Mauritius: Ile aux Cerfs Boat Tour with BBQ Lunch and Drinks

Speedboat to a white-sand island sounds perfect, and this trip hits the best notes of Mauritius fast: a wind-in-your-hair speedboat ride plus a beach BBQ lunch with drinks. You’ll also get Cascade Diamamouve waterfall scenery and a solid chunk of lagoon time at Ile aux Cerfs. One thing to watch for: the boat and waterfall stop can feel crowded, so build in patience if you want quiet photos and slow moments.

I like how the day is built around three clear beats: scenery, beach lunch, then swimming and downtime. If you choose pickup, you’ll be collected at your hotel reception (or nearby) and dropped back across several districts; if not, you’ll meet at the beach across from Green Island Restaurant. The tour runs with a guide in English and French, and it keeps the group small (up to 14), which helps the whole thing feel less like a cattle-call—though timing can still feel tight.

Key points before you go

• Speedboat run from Trou d’Eau Douce: expect a proper ride out to the islands with ocean views the whole way.
• Cascade Diamamouve waterfall stop: photo-and-sightseeing time, plus a real chance of monkeys along the riverbanks.
• Îlot Margenie BBQ with drinks: you’ll eat on the beach and get drinks like beer, wine, and local rum.
• Ile aux Cerfs lagoon time: white sand, swimming, and a chance to wander a market area.
• Small group size (max 14): helps with pacing, seating, and getting answers from the guide.
• Watersports aren’t included: parasailing and tube riding may be tempting, but plan extra money.

Speedboat from Trou d’Eau Douce: the ride that sets the day

This is a speedboat day that starts on Mauritius’ east coast, departing from Trou d’Eau Douce. You’ll board in the morning with the crew, then head out to the waterfall area first. I like this order because you get the adrenaline and sea air right away, not after you’ve already spent hours on land.

You’re on a vessel that’s built for movement, so you’ll notice the pace. Even if you’re not chasing watersports, the boat ride is part of the experience—wind, salt air, and constant coastal views. The tour duration is listed as 330 minutes (about 5.5 hours), so it’s not a “park your stuff and roam all day” situation. It’s more like a curated hit of highlights, with real time at the islands.

One practical point: the tour includes speedboat as the main transportation, but in the past there have been hiccups around what people expected for transport during the day. My advice is simple: confirm your pickup timing and the exact transport type when you’re on-site, especially if you’re picky about the word speedboat.

Cascade Diamamouve: where the photos (and monkeys) happen

The first major stop is the Grand River South East Waterfall, also known as Cascade Diamamouve. Your time here is about 30 minutes for a photo stop, sightseeing, and scenic views on the way.

What makes this stop worthwhile is how close you can get to the waterfall area for viewing and photos. This is the kind of attraction that changes minute to minute—mist in the air, the sound of water, and greenery that makes the whole east-coast feel more alive. And yes, there’s a stated chance to spot monkeys on the riverbanks. That’s not something you want to treat like a guaranteed checklist, but it’s a strong bonus when it happens.

The catch is timing and crowd flow. The stop is relatively short, and if the group flow is heavy, it can turn into a quick photo-and-move-on rhythm. If your goal is slow and quiet, come with realistic expectations: this is a highlight stop on a guided tour with limited minutes.

Tip that actually helps: wear comfortable shoes. Even if you’re mostly sightseeing, you’ll be on uneven ground around waterfall viewing spots, and your time window is short enough that you don’t want to spend it nursing aching feet.

Îlot Margenie BBQ: lunch on the beach with drinks you don’t have to buy

Next comes the beach break at Îlot Margenie (spelled in the listing as Ile aux Margenie / Ilot Margenie). This is where the tour shifts from land and water views to comfort mode: BBQ lunch on the beach plus drinks.

You’ll have about 1 hour here. And the food-and-drink setup is one of the best parts of the value. The drinks list is generous and specific: soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum. That matters on a vacation day, because “included drinks” can easily be the difference between a fun outing and a stressful tally of extras.

The lunch is also designed for different dietary needs. The tour states food is halal, and vegetarian options are available upon request. If that’s relevant for you, ask in advance or speak to the guide when you get on board—don’t wait until you’re hungry.

One more thing I appreciate: this stop gives you a proper reason to slow down. Even if you’re eager to get to Ile aux Cerfs, this is your chance to eat, hydrate, and reset under shade near the waterline. If you tend to get hangry on tours, this is the part that makes the rest of the day easier.

Ile aux Cerfs: white sand, lagoon swimming, and an optional-activity menu

After lunch, you head to Ile aux Cerfs. As you approach, you’ll see the swaying palm trees and that classic Mauritius look: white sandy beaches framed by turquoise water. Once you arrive, you get about 2.5 hours.

This is the heart of the tour. You’ll have time to:

• relax on the white sandy beaches
• swim in the crystal-clear lagoon
• do some sightseeing, including an arts & crafts market visit (time included within that block)

There are also sea activities there, including parasailing and tube riding, but they’re explicitly not included. I recommend using this time with a “choose one” mindset. If you’re the type who gets overwhelmed by menus of options, decide early: either you spend the time swimming and relaxing, or you add one paid activity and keep the rest calm.

If you want the best beach experience, bring your essentials and set yourself up quickly. You’ll be in and out of the water, so having your towel and swimwear accessible saves time. And because the day is paced around a timetable, you don’t want to waste your best beach minutes digging for sunscreen.

