FULL-DAY CATASPEED – East Lagoon cruise including transfer.

The best part of this Mauritius outing is the private speedboat. Instead of following a fixed catamaran schedule, you have the boat for the day and can choose how long to stay on the islands, swim, snorkel, or simply sit back. The route takes in five islands, a waterfall, and the East Coast lagoon in about seven hours.

I like two things in particular: hotel pickup and drop-off remove a fair amount of morning fuss, and the BBQ lunch comes with drinks, including bottled water, soft drinks, local beer, wine, and rum. The snorkeling gear and life jackets are also supplied, so you do not need to pack a boatload of equipment.

The main point to consider is the boat itself. This is a fast speedboat, not a quiet catamaran. That means more spray, engine noise, and wave-jumping, but also a more exciting ride and greater control over the day. Ile aux Cerfs can also feel disappointing if you expect a pristine, empty beach, and there is no snorkeling stop there.

Key points to know before booking

• Private boat for the full day: The speedboat stays with your party, giving you more control than a shared cruise.
• Five island stops: The route includes Ile aux Flamants, Ile aux Phares, Ile de la Passe, Ile aux Aigrettes, and Ile aux Cerfs.
• Snorkeling equipment included: Masks, snorkels, fins, and life jackets are provided for infants, children, and adults.
• BBQ lunch on Ile aux Margenie: Expect garlic bread, salads, sausages, chicken, fish, and fruit or flaming bananas.
• Wildlife along the route: The waterfall stop may bring you close to macaques and fruit bats, while dolphins are a lucky possibility.
• A lively ride, not a quiet sail: The boat can jump over waves, which suits active visitors more than anyone seeking a calm cruise.

Why the East Coast cruise works as a full-day outing

Mauritius has plenty of beautiful coastal trips, but this one packs several types of scenery into one day. You get open lagoon water, small historic islands, a snorkeling stop, a waterfall, a beach lunch, and time on Ile aux Cerfs.

I like that the outing is not just a ride to one famous beach. The changing scenery gives the day a useful rhythm. You might spend one stretch looking at islands and old lighthouse structures, another in the water with a mask and fins, and another eating under the sun.

The private format matters here. On a shared boat, the captain has to keep everyone on one timetable. With this charter, the boat remains with your group, so you can ask to spend longer swimming or shorten a beach stop if the heat gets to you. The exact route and timing may still depend on sea conditions and the skipper, but the basic arrangement gives you more freedom than a standard group cruise.

The price is $170 per person. That is not the cheapest way to see the East Coast, but the cost includes private boat use, transfers, food, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and a full day on the water. For a small group that wants a boat to itself, the value is easier to justify. For one or two people comparing basic shared cruises, it is a more serious expense.

Starting at 7:00 with a private hotel transfer

The day begins with pickup at 7:00 a.m. from your hotel or another agreed location. A private car takes you to the cruise harbor, with the boat scheduled to leave at 8:30 a.m.

That transfer is more useful than it may sound. East Coast excursions require an early start, and arranging your own transport can add cost and uncertainty. Here, the land portion is handled for you, and the same arrangement brings you back to the pickup location around 4:00 p.m.

You should treat the 8:30 departure as a real start time. Have swimwear under your clothes, bring sun protection, and keep anything you need during the ride easy to reach. The boat has an ice box with water, juice, soft drinks, local beer, and wine, but you will still want personal items such as sunscreen and a towel.

The experience is offered in English and French. No specific group size is given, but the boat is described as a private charter, not a seat on a shared catamaran. Ask for the exact boat capacity when booking if that affects your decision.

Five islands, five different reasons to stop

The island route is the heart of the day. Each stop contributes something different, although the time at each place can vary.

Ile aux Flamants gives you an early taste of the small-island scenery that makes the East Coast appealing. Expect low islands, clear lagoon water, and plenty of opportunities for photographs. This is more about seeing the coast from the water and getting a feel for the route than ticking off a major attraction.

Ile aux Phares is associated with its lighthouse. It adds a visual landmark and a little historical character to a day that might otherwise be mostly beaches and swimming. You should not expect a long museum visit or an extensive historical presentation. The appeal is the setting and the chance to see the lighthouse from the boat or during a brief stop.

Ile de la Passe brings another island viewpoint and more of the region’s coastal story. Like Ile aux Phares, it is best understood as part of a moving sequence of sights rather than a single large attraction. The boat lets you see these small islands without spending the entire day walking around one beach.

Ile aux Aigrettes is included in the island route, though the supplied details do not specify how long you spend there or whether you go ashore. Keep that in mind if a particular island is the main reason you are booking. The value of the route is its variety, not a guarantee of a lengthy stop at each island.

Ile aux Margenie is where lunch is served. The setting gives you a break from the boat and a chance to eat on land. The meal includes garlic bread, mixed salads, sausages, chicken, fish fillets, and dessert, usually flaming bananas or local pineapple.

The food is generous for a boat excursion, and the range gives you more than a single plate of grilled meat. Drinks include bottled water, juice, soft drinks, white wine, rosé wine, and rum. If you have dietary restrictions, ask in advance, since the provided information does not list vegetarian, vegan, allergy-friendly, or halal alternatives.

Snorkeling at the aquarium stop

The snorkeling stop is described as taking place at the Aquarium, one of the better points in the day for getting into the lagoon. Masks, snorkels, and fins are supplied, which saves you from hiring or carrying your own equipment.

The equipment is available for adults, children, and infants, with life jackets provided across those age groups. That does not mean every child will be comfortable in the water, so parents should still keep close watch and follow the skipper’s instructions.

The snorkeling quality can vary with weather, water clarity, and sea conditions. The outing promises a spot with colorful fish, but it does not promise a particular species or a marine reserve experience. Think of it as a well-placed lagoon swim rather than a specialist snorkeling expedition.

You can also choose not to snorkel. Since the boat stays with your party, non-swimmers can remain aboard while others use the gear. That flexibility is one of the strongest reasons to choose a private charter for a mixed group.

Grand River South East Waterfall and the macaques

The stop at Grand River South East Waterfall changes the mood again. You travel into the river area to see the falls, with the possibility of spotting macaques in their natural habitat. Fruit bats may also be visible hanging upside down in the trees.

The wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, and you should not expect a formal animal encounter. The appeal is seeing the river and surrounding vegetation from the boat while keeping an eye out for animals. A lucky day may include dolphins nearby as well. One particularly memorable possibility is seeing dolphins close to the boat, but treat that as luck rather than a promised feature.

The waterfall is also a swimming stop. If you enjoy combining sightseeing with a quick swim, it gives the day more variety. If you prefer to stay dry or are uneasy around moving water, you can simply enjoy the view from the boat.

Ile aux Cerfs: famous, useful, and not perfectly wild

Ile aux Cerfs is the best-known stop on the route and usually the place where you get the most beach time. You can stroll, swim, relax, and take photographs. The island gives you the classic tropical beach portion of the day after the more active boat and snorkeling sections.

But keep your expectations sensible. Parts of Ile aux Cerfs can be crowded and untidy, with litter affecting the experience. It is also not presented as a snorkeling location on this excursion. If you want excellent snorkeling, use the dedicated Aquarium stop instead of waiting for Ile aux Cerfs.

This is a good place to relax, not necessarily the most authentic or untouched part of the East Coast. The private boat helps because you can decide how long to stay, but the island itself remains a popular stop with a strong tourism presence.

I would not cancel the whole excursion because of that weakness. The island is only one part of a day that also includes the waterfall, smaller islands, snorkeling, lunch, and the speedboat ride. Still, if your dream is an empty beach with no litter or commercial activity, this may not match your ideal.

Speedboat energy versus catamaran calm

The boat choice shapes the entire experience. This is a small, fast speedboat, not a broad catamaran with a gentle sailing feel.

The upside is clear. You move quickly between stops, feel the boat cut across the lagoon, and may get a real adrenaline rush when it jumps over waves. The skipper can create a lively atmosphere, and the private setting makes it easier to ask for the pace you prefer.

The downside is equally clear. The ride can be noisy, bumpy, and wet. Anyone prone to seasickness, anyone with back problems, or anyone who wants a quiet drink on a stable deck may prefer a catamaran. A small boat also offers less room to stretch out than a large cruise vessel.

This excursion suits you if you like active sightseeing and do not mind a little spray. It is less suitable if your ideal day means gentle music, a broad shaded deck, and slow movement across calm water.

