5 Islands Private Speedboat w/ Snorkeling + Lunch & Drinks

The roar of the engine is the main event here. You get a private speedboat, not a seat on a large sightseeing boat, and the route packs beaches, islands, a waterfall, snorkeling, monkeys, dolphins, and a long lunch stop into one full day. The best parts are the early-morning departure, when the water stops are calmer, and the chance to see sea turtles and dolphins around Blue Bay.

I like the freedom of a private boat, especially for a group of four sharing the $498 price. I also like the practical mix of activities: you can snorkel, swim, sit on the sand, or pay extra for parasailing and a tube ride. The main concern is consistency. Some departures have finished several hours early, and the promised language guide or open bar has not always matched expectations.

Key points to know before booking

• Private speedboat for up to four: The price works best when four people share it.
• Blue Bay snorkeling: Equipment is included, with chances to see tropical fish and sea turtles.
• Early starts are better: An early booking can mean fewer boats at the popular stops.
• Beach barbecue and drinks: Lunch includes grilled chicken, fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, and salad.
• Guide language needs checking: English is listed, along with French, German, Italian, and Romanian, but a German-speaking guide was not available on some departures.
• Return time needs confirming: The advertised duration is nine hours, yet some tours ended around five hours.

A private boat day along Mauritius’s east coast

This is a fast-moving day on the water, with the private boat giving you a more personal feel than a standard group cruise. The trip starts and ends at Trou d’Eau Douce, a useful base for the east coast island route. Optional hotel and Airbnb transfers are available across Mauritius, and one family reported a free pickup and return because their hotel was near the departure point.

For a group of up to four, the $498 total price comes to about $124.50 per person if you fill every seat. That is not a bargain beach outing, but it becomes more reasonable when you add the private boat, snorkeling equipment, lunch, drinks, island stops, and possible transfers. A smaller group pays more per person, so this works best for couples, families, or friends who want the boat to themselves.

The private setup also matters for pace. You can ask questions, make room for children, or spend more time swimming without being tied to a large boatload of people. Still, do not assume complete control over the schedule. The written route promises nine hours, but at least two departures returned around 2 p.m. after starting in the morning. Confirm the start and expected return time before you leave.

Ile aux Cerfs, the first island stop

The first planned island visit is Ile aux Cerfs, with about 45 minutes for a quick look and refreshments. Later, the boat returns to Ile aux Cerfs for roughly two hours on the beach. That second stop is where the day shifts from sightseeing to pure downtime.

The island gives you the classic Mauritius beach scene: white sand, swimming water, coconut water, and space to sunbathe. I like that the itinerary does not force you to keep moving all day. After the boat ride and snorkeling, two hours on the sand gives you time to slow down.

You can also pay for optional water activities here, including parasailing and a tube ride. These are not part of the tour price, so budget separately if they appeal to you. One family added parasailing and described it as a strong finish to the day, while other people may prefer to keep the afternoon quiet.

The beach lunch is prepared during this longer stop. Expect grilled chicken, grilled fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, and salad. A family with vegetarian children had its food requests accommodated, but you should still mention dietary needs when booking rather than relying on a last-minute solution.

This is also the busiest-feeling part of the experience. One positive account noted that the lunch area could attract large groups in a party mood. You can move away from the main crowd, but anyone looking for a secluded beach meal should adjust expectations. Ile aux Cerfs is famous for a reason, and it is not an untouched private island.

Grand River South East and the waterfall

From Ile aux Cerfs, the boat heads toward Grand River South East. The waterfall drops toward the Indian Ocean, making this one of the more scenic stops on the route. You view it from the water, so the appeal comes from the boat approach and the setting rather than a long walk or hike.

The trip also includes a chance to feed wild Mauritian monkeys. This may be memorable for families, but I would treat the practice with care. One account specifically noted that the monkeys were fed chips. That is not a responsible habit for wildlife, even if it is presented as part of the fun. You can enjoy seeing the animals without treating processed snacks as a good feeding choice.

The waterfall stop gives the day some variety. You are not simply moving from one beach to another. You get river scenery, a change in the shoreline, and an encounter with local wildlife before returning to the open sea.

Your guide’s role matters here. The boat crew should make clear what you are seeing and what comes next, but communication has been uneven. Some people found the skipper helpful and friendly, while others had few explanations and struggled to get answers. Anil was singled out for being engaged, pleasant, and attentive, so ask if he is available when you book, though a particular guide cannot be guaranteed from the information provided.

Ile aux Phares and Ile de la Passe

The next section takes you toward Ile aux Phares, with the route passing Ile de la Passe. These small islands add the history and exploration element promised by the experience, though the supplied information does not give a detailed historical talk or a set walking tour on either island.

You should think of these stops as scenic boat viewing rather than a full cultural visit. The private speedboat lets you get close to the islands and see them from the water, but the exact time spent at each one can vary. Ask your guide to identify the islands and explain their role in the route if that information matters to you.

This is one area where the quality of the guide makes a big difference. A strong skipper can turn a quick pass into a useful introduction to Mauritius’s coast. A quiet driver may leave you wondering which island is which. The experience lists live guiding in English, French, German, Italian, and Romanian, but German-speaking guests should confirm the actual language before paying. Several German bookings did not receive the promised German guide.

Blue Bay Marine Park snorkeling

Blue Bay is the main water stop, and it is likely to be the highlight for anyone who enjoys marine life. The boat reaches Blue Bay Marine Park after passing Ile de la Passe, and snorkeling equipment is included. You can expect tropical fish and the chance to see sea turtles, with dolphins also listed as a possible sighting from the boat.

The sea turtle sightings have been a real high point. One family saw a turtle close to the boat and a pod of dolphins, then had enough time to admire the underwater life during snorkeling. Wildlife is never guaranteed, but this part of Mauritius gives you a fair reason to bring your camera and sunscreen.

The snorkeling itself is not described as a technical or guided lesson. It is a recreational stop, so you should be comfortable in the water or tell the crew if you need help. The boat provides the equipment, but the information does not specify sizes, flotation aids, or the exact length of the session. If those details matter, ask before departure.

Boat traffic can affect the mood. An early start was praised because later hours brought more boats and rougher, less peaceful conditions at the stops. I would choose the earliest available departure, especially if your priority is snorkeling rather than the beach party atmosphere.

Ile aux Aigrettes and the return past Margenie

After Blue Bay Marine Park, the route passes Ile aux Aigrettes for refreshments before heading back toward Ile aux Cerfs. The written schedule describes the open bar becoming fully available at this point, with rum, wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, water, and cocktails prepared by the barman.

That timing is important. The tour is advertised as having unlimited snacks and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, but some people found the refreshments limited during the earlier part of the day. One account described only two bags of chips and two drinks before the final island stop. Another said the drinks and snacks were concentrated in a small cooler.

You should not expect a drink station operating at full strength from the moment you board. Bring your own water if you want certainty, even though water is listed as included. Alcohol is part of the package, but you still need to pace yourself on a sunny day at sea, especially when snorkeling and sitting on a fast boat.

The return passes Îlot Margenie before the boat reaches Ile aux Cerfs again. The exact route gives you another look at the eastern islands, but the experience is less about ticking off formal island visits than enjoying the movement between them. The speedboat ride is part of the attraction, with the open water, engine noise, and changing views providing much of the day’s energy.

Lunch, music, and the social side of the day

The beach barbecue is a full meal rather than a token sandwich. The menu includes grilled chicken, grilled fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, and salad. That range works well for a mixed group, and individual requests have been handled successfully, including vegetarian meals for children.

The lunch setting is casual and social. Live music or a sega show may provide entertainment, adding a clear Mauritian touch to the beach stop. If you enjoy a lively lunch with music and drinks, this will suit you. If you want a quiet picnic, you may need to move away from the central group.

