REVIEW · SNORKELING WITH TURTLES

5 Islands All-Inclusive Speedboat w/Snorkeling Sea Turtle

★ 4.1 · 9 reviews 9 hours From $125 Operated by Mauritius Luxury Tours & Transfer · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Book on GetYourGuide →

The big draw here is the chance to see five islands in one long speedboat day, with snorkeling, a waterfall, sea turtles, monkeys, and a beach BBQ folded into the route. You move fast across Mauritius’ largest lagoon, then slow down for swimming, sun, and drinks on Ile aux Cerfs.

I like the small group limit of eight, which should feel far more personal than a packed catamaran. I also like the useful mix of nature and leisure: Blue Bay Marine Park gives you fish and coral, while the two-hour Ile aux Cerfs stop gives you time to do very little at all.

The main concern is consistency. The advertised German-speaking guide, Blue Bay stop, snorkeling, and open bar were not provided on one outing, so you should confirm the day’s guide, route, and inclusions before setting off.

Key points at a glance

5 Islands All-Inclusive Speedboat w/Snorkeling Sea Turtle - Key points at a glance

  • A fast east-coast route: Start and finish at Trou d’Eau Douce, with five islands, a river waterfall, and a lagoon cruise packed into nine hours.
  • Blue Bay Marine Park matters: This is the tour’s main snorkeling stop, with tropical fish and a chance to see sea turtles.
  • Ile aux Cerfs gets two visits: You first stop for 45 minutes, then return for two hours of beach time and lunch.
  • A full food and drinks package: Expect BBQ chicken, fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, salad, snacks, and alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.
  • Small boat, lively ride: The speedboat is limited to eight participants, but the fast crossing can feel active and exposed to sun and spray.
  • Check the language service: English, French, German, Italian, and Romanian are listed, but guide availability can change.

A speedboat day built around the east coast

5 Islands All-Inclusive Speedboat w/Snorkeling Sea Turtle - A speedboat day built around the east coast

This is not a quiet cruise. The boat is designed to cover ground, and the engine is part of the experience. You’ll feel the boat skim across the lagoon as it links Mauritius’ best-known east-coast islands.

The route begins at Debarcader Trou D’Eau Douce, a jetty you can find by searching that exact name on Google Maps. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the $125 price, although a transfer can be arranged for an added charge.

Your day lasts about nine hours. That is a long time in open sun, but it also gives the crew room to include both active stops and proper downtime. You are not simply racing from one photo stop to the next.

The boat carries no more than eight people. That is a strong advantage for anyone who wants a less crowded outing, easier access to the skipper, and a better chance of seeing the water without a wall of heads around the rail.

Ile aux Cerfs begins and ends the island story

5 Islands All-Inclusive Speedboat w/Snorkeling Sea Turtle - Ile aux Cerfs begins and ends the island story

The first scheduled stop is Ile aux Cerfs, where you have about 45 minutes for a visit and refreshments. This opening pause helps you get oriented before the boat moves farther along the coast.

Later, you return to Ile aux Cerfs for about two hours. This is the main relaxation period of the day. You can swim, sunbathe, drink coconut water, or consider optional activities such as parasailing and a tube ride.

That second visit is valuable because the rest of the itinerary is busy. After waterfalls, island passes, and snorkeling, you get a proper stretch of beach time rather than a rushed ten-minute stop.

The island also hosts the BBQ lunch. The planned meal includes grilled chicken, grilled fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, and salad. It is a broad menu, useful if your group has mixed tastes or if you want something more filling than sandwiches.

Live music or a sega show is also scheduled during the beach stop. Keep your expectations sensible. One small group was seated away from the entertainment and received only a one-person guitar performance rather than a larger show. The atmosphere may be pleasant, but the entertainment is not the main reason to book this trip.

Grand River South East and its ocean-bound waterfall

5 Islands All-Inclusive Speedboat w/Snorkeling Sea Turtle - Grand River South East and its ocean-bound waterfall

From Ile aux Cerfs, the boat heads toward Grand River South East. The river drops toward the Indian Ocean in a waterfall, creating one of the more distinctive views on the route.

This is not a grand inland cascade reached by a long walk. You see the falls as part of a boat excursion, with the river, rocky shore, and sea meeting in one scene. That makes the stop easy to fit into a full day.

The itinerary also includes a chance to meet and feed wild Mauritian monkeys. This is an unusual addition, though you should follow the crew’s instructions closely and treat the animals as wild creatures rather than tame photo props.

One successful outing also included sightings of dolphins before the waterfall. Dolphins are included among the possible wildlife encounters, along with sea turtles, but no sighting can be guaranteed. The sea turtles are especially linked to the water portions of the tour, so keep your camera ready without treating wildlife as a scheduled performance.

