Mauritius South Tour Including Blue Bay Glass Bottom Boat & Snorkelling

Exploring Mauritius South: An Authentic Day of Nature, Culture, and Coral Reefs

This Mauritius South Tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into the island’s diverse landscapes and vibrant wildlife, all wrapped into an accessible, approximately 8-hour experience. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, detailed reviews and the itinerary reveal a mix of stunning scenery, engaging activities, and cultural highlights.

What makes this tour particularly appealing are three standout features: the chance to snorkel in the famed Blue Bay Marine Park, the captivating view of crashing waves at Gris Gris Beach, and the opportunity to visit a traditional rum distillery. These elements promise a blend of natural beauty, fun, and local flavor.

However, it’s worth considering that some attractions, like La Vanille Nature Park and the rum distillery, involve extra entrance fees, which aren’t included in the base price. Plus, the tour’s flexible schedule means you might not have time to see everything if you prefer a more relaxed pace.

This tour is perfect for travelers eager to explore the southern coast’s highlights, animal lovers, and those interested in a taste of local culture—especially if they appreciate guided, personalized experiences.

Key Points

• Stunning Marine Life: Snorkeling in Blue Bay Marine Park reveals a variety of colorful tropical fish and coral formations.
• Dramatic Coastal Views: Gris Gris Beach offers rugged cliffs and powerful waves, perfect for photo lovers.
• Animal Encounters: La Vanille Nature Park provides a chance to see giant tortoises and Nile crocodiles up close.
• Cultural & Tasting Experience: A visit to the St. Aubin distillery allows you to learn about rum production and sample local varieties.
• Flexible Itinerary: You can customize how long you spend at each stop, making the experience more personalized.
• Private Tour Benefits: A dedicated guide ensures a tailored, small-group experience, often with the advantage of local insights.

A Deeper Look: What You Can Expect on This Tour

Starting Point: Blue Bay Marine Park

Your journey begins at Blue Bay Beach, an ideal spot to understand why this lagoon is renowned. The water here is described as a mosaic of shades of blue, making it a photographer’s paradise. From the beach, you’ll hop onto a glass bottom boat, which allows you to glimpse underwater life without even getting your hair wet.

The snorkeling gear is provided, so you can explore the vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish like trumpet fish and other marine creatures. One reviewer, Sophie, mentioned that the breathtaking scenery and fun snorkeling made her honeymoon trip memorable. The boat ride itself, lasting about two hours, offers a relaxing and visually stunning introduction to Mauritius’s marine biodiversity.

Stop at Gris Gris Beach: Power and Nature

Next, the tour takes you to Gris Gris Beach, a stark contrast to the calm lagoon. Here, the rugged cliffs and crashing waves create a wild, dramatic landscape. Visitors often marvel at the La Roche qui Pleure, a natural rock formation that looks as if it’s crying when the powerful waves hit it—something you won’t want to miss for a good photo or just to marvel at nature’s artistry.

This stop is brief—around 30 minutes—since the main attraction is the scenery. If you’re into dramatic coastlines and enjoy watching the ocean’s raw power, this spot will definitely satisfy.

Animal Encounters at La Vanille Nature Park

A highlight for animal lovers is the La Vanille Réserve des Mascareignes. Spread across 3.5 hectares, this lush reserve is home to 2,000 Nile crocodiles, giant tortoises, and a variety of insects, including a significant insectarium with over 23,000 species.

The reviews pointed out that the animal sightings—especially the crocodiles and tortoises—are impressive. While some found the experience “underwhelming,” most appreciated the chance to see these creatures up close and learn about their conservation. Entrance fees are not included, so plan for a little extra if you want to explore thoroughly.

Rum Tasting at Rhumerie de Saint Aubin

The final major stop is at St. Aubin Rhumerie, where traditional methods produce award-winning rum. You’ll get a guided tour of the distillery, learning how indigenous ingredients like vanilla and spices are used. Sampling the different rums is generally a delightful way to end the day, and the beautifully maintained colonial house adds to the experience.

Keep in mind, entrance to the distillery is not included, and it’s closed on Saturday afternoons, Sundays, and public holidays. Reviewers say this part of the tour offers both a cultural insight and a chance to enjoy local flavors.

How the Day Unfolds: Practical Details

Transportation is a key part of the experience. You’ll be picked up in an air-conditioned, insured vehicle—whether a taxi, minibus, or coach—by a licensed, knowledgeable driver who often offers insights into the island’s history and culture. The private aspect means your group can move at your own pace, and you’re not sharing the bus with strangers, which enhances the comfort and flexibility.

