Speed boat to Ile aux Cerfs: Full day incl Lunch & Transfer

A speedboat day in Mauritius feels simple. Then you factor in the Ile aux Cerfs beach time plus a waterfalls cruise, and the day suddenly has shape.

I especially like how the trip is paced: you get real beach hours after a lagoon run, then lunch and a show, then you head to the Grand River South-East Waterfalls. I also appreciate the value angle—your day includes private hotel transfers, a full meal, and drinks on a private island.

One thing to keep in mind: this experience needs good weather. If conditions are rough, your plans can shift with a different date or a refund, and the speedboat ride may not feel like a calm spa day.

Key things to know before you go

• Hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Mauritius via private air-conditioned transport
• Speedboat from Trou D’eau Douce to Ile aux Cerfs with lagoon cruising through clear east-coast water
• Ile aux Cerfs free time for swimming, strolling, and water activities at your pace
• 3-course BBQ lunch on a private island with unlimited drinks (alcohol and non-alcohol)
• Stop at Grand River South-East Waterfalls by boat canal for scenery and wildlife chances
• A wet, high-speed return ride with sharp turns and spins

From Your Hotel to Trou D’eau Douce: the smooth start

This tour is built around one main comfort: you don’t have to figure out timing or transport. You’ll start with complimentary pick-up from your accommodation anywhere on the island, then you’ll meet your certified guide and get moving in a fully air-conditioned vehicle.

The drive ends at Trou D’eau Douce, a fishing village on Mauritius’s east coast. It’s a good first “shift” in the day. You trade road scenery for the sense that you’re about to do something physical and coastal. Even if you prefer relaxed beach time later, you’ll still feel the momentum right away.

Practical tip: bring your swimwear and towel ready. With a beach-and-boat day, you’ll waste less time changing if you’re already partly set for water.

Ile aux Cerfs by Speedboat: lagoon views and real beach time

Next comes the highlight for many people: boarding the speedboat to Ile aux Cerfs. This isn’t a short hop. The ride is part of the experience, with cruising through the east-coast lagoons where the water is described as crystal clear.

As you approach the island, the visual payoff is immediate: palm trees swaying over white sand, framed by turquoise water. Then the day opens up into what you came for—free time on the beach.

At Ile aux Cerfs, your schedule is intentionally flexible. You can:

• swim in the lagoon
• take a stroll along the sand
• snorkel or try other optional activities if you want them
• relax, tan, and simply do less

This is where the tour earns its “worth it” reputation. Instead of rushing through multiple viewpoints, you get time to actually use the place. If you’re the type who hates clock-watching, this is a good match.

One consideration: you’re on an island with lots of sun exposure, and the day includes several boat segments. Pack a hat and sunglasses so you can stay comfortable during transfers and time on the sand.

The BBQ lunch on a private island, plus drinks and live show

Around midday, you switch from beach mode to lunch mode. You’ll head to a private island where lunch is served, usually around noon.

The meal is a 3-course BBQ, offered in vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. If you eat vegetarian, you should tell the operator in advance so you’re not stuck with a compromise. You’ll also get a local-style dessert to finish.

What makes this lunch feel like more than a fuel stop is the drink setup. Lunch includes unlimited drinks, including both:

• non-alcoholic options like water and soft drinks
• alcoholic options such as wine, beer, and local rum

So you can keep it light or treat this like a full vacation day.

Then comes the social piece: after lunch, you can watch and join a live guitar and Jambé show. It’s one of those add-ons that turns the meal into an event, not just plates on a timetable.

If you’re picky about timing, note that the show happens after lunch—so plan to settle in and enjoy the pace rather than trying to sprint back to the water right after eating.

Grand River South-East Waterfalls: boat-canal views and wildlife odds

After lunch and the show, the next phase is scenic—and a bit nature-forward.

You’ll board again and the skipper cruises toward the Grand River South-East Waterfalls. The tour isn’t just a land viewpoint. You’re taken along a waterfalls’ canal, which matters because it changes the feel. Instead of standing and looking out, you get motion and shifting angles as you travel the river route.

The setting is described as a place where land and sea merge, and you can watch the riverbanks as you approach. Wildlife is part of the draw here. Depending on what’s around at the time, you might spot:

• monkeys moving near trees along the river banks
• fruit bats perched high in the trees as you near the waterfall

You should treat wildlife sightings as a bonus, not a guarantee. Still, the tour’s design puts you in a better position to see it compared with a quick roadside stop.

