Fast boat energy, then soft sand time. This full-day excursion pairs a speed-boat ride on Mauritius’s east-coast lagoons with a full 3-course BBQ lunch on a private island, plus a stop at the Grand River South-East Waterfalls.

I like that the day is built around real beach time (not just a quick drop-off), and the meal setup includes both non-alcohol and alcohol drinks with the lunch. One thing to consider: this trip is weather-dependent, and the schedule is busy enough that you’ll want to arrive ready for a packed-but-fun day.

Key highlights at a glance

• Door-to-door private pickup anywhere on the island, in an air-conditioned vehicle
• Trou D’eau Douce to Ile aux Cerfs by speed boat through clear lagoon waters
• Feet-in-the-sand lunch: 3 courses plus unlimited drinks (soft drinks and alcohol)
• Post-lunch live guitar and Jambé show on the private island
• Grand River South-East Waterfalls by boat, with a chance to spot monkeys and fruit bats
• A full-throttle return ride with spins and splashes on the way back

Speed-boat day: from pickup to Trou D’eau Douce

Your day starts with a complimentary hotel pick-up anywhere in Mauritius (you choose the location when you reserve). You meet your guide and head to the east coast to Trou D’eau Douce, a fishing village setting that helps shift your mindset from hotel time to island time.

The ride itself is part of the comfort here: you travel in a fully air-conditioned vehicle, and you’re not left doing the complicated part (figuring out how to get everyone to the dock). That’s especially helpful if you’re not staying on the east side, since you’re still getting a smooth, private transfer.

Once you arrive, it’s straight onto the speed boat. Expect an energetic, no-fuss departure. The speed matters because it’s what gets you to Ile aux Cerfs without turning the day into a long logistics marathon.

The lagoon cruise to Ile aux Cerfs (and why it feels faster than it is)

The first big payoff is the boat journey from Trou D’eau Douce to Ile aux Cerfs. You’ll cruise through the east-coast lagoons where the water is clear enough to make the coastline feel close and unreal—palm trees, white sand, and bright turquoise water framed by sea.

This is also where the “speed-boat” part becomes more than just a mode of transport. You’re traveling along a scenic corridor, not just getting from point A to point B. And because this is a day-trip format, the lagoon cruise helps you “start the vacation” immediately.

Tip: bring your sunglasses and think about sun protection early. You’ll spend time on the sand after you land, and the boat ride can still mean strong sun exposure depending on the day’s conditions.

Ile aux Cerfs beach time: swimming, strolling, and simple freedom

At Ile aux Cerfs, you get free time on the beach. This is the heart of the day, and the vibe is straightforward: white sand, warm water, and no strict script.

You can swim in the lagoon, take a stroll, do a bit of snorkeling (if you have your own gear), or simply relax and tan. If you want organized water sports like parasailing or banana riding, those are available—but they’re optional and not included.

Here’s the practical note: with a 7-hour total duration, you won’t have the kind of all-day freedom you’d get from a longer island stay. Still, this format is great if your goal is to see Ile aux Cerfs without spending your entire day on a single beach.

What I like most is the sense of motion. You’re not trapped in a tour-bus routine. You get a beach window, then the day transitions to lunch and activities without feeling rushed into five more stops.

Lunch on a private island: 3 courses plus unlimited drinks

Around noon, you move to a private-island setting for lunch. The meal is a 3-course BBQ served on the island, and it’s designed as a proper break rather than a quick fuel stop.

Good to know what’s included:

• Veg and non-veg options are available (tell them in advance if you’re vegetarian)
• Unlimited drinks with the meal include water, soft drinks, wine (red, rosé, white), beer, and local rum
• You’ll also get a local dessert to finish

This is a big value item for the day. At a lot of beach excursions, lunch is either basic or drinks are limited. Here, drinks are part of the deal, which makes the afternoon portion of the trip feel more like a shared island day than a rushed sightseeing package.

Food practicalities: let the team know about allergies or illness ahead of time. You’ll have a smoother experience if they can plan your meal accordingly.

Live guitar and Jambé show after lunch

After you eat, the entertainment kicks in. You’ll enjoy a live guitar and Jambé show. This adds a real local-cultural layer to the day, but in a relaxed way that doesn’t feel like a museum moment.

Why it works: it’s scheduled right after lunch, so your energy level matches the pace. You’re not performing a workout and then being asked to sit still. You’ve just had food, and now you get music and movement to round off the midday.

It also helps the day feel more complete. A speed-boat trip can sometimes feel like a “ride there, swim, leave” cycle. Here, there’s an actual shared moment on the private island.

Grand River South-East Waterfalls: boat views and wildlife chances

Next comes the sightseeing highlight with a different texture than the beach. After lunch and show time, the boat heads toward the Grand River South-East Waterfalls via a canal route.

Approaching by boat gives you a better sense of how land and water meet. Instead of seeing the waterfall only from a fixed viewing point, you’re moving along a water channel with the waterfall area unfolding beside you.

