REVIEW · OPEN BAR EXPERIENCES
5 Islands Speedboat Cruise, Snorkeling + Lunch & Open Bar
The main draw is the fast, water-level route along Mauritius’s east coast. In one day, you visit beaches, a lighthouse, a nature reserve, a snorkeling site, waterfalls, and several small islands. It feels less like a single beach outing and more like a moving tour of the coast.
I like the mix of history and sea time, especially Ile aux Fouqets Lighthouse, and I like that lunch and an open bar are included rather than treated as costly extras. The drawback is simple: snorkeling is listed at one spot, so you should not book this expecting a full day of repeated reef stops.
- A 7-hour speedboat circuit leaves Trou d’Eau Douce at 8:30 and returns at 15:30.
- Ile aux Fouqets Lighthouse provides the tour’s strongest historical and visual stop.
- Swimming, lunch, and an open bar are included at Ile aux Cerfs.
- Blue Bay Marine Park area snorkeling offers a look at local sea life and plant life.
- Grand River South East Waterfalls adds a freshwater and coastal change of pace.
- Private hotel transport and fresh grilled lobster can be arranged separately through WhatsApp.
A fast start from Trou d’Eau Douce

This is an early, full-day outing. You meet at the departure point in Trou d’Eau Douce, board at 8:30, and return around 15:30. The operator asks you to send a WhatsApp message for exact embarkation details, so do not treat the meeting point as something to sort out at the last second.
The speedboat is central to the experience. You are not simply being carried between beach stops. You get the sound of the engine, open water, and a brisk ride between the east coast islands. That will appeal to you if the journey itself matters as much as the stops.
It may not suit you if you prefer a quiet, slow boat trip. The tour is designed around movement, and the day covers several sites within seven hours. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. You will want them close at hand rather than buried in a bag.
Ile aux Cerfs brings beach time and lunch

Ile aux Cerfs is the most relaxed part of the day. The plan allows time for sunbathing, swimming, and resting, with an island recipe barbecue lunch and open bar included in the price. There are also watersports shops, giving you the option to look around after eating, though the supplied details do not state that additional watersports are included.
I like this stop because it gives the schedule a proper pause. After the speedboat ride and sightseeing, you can settle into a beach setting instead of rushing from one photo stop to the next. Families and mixed-age groups may find this especially useful, since not everyone needs to be in the water at the same time.
The open bar adds value, but keep your expectations sensible. It is part of the package, not a promise of a premium drinks program. The lunch is described as a barbecue island recipe, while fresh grilled lobster costs extra. If lobster matters to you, ask the operator to reserve it in advance through WhatsApp.
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Ile aux Fouqets Lighthouse is the day’s signature sight

Ile aux Fouqets Lighthouse is described as the main attraction, and it is easy to see why. A lighthouse on a small offshore island gives the trip a strong sense of place. It is not just another stop for swimming. It connects the bright, active boat day with the working and navigational history of the coast.
The stop is best for anyone who likes a little context with their scenery. You can see the lighthouse from the water and take in its position among the islands. The information provided does not promise an interior visit or a guided historical talk, so book this for the setting and the sight, not for a museum-style tour.
This is also one reason the speedboat format works well. You can reach offshore points that would be awkward to include in a land-based day. The tradeoff is that the schedule has several stops, so the amount of time spent at the lighthouse may depend on the conditions and the guide’s timing.
The reserve and Ilot Mergenie add variety

The route includes Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve, listed as a place for swimming and an open bar. Here, the emphasis appears to be on the water and the setting rather than a formal reserve tour. Do not assume that a land visit or wildlife presentation is included, because neither is specified.
I like having this kind of stop in the middle of the route. It breaks up the beach lunch and the more active boat sections. You can swim, have a drink, and enjoy a quieter stretch of the coast before moving on.
Ilot Mergenie is also included among the route’s stops. The information does not specify a separate activity there, so consider it part of the island-hopping circuit rather than a guaranteed extended landing. The tour is sometimes described as a five-island cruise, yet the listed route names Ile aux Cerfs, Ile aux Fouqets, Ile aux Aigrettes, and Ilot Mergenie, along with the Blue Bay area and Grand River South East Waterfalls. Exact stop timing may vary.
That detail matters if you are comparing this with a simple Ile aux Cerfs excursion. You are paying for a broader coastal circuit, not just one beach.
Snorkeling near Blue Bay Marine Park

The snorkeling stop is near the Blue Bay Marine Park. The stated purpose is to see local fauna and flora, making this the clearest part of the trip for underwater viewing.
Bring your own comfort expectations. Snorkeling is included, but only one snorkeling stop is specified. One participant particularly wished there had been another chance to snorkel at a better spot. That is useful advice: if snorkeling is your main reason for booking, this may feel light compared with a dedicated reef tour.
For a general day out, though, one stop can be enough. The tour also has a lighthouse, waterfalls, swimming, beach time, and a boat ride to balance the schedule. You get variety rather than a narrow focus on coral and fish.
Conditions can affect the experience. One departure was still considered a good day despite poor weather, but weather can change visibility, comfort, and the feel of the ride. Pack sunscreen even if the sky looks uncertain, and keep your towel and beachwear accessible.
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Grand River South East Waterfalls from the water

