Speed boat to Ile aux Cerfs: Full day incl Lunch & Transfer

Traveling to Mauritius offers a chance to unwind on pristine beaches and explore lush landscapes. Among the most popular excursions is the full-day speedboat trip to Ile aux Cerfs, combined with a visit to the stunning Grand River South-East Waterfalls and a delicious BBQ lunch. We’ve gathered insights from travelers who’ve experienced this adventure firsthand to help you decide if it’s right for you.

What makes this tour stand out? First, we love the adrenaline rush of the speedboat ride, which promises thrilling twists and high speeds around the island’s coast. Second, the opportunity to relax on beautiful white-sand beaches while enjoying unlimited drinks is a real plus. Third, the visit to the waterfalls offers a scenic escape into Mauritius’s lush interior. But, one thing to consider: the free time on the island can be limited, especially if you’re looking for an in-depth exploration. This experience suits travelers who want a mix of adventure, relaxation, and scenic highlights in one day.

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Key Points

Scenic speedboat ride with breathtaking lagoon views
Visiting the Grand River South-East Waterfalls for a nature escape
All-inclusive BBQ lunch with drinks, including alcohol
Flexible hotel pick-up and drop-off anywhere in Mauritius
Variety of water activities available on Ile aux Cerfs
Limited island free time may not suit those seeking extensive exploration

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The Itinerary: What to Expect from Start to Finish

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Comfortable Pick-up and Journey to Trou D’eau Douce

Starting your day, a private, air-conditioned vehicle will collect you from your hotel, anywhere on Mauritius. This is a real convenience, especially if you’re staying outside the main tourist hubs. Your guide, a certified professional, will set the tone for the day with friendly expertise. The drive along the coast offers glimpses of the island’s lush greenery, making the journey as enjoyable as the cruise itself.

Speedboat Adventure to Ile aux Cerfs

Once in Trou D’eau Douce, you’ll board a speedboat for the roughly 20-minute ride to Ile aux Cerfs. This part is often the highlight for adrenaline lovers—the ride is lively, with the wind in your hair and the lagoon’s turquoise waters all around. Many reviews mention the thrill of high speeds and sharp turns powered by Yamaha or Mercury outboard engines, with some describing it as an “adrenaline-pumping ride.” Expect to be dazzled by views of swaying palm trees and the endless, sparkling white beaches.

Relaxation and Water Activities on Ile aux Cerfs

Arriving on the island, you’ll have free time—about three hours— to enjoy the beaches, swim in the calm lagoon, snorkel, or simply soak up the sun. The reviews reflect mixed experiences here: some travelers found the beach beautiful and peaceful, while others felt the limited free time restricted their exploration. One reviewer noted that the water was rough and marine life was scarce, which might be a consideration if snorkeling or marine activities are your priority.

Interestingly, the island offers a variety of water sports like parasailing, banana boat rides, and undersea walks, though these are optional extras not included in the tour price. If you’re keen on more activities, it’s worth planning your time carefully or bringing some extra cash for rentals.

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The BBQ Lunch and Drinks

Midday, the group moves to a private island setting for a generous 3-course BBQ lunch. Vegetarians can be accommodated if informed in advance—something to remember if you have dietary restrictions. The lunch includes both meat and vegetarian options, with a selection of unlimited drinks: soft drinks, local wine, beer, and local rum.

Guests consistently praise the quality and quantity of the food, describing it as delicious and plentiful. One traveler mentioned the “very good meat” and “fish,” alongside tasty desserts. The atmosphere during lunch is relaxed, often featuring live guitar and Jambé music, adding to the enjoyment.

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Waterfall Visit — A Scenic Nature Break

Post-lunch, the boat cruises toward the Grand River South-East Waterfalls. This is a favorite for nature lovers, providing a chance to see the lush greenery and the waterfalls themselves. If luck is on your side, you might spot monkeys jumping through trees or fruit bats resting on high branches, as noted by some visitors.

The waterfalls are more than just a pretty sight—they symbolize the meeting of mountain streams and sea, creating a natural spectacle. The boat’s proximity to the waterfalls provides excellent photo opportunities, and the surrounding flora and fauna add a touch of wildness to the experience.

The Speedboat Thrills: Coastal Cruising and Spins

Later in the afternoon, the adventure continues with a high-speed coastal cruise back along the lagoon. This part is described as “thrilling” and “wet and wild,” with splashes, sharp turns, and exciting spins. It’s a chance to feel the raw power of the boat’s engine and enjoy some adrenaline-fueled fun before heading back to your hotel.

Return to Your Accommodation

By around 5 pm, the boat drops you back at Trou D’eau Douce, where your private vehicle awaits for the return journey. Many reviews highlight the convenience of door-to-door transportation, making the whole experience stress-free, especially after a busy day.

Is This Tour Worth the Price?

At $90 per person, the tour offers a well-rounded day of adventure, relaxation, and scenic beauty. For this price, you get the convenience of hotel transfers, a speedboat ride, a substantial BBQ lunch with drinks, and visits to intriguing sites like the waterfalls. The inclusion of live music adds a local touch that elevates the experience.

However, some reviews point out that the limited free time on the island might leave those wanting more feeling a bit rushed. If water sports and beach lounging are your main goals, you might find the three hours somewhat tight. Still, the overall value remains good, especially considering the variety of activities packed into a single day.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Experience

Bring essentials like sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes, especially if you plan to swim or snorkel.
Inform your guide beforehand if you have dietary restrictions or food allergies.
Book early and reserve to secure your spot, as the tour requires a minimum of two people.
Consider the weather: this tour depends on good weather—if canceled, a full refund or alternate date is usually offered.
Optional activities like water sports are available but not included, so bring extra if interested.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This excursion suits travelers who want a blend of adventure, scenic beauty, and relaxing beach time in a single day. It’s especially great for those with limited time in Mauritius, as it covers multiple highlights efficiently. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike will find the mix of activities engaging. Just be aware if you prefer extensive exploration or more free time on the island, this tour might feel a little rushed.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included? Yes, the tour provides private transportation from any hotel or accommodation in Mauritius.

What is the price of the tour? The experience costs approximately $90 per person, which includes all activities, lunch, drinks, and transfers.

How long is the free time on Ile aux Cerfs? Expect around three hours to relax, swim, or participate in optional water activities.

Are vegetarian meals available? Yes, vegetarians can be accommodated with prior notice for a suitable BBQ lunch.

What should I bring? Sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, change of clothes, and any personal water or sun protection.

Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, but keep in mind the limited free time and water activity options; children might enjoy the waterfalls and beaches most.

What if the weather is bad? The tour is weather-dependent; if canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are water sports included? No, water activities like parasailing or snorkeling are optional extras and are not part of the tour package.

How would you rate this experience? It has a solid 4.1 out of 5 stars based on reviews, with many travelers praising the thrill of the boat ride, the scenic waterfalls, and the quality of the BBQ lunch.

Final Thoughts

The speedboat to Ile aux Cerfs with a waterfall visit and BBQ lunch offers a lively and scenic way to experience Mauritius’s coast and nature. Its combination of thrill rides, cultural touches with live music, and beautiful vistas makes it a well-rounded choice for many travelers. It’s particularly suited for those eager to tick off multiple sights in one day without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

While the limited free time on the island might not satisfy those looking to fully explore or indulge in water sports, the overall experience provides excellent value, memorable scenery, and a taste of local hospitality. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a fun, hassle-free day, this tour is worth considering.