Mauritius: 5 East Coast Islands Tour with Snorkeling & Lunch

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Exploring the 5 East Coast Islands of Mauritius: A Detailed Review

If you’re planning a day out in Mauritius and craving a mix of island hopping, adventure, and local history, the Mauritius: 5 East Coast Islands Tour with Snorkeling & Lunch offers a compelling option. While I haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the reviews and itinerary paint a vivid picture of what to expect — and it’s generally quite positive.

What immediately catches the eye about this tour is its affordable price point of $85 per person—a small investment for a full day of exploration, snorkeling, and cultural insights. People love the variety of stops and the opportunity to see both natural beauty and historical sites. Plus, the inclusion of lunch and drinks adds value, especially considering how much is packed into the day.

One potential consideration is the speedboat ride itself, which can be bumpy and fast—perfect if you’re seeking adrenaline, but maybe less ideal if you prefer a calmer experience. Despite that, the overall feedback suggests it’s well-organized and enjoyable for most travelers. This tour is especially suitable for active travelers, families with older children, and those interested in a comprehensive glimpse of Mauritius’s east coast in one day.

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Key Points

All-in-one experience: Combines island hopping, waterfalls, snorkeling, and history in a single day.
Excellent value: A budget-friendly option with transportation, meals, and activities included.
Authentic insights: Knowledgeable guides and historical commentary enhance the experience.
Balanced pace: The speedboat offers excitement but may be too lively for some.
Beautiful stops: Expect stunning scenery and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming.
Well-reviewed: Consistent praise for organization, guide friendliness, and food quality.

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What the Tour Offers: A Complete Breakdown

Starting Point and Timing

The tour kicks off at 8:15 AM, meeting at a designated spot opposite Green Island Restaurant in Trou d’Eau Douce. The early start is typical for full-day excursions, giving plenty of time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. If you opt for the pick-up and drop-off service, the convenience helps streamline your day, allowing you to focus on the adventure rather than logistics.

First Stops: Ile aux Cerfs and Grande River South East Waterfall

Your journey begins with a speedboat ride to Ile aux Cerfs, one of Mauritius’s most iconic beaches. Visitors describe the boat ride as “thrilling yet smooth,” which suggests a good balance of excitement and comfort. Expect stunning views of the coastline and possibly glimpses of marine life, since snorkeling is included later.

Next, you’ll visit the Grande River South East (GRSE) waterfall, the longest river in Mauritius, where the river meets the sea. This spot is not only scenic but offers a chance to see the natural landscape of the island up close. The waterfall is a highlight for many, providing picturesque photo opportunities and a break from the boat’s speed.

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Historical Sites: Ile aux Phares and Ile de la Passe

The tour then takes you to Ile aux Phares, a lighthouse island dating back over 200 years. It’s now a listed historical monument, providing a tangible connection to Mauritius’s colonial past. Reviewers mention the battle of Grand Port fought here in 1810, a naval clash between French and British forces, which is a unique piece of history often overlooked in typical beach trips.

Ile de la Passe follows, a site of historical naval battles, adding layers of interest for history buffs. Guides are praised for knowledgeable commentary, making these stops more meaningful.

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Snorkeling at Eau Bleu

After exploring history, you’ll head to Eau Bleu, a popular snorkeling site. Reviewers rave about the quality of the snorkeling, often comparing it favorably to trips in places like Thailand. The snorkeling equipment is typically provided, and the clear waters reveal vibrant marine life—adding an exciting underwater dimension to the trip.

Island Hopping: Ile aux Aigrettes and Ile aux Margenie

Next, it’s time to swim and relax at Ile aux Aigrettes, noted for its clean, inviting waters. Many guests mention enjoying the crystal-clear swimming conditions, sometimes seeing turtles or dolphins during the boat ride—highlighted as “incredible” by some travelers.

