Fast boats, big views, real island time. I love the mangrove waterways cruising and the clear-water snorkeling stop next to Île aux Aigrettes. And I really rate the BBQ beach lunch—grilled seafood and chicken, salads, and flambéed bananas on the sand. One possible snag: start time can feel disorganized, with some groups reporting a long wait before staff checked in and directed them.

With a 4.8 rating from 41 reviews, this is a popular 7-hour way to see Mauritius’ east coast without spending your whole day driving. I also like that the tour runs with a live guide in English and French, and the pace is built around real photo stops and water time, not just sitting on the boat for hours.

Key things I’d pay attention to

• Mangrove cruise with an ecosystem briefing before you head for the big sights
• Grand River South East Waterfall as a rare boat-accessible waterfall moment
• Dolphin and monkey sightings are possible but never guaranteed
• A protected-nature-stop feel at Île aux Aigrettes even if you don’t land there
• BBQ lunch on the beach with hot food plus snacks and drinks
• Île aux Cerfs time for swimming and a self-paced island walk

How the speedboat day is paced (and why it works)

This tour is designed like a moving day of scenes. You’ll spend your hours hopping between short viewpoints, a waterfall, nature reserves, and swim/snorkel moments—then you’ll end on the classic beach at Île aux Cerfs.

The speedboat part matters. Mauritius’ east coast looks best when you’re moving across it, with the wind in your face and that quick change from calm lagoons to greener inlets. The mangrove section is especially worth it because you get a guided explanation of why mangroves matter (coastal protection and nursery habitat), not just “here’s a pretty view.”

The day’s length is 7 hours, but it doesn’t feel like a nonstop grind. It feels like a busy sampler platter—with enough time for photos, a proper lunch, and at least one solid swim/snorkel window.

Getting set at Trou d’Eau Douce and onboard safety that’s actually useful

You meet at Trou d’Eau Douce Beach, in the same general area as the start point at Le Four a Chaux Restaurant. Once you’re aboard, the captain gives a briefing followed by a safety orientation.

This is one of those details that makes the day go smoother. They explain life jacket use and onboard safety measures, then walk you through what to expect next. If you’ve ever done a boat tour where people seemed unsure about where to sit or what the rules were, you’ll appreciate the clarity here.

Bring practical basics that match the day: sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, camera, sunscreen, and whatever you prefer for snorkeling. Even if you don’t plan to snorkel “seriously,” you’ll still likely want to jump in when the water looks that clear.

Mangroves to Grand River South East Waterfall: the day’s first real wow

After the welcome and safety briefing, the boat heads across the turquoise lagoon toward the calmer waterways lined with mangroves. This is where you’ll see the coast in a different mood—green, quiet, and sheltered compared with open sea.

Then comes the Grand River South East Waterfall stop. It’s one of the few waterfalls in Mauritius that you can access by boat, which is what turns this from a “nice photo” into a genuine change of scenery. You’ll see fresh water cascading over basalt rocks into the sea. It’s a strong visual contrast: rainforest-feeling water meets ocean.

Keep an eye out along the river path for monkeys climbing and playing among the trees. And if you’re lucky, you may also see dolphins out at sea as the route shifts—one of those moments that can’t be forced, but can absolutely happen on the day.

Island 1: Île aux Phare and its lighthouse on volcanic rocks

Your first major island stop is Île aux Phare, one of the older islets around Mauritius. The headline here is the 19th-century lighthouse perched on volcanic rocks, with the ocean crashing below.

What you’re really doing on this stop is stacking up easy, high-impact photos: lighthouse + waves + open sea views. It’s also a good mental reset after the waterfall—different scenery, different soundscape, and a view that helps you understand the geography you’ve been cruising through.

This isn’t a long “tour bus on an island” moment. It’s more like: get your bearings, take your pictures, enjoy the view, then move on.

The dolphin watching “secret stop” and how to think about it

There’s a short stop built around dolphin watching. I like this style of planning because it sets your expectations correctly: sightings are possible, not guaranteed.

When dolphins do show up, it tends to be quick and playful—leaping playfully through the waves on the approach. When they don’t, you’re still moving through the sea lanes where the scenery is good, so you don’t lose the entire day to “waiting for wildlife.”

Same idea applies to monkeys: sightings can happen, but the tour doesn’t promise them.

Île de la Passe: naval history vibes without needing a museum ticket

Next you’ll pass Île de la Passe, a small island tied to Mauritius’ maritime story. You’ll see remnants of forts linked to colonial naval battles, and your guide shares the background as you cruise past.

This stop works best if you enjoy learning while moving—because you’re not doing a long land walk here. You’re getting a guided “story layer” added onto the scenery. And if history isn’t your thing, it still gives you a break from straight beach-and-snorkel time.

Île aux Flamant (Ilot Flamants): a quiet pass-by with a specific reason to care

You’ll also pass Île aux Flamant. The island is shallow and calm, and it has a reputation connected to flamingos—though flamingos rarely visit now.

Think of this as a breather stop: the boat slows in a way that lets you look around, but you’re not dealing with a big activity. It’s part of the overall pacing that keeps the day from feeling like nonstop “go-go-go.”

Snorkeling stop near Île aux Aigrettes: what you’ll actually do

One of the best values in this tour is the snorkeling element next to Île aux Aigrettes. The water around protected reserves often gives you the clearest chance of seeing fish and coral structure.

