Full Day Ile aux Cerfs Speedboat Trip With Hotel Transfers (Private or Shared)

A Closer Look at the Full Day Ile aux Cerfs Speedboat Trip

Travelers keen on exploring one of Mauritius’s most scenic spots often look for tours that combine fun, convenience, and memorable views. The Full Day Ile aux Cerfs Speedboat Trip with hotel transfers offers just that — a well-rounded day packed with adventure, stunning scenery, and plenty of opportunities to unwind. While it’s popular and generally well-reviewed, there are a few things to keep in mind before booking.

What makes this tour particularly appealing are the smooth hotel pickup, the chance to glide across the water in a speedboat, and the delicious barbecue lunch with drinks. Plus, the small group setting means you’re more likely to get attentive guides and a personalized experience. On the flip side, some reviews mention that the time on the island can feel rushed or that the overall experience might not match everyone’s expectations. This tour suits those who appreciate a mix of sightseeing, relaxation, and good value for money.

Key Points

• Convenience: Includes private hotel pickup and drop-off, making your day stress-free
• Scenic Route: Passes by Grand River South East Waterfall, offering great photo opportunities
• Flexible Time: Enjoy several hours on Ile aux Cerfs for swimming, sunbathing, or exploring
• Food & Drink: Barbecue lunch with free-flowing drinks adds to the enjoyment
• Small Group: More attention from guides, creating a friendly, less crowded atmosphere
• Potential Drawback: Some travelers find the island’s crowds or timing less ideal for peaceful relaxation

The Full Experience: What to Expect

This tour offers a full-day adventure starting with a hotel pickup between 7:00 and 8:30 am, depending on your location. The ride to Trou d’Eau Douce is comfortable, with a private transfer option available for your group, ensuring a smooth start to the day. Once aboard the speedboat, you’re in for a scenic journey that’s both visually engaging and informative.

Passing the Grand River South East Waterfall

One of the first stops en route to Ile aux Cerfs is the Grand River South East Waterfall, a highlight for many travelers. The boat glides past lush riverbanks, where you might spot monkeys jumping through the trees or fruit bats hanging overhead. Several reviewers mention this as a memorable part of the trip, with one describing the waterfall as “amazing,” and others noting how close the boat gets to the cascading water.

The Island: Ile aux Cerfs

Arriving at Ile aux Cerfs, you’re greeted with a beautiful island landscape—white sandy beaches, clear lagoons, and vibrant surroundings. You’ll spend approximately 3 to 4 hours here, with no strict schedule, giving you ample time to swim, sunbathe, explore, or hike. Some reviews highlight how the beach is more crowded than expected, especially during peak seasons, but the overall scenery remains stunning.

The BBQ Lunch & Drinks

A major perk of this tour is the barbecue meal served on nearby Ilot Mangenie, just a short boat ride from the main island. The lunch menu typically includes chicken, fish, salads, and other local fare, all freshly prepared. Reviewers frequently praise the quality and flavor of the food, with some mentioning the generous drinks selection, including soft drinks, beer, wine, and rum. One guest remarked that the lunch was fantastic, although a few noted that dessert was not served, which may disappoint those with a sweet tooth.

Free Time & Optional Activities

After lunch, you’re free to continue relaxing or try some water activities. The reviews note that water sports are promoted loudly and heavily, which might be a turnoff if you prefer peaceful, unspoiled beaches. Some travelers mention additional attractions and activities available on the island, though these are not included in the package and can involve extra costs.

Transportation & Group Size

The transportation aspect is straightforward. Whether you opt for the private or shared transfer, your group is taken care of from the hotel to the boat and back. The shared transfers are private to your hotel, which keeps things simple and comfortable. The boat ride itself is relatively short, usually under an hour, but it’s a highlight that many review as “fun” and “scenic.”

