Trou D’Eau Douce: 5 island tour Mauritius with lunch/drinks

Mauritius’ east coast is at its best from the water, where a short speedboat ride links white beaches, old lighthouses, a waterfall, and calm lagoon stops. The strongest part of this trip is the mix of scenery and history: you are not simply dropped on a beach and sent home.

I like the generous two-hour stop at Île aux Cerfs, which gives you time for lunch and swimming instead of a rushed photo stop. I also like the contrast at Île aux Phares, where calm turquoise water meets rough Indian Ocean surf on the far side of the island. The main drawback is comfort: a shared speedboat can feel crowded and exposed to the sun, especially when a full group is aboard.

Key points to know before booking

• Île aux Phares combines old lighthouse history with dramatic ocean views, including the site of the 1810 naval battle between French and British forces.
• The itinerary gives Île aux Cerfs two hours, enough time for the BBQ lunch, swimming, and a proper look at the beach.
• Grande Rivière South East waterfall is a short sightseeing stop, useful for photos but not a long visit.
• Snorkeling equipment and the snorkeling session are listed as extra, so bring your own gear if you want to avoid uncertainty.
• The shared boat may carry around 10 people or more, and a private upgrade can be arranged if space and shade matter to you.
• The tour costs $88 per person and lasts six hours, with lunch and drinks included but not towels or snorkeling equipment.

Why this east coast boat trip works

I see this as a compact introduction to the east coast rather than a slow, quiet island retreat. In six hours, you cover several very different settings: open ocean, sheltered lagoon, a waterfall, historic ruins, a protected nature reserve, and Mauritius’ most famous beach island.

The speedboat makes that range possible. You spend less time getting from one place to the next than you would on a slower catamaran, though you also get less shade and less room to stretch out. If you like the feeling of moving fast across the water, that is part of the fun. If you prefer a gentle cruise with plenty of space, you may find the ride tiring.

The tour leaves from the end of the jetty beside the Mauritian flag, at the Blue Alizé Catamaran Île aux Cerfs meeting point. Arrive ready to board rather than expecting a large terminal or formal check-in area. The available languages are English and French, and the skipper leads the group between the stops.

One useful detail comes from the way the boat is operated. Lucas is named as an especially well-regarded guide, and the crew can sometimes arrange a private boat when the shared option is too crowded. A private trip was organized within about 10 minutes for one couple, allowing them to choose how long to stay at each stop. That option is not guaranteed, and the price is not provided, but it is worth asking about at the jetty if the shared boat feels too tight.

The first ride toward Île aux Cerfs

The initial speedboat ride takes about 20 minutes. That is long enough to feel the pace of the boat, but short enough that you reach the first island without spending much of the day in transit.

Keep your sunglasses and hat secure. You will be exposed to sun and spray, especially if you sit at the front. The front seats offer the most direct view and the roughest ride, while a seat farther back may feel easier on your back.

The tour is not suitable for people with back problems, and that warning deserves attention. Speedboats can bounce across the lagoon, particularly when the water is choppy. Wheelchair users cannot join this activity, and the age guidance excludes people over 95.

Île aux Cerfs, Mauritius’ famous beach stop

Île aux Cerfs is the best-known stop and the place where many people will spend the most time. Its white sand and clear turquoise water make it an easy choice for swimming, sitting in the sun, or simply walking along the shore.

You get free time here at the beginning of the route, then return for lunch and another swimming period. That second, longer visit is useful because the island is not treated as a quick backdrop. You have about two hours for the BBQ meal, a swim, and unhurried beach time.

The tradeoff is that Île aux Cerfs is popular. Do not expect a deserted island experience. Its appeal comes from easy access and beautiful water, not solitude. If your ideal beach day includes plenty of personal space, the historic and nature stops may be more rewarding than the main beach.

The BBQ lunch is served on the beach, with drinks included. The available information does not specify the exact menu, so bring a flexible appetite rather than expecting a particular dish. Local rum and soft drinks are mentioned among the refreshments. If you do not drink alcohol, soft drinks are available.

Grande Rivière South East waterfall

The boat continues to Grande Rivière South East waterfall for a roughly 20-minute visit and photo stop. The waterfall is reached as part of the boat route, so you see it from the water rather than taking a long inland walk.

This is a scenic pause, not a full waterfall excursion. You will have time to take pictures and enjoy the setting, but the stop is too short for a long exploration. I would keep your camera ready and avoid packing it away between every location.

This stop also breaks up the beach time. After the bright sand and open lagoon around Île aux Cerfs, the waterfall offers a different view of Mauritius. It gives the day more variety and helps the trip feel like a tour of the east coast rather than only a swimming outing.

Snorkeling in the lagoon

The itinerary allows about 40 minutes for snorkeling. The water around Mauritius can be calm and clear, making this one of the more active sections of the trip.

There is an important practical point here. One part of the tour description refers to snorkeling gear and guided sessions, but the detailed inclusions say that snorkeling gear and the snorkeling session are not included. The safest approach is to bring your own mask, snorkel, and goggles. A towel is also not supplied.

You should pack swimwear, sunscreen, a change of clothes, flip-flops, and a towel. A waterproof bag would also be sensible for keeping dry clothing and phones protected, though it is not specifically supplied.

