Trou d’Eau Douce: 5 Islands Tour with Snorkeling and BBQ

The best part of this five-island speedboat trip is its variety. In five hours, you move from open-water views and lighthouse ruins to snorkeling, a waterfall stop, dolphin watching, and a relaxed BBQ on Margénie Island. It is a busy day, but the boat keeps the pace lively.

I especially like the snorkeling stop near Île aux Aigrettes and the generous drink selection at lunch, including rum, beer, wine, soft drinks, and fruit juice. The main drawback is that English explanations may be brief or hard to follow, so this suits you better if you want a fun day on the water more than a detailed guided history lesson.

• Five island sights in five hours: Visit or pass Île aux Cerfs, Île de la Passe, Île aux Aigrettes, Phare Island, and Margénie.
• Snorkeling near Île aux Aigrettes: Swim with fish in clear water, with equipment supplied.
• BBQ on Margénie Island: Expect chicken, fish, sausages, garlic bread, salad, and flambéed pineapple or banana.
• Dolphin watching without chasing: The boat stops to watch dolphins when they appear, with no swimming after them.
• Lively boat atmosphere: Music, rum, and guides such as Ayen and Danilo help keep the trip social.
• Useful flexibility: Vegetarian food is available by request, and you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.

Setting Out From Cabane du Pêcheur

Your day begins at Cabane du Pêcheur, the stated meeting point for the boat. Transport to the boarding point is not included, so you need to arrange your own way there and allow enough time to arrive ready for departure.

The first boat ride lasts about 20 minutes. This is a useful opening stretch because it gets you away from the starting point quickly and gives you time to settle into the speedboat before the main stops begin.

The boat is central to the experience. You are not simply being carried between fixed attractions. You spend much of the tour looking across open water, watching the islands change shape, and feeling the speed of the ride. Bring a hat and sunscreen, and keep your camera protected from spray.

Private and small-group options are available. That matters here because the day includes swimming, free time, lunch, and sightseeing rather than one tightly controlled walking route. A smaller boat can make the trip feel more personal, although the exact boat arrangement depends on the option you book.

Île aux Cerfs and the First Hour of Free Time

Île aux Cerfs is one of the longer stops, with about an hour for free time, shopping, sightseeing, and a self-guided look around. This gives you a chance to step off the boat and explore at your own speed rather than following a guide every minute.

I like having this pause early in the day. A five-hour speedboat trip can feel packed, and free time lets you stretch your legs, take photos, or simply enjoy the island without rushing straight into the next activity.

The tradeoff is that one hour passes quickly. If you want to shop, walk around, and take in the views, you will need to choose what matters most. This is not enough time for a slow, open-ended visit, but it is long enough to break up the boat journey.

Use this stop for orientation rather than trying to see everything. Keep an eye on the departure time, since the rest of the tour includes several planned stops and lunch.

Village Views, Wildlife, and the Grse Waterfall

The route next includes a 35-minute stop described as a traditional village visit, with guided sightseeing, scenic views, and wildlife viewing. Another 35-minute portion includes dolphin watching and more views along the way.

The exact order of these parts can vary, but the purpose is clear: the tour is not only about beaches and snorkeling. You get glimpses of local life, natural scenery, and the chance to look for wildlife from the boat.

Dolphin watching is best treated as a fortunate possibility, not a guaranteed close encounter. Dolphins have appeared during this trip, and the boat does not chase them or allow people to enter the water after them. I consider that a sensible approach. You may see them clearly, or you may simply enjoy the search and the open-water ride.

The Grse waterfall is also included. The schedule allows time for sightseeing and a walk, though the supplied timing does not specify a long hike or extended stop at the falls. Keep expectations practical: this is one part of a broad half-day route, not a dedicated waterfall excursion.

Passing Île de la Passe and Phare Island

Phare Island, also called the lighthouse island, is one of the visual highlights. The route includes a stop at Phare Island, while Île de la Passe is passed by boat for about 10 minutes.

That distinction matters. You should expect scenic views of Île de la Passe rather than a long landing there. The lighthouse island and Île de la Passe add historical and visual interest to the boat ride, but the detailed information provided for this experience does not promise an extended guided explanation of their past.

This is where the speedboat format works well. From the water, you can see the islands in relation to one another and take in the shoreline without committing a large block of time to each one. If you want deep historical commentary, ask your guide questions directly. English commentary can be limited, and explanations may be clearer in French depending on the guide.

The tour runs in English and French. Guides Ayen and Danilo have been associated with an upbeat style, music, and humor, so you may find the tone more social than academic.

Snorkeling Near Île aux Aigrettes

The snorkeling stop near Île aux Aigrettes lasts about an hour. Equipment is included, and you have time for swimming, snorkeling, marine-life viewing, and local snacks.

This is one of the strongest reasons to book the trip. The water is described as crystal clear, and the stop gives you a proper hour rather than a quick ten-minute swim. You can use the time to look for fish, cool off, and enjoy the view from the water.

Bring your own towel, swimwear, and sunscreen. A hat is useful during the boat rides, but you will want to secure it before the speedboat picks up speed. A camera is worth bringing, though protect it carefully around salt water.

The snorkeling is weather-dependent in the practical sense that water conditions affect visibility and comfort. The supplied information does not promise a particular species or reef encounter, so I would judge this stop by the chance to swim in clear Indian Ocean water rather than by expecting a specific animal.

Local snacks may be available at this point. The main food of the day, however, comes later at the BBQ, so do not assume this stop replaces lunch.

BBQ, Rum, and Fruit Flambé on Margénie

The BBQ on Margénie Island lasts about 90 minutes, making it the longest single stop. The menu includes chicken, fish, sausages, garlic bread, mixed salad, and pineapple or banana flambé.

