Early morning, big island energy. This Mauritius speedboat day strings together three island stops plus snorkeling and a couple of scenic breaks along the way, so you feel like you saw a lot without spending the whole day on a bus. I especially liked the Ile aux Cerfs sand BBQ with drinks and the chance to snorkel in clear water at the eau bleue spot.

One thing to keep in mind: this is not a private outing. The boat is limited to a small group (up to 15), and it can be close to a dozen people, so you should expect shared space rather than a reserved boat.

You’ll start at 7:30 am from Trou d’Eau Douce, and the full day runs about 7 hours, with roughly 1 hour 30 minutes on the water each way (built into that total). The pacing is active and outdoors-first, so pack for sun and water time, and make sure your travel plans can handle an early start.

Key Points That Make This Speedboat Day Work

• Three islands in one shot: Ile Aux Cerfs, Ile aux Fouqets Lighthouse, and Ile aux Aigrettes (beach time).
• Snorkeling stop built in at Vieux Grand Port, with time at the eau bleue area.
• Food and drinks are part of the value: lunch plus alcoholic and soft drinks included.
• Sand BBQ at Ile aux Cerfs: the highlight if you want a fun, relaxed beach meal.
• Small-group feel, not private: maximum 15 travelers, often around a dozen.
• Lighthouse history briefing during the short stop at Ile aux Fouqets (Ile aux Phare).

The Big Idea: Why This Route Is So Popular in Mauritius

Mauritius is packed with coastlines, lagoons, and islands, but it’s also a place where travel time can quietly eat your day. This trip beats that problem by focusing on a tight route: you go by speedboat and cover multiple island experiences in one morning-to-afternoon window.

You’ll get a classic island mix: a lively beach base at Ile Aux Cerfs, a quick cultural/photography moment at the lighthouse island, then a calmer nature reserve beach stop at Ile aux Aigrettes. On top of that, you’re not just standing around—there’s snorkeling time and a brief look at the shipwreck of D’alblair, plus a real waterfall stop later.

That balance matters. It keeps the day from feeling like “just a beach tour,” while still staying fun and not turning into a nonstop bus itinerary.

Getting Started at 7:30 am in Trou d’Eau Douce

Your day begins at Trou d’Eau Douce, starting at 7:30 am, and the tour returns to the same meeting point. There’s no hotel pickup included in the standard setup, but the experience can be arranged with pickup for an extra cost (so it’s worth asking when you book).

This early start is one of the reasons people like this tour. You’re already moving while other plans are still waking up. It also helps with boat conditions, since the day often gets hotter and choppier later.

You’ll carry a mobile ticket, and the meeting area is near public transportation, which is useful if you’re not staying right next to the port.

One practical caution: since the boat ride time is long in total (about 1 hour 30 minutes each way), bring a light layer and plan for salt spray. If you’re sensitive to motion, treat this as a serious boat day, not a calm cruise.

Ile Aux Cerfs: Sand BBQ, Drinks, and Your Best Chunk of Beach Time

Ile Aux Cerfs is where the day turns from sightseeing into vacation mode. You’ll be dropped off there for about 1 hour 30 minutes, which is enough time to enjoy the beach, grab lunch, and still feel like you did something instead of just passing through.

This is also the stop where the trip’s biggest comfort payoff shows up: lunch and drinks are served, and the plan includes a BBQ and drinks in the sand. That matters because you don’t have to hunt for food or waste island time making reservations.

What I like about this timing is that you’re not trapped in a rigid schedule for the whole visit. You get a solid chunk of beach time, then the boat gathers you again and you move on.

Possible drawback: with only 1.5 hours, you’ll want to be ready early for your swim/snorkel moments and not spend the first 30 minutes figuring out where you are. If you’re the type who likes to linger, plan to focus on one or two things—like soaking up the water and eating well—rather than trying to do everything at once.

Snorkeling at Vieux Grand Port and the eau bleue Moment

Between the islands, the tour includes a snorkeling stop at Vieux Grand Port, described as a natural aquarium area called eau bleue. You’ll have about 40 minutes there, which is a realistic window: long enough to find a good spot, short enough to keep the day moving.

This is the part of the experience that rewards you if you like water time beyond just beach lounging. The water is clear enough to see tropical fish, and the whole stop has that “out on the water, not just on land” feeling.

Practical thought: snorkeling sessions work best when you’re relaxed. If you’re new to it, you might feel rushed by boat timing, so take a careful pace and don’t burn all your energy at the surface. If you already snorkel comfortably, this window is a good add-on without turning into a long, tiring swim.

Ile aux Fouqets Lighthouse: History Briefing and Quick Island Views

Next up is the lighthouse island stop: Ile aux Fouqets (also known as Ile aux Phare). You’ll have about 30 minutes, and skippers give a briefing on the island’s history before you head into the visit.

This is one of those stops that people either love for the story angle or treat as a scenic photo break. Either way, it fits the day well because it’s short. You’re not sacrificing the main beach moments, and you’re getting variety—lighthouse views instead of only lagoon and sand.