Grand River South East Waterfalls gives the day a different visual note. After the open sea, beaches, and reef area, the river setting changes the mood. The stop is part of the east coast route and adds a natural feature that you would miss on a day focused only on the islands.
The appeal here is the contrast. You are not repeating the same beach scene all afternoon. The boat lets you connect several types of scenery in one outing, which helps explain the tour’s popularity as a full-day choice.
The supplied details do not promise a hike, landing, or close approach beyond the listed visit. Plan to see the waterfalls as part of the boat itinerary rather than expecting a long walk or separate inland excursion.
What the $100 price includes

At $100 per person, the tour sits in the middle of the typical full-day excursion decision: it costs more than a basic transfer or short boat ride, but it bundles several activities and meals into one day.
The included value is strong if you want variety. Your price covers the listed attraction tickets, snorkeling, the open bar, and the island barbecue lunch. It also includes the speedboat circuit linking the sites, though the details do not list separate transport from your hotel.
The extra costs are clear:
- Hotel or accommodation transportation is not included.
- Fresh grilled lobster costs extra.
- Any optional purchases at watersports shops are not stated as included.
I would compare the price with your likely alternatives. If you would otherwise book separate transport, a beach day, a snorkeling trip, and a waterfall visit, this bundled route may be good value. If you want two or three hours of serious snorkeling, the included single stop may make a dedicated snorkeling tour a better buy.
The skipper can shape the whole day

A speedboat tour depends heavily on the person at the helm. Danilo is named as one skipper, and his good humor and sense of pace made a strong impression on one departure. Other departures also benefited from captains who kept the mood light and made the day fun.
That does not mean Danilo will operate every trip. Treat the name as a useful detail, not a guarantee. The operator offers the activity in French and English, so language should be manageable for many visitors.
The best guide style for this tour is practical rather than formal. You need clear timing, safe boat handling, and help moving between swimming, food, and sightseeing. A guide who keeps the day moving without making it feel hurried matters more here than a long lecture at every stop.
Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend the cruise to you if you want a broad sample of Mauritius’s east coast in one outing. It suits couples, families, and groups with mixed interests because the day combines:
- Speedboat travel
- Beach time
- Swimming
- A lighthouse
- Snorkeling
- Waterfalls
- Lunch
- An open bar
It is especially useful for a shorter visit when you want to cover several coastal highlights without arranging each one yourself. The schedule also gives non-snorkelers enough to do, which is important when a group does not share one main interest.
You should think twice if you need a wheelchair-accessible activity, since the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. You may also prefer another excursion if you dislike fast boat travel, want a slow sailing atmosphere, or expect multiple snorkeling sessions.
The seven-hour timing is another practical point. You leave at 8:30 and return at 15:30, so you still have part of the evening free. But you should not count on a casual late start. This is a morning activity, and the WhatsApp meeting details need to be confirmed before departure day.
Practical tips for a smoother boat day
Keep your packing simple and useful. You need:
- Swimwear
- A towel
- Sunscreen
- Beachwear
Wear something that works both on the boat and at the beach. A small waterproof bag would also be sensible for phones and valuables, though it is not specifically listed as provided. Do not assume the boat has room for bulky luggage.
If you want private transportation from your accommodation, ask in advance. The operator can arrange it, but it is not part of the $100 price. The same applies to lobster. Ask by WhatsApp before the day rather than hoping it will be available when lunch begins.
You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your plans are still shifting. Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. These terms are useful, but the more important practical step is confirming the precise meeting instructions.
Should you book the five-island cruise?
Book it if you want a lively, well-filled day that combines Mauritius’s east coast by speedboat, several island stops, a lighthouse, a single snorkeling session, waterfalls, lunch, and an open bar. The strongest points are the range of sights and the fact that core extras are already included.
Skip it if snorkeling is your top priority, if you need wheelchair access, or if you prefer a slow and quiet boat trip. The route is broad rather than deep, and one snorkeling stop may not satisfy a serious underwater enthusiast.
For most visitors seeking a first taste of the east coast, the $100 price is reasonable because it covers lunch, drinks, attraction access, and the boat circuit. Ask about transport and lobster beforehand, pack for swimming, and confirm the meeting point through WhatsApp. If those details fit your plans, this is a lively and practical way to spend a day on the water.
FAQ
Where does the speedboat cruise start and finish?
The activity starts and ends at Trou d’Eau Douce. You should send a WhatsApp message to receive the exact embarkation details.
What time does the tour depart and return?
Embarcation is at 8:30, and the tour returns at about 15:30. The total duration is seven hours.
Is transportation from my hotel included?
No. Transportation is not included in the listed price, but private transport from your hotel or accommodation can be arranged by request.
Is lunch included?
Yes. An island recipe barbecue lunch is included. Fresh grilled lobster is not included, but you can ask the operator to reserve it separately.
Is snorkeling included?
Yes. Snorkeling near the Blue Bay Marine Park area is included. The tour specifies one snorkeling stop.
What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear.
Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.
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