The final stop is Ile aux Margenie, where a BBQ lunch awaits. The meal includes grilled meats, salads, and drinks, with reviewers praising the deliciousness and generous portions. One reviewer appreciated the halal options, making it accessible for Muslim travelers. The setting is relaxed, with plenty of time to sunbathe, chat, or simply soak in the views.

Return and End of the Tour

The trip wraps up around 3:30 PM, with the boat returning to Trou d’Eau Douce. Many travelers appreciate the smooth organization and the friendly guides, like Ronny, who is often highlighted for his enthusiasm and knowledge.

What Sets This Tour Apart

The Balance of Adventure and Education

Guides seem to excel at blending interesting historical insights with fun activities, such as snorkeling and boat riding. For example, as one reviewer noted, Ronny’s great knowledge and friendly manner made the trip more engaging.

The Scenic Variety

From the lush waterfalls to marine wildlife and historical sites, this tour offers visual diversity that keeps you captivated. The crystal waters of Ile aux Cerfs and Ile aux Aigrettes are consistently praised, making it a perfect choice for lovers of natural beauty.

The Value for Money

At $85, including transportation, meals, snorkeling, and multiple island visits, this tour delivers impressive value. Reviewers have pointed out that the meals are plentiful and tasty, and the organizers handle logistics well, reducing stress.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

The main concern mentioned by some travelers is that the speedboat ride can be bumpy and quite fast. If you’re prone to seasickness or prefer calmer waters, this could be an issue. The lunch at Ile aux Margenie received mixed reviews — some appreciated the delicious BBQ, while others felt the cleanliness and maintenance of the lunch areas could improve.

Another point is that the itinerary might vary slightly—some reviews mention that not all islands are visited each day, depending on weather or operational factors. This flexibility, while necessary, might disappoint those hoping for a specific island visit.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is a great fit for adventurous travelers eager to see multiple highlights of Mauritius in one day. It’s also ideal for those who enjoy snorkeling, historical sites, and scenic boat rides. Families with kids over 4, couples, or groups of friends will likely find it a fun, well-rounded outing.

If you’re seeking a relaxing beach day with minimal movement, this might not be the best choice. But for those wanting active exploration, stunning views, and engaging guides, this tour ticks many boxes.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers significant value for the price, combining natural beauty, history, and adventure. The well-organized itinerary and positive reviews about guides and food suggest you’ll get your money’s worth. It’s especially suited for active travelers who want to maximize their time on Mauritius and see a variety of sights.

The speedboat ride, while exciting, may not suit everyone, but most agree it adds a memorable thrill to the day. The inclusion of lunch, snorkeling gear, and transportation makes it a convenient option, especially if you’re short on time.

This experience is an engaging way to explore Mauritius’s east coast—offering a good mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation, all at a reasonable price.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Transport is included only if you select the option with pickup and drop-off. Otherwise, you’ll meet at the designated starting point.

What time does the tour start and end?
It begins at 8:15 AM and typically concludes around 3:30 PM, returning to Trou d’Eau Douce.

Are vegetarian or halal meals available?
Yes, vegetarian and halal options are offered, with some reviewers noting the food is plentiful and tasty.

Can I expect to see dolphins or whales?
While some travelers mention seeing dolphins during the trip, sightings are not guaranteed, and some note they didn’t see any.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a camera, and snorkeling gear are recommended.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not suitable for children under 4 years old. For older kids, it’s enjoyable if they’re comfortable with boat rides and water activities.

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

How long is the speedboat ride?
The ride is fast and lively—expect a bumpy, exciting experience that adds to the adventure.

Final Word

This tour stands out as a well-rounded, value-packed option for travelers eager to see Mauritius’s east coast in a single day. The mixture of natural beauty, historical sites, and snorkeling makes it ideal for those who want variety and adventure. Its strong reviews highlight the friendly guides, delicious food, and amazing scenery, making it a popular choice for those wanting to pack a lot into one day.

If you’re after a lively, educational, and scenic outing with the convenience of included meals and transport, this tour is definitely worth considering—and it might just become one of your favorite Mauritius memories.