Ile aux Phares and Ile de La Passe

5 Islands All-Inclusive Speedboat w/Snorkeling Sea Turtle - Ile aux Phares and Ile de La Passe

The boat continues to Ile aux Phares, the lighthouse island, then passes Ile de La Passe on the way toward Blue Bay. These stops are part of the historical and scenic side of the excursion.

The route is not only about swimming. The islands reflect Mauritius’ position in the Indian Ocean and its long maritime story. You may not receive a full lecture at every point, especially if your guide changes, but the chain of islands gives the cruise a sense of place that a simple beach trip lacks.

This is where the language service matters. Guides are offered in English, French, German, Italian, and Romanian. One outing had a German-speaking guide become ill at short notice, leaving the group with only the skipper and no proper island explanations.

If history and interpretation are important to you, confirm your requested language before departure and ask who will actually guide the route. Skipper Sino received praise for handling a clean, fast boat well, but steering the boat and explaining five islands are different jobs.

Blue Bay Marine Park is the snorkeling centerpiece

5 Islands All-Inclusive Speedboat w/Snorkeling Sea Turtle - Blue Bay Marine Park is the snorkeling centerpiece

Blue Bay Marine Park is the most important stop for anyone booking this tour for underwater scenery. Several snorkeling sessions are planned, with equipment included, and the marine park is known here as the place to see tropical fish.

The water time gives the day a welcome change of pace. After the engine, spray, and island views, you can put on the supplied mask and snorkel and look below the surface.

The itinerary also includes the possibility of seeing sea turtles. That is a genuine attraction, but wildlife sightings depend on conditions and timing. The tour promises the chance to view dolphins and turtles, not a guaranteed encounter with either.

Bring your own camera only if it is suited to water, and protect it carefully. Sunscreen is essential, even on a cloudy day, since much of the route keeps you exposed on the boat or beach.

There is one serious practical point here: Blue Bay was missed on one reported outing, and the snorkeling was described as poor on that day. I would ask the skipper or operator to confirm that the marine park is part of the planned route before leaving Trou d’Eau Douce. If Blue Bay is the reason you are booking, this simple check is worth your time.

Ile aux Aigrettes and the return through the lagoon

After Blue Bay, the boat passes Ile aux Aigrettes for refreshments. The stop helps break up the return journey and gives you another island view before the route turns back toward Ile aux Cerfs.

The open bar is intended to open at this point and continue through the later part of the experience. Drinks listed include Mauritian rum, wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and water. Snacks are also included.

That package can be good value, particularly if you plan to enjoy a rum cocktail or a beer with lunch. It also means you do not need to carry a full day’s supply of drinks, though water and sunscreen remain sensible items to bring.

Again, confirm the service on board. One outing did not receive the advertised open bar, despite the all-inclusive promise. That kind of problem changes the value calculation, especially for a nine-hour trip.

The boat then heads back toward Ile aux Cerfs, passing Ilot Margenie. At this stage, you get another look at the lagoon from the water rather than from a single beach. The return crossing is part of the sightseeing, but after a full day, you may be ready for a quieter ride.

What the $125 price really covers

5 Islands All-Inclusive Speedboat w/Snorkeling Sea Turtle - What the $125 price really covers

At $125 per person, this is more than a basic island transfer. The price includes a nine-hour speedboat outing, five-island route, waterfall stop, snorkeling equipment, several snorkeling sessions, beach BBQ, snacks, and alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.

It also includes the small-group format, which can be worth paying for in Mauritius. A limit of eight people gives you more room than a large boat and should make boarding and moving between stops easier.

The value is strongest if you use most of the package. If you snorkel, eat the BBQ, enjoy the drinks, and spend the full two hours at Ile aux Cerfs, the price covers a great deal in one day.

The value is weaker if the marine park is skipped, the drinks are unavailable, or the guide service does not match the language you booked. The tour is ambitious, so one missing part affects the whole balance.

Transport is another cost to include. Hotel pickup and drop-off around Mauritius are not part of the base price. You must reach Trou d’Eau Douce yourself or arrange a paid transfer.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now while paying later. Those terms are useful if your plans are still moving, but they do not solve the issue of weather or last-minute crew changes.

Who will enjoy this day most

5 Islands All-Inclusive Speedboat w/Snorkeling Sea Turtle - Who will enjoy this day most

I would choose this tour if you want a full east-coast sampler rather than one slow beach outing. It suits couples, friends, and active families who like a quick boat, frequent stops, snorkeling, and a social lunch.

