Speed boat to Ile aux Cerfs: Full day incl Lunch & Transfer

The best part of this day is the mix of fast speedboat rides and lazy beach time. You cross the clear east-coast lagoon to Ile aux Cerfs, swim or stretch out on white sand, then ride through the river channel to Grand River South-East Waterfalls. I like the included three-course BBQ lunch with drinks, and I like that pickup and drop-off cover accommodations anywhere in Mauritius.

The main caution is transport coordination. One recent booking included a long wait in the hot sun and confusion over which group the driver should take first. The island day itself is relaxed, but I would confirm your pickup details carefully and keep your phone available on the return.

Key points at a glance

• Speedboat from Trou d’Eau Douce: Cross the east coast lagoon in an open, lively boat rather than spending the day on a slow cruise.
• Ile aux Cerfs beach time: Swim, sunbathe, stroll, snorkel, or pay separately for water sports such as parasailing and banana riding.
• Grand River South-East Waterfalls: Cruise into the waterfall channel, with possible views of monkeys and fruit bats along the banks.
• Three-course BBQ lunch: Eat on a private island with your feet in the sand, plus water, soft drinks, wine, beer, and local rum.
• Music after lunch: Live guitar and jambé add a social, distinctly Mauritian touch to the meal.
• Private island-wide transfers: Pickup and drop-off are included, but a minimum of two people is required per booking.

Why this Ile aux Cerfs day works well

At $90 per person, this is a strong package if you want several east-coast highlights without arranging each part yourself. Your price covers a private air-conditioned vehicle, a certified guide or driver, the speedboat, waterfall sightseeing, lunch, drinks, and island-wide pickup.

You are not paying only for a boat ride to a beach. The day links three different settings: the fishing village of Trou d’Eau Douce, the open lagoon and Ile aux Cerfs, and the river channel leading to the waterfalls. That variety gives the outing more shape than a simple beach transfer.

I especially like the balance between planned activities and open time. You are guided to the island, lunch, and the waterfalls, but you are not rushed from one photo stop to the next. You can swim, stroll, snorkel, or simply lie on the sand during the free beach period.

The listed rating is 4.2 from 59 bookings, which suggests a generally positive outing with a few practical wrinkles. The strongest points are the food, friendly guides, and calm pace. The weaker point is not the scenery, but the possibility of messy return transport when the driver has several groups to manage.

From your hotel to Trou d’Eau Douce

The day begins with pickup at your accommodation anywhere in Mauritius. A fully air-conditioned vehicle takes you to Trou d’Eau Douce, a fishing village on the island’s east coast and the launch point for the boat.

This transfer matters if you are staying away from the eastern beaches. You do not need to find a taxi to the harbor or arrange a separate return. At booking, give the exact hotel or accommodation name, and make sure the pickup point is clear.

The guide or driver is described as certified, with English and French available. No individual guide names are provided, so you should not expect to select a particular person. The private vehicle is a useful touch, especially on a full day when a cramped shared transfer can make the outing feel longer.

Still, allow for the fact that pickup times can vary by location. The advertised duration is seven hours, but the total day can feel longer if you are collected early or if road conditions slow the return. Bring water, a hat, and a little patience for the transport portion.

The speedboat crossing to Ile aux Cerfs

At Trou d’Eau Douce, you board a speedboat for the ride to Ile aux Cerfs. This is not a quiet sightseeing cruise. The boat uses a powerful 150 HP Yamaha or Mercury outboard engine, with quick runs, sharp turns, and plenty of spray during the later high-speed section.

The crossing gives you a fine first look at the east coast lagoon. The water is described as clear, with palm trees, white beaches, and broad views across the coast. You will get the most from this part if you enjoy wind, sun, and a bit of motion.

Wear swimwear under your clothes and protect your phone in a waterproof pouch. A change of clothes is sensible because the boat may splash you, especially during the faster ride later in the day. Sunglasses and a hat are useful, but secure both well.

The speedboat is one reason to choose this outing over a standard transfer. It gives the route energy and lets you see the coast from the water. The tradeoff is that people who prefer a smooth, quiet boat trip may find the sharp turns and spray less comfortable.

Free time on Ile aux Cerfs

Ile aux Cerfs is the main beach stop, and the schedule gives you time to use it at your own pace. The island is known for pale sand, palm trees, and turquoise lagoon water. You can swim, sunbathe, stroll along the shore, snorkel, or simply sit with the view.

That open time is valuable. Many island trips pack every hour with a new stop, leaving you to admire the beach from a boat. Here, you can actually spend part of the day on the sand. If your perfect Mauritius outing includes a swim and a slow lunch rather than constant sightseeing, this format suits you.

Several water sports are available for an extra charge. The listed choices include parasailing, banana riding, snorkeling, tube riding, an undersea walk, and swimming. These activities are not included in the $90 price, so budget separately if you want more than the included boat ride and beach time.

The provided details do not state how long you have for each individual activity, nor do they include equipment or water sport prices. Treat the free beach period as the reliable part of the plan, and ask the guide about optional activities once you arrive.

A feet-in-the-sand BBQ lunch

Around noon, you move to a private island for a three-course BBQ lunch. The setting is a major part of the appeal: you eat with your feet in the sand rather than in a formal restaurant.

The meal includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices. A vegetarian BBQ can be arranged, but you need to request it when booking. Also report food allergies or illness in advance. One vegetarian booking described the meal as ample and tasty, so plant-based diners should have a reasonable option when they give notice.

