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

The lagoon is your road for the day. This 7-hour speedboat outing packs Mauritius’ southeast coast into one lively circuit, with reef snorkeling, a 1902 shipwreck, the old lighthouse on Île aux Fouquets, Grand River South East waterfall, and a beach BBQ on Île aux Cerfs. I especially like the small-boat feel and the generous mix of stops. You see much more than you would on a simple island transfer.

I also like the easygoing care from the crew. Guides such as Hans, Giovanni, Nathaniel, Ashley, and others have earned warm praise for good humor, local stories, music, and steady attention to safety. Soft drinks, local beer, and rum are included, which adds to the holiday mood. The main consideration is price: at $147 per person, it is not the cheapest boat day in Mauritius, and a speedboat gives you less room than a catamaran.

Key points at a glance

• A full southeast-coast circuit: You visit the reef, shipwreck, lighthouse, river waterfall, Île aux Cerfs, and Île aux Aigrettes in one day.
• Speedboat rather than catamaran: The faster boat lets you cover more ground and avoid the packed feel seen on some larger outings.
• A proper beach lunch: Grilled chicken and fish are served at Île aux Cerfs, with a vegetarian option available if requested ahead of time.
• Snorkeling is an early stop: Put on your swimsuit before departure so you can get into the water without fuss.
• Drinks are included all day: Water, soft drinks, local beer, and rum are available on board.
• Weather can change the plan: The date or route may be adjusted when conditions are poor, a sensible rule for an open-water trip.

Why this speedboat day works so well

Mauritius is easy to admire from a beach, but the southeast coast shows a different side of the island. Here, the lagoon opens into a chain of small islands, coral reef, shallow swimming spots, and river channels. A speedboat is a practical way to connect them.

The tour leaves at about 9:30 in the morning and returns to Shandrani Beach around 4:00 to 4:30 PM. That gives you a full day without turning the outing into a rushed race from one photo stop to the next. You spend time in the water, on land, and moving between the two.

I would choose this trip if I wanted one high-energy day that covers several major sights. It is less suitable if you want a quiet, slow boat ride with plenty of open deck space. The speed is part of the fun, but the boat can feel tighter than a large sailing vessel.

The group size is not fixed in the basic information, though a private group can be arranged. Several outings have had only a handful of people on board, which helps explain the personal service praised so often. Do not assume every departure will be private, but ask about the group setup if that matters to you.

Starting at Shandrani Beach

The main meeting point is the beach at Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa. If you drive, parking is reached by taking the small rocky road on the left side of the hotel. Pickup can also be arranged from accommodation or a designated point anywhere in Mauritius, but you should confirm the time and place with the operator.

That island-wide pickup option matters. The launch point is on the southeast coast, while many hotels sit on the west, north, or southwest coast. A transfer can save you from arranging a taxi across the island, though you should confirm exactly what is included for your location.

Once at the beach, expect a safety briefing before the boat gets properly under way. Wear your swimsuit from the start, not under the assumption that you will have a private changing area. Bring a towel, sun cream, sunglasses, a hat, and footwear that can cope with wet conditions. One useful tip from the trip reports is to pack a dry change of clothes and footwear that dries quickly.

Snorkeling in the clear lagoon

The first water stop comes after a short ride. This is your chance to swim and snorkel among coral and brightly colored tropical fish. Equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel.

The water is one of the main reasons to book this outing. The boat stays within the lagoon and coral barrier for much of the route, which can make the ride more comfortable for people concerned about seasickness. One past participant specifically found the sheltered route easier than expected.

Keep expectations sensible. Snorkeling conditions depend on weather, water clarity, and the exact spot selected that day. One older account called the snorkeling fairly ordinary, while many others found the coral, fish, and clear water memorable. The honest answer is that you get a pleasant reef stop, not a guaranteed world-class marine expedition.

You should also listen carefully to the crew before entering the water. The boat moves on to the next stop, and a good-fitting mask makes the half-hour swim more enjoyable. If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the crew before getting in.

The 1902 shipwreck and Île aux Fouquets Lighthouse

The boat then heads toward the d’Alblair shipwreck, which dates from 1902 and rests on the coral barrier. You view it from the boat rather than treating it as a separate wreck-diving excursion. It is an unusual sight in an already scenic stretch of sea, so have your camera ready.

Next comes a short stop at the old lighthouse island, commonly identified as Île aux Fouquets. The stop lasts about 30 minutes and is mainly for photos, sightseeing, and an explanation of the site. The weathered structure gives the day a little more character than a simple succession of beaches and swimming pools.

The exact experience can vary with sea conditions and access on the day. Some outings have included walking or climbing around the lighthouse area, but you should treat that as conditional rather than guaranteed. Comfortable footwear is the right choice, especially if you leave the boat on uneven ground.

This is also where a good guide adds real value. Hans, Giovanni, Nathaniel, Ashley, and other crew members have been praised for explaining the sights and sharing stories about Mauritius. Guide assignments change, so you cannot book a particular person with certainty, but the strong pattern is friendly and involved hosting rather than silent driving.

Grand River South East and its waterfall

The route continues along the east coast and then upstream on Grand River South East, the longest river in Mauritius. The change from open lagoon to river channel gives the day welcome variety. Instead of looking only at blue water and sand, you get a closer view of the island’s river environment.

The waterfall stop lasts around 30 minutes. You can expect a short visit for photos and sightseeing, with the boat bringing you close to the falls. Several outings have also included sightings of monkeys near the waterfall. Wildlife is never guaranteed, but it is a pleasant possibility.

Some reports also describe swimming or jumping from rocks near the falls. Do not assume this will be part of every departure, and follow the crew’s instructions if water access is offered. Rocks, current, and weather can make this stop more about looking than swimming.

