Mauritius : Ile Aux Cerfs 3 islands Speed Boat Trip with BBQ

Planning a day trip in Mauritius that combines island hopping, snorkeling, and a relaxed beachside BBQ? This full-day speedboat adventure offers just that. Perfect for those wanting a taste of the island’s highlights without the hassle of planning multiple outings, this tour promises a lively, scenic, and tasty experience.

We love the way this trip hits three islands—Ile Aux Cerfs, Lighthouse Island, and Ile aux Aigrettes—giving travelers a well-rounded taste of Mauritius’s diverse coastal charms. Plus, the option to snorkel in clear waters or enjoy a hearty BBQ in a stunning setting makes it a standout. But it’s worth noting that this isn’t a private tour; if exclusivity is your priority, you might find the group size a bit crowded.

This tour is ideal for travelers who crave a mix of sightseeing, water activities, and good food—all in one memorable day. It suits those with moderate physical fitness, as there’s some walking and swimming involved, but nothing overly strenuous. If you’re excited about exploring Mauritius’s coast with a lively group and love authentic, laid-back experiences, this trip is worth considering.

Key Points

• Multiple Islands in One Day: Visit Ile Aux Cerfs, Lighthouse Island, and Ile aux Aigrettes for varied scenery.
• Snorkeling Opportunity: Spot tropical fish in clear waters at a natural aquarium spot.
• Relaxing Beach BBQ: Enjoy a tasty meal and drinks in a beautiful, sandy setting.
• Group Size: Limited to 15 travelers, but not private—expect around a dozen others.
• Duration & Timing: About 7 hours starting early at 7:30 am, ideal for full-day explorers.
• Cost & Value: At $88.81, it offers good value for a full day of activities, including lunch and drinks.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Starting Point & Group Dynamics

The tour begins at Trou d’Eau Douce, with a meeting time around 7:30 am. The group size is capped at 15, which offers a balance between intimacy and social vibe. The speedboat ride itself takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes each way, adding a sense of adventure and providing ample opportunities for scenic views along the coastline.

While most reviews don’t mention a private experience, one traveler noted that it was “not a private trip but fun nonetheless,” highlighting that the boat can be filled with up to around 12 people. So, if you’re expecting quiet exclusivity, this might not be the right fit. But for those who enjoy a lively, social atmosphere, it adds to the fun.

The Itinerary: What You’ll See & Do

Ile Aux Cerfs — The Main Attraction

The highlight for many is Ile Aux Cerfs, known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. You’ll be dropped here for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, which is enough time to relax on the beach, take a swim, or explore the island. The included lunch and drinks—ranging from local soft drinks to possibly alcoholic options—are served right on the sand, making for a laid-back, picnic-style experience.

We appreciate that the tour allows you plenty of time to soak in the scenery, take photos, or simply unwind. Travelers often mention how well-organized and punctual the service is, with one reviewer calling the guide “the nicest, coolest guide,” which adds a personal touch to the experience.

Lighthouse Island & Ile aux Fouquets

Next, the boat heads to Ile aux Fouquets, where a brief 30-minute stop allows for a quick visit to the lighthouse island. Skippers provide a rundown of its history, giving a glimpse into Mauritius’s maritime past. It’s a brief visit but worthwhile for history buffs or those who enjoy lighthouse views.

Ile aux Aigrettes — Nature & Last Drinks

The final island stop is Ile aux Aigrettes, a nature reserve with a beach stop of about 30 minutes. It’s a perfect spot to wind down, enjoy a drink, and take in the coastal beauty. This part of the tour offers a relaxed way to cap off the day, especially if you want a quiet moment before heading back.

Snorkeling & Water Activities

One of the tour’s highlights is a stop at “eau bleue,” a natural aquarium known for its vibrant marine life. Here, you can snorkel in shallow waters to see tropical fish, making it appealing to water lovers. The water’s clarity and the diverse fish population are often praised by travelers.

Grande Riviere Sud Est Waterfall

On the return journey, the tour makes a quick stop at Mauritius’s second-longest waterfall, Grande Riviere Sud Est. Although only about 15 minutes, the waterfall’s scenic backdrop offers a great photo opportunity and a chance to stretch your legs before wrapping up the day.

