Speedboats, sand, and waterfall wildlife in one long day. I love how this small-group outing gets you out on the water early, then hands you beach time on Ile aux Cerfs with chairs and parasols. Add in a private-island 3-course BBQ lunch with unlimited drinks, and you get a full day that feels like a proper treat, not just a quick stop.

One thing I’d plan for: beach seating and language support can be inconsistent. In one experience, sunbeds were treated as extra, and the commentary leaned French with only limited English. If you care about clear English and already know you’ll want a full set of beach loungers, ask ahead so there are no surprises.

Key Things You’ll Like About Ile aux Cerf Speedboat Day

• Hotel pickup and round-trip A/C transport from your place on Paradise Island
• Two speedboat runs with lagoon cruising and an adrenaline-style return
• Ile aux Cerfs beach time with chairs and parasols provided for relaxing
• Private-island 3-course lunch with unlimited drinks (wine, beer, local rum included)
• Grand River South East (GRSE) waterfall spotting with a chance to see monkeys and fruit bats
• Max 12 people, so the day stays more personal than the big-bus versions

Ile aux Cerfs By Speedboat: The Value of a Long, Well-Planned Beach Day

This is the kind of Mauritius day that works because it saves you effort. You’re not trying to coordinate transport, find a boat, and figure out timing. Instead, you get a structured day built around the two best “wow” zones on the east coast: Ile aux Cerfs and the GRSE waterfalls.

You also get pacing that makes sense for a beach trip. There’s real time to swim, snorkel, and just sit with the ocean in front of you. Then the day shifts gears to the rainforest-meets-river feel of the GRSE area before it loops back to another speedboat ride.

If you like water views more than museum stops, this one fits. And if you’re traveling with mixed interests, you’ll appreciate the choice built into the beach hours.

Price and What You Actually Get for About $110

At $110.38 per person, this isn’t a budget throw-in. The good news is that the day includes the big cost drivers you’d otherwise pay for separately: speedboat transfers, an A/C vehicle, and a full lunch.

Here’s what your money covers, in plain terms:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off (across Paradise Island)
• Speedboat transport to Ile aux Cerfs and back
• GRSE waterfall sightseeing by boat along the canal
• A 3-course lunch on a private island
• Unlimited drinks during lunch, including alcoholic options (wine, beer, local rum) and non-alcoholic drinks

Not included is where you still have control. Parasailing and tube riding cost extra, and any extra water sports you want are on you.

Is it good value? For most people, yes—because you’re not paying separately for transfers plus lunch plus the GRSE cruise. The only time it stops being a bargain is if you end up paying extra for beach loungers you assumed were included, or if you strongly require very detailed English throughout the day.

Starting at Trou d’Eau Douce: Where the Day Turns From Hotel to Ocean

Your day begins around 9:00 am with pickup in an A/C vehicle from your accommodation on Paradise Island. The plan is to meet a certified guide/driver, then drive to Trou d’Eau Douce, a fishing village on Mauritius’ east coast.

That first leg matters more than it sounds. East coast routes can eat time if you’re doing it solo, and this tour basically protects you from the “we’re late and we’re stressed” spiral. It also sets you up to start the water time early enough to enjoy the beach hours without rushing.

Once you reach Trou d’Eau Douce, you’re moving toward the speedboat phase. You’re not waiting around for long stretches; the day is built to flow.

The Speedboat Ride to Ile aux Cerfs: Fast, Scenic, and Built for Photos

Then comes the signature part: speedboat cruising from Trou d’Eau Douce to Ile aux Cerfs. The route gives you those classic east-coast lagoon visuals—turquoise water, palm-framed shorelines, and that sense of calm that only shows up when you’re actually on the water.

You’ll also get the chance to cool off fast. Once you arrive, you have time on the beach for swimming, snorkeling, walking the shore, or just relaxing. The tour provides chairs and parasols, which is a big deal in the sun-heavy hours.

One practical note: this is speedboat life. Wear water-ready shoes if you’re the type who hates wet sandals. And plan your phone handling—sand + sea mist can be rude to electronics.

What to expect during the beach hours

You’ll have around five hours at Ile aux Cerfs. That’s long enough to:

• swim and snorkel at a relaxed pace
• find a spot, settle in, and take breaks
• enjoy a slow stroll along the white-sand perimeter

If your idea of “relaxing” includes ordering drinks or snacks on the beach, this is also the kind of place where you can blend in easily. Just keep an eye on what’s included versus what’s sold separately at the beach area. One complaint pointed out sunbeds being charged extra, so if you’re particular, ask what “included seating” means in the exact layout you’ll use.

Private-Island BBQ Lunch on Ile aux Cerfs: Unlimited Drinks Without the Setup Headache

Around noon, the day shifts from beach to dining. You’ll go to a private island for a 3-course lunch served on-site, and the setup is designed for convenience—no searching, no waiting, no trying to guess menu timing.

The lunch is a big part of why this day works for value. You don’t just get one course and a drink. You get a full meal plus unlimited drinks during lunch:

• water and soft drinks
• wine (red, rosé, white)
• beer
• local rum

At the end, there’s also a local dessert.