The river section is valuable because it breaks up the beach time. If all you wanted was a resort-style swim, you could stay at your hotel. This tour earns its price by showing you several different corners of the southeast in a single day.

Lunch on Île aux Cerfs

The main beach stop is Île aux Cerfs, where you get about an hour and a half for lunch and free time. The BBQ includes grilled chicken and fish, served on or near the sand, with a setting that does much of the work. A vegetarian meal is possible on request, but make that request before the day of departure.

Food quality has been one of the most praised parts of the trip. The meal is more than a token sandwich: several accounts describe generous portions and particularly good chicken, fish, and sides. One outing called the BBQ the highlight, while another found it among the best meals on this kind of boat trip.

You will have time to eat, swim, and relax rather than being rushed straight back onto the boat. That pause is important. A full day on a fast boat can become tiring if every stop lasts only ten minutes, and Île aux Cerfs provides the longer break.

The island is also a busy attraction, so do not picture guaranteed solitude. Some departures have found a more secluded beach spot, but the level of quiet depends on the day and where the boat stops. The practical advantage is that you see the island as part of a wider route, rather than spending the whole day there with little else.

The final swim at Île aux Aigrettes

The last stop is Île aux Aigrettes, where you can enjoy a final drink and swim in a natural pool with starfish. This is a gentle finish after the faster activities earlier in the day.

Starfish should be treated with care. Look, but do not handle marine life unless the crew specifically says it is safe and appropriate. The natural pool is a good place to slow down, take photos, and enjoy the water before the return run.

The tour description places Île aux Aigrettes among the day’s final stops, while the detailed schedule may list the stops in a different order. That is not unusual on a boat outing. The crew may adjust the sequence to suit tide, weather, or traffic on the water.

Drinks, music, and the speedboat mood

Soft drinks include water, Coca-Cola, and Orangina. Local beer and rum are also available throughout the day. This is a generous inclusion at the price, especially compared with tours where every drink becomes an extra purchase.

The crew often adds music and a relaxed party mood. Past outings have included rum drinks, singing, dancing, and plenty of joking between stops. That atmosphere suits couples, groups of friends, and families with older children who enjoy an active day.

Drink sensibly. The boat can accelerate suddenly, and one useful warning is to finish your drink before the skipper opens the throttle. Otherwise your rum may end up on your shirt. Alcohol should not distract from safety, snorkeling, or keeping your balance.

The speed is a real feature, not just a transport detail. You cover a lot of coast in a short time, and several people preferred this format to a slower catamaran. The tradeoff is less space to stretch out, more wind, and a bumpier ride when conditions change.

Is $147 good value?

At $147 per person, I would call this a strong value for a packed full-day outing, but not a bargain for every type of holiday. The price covers the speedboat, snorkeling equipment, BBQ lunch, soft drinks, beer, rum, and the main sightseeing stops. Optional hotel pickup may also simplify the day, depending on your location and arrangement.

The value improves if you want to see many places in one day. Booking separate transport, meals, and boat trips for the lighthouse, waterfall, snorkeling area, and Île aux Cerfs could cost more and require far more planning.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a long, quiet beach day. In that case, a simpler Île aux Cerfs boat transfer may suit you better. You are paying here for range, guiding, food, drinks, and the speedboat experience, not only for time on the sand.

The rating of 4.8 from 429 bookings gives a useful signal, especially because the praise is consistent across several years. The strongest themes are the crew, the clean and comfortable boat, the BBQ, the number of stops, and the feeling of avoiding an overcrowded vessel. A few practical limits remain: snorkeling can be average on a given day, the boat has less room than a catamaran, and weather may force a change.

Who should book this Mauritius boat day?

I would recommend it to you if you:

• Want to fit many southeast-coast sights into one day
• Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and a fast boat ride
• Like informal guides, music, rum, and a social atmosphere
• Prefer a small boat to a large, crowded vessel
• Want lunch and drinks included rather than buying them separately
• Are comfortable spending much of the day outdoors in sun and wind

I would think twice if you dislike speed, get uncomfortable on boats, or want a silent nature tour. Families can enjoy it, and the crew has been praised for taking care with children, but you should still consider how young children handle a long day on the water.

Book early enough to request a vegetarian lunch and confirm pickup. If weather looks poor, contact the operator before setting out, since the date or route can be changed according to the forecast. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later if that option suits your plans.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want an active, social day that shows off Mauritius from the water. The combination of reef, wreck, lighthouse, river, waterfall, beach BBQ, starfish pool, and included drinks gives you a lot for seven hours.

I would not book it only for snorkeling, since reef conditions vary and the marine life may be modest. Book it for the whole package, especially the capable crew, the speedboat access to several places, the excellent beach lunch, and the chance to see a broad slice of the southeast coast without arranging each stop yourself.

FAQ

How long does the speedboat tour last?

The experience lasts about seven hours. Departure is scheduled for around 9:30 AM, with return to Shandrani Beach expected between 4:00 and 4:30 PM.

Where does the tour meet?

The main meeting point is the beach at Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa. For parking, take the small rocky road on the left side of the hotel.

Is hotel pickup available anywhere in Mauritius?

Pickup is available as an option from accommodation or a designated location anywhere in Mauritius. You should contact the activity provider to confirm the pickup time and exact location.

Are snorkeling equipment and drinks included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, water, Orangina, Coca-Cola, local beer, and rum are included.

What food is served at lunch?

The BBQ includes grilled chicken and fish at Île aux Cerfs. A vegetarian lunch is possible if you request it in advance.

What should I bring?

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

Is the tour available in English and French?

Yes. The live tour is offered in English and French. A private group option is also available.