REVIEW · CHAMAREL, MAURITIUS
All inclusive SPEEDBOAT FULL DAY to ILE AUX CERF & GRSE WATERFALL
Sun, sea, waterfalls, and rum make a strong day out. This full-day Mauritius trip combines private hotel pickup, a boat ride to Ile aux Cerfs, the GRSE Waterfall, lunch, drinks, and time in the water. I like the easy door-to-door transport and the fact that beer, local rum, cocktails, soft drinks, and a BBQ lunch are included.
I also like the small group limit of 15 people, which should feel more manageable than a large party boat. The main caution is that the advertised speedboat experience can change with weather and sea conditions. On rainy or rough days, you may be moved by catamaran or another larger boat, and lunch may be served aboard the boat rather than on the islet.
Key points to know before booking

- The day starts with pickup at 7:30 am: Air-conditioned transport collects you from a resort or villa anywhere in Mauritius.
- Ile aux Cerfs gets about two hours: This is your main beach and island stop, with time for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the scenery.
- GRSE Waterfall is a short visit: Expect roughly 20 minutes, with the chance to see local monkeys near the falls.
- Lunch and drinks are included: The meal is a BBQ with a vegetarian option, smashed potatoes, and dessert, plus beer, rum, cocktails, and soft drinks.
- The boat can change: Rough seas, rain, coral, and boat traffic may affect the type of vessel and the exact order of the day.
- The price is $117.11 per person: That is good value if you use the transport, meal, drinks, and boat time fully.
Why this Mauritius day trip works well

The biggest strength is simplicity. You do not need to arrange a taxi to Trou d’Eau Douce, find a boat operator, organize lunch, or carry a separate drinks budget. Pickup and drop-off are handled by air-conditioned private transport, and the boat outing is packaged with food and drinks.
That matters in Mauritius because the excursion begins on the east coast, while many resorts and villas are spread across the island. The total duration is listed as five to eight hours, including driving and sailing. Your exact day will depend on where you are staying, road conditions, sea conditions, and how long the boat remains at each stop.
I also like the social side of this outing. The boat is shared, not private, so you can expect to spend the day with other people. With a maximum of 15 participants, the setting should be more personal than a packed excursion vessel, while still giving you the chance to meet people over lunch, music, and drinks.
The experience is aimed at people who want a lively beach day rather than a quiet, highly structured nature tour. It includes music, a BBQ, alcohol, swimming, a waterfall, and time on one of Mauritius’ best-known islets. That mix makes it a practical choice for couples, friends, and families with older children who want several highlights in one outing.
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Getting to Trou d’Eau Douce at 7:30 am
Your morning begins with pickup from your resort or villa at 7:30 am. The transport is described as private, air-conditioned, and handled by certified drivers. This is useful in Mauritius’ warm climate, especially if your accommodation is a long way from the east coast.
The port at Trou d’Eau Douce is the departure point for boats heading toward Ile aux Cerfs. You may also have some time around Trou d’Eau Douce itself, with the listed stop allowing about 45 minutes. The beach here is presented as an important part of the east coast experience, not just a place to board a boat.
The early start is worth noting. You will need to be ready before breakfast service at some resorts, and your day can run into the afternoon. Ask your accommodation about a takeaway breakfast if one is available, particularly if you are staying far from Trou d’Eau Douce.
The transfer is one of the better features for anyone who does not want to rent a car. It also removes the need to compare local boat operators at the port. Still, pickup times can feel long when several locations are involved, so do not assume that a 7:30 am start means you will immediately be on the water.
Ile aux Cerfs: the main beach stop

Ile aux Cerfs is the centerpiece of the day. The excursion allows about two hours at the islet, which gives you enough time to enjoy the beach without turning the visit into a rushed photo stop.
This is a famous islet in Mauritius’ maritime zone, known for its bright water and sandy beaches. The appeal is straightforward: you get an island setting, warm water, and a break from the vehicle and boat transfers. If you want to swim or sit by the beach, this is where the schedule gives you the most useful amount of free time.
The two-hour window is also a clue about the style of the outing. You are not spending the whole day exploring every corner of the islet. Instead, you get a compact visit as part of a wider east coast circuit. That suits you if you want variety, but it may feel short if your main goal is a long, quiet beach day.
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and something to protect your phone. A towel is sensible, although the supplied information does not confirm that one is provided. You should also keep your belongings secure while swimming, since the tour does not specify personal storage arrangements.
Snorkeling equipment may be available, but only when sea conditions allow it. Do not book this day solely for snorkeling. Mauritius is a tropical island, and water conditions can change quickly. The boat crew may limit water activities if the sea is rough or unsafe.
GRSE Waterfall and the local monkeys

The trip continues to GRSE Waterfall, one of the best-known waterfall stops in Mauritius. The visit is scheduled for about 20 minutes, so think of it as a short scenic stop rather than a long walk or forest outing.
The waterfall is reached by boat, and the attraction includes the possibility of seeing local monkeys around the area. That adds an animal-watching element to a day otherwise focused on beaches and swimming. If you enjoy wildlife, keep your camera ready, but remember that animals do not follow a tour schedule.
The short duration is partly practical. Access depends on water level, sea safety, and how many boats are operating in the area. When the sea is dangerous or the site is crowded, the stop may be shortened or handled differently. This is not a flaw unique to one operator. It is a natural limit of a boat-based visit to a busy coastal waterfall.
You should also keep food away from monkeys and avoid trying to touch them. The supplied details do not promise a controlled wildlife encounter, so treat the animals as wild creatures rather than part of a petting experience.
A few more waterfall trips around Mauritius worth a look
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BBQ lunch, dessert, and drinks aboard the boat

