A fast boat and quiet beaches can both happen in one day. This private 5-island ride mixes speedboat thrills with classic Mauritius stops, including a waterfall viewpoint and snorkel time in Blue Bay Marine Park. I like how the schedule is built around moving on the water, then slowing down on sand.

What I really love: you get an all-inclusive open bar plus a beach BBQ lunch, so you’re not hunting for food between islands. And the snorkeling plan is aimed at real wildlife time, with chances to see sea turtles in the water. The main caution is that guide language and “all-inclusive” feel can vary day to day, so you’ll want clear expectations before you go.

Key highlights to know before you book

• Private speedboat for up to 4 people, with a separate entrance to skip lines
• Blue Bay Marine Park snorkeling with chances to see sea turtles and dolphins
• Grand River South East waterfall viewpoint plus a wild monkey feeding stop
• Ile aux Cerfs beach time twice, including a 2-hour unwind session
• Beach BBQ lunch and unlimited drinks (rum, wine, beer, juices, soft drinks, water)
• Live music or a sega-style show on Ile aux Cerfs during the beach break

Speedboat pace along Mauritius’ east coast

This is the kind of day that starts with motion and keeps it. You ride from Trou d’Eau Douce out along the east coast on a private speedboat, with plenty of wave time between islands. It’s a simple formula: boat first, then bite-sized “wow” stops, then a real beach break.

The private setup matters. With a small group (up to 4), the day feels more flexible than big shared trips, and you’re not stuck watching everyone else’s snorkeling rhythm. You also get snorkeling equipment included, so you’re not tracking gear down at the last minute.

The best benefit is also the easiest to underestimate: the tour is designed to get you away from the busiest moments. One thing that repeatedly works in your favor is picking an early departure, because later you can end up with too many boats at the same spots.

Ile aux Cerfs: quick island refresh, then the real beach break

Your day begins with a 45-minute visit to Ile aux Cerfs, with refreshments included. It’s a good primer—just enough time to feel the island mood and reset before the longer hopping portion of the route.

Then you return to Ile aux Cerfs for the big slow-down moment: about 2 hours relaxing on the white sand. This is the time you’ll actually want for swimming, sunbathing, and letting the boat noise fade into the background. During this stretch, the BBQ lunch is prepared on the beach while drinks keep flowing.

There’s also an easy add-on if you want more action than lounging. The day includes time where parasailing and a tube ride can be done on the island, but those are not included in the base price. If you’re traveling with teens or kids who need adrenaline, this is often the moment that makes the whole trip feel like a “big day.”

Waterfall viewpoints and monkey feeding at Grand River South East

Between island stops, you’ll get the land-side highlight: a waterfall view at Grand River South East. You’re not signing up for long hiking. Instead, you’re getting a VIP-style sight from the water route—close enough to feel the change in scenery, without turning the day into a walking tour.

Then comes the stop that creates instant photos: feeding wild Mauritian monkeys. This is also where you should manage expectations. Wild animals don’t work like an attraction. If you’re hoping for a tightly choreographed experience, you might feel it’s less controlled than you wanted.

Practical tip: keep your hands and pockets secure. Monkey feeding can be chaotic in a fun way, but the animals are fast, and they’re used to humans nearby. Also, keep a respectful distance when you can—your day runs smoother when everyone stays calm and safe.

Blue Bay Marine Park snorkeling for sea turtles and tropical fish

This is the heart of the outing: snorkeling in Blue Bay Marine Park. You’re provided snorkeling equipment, and the goal is clear—time with the underwater life rather than a quick “in and out” splash.

Your best odds are during the planned snorkeling session near the island area (the route includes passing Ile aux Aigrettes as well, where refreshments come into play). Some days you’ll see more than others, but the plan explicitly aims for sea turtles, and you might also spot dolphins around the route.

One timing detail matters here: an early start helps. When boats arrive later, the water can get busier. The day feels better when you’re not sharing the same snorkeling window with dozens of groups.

If you’re a beginner, this is still a realistic option. You’ll have gear provided and a guided setup. Just remember you’re swimming in open water conditions, so go at a comfortable pace and don’t rush your breathing.

Open bar and beach BBQ: the value is real, but watch the flow

The “all-inclusive” piece is a major part of what you pay for. The open bar includes rum, wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and water, with snacks also included. Lunch is a beach BBQ with grilled chicken and grilled fish, plus rice, pasta, garlic bread, and salad.

On paper, it sounds like full coverage all day—and sometimes it feels that way. But I’ll be honest: the experience can feel uneven depending on timing and where you are in the route. In some cases, drinks and snacks can be generous at certain stops and more limited between them.

