Blue Bay: Half-Day Snorkeling Trip with Creole Picnic Lunch

Blue Bay’s best feature is the quick change of pace: one minute you’re looking through a glass-bottom boat at coral and fish, and the next you’re floating above the reef with a mask and snorkel. The outing also includes lunch on Ile des deux Cocos, so you get a taste of Mauritius beyond the water.

I like the two separate snorkeling areas, since they offer different reef views, and I like the relaxed Creole meal with drinks included. The crew has also been praised for friendly help in the water, with guides including Olivier and Jordan singled out for their care and local explanations. The main drawback is simple: four hours leaves limited time for snorkeling if lunch runs long, and some people may prefer more time in the sea.

Key points to know before booking

• Two reef stops: Snorkel at two Blue Bay Marine Park sites, with an extra session sometimes offered when conditions and timing allow.
• Glass-bottom boat views: You can see fish and coral from the boat even when you are not in the water.
• Creole picnic included: Choose fish, chicken, or a vegetarian meal on Ile des deux Cocos.
• Drinks come with lunch and the boat ride: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic choices are included, including the well-known Jungle Cocktail.
• A good first snorkeling trip: The crew can assist in the water, and the outing suits children according to one detailed assessment.
• Bring water shoes: You will enter and leave the boat, and a sturdy pair is more useful than bare feet.

Blue Bay Marine Park in a half-day

This four-hour outing is built around a pleasant rhythm: boat ride, snorkeling, island lunch, beach time, then another look at the marine park before returning to Blue Bay Public Beach.

That length works well for you if you want a proper taste of the coast without giving up the whole day. You get enough time to see the reef and eat a local meal, but the schedule is not padded with long hours at sea. If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, keep your expectations clear. The advertised plan has two snorkeling stops, not four hours of continuous water time.

The trip begins at Blue Bay Public Beach, opposite the main Parking and Blue Bay Tuck Shop. Look for the path to the beach and a small stand with a dark grey parasol. The meeting point has been described as easy to find, though one person noted that the parasol may not always be open and may appear light green rather than white. Ask nearby staff if you are unsure.

Transportation to the meeting point is not included. You will need to arrange your own way to Blue Bay, so allow enough time to find the beach access and get ready. Starting times vary, and you need to check availability for the departure that fits your plans.

From Point d’Esny toward the first reef

Once aboard the glass-bottom boat, you travel along the seaside from Point d’Esny toward Ile aux Aigrettes. This is more than a transfer between stops. The boat gives you a low view of the lagoon, and the glass panel lets you watch the water below before you put on your mask.

The marine park is known for its coral and varied fish life. Conditions can change with wind, current, and visibility, so the exact quality of each stop is not fixed. On one outing, strong wind and currents meant the shipwreck could not be reached, and the guide changed the plan. That is a sensible tradeoff for safety and comfort, though you should understand that a particular reef feature is never guaranteed.

The crew’s local knowledge adds value here. Guides have pointed out fish hiding places, explained the reef, and shared details about the island and local culture. Olivier has been praised for helping swimmers and explaining the surroundings, while Jordan adjusted the plan when conditions were not right. Names and staff can change, but the practical advantage is the same: an attentive crew can make a big difference for first-time snorkelers.

What the two snorkeling stops offer

The first stop is in the lagoon near Ile aux Aigrettes. You can expect warm, clear water when conditions cooperate, along with coral formations and a range of tropical fish. Some outings have included a shallow area where you can get close to the fish, which is useful if you are new to snorkeling or not fully comfortable in deeper water.

The second stop takes you to another part of the marine park. The two locations are intended to show different sides of the reef, with one often better for fish and another offering coral views. Past outings have included a shipwreck on the reef, though this depends on sea conditions and the captain’s judgment.

The water has been described as calm and safe on many trips, but it is not always still. Strong currents have occasionally changed the order or length of a stop. In one case, the crew allowed a second attempt at a snorkeling area because the current made the first session harder. That sort of adjustment is worth more than sticking rigidly to a timetable.

You receive a mask and snorkel, but bring your own equipment if you prefer a particular fit. Water shoes are specifically recommended. High-SPF sun cream is also a smart addition, since you will spend time exposed on the boat and beach.

If you have never snorkeled, tell the crew early. The staff have helped people in the water, and one family-oriented assessment found the activity suitable for children. Still, you should be comfortable entering the sea and following the guide’s instructions. The boat ladder and rear platform have been described as less than ideal for getting in and out, so anyone with limited mobility should take that detail seriously.

Lunch on Ile des deux Cocos

After the first water activities, the boat takes you to Ile des deux Cocos for lunch. The island stop changes the mood from active to easygoing. You can eat, have a drink, and spend time on the beach before returning to the marine park.

The meal is a typical Creole picnic, with a choice of fish, chicken, or vegetarian food. Curry and other local flavors have been especially well received, and fruit such as pineapple has appeared as part of the meal. The vegetarian choice is not an afterthought. It has been described as tasty and substantial alongside the meat options.

Drinks are included. You can choose from alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, and the Jungle Cocktail is the signature choice. Homemade rum punch has also been part of the drink selection on some outings. If you do not drink alcohol, you still have other choices available.