It is also a good fit if you want several Mauritius highlights without arranging separate trips. The route combines the waterfall, island passes, marine park, wildlife possibilities, and Ile aux Cerfs in one booking.

You should think twice if you dislike speedboats, strong sun, or a packed schedule. Nine hours on a small open boat can be tiring, and there is limited control over how long you stay at each place.

I would also be cautious if a specific guide language is essential. The listed languages are a real advantage when available, but you should confirm who will be present on your date. The difference between a multilingual guide and a skipper-only outing is substantial.

Practical advice before you leave Trou d’Eau Douce

5 Islands All-Inclusive Speedboat w/Snorkeling Sea Turtle - Practical advice before you leave Trou d’Eau Douce

Bring sunscreen and a camera, as requested. A waterproof pouch for valuables is sensible, but that item is not specifically listed as included, so bring your own if needed.

Wear clothing suitable for swimming and sun exposure. The program includes snorkeling, beach time, and a speedboat ride, so you should expect spray and wet conditions.

Arrive at the correct jetty by searching Debarcader Trou D’Eau Douche on Google Maps. The meeting point is not a hotel lobby or a central city office.

Before boarding, confirm four things with the crew:

  • The language of the guide on your boat
  • The Blue Bay Marine Park stop
  • The availability of the open bar
  • The planned BBQ and beach entertainment

These questions are not fussy. They match the parts of the experience that can most affect your decision to book.

Should you book this five-island speedboat tour?

I would book it for the route and variety, not simply for the promise of unlimited drinks. The combination of Blue Bay snorkeling, Grand River South East, five islands, sea turtle possibilities, and a long Ile aux Cerfs stop gives you a full picture of the east coast in one day.

The strongest reports praise the fast, clean boat, careful handling by skipper Sino, dolphin and monkey sightings, good snorkeling spots, and tasty BBQ. Those are meaningful strengths.

The weak point is reliability. A missing guide, skipped marine park, absent open bar, and reduced entertainment can turn an expensive full-day outing into a basic boat ride.

Book if you are flexible, keen on the water, and willing to confirm the details before departure. If Blue Bay snorkeling or a particular language guide is nonnegotiable, get that confirmation in writing or choose a more specialized tour.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

The tour starts and ends at the jetty in Trou d’Eau Douce. Search for Debarcader Trou D’Eau Douche on Google Maps to find the meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts about nine hours. Starting times depend on availability.

What food is included?

The beach BBQ includes grilled chicken, grilled fish, rice, pasta, garlic bread, and salad.

What drinks are included?

The all-inclusive package lists Mauritian rum, wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, water, and snacks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the program includes several snorkeling sessions, including time at Blue Bay Marine Park.

Is hotel transportation included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off around Mauritius are not included in the base price. They can be arranged at an additional cost.

More Snorkeling Cruises with Open Bar in Mauritius

More like this

Snorkeling with Turtles, compared.

The full Snorkeling with Turtles list →
San Juan Guided Snorkel With Turtles Tour and Videos
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 12,947 reviews· from $42

San Juan Guided Snorkel With Turtles Tour and Videos

Read our review →
Kayak and Snorkel with Turtles, Wetsuits Included
★★★★★★★★★★4.6· 7,215 reviews· from $35

Kayak and Snorkel with Turtles, Wetsuits Included

Read our review →
Oahu’s Ultimate Tour: Dole, Turtle Snorkel, Pali Lookout & More
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 5,461 reviews· from $108

Oahu’s Ultimate Tour: Dole, Turtle Snorkel, Pali Lookout & More

Read our review →
Oahu Circle Island Tour with Turtle Snorkeling— Small-Groups
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 5,214 reviews· from $149

Oahu Circle Island Tour with Turtle Snorkeling— Small-Groups

Read our review →
Turtle Canyon Snorkel Excursion
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 4,656 reviews· from $79

Turtle Canyon Snorkel Excursion

Read our review →
Turtle Canyon Snorkel Adventure in Waikiki, Oahu
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 3,197 reviews· from $85

Turtle Canyon Snorkel Adventure in Waikiki, Oahu

Read our review →
3 Islands Tour, Snorkel, Pig Beach, Turtles & Lunch
★★★★★★★★★★4.3· 2,585 reviews· from $136

3 Islands Tour, Snorkel, Pig Beach, Turtles & Lunch

Read our review →
Puerto Rico Jet Snorkel with Turtles and Videos in San Juan
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 2,229 reviews· from $99

Puerto Rico Jet Snorkel with Turtles and Videos in San Juan

Read our review →
Scroll to Top

Find your water

Pick a coastline, an animal or a kind of boat.