Looking for the best boat trips in Mauritius? You’ve come to the right place as I’ve carefully selected only the best ones to be featured on this list!
Since I live in Mauritius, I’ve done plenty of boat tours around the island and in this blog post, I’m going to share some of the best Mauritius boat trips I believe every traveler should experience.
I’m sure you’ll find something here that suits your needs – whether it’s a catamaran cruise, speedboat tour, snorkeling, or kayaking trip! There’s even a tour that skips the crowds! How good does that sound?
So get ready to explore Mauritius’ stunning lagoon and picturesque islets with 7 of the best boat tours Mauritius has to offer.
No time to read the whole post? I recommend this Northern Islands Hopping Tour by catamaran! Includes visits to 3 islands, snorkeling gear, BBQ lunch, drinks, and snacks!
Top 3 Boat Tours in Mauritius
Don’t have time to read the whole post? Here are my Top 3 Mauritius boat tours that will definitely guarantee a fun day out on the water!
#1 TOP PICK
#2 PICK
✔ Visit of island + waterfall, snorkeling
✔ BBQ lunch + unlimited drinks included
#3 PICK
Ile aux Benitiers and Crystal Rock
✔ Visit of island, snorkeling and dolphin spotting
✔ BBQ lunch and unlimited drinks included
7 Top-Rated Boat Trips in Mauritius
Ile aux Cerfs Catamaran Cruise
Rating: 4.7/5 | Tour Duration: 7 hours | Check rates here
Looking for the absolute best boat tour in Mauritius? Then hop aboard a catamaran and make your way to the stunning Ile aux Cerfs where both fun and relaxation await! If you’re lucky, you might even see dolphins swimming alongside the catamaran!
This Ile aux Cerfs catamaran cruise is a best-seller and for good reason! The atmosphere onboard is awesome thanks to the amazing crew and the free-flowing drinks (including alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks).
Get picked up from your hotel (if option selected) and enjoy a light breakfast before cruising to your first snorkeling spot, recognized as one of the best in Mauritius.
Once you’re done snorkeling, you’ll feast on a complimentary BBQ lunch freshly prepared by the crew.
Absolutely recommend! Even spotted dolphins. Staff, food & drinks are top class. Rarely experienced such good value for money. Immediately again!
Henrik (see more reviews)
After lunch, you’ll get some free time to explore Ile aux Cerfs, famous for its powdery white sand and range of water activities like parasailing, banana boat rides, kayaking, and snorkeling.
Before making your way back to the mainland, you’ll also stop at GRSE waterfall.
With over 500 near-perfect reviews, it’s no wonder this is one of the best boat trips in Mauritius!
Tip: If you want to charter a private catamaran for just you and your group, you can click here to book a private tour.
CHECK RATES AND AVAILABILITY HERE
Northern Island Hopping Tour
Rating: 4.7/5 | Tour Duration: 8 hours | Check rates here
For another fun boat trip in Mauritius, look no further than this awesome Northern Island hopping tour!
Explore three gorgeous islands, namely Gabriel Island, Flat Island, and Coin de Mire, all of which are surrounded by a colorful underwater world just waiting to be explored.
This boat trip departs from Grand Baie public beach and a light breakfast will be served as you cruise to your first stop, Flat Island.
You’ll have about 1 hour there to swim, snorkel (with the provided snorkeling gear) or take a short walk to the lighthouse.
Afterward, you’ll enjoy a complimentary BBQ lunch before cruising to your next stop, Gabriel Island where you’ll have more time for swimming, snorkeling or simply relaxing on the beach.
I 100% recommend this cruise. Sympathy of the crew, excursion in small groups, background music, arrival ahead of the other catamarans on the islands… we are well isolated and we can enjoy the tranquil paradise landscapes! The food served is delicious, excellent value for money. Go for it without hesitation.
Astrid (see more reviews)
The last stop will be at Coin de Mire Island where you’ll be able to snorkel among the colorful fish.
Note that you won’t actually be able to go on Coin de Mire Island as it’s a protected nature reserve.
This Mauritius boat tour provides excellent value for money as breakfast, BBQ lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear are included.
For those wishing to splurge for a special occasion, you also have the possibility of upgrading to a private tour for just you and your group.
CHECK RATES AND AVAILABILITY HERE
Blue Bay Marine Park Snorkeling Trip
Rating: 4.7/5 | Tour Duration: 4 hours | Check rates here
Want to explore the diverse marine life of Mauritius? This half-day snorkeling trip at Blue Bay Marine Park which boasts over 100 species of coral and 200 species of fish is right up your alley!
Hop on a glass-bottom boat from Blue Bay public beach and cruise to Ile aux Aigrettes nature reserve where you’ll snorkel among the school of fish.
Seriously, the water here is extremely clear and one of my favorite snorkeling spots in Mauritius!
Great activity to do if you pass by there, the corals are magnificent, you can see a multitude of different fish. Our guide Endy was on top he taught us a lot of things about the island, wonderful activity.
Maïmounna (see more reviews)
The boat captain will then take you to the exclusive Ile des Deux Cocos where you’ll be served a traditional Mauritian lunch of fish, chicken, or vegetable curry (depending on your dietary needs) and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
After lunch, relax on the private beach or take a swim and then make your way to the marine park for more snorkeling before ending the tour back in Blue Bay.