The meal is one of the clearest reasons to consider the all-inclusive price. Lunch includes a BBQ, smashed potatoes, dessert, and a vegetarian option. Beer, local rum, cocktails, and soft drinks are also included.
The exact setting can change. On some days, lunch is served on the islet. In poor weather or rough conditions, it may be served aboard a catamaran. That flexibility helps the operator keep the day running, but it also means you should not book expecting a fixed restaurant-style meal in a particular location.
The food arrangement is best viewed as a convenient outdoor lunch rather than a formal three-course dining experience. One disappointed customer expected a three-course meal and a speedboat but received lunch on the back of a catamaran instead. That complaint points to an important booking lesson: the word all-inclusive describes what is included, not a guaranteed luxury dining setup.
Lobster is not included. If you want lobster, it is an additional choice rather than part of the advertised lunch. The standard meal is the BBQ option, with a vegetarian alternative available.
The drink package can add real value, especially if you would otherwise buy beer, rum, cocktails, and soft drinks during the day. It can also make the boat atmosphere lively. You should pace yourself, drink water, and remember that sea conditions can make alcohol feel stronger than expected.
Speedboat expectations and weather changes

The title promises a full-day speedboat trip, but the practical details are more flexible. Boat sizes can change because of weather and sea conditions. On rainy days or when the sea is considered dangerous, a larger boat may be used to move people safely around coral and waves.
This is the most important point to understand before you pay. A speedboat may offer a quicker, more open-water ride, but it is not guaranteed in every condition. If the sea turns rough, safety takes priority over the advertised vessel.
The same issue can affect lunch, the waterfall visit, snorkeling, and the time spent at certain stops. The operator has explained that boat captains brief people about these changes when conditions require them. That does not erase the disappointment of receiving a different boat, but it does make the policy clear.
You should choose this excursion if you are comfortable with an outdoor day that can shift according to the sea. If you need a precise schedule, a guaranteed boat type, or a fixed dining arrangement, a private charter or land-based plan may suit you better.
What the $117.11 price really covers

At $117.11 per person, the value depends on how many inclusions you would otherwise pay for separately. The price covers pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transport, the boat trip, access to GRSE Waterfall, BBQ lunch, dessert, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and possible snorkeling equipment.
That is a strong package for someone who wants a full day without adding taxis, meals, or drinks. The private vehicle transfer is particularly useful if your accommodation is not near Trou d’Eau Douce. The group boat remains shared, though, so do not confuse private pickup with a private cruise.
The price is less compelling if you do not drink alcohol, do not eat BBQ food, or mainly want a long stay at Ile aux Cerfs. In that case, a simpler transfer-and-beach option might offer better value. The included meal and drinks make the package more attractive for people who plan to use them.
The average booking point is about 30 days before departure. That suggests you should not leave it until the final day if your dates are fixed, especially during busy periods. Confirmation is provided when you book, but the experience depends on suitable weather.
Who should book this excursion?

I would recommend it to you if you want several east coast highlights in one organized day. It suits people who value convenience, enjoy meeting others, and like the idea of music, drinks, lunch, beaches, and a waterfall rather than a quiet sightseeing schedule.
It is also a good fit if you are staying far from the east coast and do not want to arrange transport yourself. Families can participate if everyone is comfortable with boat travel and the available activities. Most people can take part, but the supplied information does not give detailed accessibility guidance, so ask the operator about your specific needs before booking.
You may want to skip it if you need a guaranteed speedboat, a guaranteed three-course meal, or a long snorkeling session. The day is subject to weather, water safety, boat capacity, and site conditions. Those changes are normal for a coastal excursion, but they should be part of your decision.
Free cancellation is available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. If poor weather forces cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, so keep that deadline in mind.
Final verdict: a good-value island day with flexible details
Book this tour if you want the easy version of an east coast day: pickup from your accommodation, a boat ride, Ile aux Cerfs, GRSE Waterfall, BBQ lunch, drinks, and a small shared group.
Go in expecting a flexible boat excursion, not a guaranteed luxury speedboat cruise. The strongest value comes from the all-in price and private land transport. The main risk is that rough weather can change the boat, meal setting, snorkeling, and waterfall timing.
For a sociable beach day with plenty included, I think it is a sensible choice. Just confirm that you are happy with the weather-dependent format before booking.
FAQ
What is included in the tour?
The tour includes private pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transport, the boat excursion, access to GRSE Waterfall, BBQ lunch, a vegetarian meal option, dessert, beer, local rum, cocktails, and soft drinks.
How much does the experience cost?
The listed price is $117.11 per person.
What time does pickup begin?
The stated start time is 7:30 am.
How long does the experience last?
The total duration is approximately five to eight hours, including transportation and sailing.
Where does the boat leave from?
The boat leaves from Trou d’Eau Douce, where boats depart for Ile aux Cerfs.
How long do you spend at Ile aux Cerfs?
The planned visit to Ile aux Cerfs lasts about two hours.
How long is the GRSE Waterfall stop?
The waterfall visit is listed as approximately 20 minutes, although the timing depends on water level, sea safety, and boat occupancy.
Is snorkeling included?
Snorkeling equipment may be available, but snorkeling depends on sea conditions.
Is lobster included in lunch?
No. Lobster lunch is not included in the package.
Can the speedboat be replaced by another boat?
Yes. Boat sizes can change because of weather and sea conditions. On rainy or rough days, a larger boat or catamaran may be used, and lunch may take place aboard the boat rather than on the islet.
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