If you eat with restrictions, this is one of the stronger points. Vegetarian meals are available, and you need to inform the operator in advance so a BBQ veg lunch can be arranged. Halal options are mentioned as available as well—again, the key is to tell them early so the kitchen isn’t guessing.

The part people remember

This kind of lunch tends to become the anchor memory of the trip. It’s timed right when you’re ready for food after beach time, and it’s served in a private setting rather than as a rushed stop.

I like that they include alcohol and non-alcohol options without making it feel like a sales pitch. You just eat.

GRSE Waterfalls by Boat: Sea Meets River (and Wildlife If You’re Lucky)

After lunch, the focus turns to the Grand River South East Waterfalls (GRSE). You’ll cruise along the canal by boat, watching how the river world and the sea world blend.

The timing here is shorter—about 30 minutes for the waterfall sightseeing. But it’s structured so you’re not stuck staring at the same angle for ages. You get views from the water as you approach, which is a totally different perspective than the usual waterfall viewpoint.

One of the most interesting parts is the wildlife possibility. If conditions are right, you may spot monkeys along the river banks. Fruit bats can also be seen perched in higher trees.

That doesn’t mean you’ll guarantee wildlife. It does mean this isn’t just a waterfall photo stop. The scenery includes the “green messy” side of nature where animals are part of the picture.

A note on onboard vibe

At least one day had an issue with music volume and language at the waterfall area. That’s not something you can predict, but it’s worth planning for if you’re sensitive to that kind of atmosphere. If you want a calmer soundscape, bring earplugs and set expectations that speedboat days sometimes run louder than you’d expect.

The Return Speedboat Cruise: Wet, Fast, and Why Spare Clothes Are Smart

Around 15:30, it’s back on the speedboat for the return coastal cruise. The tone here is very “full throttle”: high speeds, sharp twists and turns, and a wet-and-wild ride experience.

The outboard power is described as 150 HP Yamaha or Mercury engines, which is a hint that you’ll feel the speed. If you don’t love getting splashed, this is the moment to prepare—at minimum, expect you might end up wet.

This is also why the tour asks you to bring:

• your own towels
• a spare change of clothes

Do this and you’ll feel much more comfortable when you get back to your hotel. Forget it, and you’re stuck doing the “wet clothes on a car ride” thing, which turns a fun day into a mildly annoying one.

How Small-Group Timing Helps (and Where It Can Still Slip)

The group size is capped at 12 people, which you’ll feel in the flow of the day. Smaller groups tend to mean fewer delays for bathroom stops and faster repositioning when you switch locations.

That said, this is still a shared day with boats, routes, and weather. If there’s a lot of demand or operational issues, timing can be tight. I’ve seen mentions of later start or longer waits on the return boat. It’s not something you can control, but it’s wise to keep your dinner plans flexible.

If you’re the type who hates schedule pressure, treat this as a “time window” day, not a train timetable.

Who This Trip Fits Best in Mauritius

This tour fits you if you want:

• a classic Mauritius east coast day with speedboat + beach time
• a lunch that’s more than a basic sandwich stop
• waterfall sightseeing without hiking or heavy logistics
• a day that stays friendly to mixed travel styles (some people snack, some swim, some relax)

It’s less ideal if:

• you need consistent, fluent English narration throughout the entire day
• you’re very noise-sensitive
• you assume every beach seating option is included without checking details

It also works well for couples and small families who prefer organized time with enough freedom to do your own thing on the beach.

Should You Book This Ile aux Cerf Speedboat Tour?

I’d book it if you’re after a one-day package that hits three big targets: Ile aux Cerfs beach time, GRSE waterfall views from the water, and a private-island lunch with unlimited drinks. The price starts to make sense the moment you realize how much is bundled—transport, boats, sightseeing, and a full meal.

I’d hesitate or ask tougher questions first if English support is non-negotiable for you, or if you’re planning to use specific sunbed setups (since at least one experience reported extras). Also, pack for getting wet on the return cruise, because this ride is intentionally fast and splashy.

If you want a memorable Mauritius day built around sea and sand, this is the kind of excursion that delivers.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 9:00 am.

How long is the experience?

It runs about 7 to 8 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is $110.38 per person.

Do I get hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are offered at hotels or accommodations across Mauritius, and the tour specifically mentions pickup anywhere on Paradise Island.

Is lunch included?

Yes. You get a 3-course lunch on a private island.

Are vegetarian or halal meals available?

Yes. Vegetarian options are available, and you should inform the operator in advance. Halal options are also mentioned as available—again, confirm when booking.

Are unlimited drinks included?

Yes. During lunch you’ll have unlimited drinks, including water, soft drinks, wine, beer, and local rum.

What about snorkeling or other water sports?

Snorkeling is mentioned as part of the experience. Parasailing and tube riding are not included and cost extra.

Is there a group size limit?

Yes. The tour has a maximum of 12 people.

Does weather affect the tour?

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

You Might Also Enjoy

Split: Blue Cave, Vis & Hvar Full-Day Trip by SpeedboatPortimão: Benagil Sea Caves Speedboat Adventure TourAkaroa Shore Excursion: Christchurch City Tour and Jet BoatingExuma Powerboat Tour from Nassau with Swimming Pigs