So here’s how you protect value. Drink early during the island break moments, and don’t assume you’ll always have a steady snack supply during every jump between islands. If you care about a certain drink brand or you’re a picky eater, treat this as a standard BBQ and open bar setup, not a gourmet restaurant menu.

Also, one of the real perks: they tend to handle basic dietary needs when they can. In one case, vegetarian children had their preferences considered during the meal. If your group has food requirements, it’s smart to tell the provider in advance so your lunch is smooth.

Private tour logistics: guides, languages, and what to do if expectations differ

This tour runs with a live guide who can speak multiple languages: English, French, German, Italian, and Romanian. You also get a “skip the line” setup through a separate entrance, which helps when you just want to get on the water and start.

Now for the reality check: language quality can vary. On some days, a guide might not match the language you booked, and information can end up being limited unless you ask directly. If you’re counting on detailed explanations at every stop, ask what language the guide will actually speak on your specific date, not just in general.

The good news is that when things click, they click hard. One memorable account includes a very engaging skipper/guide named Anil, and that kind of guiding makes the whole day feel smoother—especially during the waterfall and snorkeling parts. If you’re someone who likes context, that matters.

Timing and the “why” behind the schedule

The day is listed as 9 hours, and the start times vary by availability. In practice, you should think of it as a long day with a strong rhythm: quick island moments, one major snorkel block, then a longer beach period at Ile aux Cerfs.

One reason I like this pacing: it gives you a recovery window after active water time. The 2-hour Ile aux Cerfs beach break is where the day balances out. It’s also where the BBQ happens, plus you may catch live music or a sega show, depending on the day.

If you’re sensitive to ending times, double-check your expected return. On at least one occasion, the trip finished earlier than what the booking page implied. That doesn’t mean it will happen for you—but it is smart to ask how return timing works on the day you go.

What to bring (and how to avoid a rough day)

Bring sunscreen and a camera. You’ll be in strong sun and on moving water, so sunscreen and a waterproof-friendly phone case can save you from regret.

You’ll also want swimwear, even if you think you’ll only do the snorkeling. The itinerary includes time to swim on the island sands, plus open-water snorkeling. Pack a towel or quick-dry layer if you have room, because beach time can turn into “let’s stay in the water longer.”

If you tend to get motion sickness, plan ahead. Speedboats move fast, and wave conditions are part of the East Coast experience. Simple steps—like keeping your gaze on the horizon—can make a big difference.

Who this tour fits best (and who might not love it)

This trip is a great match for:

• Small groups who want privacy and don’t want to share a speedboat with strangers
• People who want both snorkeling and a full beach lunch/drinks plan
• Families who like structured stops but also want downtime on sand
• Travelers who appreciate wildlife moments like sea turtles and dolphin sightings, even if you can’t guarantee them every day

It may be less ideal if:

• You want guaranteed, fluent explanations in one specific language the entire day
• You need a very strict timeline with zero schedule surprises
• You’re very sensitive to “all-inclusive” feeling varying between stops

Should you book 5 Islands Private Speedboat with Snorkeling + Lunch & Drinks?

If your goal is a memorable Mauritius day that mixes boat thrills, wildlife snorkeling, and a real beach BBQ, I think this can be strong value—especially at $498 per group up to 4. The price feels most justified when you’re sharing the cost across a small group and you’ll actually use the open bar and included lunch.

If you’re the type who will be annoyed by minor gaps in drink/snack rhythm or by limited guiding when language doesn’t match, do a quick sanity check before you go. Ask about the guide language for your date, confirm how the drink/snack flow works during the midday stretch, and treat snorkeling and wildlife sightings as “planned chances,” not a guaranteed zoo-style encounter.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the 5 Islands private speedboat tour?

The tour duration is listed as 9 hours, but starting times vary by availability.

Where does the tour start and end?

The journey starts and ends at Trou d’Eau Douce.

What islands are included during the island hopping portion?

The route includes stops at Ile aux Cerfs, Ile aux Phares, Ile de La Passe, Blue Bay Marine Park (snorkeling area), Ile aux Aigrettes, and Îlot Margenie as part of the cruise route.

Is snorkeling included, and what will I see?

Snorkeling equipment is included, and the experience is planned around Blue Bay Marine Park, with chances to see exotic tropical fish, along with dolphins and sea turtles reported as part of the day’s sightings.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch is a beach BBQ with grilled chicken, grilled fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, and salad. You also get unlimited snacks plus an open bar with rum, wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and water.

Does the tour include feeding monkeys?

Yes. You’ll have the chance to feed wild Mauritian monkeys during the day.

Is hotel pick-up and drop-off included?

Optional hotel pick-up and drop-off is available, but it is not included in the base cost.

What should I bring?

Bring a camera and sunscreen.

What is the cancellation policy?

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

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