Mauritius: 5 East Coast Islands Tour with Snorkeling & Lunch

Exploring Mauritius’s East Coast Islands: A Practical Review of a Full-Day Speedboat Adventure

If you’re considering a day of island-hopping in Mauritius, the “5 East Coast Islands Tour with Snorkeling & Lunch” offers an intriguing blend of scenic beauty, history, and laid-back fun. This tour, priced at around $85 per person, promises a full day of exploring some of the most captivating spots along the island’s east coast, with plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and soaking up the sun.

What we love about this experience is its efficient itinerary that packs in a variety of highlights—from the impressive waterfalls to the historic lighthouses—and its inclusive approach that makes it accessible for most travelers. We also appreciate the promise of fresh seafood BBQ lunch and the chance to see some of the island’s iconic sights up close.

That said, one point to consider is the boat ride itself—speedboats can be bumpy and fast, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea, especially if you’re prone to seasickness or prefer a calmer cruise.

This tour is best suited for active travelers who enjoy a mix of history, nature, and ocean adventures, and who want value-packed, authentic experiences in a scenic setting.

Key Points

• Efficient Itinerary: Combines multiple islands, waterfalls, and historical sites in one full day.
• Snorkeling & Swimming: Opportunities to explore vibrant marine life in crystal-clear waters.
• Historical Insight: Visit old lighthouses and learn about the colonial battles of Mauritius.
• Delicious Lunch: Enjoy a BBQ on Ile aux Margenie, with drinks included.
• Comfort & Convenience: Includes transportation if the option is chosen, with pick-up and drop-off.
• Guide & Group: Well-reviewed guides and small group sizes enhance the experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Understanding the Itinerary: A Deep Dive

Your day begins early, with a start time around 8:15 AM, ideally suited for those eager to maximize daylight hours. The tour kicks off with a visit to Ile aux Cerfs, renowned for its expansive beaches and lively atmosphere. Here, you’ll have the chance to relax, sunbathe, or swim in the crystal waters—a highlight for many travelers. The boat then takes you to the Grande River South East waterfall, a striking natural feature where the longest river in Mauritius meets the sea.

What makes this stop special is the combination of scenic beauty and the chance to witness the peaceful flow of water cascading into the ocean, offering a perfect photo opportunity. Many reviews mention the “thrilling yet smooth” boat ride, highlighting the balance between adventure and comfort. If you prefer a gentler experience, be aware that the speedboat does go fast at times, which adds a sense of excitement but can be bumpy.

Next, you’ll visit Ile aux Phares, a site with over 200 years of history, marked by an old lighthouse. Standing here, you’ll appreciate the maritime significance of the location, especially as it played a role during the historic naval battle of Grand Port in 1810. This piece of colonial history adds a meaningful dimension to the trip for history buffs.

The tour also includes Ile de la Passe, which served as a strategic point during the naval conflicts, and provides a window into Mauritius’s colonial past. Here, the guide’s commentary helps bring the history to life, making it more engaging.

Later, you’ll head to Eau Bleu for snorkeling—an activity many travelers praise for its vibrant marine life. If you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins, as some reviews mention. Snorkeling gear is included, and the calm, clear waters make for a memorable underwater experience, especially for those new to snorkeling.

The last island stop is Ile aux Aigrettes, a protected nature reserve where you can take a swim or simply relax. Many reviewers appreciate the chance to unwind before the main event: a BBQ lunch on Ile aux Margenie. The food, which includes drinks, is often described as delicious, with plenty of options. It’s a good opportunity to refuel, chat with fellow travelers, and enjoy the island ambiance.

Finally, the tour wraps up around 3:30 PM back at the meeting point in Trou d’Eau Douce, completing a full day of exploration.

What’s Included & Practical Tips

This tour generally includes full transportation, snorkeling gear, lunch, and visits to all the highlights. The inclusion of pickup and drop-off is optional—if you select the transportation option, you won’t need to worry about finding the meeting point, especially after a long day of sightseeing.

Travelers should pack comfortable shoes, sunscreen, swimwear, and a camera to capture all the moments. Since the boat ride can be bumpy, bringing sunglasses and a towel is also wise.

Weather conditions are crucial—poor weather can lead to cancellations, with the option to reschedule or receive a full refund. This flexibility helps mitigate the risk of a disappointing day, especially during the rainy season.