The setting is attractive, but do not picture a formal restaurant lunch. The information describes a beach picnic, and conditions can be informal. One account found the lunch area more rustic than expected, with no table, chairs, or tent, while people sat wherever they could near the wooded part of the island. For some, that is part of the island experience. If you want shade, furniture, and a polished meal service, this may feel basic.

Lunch can also take a sizeable portion of the four-hour schedule. One person thought the meal lasted too long and would have preferred more snorkeling. I see the stop as a fair part of the value if you want local food and downtime, but less so if your priority is maximizing time in the water.

Beach time and the ride back

After eating, you can relax on the beach and enjoy the views around the island. This is not a packed sightseeing program. The appeal is the chance to slow down, have a drink, and let the morning’s snorkeling settle in.

The crew then collects you and takes you back toward the marine park for another opportunity to snorkel before returning to the starting point. The final session is an important part of the experience because it gives you a second chance if the first stop was affected by current, nerves, or poor timing.

Some outings have included three snorkeling sessions instead of the planned two. That is a welcome bonus, but it should not be treated as guaranteed. The core program is two snorkeling spots, with the crew making adjustments when conditions and time permit.

The return boat ride also gives you another chance to use the glass-bottom view. Even if you are tired, you can keep watching the reef below without putting your face in the water.

Guide service and the feel of the trip

The crew is one of the strongest parts of this outing. Reports describe captains and assistants as friendly, attentive, and willing to help swimmers. One captain provided lighthearted narration about the island and reef, answered questions, and knew where fish tended to hide.

The tone is informal rather than lecture-heavy. You get useful context about local culture, the island, the marine park, and features such as the shipwreck. If you enjoy having someone point out what you are seeing, this is more rewarding than simply being dropped at a snorkeling spot.

The trip can also suit a small group well. A particularly personal outing involved only four people, including two couples celebrating anniversaries. Group size is not specified as a fixed feature, so I would not book expecting a private boat, but a smaller departure is possible.

The crew has also marked special occasions, including a birthday celebration. That is a nice touch, though it is not part of the stated program and should not be expected for every departure.

Is $70 a fair price?

At $70 per person, the value depends on how you would otherwise spend the morning. The price includes the four-hour boat outing, glass-bottom viewing, snorkeling equipment, two snorkeling locations, lunch, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

That is a solid bundle for Mauritius. You are not paying only for a boat transfer. You are getting access to the marine park, guidance at the reef, food on an island, beach time, and drinks. The inclusion of lunch is especially useful because you do not need to arrange a separate meal after snorkeling.

The value is strongest for you if you want a mixed experience. You can see the reef from above and below, eat local food, and enjoy a beach stop without booking several separate activities. It is less compelling if you want a serious snorkeling session with long water periods and little time on land.

The rating of 4.5 from 262 assessments supports the idea that the trip delivers good overall value, but the lower-scoring details matter. Some people wanted more snorkeling, and the lunch setup can be rustic. I would treat the price as fair for a balanced half-day outing, not as a bargain for dedicated reef swimmers.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are helpful when your Mauritius plans depend on weather, but they do not remove the need to check the forecast and sea conditions before going.

Who should book this Blue Bay outing?

I would recommend it to first-time snorkelers, couples, families, and anyone who wants a taste of local food along with reef time. The crew’s help, the shallow snorkeling area reported on some trips, and the option to see marine life through the boat make it approachable.

It also suits you if you want a memorable final morning or afternoon in Mauritius. The combination of sea, reef, island, food, and drinks feels more complete than a short boat ride with one quick swim.

You may want another option if your main goal is maximum time in the water. The lunch stop takes time, the schedule can change with weather, and two snorkeling sessions may feel brief. You should also think twice if boat ladders are difficult for you or if you need a formal dining setup.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a well-rounded Blue Bay half-day with strong snorkeling, friendly crew service, a Creole meal, and a relaxed island stop. The best features are the variety of the reef sites, the chance to see coral from the glass-bottom boat, and the crew’s willingness to adjust for conditions.

Skip it if you would rather snorkel continuously and arrange your own lunch. For everyone else, $70 buys a practical mix of marine park access, food, drinks, and local guidance. Bring water shoes, sun protection, and a willingness to enjoy a simple picnic rather than a polished restaurant meal.

FAQ

How long is the Blue Bay snorkeling trip?

The excursion lasts four hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

Two different snorkeling spots in Blue Bay Marine Park are included. Some outings may include an extra session if time and conditions allow.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. A mask and snorkel are included. Water shoes are recommended, but they are not listed as included equipment.

What food choices are available at lunch?

You can choose a Creole meal with fish, chicken, or a vegetarian option.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included during the outing. The Jungle Cocktail is one of the featured choices.

Where does the activity meet?

Meet at Blue Bay Public Beach, opposite the main Parking and Blue Bay Tuck Shop. Follow the beach path to the small stand with a dark grey parasol.

Is transportation to the meeting point included?

No. Transportation to the Blue Bay meeting point is not included, so you need to arrange your own way there.