The tour includes snorkeling, and the snorkeling equipment is available on demand. That means it’s worth bringing what you’re comfortable with if you have your own mask/snorkel—otherwise, ask what’s provided when you’re there.

Important detail: you won’t necessarily get to disembark at every protected spot. In the case of Île aux Aigrettes, you’ll typically get to enjoy the nature-reserve setting from nearby beach time, with music, snacks, and drinks, while the guide shares information about the sanctuary.

Species-wise, this reserve is known for animals like the Aldabra giant tortoise and the endangered pink pigeon. Even if your moment is more about “look around and enjoy,” it adds meaning to the scenery you’re seeing.

If you see a sea turtle during the snorkeling, that’s a bonus—again, not a promise, but it’s the kind of wildlife that can happen in these waters.

Île aux Aigrettes break: why this stop feels different from a standard beach break

This is not just a random “wait here” break. The tour builds in time for:

• a photo moment,
• a calmer swim window (depending on conditions),
• and an aperitif-style pause with snacks and drinks.

That’s a smart design. After speedboat time and snorkeling, you get a chance to sit back, cool down, and let the day catch up with you.

Ilot Mangenie / BBQ lunch: where the food is part of the trip

Lunch is a beach BBQ stop by Ilot Mangenie, and it’s one of the most praised parts of the day. The menu is straightforward and hearty: grilled chicken, fish, chicken sausages, plus fresh salads, flambéed bananas, and local drinks. You’ll also have snacks and drinks included during the day, with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.

I like BBQ lunch on a boat tour for one simple reason: it removes the stress of finding food once you’re tired and salty. Here, lunch is built in, and it’s meant to be eaten as part of the island day, not between activities.

One heads-up: vegetarian meals have to be requested in advance, so if you need one, plan ahead rather than assuming it’ll be handled on the fly.

Île aux Cerfs: the classic finish with real beach time

The final big island stop is Île aux Cerfs. This is the one with the powdery white beaches and the gorgeous lagoon that people imagine when they picture Mauritius.

On this stop, you get:

• photo time and a visit around the area,
• a boat cruise portion,
• a walk (self-guided),
• and time to swim and soak up the atmosphere.

This is where the tour earns its “vacation” label. The earlier stops add variety, but Île aux Cerfs is where you can slow down. You can swim when you feel like it, find a spot in the shade, and just enjoy the open-water feeling without someone rushing you to the next photo spot.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for at $88 per person

At $88 per person for a 7-hour speedboat day, you’re paying for three things:

First, you’re paying for transport that’s faster than driving around the island. Second, you’re paying for access to multiple sea-based sites in one outing—waterfall, protected reserves, and islands that are part of the east-coast experience. Third, you’re paying for the included food and water time.

The included pieces that drive value:

• speedboat ride (the core experience),
• snorkeling,
• snorkeling equipment on demand,
• local snacks and drinks,
• and a full beach BBQ lunch.

Where you can feel extra costs creeping in: optional add-ons at Île aux Cerfs (like parasailing, glass-bottom boat, or undersea walk) aren’t included. If you skip those, your day stays clean and predictable.

Who this tour suits best (and who should pick something else)

This tour is a great match if you:

• want an active day without heavy logistics,
• enjoy wildlife-possible moments like dolphins and monkeys,
• like snorkeling but don’t want to plan the logistics yourself,
• and you want a full day on the east coast that ends on a proper beach.

It might feel less ideal if:

• you hate waiting (some groups report a long start delay),
• you need guaranteed island landings—because tides can affect which islands you stop at, and some protected islands may be passed without stopping,
• or you’re very sensitive to rougher seas. The tour can be rescheduled in bad weather or rough seas.

My final take: should you book?

I’d book this tour if your priority is a packed east-coast experience—speedboat scenery, a real waterfall stop, one good snorkeling moment, a beach BBQ lunch, and a satisfying end at Île aux Cerfs.

I would think twice only if your biggest pet peeve is start-time disorganization or if you’re counting on stepping onto every island no matter what. With tides in play and a day that mixes pass-by sights with a few landings, this is still a fun way to see Mauritius—just go in flexible.

If you want, tell me your travel month and whether you’ll snorkel. I can suggest how to time your gear and what to focus on during the stops.

FAQ

How long is the Mauritius 5 Islands of the East Speedboat Tour with BBQ?

The tour lasts 7 hours.

How much does it cost per person?

It’s listed at $88 per person.

Which islands are included in the 5-islands route?

You’ll visit Île aux Phare, Île de la Passe, Île aux Flamant, Île aux Aigrettes, and Île aux Cerfs. Note that some landings depend on tides, and you may pass by certain islands without stopping.

Is snorkeling included, and do I get snorkeling gear?

Yes, snorkeling is included. Snorkeling equipment is available on demand.

What’s included in the BBQ lunch?

The BBQ includes grilled chicken, fish, chicken sausages, fresh salads, flambéed bananas, and local drinks.

Can I request a vegetarian meal?

Yes, vegetarian meals must be requested in advance.

Where do we meet, and is hotel pickup included?

You meet at Trou d’Eau Douce Beach. Optional hotel/villa transfer services are not included.

What’s the cancellation policy?

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

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