Wildlife spotting is part of the fun:

• You might see monkeys near the river banks and trees
• You may also spot fruit bats perched high in the trees as you get closer

Reality check: wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. But the setting makes it plausible, and that’s a lot more interesting than just looking at water from a single angle.

This section of the day is also where good weather matters most. If the day’s been sunny, the waterfall area tends to look more dramatic. If weather conditions are poor, the whole trip may be rescheduled or refunded—so keep that in mind when planning other activities.

The return speed-boat ride: spins, splashes, and timing

Later in the afternoon (around 15:30), you board again for the return leg. This isn’t a quiet cruise back. The description focuses on an adrenaline-style experience: higher speeds, sharp turns, and splashes.

The boat uses a 150 HP Yamaha or Mercury outboard engine, and the idea is to feel the power. In other words, wear sun protection, expect water, and don’t pack fragile items in a way you’d hate to get wet.

One helpful thought: after a day on the beach, this return ride can feel like the perfect final chapter—playful and energetic, not overly long, and it gives the day a “we did something” feeling.

You’ll then return to your hotel. (Dinner may be up to you, but the trip ends with you back in your Mauritius accommodation.)

Price and value: what $90 buys for 7 hours

At $90 per person for about 7 hours, you’re paying for a bundle: transport (including pickup and drop-off), a speed-boat day, lunch with drinks, waterfall sightseeing, and entertainment on the private island.

The value really comes from what’s included:

• Private pickup/drop-off anywhere on the island
• Speed-boat transfers (not a ferry-style slow option)
• 3-course BBQ lunch with unlimited drinks (including alcohol)
• Waterfalls sightseeing by boat
• Live guitar and Jambé show
• Bottled water on arrival

Where the cost might feel less justified: if you mainly want a quiet beach day and don’t care about the boat ride, lunch setup, or waterfall segment. In that case, you may prefer a simpler day plan with fewer included moving parts.

Still, if you want a full, single-day experience that hits beach, food, culture, and scenery, this price-to-inclusions ratio is hard to beat.

The small friction points to plan around

Nothing’s perfect, and this trip has a couple considerations you should factor in.

1) Schedule is tight and weather-driven

The experience depends on good weather. If conditions are poor, the day may be changed or refunded. Also, because the day flows quickly from beach to lunch to waterfalls to the ride back, you’ll want to enjoy each segment on its own rather than expecting extra-long time anywhere.

2) Snorkeling time may not be the main focus

The core included beach plan is swimming and relaxing. Optional water activities exist, but a dedicated snorkeling stop isn’t part of the set description. If snorkeling is your top goal, plan for it separately or bring your own gear and be ready to use the lagoon time you have.

3) Timing hiccup can happen with mixed pickups

One experience included a late pickup and a bit of confusion with coordinating two groups, though it was handled with help from the central team and both groups were taken to the hotel. That doesn’t mean this will happen to you, but it’s a reminder to keep your day flexible and carry water and sun protection.

Who should book this Ile aux Cerfs speed-boat day

This tour is a strong match if you:

• Want a one-day “wow” itinerary without planning transfers
• Like energetic boat travel and don’t mind getting splashed on the ride back
• Care about lunch quality and drink inclusion
• Prefer a beach destination plus a nature stop (waterfalls), all in one day

You might choose something else if you:

• Want a super slow pace and long beach hours
• Are mainly focused on snorkeling as the main activity
• Dislike ride-style speed or sharp turns (the return ride is described as wet and wild)

Should you book this speed-boat trip to Ile aux Cerfs?

If you want one day in Mauritius that mixes classic beach pleasure with a proper lunch and a memorable boat-and-waterfalls combo, I’d say book it. The inclusions do a lot of heavy lifting: private pickup, a real BBQ lunch with unlimited drinks, and waterfall sightseeing by boat.

I’d only hesitate if your priorities are very narrow (like only snorkeling, or only lounging for hours), or if your schedule is so tight that a weather change would cause problems.

If you do book, go prepared: sunglasses, hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, and a towel will make the whole day feel smoother from the first lagoon splash to the last fast return ride.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the speed-boat trip to Ile aux Cerfs?

It runs for about 7 hours.

Does the price include lunch?

Yes. You get a 3-course BBQ lunch, with veg and non-veg options.

Are drinks included with lunch?

Yes. Lunch includes unlimited drinks: water, soft drinks, wine (red, rosé, white), beer, and local rum.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Private pick-up and drop-off are included to any accommodation in Mauritius. You specify your pick-up location when reserving.

Do I visit the waterfalls?

Yes. The Grand River South-East Waterfalls are included with sightseeing from the boat.

Is there vegetarian food available?

Yes. A vegetarian option is available—inform the provider in advance if needed.

Is snorkeling or other water sports included?

No. Water sport activities are optional and not included. Swimming and relaxing on the beach are part of the plan.

What entertainment is included on the private island?

After lunch, you’ll enjoy a live guitar and Jambé show.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, and a towel.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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

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