Hop between three islands off Mauritius by speed boat with a local guide. You’ll snorkel clear waters at Eau Bleue, visit historic Lighthouse Island, enjoy a BBQ lunch on Ile aux Cerfs, and stop for drinks on Ile aux Aigrettes’ beach — with plenty of stories and small surprises along the way that you’ll remember long after heading home.
The first thing I remember is the slap of salt spray on my face as our speed boat cut across the blue — not turquoise, but that deep, glassy blue you only get early in Mauritius. Our skipper, Jean-Luc, grinned at us over his shoulder and pointed out a pale smudge on the horizon: “Ile aux Cerfs,” he said. The engine was loud but somehow comforting, and I could smell sunscreen and grilled fish from someone’s bag. We passed a half-sunken shipwreck (the D’alblair), rusted and lonely — I didn’t expect to feel a little sorry for it.
Landing on Ile aux Cerfs felt like stepping into a postcard, except there were kids chasing each other near the palms and a group of locals setting up for lunch. Jean-Luc handed me a cold Phoenix beer and told us about the island’s history — something about pirates hiding gold here, though he winked so maybe he was just teasing. Lunch was simple: grilled chicken and fish right on the sand, smoky and sweet, with salad that tasted like it had just been picked. I tried to say “merci” in Creole; got a laugh for my effort.
After eating way too much (I mean, who says no to seconds?), we cruised to Lighthouse Island — Ile aux Fouquets — where the old lighthouse stands crumbling against the wind. There’s this moment where you can hear nothing but waves slapping rock and some seabirds squabbling overhead. We stopped again at Eau Bleue for snorkeling; I still remember how cold the water felt at first, then all those darting flashes of color below. On the way back, we paused at Ile aux Aigrettes just long enough for one last drink on the beach. The sun was already dipping low by then — time gets slippery out here.
The full tour lasts around 1 hour 30 minutes each way by boat, plus stops at each island throughout the day.
Yes, lunch is served on Ile aux Cerfs as part of the tour package.
Infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed and specialized infant seats are available.
The reference does not specify if gear is included; check with your operator before booking.
Yes, both alcoholic drinks and soft drinks are included during your day trip.
You’ll visit Ile aux Cerfs, Lighthouse Island (Ile aux Fouquets), and stop at Ile aux Aigrettes beach.
No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers due to physical requirements and travel conditions.
Your day includes a full-day speed boat trip from Mauritius with stops at Ile aux Cerfs (with BBQ lunch), Lighthouse Island (Ile aux Fouquets), snorkeling at Eau Bleue natural aquarium, drinks on Ile aux Aigrettes’ beach, plus all alcoholic and soft drinks along the way before returning in the evening.
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