From Blue Bay: Ile aux Cerfs Speedboat Excursion with BBQ

The best part of this day is the way it links several southeast-coast sights by boat. You snorkel in Blue Bay Marine Park, pass the old lighthouse on Ile aux Fouquets, watch monkeys around Grand River South East, and finish with beach time at Ile aux Cerfs.

I like the small, fast boat format, which lets you cover a lot of coast without spending the day on a large cruise vessel. I also like that lunch, drinks, masks, and snorkels are included. The main trade-off is time: Ile aux Cerfs gets about 100 minutes, so you may wish for a longer stay on the island.

• Blue Bay snorkeling comes first, with about 35 minutes in Mauritius’s largest coral reserve.
• Ile aux Fouquets offers a quick shore stop beside an old lighthouse ruin and the sea.
• Grand River South East adds scenery and cheeky monkeys near the waterfall.
• The Ile aux Cerfs stop includes a fish and chicken BBQ, with a vegetarian option available if requested during booking.
• A second swim and snorkeling break near Ile aux Aigrettes gives the day a quieter finish.
• Two skippers, a comfortable boat, and flexible routing help when weather changes.

A Fast Start from Blue Bay

Your day begins at 9:30 a.m. at Blue Bay Public Beach, near the Totof Tours stand. Look opposite the main parking area and Blue Bay Tuck Shop for the path to the beach. The small stand has a dark gray parasol, which makes it easier to spot.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to reach Blue Bay on your own. Build in a little extra time to find the meeting point. Once you are aboard, the speedboat gives you a direct way to see the southeast coast without long road transfers between stops.

The tour ends at roughly 4 p.m., making this a genuine seven-hour outing. That length matters. You get several short visits rather than one long beach day, so pack with movement in mind: swimsuit, towel, water shoes, and sun protection are more useful than a heavy day bag.

Blue Bay Marine Park Comes First

The first stop is the Blue Bay Marine Park, where you snorkel for about 35 minutes. This is a smart opening stop because you get into the water before the day’s other visits and before lunch slows the pace.

Mauritius’s largest coral reserve is the setting, and the water can offer clear views of colorful fish. One strong account of the day described seeing many kinds of fish, along with a shipwreck at one of the snorkeling areas. That detail gives you a sense of what may be waiting below, though sea conditions always affect visibility.

Masks, snorkels, and life jackets are included. You should still bring your own gear if you have equipment that fits you better, especially a familiar mask. The supplied essentials keep the cost down and make the stop easy for casual swimmers.

This is not a long snorkeling session. Thirty-five minutes is enough to see the reef and enjoy a swim, but not enough for a serious underwater outing. I would see it as a well-placed introduction to the marine side of the southeast coast, not as a specialist snorkeling trip.

The Lighthouse Ruin on Ile aux Fouquets

From Blue Bay, the boat follows the coast past Pointe d’Esny toward Mahebourg, the former capital of Mauritius, then heads to Ile aux Fouquets. The island is also described as Ile aux Phare, or Lighthouse Island, so do not worry if you hear both names.

You have around 30 minutes here. The main feature is an old lighthouse ruin, and you can walk on the island before returning to the boat. This stop is brief, but it breaks up the time on the water and adds a bit of old coastal character to a day otherwise focused on swimming and beaches.

Do not expect a long guided visit or a restored monument. The appeal is the setting, the ruin, and the chance to step ashore on a small island. Wear shoes that can handle uneven ground, or use water shoes if you prefer one pair for the whole day.

The boat trip between Blue Bay and the islands is part of the experience. You see the coast from a low, open-water angle, with the wind and spray that come with a speedboat. That can be fun, though anyone prone to motion sickness should consider a light breakfast and a sensible place to sit.

Grand River South East and Its Watchful Monkeys

The boat next enters Grand River South East, where you spend about 25 minutes near the waterfall. The river mouth and surrounding cliffs give you a change from open sea, while the waterfall supplies the photo stop.

The monkeys are part of the show. They can be cheeky, so keep food and loose items secure, and do not try to feed or approach them. The stop is short, which works well for a look and some photos, but it is not a long river visit.

The route may change with weather and water conditions. The skippers have adjusted the program when conditions were difficult, keeping the day moving rather than forcing a fixed plan. That flexibility is useful in Mauritius, where a sunny morning and a rougher patch of water can arrive on the same outing.

This is also a good place to keep expectations in check. The waterfall visit is scenic and entertaining, not a long hike or a remote wilderness experience. You see it from the boat and enjoy the river setting before moving on.

BBQ Lunch at Ile aux Cerfs

The longest stop is at Ile aux Cerfs, with about 100 minutes for lunch and beach time. You get a BBQ with fish and chicken, plus alcoholic and soft drinks during the meal and excursion. A vegetarian meal is available, but you need to request it when you reserve.

I like having lunch included here because it removes one of the day’s practical hassles. You do not need to hunt for food on a busy island or lose beach time deciding where to eat. The meal also turns the stop into a proper break after the morning’s swimming and boat rides.

The food is served as part of the outing, so think relaxed beach lunch rather than a formal restaurant meal. One account specifically praised the meal, while the tour setup gives you drinks alongside it. If you have dietary needs beyond the stated vegetarian option, ask before booking rather than relying on a last-minute adjustment.

Ile aux Cerfs is the star attraction for many people, and this is where the schedule feels tightest. You have about 100 minutes for eating, sitting on the beach, and possibly swimming. That is enough for a pleasant pause, but not enough to explore every corner or linger without watching the clock.

One French-language account liked the snorkeling spots but wanted more time on Ile aux Cerfs. I think that is the clearest point to consider before paying: this is a coast-hopping day with Ile aux Cerfs included, not an all-day Ile aux Cerfs beach stay.

A Second Swim Near Ile aux Aigrettes

On the return route, you stop near Ile aux Aigrettes for about 45 minutes. This is another chance to swim and snorkel, and it gives you more water time after the main lunch break.

The second stop is useful because conditions can vary between sites. If the first snorkeling session is choppy or visibility is limited, the later break gives you another chance. If you are already happy with your time in the water, you can treat it as a relaxed swim instead.

You should bring your own towel and water shoes. The tour provides mask and snorkel equipment, but the supplied information also recommends bringing snorkeling gear, so experienced swimmers may prefer their personal set. A life jacket is included for anyone who wants extra support.

After this stop, the boat returns to Blue Bay Public Beach. You arrive around 4 p.m., with the day ending at the same general area where it began.

What the Speedboat Adds

The boat is central to the experience, not just transportation. It lets you connect Blue Bay, the lighthouse island, Grand River South East, Ile aux Cerfs, and Ile aux Aigrettes in one day.

The boat has been described as comfortable and not overcrowded, with two skippers looking after the group. That arrangement matters on a seven-hour trip. You spend a lot of time moving between stops, and a cramped boat would make the day feel much longer.

Speed also helps. You see more of the southeast coast than you could by staying at one beach, and you avoid repeated road transfers. The cost is a more exposed ride, with wind, spray, and possible bumps. Bring a dry bag or protect your phone carefully.

Music may play on the boat. One account found it a little too loud, so speak up if you want the volume lowered. This is a small detail, but it can shape the mood during a long ride. The atmosphere is more lively boat outing than quiet nature cruise.

Weather, Guides, and Language

The guides speak English and French. The skippers explain the route, help with the equipment, and adjust the program when weather affects the planned order or conditions.

No individual guide names are provided, so you should not expect to book a particular skipper. What you can count on is a bilingual setup and hands-on help during the boat and snorkeling portions.

Weather is worth taking seriously. The schedule can change to suit conditions, and that is a strength rather than a flaw. You may not visit each stop in exactly the listed order, but the crew can make sensible choices about where to swim and when to move.

Bring swimwear under your clothes, a towel, water shoes, and sun protection. Your phone may be useful for photos, but keep it protected from spray. You will want light clothing and only the items you need for a day around water.

Is $106 a Fair Price?

At $106 per person, the tour is not simply a boat ride to Ile aux Cerfs. The price covers the speedboat, guide, snorkeling equipment, life jacket, BBQ lunch, and drinks. It also includes several separate stops that would be harder to arrange independently in one day.

The value is strongest if you want variety. You get two snorkeling opportunities, a lighthouse island, a waterfall, a beach break, food, and drinks. Organizing each piece yourself could take more time and create awkward gaps between transport and meals.

The value is weaker if your main goal is a long, quiet stretch on Ile aux Cerfs. The island receives only about 100 minutes, and the day’s schedule keeps moving. You are paying for a full southeast-coast circuit, not maximum beach time.

The price also does not cover hotel pickup or drop-off. That is an extra planning point, especially if you are staying far from Blue Bay. Since the meeting point is a public beach, you need to arrange your own transport to the start and back afterward.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful when your plans depend on weather, though they do not remove the need to check the forecast before the morning of the trip.

Who Will Enjoy This Day Most?

I would choose this outing if you want to see several southeast Mauritius highlights without arranging separate excursions. It suits couples, families, and active visitors who like swimming, short shore visits, and a social boat atmosphere.

It is also a good fit if you want snorkeling but do not need a specialist reef trip. The two water stops give you more than one chance to see fish, while the lighthouse, waterfall, monkeys, and BBQ keep the day varied.

I would think twice if you dislike speedboats, loud music, or a packed schedule. The boat ride is a major part of the day, and each stop has a set time. I would also choose another plan if your top priority is spending most of the day on one beach.

The high rating of 4.8 from 118 ratings reflects strong satisfaction with the guides, boat comfort, snorkeling, food, and ability to adapt to weather. The useful caution is equally clear: the program covers a lot, but Ile aux Cerfs time is limited.

Should You Book the Ile aux Cerfs Speedboat Excursion?

Book it if you want a well-filled day from Blue Bay, with snorkeling, island scenery, a waterfall, a BBQ, and drinks included in one price. The route gives you a broad taste of the southeast coast, and the crew’s ability to adjust the plan is valuable when the weather turns.

Skip it if you want a slow beach day or a long snorkeling session at one site. For everyone else, $106 is a reasonable price for the amount of boat time, food, equipment, and sightseeing included. Request the vegetarian meal when booking, arrive at the Blue Bay meeting point early, and keep your expectations focused on variety rather than lingering at Ile aux Cerfs.

FAQ

Where does the speedboat excursion begin?

It begins at Blue Bay Public Beach, at the Totof Tours meeting point. The stand is opposite the main parking area and Blue Bay Tuck Shop, along the path to the beach, under a dark gray parasol.

What time does the tour start and finish?

The excursion starts at 9:30 a.m. and ends at about 4 p.m. The total duration is approximately seven hours.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to Blue Bay Public Beach.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. A mask, snorkel, and life jacket are included. You are also advised to bring your own snorkeling gear if preferred.

How long is the first snorkeling stop?

The stop at Blue Bay Marine Park lasts about 35 minutes.

What food is served for lunch?

Lunch is a BBQ with fish and chicken. A vegetarian meal can be arranged if you request it when making your reservation.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Alcoholic and soft drinks are included during the meal and throughout the excursion.

What languages do the guides speak?

The live guides speak English and French.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.