CHECK RATES AND AVAILABILITY HERE
Mauritius Speedboat Trip to Ile aux Cerfs
Rating: 4.9/5 | Tour Duration: 7 hours | Check rates here
This highly-rated Ile aux Cerfs speedboat trip is perfect for those wishing to explore not one but three islands as well as snorkel among the colorful fish and corals.
A few minutes after the boat departs, you’ll make a stop in the lagoon for snorkeling. You’ll also have the chance to see the D’Albair shipwreck.
You’ll then visit Lighthouse Island, also known as Ile aux Phare before heading to GRSE waterfall.
A BBQ Lunch will be served on Ile aux Cerfs and afterward, you can spend your free time by taking a walk around the island or swimming in the crystal-clear water.
Very nice day with a guide who gave us explanations on each visit. We took the time for the visits and for the diving. We saw dolphins, monkeys and a turtle. The meal on Ile aux Cerfs was excellent. A full and wonderful day. I recommend.
Isabelle (see more reviews)
The final stop will be at Ile aux Aigrettes nature reserve for another snorkeling session.
The tour includes BBQ lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear. If you’re not staying near the meeting point, you can request a hotel transfer for an additional fee.
Alternatively, those looking for a private boat tour in Mauritius have the possibility of upgrading to a private speedboat trip with the same operator.
CHECK RATES AND AVAILABILITY HERE
Ile aux Benitiers and Crystal Rock
Rating: 4.7/5 | Tour Duration: 6 hours | Check rates here
Another boat tour I highly recommend doing in Mauritius is this full-day cruise along the west coast to Ile aux Benitiers and Crystal Rock.
Board the catamaran from Black River and cruise the ocean while trying to spot dolphins along the way.
Once you get to Crystal Rock, jump in the water and swim among the colorful fish.
Was a great experience. Beautiful to watch the dolphins swim. The BBQ was absolutely amazing. The crew too, very friendly and accommodating.
Raphael (see more reviews)
You’ll then enjoy a freshly prepared BBQ lunch and unlimited drinks before cruising to Ile aux Benitiers to spend more time swimming or relaxing.
The island is pretty small and easy to walk around. Make sure to check out the beautiful sandbar on the northern end!
CHECK RATES AND AVAILABILITY HERE
Mauritius 5 Islands Boat Tour
Rating: 4.6/5 | Tour Duration: 6 hours | Check rates here
Want to visit five of the most beautiful islands in Mauritius? Then be sure you book this awesome southeast Mauritius 5 Islands tour!
The tour includes a visit to the lighthouse at Ile au Phare, also known as Lighthouse Island (don’t forget to check out the small blowhole behind the lighthouse!).
Next to Ile aux Phare is Ile de la Passe where the French and British fought during the battle of Grand Port.
The tour also includes swimming and snorkeling around Ile aux Aigrettes which boasts crystal-clear water and an abundance of fish.
Incredible experience with our guide Arnaud. He was generous and took the time to explain everything to us, let us discover the places, each one more beautiful than the other. Snorkeling, different islands, monkeys, a waterfall and even a ballet of dolphins, yes! And a great lunch by the sea. On board drinks are included and a box filled with small sandwiches and samosas and other meat turnovers is available.
Debrabant (see more reviews)
A BBQ lunch will be served on Ile aux Cerfs and after lunch, you can spend some time swimming and snorkeling on the island.
You’ll also visit GRSE waterfall and the Ile aux Flamants sandbar.
The Mauritius 5 island tour includes BBQ lunch, drinks, snacks, and snorkeling gear. Hotel transfers aren’t included but it’s very easy to take a bus to Trou d’Eau Douce, or you can get there by car (there’s enough parking space near the beach).
CHECK RATES AND AVAILABILITY HERE
Ile D’Ambre Kayaking Tour
Rating: 4.8/5 | Tour Duration: 3 hours | Check rates here
If you’re looking for something more chill and not very touristy, I recommend taking this kayaking tour of Ile D’Ambre (Amber Island).
Located in the north, Amber Island isn’t always featured on the Mauritius boat tours but is still worth visiting for those wanting to escape the crowds.
The island was declared a National park in 2004 and is home to several hiking trails where you’ll come across endemic plants, wetlands, old ruins dating back to the 1700s, and even a cave filled with water and fish!
We had a really great time! It was just us with our guide which was extra special. We were given a really nice tour around Amber island following our guide before we had a chance to take a swim in a lagoon-like area around island. We then got a chance to hike on Amber island itself which had some wonderful hiking trails. It was incredible to feel like the only people on an island.
Haider (see more reviews)
During the tour, you’ll paddle all around the island and your guide will also take you on a hike along the nature trail.
After exploring Amber Island, you’ll paddle further to Ilot Bernache where you’ll be able to swim or relax on the beach.
Included in the tour price are kayaks, paddles, life jackets, and drinks.
CHECK RATES AND AVAILABILITY HERE
I hope you found this guide to the best boat tours in Mauritius helpful. If you have any questions, just ask me in the comments below.
Read more about Mauritius:
- 44 Beautiful places to visit in Mauritius
- 12 Top-rated excursions in Mauritius
- Essential tips for driving in Mauritius as a tourist
- Best Mauritius itinerary for first-timers
- Guide to the best beaches for swimming in Mauritius
- Mauritius FAQs and travel tips