What’s Included & What to Consider

Included: The full-day speedboat trip, lunch on Ile Aux Cerfs, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages. It’s a solid deal considering the all-in nature of the price.

Not Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off are available at an extra cost, which is typical for tours. Confirming if your hotel is near public transportation might be wise, as some travelers mention these details.

The tour’s 7-hour duration is well-paced, blending water activities, sightseeing, and downtime. The emphasis on natural beauty and casual interaction makes it a genuinely authentic experience—more about enjoying the moment than ticking boxes.

The Real-World Experience: What Travelers Say

While most reviews are positive, highlighting the well-organized nature and enjoyable vibe, one reviewer pointed out that the trip was “not a private trip but fun nonetheless,” indicating that the shared experience doesn’t cater to exclusivity. Still, they enjoyed the day overall.

Another reviewer raved, “Don’t miss this! Best day out. Well organised, on time, professional and the nicest, coolest guide,” showcasing the tour’s strength in professionalism and friendly service.

The mix of opinions suggests that this trip is most suitable for travelers who are adaptable to being part of a lively group but still want a well-structured and scenic day.

Why This Tour Might Be Right for You

If you’re looking for a full-day adventure that combines island visits, water activities, and a relaxed beachside meal, this tour ticks many boxes. Its reasonable price point makes it accessible, especially considering lunch, drinks, and transportation are included.

It’s particularly appealing if you enjoy meeting fellow travelers and don’t mind sharing the boat with others. The stops at different islands give a sense of variety—whether you’re into beaches, nature, or history—and the snorkeling opportunity adds a fun, interactive element.

However, if you prefer a private, exclusive experience or want more time at each stop, you might find the group size a little crowded. Also, since the itinerary is quite packed, those who like more relaxed, unstructured days might prefer fewer stops.

Practical Tips for Booking & Enjoying the Tour

• Book in advance, as it’s popular—average bookings are made about 11 days ahead.
• Arrive early at Trou d’Eau Douce to avoid missing the start time.
• Bring sunscreen, a hat, and waterproof camera to capture the scenic views.
• Wear comfortable clothing and swimwear for snorkeling and beach time.
• Consider your physical fitness level—the tour involves some walking, swimming, and boat rides, but it’s manageable for most.
• Check your hotel’s location if you want the included hotel pickup, or plan your transportation to the meeting point.

The Sum Up

This Mauritius Ile Aux Cerfs speedboat tour offers a lively, scenic, and tasty way to explore the island’s coast in one day. It combines the excitement of boating with several stops that showcase Mauritius’s natural beauty and cultural touches—like the lighthouse and the waterfall. The inclusion of a buffet-style BBQ and drinks right on the beach adds a delightful, relaxed vibe.

While it’s not a private experience, the smaller group size and well-organized schedule make it a good choice for those wanting a balanced mix of adventure and leisure. It’s especially suitable for travelers who enjoy social settings, water activities, and authentic local flavors without breaking the bank.

For anyone eager to tick several boxes—beautiful beaches, marine life, waterfalls, and island history—this tour delivers a memorable day that’s both fun and practical. Just be prepared for a lively group and a bit of a packed schedule, and you’re set for an enjoyable Mauritian adventure.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
Yes, as long as children can tolerate boat rides and some walking, this tour can be enjoyed by families. It’s best to check your children’s comfort with snorkeling and water activities beforehand.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
Not necessarily. The tour provides stops for snorkeling, but it’s always good to bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them for comfort and quality.

What is the group size?
The maximum is 15 travelers, but reviews suggest it can fill up with around 12 people, making it lively but manageable.

Are drinks included?
Yes, both soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are included, along with lunch.

Can I get hotel transportation?
Not included by default, but it can be arranged at an extra cost. Check if your hotel is nearby or plan to meet at the Trou d’Eau Douce meeting point.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing, swimwear underneath, and bring sunscreen, a hat, and waterproof footwear if you plan on walking on rocky or sandy areas.

Is there time to relax and take photos?
Absolutely. The itinerary includes breaks that allow you to enjoy the scenery, swim, or take photos at each stop.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.