Mauritius: 5 East Coast Islands Tour with Snorkeling & Lunch

Mauritius’s east coast is best seen from the water, and this seven-hour speedboat tour packs a lot into one day. You’ll race between small islands, stop at the Grande River South East waterfall, hear about the 1810 naval battle, snorkel near Eau Bleu, and finish with a beach barbecue.

I like the mix of scenery and history. This is not only a swim-and-lunch outing: Ile aux Fouquets and Ile de la Passe give the day a clear link to Mauritius’s colonial past. I also like the speedboat itself. It makes the route feel lively rather than like a slow transfer between beaches.

The main caution is the ride. A speedboat can be bumpy, and the boat may carry up to 10 people. Snorkeling equipment may be limited, and the vegetarian meal has received uneven feedback, so bring your own mask and consider carrying a backup snack if food is important to you.

Key points before you book

• A fast, varied route: Expect islands, a waterfall, historic ruins, swimming, snorkeling, wildlife sightings, and lunch in one long day.
• The boat ride is part of the attraction: It is exciting and quick, but not ideal if you need a smooth, quiet cruise.
• History has a real place here: Ile aux Fouquets and Ile de la Passe are tied to the 1810 Battle of Grand Port.
• Guides shape the day: Thomas, Ronny, and Derek have been praised for friendly commentary and good boat handling.
• Lunch is included: The barbecue is halal, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices, though the vegetarian option may be basic.
• Transport is optional: You can meet on the beach opposite Green Island Restaurant or pay for pickup and drop-off from selected areas.

Why this east coast route works

The east coast offers a useful contrast to a simple resort beach day. You get open water, small offshore islands, river scenery, historical sites, and time to swim. I like that the tour does not force you to choose between culture and outdoor fun.

The schedule begins around 9 AM and returns to the meeting point in Trou d’Eau Douce at about 4 PM. That is a full day, so plan to be in the sun for hours. The boat provides speed and access, but you should expect spray, wind, and a ride that can feel sharp when the sea is choppy.

The group size matters. A smaller party can make the boat feel almost private, and groups of four or seven have had plenty of room. At full capacity, the same boat may feel crowded, especially when you are carrying towels, cameras, and snorkeling gear.

The guides are an important part of the experience. Thomas has been praised for keeping up commentary at the stops, while Ronny and Derek have been singled out for their friendly manner and love of the water. The guide normally speaks English or French, and the quality of the day improves when you ask questions rather than simply staying seated.

Ile aux Cerfs and the first splash of the day

The first island stop is Ile aux Cerfs, one of the east coast’s best-known beach areas. You have roughly 45 minutes for sightseeing and the arts and crafts market before the route continues.

This is a useful opening stop because it gives you time to get your bearings. You can walk around, look at local crafts, and take in the beach setting before spending more time on the boat. I would not treat this as the quietest part of the day, since Ile aux Cerfs is a popular destination and the market can feel more commercial than the smaller islets.

The route later returns to Ile aux Cerfs for swimming and snorkeling, with about 35 minutes listed for that portion. The repeated visit may sound odd, but it lets the tour use the island in two ways: first as a sightseeing stop, then as a water stop.

You may see sea turtles, dolphins, or other wildlife from the boat, but none of these sightings is guaranteed. Some days have brought dolphins and turtles, while other outings have not produced dolphins or whales. Go for the islands and water first, and consider wildlife a bonus.

Grande River South East waterfall by boat

From the coast, the speedboat heads toward the Grande River South East waterfall, commonly shortened to GRSE waterfall. The river is described as the longest in Mauritius, and this is where it reaches the sea.

The stop lasts about 30 minutes and works mainly as a photo and sightseeing break. You will see the falls from the water and have a chance to take pictures while the boat moves through the river area. The setting gives the morning a welcome change from open ocean.

The boat approach is part of the fun. You are not simply being driven to a viewpoint by road, and the transition from sea to river adds variety to the route. The downside is that the exact view can depend on weather, water conditions, and how long the boat can pause safely.

I would keep your camera ready but protected from spray. Sunglasses and sunscreen are essential, and a waterproof phone case is a sensible extra even though it is not listed as required equipment.

Ile aux Fouquets and the Battle of Grand Port

The next historic stop is Ile aux Fouquets, also known as Ile aux Phares because of its old lighthouse. The lighthouse is more than 200 years old and is now a historical monument. The stop lasts about 25 minutes and is mainly for sightseeing and photographs.

The building is not presented as a long interior museum visit. You are seeing a historic structure from the boat and hearing the story from your guide. That makes the guide’s explanation important. Without context, the lighthouse is simply an attractive old ruin on a small island.

Ile aux Phares and Ile de la Passe were linked to the 1810 naval battle between French and British forces. The Battle of Grand Port is remembered as the only victory of Napoleon’s navy and is listed on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

That small detail gives the stop real weight. Mauritius was not only a plantation and port society during the colonial period. Its position in the Indian Ocean made these waters strategically important. You do not need to be a military history fan to appreciate how much more meaningful the islets become once you know why ships fought here.

The boat passes by Ile de la Passe rather than offering a long landing. I see this as a strength and a limitation. You get a compact history lesson without spending the day walking through ruins, but anyone hoping to explore both islands on foot may find the visit brief.

Snorkeling at Eau Bleu and swimming at Ile aux Aigrettes

The tour then moves to Eau Bleu for snorkeling. This is one of the day’s main water stops, and the clear conditions can make it a highlight. You should bring your own snorkeling gear if possible.

The equipment situation is worth taking seriously. Some outings have provided an eye mask, but not always a breathing tube. Other outings have had snorkeling heads available. Since the supply can vary, your own mask and snorkel will give you more time in the water and less fuss on the beach or beside the boat.

