Catamaran Île aux Bénitiers from Rivière Noire: Dolphins, snorkeling

Sail past wild dolphins, snorkel a rock formation, then anchor at a quiet island

A full-day catamaran tour from Rivière Noire in southwest Mauritius sails to Crystal Rock for snorkeling, passes through waters where dolphins appear, and ends with hours of rest on Île aux Bénitiers, a 2-by-0.5-kilometre island in the lagoon. The boat carries you from your hotel and back, with a crew-prepared BBQ lunch, snorkeling gear, and chilled drinks throughout the day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Catamaran trip to Ile Aux Benitiers

• Pick up by driver
• Briefing by boat crew
• Embark on catamaran
• Sail to Crystal Rock
• Snorkel at Crystal Rock
• Enjoy BBQ lunch on board
• Sail to Ile Aux Benitiers
• Relax and suntan on island
• Sail back to shore
• Driver drop off at pick up

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your hotel and a short drive to Rivière Noire, where the crew gives a 15-minute briefing before you board the catamaran. The boat sails first toward Crystal Rock, a natural rock formation that rises just a couple of hundred metres from the shore in the lagoons near Le Morne. You'll spend 25 minutes snorkeling there, then the catamaran continues toward Île aux Bénitiers while you watch for dolphins in the waters between.

Once on board after snorkeling, a BBQ lunch prepared by the crew is waiting. As the boat sails toward the island, the crew serves chilled alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Île aux Bénitiers itself is small, just 2 kilometres by 500 metres, and sits in a sheltered lagoon off the southwest coast. You'll have several hours to swim, suntan, and move at the island's own slow pace before the catamaran heads back to Rivière Noire, where your driver meets you for the return to your hotel.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• snorkeling equipment.
• a 25-minute snorkeling session at Crystal Rock.
• BBQ chicken lunch prepared on board.
• bottled water and snacks.
• chilled alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
• several hours on Île aux Bénitiers to swim and relax.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (17 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (6 to 16 years) · Child (2 to 5 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 18

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Czech and Hindi

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Paradise In Your Palm Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full day on the water with snorkeling and island stops. The catamaran departs from Rivière Noire in the southwest, so confirm that pickup location works for you.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Czech and Hindi.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 16 years); Child (2 to 5 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Crystal Rock and what will I do there?

Crystal Rock is a natural rock formation rising from the lagoon floor just offshore in the southwest, near Le Morne. You'll snorkel there for 25 minutes before the boat sails on to Île aux Bénitiers.

Will I see dolphins on this tour?

The catamaran sails through waters where wild dolphins appear. Spotting them is not guaranteed, but the crew watches for them as you travel between Crystal Rock and Île aux Bénitiers.

How much time do I spend on Île aux Bénitiers?

You'll have several hours on the island to swim, suntan and relax. The exact time depends on the sailing schedule, but it's long enough to unwind before the return journey to Rivière Noire.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, snorkeling equipment, a BBQ chicken lunch (halal available), bottled water, snacks, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day. Gratuities are optional.

How long is the full tour?

The tour runs for 8 hours from pickup at your hotel to drop-off, including the drive to and from Rivière Noire, the catamaran sailing, snorkeling and island time.