The day starts on a private beach and ends on one. This Mauritius speed boat tour mixes speed-boat fun with real nature stops, including an island made of coral and a look at the Dalblair shipwreck from 1902. I love the small-group feel (max 10) and the modern, clean boat ride, which makes the hopping-between-islands part of the day feel smooth. One thing to watch: the BBQ lunch is included, but if you have dietary needs, confirm them clearly because a vegetarian lunch issue came up in at least one case.

You’ll depart from the Chantauvent Guest House area, away from the busiest jetties, then cruise across the lagoon toward Ile aux Cerfs. Between the beach time, snorkel chances, and short historical/nature stops, it’s a good fit when you want variety in just 5–6 hours.

If the weather turns rough, the tour may be rescheduled or refunded, so don’t plan anything tight for late afternoon.

Key highlights that make this tour worth a look

• Max 10 people on board, so the pace stays personal instead of chaotic
• Chantauvent departure from a quieter private beach area, not the crowded docks
• Ile aux Cerfs downtime for swimming and snorkeling plus a BBQ on the beach
• Coral-island stops such as Île du Phare (Islet National Park status)
• Dalblair 1902 shipwreck pass-by with details you’ll actually remember

Speed boat style: the departure that sets the tone in Mauritius

The biggest difference here is where the day begins. You’re not shuffling with the crowd at a giant public jetty. Instead, you start from the Chantauvent Guest House and its private beach area. That matters more than you’d think, especially if you’re trying to keep the day calm before you’re suddenly in full “boat day” mode.

This is also part of the feel. The host is described as a standout, and the family-run setup around Chantauvent gives you that homey, local rhythm before the engines start up. The ride begins at 9:30am, and you can expect the total day to run about 5 to 6 hours.

Chantauvent and Ile aux Aigrettes: limestone, forest remnants, and quick nature focus

Right after departure, the tour follows a nature-and-sight approach rather than straight “only beach, no learning.” One of the early stops is tied to Ile aux Aigrettes, an island with coralline limestone rather than volcanic geology like much of Mauritius. That’s one of those small details that makes you look at the place differently: coral foundations shape the way the island holds land and water.

You also get a short window into what’s left of the dry coastal forest. This is not a long hike day, and that’s good—your time is still built for the main payoff at Ile aux Cerfs. But the quick nature stop gives you a reason to pay attention before you go full relaxation.

Expect around 30 minutes here. It’s enough time to orient yourself, snap pictures, and understand the basics without feeling rushed in a stressed, sprint-through-everything way.

Dalblair 1902: the shipwreck stop that gives the boat ride a story

If you like history that feels grounded (not museum-dry), the Dalblair wreck pass-by is a strong stop. The boat will go by the remains of the Le Dalblaire shipwreck in Blue Bay.

Here’s the detail that makes it stick: in the night of 6–7 February 1902, a three-mast steel ship (on a route from Cardiff in the UK to Port Louis carrying coal) got trapped between rocks. The crew count was 24 men under Captain McLaren. That’s exactly the kind of factual “you’re seeing this because…” background that helps a quick wreck glimpse feel meaningful.

Time here is short—about 15 minutes—but it’s not just a random slow-down. The tour is setting you up to notice.

Practical note: don’t expect a full-on dive or a close inspection. This is a pass-by experience with context, not an underwater treasure hunt.

Île du Phare (Île aux Fouquets): coral island vibes and a lighthouse setting

Next up is Île du Phare—also known as Île aux Fouquets or Lighthouse Island. This one is coral in origin and has Islet National Park status since June 5, 2004.

You’re about five kilometers off the south-east coast, near Îlot Vacoas and Île de la Passe. Again, that may sound like trivia, but it’s useful trivia: it helps you understand why the area feels like a different world from the mainland. Coral islands behave differently, and the views from the water tend to feel sharper and more isolated.

You get about 45 minutes at this stop, with the time likely split between taking in the lighthouse-island feel and enjoying the coastal setting.

Also: the tour includes multiple free admission stops (this one included). That’s not a small point when you’re watching value.

Ile aux Cerfs: snorkeling, swimming, and BBQ time that actually matters

Now for the reason most people book this: Ile aux Cerfs. You’ll have around 3 hours here—enough time to swim, snorkel, and still come up for air (literally and figuratively) before the day drifts toward the end.

This is where the tour becomes relaxation-heavy. The itinerary is built for you to slow down on the beach, soak up sun, and eat a BBQ lunch. The BBQ is part of the included experience, which is a big value win compared to tours where you have to hunt down lunch on your own.

You’ll also get a “multi-stops exploration” style circuit en route through the lagoon and around islands in the south. That means the boat isn’t just a taxi between destinations. It’s actively part of the sightseeing, with time carved out for nature and scenery rather than only long travel stretches.