In the past, people have mentioned the day can feel busy in peak moments. That’s not surprising: Ile aux Cerfs is popular, and this itinerary is designed for efficient touring. Still, 2.5 hours is enough to get a swim and enjoy the sand even if the vibe isn’t totally empty.

Group size, pickup timing, and how to keep the day smooth

The tour is a small group with a limit of 14 participants, guided in English and French. That’s an advantage because it makes the experience easier to manage than bigger bus tours. You can ask questions, and the crew can keep track of people more easily.

Pickup is optional. If you select it, your driver meets you at your hotel reception or outside your accommodation. If you don’t, the meeting point is across from Green Island Restaurant on the beach.

Now the honest part: some past experiences have included timing confusion and transfer delays. One account described a mix-up around transport type and a late pickup relative to the scheduled time, followed by a wait on the return transfer. Another mentioned the waterfall viewing felt like a mass stop and the boat had a lot of people.

So here’s my practical advice to protect your day:

• When you get confirmation, double-check your pickup time and what transportation you’ll be using.
• Plan to arrive at the pickup point a little early, even if the schedule says otherwise.
• Bring your patience. This is a shared-day experience, and the day can’t always be perfectly controlled.

Also note: the itinerary includes 10 different drop-off locations, including districts like Moka, Rivière Noire, Flacq, Grand Port, Rivière du Rempart, Plaines Wilhems, Port Louis, Savanne, Pamplemousses, and also Green Island Beach Restaurant. That flexibility is convenient, but it can also mean your ride home depends on where you fall in the drop sequence.

Price and value: what $56 actually buys you on this island day

The price listed is $56 per person. For that money, you’re getting a full organized package:

• speedboat tour
• BBQ lunch on Îlot Margenie
• drinks (including beer, wine, and local rum, not just water)
• hotel pickup and drop-off if you choose that option

Here’s why that can feel like good value. Many island excursions charge you for boat transport and then nickel-and-dime you for lunch and beverages. This one includes lunch and a real drinks selection, which can remove the most common budget surprises.

Time value matters too. You’re not spending half your day commuting blindly. The day is structured around a waterfall photo stop, an on-beach meal, then real beach and swimming time at Ile aux Cerfs. If you want a Mauritius highlight day without building your own transport plan, this format is efficient.

That said, the value depends on your priorities. If you’re extremely sensitive to crowds or you want a long, unhurried beach day, you may feel rushed. If you’d rather get the key sights and actually swim than worry about logistics, you’ll likely feel like you got your money’s worth.

What to bring (so the sea doesn’t ruin your comfort)

This is the kind of tour where packing like a pro pays off. The essentials listed are exactly what you’ll want:

• comfortable shoes
• sunglasses
• hat
• swimwear
• change of clothes
• towel
• camera
• sunscreen
• water

I’d also add one personal rule: keep a “waterproof-ish” pocket for your phone and keys. Even with a towel and planned swimming, you’ll be moving between boat, beach, and lagoon, and it’s easy to get sloppy for one minute and regret it.

If you’re planning any optional paid activities at Ile aux Cerfs (like tube riding or parasailing), have your swim setup ready first. Trying to prepare right when you’re in the middle of your best beach minutes is how you end up missing the thing you wanted.

Who this tour fits best (and who should skip it)

This itinerary is best for people who want a guided taste of Mauritius without spending your vacation day managing transport. You’ll like it if you:

• enjoy boat rides and want to see coastal scenery from the water
• care about a waterfall photo stop plus monkey-spotting chance
• want a beach BBQ lunch with included drinks
• plan to swim in the lagoon and then relax

It’s also a good match for small-group travelers who don’t want a huge group moving at one speed.

Avoid it if you’re pregnant. The tour specifically says it’s not suitable for pregnant women.

If you’re traveling with kids, note that infants aged 1 to 4 are free of charge, which can help make the price feel less painful for families.

Should you book the Ile aux Cerfs boat tour with BBQ?

I’d book this if you want an organized highlights day: speedboat time, a waterfall stop with Cascade Diamamouve, a beachy BBQ lunch at Îlot Margenie, and lagoon swimming at Ile aux Cerfs. The included drinks and halal-meal setup (with vegetarian options on request) push the value in a good direction.

I’d hesitate if your top priority is quiet, uncrowded viewing, or if you’re the kind of traveler who hates schedule uncertainty. There have been reports of tight timing, crowding on busy moments, and occasional confusion around transport timing or details.

If you go, go prepared: confirm your pickup time, bring the swim essentials, and treat the day as a fast-moving but satisfying sampler of east-coast Mauritius. You’ll get your money’s worth most if you’re happy trading a little freedom for convenience.

FAQ

How long is the Mauritius Ile aux Cerfs boat tour?

The duration is listed as 330 minutes (about 5.5 hours).

What’s included in the BBQ lunch?

The tour includes BBQ lunch on Îlot Margenie.

Are drinks included, and what kind?

Yes. Drinks included include soft drinks, juice, water, beer, wine, and local rum.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is across from Green Island Restaurant on the beach.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Pickup and drop-off are included if you select the option. Otherwise, you’ll meet at the beach meeting point.

Are watersports activities included at Ile aux Cerfs?

No. Watersports such as parasailing and tube riding are not included.

Can I request vegetarian or special dietary meals?

Vegetarian options are available upon request, and the food is halal.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women?

No. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women.

What group size and languages are used?

The group is limited to 14 participants, and the live tour guide speaks English and French.