If you care about photography: bring something with a case or protection from sea spray. Boat rides can be breezy, and you’ll likely want clear shots during the approach.

The wet, wild return ride: full-throttle turns back toward town

At about 15:30, the tour pivots again. You board a speedboat for the return and, according to the plan, it’s not a gentle cruise.

This part is about adrenaline: high speeds, sharp twists, and spins. The power is described as coming from 150 HP Yamaha or Mercury outboard engines, and the ride is designed to feel fast enough that you might get splashed during the run.

Even if you’re not chasing thrills, this segment makes the day feel complete. It’s the “close” after lunch and waterfalls, like the tour wants you to end the day with energy instead of dragging yourself home with only memories.

Practical note: wear something that can handle water. If you bring a camera or phone, use a waterproof cover or pouch. Dry clothes for later are a smart move, especially since you’ll change for travel comfort on the way back.

Price and logistics: what $90 buys in a 7-hour day

At about $90 per person for roughly 7 hours, the real value isn’t just “a boat to an island.” It’s the bundle.

For that price, you’re getting:

• private hotel pickup and drop-off across Mauritius
• guided service
• the speedboat transfer to and from the main island activity area
• lunch with unlimited drinks on a private island
• the Grand River South-East Waterfalls stop by boat
• an included speedboat ride experience, including the fast ride back

When you compare this to piecing things together yourself—transport, lunch, and two separate boat segments—this pricing starts to make sense. You’re paying for time saved and for the “everything moves as one” structure.

Where the value can vary is in what you personally want. If you’re only after quiet beach time and you hate anything that feels boat-heavy, the speedboat focus might not be your favorite. But if you want sea views, a meal that feels like part of the day, and a waterfalls stop that’s not just a quick look, it’s a solid deal.

Who this Ile aux Cerfs speedboat tour suits best

This tour fits best if you want a day that feels like three things in one:

1) a beach island break

2) a proper lunch with drinks and entertainment

3) a waterfalls experience by water

You’ll probably love it if you:

• want hotel-to-island ease
• enjoy lagoon cruising and open water views
• eat well while traveling, not just snacks
• like having a set plan but still want free time at the beach

It’s less ideal if you’re hoping for a long guided snorkeling session or a very slow, minimal-boat itinerary. The plan’s water activities are mostly framed as optional, and the structured stops are beach time, lunch, and waterfalls by cruise.

Small caution points to plan around

A couple of “smart traveler” notes can help you have a smoother day.

Weather matters. The experience requires good weather, and if conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a refund. If you’re traveling in a season with frequent rough conditions, build flexibility into your schedule.

Timing on island-wide transfers can vary. Your pickup and drop-off cover accommodations across Mauritius, and those routes can affect the minute-by-minute feel of the day. If your hotel is far from the pickup hub, expect that the drive and handoffs could take longer than you imagine.

Bring water-ready clothing. You’ll likely get splashed on the return ride. Change of clothes isn’t optional if you want to feel comfortable right after.

Should you book this tour to Ile aux Cerfs?

Book it if you want a full, organized day that delivers beach time, lunch as an experience, and a Grand River South-East Waterfalls stop without you handling logistics.

Skip it if you only want one simple activity—like a quiet beach day—or if you get uncomfortable with fast boat rides and changing conditions at sea.

If you do book, pack for sun and splash, tell the team if you need the vegetarian option, and plan to enjoy the rhythm: boat to beach, lunch and show, waterfall cruise, then the high-speed ride back.

FAQ

How long is the speedboat trip to Ile aux Cerfs?

The duration is listed as 7 hours for the full day experience.

Where are the pick-up and drop-off points?

You get private pick-up and drop-off to any accommodation in Mauritius. You’ll need to specify your pick-up location or hotel name when booking.

What’s included in the lunch?

Lunch is a 3-course BBQ with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals available. A local dessert is included.

Are drinks included, and do they include alcohol?

Yes. Lunch on the private island includes unlimited drinks, including water, soft drinks, wine (red, rosé, white), beer, and local rum, plus non-alcohol options.

Is there a show included with lunch?

Yes. After lunch, you can enjoy a live guitar and Jambé show.

Do I get time to swim or do water activities?

You’ll have free time at Ile aux Cerfs to swim, stroll, snorkel, or relax. Other water sport activities are mentioned as optional.

Does the tour include the Grand River South-East Waterfalls?

Yes. The itinerary includes GRSE Waterfall sightseeing by speedboat cruise through the canal area.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, change of clothes, and a towel.