That is a solid meal for an active half-day on the water. I like that it includes several main choices rather than one fixed plate, and the fruit dessert gives the lunch a distinctly island-style finish. Vegetarian food is available, but you must request it when booking. Dietary restrictions should also be shared in advance.

Drinks include rum, beer, wine, Coke, and fruit juice. The alcohol is part of the social mood, not a separate tasting session. Some guides add music, and the boat atmosphere can remain lively during lunch and the ride back.

You may bring your own drinks because there is no stated restriction. Still, the provided drinks cover the main needs for most people. Keep drinking water in mind, especially after snorkeling and sitting in the sun.

The 90-minute lunch stop is long enough to eat without forcing the meal. You also get free time on the island. This is a good moment to slow down after the faster sightseeing portions of the route.

How the Five-Hour Schedule Feels

The advertised duration is five hours, with the final speedboat ride back taking about 15 minutes. Within that window, the schedule includes:

• About 20 minutes by speedboat at the start
• One hour at Île aux Cerfs
• Two 35-minute sightseeing sections
• About 45 minutes for walking and self-guided sightseeing
• A 10-minute pass by Île de la Passe
• One hour for snorkeling near Île aux Aigrettes
• About 90 minutes for the BBQ and free time on Margénie
• About 15 minutes back to Cabane du Pêcheur

The timings show why this is an active outing. You will not spend the entire day relaxing on one beach. You will board and leave the boat several times, swim, walk, eat, and keep track of departure times.

I would choose this trip if you like variety and want a broad taste of the east coast waters around Mauritius. If your ideal day means one quiet beach with no schedule, this may feel too busy.

Is $106 a Fair Price?

At $106 per person, the value depends on how many included parts you would otherwise arrange separately. The price covers the speedboat tour, snorkeling equipment, dolphin watching, the Grse waterfall visit, free time on Île aux Cerfs, lunch on Margénie, and a range of drinks.

That is a reasonable package for a five-hour outing, particularly if you would need to pay separately for a boat, snorkeling gear, lunch, and drinks. The private or small-group choices may also appeal if you care about space and a more personal atmosphere.

The price is less compelling if you mainly want a long snorkeling session or a quiet beach day. You are paying for the combination of islands, boat travel, wildlife watching, food, and social energy.

There are extra costs to remember. Transport to Cabane du Pêcheur is not included, and personal expenses are your responsibility. Shopping at Île aux Cerfs can also add to the bill.

Who Will Enjoy This Trip Most

I would recommend this tour to you if you want to pack several east coast sights into one morning or afternoon. It suits active couples, friends, families who can manage boat transfers, and anyone who enjoys a social lunch with music and drinks.

It is also a good choice if you want snorkeling without arranging equipment yourself. The hour near Île aux Aigrettes gives you enough time to swim properly, while the island stops add variety for anyone who does not want to spend every minute in the water.

The trip may be less suitable if you need long, detailed explanations in English. The guide speaks English and French, but English commentary has sometimes been sparse or difficult to understand. You should be comfortable getting much of your enjoyment from the scenery, swimming, food, and guide interaction.

The activity is wheelchair accessible, but the provided information does not explain the exact boarding arrangements or how every island stop is handled. If you use a wheelchair, confirm the practical details before booking. Pets are not allowed, and the activity is not suitable for people over 95.

What to Pack for a Comfortable Day

Pack lightly, but bring the basics:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Hat and sunscreen
• Camera
• Any required medication
• Details of dietary restrictions
• A small amount of money for personal expenses

You do not need to bring snorkeling equipment, since it is supplied. You can bring your own drinks, although the tour already includes rum, beer, wine, Coke, and fruit juice.

Protect electronic items from spray and wet hands. The schedule moves between boat rides, swimming, walking, and lunch, so a simple bag that closes securely is more useful than bulky luggage.

Should You Book This Mauritius Island Tour?

Book it if you want maximum variety in five hours. The snorkeling, lighthouse island views, Île aux Cerfs free time, waterfall visit, dolphin watching, and Margénie BBQ give you a broad sample of Mauritius in one outing.

I would skip it if you want a slow beach day, a detailed history tour, or guaranteed dolphin contact. The route is active, the commentary may be limited in English, and several stops are brief.

For most people who enjoy boats, swimming, music, and an easygoing BBQ, the combination is strong. Request a vegetarian meal or dietary adjustment in advance, arrive at Cabane du Pêcheur prepared for sun and spray, and treat dolphin watching as a bonus rather than the main reason to book.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Cabane du Pêcheur in Mauritius.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts about five hours.

Which islands are included?

The route includes Phare Island, Île de la Passe, Île aux Aigrettes, Île aux Cerfs, and Margénie Island.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Where does snorkeling take place?

The snorkeling session takes place near Île aux Aigrettes.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch on Margénie Island is included.

What food is served at the BBQ?

The meal includes chicken, fish, sausages, garlic bread, mixed salad, and pineapple or banana flambé. Vegetarian food is available on request.

What drinks are included?

Drinks include rum, beer, Coke, wine, and fruit juice.

Is dolphin watching guaranteed?

Dolphin watching is included, but the supplied information does not guarantee a dolphin sighting. If dolphins appear, the boat watches them without chasing them or allowing people to enter the water after them.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English and French.

Can I cancel the booking?

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

Can I pay later?

Yes. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you book without paying immediately.

Is transport to the meeting point included?

No. Transport to Cabane du Pêcheur is not included.

Can I bring my own drinks?

Yes. There are no stated restrictions on bringing your own drinks.

Are private or small-group options available?

Yes. Private and small-group options are available.