Possible consideration: 30 minutes goes fast if you want lots of photos or if you’re moving slowly. If your priority is snapping shots and soaking in the view, arrive ready to move.

Shipwreck of D’alblair: A Short Scenery Bonus

The tour also includes a small stop at the shipwreck of D’alblair. It’s not a long detour, but it adds a layer of interest beyond the usual island-hopping route.

The value of a quick shipwreck sighting is that it changes the mood. One minute you’re thinking swim and BBQ; the next you’re looking at maritime history in the water. It’s the kind of detail that makes your memories feel more specific than just another beach day.

Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve: Beach-Only Time on the Return

On the return leg, you’ll stop at Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve for about 30 minutes of beach time. The description is straightforward: you’re there for the beach, and there’s also a last drink during that stop.

This part of the day is a nice reset. It’s less about structured activities and more about enjoying the coastline during a final island moment before you head back to Trou d’Eau Douce.

Practical drawback: since it’s brief, you’ll want to be realistic about what you can do. Think “stretch, breathe, take a few photos, drink, and go,” not “explore every corner.”

Grande Riviere Sud Est Waterfall Stop: Quick, Scenic, and Time-Managed

After the main beach stop, you’ll head to Grande Riviere Sud Est, described as the second longest waterfall in Mauritius. You’ll spend about 15 minutes, and the ride connects via the Grand River route to reach the waterfall.

This is one of those “small time, big payoff” moments. Even if you only get a short look, you’ll feel like the day included more than just coastlines. Waterfalls also offer shade breaks if the sun is beating down.

Possible consideration: 15 minutes isn’t for long hikes or deep exploration. If you’re trying to do waterfall photos and stretch your legs, you’ll need to stay efficient and not get stuck waiting.

Price and Value: What $88.81 Buys You (and What It Doesn’t)

At about $88.81 per person, this tour is priced for a full day of speedboat travel plus island time, snorkeling, and meals. What makes it feel like good value is the package nature: lunch and drinks are included, and the main costs you’d otherwise pay—boat transport, island entry where applicable, and a guided route—are wrapped into the day.

Also, the group size cap (maximum 15) suggests a smaller-tour feel compared to bigger mass excursions. You still need to treat it as shared rather than private, but it’s not a huge crowd experience.

What’s not included: hotel pickup and drop-off are extra. If you’re staying away from Trou d’Eau Douce, that could change the true cost, so factor transportation into your budget.

My honest take: if you want an active day with a BBQ, snorkeling, and island variety without planning every detail yourself, this price starts to make sense fast. If your priority is a totally private boat or lots of time on each stop, you may find the shared setup and short timings to be the limiting factor.

Who Should Book This Ile Aux Cerfs Speedboat BBQ Trip

This trip is a great fit if you:

• Want an efficient way to see multiple Mauritius islands in one day.
• Enjoy snorkeling and beach time more than long land excursions.
• Like the idea of a sand BBQ lunch and included drinks, with a guide-style skipper briefing.
• Prefer a small group (up to 15) over large tour buses.

It’s less ideal if you:

• Expect a private charter experience.
• Need long, unhurried time at a single destination.
• Are very motion-sensitive and don’t handle boats well.

One more tip: since weather matters for speedboat comfort and safety, don’t schedule anything tight right after the tour. Give yourself breathing room in the afternoon.

Should You Book This Tour?

Yes, I think you should book it—if your goal is a fun, high-energy island day that mixes beach relaxation, a BBQ, and snorkeling without requiring tons of planning.

Before you commit, confirm two things in your mind: this is a shared small group (not private), and the stops are timed, not slow-travel style. If those match your expectations, you’ll likely have one of those Mauritius days that feels like you did a lot, ate well, and still had time to enjoy the water.

Also, if you care about organization, this tour is run in a way that tends to feel professional and on-time—exactly what you want when you’re depending on boat timing.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Mauritius Ile Aux Cerfs 3 islands speed boat trip?

The tour lasts about 7 hours (approx.), and the boat travel time of around 1 hour 30 minutes each way is included in that duration.

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

The start time is 7:30 am, and the meeting point is Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius.

What is the itinerary like in terms of stops?

You visit Ile Aux Cerfs, Ile aux Fouqets Lighthouse (Ile aux Phare), Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve (beach only), and a snorkeling stop at Vieux Grand Port (eau bleue), with a waterfall stop at Grande Riviere Sud Est, plus a small stop at the shipwreck of D’alblair.

How long do you spend at Ile Aux Cerfs?

You spend around 1 hour 30 minutes on Ile Aux Cerfs, including lunch and drinks.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. There is snorkeling at the Vieux Grand Port natural aquarium area called eau bleue.

Are meals and drinks included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with alcoholic drinks and soft drinks.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, though they can be provided at extra cost.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

What happens if poor weather cancels the experience?

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

How can I cancel and get a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.