying far from Trou d’Eau Douce, that can change the real value. In that case, compare the cost of pickup versus what it would take you to reach the meeting point yourself.

If you can handle the early start and you’re aiming for variety, this price can feel fair. If you want privacy or you hate shared schedules, then no matter the price, it may feel like the wrong fit.

Who this trip suits best

This is a strong choice for:

• People who want multiple islands without renting a car or booking separate tours
• Swimmers who want a snorkeling stop with clear-water conditions
• Travelers who like a structured day but still get real beach time at Île aux Cerfs
• Anyone who values being fed and hydrated during a full day (BBQ, lunch, and drinks are included)

It may be less ideal if:

• You specifically want a private boat or a guaranteed quiet, no-share experience
• You’re trying to pack in too many activities around the tour day (it’s long and starts early)
• You don’t handle boat rides well—speedboats can feel like a lot if you’re sensitive

Should you book this Île aux Cerfs speedboat day?

I’d book it if you’re planning a Mauritius trip and you want one day that delivers variety: Île aux Cerfs beach + BBQ, a lighthouse island visit, beach time at Île aux Aigrettes, plus snorkeling at eau bleue and a quick waterfall viewpoint. The best part is the efficiency. You spend your time where it counts—on islands and in the water—rather than burning hours in transit.

Skip it (or rethink expectations) if “private” is a must for your group. This is a shared experience, and it’s priced and run that way.

If you’re flexible on timing and you’re okay with a full-day pace, this is the kind of tour that helps you feel like Mauritius is more than just one shoreline.

FAQ

What time does the tour start and where does it meet?

The tour starts at 7:30am in Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the speedboat trip?

The duration is about 7 hours, and the schedule includes the boat travel time of around 1 hour 30 minutes each way.

Which islands and stops are included?

You’ll have stops at Île aux Cerfs, Île aux Fouqets (lighthouse island / Île aux Phare), Île aux Aigrettes (beach only), Vieux Grand Port for snorkeling at eau bleue, and Grande Riviere Sud Est. There’s also a small stop at the shipwreck of D’Alblair.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. You’ll snorkel at the natural aquarium called eau bleue during the Vieux Grand Port stop.

What’s included in the price?

Included are the full day speedboat tour, lunch, and alcoholic drinks and soft drinks.

Is hotel pick-up included?

Hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included, but they can be provided at an extra cost.

How big is the group?

The maximum group size is 15 travelers.

What if the weather is bad?

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

How much time do I have to cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Canceling less than 24 hours before the start time isn’t refundable.