Group sizes are limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, which helps maintain a personalized atmosphere. Guides are described as friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to share interesting facts about the island and the waterfall. Several reviewers emphasize how helpful and attentive their guides were, making the day more enjoyable.

Timing & Duration

The tour generally starts with pickup around 7:00-8:30 am and departs on the boat between 9:00-9:30 am, with a roughly six-hour total duration. The timing ensures plenty of daylight on the island, but some reviews mention feeling that the time on Ile aux Cerfs could be longer. It’s worth planning for a full day, especially if you want to maximize your experience.

Authentic Experiences from Real Travelers

Among the many reviews, one describes the day as “one of the highlights of our trip,” praising the well-executed plan and friendly guides. The speedboat gets special mention for bringing guests “close to the waterfall,” which is a thrilling perspective. Many guests appreciated the well-organized transfers with no delays, making the day flow smoothly.

Conversely, some reviews suggest the island can be crowded and that some elements of the trip — like the promotional water sports — may feel pushy or less relaxing. A few comments point out that the beach on Ile aux Cerfs isn’t necessarily the best for swimming due to wind or wave conditions, and some found the lunch portion disappointing, citing a late serving or limited options.

Is This Tour Worth It?

The value for money hinges on what you’re after. At around $127.44 per person, the tour covers hotel transfers, a speedboat ride, a barbecue lunch, drinks, and several hours on Ile aux Cerfs. For many, it’s a convenient way to see the island’s highlights without the hassle of organizing multiple activities or transport.

However, if your priority is seclusion or pristine beaches untouched by crowds, this tour might feel a bit overrun. The shorter boat ride compared to other options like a catamaran cruise results in less time on the water, which some reviewers mention as a downside. The lunch quality and timing also vary based on individual experiences, so expectations should be realistic.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for travelers who want a well-organized, hassle-free day that combines sightseeing with relaxation. It’s suitable for families, couples, or small groups looking for good value and authentic Mauritian scenery. Those who prefer a more intimate, private experience can opt for the private tour upgrade, which offers a more tailored approach.

If you’re not keen on busy beaches or prefer longer time on the water, it might be worth exploring other options. But for first-timers or those who want a balanced day of adventure and chill time, this tour hits the right notes.

The Sum Up

The Full Day Ile aux Cerfs Speedboat Trip offers a compact, enjoyable glimpse of one of Mauritius’s most popular islands. It combines scenic boat rides, a tasty barbecue, and ample leisure time on the island, all wrapped up in a convenient package. The guided aspect and small group size make it more personal and engaging, though the overall experience can vary based on crowd levels and weather conditions.

If you’re after a fun-filled, easy way to see Ile aux Cerfs with the added bonus of stunning waterfalls and good food, this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially suitable for those who value organized logistics and a blend of sightseeing and relaxation in one day.

FAQs

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, with private transfers available for your group, making the day stress-free.

What time does the tour start?
Pickup is between 7:00 and 8:30 am, with departures for Ile aux Cerfs around 9:00 to 9:30 am.

How long do I spend on Ile aux Cerfs?
You generally get about 3 to 4 hours of free time on the island to swim, sunbathe, explore, or just relax.

What is included in the lunch?
The barbecue lunch features chicken, fish, salads, and drinks such as soft drinks, beer, wine, and rum.

Are there additional activities on the island?
Yes, water sports and other attractions are available but not included in the package and may involve extra costs. Some reviews note they are promoted loudly and can be pushy.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes, the small group setting and organized itinerary make it family-friendly, especially for those who enjoy water activities and scenic landscapes.

Can I upgrade to a private tour?
Absolutely. Upgrading to a private tour provides a more personalized experience, ideal for couples or small groups seeking exclusivity.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Whether you’re after a scenic water adventure or just want a relaxing day on Mauritius’s most famous island, this speedboat trip offers a practical, enjoyable way to experience the best of Ile aux Cerfs. Just plan for the crowds and keep your expectations aligned with the busy but beautiful surroundings.