One morning on Mauritius, you trade routine for ocean time. This 3-island speedboat day blends beach breaks, snorkeling in clear water, and a barbecue lunch on sand, plus a quick look at the lighthouse island and a waterfall ride. I love how fast the itinerary moves without feeling rushed, and I love that drinks and lunch are built in rather than paid separately. One thing to consider: this is not a private boat, so you’re sharing with a small group (up to 15 people), even if you expect fewer.

You start early, then spend your day jumping between Île aux Cerfs, a lighthouse stop at Ile aux Fouqets (Île aux Phare), and beach time at Île aux Aigrettes. You also get a snorkeling stop at Eau Bleue, a note-worthy shipwreck pass (D’Alblair), and a short visit to Grande Rivière Sud Est. It’s a good mix of classic postcard Mauritius and practical, guided pacing.

If your idea of a perfect day is long stretches on one beach with zero schedule, this may feel a bit “stop-and-go.” And since the boat ride is about 1 hour 30 minutes each way, it helps if you’re comfortable on open water in good weather.

Key highlights

• Île aux Cerfs BBQ and lunch served on the island with drinks included
• Snorkeling at Eau Bleue during a set 40-minute stop for seeing tropical fish
• Lighthouse island visit on Ile aux Fouqets (Île aux Phare) with a skipper briefing
• Île aux Aigrettes beach-only stop for a calm pause on the return
• Grande Rivière Sud Est waterfall time after a scenic Grand River drive
• Small group cap (up to 15 people) so you get social energy without a huge crowd

Trou d’Eau Douce launch: what your morning is really like

The day starts at Trou d’Eau Douce around 7:30am, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point. That matters because you’re not dealing with hotel pick-up schedules unless you pay extra for it, and you’ll want to arrive early enough to find the right dock area.

The tour also uses a mobile ticket, so you’ll want your phone charged and ready. The meeting point is listed as near public transportation, which helps if you’re not arranging a car or driver.

This is built as a full-day water experience, so plan your day like a skipper’s day: sun protection, water for the road, and shoes you can rinse off. The itinerary has a moderate physical fitness requirement, mainly because you’re moving between boat and island areas through the day.

Speedboat time each way: the comfort and pacing factor

Your boat time is about 1 hour 30 minutes each way, and that time is already counted inside the overall 7 hours duration. In other words, the schedule isn’t stretching beyond that; you’re trading driving time for time on the water.

A speedboat day like this works best when you think of it as “islands hopping.” You get frequent scenery changes, rather than one long beach session. That’s a big plus if you want variety and photo opportunities: you’ll see more coastline in a short day, and you’ll feel like you used your time well.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring your preferred remedy. The key data here is not about the boat being slow or smooth; it’s about weather. The operator requires good weather, and if conditions are poor, the experience may be rescheduled or refunded.

Île aux Cerfs: the main event with BBQ lunch in sand

Île aux Cerfs is your first stop, with around 1 hour 30 minutes on the island. This is where the trip earns its reputation because you’re not just arriving and leaving; you’re actually staying long enough to eat, swim, and enjoy the vibe.

Lunch and drinks are served on the island, and the overall tour description includes a BBQ on the beach. That means you’re likely to get fed in the middle of the fun rather than at the end, which keeps the day feeling like a real holiday instead of a checklist.

What makes this stop feel valuable is the time balance. Some island tours give you ten minutes for a photo and call it “free time.” Here, you get a real island block: enough for beach time and a meal without feeling rushed.

Practical tip: bring swimwear you don’t mind drying in the sun, and keep your lunch area tidy. Since you’ll be on and off a beach and boat, it’s smart to keep your phone and valuables secured in a dry bag or waterproof pouch.

Ile aux Fouqets (Île aux Phare) lighthouse stop: quick history and great views

Next up is Ile aux Fouqets, also known as Île aux Phare. You’ll have about 30 minutes here, and the skippers brief you on the island’s history before you go explore.

This is a short stop by design, and it works best if you treat it like a viewpoint break. The value isn’t a long guided walk; it’s the skipper context plus a chance to get your lighthouse-island photos before you move on.

A potential drawback is that 30 minutes is only enough for a quick look. If you want museum-style time or slow wandering, this part won’t satisfy that. But if you like seeing a location and understanding why it matters, a skipper briefing is a smart use of the limited time.

Île aux Aigrettes: beach-only nature reserve for a softer landing

On the return, there’s about 30 minutes at Île aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve, described as beach only. That “beach only” detail is important: you’re not getting a full nature trail or deep reserve experience in this time slot.

Still, it’s a nice palate cleanser after busier island stops. It turns the afternoon return into something more pleasant than just reboarding the boat immediately. And because it’s on the way back, the stop feels like a gentle add-on rather than another major commitment.

You’ll also have a last drink during this stop. That’s a small touch, but it makes the return flow feel intentional.

Eau Bleue snorkeling at Vieux Grand Port and the D’Alblair shipwreck

The most action-packed stop is your snorkeling time near Vieux Grand Port. You’ll spend about 40 minutes snorkeling at a natural aquarium known as Eau Bleue.

This is the part of the day where the water quality matters most. The tour description emphasizes clear waters and seeing tropical fish, and the structure of the stop suggests they’re giving you enough time to get suited, try snorkeling, and still have time to look around.

There’s also a mention of a small stop at the shipwreck of D’Alblair. You shouldn’t expect the kind of extended underwater time that a full dive excursion offers, because this is a speedboat day. But the shipwreck pass adds a “special moment” feeling to the route, and it’s the type of detail you don’t get on every island-hopping trip.