One extra note from the tour description: there’s a waterfall element in the mix—freshwater cascades meeting the sea—reached by gliding through a river mouth among the trees. The exact timing and exact spot in the day can vary with routing and conditions, but it’s worth knowing that the tour isn’t only beaches and open water.

Boat comfort and the small-group feel (max 10 people)

A big reason I’d consider this tour is the size. Maximum of 10 travelers means you can actually talk to your guide, hear what’s going on, and not feel like you’re getting shoved into side-by-side chaos.

From the experience details, the boat itself is described as modern and clean. That matters for two reasons:

• it makes the ride feel safer and calmer
• it keeps the day comfortable when you’re out on the water for hours

You also get guided attention. One captain named Sebastián is specifically mentioned with praise for making the circuit feel unique and exclusive. Even if the name you hear is different, the point is the same: this is not a “drive-by and good luck” tour.

If you get motion-sick easily, this still is a speed boat day. It’s not a glassy ferry ride. I’d come prepared, especially since the tour depends on good weather.

Food reality check: BBQ is included, but confirm dietary needs

Here’s the balanced part. The BBQ lunch is included, and in theory that’s great—no extra cost, and you can stay focused on the day.

But one review flagged a disappointment: the lunch wasn’t great, and vegetarian dietary needs didn’t get accommodated in that instance. The provider responded by saying they do accommodate vegetarians and that it was likely a misunderstanding with the provider.

So here’s my practical advice: if you eat vegetarian (or have any dietary requirement), make sure it’s clearly stated at booking, and double-check close to departure. Don’t assume it will automatically carry over.

This isn’t a reason to avoid the tour entirely. It’s a reason to treat dietary notes like an essential detail, not a “nice to have.”

Price and timing: what $81.30 buys you in real time

At $81.30 per person, you’re paying for a full half-day with:

• speed boat transport
• multiple island stops with admissions where included
• time at Ile aux Cerfs for swim/snorkel and BBQ
• short historical/nature orientation stops along the way

The duration is about 5 to 6 hours, starting at 9:30am. That schedule is a sweet spot. You get a full day activity without losing the whole afternoon back in Mauritius.

There’s also a booking pattern detail: on average, it’s booked about 52 days in advance. That’s often a sign it sells well, so if your trip dates are firm, don’t leave it to the last minute.

What the itinerary choices mean for you (not just the stops)

What I like about this tour is the mix of “do” and “see.”

• You do: swim, snorkel, hang out on Ile aux Cerfs, eat BBQ. This is the payoff part.
• You see: coral islands, a lighthouse island stop, and the Dalblair wreck pass-by. This gives your day meaning beyond sun and photos.
• You learn just enough: the tour’s details are the kind you can remember, like the 1902 wreck story and the coral vs volcanic island idea.

The tour also has a natural flow: it starts near nature at Chantauvent, then builds outward through stops, and peaks with the beach time on Ile aux Cerfs. You’re not spending the best hours getting stuck in transit.

Who this speed boat tour is best for

This is a good fit if you want:

• a time-efficient day in Mauritius with multiple highlights
• a day that includes water time (swim and snorkel) without needing to plan a separate boat transfer
• a small-group vibe rather than a bus-and-bundle tour

It may not be ideal if:

• you want a long, slow beach day with hours of uninterrupted shore time
• you want a heavy hiking or museum-style tour
• you have very strict dietary needs and can’t spare time to double-check that the BBQ provider has your requirements in hand

Since the experience requires good weather, plan something flexible for other activities the same day.

Should you book the Speed Boat Tour to Île aux Cerfs and other south island stops?

I’d book it if you’re craving a mix of lagoon scenery, a real beach anchor point, and a few “wait, that’s actually cool” stops like the Dalblair 1902 wreck and Île du Phare.

Do it with eyes open:

• Confirm vegetarian or dietary needs clearly before you go.
• Expect a half-day that uses time efficiently, not one that drifts for hours.
• Bring what you need for a speed boat ride (sun protection, swimwear, and a plan for motion if that’s an issue for you).

If you want one strong day in Mauritius that feels active but not stressful, this is a solid choice.

FAQ

What is the price per person?

The price is $81.30 per person.

How long is the tour?

The tour runs about 5 to 6 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:30am.

Where do you meet for the tour?

The tour starts at Coastal Road, Coastal Rd, Pointe d’Esny, Mauritius, and ends back at the meeting point.

Is the ticket mobile?

Yes, this experience uses a mobile ticket.

How many travelers are on the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.

What do I get to do at Île aux Cerfs?

At Île aux Cerfs you can swim, snorkel, and enjoy a BBQ on the beach.

Are admission tickets included?

Admission is included at the Chantauvent Guesthouse/Maison d’Hotes stops. Other stops listed are free (such as the shipwreck pass-by and the islands named in the itinerary).

Is vegetarian food available?

The information provided includes a response from the provider stating they do accommodate vegetarians, but there was a reported miss in one case. Make sure you specify your dietary needs clearly when booking.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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

Is free cancellation available?

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

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