5 Islands Tour: New OCÉANE Private Pontoon Boat cruise

The best part of this six-hour cruise is the easy rhythm: waterfall first, then clear water, island scenery, lunch, and a slow ride through the southeast lagoon. You get a private boat for up to 11 people, so a group of two pays for privacy rather than sharing every stop with strangers.

I like the flexible route, which can give you more time to swim or explore. I also like the practical setup: snorkeling gear, lunch, and drinks are included. The main consideration is that the published plan can change, and one recorded outing used a speedboat transfer and a beach barbecue instead of following every listed stop exactly.

Key points to know before booking

• Six hours from Pointe Maurice: The cruise leaves near the Shangri-La le Touessrok hotel and returns at about 3:30 p.m.
• Private boat for up to 11 people: The $871 price is for the group, not per person, so it makes more sense for families or friends sharing the cost.
• Three different kinds of scenery: Expect the Grand River South East Waterfall, small southeastern islands, and turquoise water around Ile aux Cerfs.
• Snorkeling gear is supplied: Bring your own towel, swimwear, sunscreen, hat, and a change of clothes.
• Lunch and unlimited drinks are included: Alcohol is served only after snorkeling, and the crew may cancel snorkeling if alcohol is consumed first.
• Captain Joey may be on the helm: A past outing praised his relaxed approach, but a specific captain is not guaranteed.

Starting at Pointe Maurice on the southeast coast

Your meeting point is just before the Shangri-La le Touessrok hotel at Pointe Maurice. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the departure point.

This matters because the trip is built around a lagoon route, not a hotel shuttle. If you are staying elsewhere in Mauritius, allow enough time to reach Pointe Maurice before the scheduled departure. The activity lasts six hours and normally returns around 3:30 p.m., giving you a useful half-day plan without taking up the evening.

The boat is a private pontoon, with room for up to 11 passengers. For two people, the price is high at $871, but the calculation changes if you fill several seats with family or friends. You are paying for a private boat, an adjustable route, and the ability to spend more time in places that suit your group.

Do not expect a fixed, tightly timed excursion. The route is described as customizable. That can be a real advantage when you would rather linger at a swimming spot than rush through another photo stop. It also means the exact sequence and amount of time at each island may change.

Grand River South East Waterfall comes first

The first major stop is the Grand River South East Waterfall, one of the southeast coast’s signature sights. The boat takes you toward the falls for photographs, sightseeing, and a look at the surrounding natural setting.

This is a short scenic opening rather than a long walk or hiking stop. From the water, you get a different view of the falls than you would from a road-based excursion. Keep your camera ready, but protect it from spray and saltwater around the boat.

There is also the chance of seeing monkeys in this area. One past outing included close views of monkeys and the option to feed them. That is an unusual detail, but it is not a promised part of the trip, so treat it as a possible bonus rather than a scheduled activity.

The waterfall gives the day a clear start before the boat moves out toward open lagoon water. If you prefer a quiet first hour, this scenic stop works well. If your main goal is snorkeling, remember that the best water time comes later.

Snorkeling near Ile aux Aigrettes

The cruise then moves toward Ile aux Aigrettes, with time set aside for swimming and snorkeling. The water is described as clear and blue, and the supplied equipment lets you get into the sea without renting masks and fins separately.

This is where the tour becomes more than a sightseeing cruise. From the water, you can look for marine life and coral detail beneath the surface, then return to the pontoon to dry off and relax. The boat provides a comfortable base, which is useful if some people in your group want to swim while others prefer to stay aboard.

The schedule allows time for an aperitif, but the order is important. Snorkeling comes before alcohol. The crew can cancel the snorkeling activity if passengers drink first, so save the beer, wine, and other alcoholic drinks until you are finished in the water.

I would bring a towel and a full change of clothes, not just a spare shirt. You will spend part of the day in swimwear, and a dry outfit makes the ride back more comfortable. High-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, a cap, and flip-flops are also specifically recommended.

The exact Ile aux Aigrettes stop is not guaranteed. A previous outing skipped it and used a different pattern of stops. That is a useful reminder to see the cruise as a flexible private day on the lagoon rather than a checklist where every island is certain.

Ile aux Fouquets Lighthouse and lunch on board

Ile aux Fouquets Lighthouse brings another change of scenery. You can stop for photographs, look around, enjoy the views, and have lunch on the boat while anchored nearby.

The lighthouse is especially good for photos because it gives the day a recognizable landmark, not just repeated views of sea and sand. The nearby water and surrounding islands make this a natural place to slow down.

Lunch is described as a cold meal served aboard after swimming and relaxing in the sun. That arrangement keeps the day moving and avoids sending you back to shore for a restaurant meal. You can eat with the lagoon around you, then continue the cruise without a long break in the schedule.

Drinks are included, with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. Still, do not assume every food or drink detail is identical on every outing. One past trip included a barbecue at a private beach, with only one drink included at that meal and coffee charged separately. The standard plan here is lunch on board and unlimited drinks, but the operator’s actual setup can vary with the customized route.

That difference is worth clarifying before departure if food and drinks are central to your plans. Ask what lunch will be served, where it will be eaten, and whether all drinks remain included if the route changes.