Practical advice: if you’re bringing your own snorkel gear, make sure it fits well before you get in the water. If you’re not used to snorkeling, take it slow, watch for your breathing rhythm, and let the crew guide your timing.

Grande Rivière Sud Est waterfall: the payoff after the river ride

After the island time, you’ll head toward Grande Rivière Sud Est, stopping for about 15 minutes. The tour notes you’ll travel along the Grand River to reach the waterfall.

Fifteen minutes is short, so treat it as a “see it, walk a little, take photos” stop. This is the right kind of stop for a busy day because it gives you a land-based highlight without stealing hours from the ocean portion.

What I like about waterfall finish timing is the emotional arc: you start with beaches, then add snorkeling and lighthouse vibes, and you end with something dramatic but quick. It helps you feel like you did a full circuit of Mauritius without the day turning into constant transport.

Drinks, guides, and the real group size you should expect

Included in the tour are alcoholic drinks and soft drinks, plus lunch. That’s a meaningful value point because island lunches and drinks can add up fast when you’re paying separately. It also helps the day feel more like a shared experience than a strict tour.

From the feedback pattern, the standout praise is about how organized and on-time the day runs, and about the guide and skipper being professional. That matters more than people think. When an itinerary is moving quickly, a good guide makes the difference between chaos and calm.

Now, the consideration: this is not a private trip. One experience described a surprise when the boat was filled with about a dozen people. Since the trip has a maximum group size of 15 people, you should plan to share the day, even if you’re booking for a smaller party.

If what you want is a quieter, private-boat vibe, you may need a different type of booking. If you’re happy with a friendly small-group atmosphere, you’ll likely enjoy the energy.

Price and value for $88.81 per person

At $88.81 per person, this trip sits in the “worth it if it replaces separate bookings” category. You’re paying for a full day of speedboat transport, multiple island stops, guided context at the lighthouse island, snorkeling time, and included food and drinks.

Here’s where the value comes from:

• Speedboat transport is usually the most expensive part when you add it to separate tours.
• Lunch plus drinks are built in, including alcoholic drinks.
• The snorkeling stop at Eau Bleue is time-boxed so you can actually do it rather than just watch others do it.
• The itinerary packs in several different settings: island beaches, lighthouse views, reserve beach time, and a waterfall.

The main cost pressure is what’s not included: hotel pick-up and drop-off are optional extras. If you’re staying near Trou d’Eau Douce or can reach it easily, you keep the value strong. If you need transport from farther away, build that into your budget.

To get your money’s worth, show up ready: sun protection, comfortable beach-to-boat footwear, and a clear idea of what you want most (beach time, snorkeling, or photos).

Who this trip suits best (and who might not love it)

You’ll likely love this if:

• You want an efficient full-day Mauritius highlight without planning multiple separate excursions.
• You like speedboat travel and island changes, rather than one long beach day.
• You’re comfortable snorkeling in a controlled time window and want to see tropical fish.
• You want included food and drinks and don’t want to nickel-and-dime every meal.

You might skip it if:

• You’re hoping for a private experience with only your group.
• You need lots of time on one beach or hate schedule-based touring.
• You get uncomfortable in open-water boat rides, especially if weather turns choppy (and this tour depends on good weather).

It also fits well for couples and small groups who want fun without the effort of coordinating everything. And because the tour caps at 15 people, it avoids the “everyone disappears” feeling you sometimes get on larger group boats.

A few practical tips before you go

The itinerary is built around water time, so pack like you’re going to get wet and sun-kissed. Bring:

• Sun protection (hat + sunscreen)
• A dry bag or waterproof pouch for your phone
• Swim shoes or sandals that handle wet surfaces well
• A light layer for the boat ride, if you get chilly on the water

Also, keep expectations realistic about each stop’s duration. The day is efficient, so island time is meaningful but limited. If you want a deeper dive into one place, use this as a sampler and plan a return visit to the one you liked most.

Finally, be clear in your own mind about group size. This tour runs as a small group by design, not a private charter.

Should you book this Ile aux Cerfs 3-island speedboat with BBQ?

I’d book it if you want a smooth, organized way to hit multiple Mauritius highlights in one day: Île aux Cerfs with BBQ and lunch, lighthouse island viewpoints, beach time at Île aux Aigrettes, snorkeling at Eau Bleue, and a short but scenic Grande Rivière Sud Est finale. The value is strongest when you factor in speedboat transport plus food and drinks.

Skip it or look for a different option if you’re set on a private boat experience or if you prefer long, slow downtime over an active island-hopping schedule. This trip is for people who like a day that moves, but moves with purpose.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 7:30am at Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius.

How long does the speedboat tour last?

The duration is about 7 hours, including around 1 hour 30 minutes by boat each way.

Where is the meeting point and where does the tour end?

It starts and ends back at the Trou d’Eau Douce meeting point.

What stops and islands are included?

You’ll visit Île aux Cerfs, Ile aux Fouqets (Île aux Phare), Île aux Aigrettes (beach only), have a snorkeling stop at Eau Bleue near Vieux Grand Port, and stop at Grande Rivière Sud Est. There’s also a small stop at the shipwreck of D’Alblair.

Is lunch included, and is there a BBQ?

Yes. Lunch is included, and the day includes a BBQ on Île aux Cerfs, along with drinks.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The tour includes alcoholic drinks and soft drinks.

Is hotel pick-up included?

Hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included, but they can be provided for an extra cost.

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