Mauritius: 3 Activities + Ile aux Cerfs Boat tour w/ BBQ

Getting ready to explore Mauritius’s east coast? This tour combines a lively mix of water sports, a scenic waterfall visit, and a boat trip to the famous Ile aux Cerfs — all for around $124 per person. It’s ideal for thrill-seekers, beach lovers, and anyone wanting a taste of authentic island life in a single day.

What makes this experience appealing? First, the variety of water activities like parasailing, underseawalk, and tubing keep the adrenaline pumping. Second, the unique stop at Grand River South East Waterfall offers a chance to see the lush landscape and spot monkeys up close. Lastly, the lunch on Ile aux Margenie with a BBQ feast and drinks provides a relaxed, tasty break amid the adventure.

A potential drawback? The tour involves multiple locations and a busy schedule, which can lead to feeling rushed or missing parts of the experience — as some reviews highlight. Still, for those who enjoy packed days with diverse activities, this tour hits the right notes.

This experience is best suited for active travelers, water sport enthusiasts, and those eager to see some of Mauritius’s natural beauty without spending too much time planning each detail. It’s perfect if you want a balanced day of fun and scenic sights, especially if you’re comfortable with a packed itinerary and some boat rides.

Key Points

• Diverse water sports provide thrill and fun in clear lagoon waters.
• Scenic stops like Grand River South East Waterfall combine nature and wildlife spotting.
• Delicious BBQ lunch with a variety of drinks makes for a satisfying break.
• Multiple locations mean a busy day — good for those seeking variety.
• Guided speedboat tour offers expert insights and stunning views.
• Reviews highlight some organizational hiccups but praise guides and scenery.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect From This Tour

This tour is a well-rounded way to experience Mauritius’s coastline, lush landscapes, and island charm in one day. Starting early, you’ll enjoy the water activities at Belle Mare, a spot renowned for its tranquil, crystal-clear lagoon. Here, you can try parasailing, go for an underseawalk, or hop on a tube ride — all great options for those craving a splash of adrenaline. These activities are particularly appealing because they’re set in a safe, scenic environment, with shallow waters perfect for beginners and kids over nine (with broad shoulders for the underseawalk).

After a lively morning, you’ll head to Trou D’eau Douce — just about 15 minutes away — to meet your speedboat crew. The boat ride is the highlight for many, offering a chance to explore the eastern coast from the water. The guides are generally attentive and cheerful, as one reviewer noted, “The guides were very attentive and cheerful,” and the boat operator’s skill on the waterfall leg was described as “outstanding.”

Grand River South East Waterfall

The journey continues with a visit to the Grand River South East Waterfall — a significant highlight. This spot, affectionately called “Cascade Diamamouve,” offers a chance to see the power of nature up close. You’ll cruise through lush valleys and get a close look at the waterfall, which is surrounded by greenery and abundant wildlife. Reviewers mention spotting monkeys along the riverbanks, adding a wild touch to the scenery.

Some visitors found the commentary lacking — the boat driver provided minimal explanations and played loud music, missing the opportunity to share interesting tidbits about the waterfall or local wildlife. If you’re a curious traveler, consider this as a chance to ask your guide or simply enjoy the views.

Ile aux Margenie and BBQ Lunch

Next, the boat takes you to Ile aux Margenie, a small, picturesque island where a delicious 3-course BBQ lunch awaits. The setting is idyllic — a sandy beach with views of turquoise waters — perfect for relaxing and refueling. According to reviews, the BBQ is plentiful and tasty, with a good selection of drinks, including local rum, wine, beer, soft drinks, and juice. One traveler appreciated the “simple and plentiful” meal, which was served in a beautiful archipelago setting.

This break is a key part of the experience, offering a chance to slow down and enjoy the scenery. It’s especially appealing for those who love authentic, laid-back meals with a view.