Authentic Experiences & Traveler Impressions

The reviews offer a lively sense of what to expect. Many travelers praise guides for their knowledge and friendliness, emphasizing how their commentary enhances the experience. One reviewer mentioned the guide “loved being on the water,” which translates into a more enthusiastic and engaging tour.

Snorkeling is a consistently highlighted activity, with several reviewers calling it “incredible” or “beating out Thailand snorkeling,” indicating quality underwater sights. Observing dolphins and sea turtles was noted as a highlight, adding an element of surprise and delight.

Food is generally well-received, with many appreciating the delicious BBQ lunch. However, some travelers with specific dietary needs, such as vegetarians, might find the options limited, with one reviewer describing their vegetarian meal as “the worst vegetarian lunch I’ve ever had on an excursion.” It’s worth noting that vegetarian options are available, but travelers should keep expectations realistic regarding the quality.

The speedboat ride is a love-it-or-hate-it aspect—some reviewers mention it being “bumpy” and fast, which adds excitement but might not suit everyone. It’s a good idea for sensitive travelers to be prepared or consider whether a calmer vessel might be better suited.

Small group sizes, often around 7 people, help create a more intimate experience, with one reviewer describing their day as “effectively a private tour.” This can make interactions with guides more personalized and enjoyable.

Analyzing Value: Is the Tour Worth It?

At $85, this tour provides a rundown of Mauritius’s eastern coast, combining natural beauty, history, and leisure. When you factor in the lunch, snorkeling gear, transportation, and multiple island visits, the per-feature cost feels reasonable, especially compared to booking separate activities.

The opportunity to see historic sites like the Ile aux Phares lighthouse and learn about colonial battles adds educational value, while the chance to relax on beaches and snorkel in clear waters makes it a balanced adventure.

The reviews underscore the overall value, citing a well-organized experience with friendly guides and beautiful scenery. For travelers who want a taste of everything—beaches, history, marine life—this tour hits many marks in a single day.

More Great Tours Nearby

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience appeals most to active travelers who enjoy being outdoors and participating in water activities. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable on a speedboat and eager to explore several islands in one go. The historical sites add depth for those interested in Mauritius’s past, and the included lunch makes it suitable for travelers looking for good value.

It’s also great for small groups or couples looking for an intimate, guided day with plenty of opportunities for photos, swimming, and relaxing. However, those seeking a tranquil, slow-paced cruise or who have mobility issues might find the speedboat ride too vigorous.

Final Thoughts

The “5 East Coast Islands Tour with Snorkeling & Lunch” delivers a lively, well-rounded slice of Mauritius’s coastal charms. It’s a day packed with diverse experiences—stunning waterfalls, historic lighthouses, underwater exploration, and beach lounging—all within a manageable budget.

While the speedboat ride adds an adrenaline rush, it’s not for everyone, so travelers prone to seasickness or preferring slower cruises should consider their options. The quality of guides, the beauty of the scenery, and the delicious lunch are standouts that many reviewers rave about.

For those eager to combine adventure, history, and relaxation in one day, this tour offers memorable moments and great value. It’s best suited for adventurous, curious travelers who don’t mind a little speed and are looking to make the most of their time in Mauritius.

FAQ

Is transportation included in this tour? Yes, if you select the option, you’ll enjoy pick-up and drop-off from your accommodation, making the day more convenient.

What should I bring for the trip? Pack comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, sunscreen, a camera, and snorkeling gear if you prefer your own.

Is this tour suitable for children? It’s not recommended for children under 4 years old, and the boat ride might be too bumpy for very young children or pregnant women.

What is the duration of the tour? The full-day tour starts around 8:15 AM and ends back at the meeting point at approximately 3:30 PM.

Are vegetarian options available for lunch? Yes, vegetarian meals are available, though some reviews suggest the options may not be highly elaborate—it’s worth asking beforehand.

Can I cancel if the weather is poor? Yes, the tour can be canceled in bad weather with a full refund or rescheduling options available.

What kind of boat will I be on? It’s a speedboat, which provides a thrilling ride but can be bumpy and fast, adding energy to the experience.

Will I see dolphins or sea turtles? Some travelers have reported sightings of dolphins and sea turtles during the trip, though sightings are not guaranteed.

Is snorkeling equipment provided? Yes, snorkeling gear is included, and the waters are praised for their clarity and marine life.

In summary, this tour offers a lively, engaging way to see the highlights of Mauritius’s east coast. It’s a worthwhile choice for those eager to combine history, nature, and ocean fun into one memorable day.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby