Snorkeling in Mauritius: 5 Islands Speedboat Cruise with Lunch

Race across the Indian Ocean, then drop into coral reefs where the water settles.

A 7-hour speedboat snorkeling tour on Mauritius's east coast that stops at five islands and two snorkeling sites, with lunch and equipment included. The boat departs from the east coast and returns the same day. Snorkeling is optional but the reefs between Blue Bay and Île aux Aigrettes (or near Îlot Mangenie, depending on conditions) are the centerpiece. A guide in English or French narrates the history of each stop: Île aux Cerfs, Île Phare with its 1864 lighthouse, Île de la Passe where the British and French fought in 1810, and the nature reserve at Île aux Aigrettes. Lunch and drinks happen at Îlot Mangenie.

Step-by-step itinerary

Speedboat cruise and island visits

• Speedboat ride along east coast
• Visit Ile aux Cerfs Island for 2 hours
• Enjoy waterfall view at Grand River South East
• Visit Ile Phare and learn its history
• Snorkel between Blue Bay and Ile aux Aigrettes
• Refreshments at Ile aux Aigrettes shore
• Lunch and drinks at Ilot Mangenie
• Pass by Ile de la Passe and learn battle history

The experience

What makes this different from a standard island tour is the speedboat itself. You feel the engine and the spray, and the pace means you cover five stops and two reef sites in a single day instead of lingering at one. The first stop is Île aux Cerfs, where you get 2 hours to walk the island or swim. From there the boat heads to Grand River South East to see the waterfall that runs into the ocean, then to Île Phare (also called Île aux Fouquets), where a guide explains the 1864 lighthouse and the naval battles fought in the bay during the British invasion of 1810.

The snorkeling happens between Blue Bay and Île aux Aigrettes or near Îlot Mangenie: the exact spot shifts with weather and coral breeding season, so the guide picks the best conditions on the day. Snorkeling gear is free and included, though you choose whether to use it. After you're done in the water, the boat stops at Île aux Aigrettes for refreshments. That island is a nature reserve and research station, but access to land is not part of this tour. You see it from the boat. Île de la Passe, a rocky islet in Grand Port bay, is another stop where the guide points out the 1810 battle site.

Lunch and drinks come at Îlot Mangenie, a small island next to Île aux Cerfs, so you eat on an island rather than back on shore. Bottled water, snacks, alcoholic drinks and all fees are included. The whole day runs 7 hours, and the boat operates with a live guide in English or French.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment, lunch, bottled water, snacks and alcoholic beverages.
• all fees and taxes.
• a live guide in English or French.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Child (3 to 9 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 18

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Island Cove Mauritius

Is this one for you?The boat picks you up from the east coast and returns you there the same day, so if you're staying in the region without a car, you skip the logistics of renting one or arranging separate transport to the marina. The speedboat pace means you see five islands and snorkel in one outing instead of splitting it across multiple days.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 9 years); Infant (under 3).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the snorkeling like on this speedboat tour in Mauritius?

You snorkel at one site between Blue Bay and Île aux Aigrettes or near Îlot Mangenie, depending on weather and coral conditions that day. The guide chooses the spot with the best visibility and marine life. Gear is free and included, and snorkeling is optional. You can stay on the boat if you prefer.

How long do you spend at Île aux Cerfs?

Île aux Cerfs gets a 2-hour stop, which gives you time to swim, walk the island or rest before the boat moves on to the other four stops and the snorkeling site.

Does the tour include lunch?

Yes, lunch and drinks are included and served at Îlot Mangenie, a small island next to Île aux Cerfs. Bottled water, snacks and alcoholic beverages are also part of the package.

What's the history of Île Phare, one of the stops?

Île Phare (also called Île aux Fouquets) was one of the first islands discovered by Dutch settlers in 1598. It got its name from a lighthouse built in 1864 that operated until the early 20th century. The island sits in Mahébourg bay and played a strategic role during naval battles there.

Can you visit Île aux Aigrettes on this tour?

Île aux Aigrettes is a nature reserve and research station where the boat stops for refreshments after snorkeling, but landing on the island itself is not included in this tour. You see it from the boat and can enjoy drinks at the shore.