Ile aux Cerfs: The Iconic Island

The final stop is the renowned Ile aux Cerfs, famous for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear lagoon. Approaching the island, you’ll see palm trees swaying in the breeze, setting the idyllic scene. Here, travelers can enjoy relaxing on the beach, swimming in the lagoon, or just soaking up the sun.

While some reviews mention feeling rushed or missing parts of the experience (like the second half of the day), most agree that the views and the water are worth it. The island’s beauty makes it a perfect spot for photos, relaxing, or a quick snorkel in the calm waters.

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Practical Details and Tips

• Transport & Timing: The tour begins at the Aquasea Watersports office, located conveniently between Long Beach hotel and Emperor Restaurant. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to and from the meeting point. After completing the morning water activities, you’ll travel to Trou D’eau Douce for the boat tour.
• Duration & Group Size: It’s a full-day experience, likely around 8-9 hours, with multiple stops. Group sizes can vary, but expect a lively, social atmosphere.
• Price & Value: At $124 per person, this tour offers a lot — from water sports to scenic sightseeing and a hearty BBQ. While it’s packed, most travelers find the price reasonable considering the activities included.
• What to Bring: Pack essentials like swimwear, towel, sunscreen, water, hat, sunglasses, change of clothes, and a camera. Be prepared for some activities to get you wet, and consider bringing extra sunscreen for reapplication.
• Accessibility & Restrictions: The tour isn’t suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, or anyone with certain health conditions like back or heart problems. Activities like underseawalk are not recommended for people with narrow shoulders or limited mobility.

Authentic Experiences & Considerations from Reviews

One reviewer, Guyader, shared that while the morning water activities were enjoyable, the organization left something to be desired — specifically, a lack of a clear schedule and limited communication about the second part of the day. They were disappointed to miss Ile aux Cerfs due to being late, which highlights the importance of punctuality and perhaps planning ahead.

On the upside, the same reviewer praised the BBQ lunch and the friendliness of the team, indicating that the food and hospitality are highlights. Another review praised the guides’ attentiveness and the skill shown on the waterfall tour, which adds a layer of confidence in the professionalism of the crew.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a solid mix of adventure, scenery, and relaxation, making it a good choice for active travelers wanting variety in their Mauritius holiday. The water sports at Belle Mare are a real highlight, especially for those seeking thrills, while the waterfall and island stops let you enjoy nature and island life at a relaxed pace.

The main drawback is the busy schedule, which can sometimes feel rushed or organized with little commentary. However, the stunning views, friendly guides, and tasty BBQ make it a worthwhile day out. If you’re someone who loves a full day of outdoor activities and doesn’t mind a few logistical hiccups, this experience will deliver plenty of memorable moments.

For travelers wanting to cover multiple highlights without the hassle of planning, this tour offers a great balance of fun and scenic beauty — an authentic taste of Mauritius’s east coast.

FAQs

What time does the tour start?
It begins at the Aquasea Watersports office, but the exact timing depends on your booking. Expect an early start to maximize the day.

Is hotel pickup included?
No, you need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

How long does the entire tour last?
It’s a full-day experience, likely 8-9 hours from start to finish.

Can children participate in water activities?
Yes, but underseawalk is suitable from age 9 with broad shoulders. The tour isn’t suitable for children under 8.

What should I bring?
Sunglasses, hat, swimwear, change of clothes, towel, camera, sunscreen, and water are recommended.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
The BBQ lunch is standard, with drinks including alcohol and local rum. Special dietary needs are not specified.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Activities canceled due to bad weather may qualify for a partial refund, but this depends on the circumstances.

Is the tour suitable for pregnant women or people with health issues?
No; it’s not recommended for pregnant women, or those with back, heart issues, or recent surgeries.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are there additional costs?
No, all listed activities and meals are included. Personal expenses are not covered.

This tour suits travelers who want a lively, active day with scenic highlights and don’t mind a busy schedule. Ideal for those looking for value and authentic experiences in Mauritius’s beautiful east coast environment.

You can check availability for your dates here: