If you like a packed day at sea, this one delivers. You get a fast speedboat run along Mauritius’ southeast coast, plus snorkeling stops and a beach BBQ lunch on Ile aux Cerfs.

I love that it feels like a whole-day mini-adventure, not just a single beach stop, and that the day builds toward the best hangout: Ile aux Cerfs.

One thing to plan for: some of the island walking can be rocky, and the snorkeling gear is provided but not everyone loves the quality. If you’re sensitive about hygiene or fit, bring your own snorkel setup, and consider aqua shoes.

Quick hits: why this 5-island outing works

• Five islands in one day on a speedboat circuit, so you see more coast than you would solo.
• Snorkeling with real wildlife odds (turtles, dolphins, and plenty of fish sightings show up in real experiences).
• Ile aux Cerfs time for swimming, relaxing, and a proper beach BBQ with drinks.
• Grande River South East waterfall stop that’s short on time but often has monkey action.
• Historic lighthouse island and passing views tied to the 1810 Grand Port naval battle.

Entering the day at Trou d’Eau Douce, fast and focused

This is a 6-hour outing designed for people who don’t want to spend their Mauritius time stuck in traffic or waiting around. You meet at the jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce, next to the flag of Mauritius, and then the day moves quickly once you’re aboard.

Your group is capped at 14 people, which matters more than it sounds. With a smaller crew, you tend to get smoother boarding and better odds that your guide/captain can steer the boat toward sightings when conditions allow. One reason people rave about the experience is that the guides don’t just recite facts. Several named guides and captains show up in real feedback—Oliver, Rajiv, Rajesh, Wendel, Tony, Jeremy, Derrick, Oliver/Olivier, and Christophe—often described as funny, friendly, and good at spotting what’s around.

Also note the boat type: the starting point is listed with a catamaran name (Blue Alizé Catamaran), but the actual ride people describe is a speedboat experience—fast, bouncy, and exciting if you like motion on the water.

The first island stop: Ile aux Cerfs for a warm-up beach feel

Ile aux Cerfs is your first real taste of the day. You get about 40 minutes there, with time to walk around, take in the views, and settle into the beach mindset.

This is the stop that helps you shift gears. The ride from the mainland can be a bit of an adrenaline jump, and then Ile aux Cerfs slows things down for a short wander and a chance to get your bearings on sand. It’s also where you can gauge the water temperature and decide how much snorkeling/swimming you want later.

A practical heads-up from experience: some early island walking can feel a bit stone-heavy. One review specifically recommended aqua shoes for the first couple of stops. If your feet hate uneven footing, pack accordingly.

Grande River South East waterfall: a quick photo break with monkey energy

After Ile aux Cerfs, the boat heads toward the Grande River South East waterfall area. You get a photo stop plus a short visit, roughly 20 minutes on the ground.

It’s not an all-day hike, so don’t expect a long, structured nature walk. What you may find instead is the kind of moment Mauritius is famous for: monkeys around the area and quick opportunities for photos as the boat crew keeps the schedule moving.

The value here is timing. This stop acts like a mental reset between open-water sections. You’ll see a bit of inland scenery and then you’re back on the water soon after.

Grand Port District snorkeling: where the sea life steals the show

This is a centerpiece stop. You spend about 40 minutes at the Grand Port District with swimming and snorkeling.

This is where most people’s favorite stories tend to cluster: sea turtles, dolphins, and lots of fish activity show up in real experiences, and the snorkeling water is repeatedly described as clear enough to make the effort worth it.

A few practical tips so you get more from this stop:

• Snorkeling gear is included, but at least one person felt the gear quality could be better. If you’re picky about how things fit, bring your own mask/snorkel.
• If you’re prone to fogging or discomfort, do a quick mask check before you jump in. You only have a set time window, and you don’t want to waste it fighting your equipment.
• Don’t chase animals. Let them come to you. The goal is a calm, respectful swim.

If wildlife sightings are your top priority, this is the stop you’ll want to be fully ready for.

Fouquets Island and the lighthouse photo moments

Between snorkeling and the later calmer-water swim, you’ll have another chance to look for dolphins around Fouquets Island. It’s described as dolphin watching, and many people ended the day feeling like dolphins were a real highlight.

Then comes the lighthouse island portion on your route. The lighthouse on this island is tied to Mauritius’ older colonial-era story: the structure dates back more than 200 years, and the island area is recognized as a historical monument. You also get the kind of visual contrast that makes this place memorable—one side calm lagoon water, the other side waves crashing against the breakers of the Indian Ocean.

And the historical angle isn’t generic trivia. In 1810, Ile aux Phares and Ile de la Passe were the theatre of a battle between French and British forces—the naval battle of Grand Port. It’s presented as the only victory of the Napoleonic Navy, and it’s listed on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Hearing that while standing near a lighthouse that’s been there for centuries makes the story feel less like a worksheet.

The time here is short but purposeful: enough to take photos, walk a bit, and connect the scenery to the story.