The tour’s all-inclusive wording needs a practical reading. Lunch is included, and drinks are part of the package, but the supply and timing have not felt equally generous on every departure. You are paying for convenience, not a luxury yacht catering service. The food appears to be the dependable part. Snacks between stops are less certain.

How the guide can shape the experience

This tour needs a guide who does more than steer. The route includes island names, a waterfall, wildlife, a marine park, and historical points, so explanations add real value. Anil received especially warm praise for being friendly and engaged, and his service helped make one family’s day memorable.

At the same time, communication has not been consistent. Some people found that the guide spoke little English and offered information only when asked. That can make the day feel like a boat transfer with stops instead of a guided island tour.

When you book, confirm three details directly:

• The guide’s available language
• The planned start and return time
• What food and drinks will be available before lunch

These questions are especially important for German-speaking groups and anyone booking the experience mainly for the full nine-hour schedule. The listed languages are English, French, German, Italian, and Romanian, but the actual guide assignment may differ.

Timing, transfers, and what to bring

The stated duration is nine hours, with availability depending on the selected starting time. The normal route starts and ends at Trou d’Eau Douce. Optional pickup and drop-off are available from hotels and Airbnbs across Mauritius, but the transfer is not part of the base price.

An early departure is the safest choice for calmer water and fewer boats at Blue Bay and the other popular stops. It also gives you the best chance of enjoying the full day before the coast becomes more crowded.

Bring sunscreen and a camera, as requested for the activity. I would also bring swimwear, a towel, and a dry bag if you have one, though these items are not specifically listed in the supplied details. Keep your phone protected from spray. A private speedboat is comfortable, but it is still an open-water ride with wind and splashes.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That helps if your Mauritius plans are still shifting. It does not remove the need to confirm the schedule, language, and transfer arrangements.

Who should book this private speedboat tour

I would recommend this for a small group that wants many east coast sights in one day and values having its own boat. Families can combine wildlife, snorkeling, beach time, and a proper lunch without changing tours. Couples and friends who split the group price get the strongest value.

It also suits active visitors who want options. You can ride fast between islands, snorkel at Blue Bay, watch for dolphins and turtles, feed monkeys, swim, sunbathe, and add parasailing or a tube ride. You do not have to take part in every activity.

I would be cautious if your top priorities are precise timing, expert commentary, or a fully stocked bar throughout the day. The strongest accounts praise the early departure, the beautiful stops, the skipper, and the meal. The weakest experiences involve a missing language guide, sparse early refreshments, limited information, or a return several hours before the promised finish.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you can share the $498 price with three other people, want a private boat, and prefer a busy day of sea time and island stops over a slow, quiet cruise. Choose the earliest departure and confirm the guide, return time, and drink arrangements in writing.

Skip it if you need a guaranteed nine-hour schedule, a German-speaking guide, or a luxury-style open bar from boarding onward. For the right group, the combination of Blue Bay snorkeling, sea life, the waterfall, Ile aux Cerfs, and a beach barbecue can make this one of the more efficient ways to see Mauritius’s east coast. Just go in with realistic expectations about the schedule and service level.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

The speedboat journey starts and ends at Trou d’Eau Douce.

How long is the experience?

The advertised duration is nine hours. Starting times depend on availability, and the actual return time should be confirmed before departure.

How many people can join the private boat?

The price covers a private group of up to four people.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel and Airbnb pickup and drop-off are available as an optional transfer service around Mauritius. It is not included in the base activity price.

What food is included?

The beach barbecue includes grilled chicken, grilled fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, and salad. Individual food requests have been accommodated, including vegetarian meals for children.

Are drinks included?

The package includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including rum, wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and water. Snacks are also listed as included, but the timing and quantity should be confirmed before departure.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included for the Blue Bay Marine Park stop.

Which languages are available?

The activity lists English, French, German, Italian, and Romanian. You should confirm the language of your assigned guide, as a German-speaking guide was not available on some departures.