Timing-wise, the tour kicks off at 9:00 am. You can choose how long to spend at each location, but be aware that skipping some attractions is possible. The total duration is around 8 hours, which balances sightseeing with enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

Cost-wise, at just over $100 per person, this tour presents good value, especially considering the inclusion of the glass bottom boat ride and snorkeling gear. Additional costs come from entrance fees for La Vanille and the distillery, which allows you to choose whether to visit or skip.

Group size is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, fostering a more intimate experience and easier interaction with your guide.

From the Reviews: Authentic Insights

Sophie, who did this tour on her honeymoon, called it “exceeded our wildest expectations,” highlighting the beautiful scenery of Blue Bay Marine Park and the fun snorkeling. She appreciated having the glass bottom boat all to themselves, which made the experience feel exclusive.

Sara found the snorkeling and boat ride to be “amazing”, even on a cloudy day—thanks to Mauritius’s clear waters. However, she noted that La Vanille felt a bit underwhelming if you’re short on time, so prioritize your interests.

Another review from Hans, a German-speaking traveler, mentioned that the driver gave them free rein to choose sights, which suggests a flexible, customized experience. His comment about the driver “not explaining much” might imply the importance of asking questions to get more out of the trip.

Luisa from a Spanish review appreciated the different activities and enjoyed the coral diversity, emphasizing the value of seeing Mauritius’s marine ecosystems. Florence from France agreed that the snorkeling was the best part but found the rest of the day less remarkable, especially the restaurant choice.

Why Choose This Tour?

This Mauritius South Tour offers a balanced mix of marine adventure, natural beauty, and cultural insight. The private guide means you’ll get personalized attention, making the day more tailored to your interests. The snorkeling in Blue Bay Marine Park is arguably the highlight, especially for those who enjoy underwater life.

The scenery at Gris Gris provides dramatic coastal views, perfect for photography and nature lovers. Meanwhile, animal encounters at La Vanille bring a different dimension—especially if you’re traveling with kids or are simply fascinated by wildlife. The rum tasting adds a cultural flavor, giving you a taste of local craftsmanship.

While the tour is priced competitively, be prepared to pay extra for some attractions. The flexible schedule is ideal if you prefer to spend more time at your favorite spots and skip others.

This experience suits travelers who love adventure and wildlife, enjoy natural scenery, and want a personalized, small-group vibe. It’s not for those seeking a luxury, all-inclusive day, but rather for adventure-minded, curious souls eager to see the real Mauritius.

The Sum Up

This tour presents a solid value, combining marine exploration, rugged coastlines, and wildlife encounters into one day. The private guide and flexible itinerary offer a personalized touch that many travelers appreciate, making it a good pick for those who want a tailored experience.

The snorkeling at Blue Bay is the star attraction, especially for ocean lovers, while the views from Gris Gris will satisfy anyone craving dramatic landscapes. The animal park and rum distillery add cultural layers, giving a well-rounded insight into the island’s biodiversity and local heritage.

While not all attractions are included in the base price, the ability to choose how much time to spend at each makes this tour adaptable to different interests and energy levels. It’s particularly suitable for travelers who appreciate detailed, authentic experiences with knowledgeable guides and enjoy a mix of natural beauty and local culture.

If your goal is to see the highlights of Mauritius’s south in a relaxed, guided setting, this tour offers a blend of fun, scenery, and insights—making it a worthwhile addition to your Mauritius itinerary.

FAQ

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, the tour includes private pickup and drop-off at your hotel, making logistics easier and more comfortable.

How long does the entire tour last?
The experience is approximately 8 hours long, allowing enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

Are snorkeling and boat rides included in the price?
Yes, the glass bottom boat ride and snorkeling equipment are included, so you can enjoy the marine life without extra costs.

Can I skip some attractions?
Absolutely. The itinerary is flexible, and since entrance fees are paid separately, you can choose to spend more time at the places that interest you most.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour is limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a more personal and relaxed experience.

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?
Most travelers can participate, and the private nature makes it adaptable for families or older travelers, as long as they’re comfortable with walking and boating.

Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a lover of scenic coastlines, or a cultural explorer, this Mauritius South Tour packs a lot into a manageable day—making it a great way to get a taste of the island’s diverse charms.