Ile de la Passe: the pass-by that still matters

Ile de la Passe is typically something you see more than something you explore. You’ll get sightseeing and then pass by.

Even though you aren’t spending a long time on land, it’s still a key part of the day’s flow because it connects back to the 1810 Grand Port naval battle narrative. If you like places where the water meets the story, this pass-by can add depth without adding extra time pressure.

Ile aux Aigrettes: aperitif and swimming in calmer water

Next up is Ile aux Aigrettes. You get an aperitif and about 45 minutes for swimming.

This stop feels like a reward after the earlier action. It’s also a useful decompression moment: you’re back to water, but in a more relaxed, linger-friendly way than the structured snorkeling segment earlier.

The aperitif detail is small, but it’s one of those touches that makes the day feel like a hosted experience instead of a checklist. You get a drink, you get time in the water, and you’re not rushed off immediately.

Back to Ile aux Cerfs: beer, lunch, and BBQ that’s the payoff

Ile aux Cerfs is where you end strong. You get about two hours for lunch, BBQ, and beach time, plus beer as part of the drinks.

This is the stop that turns the day from sightseeing into actual vacation time. You can sunbathe, hang out in the water, and enjoy the food without worrying about the next transportation step.

What’s especially good here is that the BBQ is paired with the day’s best setting. It’s hard to beat the combination: warm sand, clear water, and a meal that doesn’t feel like you grabbed it in a hurry.

Diet notes: at least one group reported strong vegan options. If you have dietary needs, it’s worth telling the crew ahead of time through the usual channel during booking or check-in.

Drinks on the water: snacks, rum, beer, and refills

Lunch is included, and so are drinks and snacks. People specifically mention local rum and coke/soft drinks available during the ride, and beer served around the BBQ time.

Why this matters for real travelers: water days can get tiring fast. When you’re out for hours with wind, sun, and speedboat movement, having regular snack and drink support makes the day feel smoother and more fun.

Snorkeling gear, wildlife rules, and how to act like a good guest

This tour gives you the tools: snorkeling gear is included, and there are clear windows for swimming and snorkeling. Still, the wildlife side comes with a responsibility piece.

One review flagged a bittersweet trend on some tours: guides may offer food to monkeys or birds to draw them closer for photos. That can be exciting, but it also raises ethical questions about feeding wild animals. My advice: don’t try to outsmart the moment with your own feeding plan. If food comes into the story, follow your guide’s lead and keep wildlife interactions short and respectful.

Also keep a little distance around sea life. Don’t block a turtle’s path, don’t crowd dolphins, and don’t kick fins wildly around coral or resting areas.

Price and value: what $100 buys you in six hours

At about $100 per person for 6 hours, the value is best understood as a package deal. You’re paying for:

• Multiple island stops in one day (not just one beach)
• Lunch and drinks plus snacks during the outing
• Snorkeling gear included
• A live guide in French and English
• A small group size (limited to 14)

That can be a strong deal compared to piecing together separate boat time, island entry plans, and a standalone snorkeling trip. The big thing you might need to handle yourself is transport to the meeting point—hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included.

So if you’re staying in or near Trou d’Eau Douce, this feels like an easy add-on. If you’re far away, you’ll want to factor in your own travel time to the jetty.

Who should book this 5-island speedboat tour

This is a great fit if you:

• Want a high-energy day that combines snorkeling and multiple islands
• Like the chance of seeing turtles and dolphins rather than only fish
• Prefer small group tours with an active guide approach
• Want a BBQ beach ending instead of a rushed turnaround

It’s less ideal if:

• You’re pregnant (the tour is listed as not suitable)
• You need lots of long, slow walking time on land
• You’re uncomfortable with speedboat movement or choppy water

Also, pack light. Luggage or large bags aren’t allowed, so plan for a day-bag only.

Should you book? My honest take

I’d book this if you’re aiming for a memorable Mauritius day with beach time, snorkeling, and a real chance of wildlife sightings. The way the schedule is built matters: you get early island time, a quick waterfall stop, a proper snorkeling block, and then you finish with the BBQ on Ile aux Cerfs.

If you hate rocky footing, definitely wear aqua shoes. If you care a lot about snorkel hygiene or fit, consider bringing your own mask and snorkel. And if you want zero speedboat motion, you might find the fast ride less comfortable than a slower catamaran-style day.

Bottom line: for most people, it’s strong value because so much is included, and the day moves with purpose. Just go in ready for a fast day, some uneven ground, and the best kind of problem to have in Mauritius—wondering which stop to think about first afterward.

FAQ

How long is the Trou d’Eau Douce 5 island trip?

The duration is 6 hours.

What’s included with snorkeling?

Snorkeling gear is included, and the day has designated swimming and snorkeling time.

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at the jetty next to the flag of Mauritius.

Is hotel pickup or drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Are lunch and drinks included?

Yes. Lunch and drinks are included, along with snacks.

How big is the group?

It’s a small group limited to 14 participants.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and a towel.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women?

No, it’s listed as not suitable for pregnant women.

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