Snorkeling from Blue Bay: 5 islands with lunch and pickup

You snorkel two separate reefs and see a 1902 shipwreck on the same day.

A full-day speedboat excursion from Blue Bay departing with hotel pickup, visiting five islands and two snorkeling sites in the marine park and lagoon, with a stop at the Grand River South East Waterfall where monkeys inhabit the riverbanks. The tour includes snorkeling gear, a three-course BBQ lunch with live sega music and entertainment, unlimited drinks, and a certified guide. It returns to the mainland by late afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day island and snorkeling tour

• Hotel pick-up in Mauritius
• Travel to Blue Bay village
• Snorkel at Blue Bay Marine Park
• Visit Dalbair shipwreck
• Enjoy cocktail and swim at Ile Aux Aigrettes
• Visit lighthouse at Ile aux Phare
• Explore ruins at Ile de la Passe
• Pass by Ilot Vacoas
• Snorkel and relax at Ile aux Flamands
• View Grand River South-East Waterfalls
• Arrive at Ile aux Cerfs for free time
• Enjoy BBQ lunch with drinks and entertainment
• Coastal cruise back to mainland

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your hotel anywhere in Mauritius and a drive to Blue Bay, where you board a speedboat for the open water. Your first snorkeling stop is the Blue Bay Marine Park, where the reef sits at an average depth of 5.5 meters in clear water. You'll see more than 50 species of coral, damselfish, surgeonfish, butterfly fish and trumpet fish moving through the mangroves and sea grass. After the reef, the boat takes you to the Dalblair shipwreck, which has rested on the coral since 1902 and carries its own contested history.

The route then moves through a sequence of islands, each with its own draw. At Ile aux Aigrettes you swim in a natural lagoon filled with starfish and drink a complimentary cocktail. Ile aux Phare, built with a lighthouse in 1864 to guide ships into Mahebourg port, gives you time to walk the island or climb the ruin. Ile de la Passe, a small rocky islet off the southeast coast, holds the remains of French and British colonial defenses dating back two and a half centuries. The ruins sit on the Arc de Triomphe inscription in Paris commemorating the Battle of Vieux Grand Port. As you cruise past Ilot Vacoas, the boat sails along the Grand River South East Waterfall, where wild flora lines the banks and Mauritian fruit bats roost in the trees alongside monkeys that move freely through the branches.

Ile aux Cerfs, the main destination, arrives mid-morning with free time to swim, snorkel again in the turquoise lagoon, walk the white sand beach or try water sports at your own cost. Around noon, lunch is served on the beach at Ilot Flammant: a three-course BBQ with chicken and fish, sides, salads and garlic bread, plus vegetarian options if you request them at booking. The crew prepares a banane flambé for dessert. An open bar runs throughout, with unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Live sega music and traditional dance entertainment happen while you eat. The return journey to the mainland departs in the late afternoon, arriving by 4:30 p.m.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Mauritius.
• snorkeling equipment.
• entry to Blue Bay Marine Park and both snorkeling sites.
• visit to the Dalblair shipwreck, Ile aux Aigrettes, Ile aux Phare, Ile de la Passe, Grand River South East Waterfall, Ilot Flammant and Ile aux Cerfs.
• a cocktail at Ile aux Aigrettes.
• a three-course BBQ lunch with chicken, fish, sides and vegetarian options.
• unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day.
• live sega music and entertainment during lunch.
• a certified guide and private air-conditioned vehicle transport.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to14h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish, French and Hindi

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Freshverde Holidays

Is this one for you?The eight to nine hour commitment leaves your evening free, and the fixed schedule packs two separate snorkeling reefs, five islands and a waterfall into a single departure: useful if you're splitting your time between multiple regions of Mauritius or have only one full day on the east coast.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, French and Hindi.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (3 to 10 years); Infant (1 to 2 years): free.

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 will I see when I snorkel at Blue Bay Marine Park?

Blue Bay Marine Park holds more than 50 species of coral at an average depth of 5.5 meters, with clear water visibility. You'll encounter damselfish, surgeonfish, butterfly fish, juvenile sailfin tangs, pipefish and large trumpet fish moving through mangroves, algae and sea grass.

Can I do water sports on Ile aux Cerfs, or is that included?

Water sports activities are available on Ile aux Cerfs but cost extra (40 EUR). They are optional and not part of the main tour package.

What happens at the Grand River South East Waterfall?

The speedboat sails along the waterfall's canal where the river meets the sea. Mauritian fruit bats roost in the highest trees and monkeys jump through the branches on the riverbanks. They are accustomed to human presence, so sightings are common.

Is the lunch vegetarian-friendly?

Vegetarian BBQ options are available. Notify the operator at booking if you need a vegetarian meal, and inform them of any food allergies or dietary restrictions in advance.

How long is the full day, and what time does it end?

The tour runs eight to nine hours total, with hotel pickup at the start and return to the mainland by 4:30 p.m., giving you the early evening free.