Snorkeling in Mauritius: 5 Islands with Waterfall & BBQ

Five island stops, one boat, snorkel gear and lunch already packed

A six-hour boat tour of five Mauritian islands with snorkeling at coral reefs, visits to a historic lighthouse and nature reserve, and a BBQ lunch on white sand. The guide speaks English or French, equipment is provided, and the itinerary moves through Grande Riviere Sud Est Waterfall, Lighthouse Island, Île de la Passe, Île aux Aigrettes and Île aux Cerfs. Infants sit on an adult's lap; the tour suits all fitness levels but is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries.

The Experience

The boat leaves for Grande Riviere Sud Est Waterfall first, where you may spot monkeys near the water before heading out to the reefs. From there the route moves through Lighthouse Island and its scenic overlooks, then to Île de la Passe — a small historic island off the southeast coast known for its turquoise waters and the role it played in the Battle of Grand Port. Snorkeling happens at the coral reefs along the way, with equipment provided and a guide in English or French steering the stops.

Île aux Aigrettes is a protected nature reserve requiring a day pass booked in advance through the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation; the tour arranges this. The final stop is Île aux Cerfs, one of Mauritius's most popular lagoon islands, where you get time on the white sand and in the calm turquoise water before lunch. The boat may pass dolphins or turtles during the ride, though the operator does not offer swimming with them to respect wildlife.

Lunch is a BBQ, with soda, bottled water and snacks included across the six hours. Public transportation options are available near the departure point, and the tour works for honeymooners, families with children, adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• lunch with a BBQ.
• soda, bottled water and snacks.
• boat transport to all five islands.
• guide in English or French.
• day pass to Île aux Aigrettes nature reserve.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Mauritius Tours

Is this one for you?This is a shared boat tour, so you travel with other visitors and move at a group pace — it suits travelers who want the full five-island route without arranging transport or booking each stop separately. If you prefer a private boat or a different island selection, look for a custom charter instead.

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Top questions

What exactly do I snorkel at on this five-island tour?

The snorkeling happens at the coral reefs around Île de la Passe and the other stops; the guide leads you into the water with the provided equipment and shows you where the marine life is most active.

Do I need to book Île aux Aigrettes in advance, or is it included?

Île aux Aigrettes is a protected nature reserve that requires a day pass through the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation; the tour arranges this booking for you as part of the itinerary.

What's the difference between the islands — why visit all five instead of just one?

Each island offers something different: Grande Riviere Sud Est has the waterfall and monkeys, Lighthouse Island has scenic views, Île de la Passe has historic significance and coral reefs, Île aux Aigrettes is a nature reserve, and Île aux Cerfs is the main beach stop with calm water and time to relax.

Will I see dolphins or turtles on the boat ride?

You may see dolphins and turtles during the ride between islands, but the tour does not offer swimming with them; the operator keeps wildlife interaction limited to respect the animals and ensure your safety.

Is the snorkeling equipment included, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkeling equipment is provided and included in the tour price; you do not need to bring or rent your own.

How much time do I actually spend in the water snorkeling versus on the boat or beach?

The six-hour tour includes snorkeling at the coral reefs, time on Île aux Cerfs beach, the waterfall visit and island stops; the guide paces the day so you get both water time and time to explore each island.