Mauritius: Full-Day Speedboat Tour to Ile aux Cerfs & BBQ

The best part of this day is how much Mauritius you see from the water. You race along the southeast coast, stop for snorkeling, pass a 1902 shipwreck, visit a lonely lighthouse, run upriver to a waterfall, and finish with a beach BBQ on Île aux Cerfs. It is an active sightseeing day, not simply a ride to one famous island.

I especially like the small-group feel and the generous mix of included food and drinks. The crew keeps soft drinks, local beer, and rum aboard, while the lunch of grilled chicken and fish gives the day a proper Mauritian flavor. Guides such as Hans, Giovanni, Nathaniel, and Ashley are often praised for their humor, care, and stories.

The trade-off is speedboat comfort. You cover more ground than on a catamaran, but the seating is tighter and the ride can feel lively when the sea is rough. Snorkeling conditions can also vary, and one older account found the underwater viewing fairly ordinary. The operator may change the date or route if the weather turns poor.

Key points at a glance

• A fast southeast-coast route: Cover shipwrecks, reefs, islands, a waterfall, and beaches in one seven-hour outing.
• Snorkeling with equipment included: Swim in clear lagoon water among coral and tropical fish.
• A real beach lunch: Eat grilled chicken and fish on Île aux Cerfs, with a vegetarian meal available by request.
• More intimate than a packed cruise: Private groups are available, and many departures use a spacious speedboat with limited numbers.
• Drinks included all day: Water, soft drinks, local beer, and rum are available aboard.
• Weather matters: The route and date can be changed according to the forecast, so keep some flexibility in your plans.

Why this speedboat day works so well

Mauritius has a long list of postcard sights, but they are spread around the coast and offshore. This trip solves that problem with one boat and one busy day. You get reef time, island time, a short river run, a historical stop, lunch, and plenty of open-water cruising without arranging each piece separately.

The speedboat is the main reason this route can fit so much in. It moves quickly between stops and can reach places that feel less accessible from shore. You also spend more time in open air, with the sea and coast always in view.

This is not a quiet luxury cruise. Music, fast runs, rum, swimming, and friendly banter are part of the mood. The best guides, including Hans, Giovanni, and Nathaniel, seem to understand the balance: they keep the day fun while explaining the lighthouse, shipwreck, waterfall, and island scenery.

The advertised price is $147 per person. That is not the cheapest way to visit Île aux Cerfs, but the value improves when you count what is included: a full-day boat, snorkeling gear, lunch, soft drinks, beer, rum, a waterfall visit, and several island stops. Optional pickup can also be arranged from accommodation anywhere in Mauritius, subject to confirmation.

Starting at Shandrani Beach

The regular meeting point is the beach at Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa on the southeast coast. If you drive, parking is found by taking the small rocky road to the left side of the hotel.

The boat departs around 9:30 a.m. and returns to the beach around 4:00 to 4:30 p.m. That gives you a full seven hours, though the exact order and timing can shift with sea conditions and the day’s pace.

Hotel pickup is available as an option. Contact the provider to confirm the time and location, since the pickup schedule depends on where you are staying. The service covers locations across Mauritius, including Tamarin, Flic en Flac, Le Morne, Grand Gaube, Blue Bay, Mahébourg, Belle Mare, Trou d’Eau Douce, and Black River.

Wear your swimsuit from the start. You may reach the first swimming stop sooner than expected, and changing aboard a speedboat is not especially convenient. Bring a towel, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a change of dry clothes. Footwear that dries quickly is a smart choice.

Snorkeling over the southeast reef

After the safety briefing, the boat heads to a clear-water stop in the lagoon. You receive snorkeling equipment and have about 30 minutes to swim above coral and look for tropical fish.

The water is a major attraction here, with bright color and good visibility on a favorable day. This is a relaxed swim rather than a technical snorkel trip. You do not need advanced skills, but you should be comfortable getting into open water from a boat.

Keep your expectations sensible. Coral and fish sightings depend on weather, water clarity, and the exact stopping point. The lagoon is beautiful, but this is not presented as a specialist marine biology outing. If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, you may want to compare it with a dedicated reef tour.

The crew’s choice of stopping point matters. Guides such as Hans have been praised for seeking out good snorkeling areas, and the smaller boat allows the day to move away from the most crowded routes when conditions permit.

The d’Alblair shipwreck and Ile aux Fouquets lighthouse

One of the more unusual sights is the d’Alblair shipwreck, dating from 1902. It lies on the coral barrier, so you see it from the boat as part of the coastal route. It is a quick stop, not a long wreck exploration, but it adds a touch of maritime history to an otherwise beach-focused day.

The boat then pauses at Ile aux Fouquets, often called Lighthouse Island. Expect roughly 30 minutes for a visit, photos, and an explanation from the guide. The old lighthouse gives the route a stronger sense of place than a string of beaches alone.

You may be able to climb or walk around parts of the island, but the stop is still brief. Wear practical footwear, especially if you plan to move over uneven or rocky ground. Keep your camera ready because the light, open sea, and old structure make this one of the more memorable photo stops.

Up the Grand River South East to the waterfall

The speedboat turns toward the Grand River South East, the longest river in Mauritius. Going upstream gives you a welcome change from the open lagoon. The trip ends at a waterfall, where you have around 30 minutes to see the falls and take pictures.

This stop is also known for monkeys in the surrounding area. Some outings have included the chance to see them, along with other wildlife sightings during the day, but animals are never guaranteed. Treat the waterfall as the fixed highlight and the monkeys as a lucky extra.