After Eau Bleu, the boat heads to Ile aux Aigrettes for about 45 minutes of swimming and an aperitif. This stop is less about a long list of sights and more about slowing the pace. You can swim, enjoy a drink, and let the morning’s boat ride settle into a more relaxed rhythm.

The phrase crystal-clear water is used for these stops, but conditions are still affected by weather and the sea. The tour requires good weather, and a poor-weather cancellation may lead to a new date or a full refund. Even on a good day, you should expect the water to look different depending on sun, wind, and tide.

BBQ lunch on Ile aux Margenie

Lunch is served on Ile aux Margenie, with barbecue food and drinks. The meal is halal, and both vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices are offered. Beer and wine are also listed with lunch.

For many people, this is a pleasant part of the day because you eat beside the water instead of returning to a town restaurant. The menu is practical excursion food rather than a fine dining experience. You get a break from the boat, a chance to sit down, and time to swim or sunbathe afterward.

The service style may not suit everyone. Food has been served by staff rather than set out as a help-yourself buffet, so you may have less control over portions and choices. If you prefer to choose every item yourself, this is worth knowing in advance.

Vegetarians should be especially careful. The tour states that vegetarian food is available, but one outing provided a basic salad and white bread that appeared to have been prepared on the same grill as meat and fish. If you are vegetarian, vegan, or concerned about shared cooking surfaces, bring a suitable backup meal and ask the crew about preparation before lunch.

The condition of the lunch island can also vary. It may feel simple rather than polished, and some areas may need better cleaning and maintenance. I would book this for the boat route and swimming, not for a spotless private-island lunch setting.

Speedboat comfort, group size, and transport

The speedboat is the right choice if you want the day to have some energy. It gets you between stops quickly and gives you the thrill of open-water travel. Several outings have had only four or seven people, which makes the boat comfortable and leaves more room to enjoy the views.

At a larger group size, you may feel more packed in. The boat’s capacity is reported as 10, and that is a meaningful difference from a four-person trip. If you dislike close seating or rough movement, a catamaran may suit you better, though this experience is specifically built around the speedboat ride.

Pickup and drop-off are available only if you select the transport option. Pickup times vary by accommodation, and the operator asks you to send your hotel address through WhatsApp. Without transport, meet the guide on the beach opposite Green Island Restaurant.

The listed drop-off areas cover much of Mauritius, including Moka, Rivière Noire, Grand Port, Rivière du Rempart, Port Louis, Flacq, Pamplemousses, Green Island Beach Restaurant, and Savanne. Confirm that your accommodation is covered before booking the transport option.

What the $85 price really covers

At $85 per person, this is good value if you want a full day on the water rather than a short boat trip. The price includes the speedboat route, GRSE waterfall, snorkeling and swimming, BBQ lunch, drinks, and the historic island stops.

Pickup can change the total value. If you are staying far from Trou d’Eau Douce, included transport saves you the trouble of arranging a separate ride. If you are already near the meeting point, the lower-cost option may be enough.

The tour also saves you from having to arrange several separate activities. A private transfer to the waterfall, a boat to the islands, snorkeling, lunch, and a return ride would likely take more planning. Here, the tradeoff is a fixed schedule and a shared boat.

I would not choose this solely for lunch or guaranteed wildlife. I would choose it because the day combines speed, water time, a waterfall, and a useful slice of Mauritius’s colonial story at a reasonable price.

Practical advice for a better day

Wear a swimsuit under comfortable clothes and bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera. Comfortable shoes help when moving around the beach or boat, though much of the day is spent on the water.

Bring a waterproof bag for electronics and dry clothing. The provided information specifically recommends snorkeling gear, and I agree. Equipment availability is not consistent enough to rely on a borrowed mask and tube.

Arrive on time at the meeting point. One useful improvement would be a clear briefing before departure, so pay attention to instructions about where to sit, when to return to the boat, and how to handle the swimming stops.

This experience is not suitable for children under four or pregnant women. The speedboat ride also makes it a poor match for anyone who needs a very smooth crossing.

You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later. Weather is the main factor outside your control, since poor conditions can cancel the outing.

Should you book the five-island tour?

I would book this tour if you want a busy, active day with several different settings. It suits couples, friends, and families with older children who enjoy swimming, speed, and short historical explanations.

I would think twice if you want long, quiet beach time, a polished private-island meal, or guaranteed snorkeling equipment. Vegetarians should ask detailed questions about the lunch before departure and carry their own food if needed.

For most people, the strongest reasons to go are the speedboat route, the chance to see dolphins or turtles, the clear water, and the combination of GRSE waterfall with Ile aux Phares and Ile de la Passe. The ride can be rough and the lunch setup simple, but at $85, the range of experiences makes this a solid east coast day out.

FAQ

How long does the five-island tour last?

The experience lasts about seven hours. It generally begins at 9 AM and returns to the meeting point in Trou d’Eau Douce around 4 PM.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet your guide on the beach opposite Green Island Restaurant.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included only when you select the transport option. You must provide your accommodation address through WhatsApp so the operator can arrange a pickup time.

Which languages does the guide speak?

The live guide service is available in English and French.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch and drinks are served on Ile aux Margenie. Beer and wine are listed with the meal.

Is vegetarian food available?

Yes. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices are offered, and the food is halal. If you have strict dietary needs, ask about preparation and consider bringing backup food.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

You should bring your own snorkeling gear. Availability of masks and breathing tubes can vary.

Is the tour suitable for young children?

Children under four are not permitted on this experience.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can receive a full refund or choose another date.

Can I cancel after booking?

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