Îlot Flamants and the smaller island views

Îlot Flamants is mainly a photo and pass-by stop. You may not get a long landing here, but the boat ride itself is part of the appeal.

The southeast coast is at its best when viewed from the lagoon. Green mountain ranges rise beyond turquoise water, while small islands and pale beaches break up the horizon. You do not need a full stop at every islet to appreciate the changing views.

This section also helps explain why a private boat can be more useful than a large group cruise. You can ask the crew to slow down for photographs or spend more time looking at a scene if conditions and timing allow. The tour is not just about reaching an island, it is about the movement between them.

Bring a camera, but keep it secure. Salt spray, wet hands, and boat movement are not friendly to loose phones. A waterproof case is sensible, even though it is not listed as required equipment.

Ile aux Cerfs and the final approach to Trou d’Eau Douce

The cruise passes Ile aux Cerfs, with dessert included as part of the planned route. You may get time to appreciate the views rather than a long shore visit, depending on the day’s timing and customized itinerary.

Ile aux Cerfs is one of the best-known scenic spots in this part of Mauritius. Its appeal is simple: pale sand, clear water, and a bright contrast between the sea and the island greenery. The boat gives you a broad view without requiring you to spend the whole afternoon on shore.

One previous outing allowed about an hour on Ile aux Cerfs, followed by time at a private beach. That shows how much the route can differ from the basic outline. If you specifically want to walk on Ile aux Cerfs, ask in advance how much shore time is expected.

The return route includes Trou d’Eau Douce and more views from the boat before heading back to Pointe Maurice. The published return time is approximately 3:30 p.m., though water conditions and custom stops can affect the timing.

What the private format is really worth

At $871 for up to two people, this is not a budget boat trip. The price makes the most sense when you value privacy, control over the pace, and the ability to share the boat with your own group.

For two people alone, the cost per person is steep. For a group of six or eight, it becomes easier to justify, especially since the boat can carry up to 11 passengers. Lunch, snorkeling equipment, and unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included, which reduces the number of extra costs during the day.

The private setup is particularly useful for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can snorkel while others stay on the boat. Families can ask for a slower pace. Friends can spend more time at a beach or photo stop if the captain agrees and the day’s conditions allow it.

The tradeoff is less certainty. A private, customizable route does not promise that every island will be visited. If you want a rigid schedule with guaranteed stops, a standard group excursion may feel easier to understand.

The boat is also not designed for smoking. Smoking is not allowed, so keep that in mind before booking for a group with smokers.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend it to families, couples celebrating a special occasion, and groups of friends who want a day on the water without sharing the boat with a large crowd. It also suits people who care more about scenery and relaxed pacing than a packed list of formal attractions.

It works well for swimmers and casual snorkelers because the water activities are built into the route. You do not need to bring snorkeling equipment, but you should bring your own practical beach items.

You may want to reconsider if you dislike itinerary changes or need a precise promise about each island. The stop at Ile aux Aigrettes, the amount of time at Ile aux Cerfs, and the lunch setting may vary.

The trip is conducted in English. A past outing singled out Captain Joey for being friendly and unhurried, but the listing does not promise that he will operate every departure.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Arrive with swimwear already under your clothes. That saves time when the first swimming opportunity appears. Pack a towel, dry clothes, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, a hat or cap, flip-flops, and a camera.

Use sunscreen early and reapply often. The boat offers shade only if the design and seating arrangement provide it, and six hours on bright lagoon water can feel longer than expected.

Keep alcohol for after snorkeling. This is both a safety point and a firm operating condition. The crew reserves the right to cancel snorkeling if alcohol is consumed beforehand.

Because hotel transfers are not included, confirm the meeting point before setting out. It is just before the Shangri-La le Touessrok hotel at Pointe Maurice, not a general pickup from anywhere on the island.

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and allows you to reserve now and pay later. Those terms give you some flexibility, but you should still confirm the starting time and route before the day.

Should you book this private pontoon cruise?

Book it if you want a private day that combines waterfalls, snorkeling, island scenery, lunch, and drinks without the rush of a large group boat. The flexible pace is the main reason to choose it, and the private price becomes more reasonable when shared among several people.

Think twice if you are booking for only two people on a tight budget, or if visiting every named island is essential. Before paying, confirm the lunch format, drink policy, expected captain, and which stops are likely that day.

For the right group, this is a comfortable way to see Mauritius from its southeast lagoon, with enough room for swimming, photos, food, and a little unplanned wandering.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour start?

The meeting point is at Pointe Maurice, just before the Shangri-La le Touessrok hotel.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts six hours and normally returns to Pointe Maurice at approximately 3:30 p.m.

Is the boat private?

Yes. The trip is arranged as a private group experience, and the pontoon can carry up to 11 passengers.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the price.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The planned experience includes lunch served on board. The exact meal arrangement may change if the route is customized.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included. Alcohol is served after snorkeling, and snorkeling may be canceled if alcohol is consumed beforehand.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a towel, swimwear, a change of clothes, high-SPF sunscreen, a hat or cap, flip-flops, and a camera. Smoking is not allowed.