The river run shows a different side of Mauritius. You are no longer looking across a wide beach horizon. Instead, the water narrows and the boat brings you close to the river scenery. The stop is short, so do not expect a long walk or a full inland excursion.

Some people have enjoyed jumping from rocks into the waterfall, but do not assume that this is part of the formal program or suitable for everyone. Follow the crew’s safety advice and use the stop for viewing and swimming only if conditions allow.

Lunch on Île aux Cerfs

Lunch is served on Île aux Cerfs, the day’s longest stop at about an hour and a half. Grilled chicken and fish are the main dishes, and a vegetarian lunch can be requested in advance.

This is where the $147 price begins to make more sense. You are not buying only transport to the island. The meal is arranged on the beach, and drinks are included during the outing. The food has been a strong point for many people, with the BBQ often described as generous and surprisingly good for a boat excursion.

There is time to sit, swim, and enjoy the beach instead of rushing straight back aboard. Île aux Cerfs is one of Mauritius’s best-known stops, so do not expect complete solitude at all times. Still, the boat’s timing and choice of lunch area can make the experience feel calmer than a large group cruise.

You may also find parasailing or other water activities in the area, and some outings have included it. Treat those as optional extras rather than part of the guaranteed package. The included plan is lunch, free time, and swimming.

The final island and a natural swimming pool

The day may include a final stop at Ile aux Aigrettes, where you can enjoy a drink in a natural swimming pool with starfish nearby. The stop lasts about 30 minutes.

This is a pleasant way to finish because it slows the pace after the speedboat ride and beach lunch. The starfish are a memorable sight, but handle them carefully and follow any instructions from the crew. The exact order of this stop can vary, since the route may be adjusted for weather and sea conditions.

There is some variation in how the stops are described, so do not be surprised if the captain changes the sequence. The important point is the overall mix: snorkeling, a wreck, a lighthouse, a river waterfall, Île aux Cerfs, and a final swim stop.

What the boat ride feels like

A modern speedboat lets you see more in one day than a slower vessel. You can cover the coast quickly, and the ride itself is part of the fun. Several outings have included music, lively conversation, and a steady supply of drinks.

The boat is described as clean, spacious, and comfortable for a speedboat, but space is still more limited than on a catamaran. You may feel spray, wind, and movement. If you are prone to seasickness, staying within the reef may help, but no boat can promise perfectly calm water.

One practical warning: finish your drink before the captain accelerates. Fast turns and sudden bursts of speed can send an open cup into your lap. It is funny when it happens to somebody else and less funny when it happens to you.

The crew’s attitude makes a real difference. Hans, Giovanni, Nathaniel, Ashley, Daren, and other named guides have been praised for being attentive, entertaining, and willing to explain local sights. Your assigned crew may be different, but the stated languages are English and French.

Food, drinks, and the overall atmosphere

Water, Coca-Cola, Orangina, and local beer are included. Rum is also available aboard, and some guides prepare simple rum drinks during the day. This gives the trip a sociable, holiday feel, but pace yourself in the sun.

The BBQ includes grilled chicken and fish. Vegetarian food is possible if requested ahead of time. If you have a strict dietary need, confirm it before departure rather than relying on a general request at the beach.

The mood suits people who want an active day with music and conversation. It is less suitable if you want a silent, slow cruise with long stretches of privacy. Private groups are available, which is useful for families or friends who want more control over the tone and pace.

Who should book this tour?

I would choose this trip if you want to see many southeast-coast highlights in one day and like the idea of moving quickly between them. It suits couples, families with older children, groups of friends, and first-time visitors who do not want to spend a separate day arranging each stop.

It is also a good match if lunch and drinks matter to you. The included BBQ is more substantial than a simple packed meal, and the beach setting gives you time to relax after the morning’s activity.

You may prefer another option if you dislike fast boats, need a very quiet day, or want long snorkeling sessions. The route is full, and several stops are brief. Weather can also force a change of date or plan, so avoid placing it on the final day of your Mauritius stay.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your itinerary is still shifting, but you should still keep a backup day in case of poor weather.

Should you book it?

Book this speedboat tour if you want a full, sociable day with more variety than a simple Île aux Cerfs transfer. The strongest reasons are the small-group format, quick travel between sights, beach BBQ, included drinks, and guides who bring plenty of personality to the trip.

Skip it if your priority is a long, serious snorkel session or a slow catamaran cruise. For most visitors who want to fit reef, river, lighthouse, wreck, waterfall, and island time into one outing, $147 is a fair price for the amount included.

FAQ

How long is the speedboat tour?

The experience lasts about seven hours. Departure is around 9:30 a.m., with arrival back at Shandrani Beach expected around 4:00 to 4:30 p.m.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is on the beach at Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa. Drivers can use the small rocky road on the left side of the hotel to look for parking.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup can be arranged from accommodation or a designated location anywhere in Mauritius, but you need to contact the provider to confirm the pickup time and place.

What languages are spoken?

The live tour is offered in English and French.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you stop in clear lagoon water for about 30 minutes.

What food is served at lunch?

The beach BBQ includes grilled chicken and fish. A vegetarian lunch is possible if you request it in advance.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Soft drinks include water, Coca-Cola, and Orangina. Local beer and rum are also available during the day.

Can the tour date or route change?

Yes. The trip or date may be modified according to the weather forecast.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, a towel, a swimsuit, comfortable footwear, and a camera. A change of clothes and footwear that dries easily are also useful.