What lunch and drinks add to the value

Food and drinks are included throughout the cruise, which makes the $170 price easier to assess. You are not paying for the boat and then budgeting separately for lunch, water, and a beach restaurant.

The BBQ menu is substantial: garlic bread, mixed salads, sausages, chicken, fish fillets, and a fruit-based dessert. The combination should appeal to people with different tastes, though you should confirm special dietary needs before booking.

The drink selection is unusually broad for an all-day boat trip. Bottled water, juice, soft drinks, white wine, rosé wine, beer, and rum are included. Drink responsibly, especially in strong sun and on a moving boat. Water should be your first choice during the hotter parts of the day.

Who should book this East Coast experience

I would recommend this cruise to couples, families, and small groups who want a private day on the water rather than a simple transfer to a beach. It works particularly well for groups with mixed interests because swimmers, beach lovers, wildlife watchers, and people who simply enjoy fast boats can all find something to do.

Families should appreciate the supplied child life jackets and the option to remain aboard during snorkeling. Parents should still consider how their children handle a fast, bumpy ride before booking.

This is also a good choice if you want to avoid arranging separate transport, lunch, drinks, and equipment. The day is packaged in a practical way, and the private boat gives you control over the pace.

I would think twice if you want a quiet catamaran cruise, a long snorkeling session, or an untouched beach. The boat is energetic, the snorkeling is one stop rather than the whole focus, and Ile aux Cerfs may feel overused or untidy.

The tour runs rain or shine, so pack with changing weather in mind. Cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your plans are still shifting.

Is the $170 price fair?

For a private full-day cruise, the price is reasonable if you use what is included. The calculation covers private transport from your hotel, a private speedboat, a seven-hour route, five islands, a waterfall stop, snorkeling gear, lunch, and drinks.

The value drops if you mainly want to sit on Ile aux Cerfs. You could end up paying for a wide-ranging day while using only one part of it. The value improves if you plan to snorkel, enjoy the waterfall, appreciate the smaller islands, eat lunch aboard or on Ile aux Margenie, and take advantage of the freedom to adjust the pace.

The 4.4 rating from eight published scores suggests a generally positive experience, but the small number of ratings means you should focus more on the clear trade-offs than on the number itself. The strongest elements are the friendly transfer and skipper service, close wildlife sightings on lucky days, good food, and the private speedboat format.

My booking verdict

Book this if you want an active East Coast day with your own boat, plenty of included food and drink, a proper snorkeling stop, and the freedom to linger. It is especially good for a small group that values flexibility and does not mind a fast ride.

Skip it if your priority is a peaceful catamaran, untouched beaches, or extensive snorkeling. The Ile aux Cerfs stop has real drawbacks, and the speedboat can feel too lively for some people.

For most visitors who want to see several sides of Mauritius in one day, I think the combination of islands, waterfall, wildlife possibilities, BBQ, and private transport makes this a useful splurge. Just book it for the complete East Coast experience, not for Ile aux Cerfs alone.

FAQ

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise is planned as a full-day outing of about seven hours. Pickup begins at 7:00 a.m., the cruise starts around 8:30 a.m., and return transfer is planned for around 4:00 p.m.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. A private car collects you from your hotel or another agreed location and returns you to the pickup location after the cruise.

Is the boat private?

Yes. The speedboat remains with your party for the day, allowing you to choose how long you spend swimming, snorkeling, walking, or relaxing.

Which islands are included?

The route includes Ile aux Flamants, Ile aux Phares, Ile de la Passe, Ile aux Aigrettes, Ile aux Margenie, and Ile aux Cerfs. The stated highlights focus on five islands, with Ile aux Margenie serving as the lunch stop.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks, snorkels, and fins are supplied. Life jackets are available for infants, children, and adults.

Where does snorkeling take place?

The snorkeling stop is at a location called the Aquarium. Ile aux Cerfs is not presented as the snorkeling stop.

What food is included?

Lunch is a BBQ with garlic bread, mixed salads, sausages, chicken, fish fillets, and dessert. Dessert may be flaming bananas or local pineapple.

What drinks are included?

The cruise includes bottled water, juice, soft drinks, local beer, white wine, rosé wine, and rum.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?

Yes. The tour operates rain or shine. Cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.