Do not expect a specialist marine biology outing. The snorkeling is one activity within a fast-moving six-hour route. Its value is the chance to get into the lagoon between sightseeing stops, not a long study of marine life.

Fouquets Island and the open-water views

Fouquets Island appears twice in the route: first for dolphin watching, then for a photo stop and roughly 20 minutes of sightseeing. The information does not promise a guaranteed dolphin sighting, so treat this as an opportunity rather than the main reason to book.

The island adds another change of pace. After swimming, you can use this stop to dry off, take pictures, and look back across the water. It is also a reminder that the tour is built around short visits to several locations rather than one long stay.

You may find the stop most rewarding if you enjoy being on the water even when no major activity is taking place. If you want a trip built around one guaranteed wildlife encounter, this is not the right expectation.

Île aux Phares and Île de la Passe

Île aux Phares is the most distinctive historical stop. Its old lighthouse dates back more than 200 years and is now a historical monument. The name means lighthouse island, and the structure gives the stop a clear sense of place even if you do not spend a long time ashore.

The wider story is unusually dramatic. In 1810, Île aux Phares and Île de la Passe were part of the naval battle of Grand Port between French and British forces. The French victory was the only naval victory of Napoleon’s fleet and is listed on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

You also get a striking natural contrast here. One side of the island has a calm, turquoise lagoon. On the other, large Indian Ocean waves hit the outer breakers. It is the kind of view that explains why a boat tour is more useful than a simple beach transfer.

Île de la Passe is included as a sightseeing pass-by rather than a long landing. Its importance is tied to the same naval history, so listen closely when the guide explains the route. This is a place where a short view can carry more meaning than an hour of swimming.

Île aux Aigrettes and the final beach session

Île aux Aigrettes is known for rare species and native vegetation, and the tour allows about 45 minutes there for an aperitif and swimming. It provides another quieter water stop after the historical islands.

The description presents the island as a protected nature reserve, but the schedule does not describe a land-based reserve tour. Do not assume you will have a long guided walk among the plants or wildlife. The practical focus here is a short stop with time in the water and a drink.

The route then returns to Île aux Cerfs for the main lunch period. This structure works well: you get several short discoveries first, then a longer final break. It also means you should not eat heavily before boarding if you want to make the most of the BBQ and swimming later.

What $88 includes, and where the value lies

At $88 per person, this is not simply a boat ride to a beach. The price covers six hours of transport between several east coast locations, lunch, drinks, and the skipper’s service. For someone who wants to fit many highlights into one day, that package can be good value.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the whole route. Île aux Cerfs alone does not justify the price for everyone, especially if you can visit it another way. The waterfall, historic islands, snorkeling, and nature stop are what make the cost easier to accept.

The price is less attractive if you need a private boat, specialist snorkeling equipment, or a towel, since those are not included in the stated package. Ask about private arrangements before boarding if you strongly dislike crowded boats.

A shared speedboat can hold around 10 people, and additional passengers may make the front bench feel cramped. Shade is limited, particularly at the front. I would choose this tour for the route and variety, not for luxury seating.

Who should book this tour

I would recommend it to couples, families, and friends who want a full east coast day with swimming and sightseeing in equal measure. It also suits first-time visitors who would rather see several signature locations in one outing than arrange separate transport.

It is a good fit if you enjoy:

• Speedboat travel and open water
• Short historic and scenic stops
• Swimming in warm lagoon water
• A beach BBQ with drinks
• A flexible, active day rather than a slow cruise

I would hesitate if you have back trouble, need wheelchair access, dislike sun exposure, or want a quiet boat with lots of personal room. You should also reconsider if snorkeling is your main goal, since the equipment and session are not clearly included in the detailed package.

Bring your own snorkeling gear, even if you see general references to equipment. Pack a towel, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear, a dry change of clothes, flip-flops, and goggles. A hat with a secure strap is useful on a fast boat.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability before you commit to the rest of your day.

Should you book the five-island route?

Book it if you want variety, speed, and a full six hours on Mauritius’ east coast. The strongest moments are the lighthouse and ocean contrast at Île aux Phares, the long beach break at Île aux Cerfs, and the mix of waterfall, history, and lagoon swimming.

Skip it if your priority is privacy, shade, or a relaxed catamaran ride. The shared boat may feel tight, and the front seats can be hot and exposed. If you can arrange a private boat at a suitable extra cost, the route becomes more flexible and comfortable. For most active visitors, though, $88 is a fair price for a packed day that covers far more than a standard beach transfer.

FAQ

How long does the five-island tour last?

The tour lasts six hours.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Blue Alizé Catamaran Île aux Cerfs. Meet at the end of the jetty next to the Mauritian flag.

What languages are available?

The live guide service is available in English and French.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is served at Île aux Cerfs.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks are included, with local rum and soft drinks listed among the refreshments.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

The detailed inclusions state that snorkeling gear and the snorkeling session are not included. Bring your own snorkeling gear if you want to participate.

How much free time is provided at Île aux Cerfs?

The route includes a visit at the start and a later stop of about two hours for lunch, swimming, and the BBQ.

Is the tour suitable for people with back problems?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with back problems.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.