Drinks are included throughout lunch. The selection covers bottled water, soft drinks, red, rosé and white wine, beer, and local rum. That makes the price easier to justify, particularly if you would otherwise pay separately for a meal, several drinks, and boat transport.

The lunch is not presented as a gourmet event, and you should set your expectations accordingly. Its appeal is the combination of a three-course meal, a relaxed sandy setting, and included drinks. It is a practical island lunch with a social feel, not a fine-dining meal.

After lunch, live guitar and jambé music provide entertainment. This is a pleasant local touch, though it also means the meal can become lively and communal rather than quiet. If you enjoy music with your meal, it adds character. If you want a peaceful private lunch, the performance may not be your favorite part.

Cruising to Grand River South-East Waterfalls

After the beach and lunch, the skipper takes the speedboat through the lagoon toward Grand River South-East Waterfalls. The boat enters the waterfall channel, where the river meets the sea and the banks close in around the water.

The setting changes sharply from open beach to wooded river edges. The route may offer views of monkeys moving through the older trees. Mauritian fruit bats can also be seen resting high in the branches, although wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

This stop is primarily a scenic boat visit. You should not expect a long walk to the base of the falls or a separate swimming stop at the waterfall. The attraction is the view from the water, the river passage, and the contrast between the coast and the inland channel.

Bring your camera, but keep it protected from spray. The boat ride and the waterfall approach are both more enjoyable when you can watch the banks instead of worrying about wet electronics.

The afternoon high-speed ride

Around 3:30 p.m., the boat sets off again for a more energetic coastal run. The description promises fast acceleration, tight turns, and splashes as the skipper uses the boat’s 150 HP engine.

This part is aimed at people who want excitement, not just transport. You may get wet, so a towel and dry clothes are not optional extras. If you are prone to motion sickness or simply dislike abrupt turns, tell the guide before the faster section and consider sitting where the movement feels manageable.

The ride is a memorable finish for an active day, but it is also the clearest point of contrast within the tour. The beach portion asks you to slow down, while this section asks you to hold on. Families with older children, couples, and friends who enjoy a little speed may particularly like it.

The supplied details do not give a separate age or height rule for the ride. Infants aged one to three are free, with a child or infant seat available when requested, but you should advise the operator at booking.

Value, pace, and the transport question

The $90 price includes more than the headline boat transfer. You receive private ground transportation, a guide or driver, the speedboat, the waterfall visit, a three-course lunch, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and bottled water on arrival.

If you paid separately for a taxi, boat, meal, and drinks, the total could easily become less predictable. The included transfer also helps if you are staying far from Trou d’Eau Douce or do not want to negotiate transport in Mauritius.

The main value comes from convenience and variety. You get a beach, a river waterfall, a meal, entertainment, and two different kinds of boat ride in roughly seven hours. The main limitation is that optional water sports cost extra, and the day may feel too packed for someone who wants a completely private beach day.

Pay attention to the return. A recent booking involved a driver arriving about 30 minutes late, then trying to coordinate another group before completing the hotel drop-off. The situation was eventually sorted out, but it shows why you should confirm the driver’s name or contact details, stay in the agreed pickup area, and avoid scheduling a tight evening commitment.

Who should book this Mauritius excursion?

I would choose this trip if you want a broad sample of the east coast in one day and prefer a package with meals and transport included. It suits couples, families, and groups of friends who like beach time but also want a boat ride, music, scenery, and a little speed.

It is also a good fit for vegetarian diners, provided you request the meal in advance. The included drinks help families and groups judge the cost more clearly, although anyone avoiding alcohol can stick to water and soft drinks.

I would hesitate if your priority is a long, quiet snorkeling session. Snorkeling is possible during free time, but there is no promised dedicated snorkeling stop, and one booking specifically wished for one. I would also think twice if you dislike fast boat maneuvers or need highly precise return timing.

The trip requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel the outing, you can move to another date or receive a full refund. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and reserve-now, pay-later booking is available.

What to bring for a comfortable day

Pack light, but bring the right items:

• Swimsuit and a change of clothes
• Towel
• Sunglasses and a hat
• Waterproof protection for your phone and camera
• Any allergy information needed for the lunch
• A little extra money for optional water sports

Bottled water is provided on arrival, and lunch includes drinks, but your own water can still be useful during the beach period. Keep valuables to a minimum because the day includes sand, spray, swimming, and a wet speedboat ride.

My verdict: a good all-round east-coast day

Book this tour if you want an easy, lively day that combines Ile aux Cerfs, Grand River South-East Waterfalls, a sandy BBQ lunch, drinks, music, and private transfers. The food, friendly guiding, and unhurried beach time are its strongest features.

Skip it if you want a dedicated snorkeling trip, a silent boat excursion, or a perfectly controlled return schedule. For most people seeking a varied Mauritius day at a clear price, the package offers good value, provided you confirm pickup details and request any dietary needs in advance.

FAQ

How long does the Ile aux Cerfs tour last?

The listed duration is seven hours. Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule when booking.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Private pickup and drop-off are provided from hotels or other accommodations anywhere in Mauritius. You need to provide the accommodation name or pickup location when booking.

What language does the guide speak?

The host or greeter service is available in English and French.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A three-course BBQ lunch is included, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Request a vegetarian meal when booking.

Which drinks are included with lunch?

Included drinks are bottled water, soft drinks, red, rosé and white wine, beer, and local rum.

Are water sports included in the price?

No. Optional activities such as parasailing, banana riding, snorkeling, tube riding, and the undersea walk cost extra.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.